My photo
No longer on the river and, again, an empty nester. Back to living on Fleming Island and making some more friends!

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

More photos sent by Brad

These two photos were sent by Brad, the daddy of the Langley boys, taken the day the kindergarten kids were treated to making their own pizzas. Mario, the taller boy in the blue shirt, is fortunate to have his parents work at their family restaurant.

Here the kids are lined up, ready to work the dough with the flour spread on the tables. They look so nice and clean in this photo, but that would not last. From left is Brylen, Brant, Mario, William, and Wesley.

This photo was taken after the event, where Cris, Mario's daddy, posed with the kids and their to-go boxes which held their unfinished hand-made pizzas. What great fun that day was! When I talked the other day with Mario's mom, thanking her for the wonderful time and the great food, she said this would never happen again, and she is probably right. This class, just the right size, was perfect for a day of pizza making! What a great memory this will be for them all!

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Buying some time....

....or is it more like biding my time? Tonight I talked to Mike K. who is doing my floor replacement project. His brother and he dropped off the materials last Thursday. Justin came over on Friday to move the smaller items and hook up the computer and printer. Mike thought he would be able to start the project not on Monday, as I originally thought, but midweek, which is tomorrow. I do not want to strip my bed and displace myself from this room too soon, although it is basically bare at this time. Well, he called me back tonight to let me know that he has run into a snag in his schedule. So, no, I won't be stripping my bed tomorrow morning nor will he be coming this week at all. He thanked me for my patience and understanding. I told him I have a degree in patience but my computer does not....he went for that!
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Mike said he got a job to take care of for a realtor who sends him lots of business and he asked if I minded his taking that job first. He also said my friend, Janet, and her hubbby, had some work for them to do but I said Janet can just wait until I'm done! Janet would love knowing that I bumped her out of line....He knows I am prepped pretty much for the project other than the big furniture so he thinks he can start midday on Monday. I hope so because I am not too crazy about having my house in disarray. On the bright side, however, my room is nice and clean!
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This morning I went to water aerobics for the first time this season, being led by Marlena, the jack-of-all-trades from The Club. Marlena told me to get a noodle for class so Monday at Wal*Mart I picked one up, paying all of $4 for a tube of foam to use in the pool. This class was not nearly as strenuous as last year's and much more enjoyable. I nearly did not go out as the sun was not shining until only moments before it was time to go down. There were only three of us in the class but other times there will be more when Maggie O. gets back from out of town and Ellen comes down stairs. Randy, the man who always wants me to sing torch songs in The Club is on vacation, too, and will be back next week, too. She uses music for us to move to which is helpful as well.
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After the class, I decided to come back upstairs instead of ordering lunch which Marlena could have arranged. I changed my clothes and got busy working on some neglected church work. Sign-up sheets were produced for the preschool anniversary, e-mails written to the secretary and leadership regarding the event, and ads placed on free sights for VBS. It seems there was no CD in our VBS kit for generating graphics so the ad will have to be somewhat ordinary instead of in color with graphics as we had planned. The free sights do not ask for graphics so that was a breeze! I am also in communication with the publisher of the local paper so he can write an article about Precious Lambs. Or I can write it and submit it....I knew him since we were in a networking group together, which is nice. In a short time, it seems, much was handled. Not necessarily accomplished, but initiated, anyway!
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One of our members works for Publix and arranged for us to get a donation which we can use toward the purchase of our meats for the Anniversary picnic. We are asking the members to bring the picnic accompaniments that day. I have no idea how many of our guests have RSVP'd but well over 200 invitations were mailed so ????? I hope this thing flies, that's all I can hope or expect. This is my attempt not to freak out!
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Justin has called me a couple times in the past couple days since I saw him at church Sunday. Sometimes I don't even know what he called for in the first place but we often touch on a number of topics in a short period of time. Surprisingly enough, he did not call tonight to discuss the dramatic drop in the markets today, but perhaps he is too depressed about it. Or he will call tomorrow.....My friend, Brenda N., came over for a bit tonight and I was fine with her seeing my house in disarray. She said that it the sign of a real friend, when they can see your house all torn apart and have me not care! Brenda dropped off some movies that she had borrowed before she leaves for a trip to the Bahamas with her lady friend. She is taking a bag of clothes with her for the poor folks in the area where they stay. It is great for me to have that stuff out of my car and now in hers----I have been carrying it around for months already! Thanks, Brenda! and have a great time!

Monday, June 28, 2010

A present to me from Brad


As I was working on the church newsletter this weekend, it occurred to me I had no photos taken at the kindergarten pizza-making outing in June. Somehow, again, I had left my camera at home but knew others there had taken pictures. Brad, dad of the three Langley boys in the class, happened to be at home this a.m. and answered the call for a photo. This is not the one I used in the newsletter but he sent me this one afterward, thinking I would appreciate having a shot taken with 'my class'! The kids had made their own little pizzas, but Chris, the dad of Mario, front left side, made the grown-ups professionally prepared pizza for our lunch. Too bad it had to end....

