Photos from the weekend

Our guests enjoyed seeing Justin again. Some of the ladies had not seen him in ages, and he was glad to see them again, too. He is wearing his Packer shirt for which Hal mocked him---Hal's a Cowboy's fan!

Our Sunday began with Bible study, where Hal opted to sit with Carol and Cliff. Rosalie sat at the table with me

After church we greeted guests at my house, where Justin was waiting for us. He had a few minutes to visit with Hal and Rosalie alone before getting busy putting the snacks and beverages out for our other guests.

Linda O., on the right, is chatting with Louise B.

Rosalie is leaning in to better hear the conversation

Judy C. and Louise chat at the table while Joe Z. and Rosalie catch up with each other

My dear friend, Rosalie!

Louise is making a point in her conversation, as Hal listens in. Fred, Louise's spouse, had been there earlier and had a chance to catch up with Hal. They had worked together at Cecil Field years ago when it was an active base

Linda O. and Judy J. visiting in the river room. More folks had been there but I was tardy grabbing the camera. Others were not able to come but did see the Brazee's at church for a bit.

The Sunday recap

It felt almost like normal around here for me, more than normal, having a houseful of people, smiling and laughing and talking and munching. It was a wonderful feeling. Let's begin before church, though. I left home around 8:00 a.m., riding down in the elevator with Jeff as he was already hard at it, moving stuff between the unit they were renting from our neighbor, Donna, on the 5th floor, and their own condo. He said he was tired since they had been unpacking and getting settled until midnight and were up again at 6:00 a.m. Jeff will look forward to going to work to rest, flying his freight around the USA or around the world!

The reason I left home so early was I needed to stop at the store, wanting Publix hot dog buns, plus some plastic cups for serving the refreshments. The preschool at church likes to have Apple Jax or Cheerios for their snacks and I was delighted to find a Buy One/Get One offer on this cereal, right as I came in the door. As I told the check-out lady, I am glad I don't have to buy cereal and milk every week like families with kids must do, because the box of cereal was over $4. I cannot even tell you how much a gallon of milk costs, I have no clue, but know it is not cheap. Once checked out, I headed over to church where Judy C. was the only one on the site besides Pastor. It was Fellowship Sunday so she was busily setting up her trays of sandwiches for after church. I kept running to the door to look out to see if Hal and Rosalie were there yet. Finally, I saw their red truck coming down Argyle Forest and was waving like nuts as Rosalie waved back. The Douglas's got to them first as they were getting out of their van just as Hal pulled in. Rosalie came walking up toward the church, then, where I was chatting with Ethel and we just hugged and hugged, and one of us cried, I know for sure one of us did. Of course, Hal got hugged, too, but it's not the same as my friend and me.

We went inside where I introduced them to Pastor K. and got settled for the opening devotion. Only 7 kids were there for Sunday school yesterday, sad to report. The adults went to the Fellowship Hall for Bible study, a cursory look at Acts, with the use of a slide-show done sort of cartoon-style, with a smattering of satellite images of the Mediterranean region and scenes of blue water with cliffs. That really made me smile, to see the blue sea, especially since talking with Sabin about his condo in Turkey the day before. Anyway, after class Hal and Rosalie got a chance to visit with many of the folks they knew and even with some who knew them but Rosalie did not remember! Some had come to GS after Brazee's had left so were not at all familiar. As always, they sat in the back pew, saving me a seat for when I was ready to sit down after singing with the choir. Our little choir sang a song from the Supplement, an African spiritual called "I Will Sing", which tied in with the theme about the Lord being our light. At rehearsal Wednesday night, I offered to wear my caftan for Sunday's service.....But, 'we' can't complain because it IS in the Supplement and that is what we want to use. It was well sung and well received, telling everyone that the Lord is our light!

After church for the Fellowship time, my friends were able to reacquaint themselves with folks, with Hal wandering over to the piano to speak with Robbie, who was our musician of the day. Hal and Rosalie were impressed with his playing, how he has grown up!, and Hal asked Robbie to play a hymn for him. Hal calls it "Isaiah" but I am not sure of the whole title, with the 'surely it is God who saves me, I will trust in Him and not be afraid..." running through it. We toured the classroom building before heading for home where Justin was already waiting for us. Rosalie rode over with me and Hal followed with the truck. Justin had a little while to greet and chat with them before folks began arrive. Then, my guests enjoyed the view while Justin and I got the refreshments ready. Justin was a big help in the kitchen, wanting to make everything look nice. He located the maroon dinner napkins his grandma had made years ago when he was into napkin folding, and he used them in the chip baskets and as a placemat for the beverages.

Gradually folks began to come and it was absolutely wonderful! When Linda O. came in, she carried a bouquet of flowers for me, as the hostess, and I was just delighted! Later, as I walked through the rooms, Linda said to Judy J., "Look at her face! Even her eyes are shining!" because I was so happy to have my friends in the rooms again. Louise and Fred came, former members, and Fred worked with Hal at Cecil Field years ago. Louise housed Rosalie during the funeral week as they lived in the same community we did. She goes to St. Peter LCMS now and said she seldom sees anyone out and about, even though Twila and Judy J. live on the Island. And me, right here in The Palace, where she comes to play bridge with Rosemary, my upstairs neighbor!! Now she will pop in when around here, I made her promise! The Phillips were a no-show unfortunately and I was unable to reach the Gould's. Rosalie gave me a phone number for them, and when I called, left a long message extending my invitation. Later, I did a reverse phone number check and found that number belongs to someone else now, who lives on Fleming Island, so I expected some strangers to show up at my door. But, whoever it was I called, they didn't come either. At first I was afraid I didn't have enough snacks but it worked out perfectly and was glad Justin suggested making the sugar cookies. As the three of us sat at the dinner table last night, my two houseguests polished off the cookies, after enjoying their bowl of beef vegetable soup! We sat and talked until 10:00 pm, at least Rosalie and I did, as Hal fell asleep in the chair after a certain point. What an AWESOME day it was!

This a.m. we are going to have breakfast at Grumpy's before I head to Bible study and they to see their former neighbor on Red Oak. Hal wants to ride out past the former base where he was stationed from, Cecil Field, and then head for home. He is the Head Elder for his church, and is training some men for service in the church. Just like old times, just like old times......

Lovin' my Saturday afternoon

When dusting the frames today, I decided to scan this photo into the computer for sharing purposes. Timmy was 2 1/2 when this photo was taken...he is posing with giant crayons which I cropped out of this photo.

