Gorgeous view

This photo was taken from the pool area almost straight out from The Palace. The moon looks magnificent rising over the building as my neighbors and I enjoyed the evening on Friday. The last weekend of the cabana being open----what an amazing finish to the season!

Taking a break

I am unapologetic about my deep interest in current affairs, most especially the politics of the day. Not only the presidential race and the survival of our nation as we know it, (no, that is not being overly dramatic) but, also the tumult in the Middle East and everywhere else the world is on fire. In all this, one can wonder what the Lord has in mind with all the disruption and potential for disaster. Is it because the world has turned its back on Him? One cannot help but suppose this to be true. 

BUT, this afternoon, I am taking a break from pondering the terrors in our future, the uncertainty of our financial state, and that of our children. Instead, my attention is directed to a Facebook page dedicated to a young woman named Ruth. Ruth---what a lovely name!

Several months ago I read about this young woman, watched a video recording of her infant son being baptized while yet in the NICU bassinet, using a wet cotton ball to wash John with the saving water and Word. If memory serves, he was baptized by his grandfather.

The mom, Ruth, was diagnosed with stomach cancer during her pregnancy. Rather than risk the health of the baby with surgery or other treatment, Ruth chose to go untreated until such time it was safe to deliver the baby. Her cancer was advanced and the prognosis not good....at least for her earthly existence.

Now, Ruth is in her final stages, as folks expect at any moment to be told she breathed her last breath. Her baby lies alongside of her on occasion, as family and friends take turns helping to care for her husband and the baby. Both the parents are students, or were, at Bethany Lutheran College, MN, with Ruth being extremely gifted musically.

The postings on Facebook come in fast and furious, with today being no exception. Her father-in-law reports in every so often, telling how she responded when the Hospice nurse was there, about the prayers he says with her, and so on. 

Her friends, and those who have never met her but are FB friends, send in their comments, wishing Ruth a speedy arrival in heaven so her suffering on earth will come to an end. Many, many, many are people who know them from school (MN and WI) report how they will remember Ruth. Her musical abilities, her kindness and sweet nature, the strength of her faith in God, her love, oh my goodness---the outpouring!!

What strikes me most (I have meant to write about this all week) are the hymn stanzas folks are putting in their postings. Our rich, rich treasure in the hymnals, the great bounty of comfort and assurance. Last week one woman wrote about the hymns selected for weddings. I somehow failed to notice, or was too distracted to notice, how many hymns end with the same thoughts---that of heaven. Ruth would play the organ and sing for weddings, which is even more moving about all this.

Nearly every posting remarks about Ruth's fine example of Christian love she is for others, that this will be her legacy for her son. I personally hope that someone with such a skill will be able to scoop the postings into a book for her son and husband to cherish. But more than anything, it's the hymn stanzas being posted that stir me, as many of them are favorites of mine. 

My heart aches for this young woman I do not know, and for the husband and infant son, and for the parents on each side of the family. Perhaps a smidge more for her parents as they are not 'supposed' to be burying their children. Hopefully they will soon so Ruth can begin her time at the heavenly banquet, singing with the choir around the throne with the other saints and angels.

Come quickly, Lord Jesus!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10150540626434492

P.S. (from Facebook) At 12:38 am on Sept. 30th, Ruth passed from this life to the arms of her Lord in heaven.

Oh, this is getting good....and scary!

Taken verbatim from a news website: 

In case you did not hear that clearly, we will transcribe it as best we can. 

“Everybody in Cleveland, low minorities, got Obama phone. Keep Obama in president, you know. He gave us a phone, he gonna do more.”

The person shooting the video asks, "How did he give you a phone?" to which the woman replies: “You sign up! If you on food stamps, you on social security, you got low income, you disability…”

The video includes a cut at that point and picks up with the filmer asking “What’s wrong with Romney?” Without blinking, the passionate Obama supporter says:

“Romney, he sucks! Bad.” (End of posting on website)

The woman in the video is nearly screeching/hollering during this rant...oh my!

This needs to appear in all the ads, ending with the words: "...and I endorse this message!"

It must be fall...

...because the silver is gone from my hair! Less and less of my day spent outside in the sun means less play with the colors on my head. It was just time for me to put the silver to rest until next summer. Last week at Trivia Anne commented about how good it looked on me, but then said she has to keep hers at bay because of work. She said the darker hair is her 'edge' among the younger folks with whom she works. My friend, Rita, said her hair is normally the color of the one section of my bangs which goes almost white, and has been that way since she was a teenager. She washes it away, too, and is ten years my junior.

                                        

Today is going to be a good day besides the silver being gone. Judy C. called me last night to see if I wanted to go to the movies today. Yes, I do! The movie, "Won't Back Down" is starting today and we are excited to see it. It is a fictional story based on real life events (what???) about the mess in the gov't. school system. Judy has enjoyed "Freedom Writers" and "Waiting for Superman" with me, and now this one will be enjoyed today!

