I've ruined my son!

Does it even pay to read the book I bought titled "What a Difference a Mom Makes"? I know it's closing the barn door after the horse has escaped to read such a thing but I just wanted to read about the things I've done wrong. Likely there would be little I have done considered 'right' in the book...

Last night, Justin came into my room and asked me if he could please turn on the heat. He was cold! Since my room was cozy warm, I did not think he would be uncomfortable at 76 degrees. It seems he was! "You ruined me", he announced in jest, "It's your fault, making me get used to 79 degrees in the house!" He went on to tell me how he will freeze when he moves in with Ron because he likes a cooler house. Now when the temp is below 79, he, like me, is chilly. "You're welcome!"

This morning, as he readied himself for the day, and for the evening, he told how he resorted to turning on his (my) space heater in his room. Really? In my room, the doors to the river room and hallway are closed, sealing in the heat from the sun. As long as I stayed under the covers, I was fine. And, certainly, after showering and dressing, I was fine as well. Fuzzy slippers day again---on Reformation Day!

Two years ago at this time, my newborn  nephew, Angelo, was in the NICU at a Green Bay hospital, learning how to strengthen his lungs. From what his great-grandma says, his lungs are just fine now! So, too, are his arms and legs, as Angelo loves to tear around---push buttons, turn knobs, and get into any kind of mischief. Thank you for answering our prayers, Lord Jesus, thank you!

                             

Reformation Day sunrise

This photo was taken Monday evening as the moon rose over the river. Later, in full darkness, it was more magnificent but sadly, my pictures taken at night just don't work out. This will have to do!

The sky was breathtaking this morning, causing me to fly to grab the camera. You can see the dramatic edge of the storm, attributed, I hear, to Hurricane Sandy. As Justin said, there were more clouds this a.m. than there have been all week, and as I write, the sky is now entirely free of clouds. 

My friend, Suzanne, posted this shot of the Romney bus which was just in front of her as she drove into work today. Justin is attending the Victory Rally today at Metro Park, an outdoor event. Originally it had been planned for the Memorial Arena but more space was needed (YAY!!!) so they moved it over to Metro Park. 

Justin located his winter gear last night and this a.m. freed me of my camera in order to get some better photos this evening. Likely he won't be close enough to the stage, since he is going with his father and Jesse, not leaving in time to get nice and close. It is a work day, after all! I hope he gets some good pictures, though, even if they are crowd shots!

Good-bye, my friend

Justin made us dinner at home last night, even though we could eat for almost a week on leftovers stored in the fridge. He makes a chicken recipe using broccoli, Alfredo sauce, and bread/cheese mixture for coating the chicken to make this dish. For the side dish he made an entire box of rotini pasta, which we can eat all week as well!

                                         

A couple weeks ago he made a couple meals which were pre-assembled at Publix, requiring baking for our consumption. He followed the preparation directions but yet the meat was still a bit raw when he tried to serve it. Thankfully we have a microwave oven to zap the food into doneness! Last night's meal he baked longer than the recipe indicated in order to ensure the chicken was cooked through and through. And it was!

Since he did the hard part of cooking the meal, I told him I would handle the kitchen clean up. Because the TV show he likes was a rerun, he joined me in the kitchen as I loaded the machine, and wiped the counters, etc. The dishwasher was filled, soap packet in place, door shut, and buttons pushed. 

It made the right noises while we were in there but then my sensitive nose caught a whiff of something hot. What the ??? I opened the door of the machine and Justin thought he saw steam coming out. Nope, it was smoke! Immediately I dashed down the hall to the circuit box and looked for the right breaker to flip. While my nose and hearing are keen, my eyes are less so. He came to help me find the markings on the box, stamped into the metal frame. Off it went. No water was pumping into the machine and even though he wanted to try it one more time, it was a no go. Shoot!

                                         

A couple months ago when the renters above me had dishwasher troubles, filling the apartment with smoke and stench, I got to go look at it. Yech!!! The plastic stuff melted onto the coil on the floor of the machine, and the plastic coatings on the racks was hanging down in strings. I am just so glad they were at home when this happened, busily mopping up water from the leak above them, during one of the tropical storms. Yikes! So so glad I was right there to catch mine before anything untoward happened with it.