The morning began early, awake before 6:00 but I had a good night's sleep. Immediately I wanted to find out what was happening in Egypt since they are so many hours ahead of us. One of my FB friends had heard or read that the Museum of the Antiquities had been looted and this was so upsetting. In searching on-line I could find nothing indicating they had been able to breech the security, and in one article, it said young men had formed a human barrier to prevent folks from taking over the museum. It was just over 10 years ago that I was there and saw such amazing things, including some of King Tut's belongings and Ramses II, who looked pretty good for his age! It would make me sick to think of hoodlums making off with ancient artifacts and treasures. Like my friend said in his posting, thinking that the museum had been violated already, Ken reported he felt less badly about stuff from Egypt and its treasures being spread around to other countries. At least some of it will be safe, at least for now. Let's pray the unrest will settle out soon so the oil and other trade can continue without skyrocketing prices. A week ago, who was concerned about the security of the Suez Canal?

On with my day---I got busy in my kitchen, cooking up a kettle of vegetable beef soup, using the recipe obtained years ago from a Realtor at Eagle Harbor. She had brought a giant tub of this soup to our house for consumption during the funeral week, and those that had some simply raved about it. She shared the recipe with us and I am using it today, in fact, last night already, as I made a batch of vegetable beef soup without beef for my downstairs neighbors. The recipe suggests letting the soup sit overnight so I took it down to them around noon today for their dinner tonight. The hamburger for my portion of the batch was already browned so this a.m. I got it from the fridge, and began pouring the ingredients into the kettle. It will also sit overnight for serving tomorrow if anyone wants some. Justin discovered my electric soup pot in the pantry yesterday when putting something away (out of sight, out of mind!) so I might get that out...I don't know yet.

Last night I baked a store-bought 5 cheese lasagna which I took down for their dinner. After I dropped it off, I went upstairs and was busy in the kitchen, cleaning up the mess from my cooking, while reheating some leftovers for my dinner. Not long after getting up there, Jeff came to knock on my door, wondering if I was not going to join them. I have a rule about that---if you get another invitation, take it! Not really expecting Jeff and Tracy to be up to company on the first of their moving days (finished it up today), it turned out to be a nice time. Cassidy went to dinner with her friends but we grown-ups enjoyed the lasagna and some mushroom hors d-oeurves Jeff made. Tracy had run to Mandarin to visit MamMa before dinner so we waited for her to get back before eating. I brought my own soda down with me and some raspberry rum to have with my dinner since I do not drink wine. I must be the only one in my building, besides Ellen, who is not a wine drinker as a rule. I am the first one in the building to get a look at the finished project, sort of a bittersweet tour since this happened from my pipe breaking! You know? They made some other changes as long as the place was torn apart, adding closets, moving walls, enlarging the laundry room, adding a shower in the master bathroom, and the best part, in my opinion, a motorized retractable screen for their open patio. It can be used almost year round now, since they have a fire pit for warmth. Not sure I would be warm enough but they might be!

I digressed! Go figure! My former waitress friend from Longhorn, Patty, was able to come today to do the dusting and polishing, getting things ready for tomorrow. Hopefully the clean will last two weeks, and even longer. Sherry had come to do it November but has gotten a full time job in home care so was unable to come. Good thing Patty was available though she usually does not clean on Saturdays. It was so good to see her again, I even took a picture to show the other Bible study ladies. Patty always has a story to tell, her latest beau, planned trips to Italy where her extended family lives, and so on. She is a good worker and 'swept' through the formal rooms, river room, and mine in about three hours. She told me the family room was the dustiest of them all, which so surprised me since I find my bedroom to be the worst! Of course, I spend all my time in here which would make it seem that much dustier. When she was dusting off my shelves and such, I did the shelf along my desk, where my hymnal lies. No sooner did I dust the cover, it was white again! This time I am blaming the construction going on downstairs but when it's over, then what will I blame for the dust???

The day was bright and sunshiny, not cold at all, nearing 70 above! I am so glad it is nice for Hal and Rosalie's visit, would hate to have nasty weather while they are here. At one point I stepped outside and had a chat with Sabin, my Turkish friend. He told me that he spoke with his brother, Osman, who is retired and living back in Turkey, telling him that he saw me yesterday. Osman moved us several times over the years, both household and office, and asked Sabin if I still had my Turkish flag. How funny is that??!! All those miles and all those years and Osman wonders about me. Sabin told him I did have the flag hanging up in my room. When I saw him last fall when moving Jeff 'n Tracy out, Sabin told me that if I want to go back to Turkey for a visit, I can use his condo. Today he told me this again, telling me that the train and bus stations are within walking distance from the condo, only 30 minute ride from Istanbul. Hmmmm.....maybe someday, but right now, things are not favorable or safe for international travel.

Last night, I had to chuckle a bit, because Jeff was so excited about being back in their house. He missed his ovens, he said, telling me that the kitchen is his domain. Jeff is a pilot for FedEx and is gone sometimes weeks at a time, and then home weeks at a time. When he is home, he cooks and cooks. I told him about buying the house on the lake, which was pitched as having a gourmet kitchen. I asked, "Does it have an ice maker and a microwave? If so, we're good!" Who needs a five-burner gas stove and all that---not me?! At least I got to practice my cooking skills in making the kettles of vegetable soup. And again, when I make my breakfast casserole to serve Monday for breakfast. I have to make it on Sunday as the recipe, again, suggests it sit in the fridge overnight before baking. Justin suggested I bake some of my sugar cookies which I bought before CHRISTmas but was too sick to bake. He thinks they will make the house smell good....but he is also hungry for some sugar cookies. Let's go make the house smell good!

I’m hot!

Can you believe it? I am warm, not quite hot, with the sun shining on my face and shoulders, causing me to squint just a bit and it feels so wonderful! I am wearing a sweater with a turtleneck under it, my fuzzy slippers and jeans. Only a few moments ago I turned off the space heater alongside my desk as it is not needed at this time. I thought Justin would be here already, but let me know he was enroute. I hope he can get the chores done before he has to leave again…. My boy likes to talk as much as I do so that often slows the process of getting things done. Not a multi-tasker unless he is listening to the radio programs while cleaning. But must stop to talk and that is non-productive!

My mistake---he is here and working but does not have to be at his appointed place until 3:00 pm. He is currently making the guest beds up for Hal and Rosalie, but I hear him talking on the phone at the same time. He has a gizmo to wear in his ear, as part of his cell phone earbuds, so he can talk on the phone hands free. When he talks to me on that when he is working, I have a tough time hearing on occasion because of the wind blowing or other background noises the speaker picks up. When he is in the car, it works just fine for both of us.