                                               

Monday, after the committal service, Mike drove Judy and me to Joann Fabrics to select material for Judy to make valances for the Fellowship Hall windows. We chose a patterned accent fabric with burgundy, beige, and some other colors, plus a wine-colored main fabric. Judy is going to use the accent piece for along the rod pocket. She was very excited to get going on this project. 

                                             

After we were done shopping, Judy asked if we were interested in getting some lunch and I answered "Yes!" She laughed, because she was really asking Michael. If he was not interested, then he could drop himself off at his truck and we ladies would basically ditch him. But, nope, he was in, so we went back over to TGIF. Judy loved the soup and salad we had when we saw "Last Ounce of Courage" and wanted another go at it. Wonder if we will go there again today....She did love the clam chowder they had two weeks ago, when Linda was here.

Speaking of Linda---we were chatting this morning, and she mentioned how it was nearly time for her to leave for work, in the dark! In a month or more, we will 'fall back' and it will be darker yet when she leaves at the 'butt crack of dawn'. It surely does seem to stay dark longer but this might be my imagination.

The weatherman reported last night (local guy) that we would think it's summer again this weekend. Some would think that temps in the mid-80's are summer like, and I bet I will again next spring, but find the 90's more to my liking. My friend, Yvonne, is back in the pool, having had to take 5 weeks off due to a hand injury. This is the lady that had the candy buffet for her daughter's graduation party. She likes to swim in the colder weather, not quite doing so all year 'round, but very near. The Palace gang can sit outside for a long time provided the temps stay high enough.

                                             

This weekend is the end of the cabana season. Jokingly I told the gang at The Club Wednesday that I was going to stock my freezer with burgers from the cabana, like a bear getting ready for winter. Saturday folks will gather to watch the Gator game and Sunday would have been the Jaguar game but it's on at 4:00 pm, an hour before the cabana closes. Shoot! My throat is still sore from last week's screaming!

Pie, anyone?

Justin made us a pie for our dessert tonight. He had me pick up frozen crusts when at Wal*Mart and away he went! The apples were a thank you gift from my neighbor, Nancy, for Justin's help with her computer last week Wednesday. They were apples from the mountains of NC, brought back by Nancy who spent the summer up there. Not ones to eat fruit in its original form, a pie is born!

My poor boy!

I am feeling badly for Justin, who went to the dentist today. At first he was excited because she (Peggy, our dentist) has DISH TV in her office, shown on the ceiling, so he could watch the radio show of which we are fans while getting his work done. He is not happy now....

Since I had not heard from him, I finally sent him a text message asking if he was okay. His brief answer was "lots of pain". He is with his father today and probably is limited on the ability to communicate with me so was not too wordy in his answers. What he did say was "No" to my question if he is okay, and "No" to my question of "Should I call the dentist?" I wish I knew more of what he was feeling and why. I hope he is not putting on a brave face for his father. 

He did have to drive to Ponte Vedra to meet his father after getting done at the dentist which likely adds to his misery. Justin hates to use his car any more than necessary and that is quite a trip to PV from here. I had so wished he would not inherit my goofy teeth!

****

I made up for the lost sleep of the night before, finally waking up for good around 8:00 a.m. I had awakened once, before 6:00, and heard some of the 'before' news prior to "Fox and Friends", and then was gone again to la la land for a couple more hours. Wow! I did nap a couple times yesterday afternoon which seemingly did not affect my night's rest. The bad news is that I did not get to chat with Linda before she left her home for the day. 

Justin left for the dentist as I was waking up but he did get a chance to say 'good-bye' before going out the door. He was surprised to find me yet asleep. The next hour or so was used to catch up on the missed computer time, getting my daily Bible passage posted, and checking on what happened overnight. All caught up!

*****

Over at The Club, machinery has been at work, as men remove the huge A/C units and air cleaners from the roof, in order to access the roofing material. A replacement roof is being installed, about 5 years after it was originally built (the garden room). Patching and temporary fixes were insufficient so the whole works had to come off and started over. I walked over there to take some pictures, and, of course, offer my assistance to the project. Thankfully, my offer was declined!

Mitch, the maintenance man, was busily mixing up concrete to fill in the hole where the water main was ruptured (in two places, I am told). I assumed wrongly that the big crane did something to the main as the rupture occurred in the courtyard entrance to The Club, far from the crane. Mitch was just dripping in sweat as he worked, so I did not offer him any help, fearing he might take it!

Speaking of The Club, during one of my relaxation moments yesterday, I got a phone call from Chef Sheldon. He wanted to ask if I had any suggestions to improve the Happy Hour night prix fixe menu. They are thinking of adjusting the fare as some are growing weary of it or something. These meals are offered once or twice a month at a reasonable charge.

