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No longer on the river and, again, an empty nester. Back to living on Fleming Island and making some more friends!

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

"The Opposite"

This is the title of a "Seinfeld" episode where consummate loser, George, determines to do the total opposite of what he usually does, and somehow manages to find success. Starting with ordering an entirely different lunch than his 'usual' and feeling quite satisfied with himself, he made it it his life's goal to do the opposite. It was in this episode that he got his job with the Yankees by telling the truth, at long last, first about why he lost his previous jobs and then proceeding to tell off George Steinbrenner for his poor decisions in the front office. "Hire this man!", Steinbrenner bellered. Everything that would ordinarily be one way, was entirely another. Imagine that!

That is how I feel today as I watch the news---it must be Opposite Day. An evangelical pastor who has recently written a book was on Fox and Friends, speaking to the issue of the US turning its back on its allies and joining forces with those with whom we have declared war. At issue were the Israeli's and other nations in the Middle East and north Africa, now doing battle against the Muslim Brotherhood. The "War on Terror" our nation is battling has now joined forces with the enemy in some cases. Our own Intelligence Director, Clapper, described them as being "a secular organization" who are now conducting virginity tests of the women in Egypt. They asked for, and got, democracy, which is actually 'mob rule' or 'majority rule'. One must be careful for what they ask, or they might get it! Remember how excited people were during this revolt? How excited are they now? Yikes! My 'usual' pronouncement is "the world is upside down!" but perhaps it is opposite! When I see Clapper on the news, I have to look twice because he closely resembles my family doctor, Dr. House. No, for real, that is his name!

Ugh, my floor looks terrible again! Justin is far too busy with helping his father to come and do my vacuuming so either I must take care of the mess myself, or shut up. Hmmm....Justin's idea of the air purifier I think has gone by the wayside as those who have tried it have not necessarily experienced less dust. What it is good for is dealing with pet dander and the allergens in the air, but regular household dust, not so much. Plus, I would have to keep my exterior doors closed all the time to seal the house like 'an envelope', as described by my friend, Ed. People have them attached to their AC units sometimes, which would mean running the air conditioning and/or heat regularly, and I prefer not to do that either. So, again, it comes down to 'shut up'! Would I want to go back to the berber carpeting again? Nope...

The sun feels glorious on my arms and face as I sit here on my bed, not quite ready to go 'feet down' this a.m. Later in the afternoon yesterday the skies did clear and the sun reappeared, ending the day on a high note. As Penny and I chatted at lunch, we long for the days of being poolside and in the pool again. Should not be long now! Marlena, the aerobics leader and cabana lady, told me that weekdays we can have restaurant service at the pool. All that must be done is call the food order in, hotdogs or hamburgers, and it will be served to us. Marlena also mentioned that the cabana will open earlier than the usual Memorial weekend, so in a few weeks, Danny Cabany will be back waiting on us hand and foot! There goes my Club bill! But, as I told Penny, all my food purchases show up in one place rather than spread around the city. This might not be 100% so, since I will still attend Bible study and Longhorn, as well as Trivia on Tuesdays, and then lunch with Justin on Thursdays....BUT for the most part, I can eat without having to get fully dressed and getting into the car. And eat with nice folks under the oaks---bliss!

Well, I am going to get ready for work now (See? It is Opposite Day!!!) as I head to church to lend a hand with the service folders and whatever else I am capable of doing. Lynne might not have gotten much work done ahead this time, given the suddenness of her departure for a funeral. Monday I took a mess of scrapbooking supplies from Cindy R. for use in the preschool. Lisa let me know that already some of the items were pressed into service, making a birthday card for the other teacher. I cannot remember her name, she is not a member of the church. Glad they are enjoying the fun stuff in the bags, including a mess of bags!

My friend, and dentist, Peggy, wrote me this a.m. asking if I want to join her hubby and her for the Tax Rally at The Landing again this year. I am so glad they asked me! As I had told someone else, I wanted to go, but was not sure I wanted to deal with the parking and all that stuff. Peggy is younger than me and more confident, so will be my wheel-man! Justin and I are going to see "Atlas Shrugged" this weekend, I think, depending upon his plans with the guys, who would not ordinarily go to this type of movie. It is not showing many theaters yet, but public demand is making sure it gets better distribution. The First Coast Tea Party is hosting an event at the theater in JAX showing "Atlas" so that is our plan right now. I cannot wait to see it! Will be a good weekend, I can see that now!