He has enough time now to go to the store with me so he ‘can do the heavy lifting’, his words. We are being careful not to mess with my back so he offered to do this with and for me. Isn’t that nice of him? Since I need soda, beer, and other heavy items, this will be great and get it all upstairs at one time instead of as needed. All the chores on the list are completed and he is now sitting on my bed with a needle and thread, repairing the rope used for the church pews, to close areas off. He is stitching the loop back together and is wishing for a thimble. I have no thimble and am just glad I had a spool of thread! Fortunately, I had red thread, go figure!

Back again, having finished the shopping and getting it all upstairs. He also got down on hands and knees to wipe out the bottom of my freezer, cleaning up the mess from when my soda can exploded several months ago. We got the ingredients needed for veggie soup which I am making in both meat eater and vegetarian-styles so I can share with my downstairs neighbors who are moving back in this weekend. Earlier today the workmen were still at it, even though the movers were due to arrive about 10:00 a.m. I guess the rain on Tuesday delayed the carpenters who had set up their saws on the open patio. No running electrical tools in the rain and during a lightning storm!

I had asked Jeff what I could make for them to eat that was vegetarian and he said, “Anything-----just leave the meat out…” which seems easy enough. But I have troubles wrapping my brain around that concept. So, the vegetable soup will be good, as well as the four cheese lasagna that I bought at Winn-Dixie. Justin read through the ingredients and saw nothing indicating meat or its by-products so that is what I am making tonight. Half for them, and the other half for me and my guests on Sunday night. It should reheat nicely, I think.

During the night I was awake about three times for no apparent reason, even though I took half a pain pill at bedtime. Guess that was not the best idea. Hence, today finds me a bit weary, besides the shopping. Rosalie called this a.m. to let me know they are still on schedule for Sunday, which is great. So far, besides my time with Justin, I have had at length conversations with Joanne and Gretchen. Gretchen expressed her laughs at being able to laugh in the middle of the day---just another service I offer! Ice pack, here I come!

Happpy birthday, Mom!!!

Today is my mom’s 86th birthday and we thank the Lord for those years! Yes, we really did so after our Bible study today, where Pastor Hoyer asked for blessings on her 86 years. And she was too busy today for me to call her and sing to---had to leave my song on the answering machine!

My mom, Kathy, seated with her older sister, Marie, standing behind her

Such an interesting Bible class we had today, even though we strayed a bit from our lesson. I am trying to recall exactly how we got moved over but one of the ladies brought up a conversation she overheard and then participated in, while taking her son for a haircut. Two young barbers and one elderly barber were at work on heads, with one of them having an 85 year old man in his chair. The customers were discussing where they were going after they died, such as Riverside Cemetery, the National Cemetery, and so on. Rita could not prevent herself from jumping with, “When I die, I am going to sing in the angel choir in heaven!” The older man expressed that he was not going straight to heaven, that he and his family prayed day and night to shorten his stay in purgatory. Wow, just imagine…

Rita said that she tried to ‘witness’ about her confidence but the older barber quickly changed the subject to football, probably wisely so. She was wishing she had a business card from the church to give to the man so he could call Pastor and talk with him. Pastor Hoyer said that would be fine but, “Oh, my! What a wonderful opportunity for you to tell him about the Savior….”and went on to recite some passages from memory to use when such a situation presents. We talked about Jesus’ words from the cross when He declared “It is finished!”. Pastor said this meant something else, a financial term from the Greek but couldn’t immediately come up with the expression. Justin gave me the knee bump of encouragement so I offered, “Tetelestai?”, and he said, “Yes, tetelestai!”

(I know this word, besides being one of the words from the cross, because my friend, Rosalie, uses this expression when she finishes a project or accomplishes something. I heard it last 10 years ago, when Mom and she were in pursuit of just the perfect art piece Rosalie wanted to donate to Precious Lambs in memory of Timmy. She found a Greg Olson piece, not the one she set off to get but one where the child on Jesus’ lap more closely resembled Timmy, and declared, “tetelstai!”. It hangs in the hallway of the classroom building at this time.)

When discussing Bible passages to use when witnessing, my mind went to passages I cherish and have included one here, from Job 19: “Oh, that my words were recorded, that they were written on a scroll, that they were inscribed with an iron tool on lead, or engraved in rock forever! I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes— I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” That last part is my favorite….but I have many favorites.

Before we knew it, class was over and we were heading out. As I picked up my Bible and purse, suddenly I got a gripping pain between my shoulder blades and my breath was caught for a bit. At first I didn’t say anything but asked Justin to please carry my Bible for me, as I talked with Judy J. on the phone. She was meeting us for lunch at Mimi’s Café so I had to tighten up our arrangements. Then I explained to Justin what had just happened with my upper back and expressed my concern that I cannot be laid up this weekend!!! There is too much to be done before and when my company gets here!!! On the ride over to the Mall, I took a couple Ibuprofen, enjoyed my meatloaf and mashed potatoes, at least part of my lunch, and then came home to lie on ice packs most of the afternoon. All is well right now, and I pray it stays that way. I hate it that this came from absolutely nowhere and gives me a feeling of being unsettled. Nothing new for me!

Speaking of being unsettled, while I was with my ice pack and listening to the radio programs, I was also listening to my downstairs neighbors vacuuming. Either they were or the workmen were hard at it, cleaning things up after the construction. Tomorrow the movers are coming to move them back into their home, with hopes of finishing the job on Saturday. It will be so wonderful for them to get back into their home again, being out of it, so to speak, since the Great Flood at the end of September. They asked me to join them at La Napolera for dinner tonight but due to my questionable upper back situation, opted respectfully to decline this time. I do look forward to seeing “my Turkish friends” come tomorrow and Saturday…good thing Justin is coming to put things to right around here Friday morning!

Justin has a busy couple of days coming up, besides coming over here in the morning. He was ‘volunteered’ to work on the Extreme Home Make-Over going on in our county, helping the framer. Justin told us at lunch that he stinks with a hammer and I suggested that perhaps he would be measuring and cutting….not much comfort there either. I am sure he will do well, and who knows? He might be working with other folks he knows, like Jimmie W., who is doing the trim work. He works for the builder in charge of the project, but will be doing the trim work in the dark of night. Brenda N., who called me tonight, said it is quite the production, in more ways than one, very “Hollywood”, everything has to be done just right for the cameras, and then redone again. Nothing just happens on these shows, you know. For one ‘take’, John, her boss, was working in short sleeves, but then put his jacket back on. They came and told him for the next take he had to take the jacket off, for ‘continuity’ purposes, even though it was freezing out there!

