Easter celebration at church

 At our Easter sunrise service this a.m., Darwin served as acolyte

The new Paschal candle, 2013, with the nails inserted

 

The family of our Navy member, Corey, on the left, came to visit him for Easter, leaving the warmth of New Ulm, MN to come and freeze on Easter morning! I heard one of the girls say as they walked up to the church, "I think it's outside...." They had a blanket in the car, and Dad surrendered his suit coat to another of the bare armed girls. It was 57 degrees but a cool 57! 

We gathered indoors after the service and were warmed with hot food and great fellowsip, prepared by Mike 'n Mike

                     Some of those enjoying breakfast together

The chancel is dressed, ready to celebrate Easter and the Lord's Supper. At lunch, Mike S. commented that he looked up and noticed the brass cross was not in place before worship. He had not read the service folder which described the procession with the brass cross and Paschal candle. It was quite poignant a procession.

We rejoice over the confirmations of two new members, a husband and wife, today

The Easter cross, fashioned from the trunk of the Christmas tree, decorated with fresh cut flowers

A quietly busy day

Good Friday was just that---quiet! For the most part, there was hardly any outside racket as the workmen were off for the day. The guys working above me did not, by comparison, make much noise either. You know it's bad when the noise outside annoys the workers upstairs! Two floors above the fray and they are bothered by it---interesting. We are partial to our own noise, I guess.

I had gotten myself up and showered, dressed for the day, which would normally begin with breakfast at The Club. Just as I was about to leave, Pat sent me text message saying she was not coming, wishing me a blessed Easter. Tina had told us last week they would not be there either so I opted to head to the store instead. Beating the rush, as it were.

Publix has the best bakery so I headed to Fleming Island to get the potato rolls and few other things needed for the feast. They had soda on sale so I stocked up on that, as well as getting some Arnold Palmer tea to serve as Mike S. is a tea drinker. While at Publix, I met my neighbor, Herve, who was also shopping for the weekend. He said he likes to shop earlier in the morning when the store is still quiet. Personally, I don't mind a busier store, but some do not.

When I got home, I managed to carry most of my bags upstairs, leaving the canned stuff for later. Connie offered to help me but I refused this time. She was going to try to wash the building since the guys weren't there, and she asked if she should hose my doors for me. I had told her I wanted Justin to clean them but knew it was fruitless to do so. Her efforts were also fruitless as the dust is thicker than a hosing would take care of. This job will require physically wiping the ironwork after the guys are long gone. But, I appreciate her efforts!

Since more dust would not be generated outside, I decided to get busy with the Pledge inside and tackled the dining room first. Love the smell of the lemony Pledge! As I was moving into the living room, still occupied by Justin's things, I got a text message on my phone. It was Lee, wondering if I was yet at breakfast. Nope, I told her I was at home. She wanted to meet for a 'last minute lunch' and I was so there!!! After I changed from jeans into dressier slacks, I cantered over there to meet Lee.

The dining room was not busy but we were not alone either. It was nice to catch up with her, having not seen each other face to face since our dinner with Linda J. The day was bright and sunshiny, with the river looking so pretty. A great view for our lunch. Lee's horoscope said to have dessert and even this unbeliever had a piece of dessert for the occasion!

On the way back from lunch, I stop to chat with Bob who was sunning himself at the pool. It was finally getting warm enough to do so, for him it was, anyway! I was still dressed in layers, of course. He asked about my mom, which is sweet of him. He is looking forward to pool days again, as are his grand kids. Oh my, me too!

Maundy Thursday

One of the finest things we do at GS is this---the ceremonial stripping of the altar by the Altar Guild. 

At the close of the service, the acolyte approaches the altar and extinguishes the altar candles by blowing them out rather than snuffing. Then, carries the still lit Christ candle to the rear of the church. The lights have been dimmed at this point so the light of that sole candle shows more brightly.

                

                         Pastor, Ethel, Bonnie, Ellen, Terri, Donna, Twila

Once the acolyte is in back, the six ladies approach the chancel, walking in pairs, evenly spaced. Next, Pastor removes his shawl and lays it over the outstretched arms of Ethel, second from left in the photo. Her daughter, Terri, is carefully folding the communion linens and will lay them over her mom's arms piece by piece until the altar is bare. 