Sunday, June 27, 2010

The weekend ends

That seems redundant. There is nothing like a swimming pool to make the over 90 degree temperatures tolerable. According to my car thermometer the temp was 90 or 91, but one of my neighbors reported that it was closer to 99 the past couple days. Since I was in the pool much of Friday and Saturday, it was easy to take, other than burning my feet on the hot pavement. Whew! Even though the water was warm (read: hot) as some claimed, I found it quite pleasant. Last night I was planning to go back down for dinner poolside but couldn't make up my mind about it due to the elevator being on the fritz. Going down is not so bad but climbing back up was brutal! It turned out to storm like nuts right at dinner time so my decision was made for me, even though I was so hungry for another sirloin slider burger!
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When in the pool yesterday, which was surprisingly quiet for a Saturday, a lady came up to me and said, "I saw you here yesterday and you look so familiar to me..." I couldn't place her but she insisted she knew me. I asked if she was in construction at all and she said she was not. Nor was she involved with the Art Guild. Hmmmm.....she mentioned a couple places where she worked in the past but it was later when she said she worked at the Rag Shop. Aha!!! That was it!!! I told her how Mom and I would go shopping for fabric which Mom would take home with her in an extra suitcase back in the days when she still sewed. She asked Mom's name and I told her, and "Nancy" said, "Yes, that name I remember!" and she remembered mine, too. Mystery solved! But it had to have been at least 10 years ago or better that we'd been fabric shopping because the last piece Mom bought was just the day or two before Timmy died----enough to make him a vest. He picked it out himself, asking his grandma to make him a different vest for everyday. The piece has tractors on it, I believe, and is the only cut of fabric Mom kept after she got home from my house that year. Thanks, Nancy, for that little reminder about the 'old days'...
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Another couple I chatted with were guests at the hotel, celebrating their 13th wedding anniversary. They tried to come every year since they got married, missing only a couple years of their tradition. I did not get their names but this couple lives across the river in Mandarin and were rabid Gator fans. And Jaguar fans but have let their tickets go in recent years. I told them about Don Davey being my neighbor in Manitowoc and they were tickled to know that. I guess they really were true Jaguar fans! There was bad news in the paper, which another lady who lives near Judy J., showed me, about the former quarterback, Mark Brunnell, having to declare bankruptcy due to his failing investments. It seems he and some other former Jags were investors in the Whataburger franchise. I have never had a burger there so it might be my fault that his investment didn't pan out. It is so sad because Mark was the catalyst for the team early on and lead Christian programs for his teammates and others.
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This morning I got up and dressed, heading over to Victory for Bible study and worship. The class was on Galations, one of my favorite books. I arrived just a few minutes late, expecting they would have started but only one couple was there at this point. I was sure the class began at 9:00 but it seems they are not really punctual. It was fine as more folks came and Brent went to make more copies. We finished in plenty of time before church began, having had great discussion comparing today's events with those facing St. Paul. Pastor's daughter is moving at the end of July to MN and she came to sit down by me before church to tell me her plans. I wished her well and when we hugged good-bye after worship, I assured her that as long as she remains in the Lord, she will be fine!
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As Betsy and I talked, Justin came and sat down with me. For the service, we sang only songs from the Worship and Praise book, including "Borning Cry" for the baptism of little Alyssa. Pastor's sermon was excellent, talking about not paying so much attention the things of this earth, we should focus on telling others about Christ. "Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." Matt. 8:20 Justin had let me know on Friday already that he had plans for lunch so I was to not expect him to join me today. I was planning to eat poolside anyway so it didn't matter, except if someone asked me to lunch after church, I would reconsider. They had a brief meeting following worship so I went home to enjoy my afternoon meal at the pool. Miss Chardonnay had a table reserved and I put my stuff down there while I went to order my lunch. Just as it was about to be ready, it began to drizzle, so I went into the cabana.
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My upstairs neighbors and their baby came into the cabana, as well, and were quite engrossed in the soccer game. I mentioned to Jessica that she seemed well versed in soccer lingo and she told me she watches lots of sports and TV when she is nursing the baby. I shared with Travis and Jessica the story of being in Italy four years ago. Justin was inside the "St. Paul in Chains" museum while I stayed outside recuperating after running all over the ruins in Rome. Some nice ladies from the tour took Justin under their wings for me, which was nice. As I sat there on the half-wall, the streets were suddenly alive with cars and Vespas and horns blowing and flags waving. Holy cow! What's going on? The bus driver told me that Italy just won the World Cup and I thought it was yachting! Never before had I seen such a display of team support and it was quite incredible. I told Justin all about it when they came out of the museum. While I regret missing the St. Paul in Chains presentation, I do not regret staying outside to see that amazing parade of Italian pride!

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Justin is my hero!

He was here yesterday to move my computer and its components from my room in preparation for the floor replacement set for midweek. I was telling Justin my sad lament about not having cable for sleeping the night before. He wiggled around on the wires, disconnected a splitter that was attached to mine, we think, for the computer when it was on Comcast for Internet, unplugged and replugged the cable box, and ta da!!! I was back in business. Still no connection for HGTV in my room which means I must go to the family room for "Selling New York", 'my' show. I get to participate when others play the game of 'their' shows, because I like to set aside time to watch "Selling NY" even if it is a rerun. There is not much else going on at 9:00 pm on a Thursday night that gets bumped by my watching the program. Usually....
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Well, my house is pretty well in disarray with the lighter-weight pieces of furniture and such moved out by Justin and me. I cleaned off my dressers and desk, stacking and piling on the bookshelves and other surfaces I cleaned off to accommodate my geegaw's. Many hold fond memories for me and I might be prompted to write a note to my friend, Joe, who gave me so many of the sweet pieces that decorate my dresser. He has e-mail but I think a note is nicer to touch base. He was our trim man for many years but has since sort of retired. He was allowed to join the Rosewood family when they came en masse for the funeral visitation but he could not stay--he was so torn up. Besides the little sentimental gifts he gave me, Joe also brought me a CD of a man who sang at their church, Charles some body, which he thought I would like. I had thought about Joe last week already for some reason, remembering the Charles CD, and then yesterday again with the geegaws being moved. So, I must move and reach out to him!
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It is going to be a scorcher today again. My original plans were to clean at church and then spend the rest of the day at the pool but since I got rather browned yesterday, might rethink that plan. I could sit and enjoy the company and good weather without basking, but I love to puddle around in the water. My meals came from the cabana Friday, lunch being my traditional hot dog and chips, and later, a pina colada. For dinner was the sirloin sliders with cole slaw and chips. I did not like the slaw and picked the hunks of cheese off the burgers. Like one of the guys at our table said, they (the Club staff) are trying really hard to make it all work, they just have to work out a few things. Like decent cheese and its application to food. It certainly is not a deal breaker for me!
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The bottoms of my feet are burned too but that is from trotting up and down the promenade barefooted late afternoon. After Justin had set up the computer in the guest room for me, I was doing some downloads and such. He put a new program on it for me which would run a continual play feature on my podcasts since I won't have cable TV in the guest room. A problem I may solve with Comcast when they come for my other TV set up. Anyway, when I came in the from the pool I simply slipped on my nightie until it was time to dress again. As I sat at the computer, I heard some music not related to the piano, coming from outside. Sure enough! It was bag pipes being played. I ran to grab my camera and down the promenade I went, burning my feet and likely totally freaking out the wedding attendees over at The Club. As a service to them, I had put my beach cover over my nightie but still.....Talk about hot-footing! Man, that was hot stuff under my feet!
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My haircut appointment was postponed by me until Monday because I just couldn't get out of the pool yesterday. I have a lunch planned with my friend, Diane, and after that will be my cut. Murphy's Law says I will get compliments on my hair just before I am getting it cut and this Law came true Friday. Marlena, who does simply everything at The Club, is also the water aerobics teacher this summer. She asked me, as she swept the pool area, if I was coming for water aerobics this summer, saying the others have been asking for me. Yikes! I told her I wouldn't come unless she told me what they had said, and she said it was all good things, so I agreed to come. I can only do so two of the three days it is offered since Thursday is Bible study day. 10:00 am is a good time to have it, the water will have warmed sufficiently and the sky should be unclouded at that point yet. The cost is the same as last year but I must provide my own noodle. So, off I go noodle shopping this weekend!
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On Fox and Friends this a.m. I heard the most incredible report about some school handing out condoms to the students. As unbelievable as this sounds, the woman interviewed gave the argument that it is a natural thing that teenagers do and for the school to not provide protection is equal to encouraging reckless behavior. What??? Wait, it gets worse. If the kids are restricted from acting on their natural inclinations, they become more susceptible to enticement from sexual predators. The anchors remained calm but if it was the weekday people, I think one or two of them would have jumped all over this woman. That is such a lame excuse for promoting sexual activity among teens, for heaven's sake. The world is upside down, I say, upside down!!!