Anyway, back to Justin’s weekend---on Saturday he will drive down to Palm Coast to the facility where Marian and Biff’s belongings are stored. He must extricate a day bed, and a few other things, as on Sunday Biff is moving up from South Florida to an assisted-living facility in Palm Coast. I am not sure what the status is for Marian to move up but at least one of them is going to be closer to family. Justin will be here with us on Sunday to hang out with Rosalie, at least for a while anyway. I cannot expect him to sit here the entire time, but at least have a chance to catch up with Hal and Rosalie, and some of the others from Good Shepherd whom he has not seen in a while, like his Grandma Nichols and Aunt Jean! I am so excited about this weekend!!!

Happy birthday, Mom!!! Glad you enjoy the flowers and the haircut!! Thanks, Linda, for being such a dear friend!!!

The sun is back!

Yay! I feel the warmth of sunshine on my face and shoulder, making me squint a bit, but happily so! It is glimmering on the river, there is blue sky, only a bit of clouds layered here and there, and no wind. We woke to wind but that has since ended and it seems quite still. All is right with the world! Afternoon and evening yesterday around here was quite different---often I could not see across the river, or even to the palm trees in the basin. When Emily, my friend, was on her way toward home, she called to ask me if I had seen any water spouts on the river, as she was about to cross on the Buckmann Bridge. Oh my! Because I was listening/watching my radio program, not live feed, I had no idea that there were tornado watches and warnings around the area. Immediately I turned on the TV and gave Emily the reports as she drove along. I also gave her the go-ahead to drive across the bridge, as she suffers from periodic anxiety attacks when it comes to the bridge. She said she was doing fine, but just wanted to make sure---some help I am! She knew more about it than I did and I live right here!

Various areas that often flood did, and folks with rain gauges will have their own measurements, but I did hear reports of up to 2” of rain in places. A house in Mandarin, across the river from me, was reportedly struck by lightning and had slight damage, found only after the firemen chopped through the roof---that is pretty scary, if you ask me. Only smoke at first, but then they found the smoldering fire. I am glad they are trained so well. Further south from my county, a funnel cloud was observed but did not touch down, thank the Lord. The rain was coming down so heavily that I could not, did not, care to venture to the car to get my 12-packs of soda. Instead, I called Ming Moon, ordered some dinner, and oh yes, please bring me Diet Pepsi while you're at it! Mom laughed when I told her about it later, accusing me of making that poor delivery man go out in the rain. That is what delivery people do, and he assured me he did not mind, found it invigorating! He was a Caucasian, so his name likely was not Ping, like on "Seinfeld"!!!

Oooh, I am so excited because Twila just called about lunch!! We are going to The Red Elephant, the same place Emily and Paul took me during “Timmy Week”, where I poured soda down my front! I have my free appetizer card and Twila will get her free elephant ear for dessert for being a first-timer. I hope it is not too busy when we get there, perhaps I shall drive slowly across the river so the noon rush is easing a bit. Twila reported that the lake, the same one I used to live on, was choppy yet after the winds we had earlier today. Quite different than the smoothness of the water here.

When I am out, later on, I must stop at Publix for a few things before Hal and Rosalie arrive. They will be here for breakfast on Monday and I would like to make a casserole to serve them before they head for home. For one thing I need trash can liners. The 20-count box does not seem to last as long as I think it should yet something prevents me from buying the next sized box. We always make our own trouble, doing stuff like that! On Sunday my plans are not to serve an official meal but do want to have some snacks around for folks to enjoy. For drinks I will have some wine and beer, plus soft drinks, tea, and lemonade. Hal is a Michigander, so will enjoy some of the hot dogs that Judy J. brought back for me on her last trip north, natural casing Kogel’s, hence, the need for buns, chopped onions, relish, and other condiments. Since we are meeting here after first attending Fellowship Sunday, where refreshments will be served, plus some time in between for folks to grab a bite before coming over, I think light snacks will be fine. My mouth, though, is watering for one of those hot dogs! Also, my freezer holds some Newton hot dogs which were carried home from WI this last trip as well as the Boar’s Head brand of natural casing dogs which have been in there awhile. Perhaps one of my neighbors with a grille would be so kind as to cook them up for me some day….

Speaking of Newton hot dogs, today PresBO is visiting my hometown of Manitowoc, touring some manufacturing plants on the somewhat outskirts of town. I hope the weather is decent so that the lake is presentable for the press visiting with the dignitaries. It could be like when the blimp comes to a football city, showing the spectacular sites visible from above, like the sky lines or boats sitting on shimmering water. How cool it would be to see the S.S. Badger entering or leaving the port when the press is around to capture!!! Who needs high-speed rail when you have da’ Badger???

A new picture

After bath time, Gabe is hanging out with his baby brother, Angelo. Lisa titled this "He just loves his baby brother!" It's written all over his face, too!

It looks spooky out there….

…..with areas of the river obscured by what seem to be very low clouds. It is likely fog but since it is not evenly dispersed, the effect is somewhat eerie. A few minutes ago there was thunder and some lightning but not enough to coax me off my big ‘gas powered’ computer. In the morning hours the rain just pounded against the windows but it was brief, now much lighter showers which are preventing me from going to my car for a 12-pack of soda from the car. Fortunately I have a ‘stand-by’ 2-liter bottle of Pepsi here to hold me over. And I had some water already today—yay for me!

Much of the day I have been chuckling while also furrowing my brow in regard to this evening’s State of the Union Show, oops, I meant, Speech. Folks all over the media, not only on the networks I listen to and follow, are referring to the event as being ‘prom-like’, since it has been proposed to have the various congress-people intermingle in the House. The elected folks are hustling to find ‘dates’, yes, they are referring to each other as being dates, to sit next to during the speech. We shall see how this all plays out, making a joke out of this whole thing. Trying to put a wedge between the Conservatives and the Progressives by having them sit together. Clever! There has also been discussion as to whether or not certain of the Supreme Court will be there, it is their option, as they are not ‘allowed’ to participate other than to hear the report. PresBO sort of went after them last year following their handling of a case before them which he was not supporting.

I am quite proud of myself right now, I hope it lasts. A few months ago, when I had the water heater replaced, one of my new faucets in the back bathroom, the origin of the flooding, did not work. Well, the same plumber who installed the water heater came to check the faucet and ended up having to scrape and dig in the spout as there seemed to be an obstruction lodged there. It must have broken loose when the water off and then turned back on. Brian had to wiggle the faucets under the sink, which really freaked me out as I was concerned about the pipes breaking or something. Finally he got the water to flow through the spout and all was well. At least, I thought so….some time later I went in there to check on things and found that the hot side of the faucet did not work, no water came out. I felt that if I ignored it, eventually water would work, but it had not. I got my courage up today to go back there, turned the faucet to ON, and turned the little faucet under the sink. Ta-da, hot water flowed into the sink! This whole business has really turned me into a big, fat chicken in regard to water and its plumbing.