The manatees enjoying the weather September 25

Normally I am not there for HH on Wednesdays during the year because of choir, but now, with no choir, I can attend! I asked for sirloin sliders like we used to get at the cabana, being a meat 'n potatoes girl. Also, I told Chef that I am not a fish lover but many people with whom I associate are fish lovers. Hopefully I was helpful and supportive of the effort to please the masses! I told him I was about the people and the food mattered little, unless I really like it!

Eight years ago at this time, my part of the world here in North Florida was bracing for Hurricane Jeanne. Without it being a direct hit, the First Coast was slammed pretty good, wreaking all sorts of damage. It was also during this storm that our pastor and his wife (Pete and Tarren) were having their first baby, Lucas. It is hard to believe he is 8 years old already, and harder yet to think it was that long ago I bought the house on the lake!

My nephew, Gabe, and Lucas playing on the floor at The Palace, June 2006, after Justin's graduation. They are eating donut holes. Not sure where Manny was for all this....

My church family

Saturday at church, for Andy's funeral, I was quite impressed with the morticians who were handling the care and such for the family. Afterward, when everyone else had moved into the Fellowship Hall, I spoke to the man who seemed to be in charge and thanked him for taking such good care of "my family". The lady with him and he thanked me for the compliment and reminded me it was their job, but it seemed like so much more than only a job to them. 

Later on, when talking with Fran and her son, Dennis, about the art work, I mentioned to them how wonderful the funeral director seemed to be. They were impressed with the care they provided, and told them what I said to the guy. 

Monday the available members joined the family at the National Cemetery for the committal service. What a nice crowd there was! We gathered first at welcome center where we could visit until the caravan left for the site. I had a chance to  chat some more with Dennis and his wife. He was wondering how the service was going to be, as he was already weeping a bit. I told him it would be extremely significant as well as emotional, and important for us all. Then, he hugged me and said, "Thank you for calling us your family...." Of course, I meant it, but it was nice to have that acknowledgement.

Six men served again as pall bearers, and the funeral director presented them all with a boutonniere. Very nice touch, I thought. Brad came and stepped in as pall bearer in Frank's place. Frank was able to attend, as he works next door at the prison as an electrician, but was in work clothes. 

The military Honor Guard were already in place, immediately playing Taps and doing the flag folding ceremony. Mikey was quite moved starting with the taps, taking the whole thing quite hard. Saturday he had held up nicely but the committal was harder. Might have been the playing of Taps, the flag folding, or Kristi singing "America, the Beautiful" which put him away. And me, as well!

                     

It was a glorious day weather-wise. I had ridden out with Judy and Michael C., at their invitation. Love that! I stood with Terri, who was also extremely moved since her dad's committal service was held here as well. The tears were flowing all around, hearing others sniffling or seeing them blow their noses. It might have been in sympathy for Mikey, too, since he was struggling so with the passing of his grandpa.

Pastor had a couple readings and then we were dismissed. The hostess for the cemetery urged us to move along as another committal was coming right behind ours, but we did linger a bit, saying good-bye to the family as they headed back to their homes. Andy's cousin hugged me and said, "You just make it all so nice, with that smile of yours..." He was a sweetheart. His wife had taken our picture earlier at the Center. 

As I said good-bye to Dennis and his family, he hugged me and thanked me for being so welcoming to them when they come down to visit. As we parted he said, "Take care of her..." and I promised I would take good care of Fran. I love my family!

                      

Judy, Michael, and I joined Terri in visiting her dad's grave-site. We had to walk a distance as the road was busy with trucks taking care of another burial. Pastor joined us for this. Terri had a bouquet of artificial flowers to place at his marker and I had a small flag along in my purse. I stuck it in the vase with the flowers and Terri took a picture of it. 

How remarkable this place has grown in the two years since Gordy's committal. I said we should have asked Kristi to come with us to sing something there and Pastor said, "You could sing something, you're a soprano...". I said, "No, I don't think I could do it." Terri said I could sing something cheerful and we all decided that even Happy Birthday would put me away that day! 

Up from my nap

Yawn and stretch! Took a bit of a nap, the real kind of nap with eyes closed and probably my mouth hanging open. I was dog-tired! For a number of reasons, my sleep last night was disturbed and I hate it!

First of all, Monday morning I noticed that when I exhaled, I could hear and perhaps feel a wheeze. No congestion or other cold type symptoms, but a whistling/wheezing sound which seemed to worsen as the day went on. Where did that come from? Well, I did get quite excited watching the Jaguar game (the 2nd half) in the cabana Sunday and some screaming ensued. Did that do it?

In an attempt to be rid of the whistle sound, I would make myself cough, hoping to break loose whatever was caught. Later in the afternoon, I went to Publix at Loch Rane and asked the pharmacist what to take for it. She suggested Mucinex or Robitussin, which comes in liquid form. I knew Justin has Mucinex on hand so bought a nice bottle of the Robit. stuff. When I got home, I realized it was the kid's formula. Ugh! Time for me to go the HOME!