Friday, June 25, 2010

Laughing and typing at the same time

This morning there is no cable for me to watch, at least not in my bedroom. As odd as it seems, the cable might be working in the family room but not in here. Hmmmm....Fortunately for me, for us all, it would seem, I have my downloaded podcasts on iTunes from the time I was away to catch up on. And making me laugh! Oh, what did I miss when I was in WI??? Well, for one thing, all these interesting takes on what is going on in the world. "From high above Times Square in New York City---Hello you sick, twisted freaks!" I am looking over at my desk and see the stacks of stuff which could be dealt with, but....I used to laugh out loud all the time when watching "Frasier" and "Seinfeld", with the TV on, and now, merely the laptop or desktop listening will cause me to roar----all by myself in my house! I just love that!
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The river was lovely last night with the moon being full and the water quiet, as it is quiet again this a.m. At bedtime I did open the sliding doors for a bit to let the breezes through but almost immediately the A/C kicked on. Since the temp was set at 81 already, it didn't make sense to keep the doors open, making it warmer in the house than that. So, I got up again and closed the doors. With the cable being out, I was struggling with going to sleep, and thought the wind in the palms would lull me. Somehow the lull of the A/C running does not have the same effect. Brilliantly, I put on a "Frasier" DVD which would play about 6 or 7 episodes back to back, and off to sleep I went. At some point I was awake again and simply started the cycle over again, falling back to sleep only minutes into the first episode. Great sleep saver, having the dulcet tones of "Frasier" in my brain.
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My A/C is running right this moment and I do not know what that is all about. It does not seem that warm to me in here and I am yet on my bed. This afternoon I have a hair cut appointment over near Whitey's and will try to get together with Brenda there afterwards. Barb will have to make sure to get all the hair schnibbles (excuse my language) out of my ears and off my face before I go out in public, however. Normally I would be getting my toes done too right around this time and might just make the appointment with Lisa in Middleburg. I could use a nice breakfast at Nana's or Black Creek Cafe one of these days. Just now I looked at my great toe and I see a boo-boo on the tip, quite possibly I was bitten by a brown recluse spider. Better get to the ER and have that checked out. No, wait, I guess it is just a boo-boo. Sorry, Dusty, I just had to pick on your a bit.
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Yesterday Justin and I went to Bible study at Victory, continuing the study of our adoption as sons of God through our baptisms. We have one more lesson left in this book and suppose that we will continue in this format for the rest of our Thursday studies. We were down to six people in the class, due in part to one man recently going back to work after being off, and folks traveling over the summer. The previous two weeks we were off since Pastor had a conference in south Florida one week, and supposedly because I was going to be gone another week. Oh, come on! Judy was going to be gone, too, not just me!
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Justin was going to meet his friend, Ron, at the beach after Bible study but he was going to have about an hour between 'events' to spare. He drove us to WOKV to pick up the certificates. We did not open the envelopes until we got into the car again. He tore open the Adventure Landing packet and found four tickets to everything at the park except the water features. Rats! That counts me out, as I have no interest in the video arcade, laser tag, or go carts. I wonder if Justin knows anyone who would share that 'adventure' with him?? Oh, yeah, he snapped those up without a second look. The trip to St. Pete's is a three day/two night stay at the Trade Winds Resort which allows for a room, breakfast and unlimited use of the slide. Can't wait to jump on that slide! Justin indicates that he is interested in going along and with that information, I rejoice! For one thing, he can share the driving and for another, he is really my favorite travel companion because we mesh nicely. A different thought I had was to book during the time when Kerry is down here but then I remembered how fearful she is about driving and cancelled that idea.
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Justin had time to have some lunch and I was simply famished, since we had eaten dinner somewhat early the night before at The Club's Happy Hour. Justin suggested the something Panda place where we got Chinese-style food and ate outside. After he placed his order, the man from the kitchen brought out the Kung Pao Chicken which he wished he would have ordered. This, of course, brings to mind the "Seinfeld" episode where George enjoys this chicken during his lunch but proceeds to perspire all afternoon. He was constantly mopping his brow, even during a meeting where the boss was trying to get to the bottom of someone stealing from the Yankees. George was sweatin' like a pig, looking very guilty, but "it was from Kung Pao!!!!" Justin was also sweating but more because of it being 90 degrees outside and we were sitting out there!
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While I was eating my sweet and sour chicken, Mike Kelley called me from Floor and Decor where he was trying to pick up my flooring. They could not find the order nowhere, no how, and in fact, he told me they had to put the order together while they waited. No one had an explanation as to why the order was not already pulled and Mike said they were ready to give them the store just to get them out of there! I had left my doors open so they could drop it off, where the boxes now line the bedroom hallway. Fortunately for the guys, I had also turned the A/C on for them so it was over10 degrees cooler in the house than outside. They were still carrying it into the house when I got home and poured them each a glass of water to cool them when they were done. It looks like they will be back to do the tear out and install the middle of next week so that buys us yet more time to get things ready. I was sort of thinking that perhaps I could live without having the 'big' gas-powered computer hooked-up but Justin insists it is no problem to do so. Guess it will be fine if he is fine, right? Now that I have extra room in my closet since we unloaded all those boxes on Mother's Day, much can be placed in the closet for safe keeping rather than messing up my other rooms so badly. I am not sure where Mike and Andy will put my larger pieces of furniture, they can put it anywhere they want, as long as I can keep coming and going fairly freely from my home. My suitcase will remain packed and moved to the guest room for my uses until after the project is completed.
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I worked for a bit on the newsletter, as I am still awaiting some contributions from various sources, in particular now, the preschool. Certainly they have some news about their end of year events and what is going on during the summer, etc. I have one photo taken of the graduation that I can use, not putting as many photos in the newsletter any more. Some folks had trouble opening the e-mailed Flock Talk last month as it was quite photo-heavy so I have to be careful about that. But the pictures are really worth more than words sometimes, you know?
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Supposedly the cabana last night was to have been open for dinner, but I guess they closed at 4:00 pm. Rats! I saw people sitting down there so I went down empty handed, not realizing that I could not buy anything to drink once poolside. My gracious neighbor, Rosemary, brought me a can of Diet Coke as she was going back upstairs to refill her drink. They take good care of me, to be sure! We had some good laughs and I even got to meet a fella who lives in the area condos not next to ours. His kids have attended St. Johns, as did he and his siblings, so we had some notes to compare. Mike has custody of his 17 year-old son and shared many funny stories of what that is like, such as harping about the kid leaving these giant-sized footprints on the dark wood floors. He has to remind his son to keep his shoes on instead of taking them off when he comes in! Such laughs!
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While enjoying my pot pie for dinner I watched "Selling New York" in the family room before coming back to my room to read. Since the cable was in and out, I could not plan on watching anything, even though I was reading, I have the noise in the background. Somehow the digital in and out of programs does not do it for me! I remember going to sleep at long last to "Good night, Seattle, we love you!" Time to head out to the pool, y'all!