Now, I was washing the dishes by hand, and not happily so. At this writing there are still some pieces to be put away, thinking that a good 12 hours is long enough for them to air dry. It is mainly the flatware left to deal with, with the majority of the eating and cooking items washed, air dried, and put away. Websites are showing me replacement models to choose from. The purchase, however, bothers me less than the procedure for replacement, due to there being water involved. 

I have already checked with the downstairs neighbor to find out which days he will be home, 'just in case'....I will also have Gus on notice to hit the 'kill switch' in his unit which controls the water to this stack of condos. It's like trying to shut down a nuclear reactor or something to change out a dishwasher!!!!

A Paul Ryan day

Last night my blog entry did not post---must have been floating about in space or something. This time I am going to keep an eye on it to make sure all goes well. 

I was sad to miss my friend, Ellen, at the Reformation Festival yesterday. Her husband, Pastor S., was guest preacher for the service and I did expect to see her. She had a function to attend with her granddaughter. Pastor and I talked about my going down to Palm Coast for a visit some Monday, but I must go after lunch, as Judy C. insists I be there. She told him how I 'ditched' them two Mondays in a row this month already!!!

Rich and Audrey were back at Victory after spending the summer in WI at their cottage. It was sooo good to see them again! In all the busyness of the event, I didn't get a chance to talk to Audrey about "Dave", the shuttle bus driver who took me from MKE to Manty one night. He bought a giant display mouse, a collector's item, from Audrey's shop outside of Milwaukee when she closed the store. What a coincidence and what a small world!!

*****

Today, Justin dropped me off at GS for Bible study and then headed to Fernandina Beach to await a Paul Ryan Victory Event. Yes, we are optimists!!! I depended upon the kindness of friends to get me to the restaurant and then home again, Judy C. taking me under her wing. 

The speeches began well in advance of the candidate arriving and Justin was early enough to get a ring-side position close to the stage. When Paul came walking out, he spotted Justin in his cheese head and pointed at him, giving him the thumbs' up signal. Cool!!!!

Later, as part of the speech, Paul referenced the other battleground states, and once more gestured at Justin as one of those with family in a swing state. Right at him! Justin told me that he had his picture taken more than Paul Ryan did today---even a photographer from the AP asked to take his picture. Before Ryan left, he autographed Justin's cheese head. He was thrilled about today, simply thrilled!

Justin in his happy place...

Reformation celebration

Some congregations are not celebrating the Festival of Reformation until next weekend but our area congregations did. My day began with Bible study at GS and then worship, with Sterling on the MIDI. He did a 'sterling' job of it, too! (Ha,ha...) It was Fellowship Sunday but Justin and I went to Panera Bread for a quick lunch instead.

I ordered the small mac 'n cheese while Justin had a sandwich and soup. Originally I was going to get gas at the station across the street but they seemed to be out of gas! Only diesel fuel available. I was heading to Stephanie's house first to watch the Packer/Jaguar game so my new plan was to get gas on Baymeadows Road, either going or coming back.

Stephanie was still busy in her kitchen when I arrived but she was able to converse through her pass-through. Victory was hosting the dinner after the Festival service and there was concern about having enough food since GS was sending a large contingent. Stephanie was making additional food to feed us all! At first the network showing 'our' game had a game from London on, freaked us out!! I sent Justin a text message to see which network we needed and we were right. I guess CBS just wanted to give us a fit.

Stephanie and I are both WI people and Packer fans, as well as Jaguar fans, so it was a win-win either way for us. Mostly we were rooting for the Packers but I cheered for the Jags as well when they did something cheer-worthy. The best part was just being at Stephanie's and that's it!

Right after halftime, I had to leave to go rehearse our choir anthems. Only a couple people were there, GS choir members, ready to go. Some of the ladies were in the kitchen making things ready but they were not choir members. We had a small choir but sounded like more in number. Rachel was able to bring out the best in us with the church acoustics helping greatly.

As the people began to arrive, it was interesting to see how many more GS folks came than did Victory members. I tallied 33 of us from GS, and had reserved for 39. We had the privilege of hearing interesting sermonettes based upon the stanzas of Luther's hymn, The Battle Hymn of the Reformation: "A Mighty Fortress". Pastor Schleicher, serving Christ, Keystone Heights, was the guest preacher. 