Ethel, Bonnie, Terri, and Ellen

The other ladies carry the candle holders, challice, paten, and the communion ware down the aisle, slowly, again in pairs. A hymn plays softly in the background, no singing, timed to conclude as Pastor carries the brass cross down the aisle. The congregation leaves the chapel in darkness and in silence.

Last year, Robbie sang "What Wondrous Love Is This" acapella during this ceremony. At the Pastor's Conference in January when the ladies did this for the service, an area pastor sang Psalm 116 acapella, again timed to conclude as Pastor carried the cross down the aisle. 

Now, on Easter Sunday, a procession will bring the Paschal candle in, with Pastor carrying the cross up the aisle. The choir will process as well, to a point, singing in jubilation. No more silent, but resounding with joy that He is risen!

Plenty of thinking going on here

Ooh, my hands are just freezing, can barely type. You'd think I was making snowballs or something, rather than sitting in my nice house in relative warmth. Speaking of warmth, it occurred to me that all these months of non-pool activity seems to be easier on my knees than being in the pool. What does that mean? Or is it my imagination?

                                         

                           This is the type I bought

At the store the other day I found a jar of olive bruchetta which I thought might take the place of the muffaletta I like from Basketique. It is a smaller jar in size but less than half the cost of the muffaletta. The sad thing is, the flavor is lacking, but I don't know what it is lacking. Can I fix it? I put it out on FB last night to see if any of the foodies in the crowd would know what to do. My friend, Jacquie, seemed to think it was a difference in the oils used, which means I cannot fix it. The bruchetta does not have a bad taste, but is more like no taste at all.

The other day I had a conversation with my mom, not interrupted by driving. I was actually at home, and so was she. Mom had big news to report, having gotten a phone call from a woman she used to babysit for in the early 1940's. To compress this story---the caller is the mom of the choir director who came with the LPS group last Tuesday. Through a conversation, Randy and I made the inevitable WELS connections, and voila!, Mom is reconnected with this lady. They talked for an hour, comparing notes and matching up information with the caller, Carol. It was a great trip for Mom to take down memory lane, and I love it for her. It seems Carol was at my cousin, Rochelle's, funeral a couple years ago but we never realized it. Cool!

***

I was listening to a program yesterday where the hosts were talking about some of the elected leaders, and men in general, being shaped in their adult lives by what their father was. Tiger Woods (not an elected official) was one example, a negative example, of following in his father's footsteps. His dad had a history of infidelity and had it overlooked, and Tiger expected it to be the same for himself. 

Some of the elected guys, those in the forefront of many discussions, are who they are as a result of their father's influence. Like it or not. Even the president has done it---what his father  said and did in life is how PresBO learned to think. His cultural influence, and the others cultural and familial influences, come into play in adulthood. 

"The purpose of a university should be to make a son as unlike his father as possible." Woodrow Wilson (How is that for a tragic goal?)

In the book I read about a mom's influence on their son's lives, Mom, as the nurturer, helps to influence the "style" of the son, how he is going to treat others and conduct himself. The same is true for the relationship between fathers and daughters, according to the author. 

I just love these type of conversations, or programs, as the case might be, especially when discussing the upcoming changes coming into popularity in education. They really get my brain busy! New standardized curriculums, data/information collection, based on states getting stimulus money. Dangerous! The education system will measure everything about a child from preschool through graduation, directing their path for them rather than the student doing so. Right now it is in the gov't. schools but we should not be surprised to see these problems getting into the private and parochial schools at some time. Talk about insidious influences!

A cold snap is upon us

Yes, once again, the Southeast is faced with record low temperatures overnight. I understand that there was frost inland but I think the low here was 37. None of the plants at The Club are dressed like ghosts which makes me believe we did not face freezing temps. 

Things around here are not covered with frost, but rather, with concrete dust. I just looked out toward my car from the balcony and saw it coated with the same dust. Perhaps when I get gas later, I should go to Shell on Fleming Island to get the car wash---as if that would help!

My downstairs neighbor just called me to ask if her housekeeper can park in my extra spot. Of course, she can, if Connie allows it. Apparently Connie told her she cannot park there but I say she can! Tracy told me earlier this a.m. that she has taped around some of her doors in an effort to keep the dust at bay. I feel badly for the poor cleaning lady, battling against the dust!

