No wonder everything is covered in yellow pollen, the way the wind is blowing out there. All day long and even some yesterday, breezy breezy breezy. The temps on Tuesday were great, in the 80's, but today, that was not the case. All the cars outside are wearing yellow layers of pollen, as do my kitchen counters. I noticed it when I moved something sitting on the counter and saw the ring left where the pollen was not. I seemed to recall wondering last year about my butter on the counter---if everything else is covered, is not the exposed butter? It's already sort of yellow...I made the mistake of having the kitchen door open for ventilation---ooops!
Last night was Trivia over on Southside and I invited Justin and Jesse to come with us. Between the 4 1/2 of us, since Erica came late, we managed to answer most of the questions and ended up winning the first place prize!!! We all brought something to the table and I did not embarrass myself too badly with wrong answers. So, next week, we have $25 to apply toward our total bills! Justin and Jesse were able to answer some questions I would have had no clue, like something from Back to the Future and Heisman trophy winners.
When we went outside, Justin started his car and the rattling noise began. I told Stephanie about his problem with the car and that he had asked me to help him get it repaired. We parted company and I headed down the road toward home. Just before Baymeadows Road, my phone rang and a very forlorn voice said, "Mom.....my car just died...." I had to circle back toward where he was, fortunately able to get off the road, one of the busiest roads in town, JTB Expressway. His electricity was gone, completely gone, and I am so glad it happened in the right hand lane so he could move out of the lanes. He called AAA in the meantime as I made my way toward them. He had asked me where he should have it towed. I suggested the dealership for lack of any other suggestion. I goofed going to get them, having exited on Hodges instead of staying on JTB, but I was nervous, so I had to do a go around and circle back.
That poor kid was frantic, very upset, and I know if Jesse wasn't with him, he would have been crying. He transferred his tools and such to my car before the wrecker arrived. Justin had been taking Jesse to work so I asked him if he needed Justin to take him today. Jesse said he would use his motorcycle for work, other wise Justin could have used my car but would have had to take me home. Justin was such a wreck, he was not interested in driving anymore last night. He had lots to do to get ready for a rummage sale at the office but was going to call in and explain the car situation.
When the wrecker guy came, he said that the dealership is gated and locked so we decided to just have him take the car to the garage from which the wrecker is dispatched. It was not too far from Justin's area of town and fine with me. The guy, Roscoe, figured the problem was the alternator and did something to the battery to allow him to readily pull the car up onto the back of the truck. I drove the two boys home and finally met Jesse's stepmother who allowed me to use the bathroom. Nerves, you know....Justin would not let me see his messy quarters so that's why I went in the main house. He was spending today getting everything cleaned up at his place since he had no wheels. At one point I sent him a text message and he reported that he was vacuuming his baseboards. Nice!
The garage person contacted him this a.m., and Justin was able to make it a conference call so I could talk to her, too. And get the bad news. It was the alternator making the problem and also the front brake pads were nearly shot. I authorized them to go ahead with the repairs for which my son is deeply thankful. *Sigh*. I teased him that I have to buy his love which he immediately argued with me...
Tomorrow morning I am picking him up for Bible study and then after class we will go get his car, and pay the bill. Gulp! His car gets lots of wear and tear since he has to use it like a pick-up truck when working for his father. The pick-up truck gotten only days before Timmy died was totaled by Justin's coworker, no personal injuries, thankfully. The truck was never replaced. Justin hauled mowers, weed whackers, wheel barrows, all sorts of tools and equipment in the back of his, which always smelled of gas from the tools. He has twice the miles I have on mine and they are the same age.
Tonight at choir rehearsal, Robbie handed out a choral piece sung many years ago, which brought back many memories for us. The pieces had names written on them, included Gerry and Evelyn, my former spouses' name, and one marked "Shirley", which Carol used. Talk about a sentimental journey. Carol noted the pencil markings and notes on the pages, and wondered aloud where she had gotten that habit...Shirley died in 1996 so that tells how old that music is, at least how long we've had it. Funny, but there was no music with my name written on it....hmmm.....
When I came home from choir, I came into my room and turned on the lamp on my nightstand. It made a spark and a sound, and the bulb burned out. Very startling in the dark! I unplugged the lamp, and as I unscrewed the bulb, my phone vibrated and I about left my skin!!! When I was going to replace the burned out bulb, I smelled something smoky and determined I had better not put a new bulb into the socket. I might have to take it somewhere to have it replaced. The place I would take it otherwise is going out of business so I am not sure what to do. A bedside lamp is necessary and this one matches my decor so perfectly. Rats!!!
Tomorrow afternoon my friends Betty and Robin C., whom worked for my former company, are coming over for a visit. Robin had been at my lake house but never came up here. It will be so great to see them again. The last time was in the fall, in November, when we went to Koko's for lunch. I am so 'cited about their visit, and besides that, the shuttle is going up at 4:50 pm---we hope!
My neighbor's son flew in from Chicago, with his buddy, to go down to the Cape to see the launch. Denny has lots of health problems and it means alot to him to see the launch before they are done. He came last time this shuttle was to launch but it was scuttled twice, which brings him back again this time. Hopefully I will get to see Denny on his short visit, as they are also spending time at the Daytona Speedway, on my recommendation. We had gone several years ago with Harv and Barb, really enjoying it, even though not fans. I hope they like it or I will feel badly. I will feel worse if the shuttle is scuttled!!