When I arrived at Victory, the eating area was set up outside on the patio. As we readied to rehearse, tables and chairs were being carried in and set up in the back of the church as the temps were already dropping. I am so glad they did that for us leakers who cannot bear the cold! Plus the food was inside! Such wonderful German recipes were prepared...oh my! I even got to bring home some spaetzel which appeared to be home-made. Much much was leftover but I did my share to the dishes.

It felt so good to be there for worship and fellowship, and so good to get home to relax. I was away from home for nearly 12 hours and was ready to get my feet up and revel in the Packer victory!!

All this pumpkin talk!

Many of my friends, both 'live' and on Facebook (as though they are not live!?) have been raving about their pumpkin coffees, candles, and other flavored or scented pumpkin delights. This got me thinking about a delicious pumpkin treat we used to serve at Shady Lane Home called Harvest Loaf. It so happens the recipe was in my dark pine recipe box---all I needed were the ingredients. 

Justin and I decided to have dinner at Nishiki last night even though I was making a version of Swedish meatballs. Somehow I was not in the mood for them but could choke down some fried rice at the former Koko's. 

                                              

After dinner we stopped at Publix and picked up items needed for the next week. He has been wishing to make his chicken and broccoli dish again, made the first time for Lynn and Grandma K., and then again for Linda. Next, for us! Also, got the stuff needed for making a harvest loaf.

Today I decided to mix up the recipe and was doing well until it came time to put in it the pan....no loaf pan to be found! Justin did a room to room search, even looking in the cabinet above the refrigerator, where no one ever looks! By the way---there is nothing up there but dust. 

                                               

This made me sort of sad because it was a pan I'd likely had since getting married, a Mirro pan, and now, it's gone. He wondered if I gave it away like I had the bundt pan, but I am sure I'd keep my loaf pan at least for making meat loaf, or breakfast bread. It's a mystery! I wonder how long it has been gone....Guess I need to attend a Pampered Chef party to replace my vintage pan.

We are having a gloomy day today, no sunshine but very little effects of the passing storm. The 'sea' is mostly calm, not like yesterday, and the wind barely moving the palms. No rain thus far, with a brief passing shower yesterday afternoon. 

My sister, Kerry, reported that a large number of AT&T trucks from WI were heading to the upper east coast to be ready to help restore service after the storm. I hope the storm swerves away and does not pound them like Hurricane Irene did last year.

Speaking of Kerry, she has submitted her vacation request for next year in hopes of getting the weeks she wants to come down for a visit again. That was the finest time ever when she came and stayed for a week. Oh my...great time! I had so much fun watching her have fun. Everything, things I take for granted, were such a delight for her. I hope to do that again next summer if she can arrange it. 

That was in 2010, and only a couple days after I took Kerry to the airport and cried my eyes out saying good-bye (as I cry right now!), I went back to get Lynn and Linda! That was another great week.

When they left, I wrote on Facebook how I'd never had such a wonderful September, reveling in the great times we had had. And two days later, my life changed dramatically---the Great Flood! But, that is enough of that, let's revel in Harvest Loaf made in a square Mirro cake pan instead!

More Bucket List stuff

The other night at Bible study Pastor H. told one of the class members how learning to surf was on his bucket list. Today would be a good one for trying his hand, or his feet!, at surfing, with the wickedness of the waves with this passing storm. But, I simply cannot picture this grandpa on a surf board! 

A couple days ago my neighbor, Gus, came up for a visit. At first he came with Connie to see a large sea creature floating on its side in the river. She determined it was a large red (red what??) but it could have easily have been a small dolphin. The fish is presently being bashed against the rocks by the wild river we are experiencing today. Gus was just coming back from lunch with his friend and decided to hang out up here for a bit. 

He kept telling me how he's been in my home before but never really looked around very much---likely when I am having a flood! Gus insists I get the paints out again, trash my river room with the supplies (my words, not his), and start cranking out some work. I would sooner do that in my room than in there, because I can close the doors to this room!

He enjoyed the art work, the glass, the collections, and my stories of where the various pieces came from. I enjoyed his company! Gus promised to come back some time to look at my scrapbooks, as he is Greek and would like to see the photos. 

Gus mentioned how getting some Chihuly glass was on his 'bucket list'. He told me how he came close to buying some expensive pieces of glass a couple years ago. He passed up the opportunity then and is glad now he did, due to the market falling apart. I hope someday Gus can get a nice piece of glass and not too far off, as he is in his mid-70's already!