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Maybe today I can add more pictures

Yesterday I had problems downloading the photos so only posted a few. Today, not too much troubles with loading, so here you go!

Alayna opening her graduation presents, and I am featuring here a special one....This is the first time I ever gave away a piece of my own art. She had admired it when I posted a picture of the art when I entered it in a show, so I decided it should be hers! The official name of the piece is "Rain Unites Earth and Sky", in a watercolor, using only two colors of paint for the whole picture.

Here is a shot of the room where Alayna's party was held, the Fellowship Hall of the church where her daddy, Randy, plays the organ each week. It is an Episcopal church, and I have some lovely photos of the sanctuary and chancel I might post another time. In the foreground right is Dustin, with Justin talking with his cousin from the other side of the family, Allie. Dusty's crutches are propped next to him, as he is nursing a broken leg/foot.

Justin and his 'mini-me' cousins, Gabe and Manny. Not only do they share the same hairstyle, they also share a penchant for all things electronic! What Justin is actually trying to do is assemble a playlist to use for background music for Alayna's party since it seems her iPod was not working or something. David got his ready quicker and served us well. Thanks anyway, Justin! It is so amazing how those things work, as he was using his iPhone for sorting the music he has stored on it. Not sure exactly what David used to produce the entertainment. At Justin's graduation, David played his guitar and went table to table, serenading the guests personally. It was great!

Much to my delight but not to my surprise, my niece, Allie, came to Alayna's party. Although a year behind Alayna in school, they are still friends, which I like to hear and know. She is standing between Justin and me, as if you could not tell, tall like the Day/Hackmann side of the family. I had enjoyed breakfast with her mom, Mona, and she earlier in the week and it was great to see her once more. We often talk about her making a trip down here to visit but we have to get that passed her parents first. The two girls could travel together, it would be fine!!!

Lisa, my niece, and I have something in common---we both like to wear centerpieces on our heads! She looks quite lovely with a table decoration complete with streamers perched on her head at the party. Her boys, Gabe and Manny, got themselves all sweaty playing with the balloons, just batting them around and hitting each other. Life's simple pleasures.....beat the electronics hands down! On July 1st we should find out if she is carrying a girl or a boy. Kerry asked Manny why he wanted his mama to have another little boy, and he sweetly answered her, "Because my mom has such cute boys..." Oh, yeah.........

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

A phew phun photos from my June trip

Saturday morning, Mom, Lynn and Justin enjoyed a lovely breakfast repast on the ice cream-cone shaped concrete patio at PK's Coffee Shop. As we sat there, the owners came out and began installing the umbrellas for the tables. It finally was time for the sun to shine! It is so lush around their shop, as you can tell by the background foliage and such. I had a lovely Diet Coke and a sugar cookie, and took home a chocolate-covered rice krispie treat for later!

Eating again, this time at The Green Street Tavern with my family. From left is Lori; our cousin, Barbie; Lynn at the head of the table; Auntie Marie; and Mom. Barbie's spouse was going to come but he felt he'd be at a hen party so stayed home. We had to eat early because Barbie goes to bed around 8:00 pm due to her work schedule. Poor thing! She might as well be a farmer with those hours!

Here is a photo taken Friday at The Oar House (I believe I am wearing the same shirt today as I have on in the photo, bought at Younker's! Justin insisted I had already owned that shirt, but he is off by a few colors....) In the back is Linda J., me, and Joanie. Seated is Georgia, who is Linda's sister, and then Lynn and Lori, Kim's sisters! Such great food, too bad more people do not go there to eat! Lori owns the same shirt that I do, and she is wearing her own, not mine.
I am thinking about selling advertising space on my double chins!!! I complained to Kathy B., when I began losing weight, that my chins got flabbier---what is up with that??? She told me there are exercises found on-line to do in order to tighten up the chins and neck. Anyway, Tommy coaxed Linda into pulling my shirt down just as he took the picture....it could have been much worse with even more advertising space available!!!