Rosalie gave me a call from the road today as Hal and she make their way our direction. They are heading first to Melbourne and will be here for church and Bible study Sunday, and the afternoon of visitors. I hope some people come. Charlie and LaMora are supposedly going to come which Hal will enjoy, as will I. I have made some phone calls to those no longer at GS and hope they get the message and call me back. When I let Joe Z. know they were coming, he got quite excited and hopefully someone from the family will see to it that he gets here. If not, well, he can greet them at church. I am a bit concerned there won’t be enough time at church, since there is a kid’s game function taking place right after the Fellowship Sunday event. Whew, what a full, fun day that will be!

Now more thunder, heavy rains and even a tornado watch for my part of the world, and south of Clay. If this keeps up, I might reconsider my trip across the river and across town to play Trivia tonight. Rats! That is something I truly do enjoy but it would be foolish for me to venture out when I do not necessarily need to. The lightning is back again, too, so I might want to finish this up quickly to shut off the big computer. 

Right now I cannot stand the smell of my bathroom, and not because of anything it would be rude to discuss. Instead, I sprayed some foaming cleaner in the shower stall and am letting it do its thing. At first the smell is not offensive but now has reached the point where it brings back bad memories for me, which I cannot put my finger on. I am thinking Justin and I might have used this product in cleaning his bathroom at the lake house, which truly WAS a bad memory!!!! Oh, the battle of wills that took place in those days, trying to get him to take care of his room and bathroom!!!!

Thursday is my mom’s birthday and in thinking about the lake house, I am reminded of the time one of my sisters had flowers delivered to Mom at my house, for her birthday. This was when Mom still wintered with me, and I had a cat named Boots. As she sat at the dinette table working on her cross-word puzzles, Boots would pester her. The day the flowers arrived, she placed them in the center of the table for all to enjoy. Boots absolutely claimed those flowers for himself, wrapping his very robust body around the vase, as though to keep Mom away from them. It was so comical to watch!! 

Several years ago, shall I say many years ago?, Mom made a small pillow cover for a crocheted pillow we had at our house, blue with pink elephants on the fabric. Justin was quite a fan of “epheloes”, or as we know them, elephants, so his doting grandmother fixed him up with this special pillow for his stuffed animals, I believe. Whatever happened to that pillow and its cover, I cannot recall, but a few years ago, Lynn gave me a special pillow dedicated to sisters, about the same size as the other pillow. Well, I use that pillow every single day, and think of Lynn every single day as I prop my head on it in bed. Due its repeated use and consequent launderings, the pillow is getting holy, not in a good way holy. There are lateral tears in the fabric on the non-embroidered side, in more than one area, and stitching would not prevent further tearing as the fabric is weakened there. IF I knew where that pink and blue elephant pillow cover was, I could press it into service on this pillow and thus, prevent my head from going between the iron uprights on the headboard. I am not about to go tearing into those plastic bins again so will have to tolerate a less than attractive but holy pillow!

I am so ready for summer!

What is a blog posting from me without talk of the weather? More interesting, I am sure---ha ha! Last night was a frost warning again, and one of the ladies at Bible study this a.m. reported having to scrape her windshield. On Sunday morning my friend, Gretchen, made us all laugh by telling how she used her AARP card to scrape her car windows. She had two of them, and wondered aloud why they sent her two. I piped up that when you reach a certain age, they automatically send two cards. She will be 85 this year, I think. A couple years ago at ThanksLiving, Lisa used a library card to scrape her windows much to the chagrin of her cousin, Alayna, who worked in the library. Alayna was appalled to see a library card so horribly abused! It seems that closer to the water, like where I am, the frost is not as bad since my windows were perfectly clear both yesterday and today.

Later in the week it will warm up again during the day, but also have lows in the 30's. David, my bro-in-law, reported actual temps below zero on Sunday a.m. in Holmen, WI. He said they got to church okay and when folks complained about the cold, he assured them with, "At least it kills the mosquitos....". Good attitude, David! The past two nights the moon has risen, or become apparent, about 9:30 pm and is bright orange at first. I just love that but I would like to see it sooner, before it moves halfway across the sky.

Tonight, on TV, there is a movie on that I have never seen before, although it is an oldie and supposedly a goodie. "Terms of Endearment", about a challenging relationship between a mother and daughter, played by Shirley MacClaine and Debra Winger, also Jack Nicholson. There were Oscars handed out to the stars, I believe. Hopefully it will hold my interest long enough before I change the channel. Monday nights are somewhat slow for TV viewing so I appreciate it when there is a movie on to watch.

This morning before Bible study I got busy with a needle and thread, repairing a tassel that came off of my Jaguar pompom gloves. I wanted them to be perfect when I showed them off to the gang today. They are impossible to wear when doing anything else besides showing them off, though, could not even carry my soda can when sporting the gloves! What was most remarkable was first of all locating the thread and needle, and then managing to thread the needle, with only one attempt! It must have worn me out because when I was finished with the repair, I closed my eyes and fell back to sleep until 9:11! To make it to class on time, I should leave about 9:40 a.m. and managed to beat about half the ladies in getting there---whew!

Some folks don't have much good to say about things like Facebook but I have such great things that happen for me as a result of my being on FB. Besides 'meeting' some nice folks, I have had some wonderful conversations as well. A young lady named Rachel asked me to be her "Friend" on FB, having seen me at her grandparent's 50th wedding anniversary at Victory last November at Victory. Not long after Christmas, she went shopping with her family at a warehouse store and found a $10 bill in the parking lot. There was no one around to claim it so she bought a used book inside the store with the money. The book was written by Dale Evans, and was about a daughter Roy Rogers and she adopted from Korea, who died after a few years. An inscription in the book, in pen, described the purpose of gifting this book to the receiver was 'because of her love of children'. That is what prompted Rachel to buy the book. So, the other day, Rachel asked me about Timmy in a private message so I told her the story. She wrote back that she is nearly finished with the book and feels compelled to give it to me. That is the nutshell version of this story and it moved me to know that this near stranger, who is my 'Friend' will soon become more than that. I do swear though that it is a conspiracy by book readers to gang up on me!

Speaking of friends, tomorrow evening is Trivia night with Stephanie and Erica. Erica sent me a message via FB asking me if I was cramming for Trivia and told her I was listening to some guys on the radio discuss the football games from yesterday. Hopefully that will give us the edge when the questions are about sports. We just stink when it comes to the sport category, even when we have Erica's friend, Anthony, with us. The answers are obscure sport figures or statistics, just like in Trivial Pursuit. Even last week, when Stephanie's friend was with us, I was still the oldest in the bunch! But not the wisest, because we still did not win. Rats! But the food is good, and the company fantastic...to win at least once, would be just over the top!!!