Sweet Gus---sadly he told me he has trouble remembering the dates on his parents' grave markers, and that of his wife, but he remembers the 'dash' in between. He was happy that I knew of the poem about the 'dash'. 

The Dash

By Linda Ellis

I read of a man who stood to speak

At the funeral of a friend.

He referred to the dates on her tombstone

From the beginning…to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth

And spoke of the following date with tears,

But he said what mattered most of all

Was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time

That she spent alive on earth

And now only those who love her

Know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own,

The cars…the house…the cash.

What matters is how we live and love

And how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard;

Are there things you’d like to change?

For you never know how much time is left

That can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough

To consider what’s true and real

And always try to understand

The way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger

And show appreciation more

And love the people in our lives

Like we never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect

And more often wear a smile…

Remembering that this special dash

Might only last a little while.

So when your eulogy is read

With your life’s actions to rehash

Would you be proud of the things they say

About how you spent your dash?

Part of my 'dash' was spent with Gus, and with various lady friends this past week. And, of course, with Justin. He is likely going to be moving next month and I am adjusting my mindset to that fact. I can swallow the larger electric bill and eating home cooked meals for a bit longer.....

My new burger

Last night I went to The Club for tapas during Happy Hour(s) to try the new and improved Lahaie Day Slider. As per my request, Chef changed it up to these, pictured below, and made me extremely happy. The sirloin burgers came topped with a dollop of spinach, spread with corn butter, and embellished with onion straws. That's good eatin'! I took these photos before eating but a few moments later, Chef came out and also took my picture! Suitable for framing....

The accompanying side dish was the onion straws, and oh, my!, they are amazing! As you can see in the shot, Justin's meal is already packed in the to-go box on my table into which I piled more than half the straws and poured the dipping sauce into one of the recesses in the box. He declared them as being amazing plus the dipping sauce was the best he ever had! Chef will receive now a follow-up e-mail from me telling him how much I appreciate their efforts and the great honor!

No wonder I couldn't sleep the other night!

The news (you 'new' I'd get to it!) is all about the information being released regarding the terror attack at Benghazi. Perhaps Mitt was right in letting the opportunity pass to clobber PresBO with the facts and let the media do it. Nearly 6 weeks after the event, it comes out only now that there was LIVE footage being streamed to the White House and other points taken from the unmanned drone. In addition to that footage are the communications from the compound reporting being in fear of attack, actually under attack, and who was eating dinner with the ambassador just prior to the attack. NO youtube video was mentioned in any of the communiques---how about that??? 

Who stayed up to watch the footage and carnage unfold, and who went to bed instead? Who failed to order the military to scramble to the rescue as this scene unfolded? With US bases located just across this narrow portion of the Mediterranean Sea, less than 500 miles from Benghazi, help could have been rapidly dispatched. 

Who still has their positions? And who lost their lives while others sat on their hands, or actually watched!, to protect the pontification that we have 'Al qaeda on the run'? That phrase has been pulled from the stump speeches, in case anyone has not noticed. Oops! Presidential race or not, this is serious business, folks, and our attention must be directed to this fiasco.

At least one war has somewhat come to a close, that being the fallacious 'war on women'. This past week the now infamous spokeswoman for nationally funded birth control managed to gather 10 people in a parking lot in NV to hear her speech about this subject. 

Her parents must be so proud of their 30+ year old daughter on the public forum begging for birth control---first before Congressional committees, then at the DNC, and now parking lots in NV. The war is actually evidenced at the gas pump, grocery store, and utility bills. People in the real world realize this, I pray.

I think I'm toasted!

Justin and I bought a loaf of bread at the Fall Festival on Saturday from one of the stands. Slicing bread is not my strong suit but somehow I have mastered it, cutting pieces for my breakfast. Who would think two slices would be so incredibly filling?? Wow, I feel as though I had a four-course feast instead of my buttered toasted bread! We have one more piece of bread left which will work well for my leftover meatloaf sandwich at lunch time---if I am hungry enough by then!

When Justin baked our meatloaf the other night, he had a problem getting it from the oven. The foil pan the loaf came in had a little flex to it. When he grabbed it, some of the juice/grease schlupped onto the floor of the oven, and beyond it. The next morning I saw streaks of grease down the oven door and, yes, onto the floor. This calls for an oven auto-cleaning! So, so thankful for this feature on my oven. Plus some wiping up with a hot, soapy cloth, my weapon of choice!                                  