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Let's back up a bit

Time got away from me as did access to the Internet so I did not keep you all up with my visiting news in Manitowoc. Let's see now---where did I leave off? Ah, yes...taking Mom to the dentist! Lori and I both took her because we wanted to see if our family friend, whom we knew as Mary Beth, would be working that day. And she was! Mary was so very excited to see us, just could not believe we were there in the flesh. She took a break and we joined her in the staff dining room so we could visit properly. Mom was busy getting her teeth cleaned while we chatted. Lori and Mary were in the same grade from grade school through MLHS. I had hung out with her younger brother who was three years older than I am. Being kids, it did not seem to matter that he was a boy and me a girl, or the age difference. Alex and I had all kinds of fun playing by the creek, riding our bikes all over the place, basically just hanging out. We did, in fact, get to see Alex on the Sunday of the church picnic as he came upon our gathering on his way to walk by the lake. Such great fun seeing two people from our pasts, from the same family, in a week's time! Thank goodness for Facebook---sure helps us to reconnect via the Internet and in the flesh!
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After getting back from the dentist, with Mom coming out with no cavities and a brilliant smile, Lynn joined Lori and me for a trip to The Oar House where we met Linda J., her sister, Georgia and our shared friend, Joanie. The six of us basically had the place to ourselves until much later when three others came in for lunch. We wonder how they can stay open as there has never been more than six or so people eating there when we've been in the dining room. I am getting a complex over it! They have the most delicious 'treatment' for perch, almost like a shredded wheat coating on the perch plus the most delicious onion rings I have had in a long time. Oh yummy! We had good laughs to go with our good food. A photo was taken which will be posted later so you can put names and faces together.
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Lori's son, Dusty, had broken a bone in his leg, or ankle, attempting to master the skateboard on Monday evening. With Lori over at Mom's already, David had handled it in his own way, taking Dusty to the ER the following morning. Sadly, he felt Dusty was old enough to handle the exam and treatment on his own (David did not get the mother's manual, it seems...) so did not really know which bone was broken nor did he view the x-rays. He did not speak with the doctor regarding the treatment, relying on Dusty to repeat what the doctor had said. What Dusty did report was that he might need to have surgery to repair the break. David had to take Dusty back in to the ER very early Friday morning as Dusty was sure he'd been bitten by a brown recluse spider. His toes were swollen and he thought he could see bite marks on the end of his great toe. It seems it was the same doctor who treated the break who saw Dusty and was NOT happy with the care being given him. Evidently Dusty had been told to keep his foot elevated and packed with ice, which would have helped with the swelling, but he does not remember being told that. It did seem funny to us back home that he'd be out running around with his friends the day after breaking a bone, but that's just us, I guess. So, as you might guess, no spider bite to be found, but he absolutely must keep it elevated and take it somewhat easy.
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The two guys were driving to Manitowoc from Holmen in the afternoon on Friday. Justin had finally arrived mid-afternoon after considerable delay. His plans were somewhat 'altered' by his father's female friend who absolutely insisted that Justin get back from WI in time to celebrate Father' Day. She bought him a new plane ticket (I ate the return portion of his existing flight). She was even going to rent a car for him, which I found simply amazing since he is not 25 years old yet, and even paid down part of his credit card for him to cover the insurance. Well, that didn't work out when it came down to it, but he took it upon himself to get to Manty via the airport shuttle. Friday turned out to be a hot day so Lori, Lynn, Mom, and I sat outside to wait for his shuttle to arrive. Lori was just dying from the heat but I enjoyed it! Justin kept me updated on his status as he got closer to Manitowoc, even reporting seeing my niece's offices in Sheboygan when dropping off another passenger. Sweet! It was great to see him and we had to make the most of our short time together. Fortunately Alayna could join us for dinner which was really great for the cousins and his grandma!
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Mom did not join us for dinner on Friday, saying she just didn't know what to order any more. This time we chose Nikko's Thai American Restaurant, where Mom said they have great stir-fry. I had yet another great perch meal, me ordering from the American-side of the menu. Many of the others had the Thai menu, Justin's being just a smidge too 'powerful' for his taste. He had the option of ordering the strength of his sauce and chose the hottest one. Lesson learned for next time! He feels that if he had something to dilute the sauce with like sour cream or milk, it would have been 'cooler' for him. But, we ran out of time for him to eat the leftovers. My perch was made with a tempura-style coating, very lightly done but I couldn't eat it all. Jill took my remnants home with her leftover chicken cordon bleu.
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Kerry did not arrive at Mom's until early Saturday morning. She was bringing much of the foods to be prepped for the graduation party and upon her arrival, got busy making the sloppy joes. I had cooked my meat the day before so was out of the way for her working. Justin and I went to Copp's for the balance of the taco salad fixings and then went to Kohl's where I bought Justin flipflops and undies. There I ran into my friend Dolly's daughter, Kristin, who is friends with Justin on Facebook. They were born only one day apart! She is soon heading to Korea as part of her education and we wished her safe travels. I know her mommy is concerned about her trip but.......
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Tomorrow I will try to add the photos taken at Alayna's graduation party which can tell the story better than I can. Or in conjunction with me, perhaps! Today I went to buy my new flooring for the bedroom/office. Mike Kelley is picking it up on Thursday and will bring it over to acclimatize for a few days. That buys Justin and me a few extra days to get things moved out of my room and my 'mission control' center set up in the guest room for the time it takes to replace my floor. Can't be without my 'big' computer for very long, as it is newsletter time now and must be able to do my word processing and printing from it. I think I need it, anyway. Might just be me being dependent upon the big one! We shall see...

Monday, June 21, 2010

Oops! I poked a hole in the sky!

Finally I made it 'home' to Orange Park late on Monday afternoon, more than 24 hours after my bro-in-law, David, picked me up at Mom's! Yes, travel by air certainly has its adventures, or, should I say, all travel, has its adventures? This time it was a mechanical problem causing our departure delay, something which was reported the first time as taking only 10 to 15 minutes to repair....times about four or five! We were given the option of getting off the plane if we feared for our connections in Minneapolis, and I did since there was only 45 minutes between flights for the on-time arrival. Knowing I would never make it, I 'deplaned' in MKE with many of the other passengers, and got into line to try to make new arrangements. Their announcement to the already testy passengers was literally, "Hey, folks, it's a Sunday night in Milwaukee..." so basically we should not get our hopes up. Some did not take that attitude very well with one traveler using his golf language without restraint. Personally, I would have hauled him off, and who knows?, they may have after I got back on the broken plane!
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As we stood in line waiting for the agents to help us, another man trying to get to Jacksonville said he was calling Delta directly, using the "HELPLINE" number the staff posted on their board. The nice lady on the phone helped me arrange travel once I would get to Minneapolis, assuring me that getting to MPS was my best bet, since they are a Delta hub. She also told me I would have overnight lodging provided (Embassy Suites!!!) and a meal voucher. Nice! Another thing she told me was that I would get my luggage in MPS but that was not the case. Rats!
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A free shuttle took us weary travelers from the MPS airport to the hotel. My room was simply a delight and while I would have loved to have my nightie to wear for sleeping and my toiletries for the obvious reasons, the desk clerk provided me with what he had in order to make me 'tolerable' the next morning. I have a cute deodorant to use in the future for traveling, plus he gave me a single-use tooth brush and packets of tooth paste to prevent dog breath. He apologized for not having a brush for me, but that was just fine, I don't use a brush. My food voucher paid for part of my meal in their lounge where I enjoyed, and I mean ENJOYED mini-steak sandwiches with chunks of real steak. Perfection!
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Once back upstairs in my room, I got all comfy in my giant-sized bed, having set my alarms on the phone and on my nightstand (so weird to have a bedside clock!). The TV offered a multitude of stations but not WGN so no "Barney Miller" this Sunday night, instead a nice series of "Law and Order" to put me to sleep. Fortunately I had taken a Dramamine when I ordered my dinner which would help me fall asleep, and I did drop off, probably, right after 10:00 pm. I had been up REALLY early seeing Justin off for the airport in the wee hours on Sunday morning, and was not able to fully fall back to sleep after that (more on that another time!). Sleep felt very good and I awoke without help from the electronic alarms. I did have to chuckle when setting the one on the nightstand because it brought to mind a "Seinfeld" episode involving an Olympic runner missing his big race due to a malfunctioning alarm clock...
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The hotel shuttle took me back to the airport with plenty of time to spare. I had to check-in at the desk for boarding passes and seat assignments, where I also asked the question as to the status of my luggage. Man, how I wish I had not put the laptop in the suitcase! But I just didn't want to carry more than I had to. By they way, it did survive the trip, carefully packed in the same foam padding that protected Alayna's painting on the trip up. There was even time for breakfast in the airport, a cold Burger King croissant sandwich. I know it has been a VERY long time since I last had one of those, but I really remember them being a hot sandwich....
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With time before the flight and on the plane ride to Atlanta, my connecting airport, I had plenty of time to read. Yes, you read that correctly. Justin bought and read the entire "Overton Window" book, which came out on Tuesday, he bought it at the airport in JAX. He left it behind for me. I was already involved in another book, "Not Unto Us" which I had bought at NPH, but I can pick that up again once I am done with 'The Overton Window'. Halfway there already!
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Martie graciously came to collect me from the airport since Justin was working today. He was planning to come to get me last night already and was not a little bit relieved to know he could go to bed instead of staying up to collect me. Justin asked me if I minded 'cooling my heels' at the airport once my plane landed since he had to work until 5:00 pm. Of course I would not mind, I am an excellent waiter, but he made some calls and I made some to friends, to see who could pick me up at 2:39 pm. A couple of my friends who would ordinarily be accommodating have out-of-town company, another had a class, another was on the ice pack with an aching back....Justin finally managed to get through to Martie who was more than glad to come for me. As she drove up and totally missed me (had to go around again!) it had begun to rain. We drove home in nearly torrential downpours, complete with thunder and lightning. I was soaked to the skin for the second time in a week, as I got my suitcase out of the back of her car. No sense both of us getting soaked, right? At least its warm here, over 90 during the rain storm. I believe I must have poked a hole in the sky as we descended for landing! Martie said the sweetest thing to me as we drove along: "Now things will seem more normal...I don't know, I am just all mixed up with things when you are gone!" Who could ask for better than that???