I took a swig of the liquid stuff and was resting when Justin came home. The whistle was still there so Justin gave me two of his tablets, of which I took one. I don't know when it stopped, but the noise did stop and thus far today---I am whistleless!

And so is my toilet! When I got home yesterday, I was cleaning my bathroom sink, having sprayed it with Lime Away before leaving in the a.m. As I rinsed the cloth, the water slowed to a dribble and then stopped. Now what? 

Connie was called and knew nothing about it so was getting busy making calls, and I got on the computer. You can count on me! Once logged in, I read my e-mails and sure enough, there was a note from Kerrie at The Club, announcing a broken water main. The water was shut off to the entire property. I let Connie know of this development and waited for it to come back on. Later Connie asked me to send a memo to our Owners letting them know it might be off until 5 or 6 pm. Wow! Good thing I have four potties!

When the water came on around 4:30 pm, I started the washer again to finish my load before Justin got home. The washer spit and sputtered as always happens when water has been shut off. I ran water in the sink to finish the cleaning job, and then flushed my toilet. It began to fill and then made a clunking sound, jiggling the ceramic top. My heart went to my throat!

                                        

I flushed it again, after removing the top of the toilet, and I could hear a whistling sound. (What is this with the whistling today???????) I jiggled the handle, lifted the float, and monkeyed carefully with the equipment, but it persisted. Now what? I put the cover back on and tried to NOT hear it. You know how that worked, I bet!

All night long I was listening, twice throwing off my blankets thinking I could hear water. It was not running, no water was moving in the bowl, but I was vigilant anyway. 

This morning I was messaging with Linda before she left for work, telling her about the toilet whistling. I had already told her  my chest whistling had gone away. At the same time we both wrote that I should put a Mucinex in the toilet tank!!!! 

My downstairs neighbor, Jeff, came up a few minutes ago, could hear the whistling/hissing sound, bent around on the rod supporting the float, and the sound stopped. 

                                                

Yay for Jeff!!! It's in his best interest to have my plumbing in good working order, as we just passed the two year anniversary of The Great Flood. He is my hero, and tonight I will welcome sleep. Not only was sleep bothered by water concerns but I think the medicine might have helped with my restlessness. Add to that the NFL refs blowing the call on the last play of the Packer game and I was shot for the night!!!

A sunrise blitz

      

Can two sunrise photos be considered a blitz? I say "yes"!  The above photo was taken September 20th. 

This sunrise was captured on September 23, a glorious start to the day. Sadly, this date marks the 2nd anniversary of a life-changing event in my life, and that of my neighbors, known as "The Great Flood". Only two years ago? Why does it seem longer ago? Or like yesterday?

Filled up!

Yesterday was the lovely funeral service and the reception following. Today I added to that with Morning Praise at Victory with my 'other' congregation. It was wonderful to be in worship with them again, with Robbie added to the mix. Justin and I sat with Robbie, who sits with another young man, Daniel, also a student at UNF. On the other side of me was Erica and Stephanie.

Since I am there on Thursday mornings, I have occasion to help assemble the multi-paged service folder. I got a sneak peek and decided this would be a good week for worshiping at Victory. 

The Order of Service was Morning Praise, which so reminds me (us!) of our former pastor, Pete. Robbie said he accidentally started to sing one section the leader was to sing, because at GS, HE was the leader! Love it! It felt so good to sing out on these familiar hymns of the liturgy played magnificently by Rachel, on the piano. 

In the sermon, Pastor H. discussed how our nation is turning its back on the Lord, just as God's chosen people did in Jeremiah's day. We are His chosen people now and must be careful not to reject what God wants us to be or do. Timely in Jeremiah's day, and in our own.

It was a delight to see so many of my other friends there, including Linda O., on a break from New Beginnings Home, CO. Her daughter is getting married next month so she came home to take care of a few things. Her daughter serves with her at New Beginnings, and met a young man at one of the local congregations. So wonderful!

I also got to meet the new baby of Kristen and Brian, #4 for them. And, is her practice, has reduced back to her pre-pregnancy shape, rail thin, only 3 weeks after giving birth. That rascal! I believe this is their 4th child in 6 years. This couple is special to me as we went through Bible Information Class together at GS. Kristen remembers Mom coming with me a couple times, which is cool. 

Following worship, Stephanie, Erica, and I were planning to go to lunch at Bahama Breeze. Justin's plans changed so he could join us, and I enticed Robbie to come along, my treat, before going to work. Yay! Robbie is the "yard dude" for Stephanie now---love this!  Later, Jesse and his friend, Chelsey, joined us so there were 7 of us, grown from 3 originally planned. We watched part of the game from our table and enjoyed a lovely meal on the veranda. 

Life is good!

There is nothing like it

I've said it before and will say it again---there is nothing like a Lutheran funeral service. When Gordy died, one of the ushers took his service folder, tucked in his suit coat pocket and declared, "I am putting this inside my Bible for my family to use when I die. Just the way it is, except, change the names." Many hymns and wonderful Bible readings. The same is true for Andy's service today!