                                   

Even though the sudsy water is my favorite, climbing inside the oven to wipe up the residue is NOT my favorite. This is where a young and able son comes in. He is so achy and sore all the time but is still more nimble than am I. When I got home from Bible study, I checked the inside of the oven and found it somewhat sparkly, but failed to check the drawer below the oven. I had asked him to wipe that out as well, since it is also a collection point for residue. My oven has been used more in the nearly one year he has been here than it has since I moved in!

Last night at BIC, Pastor mentioned that next week we will not have class as he will be in MN to meet his soon-to-be born granddaughter. He offered to send the lessons via Internet to those interested in order to work ahead. I mentioned that by tonight I would be caught up (I had missed several classes last time through due to being in WI), so I did not need the lessons. He also announced no Thursday classes for two weeks at which point I put my head on the table in sorrow. My spirit will starve!!!

When the class was over, Pastor leaned forward and asked, "So, Kim, does this mean you won't be joining us any longer?" Oh, my! Emphatically (really???) I expressed my desire to continue the class, claiming it to be the highlight of my week. The young couple in the class looked at me, and I told them, "I have a boring life!"  Pastor H.said he was glad I enjoy it so much and am willing to make the trek across the river twice a week to be fed with the Word.  "Please, sir, may I have some more?"

A busy head

Not like I didn't expect this to happen to me but I dislike it nonetheless. I cannot get to sleep! Justin tried going to bed, too, but got up again. He has to work early in the morning. I think he did manage to go to sleep, having taken a Mucinex and perhaps something else to stop his sniffling. He blames it on the fresh air, since we had doors and his windows opened. Not mentioning the fact that he is out in it all day long! Ever since he lost his left ear's hearing due to the virus, he experiences post nasal drip. Very annoying for him, and for those who listen to him trying to keep his throat clear. Usually he takes a 12 hour medication and he is able to manage but the pill wears off!

Both of us were keyed up before and during part of the debate but we faded fast. What we had hoped to hear was not there in the force expected. As I told Justin, we got spoiled in Debate #1, thinking they could all be home runs. The spin doctors will lay it all out tomorrow (or rather, later this morning) but most consider it a tie for now. Nothing huge or game changing happened, which is, I guess, a good thing. The undecided and independent voters likely won't be swayed by foreign policy any way. The one focus group of undecideds were wildly impressed with Mitt's performance which gives me hope.

*****

The other day Twila asked me how much longer we'd be studying the psalms on Monday mornings, and I told her I had it written down somewhere at home. In cleaning off the desk, I found the paper, which showed two more psalms to go through yet, including Psalm 119!! That should take us well into November! 

After Bible study, only four of us went to lunch, Judy C. being absent due to it being picture day at her grandkids' school. She is helping with that and might get a deal on the picture packages. Anyway, I decided to change it up a little and ordered what I thought was a BLT with sirloin steak on it. What actually came out was a salad, with sliced tomatoes, bacon, and a couple hunks of sirloin with a heavy seasoning on the exterior edges. Boy, did I drink soda with my lunch!! I had to laugh at myself because this was so not what I wanted or expected! Should have read the menu better. Jason offered to get me something else but I struggled through, enjoying the potato soup that came with it. Won't make that mistake again!

After lunch I went up to the Publix nearby and got rolls for our sliders. Justin planned to make them for our dinner, adding chopped onion and hand-minced garlic for flavor. I am still tasting my sirloin from lunch plus now the sliders from dinner. My friend, Linda M., sent me a recipe yesterday (actually Sunday!) for an easy refrigerator pie. I got the ingredients for that plus a few other items and then went home. 

Looks good enough to eat!

The pie needed to set for 4 hours so I mixed it up. Gotta love no-bake desserts like this! It used sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, cool whip, and a bag of frozen raspberries, in a graham cracker crust. No fuss, no muss, and so delicious!

Now I must try to calm my brain and get some rest. Tuesday night is BIC, and I have some homework to do at some point during the day. Amber has quit coming for a while, which makes me frightfully sad, but perhaps someday, she will return. Things are tough for her right now and hopefully soon she will have a bright spot. I certainly do miss having her here for Bible history and miss spending that time with her. A prayer or two on her behalf would be appreciated. Remember one for our nation, as well...