Thursday, June 17, 2010

It's almost time for me to go....

It’s been quiet on my blog for a few days because I have been doing my best to keep up with Facebook, grabbing Internet wherever I can. The other day I took Mom to get a haircut, which looks cute, by the way, and borrowed Internet at the booty shop. Lori and I got online after some intervention by the manager at Perkin’s Restaurant this morning where we had a late breakfast with Mom. Mom had lemon meringue pie for her meal, which Lori said has to stop! No more dessert as a meal! I had a wonderful new menu item, not potato pancakes, a steak biscuit cup thingy. Can’t describe it other than to say it was like a pot pie only smaller, served with Hollandaise sauce. Very tasty!
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We went to Festival Foods in search of the discounted butter we heard about only to discover it was not on special after all. Somehow we managed to fill our little carts with purchases, including some Diet Coke on special. The check-out lady was a former co-worker of Mom’s and it was nice to see her. It seems she is having similar back problems to those Kerry had around Easter and forward, now cleared up, and I told Mary Beth about the success Kerry had with the cortisone shot. I hope they can help her like Kerry was helped.
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From Festival we went to Wal*Mart to pick up Mom’s new scrip,called in by the doctor after we saw him yesterday. Strangely that was all we bought! When we got home and carried most of the purchases upstairs, Lori left us to go on a bike ride along the lakeshore. She brought her bike with her from Holmen and drove to the marina to start her 10 mile round trip circuit. Lori loved it, said it was just beautiful and enjoyable. Manty really has a lot to offer.
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Mom and I just stayed home the rest of the day until it was time to go meet my auntie and cousin for dinner. Once more I had a perch dinner at The Green Street. Tomorrow I am going to the Oar House with Linda J., her sister, and another friend from First German, Joanie, plus anyone else who would like to come. Justin arrives in the early afternoon and perhaps I will be home when he pulls in. His father’s girlfriend is renting a car for him so I can go off and enjoy myself and he will be a big boy, driving himself to Grandma’s!
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At some point I will have to pick up my ingredients for making taco salad for Alayna’s graduation party. I did buy the salad dressing since I found it at Festival and grabbed it. Kerry will be here tomorrow night, too, and likely making her sloppy joe’s in the kitchen so it would be best if I got mine made and out of her way. We don’t assemble it until just before it’s served so that will be simple to do once we get to the hall. So looking forward to seeing everyone there and having a great time feting our little girl!
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Tomorrow a.m. I am taking Mom for her dental appointment. It’s great for me to be able to be Mom’s driver and take my turn since my other sisters do it otherwise. We did get her hair cut and have one doctor visit taken care of with the dentist tomorrow. Only a few more days and then this family can get back to normal when I am gone….

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Another fun-filled day

Yesterday morning I met Mona and Allie at Perkin's for breakfast, our usual meeting place. Allie filled me in on her track stats and plans for the summer before she had to leave to go work out before babysitting. That's a good girl! Mona and I spent more time chatting, discussing books, believe it or not, which is so strange for me. Mona said she could not even begin to try counting how many books she reads since it is not momentous for her to do so. Like Linda J., reading constantly!
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John and she celebrated 25 years of marriage last year without a party or other recognition, so this year, after Arno has died, they decided to take a trip to GA to fulfill a "Bucket List" item of John's, panning for gold! I am not sure if he actually got any gold, but Mona managed to find some semi-precious stones elsewhere that were then carved into necklace-sized jewels for her. She showed them to me and they are absolutely gorgeous stones, including garnets, hemitite, obsidian, and tiger's eye. A quick trip down and back by car, a nightmare car ride, according to her, but now can check it off the Bucket List for John!
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After our breakfast I went over to Wal*Mart to have a camera developed (disposable type) and looked at the cameras that were shown in the sales flyer. I found an inexpensive purse-camera, Canon Power Shot for less than $200 with accessories. This was a camera I had been lusting after even since my cruise to the Mediterranean in 2007 and now I have one! My "good" camera was accidently left behind on the table when I left so that is why I bought a disposable one for graduation. At long last, I have the more portable camera for quick shots. Justin will likely beg my digital EOS from me, but I already surrendered my 35 mm Canon to him.
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Mom and I went over to get her hair cut, again, like mine. I told the beautician that Mom had to swear to style it before going out or she couldn't get it cut my way. Otherwise, the style would look manish on her. Mom promises to take care of it so okay then! Linda, who uses the same beautician, is going to schedule her hair cut and Mom's on the same day so she can take Mom over to get hers cut. Thanks, Linda!
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When we got home, we were waiting for Lori to arrive. We timed it just right because shortly she pulled into the parking lot. Lori came bearing freshly picked strawberries from Holmen, and got busy making Bisquick biscuits to make shortcake for dessert. Lynn and Jill joined us for dinner at the Charcoal Grille, which was fantastic! We came back here for dessert and Alayna came by to say "hi". Today she was going to Eau Claire for her college orientation with her daddy (sniffle, sniffle...). Lori slept in Mom's living room with the door opened to the porch for cool air and all was well. No fighting, no arguing about the TV being on and her seeing flashing lights. She could read and sleep as she saw fit. All is well!
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Oh, and by the way, I have finished another book since I got here, St. Dunstan's and John, a history of the churches on the St. Johns River. That's five for the year thus far!!!!