Did you hear? The Packers are going to the Super Bowl!!

Oh, my goodness! Such excitement, here in my home, and all over Facebook...My 'friends', most of them, are Green Bay Packer fans, too, and my homepage was simply lit up all through the game. Fortunately my cell phone picks up the FB notices as well, because part way through the game, my screens in this house went to green (not green and gold!), audio but no video. I called Jessica upstairs to find out if theirs went out too, and it had not so she asked me to come watch with them. It seems they have the HD stations and had no interruption but several areas around here did, even Stephanie on the Southside was out. I understand it lasted about 15 minutes, something to do with Comcast locally for those not with the upgraded packages. Jessica and Travis, and his brother, Todd, were watching, and for dinner had spicy chili and jalepeno corn bread. They offered me some, of course, but I had food cooking in my oven. I made a little something called "Bear ribs" instead of spare ribs.

At the start of the 4th quarter, I came back down here, as Stephanie let me know the picture was back on, and ate my dinner. Even cooked some little ears of corn that I had in the freezer, having wrapped them in foil with some butter pats. Definitely need some flossing after that! It has been a long time since I had an ear of corn! As I was finishing my dinner, the Packers beat the Bears, which called for the celebratory bowl of ice cream...so now, I am stuffed and ready to sleep! Do you not love those Coors Lite commercials with the coaches at the press conferences? What a stitch!! David, my bro-in-law, is absolutely thrilled about the Pack going to the Super Bowl, and says either opposing team will be a winner for WinCraft, but he personally likes the trash talking from the Jets. I guess it's 'Go Steelers'! David thinks the Packers can beat either of them!

Next weekend, when Hal and Rosalie are here, there is a Game Day event geared for preschool to junior high kids, actually all ages I guess, but we will be tied up here with the Open House. The next weekend is the Super Bowl and then Timmy's remembrance gathering here at my house. It will be busy the next few weeks and happily so.

On another note...

....it is bright outside right now. Not necessary sunshiny but at least not the heavy fog blanket over the river and no rain on my windows. Someone told me yesterday it was okay to have the rain because we needed it so badly but really, the sun would be most welcome periodically during the day as well. If it is going to be grey and cloudy, it should rain and have it over with, instead of just threatening to do so. In my humble opinion....

As I drove home from Victory last night I had hoped to be guided by the moon, or have it light my path, but, did not. In fact, the wipers had to come on along the way, but only for sprinkles. For dinner, I met Linda O. at Times Grille where I enjoyed a lovely dinner of meatloaf with mashed potatoes. What a portion! Of course, a to-go box came to the table and I will enjoy that meal once more today, or tomorrow---we shall see! Linda and I got caught up before going to Victory to see and hear Chris Driesbach. What an amazing story this man has to share, not only the destruction and rebuilding of his church and member's homes after Hurricane Katrina and the resulting flood, but his own personal 'destruction' and rebuilding when he came to faith.

A self-confessed atheist, he had made friends with his neighbor in Anchorage, AK, a pastor named Jim, who did one-on-one Bible instruction with Chris. Chris said he looked forward to having a cup of coffee and arguing about religion with his friend, Jim. On the sixth lesson, this atheist who was too smart for God, realized that he did indeed suddenly know the Lord and what He did for him. Wow! He went from having a heart of stone to a heart of faith. After the concert and presentation, I had a chance to talk to Pastor Hoyer about what that must be like for a pastor, to have this happen right across the desk from him....At our baptism, we are washed with water and the Word, as infants, and receive the promise of salvation from the Lord. While it is obvious then what is happening, it has to be so cool to have an adult come to faith right before ones eyes. I remember one baptism at Good Shepherd when the baby reached up and touched the pastor's hand as he was applying the water....and it moved him.

In the afternoon, I had gone to the groomers for my full-moon haircut, again in the gloom and mist of the day. Nothing in me wanted to keep my date with Linda but she talked me into it and I am so glad she did. She said she was looking forward to going out, talk to someone other than her students, and have a beer. She needed me! So I went, and rejoice for it! She is teaching in the nursing program at a career technical college in the area, with one subject she is teaching being ethics in medicine. Yikes! But what a good person to have for teaching such a subject. Linda told me she teaches 20 hours a week and takes 40 hours to prep! This is something I like to hear and know. My friend told me the other day how her husband is taking college classes now and is amazed and disappointed at how unprepared the 'professor' is when he comes to class. What he is supposed to be teaching the students, he cannot figure out himself. And for big money!!??!!

Yay! the sun is coming in the window now! All is well with the world. The other day I complained to Connie, the maintenance lady here at The Palace, about the lack of sunshine, telling her I was solar powered. She looked at me quizzically and said, "Don't you have power?" and then realized that I meant personally, I am solar powered. Oh, Connie, after all this time...? Every day this week she asked me about the football game this weekend, asking if I was putting my flag out again, and so on. I am so excited about the game! I told someone last night that I don't care if I am alone to watch it or with eight people, it will be a hoot---I hope!

A bit of heart-string tugging (WARNING!!)

My posting from earlier this a.m. was to compensate for none yesterday, in case anyone is confused by the multiple postings.

The format to be used is one my friend, Jami, does in her blog though I will not make it a steady style for mine---it will just present better with the stray thoughts being assembled. This format will be named, for now, as Stray Thought Gathering:

A couple recent ‘conversations’, some in person and some via the Internet, have brought some things to mind. This might not be particular to coming off of the “Timmy Week” but the situations others are facing. Thought provoking and memory-stirring, even memory-restoring things.

© One of my friends from church wrote to me about picturing Timmy sitting on my lap in church, wearing a party hat. Those are the kind of things I hang on to, and depend upon others to help me remember. Frankly, I had forgotten about that and thanked Kristi for triggering this memory for me again.

© Hand prints, whether on glass doors or dipped in finger paint, are cherished more if the maker of them is gone.

© Counting the days, the months, the years, the decades of when a loved one left for Home is not outside the realm of normal. It IS normal and IS natural and may be part of the ritual used to grieve. Not everyone will do this, but those who do it now, or did it then, are normal. And when a person loses count, it does not mean they have forgotten their loved one, only that they lost count…maybe it was just time.

© Those mourning losses are more than only the mom and father---remember the siblings, the aunts and uncles, the grandparents, the godparents, the pastors, the classmates, the teachers, the church family, the neighbors, the family friends, the doctors and nurses the loved one interacted with, and others are most certainly grieving along with you. Let them.