I left for church about an hour ahead of the service in order to stop at Publix for my fruit tray. The store in Argyle is not as familiar to me, so I did wander a bit, not able to locate the fruit trays. Finally I asked the lady who was cutting up the fruit where the trays were, and she told me they made them in the deli. Evidently, none were done up ahead, like I get at the Fleming Island store. Bowls of fruit will do, then. 

The church parking lot was already filling when I got there. I was so glad to know we would have a good representation for the family. The ladies had things set up in the Fellowship Hall and tables were being laden with food stuffs. I put out my two bowls of fruit and Ethel stuck forks into them.

When I walked into the church, I was met by Mikey (Michael) wearing his acolyte attire. And the tears flowed. He was going to serve not only as acolyte for his grandpa but also as a pall bearer. I met LuAnn in the back of the church, and when she saw me dabbing, said, "Here we go..." 

Andy's coffin was draped in part with the flag, which was later folded, and replaced with the funeral pall. So glad to see the pall used again---the last time was for Gordy's service.

Before I left this a.m. I had gotten a message on FB from Suzanne C. She was going to be playing for the service, as was Sterling. This delighted me! Her husband insisted she play and he took the kids to their sports appointments by himself. She played her viola, Sterling played the bassoon and the piano.

The pre-service music was just perfect, and Suzanne was true to her word, playing "Abide with Me" with me in mind. Fran and LuAnn had spent the day together on Wednesday, after Andy had died, planning the service. What a fine job they did! The sermon text was chosen from a devotion Fran had read recently and struck a chord for her: "I have fought the good fight...finished the race..." II Timothy 4.

I loved looking up at the hymn boards and seeing them crowded with numbers!!! We sang "Just As I Am"; "Amazing Grace" with Kristi singing portions as a solo; "Rock of Ages" (Andy was considered to be a rock in his family, where Jesus was the Rock in his life); "How Great Thou Art"; "The Old Rugged Cross"; and finally, with Kristi again, "God Bless Our Native Land", which we stood to sing. That hymns needs a couple more stanzas!

Sterling played the piano for "Amazing Grace" and did so quite well. I had thanked the musicians prior to the service and again afterward. Sterling was quite pleased to be thanked, as he was a bit apprehensive about it. He is a professional musician, but not necessarily a professional pianist---yet!

As the service was getting underway, I was seated where I normally sit for funerals, center behind the mourners. Many of the guests are not familiar with our Order of Service or the hymns, so it helps to have someone who is familiar nearby. Terri T. came in and sat on the far side of the church. She was having a tough time during the service, but I couldn't get out of my seat with people of either side of me. Later I said to her that it was probably good we sat apart or it would have been worse yet!

After the service, I went to join Fran at their table and we hugged and hugged. She is so kind and sweet. Fran said her family would like to buy some artwork to donate in Andy's name and asked me for advice on what and where to get it.  She likes the pieces others donated in Timmy's memory. 

                                                         

I went into the classroom building and brought back the piece Rosalie bought for us. Greg Olsen is the artist and he captures the sentiment so well. I told Fran's son, Dennis, that I would send information and such to Mike so they could make a decision. Love being included in this project.

Of course, after crying like that, my head was pounding. Terri and I each took some ibuprofen, washed down with the Diet Cokes she bought us. We sat with Paul and Emily, who are beginning the process of adoption. This is exciting for them! Terri was going to head to the wedding shower I chose to miss, leaving her green bean casserole behind. I snapped it up, after the other leftovers were put into containers for the Kelleys to take home. I am nuts for that casserole!

Later, Terri sent me a text photo of Anne H. holding the wedding bouquet of ribbons and bows from the shower, telling me I was missed. Nice! I do not regret missing it, as I will see many of the folks at worship Sunday. Saw lots of Friday night and some more will be seen Sunday. 

Justin had a lazy day off with his only assigned task being to empty the dishwasher and refill it. Paul and Emily teased me, saying I should go easy on him....Later, I did have him sweep the kitchen and use the Swiffer vacuum in the kitchen and my room. He accuses me of purposely soiling my floor but I aver, I do not!

                    

As evening fell, I heard my neighbors on the sundeck so went out to join them. It was a lovely time, with a gorgeous cerulean sky, dotted with pinkish hued clouds. Miss Chardonnay had enjoyed the day more than the rest of us but Kathy was there to see her those few steps to her door. 

                                                        

There is talk of getting a yoga group started for The Club, since one of our Palace Owners is an instructor. Miss C. was not going to rest until I told her why yoga was not for me but she was not in the right frame of mind for my reason. No wonder she is such a good salesperson---won't take NO for an answer!

Friday is elusive

Hard as it was to get out of bed today, I did it! The first order of business was to meet on the 2nd floor sundeck with the Board and other owners to hear a presentation from the consulting company. The nice man risked life and limb by meeting with us, and went away intact. The biggest decision we owners will need to make some time later is which tile to choose to finish the job. The major portion will be the demolition of this decking, which we will simply observe, and later, complain about! And, oh, yes, write sizable checks!