Fall-like weather

After a certain point in life, it all comes down to the weather. There was even a song written about it with the lyric: "I get all the news I need from the weather report...." Always a conversation starter, stating the obvious, or asking the obvious, such as "Cold enough for you?" At church yesterday Gretchen asked me why I had no jacket because it was substantially more chilly than previous Sunday mornings. I told her it felt like Alaska out there but many folks countered this statement, claiming they like this type of weather. Not me! (By the way, it's mid 70's during the day....)

In a couple weeks I will be having my nasty windows cleaned from the outside.  The lady just called me to confirm the appointment. It makes my stomach feel queazy just thinking of the guy standing on a ladder this high up but it is too hard on my window hardware to have them wrestle the panes from the frame to tip them down. The company which made these windows is no longer in business and the guy who makes the repairs for them is running short of replacement parts. I cherish my windows and want nothing to happen to them as a result of having the glass cleaned. It has happened before so I am not being overly concerned, just properly so. 

It is a long way up there....

When they use the tall ladder to wash the sliding glass doors, at least they have the railing to offer some 'assurance'. That 'safety' feature is not available at the windows, however. I get the willies just thinking about it now, and hope I am not home when they do it!

Sailboats on the river

This is what a beautiful day looks like!

A day for the books

Last night Justin used my car to drive to Daytona for the Romney/Ryan event, with Jesse. The crowd was huge and really needed a larger venue. Unfortunately, Justin was not able to get close enough to get his cheese head autographed. The two guys decided to stop for wings on the way back so it was quite late when he got home.

Our plans for Saturday were centered around Stephanie and Erica making the trek from Southside to OP to have breakfast with us at Grumpy's. The ladies wanted to go to the Romney/Ryan store on Fleming Island to get yard signs, decals, and t-shirts, etc. Plus, Erica had never been to my home so they were coming here as well. This is all very exciting for me!

I made sure Justin was up and ready for breakfast in time, and off we went to Grumpy's. A short wait and we were seated, saving two seats for our friends. Once they arrived, we enjoyed our time and meals together. 

They mentioned seeing the Fall Festival going on at Town Hall and asked about stopping in there. Stephanie is a crafter so would love such an event. I knew the Art Guild had a booth there where I have worked in the past. Justin looked it up on his phone and sure enough, there was a Romney/Ryan booth at the fair! One stop shopping!

Justin, my kind gentleman, dropped me off and then parked the car, having to walk several city blocks to do so. Nice! The two ladies parked at the Winn-Dixie Plaza and walked across Kingsley to the Festival. The ground was covered with straw which was sort of messy but better than walking on dirt. The food vendors lined the perimeter and boy, if only we'd not just eaten at Grumpy's......

We found the Art Guild booth right off the bat and I greeted those working, two of whom I knew. The woman I didn't know asked me, "Are the lady from the picture at Great Hang Ups, eating the ice cream?" Um, yes, that would be me! Her piece was hung right above mine in the show. Fun!

Several booths featured animals, the shelters being well represented. Our two friends love dogs and had plenty to enjoy, some in cages and some on leashes. Other vendors had pet accessories for adorning them with sport team items or even entire costumes. 

Erica is so pretty!

The day started out cooler but as we strolled the grounds, it got warmer and warmer. Even I was warm but not uncomfortable. Eventually we found the R/R booth which was crowded with people. We got the yard signs, decals, and other campaign items, much of it free. And Erica got herself a t-shirt, which she changed into in the bathroom. Everywhere on the property one could see R/R signs, with only a minute number of the opposing team's items. "Their" booth had no lines or crowds around it. 

I was drawn to a booth where the vendor had stainless steel serving and eating items embellished with beads. I bought myself a set of serving tools with cobalt blue beads wired to the handle. Justin's sales pitch to me? "They are dishwasher safe!" 

Eventually we made it around the ever-expanding show, and worked our way to the food vendors. As we looked, Justin found a booth with fresh-baked bread so we took a loaf of that. Earlier I had picked up a mini-pumpkin pie for him which was in a foam box.

