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......
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. 
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.