After the meeting, where Ellen treated to brownies, I went back upstairs to make sure all was ready for when Amber arrived. I had sent her a text message this a.m. to remind her of our 2:00 date. I had found a more youth oriented Bible story book on my shelf (who knew??) which might be perfect for her granddaughter who comes to church with her. 

Amber did eventually appear but much later than the expected hour. She has a little trouble with focus sometimes and today was no exception. At a certain point she had to say 'enough' because she was overloading. We got through The Fall into sin and part way through Cain and Able. Her medicine causes this and I offered to meet earlier in the day to avoid her being groggy from the medication. Whatever she needs, I can adjust---it is just that important!

Somehow we got on the subject of places I have been (she asked, I didn't bring it up!). Can't remember how it came up....anyway, after we closed the Bible history books I pulled out one of the scrapbooks to show her. I don't have the trip to the pyramids and sphinx scrapbooked yet (what am I waiting for??) so could not show them to her. She did enjoy seeing the other photos in my album but then had to leave. Next week will be better, I am sure of it!

I wrapped my gift for Saturday's wedding shower and then took my rest. Rita is going to make sure Jenna gets her present from me, since I will be busy with the funeral and luncheon. 

Justin had come home while Amber was here but was resting up after a hard day at work. Soon it was time for The Five but Linda was otherwise occupied, not available to chat. Tommy and she were going to check out some new kittens, black and white ones. Right now they are too young to take home but Tommy is very excited about his new pets!

When the show was done, it was off to Victory for trivia night. On the way over I called Mom just to chat. Traffic was horrendous, mostly in the other direction. I did see an overturned semi trailer on the opposite side but it was off in the ditch. While I talked with Mom, Joanne beeped in. Since Mom was making her dinner, I left her to talk to Joanne. It seems she was stuck in the traffic mess, and evidently we passed each other without even knowing it. So good to catch up with her again as it's been a long time between visits.

                       

Stephanie, Erica, and I were a team for trivia but did not fair too well against our competition. At least we had a great time! The snacks were bountiful and yummy, with a nice gathering of folks to play. We had six teams or approx. 35 people showing up to play. It was great great fun! I am going back for worship on Sunday, with Justin in tow. 

We are going to have lunch after church at Bahama Breeze but Justin will be going off with his friends instead. Football, you know! I can watch at Bahama Breeze and listen on the radio on the ride back home. He will be with his friends and get dropped off when they all go to eat at Jesse's mom's house for dinner. 

It all works out!

"You're so busy!"

As I listen to the radio, the weather 'sound' comes on, warning about a pending storm. It looked grey/blue to the south when I came home from lunch, but the storm seems to be coming from the north. That is where Justin is working today so I hope he is doing okay. He is making every effort to keeping things moving along quickly as we have plans tonight. 

At long last Brenda N. and I were able to get together on her lunch break, meeting at Steak 'n Shake next door to her office. I had not seen her since she took custody, with her son, of her granddaughters. This happened only weeks before school started here, so they had to hustle to get the 2 girls enrolled in school. She filled me in on what it was like trying to do this without any help from the mother of these kids. Yikes!

When we met at the table, where I was already seated, Brenda commented about hard it was to get together, her saying to me, "You're always so busy!" Hmmm....As we were talking and eating, a call came from my friend, Carol, who asked me, "Where are you now???" and when I told her, she said, "You're always doing something..." I think, but cannot perfectly remember, that my mom said something similar to me on the phone the other day. Why do I not feel so busy? 

                                               

Our congregation lost a member yesterday and, that day, actually WAS busy! I was notified of Andy's passing before his wife did, when I got a call on behalf of the family for the Prayer Chain. I delayed making my calls until I was sure Pastor and rest of the family were with the widow, to tell her the news. She was exhausted and had stayed in bed to rest, but two of Andy's sons were with him when he left this life. 

The phone and I were busy much of the day, then, as well as sending e-mails and such on behalf of this family. At one point their daughter-in-law, LuAnn, told me, "This is the most we have talked all year!" and I said, "Shame on us!", and we laughed. We will have to change that, won't we??? Carol and I talked several times before today's call in order to get the ball rolling for the reception following the funeral service. 

Andy's funeral will be on Saturday with the committal service at the Nat'l. Cemetery Monday. Carol's call today was to ask me to bring a salad of some sort for the luncheon. She said, "Normally I don't ask you to bring food....." and trailed off. It was funny! I can most certainly bring food, and will gladly do so. I love my friends for making me laugh! And I love Publix!

                                               

This is an awesome week, aside from the fact that Linda went home (I need a moment here, please....okay!). Today was Bible study, a fabulous discussion continuing regarding infant baptism and that of adults. Then my lunch with Brenda. 