Erica had seen a stand selling Filipino food so that's what she was hungry for. One stand was cooking 'soul food' and smelled so wonderful. The owner of the restaurant was standing outside the booth and greeted us as we got closer. He said to me, "Oh, you look so pretty today!" and I gave him a hug. Later, Stephanie asked me if I knew that guy and I told her, "Now I do!" 

Justin and I found a vendor selling knishes so we each took one to-go. Mine is brisket with mashed potatoes, to be eaten later. I got my heart's desire of a funnel cake and found a place to sit down. The others set off to find their heart's desire. Stephanie came back with meat on a stick, and Erica had some sort of Oriental noodle dish. Not sure what Justin ended up with, but he did bring me back a soda, without my asking!

When it was time to go, Justin went to get the car, and the ladies crossed back over Kingsley to theirs. Justin picked me up at the curb, again the gentleman, and we got home before our guests arrived. Stephanie has been here before, but never Erica. 

Once parked, and in the lobby, she was all set to move in!!! She loved the place and wants to lie down on a sleeping bag in front of the patio doors. Erica asked me how I ever leave here. It does become harder and harder, especially when all things are going well!

He calls these his 'Fred Flintstone' feet!

Justin showed us his feet when we got home, filthy black except where his flip flop straps were. Even my feet were filthy and I was wearing closed-toe shoes! Stephanie's feet were okay but her ankles were black. THAT is why they spread that annoying straw at the Festival! It was early afternoon when they went back to Southside, with just enough time for Erica to get cleaned up for her next engagement at the Riverside Arts Market. A high culture day for her, beginning with Grumpy's!!

After his nap he went grocery shopping and laid up some supplies for the coming week, including what I need to make Swedish meatballs. I forgot to tell him about the spinach, though, so will get that on another visit. Can't wait, but now, must rest after my busy day!

I loved it!!! and love my friends and my son! 

The Kim Burger

If I lived in Manitowoc, I wonder if a restaurant would name a perch sandwich after me. Maybe Harborside would do it--name it "Something Fishy Going on Here" or similar to that, incorporating my name somehow. If I ate shrimp, it would be Jumbo Stuffed Shrimp! Here, on the shores of the river, I have a burger named after me!

Wednesday evening I went to The Club, as I mentioned, to sample my personal sandwich. It turned out to be something other than a sandwich, but not being one to complain, I waited until Thursday to do so. The menu described the 'entree' as beef tips on crostini with garlic and spinach. Not really a slider, but it was described as being 'new'...

Was it ever delicious?! But with the others having the beer-tasting buffet serving the actual sliders (the 'old' ones?), well, I was disappointed. My version featured tender morsels of beef splayed on two pieces of crostini, and then draped with fresh spinach and an abundance of garlic. Oh my, the garlic! I could barely stand myself, nor could Justin stand himself, after eating it. And I DID eat the spinach!

                                                       

Well, the next morning after much brushing, rinsing, and spitting to rid my mouth of the garlic smell and taste, I wrote a note to Chef. (This name is used like it's his first name, which is actually Sheldon. I guess it's like calling your pastor Pastor). My thanks were extended for the honor of having a menu item named for me and all that BUT---

I went on to say I was thinking more along the lines of the simpler delight of a mini-burger like we had at the cabana last summer. I told him the grown-ups might like this version better, but simpler tastes as mine like a mini-burger. Justin suggested pureeing the spinach and garlic into a paste to spread over the burger, and I shared that with Chef, as well.

                                              

He wrote back and thanked me for the review. And, he is going to change it! He said it is his life's desire to make me happy (I paraphrase here...) and said the staff likes to make me smile. To which Justin replied, when I read him the note, "Oh, great!" or something like that....Chef asked me about adding cheese to it and grilled onions and I granted him permission to do so! 

I am not so difficult to please---just get the right type of hot dogs in the cabana and the right slider in The Club, and I am good! AND, I raved madly about the onion straws which were extraordinary the way they came. I would go everyday to have an order of those. I told Chef I seemingly don't mind onion breath but do mind garlic breath!

This all just makes me laugh and oh, so happy! I think they are grasping at straws (onion straws!) at The Club these days!

I can't play poker!

Several years ago when we played card games with our friends, Bruce asked me, "You don't play poker, do you, Miss Kim?" My face gives me away!