© Everyone handles the loss of a loved one in their own way. Make yourself available to them and accept the fact that perhaps the person or people wish to be left alone. Honor that for a while, but then remind them or those around them that you care, send a card, make a phone call to them (DO NOT WAIT to be called!), offer to help write the ‘thank you’ cards for the money gifts or flowers or food donations. You don’t have to talk, but you do have to listen! Hugs go a long way, too.

© In my own case, I was in need of information, in need of something documented. My other friend, who lost a baby, did too. Something to hold on to. The police department sent me the police report, the fire department gave me their paperwork, and the investigators of the accident returned the toys, blanket, dog toys, and whatever else they gathered from the patio that night, in an Evidence Bag.

©When someone has a miscarriage, a stillbirth, an infant, a school-aged child, a young adult, or any one else dear to them who died, the loss is great, and should be acknowledged, whether a breath was ever taken or not.

© Things a person would not ordinarily be ‘upset’ by otherwise are now upsetting. The sound of sirens, particularly rescue vehicle sirens, make my hair stand up and might have me stop in my tracks momentarily, although, oddly enough, I cannot say I remember hearing them that night. I must have, but I don’t remember. For those who have lost infants, a baby crying can stir emotions, or for those whose kids were older, hearing other parents discuss their problems regarding kids can cause heartache. There is nothing the grieving person can do about that, it just happens and that’s it. Not every single time, but at just the right time, it seems in my case.

© A person experiencing a loss in their lives will find comfort in the little things left behind, like the green plastic knife used to buy just the right colored shirt Timmy wanted for his dad, for Christmas. The nice clerk at SteinMart took Timmy around the men’s department to find the shirt as close to the green as possible, as I hung back. A few weeks later the same sales clerk helped Justin find a suit to wear for his brother’s funeral and remembered helping Timmy select his dad’s shirt. The knife is in the memory box in my foyer hallway, alongside a toothbrush with toothpaste yet on it.

My apologies if this caused you any upset but I had to write it down and get it said. Hugs to everyone, whether you need one or not!

My early morning posting, as promised!

Last night I posted on Facebook that I was simply too tired to write last night, my eyes had had it and needed to be closed. It was before 10:00 pm when pulled the covers up and rolled over to sleep. Part of the reason for being so weary was that I was awake shortly after 5:00 yesterday morning, and no rain was falling. Like this morning, the fog is dense, totally obliterating my view across the river, almost like boards over my windows. When I went to bed last night the moon was brilliant in the sky, and it made me think of my ladies with whom I have shared this sight. Two of them wrote to me about it via Facebook, how they drove to or from somewhere by the light of our shared moon!

Even though the daytime temperatures have been somewhat warmer much of this week, when I wake up, it feels cold to me. I was burrowed in bed too long yesterday morning and then had to hustle to get ready for Bible study. On the ride over, I called Mom and caught up with her a bit. I told Mom about reading some blogs on-line and found one about apologetics, and the name of the author/host was that of her nephew's son who is an LCMS pastor in CA. Immediately I dashed off a note to his personal e-mail address, introduced myself, having met him only once when he was a child. When I was telling Mom about writing to him, I had not yet heard back from him, since the time difference is 3 hours. I did hear back from Paul later, though. He vaguely remembers attending a birthday party, I am guessing it was for his great-Grandma Sickles when she was 90, which would have been in 1976. Paul, probably now in his 40's, has had a varied career prior to the ministry and I think this will be so fun to connect all the dots in our lives, separated by miles, attached via the Internet!

My mom stays in touch with her nephew, my cousin, Don, who is the dad to Paul, with both phone and e-mail connections. Before CHRISTmas I had sent him some family photos and he was appreciative to see faces to connect with the names. I believe the last time I saw him was at my aunt's funeral, his mom, many moons ago. They live in NM now but have lived in AZ most of their married life. His parents, Delbert and Louise, lived in IN and loved to travel the US. My former spouse and I had the privilege of enjoying portions of Colorado with them in summer of 1982, at Estes Park where we met up on our vacations! Great fun and fond memories!

Bible study was a bit unusual today as our new booklets had not yet arrived, so Pastor had to photocopy a few copies for us to share. Their 'big' copier was down so he had to use a desktop copier which is not all that efficient for numerous pages. Having the copier down also prevented him from running the copies for the service folder so after class, when the repairman had left, the copies were made and immediately we went to work folding and assembling. I had time to do that as Justin needed to run back home before lunch to pick up his computer and change his laundry load over to the dryer. We were going to have lunch so I waited at church until he called to let me know he was ready.

On the way out the door I received a brief message of encouragement and a warm hug from Pastor H. Only a few moments prior to that I had gotten off the phone after making plans to meet with my friend, Carol, in the afternoon. His encouragement made our hours long conversation quite different and hopeful for healing. Yay! Carol had wanted to get together anyway and we had much to talk about---mother to mother---which was especially important this funeral month, for both of us who suffered the loss of children.

But, before our meeting, I met with Justin at Chili's in Mandarin, a change from the original plan to have Chinese food. I was in the mood for Chinese ever since Hu came for a visit. The guys on my afternoon radio show are just tearing me up, it is more fun to watch them laugh than to hear them make the jokes about 'Hu's on first?'. Ad nauseum!!! One of the guys, Stu, does not find that old bit humorous but then lowered himself to their level in the 4th Hour of the show. Hysterical!!! But Justin was hungry for something from Chili's which is right next door and I really don't care. We had the most wonderful, awesome, sweet corn soup---absolutely fantastic!! I brought home half the soup and one of the two Big Mouth Burgers, while Justin finished my fries. It was a perfect portion, from the lunch menu, and I highly recommend this to folks. Justin had a pasta dish with his, described by him as being fabulous also. Wise choice to pass on the Chinese...but I thought I would help pay down the national debt by eating at Mama Fu's Restaurant!!!

While waiting at home for Carol to arrive, I began transferring my folder and paperwork from the School of Worship Enrichment to a ring binder. Punching holes and sorting papers is quite therapeutic yet cathartic, revisiting the workshops and events of that fantastic weekend. How much more perfect could it be than on Reformation weekend???!!!?? Oh, we learned so very much at this event and wish many more could have joined us. Isn't that always the way? When we do or experience something amazing, we want to tell others all about it so they can share in it. We should be this excited about our Savior and telling others about their salvation. That was part of what we talked about in Bible study, our dual natures of saint and sinner. This is going to be good!!!

Well, I made it!

