...and I am writing with tears in my eyes! Only a few minutes ago I watched the final Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien and it was an awesome show! Not only was it funny, it was, of course, bittersweet. He gave a closing monologue thanking NBC for allowing him to work for them over 20 years, more than half of his adult life! Quite sweet and humble, and especially grateful to those who have supported him over the years, and these past few weeks. The final segment was Will Ferrell dressed up to look like the lead singer for Lynyrd Skynyrd, with the Tonight Show band and a few others making up a group, with Conan joining in on guitar. They played and sang "Freebird", the trademark finale song of Skynyrd's with a melancholy theme: "...if I leave here tomorrow, will you still remember me....." Will Farrell did a fabulous job and it was hard to tell the difference between him and the 'real thing'. This made me think of Ellen, my friend and neighbor, who lost her hubby, Billy, just a year ago right now. She had written to me earlier asking if I wanted to go to a play with her and some of our mutual friends but I have plans already with Justin. Nuts!!! Otherwise I would drop everything to go with them tomorrow, but I need to be with Justin at the "Bold, Fresh Tour"!! Tough one!
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After Conan's show was done (I watched it on hulu.com) I went to youtube.com to listen to a live version of "Freebird" and watched a 1975-era Billy, etal, sing and play. Yes, in answer to the question, I will remember you and do, Billy, this being your first anniversary of being called home. From his testimony to me, I am sure he is with the Lord and pray that Ellen could be comforted knowing this.
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Okay, Kim, shake it off.....I had a bit of excitement today. First order of business was to go to church to put up the fund raiser display and other items for the bulletin boards. Just when I thought I was done, I checked my mailbox and found two mailings from the Synod schools to put up. The boards are pretty full already so I had to take down a couple 'aged' pieces. My friend, Pete, appointed me the unofficial Synod school cheerleader a couple years ago so that is how I get the job of putting up the posters for the schools.
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Very easily I did the vacuum cleaning and did not wear myself out the tiniest bit. Judy R. advised me to pace, pace, pace and that is exactly what I did. The hymnals and Bibles were already neat and orderly in the pews so that saved me some work. In no time at all, I was on my way toward the Island to visit my friends at Great Hang Ups. I stopped to get myself a Route 44 Diet Coke and an unsweet tea for Julia. As I got onto the access road to the shop, my phone went off so I had to put my soda down to answer. It was Justin's voice asking me if that big cup had water in it....Busted!!!! He was on the property at our 'old' office building making a repair on the building, at our dentist's office, and spotted me going through. I told him it was soda but that I was hot from vacuuming....blah, blah, blah....
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As I was getting out of the car, phone to my ear, and two soda cups in my hands, and thinking my keys were in my pocket................................................Rats again! As the door slammed shut, I realized I had just locked my keys in the car, in my purse on the seat next to where I was sitting. Immediately I called Justin back again and asked him to swing by with his AAA card so I could call for help. He did bring it over to me and the ladies were so very happy to see him. I was told the service man would be there in 45 minutes so I was prepared to visit with my friends for that long. It was longer than that it seems but I got busy dusting while I waited and got caught up on news. We talked about being stuck in our homes (except for them working!) during the cold spell and how high the electric bills were getting this year. I hope that is over by the way! Usually the AAA guy calls to let me know where he is and to pinpoint my location but I got no such call. Instead, as I was dusting and chatting, a handsome young man came into the shop. We greeted him as though he was a client but then he asked if someone had called for a locksmith. Wow, no call from AAA and no noisy AAA truck to announce him! In about two seconds he had my door unlocked and I had my purse in my hand, complete with keys! He did not even ask me for ID or my card but I showed it to him anyway, as is protocol for AAA.
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I left very shortly after being freed, but not before Julia and Dee told me the good news about their missing cousin/nephew from a couple weeks ago. It seems, with the limited information given by the immediate family, that Camden had gone on a 'walk-about' of some sort and had finally gotten in touch with his family to let them know he was alright. After that phone call to home, the parents left immediately to get him, 5 hours each way, and dragged his sorry butt home...their words! But, our prayers were answered that Camden was found safe and well, and returned home!
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Justin was here at home waiting for me, watching Fox News with his feet up. Nice! His job was to vacuum, repair/tighten my dining room chairs and place them around the table, make the beds, and ready the rooms for the guests. He did all that and then some as we talked some more. We were not quite done yesterday, I guess. We have more time tomorrow evening, if he is not too late getting over there. He is going to a gun and knife show in the morning with his buddies (so redneck, if you ask me!) and then to use some coupons from Dave and Busters before they expire on Sunday. What a great life he has! Justin hopes to get to the theater in plenty of time, hopefully leaving some space to grab a bite at 5 Guys beforehand. I can always get something from concessions if Grove and he run late.
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Well, time for bed so I will say good night to everyone. I will be sleeping by moonlight, and I hope you all are able to do the same!