This evening Justin and I are going to see a live-streamed comedy tour from Texas, with dinner prior to the show. I might get another taste of the pretzel sticks with beer cheese dip (TGIF) or go to 5 Guys, depending upon how much time we have. 

Friday afternoon Amber will come for Bible history class and that evening I am back at Victory for Trivia Night. That is so exciting for me! Saturday I am going back for a wedding shower for the son and daughter-in-law of Marilyn. Terri T. is also going so I might see about sharing a ride. 

                          

Since I saw the service folder for Sunday I am considering going to Victory for worship but we shall see about that. They are using the Morning Praise order of service. Decisions, decisions, decisions....I will have to check the football schedules to see how the day might play out. Get it? Play out???

KimFest

Sitting here in my window with the sun on me, and I am hot! Perhaps my outfit helps me to be so warm---jeans and a long sleeved knit top. It was only 74 this morning when I got dressed but it has heated up nicely to the high 80's. Guess I could change my clothes....or turn on my ceiling fan!

                                                  

We could have used the sun yesterday but it stayed pretty much overcast the majority of the time. Intermittent showers or a mist in the air made for a sleepy day, with Linda finding herself sort of foggy the balance of her stay. She thinks she slept too long but I wonder if the weather influenced the grogginess. Breakfast at Grumpy's was enjoyable and quite delicious---both of us having fresh strawberries on pancakes. Oh my!

Linda wanted to take a peek in the Tuesday Morning store where I had never been. Years ago my mom went with Louise B. and she told me I was never to go there. Mom knew I would find many things to buy, and we certainly can't have that! For all these years I obeyed except yesterday, when I did not. 

Fortunately I came away with only a few items, none of them decorator pieces for myself. Got, of all things, my CHRISTmas cards, which are just gorgeous, at half price. They were so new to the shelf that they did not yet appear in the computer for the lady to charge me for them! No worries, she managed...How odd to be buying CHRISTmas cards at this time of the year!

                                                  

Linda bought pink earbuds to use with her iPad on the plane, plus picked up a gift for her friend. She used the bubble wrap which protected the hand-painted glasses to pack up her purchase for the trip home.

*****

The other night when sitting around the pool, Linda and I were discussing how to go about getting us together with Judy R. sometime. Judy had sent me a message saying she wished she was with us, and was waiting for an invitation. Somehow, Linda and Judy have not met in person, save for a glancing introduction at the Women's Leadership Conference in 2007. We sure dropped the ball on this one! 

Anyway, as we pondered aloud how to make this happen, whether in WI, MN, or in FL, Lee piped up with a brilliant idea---KimFest! She suggested I invite all my friends to come here, and those who are not local could stay in the hotel on the property....and have a KimFest!!! We could have t-shirts made up (or not!) and just have everyone get to know each other at one big event. Great idea, Lee! Now that I think about it, I could probably rent the pool and cabana area like the big wedding event a couple weekends ago! Or not! I really like this idea....my gears are turning!

Lee at the pool (excuse my cell phone camera)

Justin had a short day yesterday due to the rain so he was here to say 'good-bye' to Linda as well as help load her suitcase in my car. Now he will have an extra long day on Friday to make up for the missed yards. Usually they can work in the rain but some areas were under water which won't allow for the mowers to move through easily. 

A couple weeks ago, I made an appointment to have Justin's teeth cleaned, since it had been three years between visits. Yikes! He and I joked about the TV show where the genius men still have their mothers go to the dentist with them....and I went with my genius this morning! 

                   

Primarily I went along because of having to pay the bill. There is some insurance available to him which certainly helps with this, as he has 9 cavities!!! Two of them are sizable ones, with one of those two a possible root canal. Oh, for goodness' sake! Next week he has an appointment to tackle the two major ones and hope to avoid the root canal. I had not bargained for that much expense! But he has such a lovely smile....

The day has arrived....

Later today I must take my friend to the airport, but for now, we will simply enjoy this sunrise. Not much sunshine at all today, which is entirely fitting for my mood!

The fun draws to a close

Please don't tell Justin this but my camera phone stinks! My pictures are never as good as those from other cell phone cameras. Terri T.'s pictures are usually so nice and clear, but mine are less than that. Oh, well---these will simply have to do!

As I may have mentioned, Saturday we enjoyed the evening poolside. We had a steak 'n shrimp dinner served from the cabana. What a glorious night it was, too! Lee was part of our group, joined later by Andy, whom Linda and I had encountered Friday night during the poolside Happy Hour. During the winter, I had breakfast with Andy in The Club when no one else showed up for the Breakfast Club. We became FB friends and had not seen each other in the flesh since then. 

*****

This afternoon when Linda and I got back from Bible study and lunch, Connie greeted us with some deliveries. One we had been expecting, and another was something Justin ordered. Tommy had sent the box via UPS, containing an ornately decorated cheese head Linda made up for Justin. There is a banner on it which states "Owner" plus other embellishments. As she told Justin, it is decorative and fragile, no jumping around with it on! I will post a photograph of it later.