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Alayna getting her diploma

I could not be more proud of Alayna!!

Another wonderful day!

The hits just keep on coming around here! Last night Mom and I stayed home and enjoyed leftover hamburgers and/or hot dogs for our dinner. Kerry had already left to get back to Oshkosh in time for a wedding shower and Jill was in her apartment. Lynn had the two darling little boys overnight so they could join us for the church picnic today. Worship was held outdoors at 10:00 with the school band accompanying the hymns. They do a fine job of it, playing multiple stanzas of the hymns, in one case, 6. Not bad for grade schoolers!
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The readings were moving for me, two of them based upon the loss of a child and the return to life of each one. The widow at Nain and the boy living in the house with Elijah and the widow. Toward the end of the service, we had a prayer for a young Hmong mom who died at age 28, leaving two little ones behind. After the service, the congregation Chairman spoke to the assembly. Then pastor came back to announce they had just gotten word that one of the 4th graders had succumbed to his brain tumor and died this a.m. His teacher, Karen, was seated next to us and as soon as I could, I went to her to offer hugs and comfort. The other teachers came over as well and I saw many people wiping their eyes following that announcement. It was no surprise that he was dying, but it is always startling news to get.
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The picnic went on, as Pastor mentioned in his sermon, life and death co-exist in this world. It does seem somewhat odd, though, that we do simply go about our business when we know that in another household, hearts are breaking. It is a tough concept to embrace, that life is going on even as the world seems to be crashing down around us. Huh….The food was delicious, at least mine was, and it was so wonderful to see more of my friends and ‘family’ again. I visited the tables to see if folks needed anything, sampling their desserts as I went along. Pastor Rosenow saw me coming and threw himself over his plate like a live grenade…there was nothing there I wanted to taste anyway!
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The boys had a great time playing in the bouncy house and visiting the fishing pond. Lynn and Jill walked them down to the lake and back before Lynn took the boys home to their parents in Sheboygan. Alayna stayed for a bit and then left for more graduation parties. Hers is next week and we are so looking forward to that!
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After we were nicely stuffed and had laughed enough, sitting with Linda and others, Mom and I decided to come home. We arrived here about 2:00 0r so, which is so early for a church picnic. Not like the old days when we were kids! I do believe, however, that we did not have worship in the park beforehand, so would not have gotten there until after church was over at 11:30 or so. We would eat first, play in the creek until we ruined our new outfits bought special for the picnic, and then played the organized games with our grades. “Things are radically different now” as my cousin, Ronnie, would say.
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I took a rest while listening to the programs I downloaded in the park yesterday and believe I may have snoozed a bit. Mom likely did, too, in the living room. Lynn came over for a bit and we had some leftovers from the fry outs this past weekend before enjoying our blackberry pie purchased from the Amish booth at the garden show yesterday. We meant to take it to the picnic today but forgot so we enjoyed some this evening instead.
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Jill was coming up for a slice of pie, too, but thus far has not showed. Mom was covering it with wrap to keep it from drying out too much. It was “hot” today and I got some sun on my face---72 above zero at least!!! It felt jolly good, too! I was envious of Justin’s sermon he was going to hear today, referencing the movie “Pay It Forward”. Pastor Hoyer sends out a ‘teaser’ on Thursdays about his sermon for Sunday and I would love to have heard it. Ours heard today was good, too, but I have a special place for Pay It Forward and what it means. I wonder how Phil worked that into his sermon?? I wonder if it is available on-line????

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Exhaustion is setting in

Yesterday's graduation event was moved indoors at the last possible moment. Mom, Kerry, Lynn, and I stood outside the fenced area to the bowl waiting to be allowed in, being ticket holders, we could sit on the bleachers inside the bowl. When it seemed like the right time to be allowed in, after a few brief rain showers had passed through, everyone was making a mad dash toward the JFK Building (gym). At first, Mom and I headed with the rest up the grassy knoll toward the building but we both realized this was foolish as she had her walker and neither of us would be able to climb that steep, wet hill in front of us. We turned around and headed back whence we came, to the flat area and hoped the others would save a seat for us.
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Just as we got through the doors, a man came running up and announced that the gym was getting quite full and folks would have to show their tickets to get in. We had tickets but no one asked us about them, and we pressed on. Kerry came running toward us, having reserved seats for us on the same side where Alayna would be marching in. Lynn had also gotten seats for us on the opposite side of the gym so she came over and sat on the lower level next to Mom, who had her walker for her seat. Kerry, Jill, and I sat three rows up, but not next to Randy (Alayna's daddy) who had gotten separated from us. He had others in the group with him so he was fine. We had the best seats, especially Mom and Lynn as all the flower girls came past them, as did Alayna, as the graduates marched in. The doors were open, however, and they about froze to pieces in their 'good seats'. If we had known, we could have taken our blanket down to them for wrapping around their shoulders.
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It was so amazing to see the hustle and bustle of the 'team' getting things moved from outside to inside as quickly as they did. Amazing! Groups were hauling in the folding chairs for the kids, others were wiping them off as the heavens opened during the moving thereof, men were attempting to run cords for loudspeakers and setting up the musical instruments for the small group performances....a flurry of activity. I believe, the whole event was only delayed by 15 minutes from the original start time. Of course, the kids were disappointed to not being able to march into the bowl, this being only the 2nd time since 1934 that it had to be moved indoors. While it did stop raining and the sun came out during the ceremony, all of us, including these beautifully clad students, would have been soaked through and through and miserable!
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Alayna was about the first one in our side of the gym, and was seated in the front row on our end, so we could make eye contact all through the event. Many of her friends received special awards for high grades and International Baccalaureate status...wow! Afterwards, we congregated on the gym floor to congratulate our girl, except Mom and Lynn had gone outside through the side doors and missed much of that ado. I was in tears congratulating her, being weepy at various portions of the graduation already, the pomp and circumstance of it all! At one point, I sobbed right out loud, and apologized to Jill if I embarrassed her, but she was fine, kept offering me tissues.
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But when her daddy and grandpa got to Alaya and THEY had tears running down their faces, all bets were off. We all hugged each other and her, and took turns. I went outside to find Mom and Lynn and eventually we got back inside the gym so they could greet Alayna. There was much walking and standing and then sitting done that day and we still had a nice walk back to the car. I half expected to see my friends, Karen and Jan, there since their granddaughter graduated but did not. At least, NOT until I was at the car!! I heard this familiar voice calling, "Kim? Is that you???" and sure enough, parked right behind us was Karen and Jan!!! It had been years since we saw each other and winter does not count since we are covered head to toe, but their daughter, Kelly, pointed me out to them. And today again, I ran into them at the garden show across from Mom's apartment building. She has family in Jacksonville so plans are being made now for them to come see me and them, of course!
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Today's garden show was absolutely fantastic! Beautiful floral baskets, lawn ornaments, craft items, food tents, and soooo many people that I knew! It was like going to Copp's and Wal*Mart to see people, all rolled into one! People I used to work with at Shady Lane, some from church, some from high school, old neighbors, and Late's Restaurant serving perch and cheese curds! Kerry had a blast and so did the rest of us. Lots of walking and standing these past few days, time to rest at home a bit. This morning, very early, the air was filled with sirens and more sirens (AGAIN!!! Another fire!!) With the windows open, it sounded like they were coming through the parking lot so Kerry got dressed to follow them. This time a vacant house was ablaze three blocks west of Mom's. And then the noisy birds and the train whistle and Kerry's coming and going....I need some sleep!