Made it through the day, and nicely so, at that. Only a few moments ago I came back from The Club where I got to see many of my friends and acquaintences whom I had not seen since before ThanksLiving. Once I went back to choir, I was tied up on Wednesdays which cramped my Happy Hour time. Those who know me know it's not the drinks that draw me there, but a chance to be with my neighbors and friends, indoors now since it's winter time. Otherwise we would be around the pool or on the sundeck, enjoying the company and the evening. Penny was there tonight, whom I had not seen in ages and was so delighted to see her! There was a mini-buffet tonight and sadly, Ellen was not able to attend, even though she was the one who invited me to go. Not her fault, she had a schedule conflict with her physical therapy. The buffet was great, serving smoked pork tenderloin, mashed potatoes, two types of veggies, salad, and apples to put over the pork. Just delicious and not too heavy a meal.

Earlier today, for lunch, Justin and I met at Sweet Tomatoes for our traditional (9 years running!) birthday remembrance for Timmy. He loved that place for some odd reason, and I think that odd reason was the brownie with 'ahs cream' and sprinkles. Justin had the entire dessert, I opted to omit the brownie portion. He had to go do some work at the 'old' office after lunch and I went to Publix to buy soda. When I was there, he called me to ask if I could swing over to the office as he had another bag of clothes to donate to Quigley House. Justin was organizing stuff in the suite which is being used for storage of office equipment and supplies, plus model home furnishings as they had to move stuff out a couple weeks ago.

This evening I am particularly tired because I was awake before 6:00 a.m., in the midst of a dream where my car was sizzling and overheating, spewing water all down the road...When I awakened, what I heard, evidently, was the rain falling against the windows. Ah! The rain permeated my sleep, water yet haunting me, but at least it was not coming through the glass or dripping from the ceiling! That's twice this week I woke with bad dreams involving water and the rain. I hope we are done with rain showers for a while. The moon is reflecting beautifully on the river right now, was shining across my bed when I walked into the room. Nice! Thank you, Lord, for that!

I am thankful for another cool thing that happened to me today. As I was leaving the grocery store, I met a lady I know named Toi, who was coming in. The last time I saw her was at Publix before Christmas and she asked me to pray for her to find a job. She asked me the same favor again today. I wish she would find something. Anyway, her daughter was at Childtime when Timmy was there. Toi asked me how I was and I told her pretty good except that today was Timmy's birthday....Before I could finish, she said, "I know it is!" Toi said that all day she was trying to think whose birthday it was but couldn't think of it, until she saw me!! She said, "Do you know that I saw you last year on this day, too? You were just coming from Sweet Tomatoes..." Oh my goodness! How in the world did this happen??? I told her, excitedly, that Justin and I had just come from there. She gave me her card and ordered me to call her next year so she can go with us to Sweet Tomatoes. I cannot wait to tell Jennifer R. about this. Jen worked at Childtime then, too. Don't you just love how the Lord works in our lives???

Oh, by the way, Jesus Triumphs Over Tragedy!

A lighter day today

Oh, my head feels a little funky yet today after a particularly rough evening last night. I know it would have been better for me to have gone to dinner or had Martie here to pass the time. Unfortunately, the weather last evening was dreadful, heavy fog and general yukkiness, which certainly dampens one’s spirits on a good day! Certainly I did not mind staying in-warm and dry-and Martie appreciated getting home safe and sound.

But, the time was free then to ‘watch’ my radio show and part of the TV show from Monday night. I caught an episode of “Seinfeld”, which made me laugh, where George decided to convert to Latvian Orthodox because he was in love with a woman of this faith. Oh, they are so shallow! Next, I watched “House”, a new episode which is unusual for me, as normally I am a rerun girl. And then the fatal mistake: I watched a Lifetime movie! A gut-wrencher, at that.

(Years ago Justin cautioned me about watching that network, warning it was not good for me to watch the types of shows aired there. Not a problem since I was not a fan of Lifetime to start with, but I found it ‘charming’ that he would be concerned for my well-being and heart already as a teenager!)

This movie last night was about a family whose son was killed in a car accident, with his girlfriend in the car, about whom they did not know. She was injured in the accident, but came to the funeral, and then showed up a few months later at their door, pregnant with their son’s baby. The mother was not handling the death of her beloved teenager well, and the dad was not handling it at all, but they took her in anyway. Without retelling the entire story, the mom found out that her son, living for 17 minutes after the crash, had been concerned for his girlfriend, not calling for his mom. This was eye-opening for her and changed the entire dynamic in their troubled home. The mourning and feelings were quite well acted and seemed very very familiar. Not being a fan of Susan Sarandon, she did a good job pulling off the aggrieved mother, and the dad, played by Pierce Brosnan, was perfect in his role. Wow, it tore me up, that’s for sure!

Besides the movie, I was also in ‘conversation’ with the mom of the little girl who died of cancer, members of Victory, in answer to a posting on CaringBridge recently. I had talked to Pastor H. about this, the upcoming three-month anniversary, especially falling right after Christmas, and sure enough, this was reflected in the mom’s posting. I think the family and I, in particular, Beth, will have a long-lasting relationship in this 'club' we never intended to join.

Today will be different though and has been already. A good night’s sleep, even a dream where I was working in the office at Victory! Today is Brent’s birthday and Sunday was Pastor H's. Only last year did I realize both these guys had birthdays during the ‘funeral week’ in 2001. Later on today, I am going to visit MamMa on my way to play Trivia with Stephanie and Erica at Johnny Angels. I feel like a winner already!!!

There is racket from downstairs today as the neighbors are having their river-facing windows replaced. No, not the result of the Great Flood, but something they had been wishing to do for some time. They might as well since the house is yet torn-asunder. The last report was the family would be able to move back into their condo around the first of February. Yes, say it, “holy cow!”---they have displaced for over four months. As I told my family and friends when in WI, unless they were here to see it, they have no idea the amount of damage which occurred that day…

With Hal and Rosalie coming for a visit, we have decided to have an open house here at my condo so folks can have a gathering place to come for an extended chat with them. Rosalie said Hal’s eyes just lit up in glee at the proposition, which is what I like to hear!

One thing I dread though is him seeing the condition of the property at GS—so much of his blood, sweat, and tears went into that landscaping years ago. At least he would not expect to see grass at this time of the year, because there is little to speak of remaining on the front yard. An errant ‘janitor’ we had a couple years ago took care of the weed situation using the wrong product, thus proceeded to kill the grass as well. I can still picture Hal out on that lawn roto-tilling the ground and laying the pipes for the sprinklers. There has not been working irrigation for several years now…which might be okay to keep the weeds down! The Sunday they are here is Fellowship Sunday where folks will be sticking around at church, so Rosalie and Hal can catch up with some folks there. We made a list of people they want to visit with, several whom had left GS, but I can play detective to track them down. I am on it!!!