Besides the cheesehead, the box contained a couple things for me!!! Linda had commissioned two cobalt blue goblets, painted with white daisies. Her sister's friend does the painting and I LOVE LOVE LOVE these glasses!!! Besides the color being perfect, it's so cool how Linda knows so well what I would like!

The air temp was great today so we two ladies decided to 'suit up' and head to the pool. Because the teens' pool is more shallow, it stays warmer and has full sun most afternoons. Linda and I eased our way into the water and managed to kick around for an hour or so without freezing. She has to be careful with her skin, and had not applied sun screen so we got out for a while. We moved up to the adult area to sit for a bit and chatted there until we heard thunder in the distance. It was a false alarm but neither of us were wearing our running shoes.

Since nothing else was planned for the day, we both got into our comfortable attire (i.e. nighties) and settled in to watch GBTV on the Roku. And took a snooze! Linda teased me about how I could simply turn over and immediately begin to snore! Out like a light! She sat in the wing back chair which Justin carried in here for her use. I was refreshed in no time at all!

During The Five, I had to excuse myself to go up to Travis' condo to see if the water was leaking. Herve seems to have found the spot where the water was getting in around his sliding glass door. On Sunday we'd done a pre-test without Travis being there, which was successful. This time Travis was there, and witnessed for himself the water coming up under the tile, water from the hose Herve used to test the upstairs doors. 

I told Herve I was optimistic about the repair and he said something like "that's standard with you"...I gave him a big hug in celebration of this part of the problem apparently being solved. Now, the floor leaking in 404 needs to be addressed, and I will be just fine!

For dinner we ate a prepared meatloaf Justin had purchased at Publix a couple weeks ago. I made two giant baked potatoes plus reheated some leftover potato skins from Chili's. We ended up with a chunk of the meat left plus the equivalent of one baked potato. They were huge! Linda and I should have shared one.

Tomorrow our plans are simple but include breakfast at Grumpy's! We would have the option of the water exercise class, if it's warm enough. Or, we could just stop by after our nice breakfast to visit with the folks....

Sunday is a wrap

Linda and I are sitting here watching TV and unwinding from a thrill-packed evening of sitting around the pool. We just love it! Friday night as everyone was breaking up, we decided to meet again on Sunday night. It was BYOB plus I made a batch a popcorn. It was a mixed batch of some scorched and some not scorched. Fortunately, a few people actually like the blackened kernels!

We had fewer folks around the table tonight than we had on Friday evening, a more intimate setting. The temperature was comfortable enough for sitting around but certainly not warm enough for those brave souls who were swimming. One little girl told us she screamed when she stuck her toe in the water. I believe her!

Our day began like a usual Sunday with Bible study and worship. Linda was welcomed warmly, and it made me chuckle when Twila was surprised to see her. She said, "Nothing was said about you coming!" Really? Nothing? Are you kidding me???

After 35 minutes of classtime, we recessed to the church to run through a 'song'. This particular song had been on the hymn board a few weeks ago, with Sterling playing the piano for the first time in worship. Pastor was gone and Mike C. was our worship leader. No one knew when to come in when he played through it, so after a few stanzas (we think....), he simply quit playing. Very odd and quite upsetting all the way around.

So today we practiced  in order to be able to sing it. Took some doing, but we did it. Pastor wanted a few of us to stand near the piano or in the back to lead but no one wished to do that. I was already in the back at the podium so managed to sing out when the time came. 

Sterling had asked me to give the signal when he had played enough stanzas of the hymns, because he had troubles keeping count. I asked Kristi to do that because eventually I do sit down in the pew. She is in the back row and can signal him better from her vantage point. Only once did he play more stanza than the actual hymn had but tapered it off very nicely. 

At the close of the service, Pastor announced that there was a Congregational/Voters meeting after church. Sterling played one hymn for the recessional and then stopped abruptly. He came running over to me and asked me how he could log into the church computer to print off the Minutes. I told him Mike S. could help him do that, as he was already at the computer printing his reports. A busy day for Sterling!

After the rather swiftly handled meeting, a group of us were off to Chili's to have lunch. The other Mike S. treated the entire table, claiming he had a 'really good week'. I love it when that happens! I do feel badly about having the pretzel bread sticks, though, since that added to the bill, but I didn't know!

Linda and I went from the restaurant to Great Hang Ups for the opening of the show, to see my photograph hanging on the wall. I didn't win a prize but was Juried into the show. "It's an honor to be nominated...." This makes me now four for four---no rejections so far! I don't take rejection well....

Speaking of such, Linda and I watched the end of the Jaguar game, me with a pillow over my face at their horrible playing. They had rain during part of the game, and we had rain at my house during the second half. But Justin came home with sunburned knees, from after the rain! I asked him if he had a good time with the tailgating and all that and he said, "Yeah, until the game started...." Next week, it's ours, I just know it!