Friday, June 11, 2010

It's raining cats 'n dogs!

And on Alayna’s graduation day yet, too! I became fully awake when I heard the roll of thunder and the raining pouring but was sort of wakeful from the song bird choir in the tree outside my opened window. Yes, an open window in what feels like the winter here. Today’s high temperature is predicted to be 66 above zero, and the location of the graduation ceremony is yet to be determined. Ordinarily, the graduates at Lincoln High do a magnificent entrance processional from their high school doors, down long steps in the ‘bowl’ where the chairs and bleachers are set up. The girls wear beautiful gowns, often their prom dresses and the boys generally wear suits or tuxedos. With there being hundreds and hundreds in this class, the processional is quite something to behold. The last one I viewed was my nephew, JR, in 2005, and the weather was good enough to hold it outdoors. When I say ‘viewed’, I mean that Justin and I were not ticket holders for the bleachers so we could watch from above, as it were, and I got great photos using my telephoto lens. This year, not likely to happen as I realized too late that my camera was on the table at home, not quite making it to the suitcase after the preschool graduation service! Rats!
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My travel to WI was nearly without incident. While waiting for my flight in Cincinnati, and alarm and flashing lights went off, a voice telling the pending passengers that an emergency has been detected and we were to proceed to the nearest exit in an orderly fashion. At first, no one really moved, and I watched to see what the woman at the gate desk was going to do. She was closing drawers and locking them, securing things, it seemed, so I began gathering my things to proceed orderly to the exit. An older lady sitting near me asked, “Does that mean us?” and I told her it did, but just then another loudspeaker announcement came on, reporting a false alarm, no need to evacuate. The lights and sirens kept going for a long while yet after the all clear but at least we didn’t have to go outside and then likely come back in through security again! I think someone burnt some toast in a restaurant which set off the alarms initially. Good thing I don’t work in a restaurant in an airport!!!
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Linda and I made our connections perfectly timed as I pulled my suitcase out the doors of the terminal as she pulled up to the curb. The sun warmed the air and the wind was strong but it felt very good. The night before it was in the 50’s when we spoke and I had 85 degrees, quite the difference in temperatures! Linda and I stopped at a family restaurant for a light lunch (and so she could use the bathroom!) before we headed to Northwestern Publishing House to pick up, among other things, some wedding bulletins for church. She was using her Garmin GPS to navigate with but it was sending us on all backroads and not the most efficient way. I asked her if perhaps it was programmed to avoid highways and freeways, but she didn’t know for sure. It certainly seemed that way! Later, we asked Tommy about it and he sort of laughed, remembering he had programmed it that way for their ride home from northern IL last weekend, wanting to take a scenic route home…oops!
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Eventually we did find NPH and managed to shed a few tears while reading the beautiful wall plaques and hangings, with the Bible verses special to us. We did each find a thing or two to buy, including something for Alayna’s graduation, a book or two, and Linda even got water bottles with Bible passages printed all over them. The Garmin again wanted us to roam through areas of Milwaukee we should not be driving through so we did an override and followed Good Hope Road to the freeway, killing the GPS once we found I-43. “Recalculating….Recalculating….Recalculating….Oh, just do what you want, I give up!!!”, it said to us ladies.
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As we got closer to Manty, plans were made with the appropriate parties to have supper at the Green Street. Linda and I swung by to pick up Mom, Jill, and Lynn who fit rather snugly into Linda’s backseat. Tommy drove himself to the tavern and worked the barroom prior to our being seated. We knew people there, some of them related to my bro-in-law, David. Always, always we know someone at the Green Street Tavern! Linda dropped us off again at Mom’s and I finally got my stuff hauled upstairs and got settled in. My Dramamine had kicked in, making me quite drowsy so Mom and I both went to bed early. I slept until 8:00 a.m. central time, which would be 9:00 my time, so I guess I was tired! Judy J. had picked me up Wednesday a.m. just before 6:00 which meant I was up at 5:00 with a disturbed sleep, as usually occurs when I set the alarm. My neighbors were also going to the airport and offered to take me along but Judy said it was okay, she was up and already had me loaded in. If only we’d known though….
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Yesterday Mom and I went to Wal*Mart to pick up some scrips for her and I bought a box of silver remover which I applied last night. Alayna needs us all to look our best for her graduation today! At least, I will. Kerry cooked our food on the grille last night after she arrived, in the rain. We managed to preserve the lighted grille by putting the trash can cover over the coals to keep them dry. Once the coals were nicely and white, she put the meat on and then covered them again with the same cover. It was certainly sterilized from the heat and flames, not actually touching the food. Lynn and Mom had the table dressed by the time Jill, Kerry, and I got upstairs with the food and we enjoyed our picnic supper together. Danny even came up and had a hot dog with us.
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Alayna came over after 9:00 pm with the tickets for graduation seating and visited with us. She said to watch the news this a.m. and listen to the local radio station for news on the event, whether it will be moved indoors or not. This gov’t. high school does everything they can to hold the graduation outdoors, only a few times having to move it inside due to bad weather. I told her that the orchestra will have to play the processional song really fast in order to keep things moving along in case it clouds up again. We pictured the girls running with their lovely gowns, pushing and shoving down the long stairs to beat the rain. Not too much pomp and circumstance in that case! No moving along in an orderly fashion at all!!!