My dinner, and Justin's, came from The Club last night as I went to sample the new Lahaie Day Slider on the tapas menu. When I got there, a round table usually comfortably seating 7 or 8 people had closer to 20 around it. Two of my neighbors, Joe and Rose, were seated at the adjoining table so I plunked myself down with them. 

As people were coming in, more chairs were pulled around the first table as the circle backed away from the table. Since I was going to order food, it was best for me, and my table-mates, to stay where we were. Joe and Rose were taking part in the beer-tasting event going on which provided slider-style burgers and chicken wings, and had left the table to get their food. Mine was being delivered to me from the kitchen. 

Hugh looked up and saw me alone at the table, and I heard him say, "Kim's sitting by herself..." as he got up and came to where I was seated. He urged me to join their circle and promised me no one would use profanity or talk about live-in situations. Nice! I did explain Rose and Joe were filling their plates and would be right back, assuring him I was just fine where I was, but also thankful he was concerned for me.

The "live-in situations" comment came from the other night on the sundeck when one couple was explaining about getting their son's apartment or house ready for the girlfriend to move in with him. I don't remember reacting openly to their conversation but something must have been expressed in my face, or from him knowing me (I hope the latter), which made him say such a thing to me. I am such a pain to have around! But yet, they wanted me!

Gradually a couple ladies left that table and came over to where I was seated. Miss Chardonnay came in and sat next me, quite gingerly, as her back is giving her a fit. She was having an MRI this a.m. to see what's going on. She recently began doing yoga with our upstairs neighbor who is an instructor and I can't help but wonder if it's related. 

Betty and Kathy came over and our heads were together with Joe and Rose, talking about the debate from the night before. Miss Chardonnay was the only one not in the know, admittedly so. She took the opposite position of the rest of us, and kept trying to hush Rose. "Excuse me, I'm talking!"---just like in the debate!! 

Kathy was able to explain a few things to her but as she was speaking, I picked up my to-go bag with Justin's dinner in it, to leave. Miss C. grabbed my arm and asked me, "I didn't offend you, did I?" I assured her she had not but I did want to take Justin's dinner to him. Betty was concerned about my walking home alone but I was fine. So fine, in fact, that Justin was standing at the railing, watching for me! He claimed he heard me coming....I was not laughing so I don't know what gave me away!

My adorable nephews

My nephew, Angelo, is trying on hats with his grandma, Lynn. Here he is sporting a Santa-style hat with Yoda ears attached to it. He is so darn cute!

Angelo is playing with an electronic device behind the wheel of this ride-on toy. I often see people doing this  when driving down the freeway! 

My nephew, Bryson, was celebrating his birthday and seems overjoyed with this giant coloring book!

Manny and Gabe watch as more birthday presents are being opened. I miss them terribly!

How to Win a Debate: 101

From breitbart.com:
1. "He did call it an act of terror." The worst untruth told by a moderator in presidential history. Candy Crowley's intervention in favor of Obama caused the president's cheering section to burst into applause, in violation of the rules, and there was little that Romney could say in response. But she was wrong--Obama's reference to "acts of terror" in his Sept. 12 statement was in a general, abstract sense, and came long after he had described the 9/11 attacks on U.S. diplomatic missions as demonstrations against an anti-Islamic video. Even Crowley seemed to realize what she had done: it wasn't long before she walked back her own comment.

(Emphasis mine)

Speech from the Rose Garden on September 12 in part: 

"Of course, yesterday was already a painful day for our nation as we marked the solemn memory of the 9/11 attacks.  We mourned with the families who were lost on that day.  I visited the graves of troops who made the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq and Afghanistan at the hallowed grounds of Arlington Cemetery, and had the opportunity to say thank you and visit some of our wounded warriors at Walter Reed.  And then last night, we learned the news of this attack in Benghazi. 

As Americans, let us never, ever forget that our freedom is only sustained because there are people who are willing to fight for it, to stand up for it, and in some cases, lay down their lives for it.  Our country is only as strong as the character of our people and the service of those both civilian and military who represent us around the globe.

No acts of terror will ever shake the resolve of this great nation, alter that character, or eclipse the light of the values that we stand for.  Today we mourn four more Americans who represent the very best of the United States of America.  We will not waver in our commitment to see that justice is done for this terrible act.  And make no mistake, justice will be done."

Mitt was right!!!

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/09/12/remarks-president-deaths-us-embassy-staff-libya