It is quite windy outside (glad it is outside, right??) and a bit grey now although the day started out with sun. Only 48 above zero, it feels very nippy so I was able to take the fur hat and collar from Justin, with my red coat, when I went to church. The hat was not applied to my head until after church so that my hair was not smooshed under it. Pastor Hoyer is timely in his sermons with incorporating current news, and today was no exception. The text was from Isaiah 42 and talked about righteousness and justice. Knowing he wrote that sermon well before the events of yesterday in AZ, he managed to bring that tragic incident in, showing how nothing's really changed since Isaiah wrote this under the Spirit's direction. We also witnessed the adult baptism of the pre-k staff member, which is so cool to see.
I was able to see Suzanne and family at church but they had gone to the first service. Even with stopping at Wal*Mart after church, they got back home before noon. That is with an almost hour long drive each direction! The unfortunate part of this is there being no Bible study on Sunday, plus the kids leave church after the readings for 'children's church' in the kitchen. That is intended to make up for no Sunday school for the kids, and, to make up for no Bible study, various groups meet during the week to go over the sermon and discuss it. At this time, I will say, that would not be for me. At this time...
Kansas City is playing the Ravens and I got to see Michael Oher, of "The Blind Side" fame. He got a penalty, which is what drew my attention to him. There are white caps on the river, which proves just how windy it is. Yesterday the wind was making whistling noises on something on our building, not sure exactly what it was. Perhaps a rain gutter or a light fixture? Anyway, it certainly seems bitter out there! On Saturday, Jessica and Travis had an open house in their unit with the Realtor reporting a couple people coming by to check it out. I wish them well in selling it, but for selfish reasons, want them to stay. Now that a second baby is on the way, more space for a yard is needed, a regular house instead of condo-living for this growing family.
Two Judys were here for "Dinner and a Movie" last night, watching "Cinderella Man" instead of "Mathilda" as originally planned. Judy C. brought a tray full of cookies, trying to get them out of her freezer, and our dinner was homemade vegetable soup by yours truly. About midway through the movie, I heard someone at the door. There stood Jessica with a Domino's pizza in her hands, for us! They had ordered from there for dinner and did the buy one/get one deal, from which we benefited. Jessica knew I had company and brought it to us for intermission. We did just that, paused the movie and each had a slice of pizza! Judy J. took the balance home with her for lunch today. I have the best neighbors!
Judy C. had never seen Cinderella Man and said she liked it. It had been years since Judy J. and I had seen this movie so it was fresh for us as well. Some of the language was a bit much, often calling on the Lord at inappropriate times and some name-calling but nothing vulgar. We were likely more aware of it due to the captioning being on, the three of us prefer the captioning, so then we not only hear the bad words but read them also. Jim Braddock did not use the bad language, his manager and the other fighters did. What a great story and so timely, with the 'great recession' presently going on and such. He showed noble character, demonstrated hard work, and that he would do anything to take care of his family. And when he made it big again, he paid back all the 'welfare' he received! To the penny!
Earlier in my day, I made the rounds to various stores from where I had made purchases to return some items. My first stop was Steinmart where I received excellent customer service (i.e. no hassle, no sass), and the same at Kohl's. However, at Catherine's in Orange Park, I experienced rudeness and behavior unacceptable from store clerks. When I go in and spend upwards of a $100, they could not be more pleasant, but when I return an inexpensive pair of slacks, poor customer service and manners abound. I was truly a delight to work with, I don't know what her problem was!!!
While out, I stopped at the cemetery to check on things but did not find Timmy's little tree. I fear the winds relocated it, possibly a couple weeks ago already. As I told Justin, I don't like the idea that my stuff is making a mess at the cemetery but there is no way to prevent it in these winds. Folks artificial flower bouquets were rolling around and there was no way I could tell whose was whose to put them back. The vases were all okay, which was my concern, nothing there for me to worry about. Next week will mark 10 years since we had to go there to buy the burial plots and make the arrangements----imagine that!
Linda O. wants to get together for lunch or dinner next week, as does Rita. Monday is Bible study at GS with lunch at Longhorn and Martie wants to meet for dinner at the same place. I might ask her to reconsider but it is not really a huge problem for me.