The guys just shut down the jackhammers for lunch and I realized how loud my radio is! There is also the work going on above me but that I barely notice because of the outside noise. Guess I can see why this repair was so long in coming---it is such a pain! My ears overheard a report the other day that the concrete leading up to the entrance courtyards by the doors is in good condition and will not need to be taken out. That is a cost/time savings right there, but they could not determine this until the tile and its barrier was removed. The guys seem to know how deeply to remove the layers.

                                              

After my shower,  I grabbed that battery-operated Swiffer Justin got for me, to just tidy up around my bed. No sooner did I begin the process, but the battery quit. It is now charging for another go at it. 

Justin had to launder the area rug I keep next to my bed after dropping his pizza slice on it the other night. Oops! After he had taken up the rug, I found a crumble of sausage under my bed, and the cord of my laptop had sauce on it. Ew! I put the sausage in the sink and washed my hands, and forgot about it. Well, yesterday when brushing my teeth, I had the water running, and there was this pinkish-hued item floating in the water. I thought, "Now what???" as I hastily swept through my mouth with my tongue. All was in place. I got up my nerve to pick it up and then remembered the errant sausage crumble from last night. Whew! I must be getting nervous about my upcoming dental procedure next week....

Just thought of something else to report---last night I was sitting here, perusing my receipt from Publix, from my Monday purchases. It seems the other lady and I did the right thing by taking the store-brand of ham, as it was on sale! I saved nearly $13 on my choice, and did not even know it. This showed up on the receipt. Nice! However, I was horrified to see that I paid $1.69 for that 20 oz. bottle of Sprite for baking said ham, when I could have gotten an entire 12 pack for $4. Easily I could have taken a case of Sprite Zero and enjoyed it. I went from smart shopper to foolish one in two seconds flat!

I came upon this poem...

Broken Chain

We little knew the day that God would call your name
In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you, You did not go alone.
For part of us went with you, The day God called you home.
You left us peaceful memories, Your love is still our guide.
And though we cannot see you, You are always at our side.
Our family chain is broken, And nothing seems to be the same.
But as God calls us one by one, The chain will link again.


Ron Tanmer

Such a racket!

I was sitting in the dining room helping Justin with his packing to move. My job? Sort and roll socks, and fold numerous t-shirts and polos. Roughly? Perhaps 50 of them, possibly more. My shoulder got sore, only one of them strangely enough, from all the folding. 

                            

Here is Sheldon, the obsessive/compulsive star of The Big Bang Theory, folding his weekday t-shirts with this device. He washes and dries his clothes on Saturday night at 8:15 pm. Once, to upset him, Penny went downstairs and used every washer, promptly at 8:14 pm! Justin is ordering this device for his use at his new home.

It reminded me of my married days, when I would refer to my spouse's closet as the "land of a thousand shirts". In Italian, the word is "millecamicia". Justin would prefer that to the English expression. Justin wanted his shirts folded into squares which I did my best to do. He meant folded, I later discovered, as compared to rolled, so he could pack them in his bins more readily. 

At this moment he has taken a load of packed plastic bins (only plastic used these days, after the Great Flood of 2010!) to the new house, using my car. His hatch doesn't open any longer in his car, and mine is much easier to load from the back. Thankfully, The Palace has a dolly! 

He reportedly got 10 such bins into my car for his ride to Mandarin. He is allowing 30 minutes to the house, 30 to unload, and another 30 to get back here. We will reload the cars, then, and go over together. Dinner is at Chili's on that side of the river, as he has a coupon for the pretzel sticks. Yum!

In this packing situation, his stuff has now taken over the living room and the dining room tables. It is easier to pack in wide open spaces and there is no extra space in his room to do so. All I hope for is the messes be cleared away for the Easter feast. 

Another fun job I got was sorting a gallon-sized resealable bag stuffed with writing implements. He said they were accumulated since high school, which is very likely so. Justin and I both appreciate writing tools, even though I type most of the time now. Anyway, he only wished to keep 'special' pens and pencils (i.e. one from the Waldorf-Astoria) so the rest, those I don't want, are going to church. There must have been more than a hundred in the collection, which I patiently wiped clean with a baby wiper before handling. I have a 'thing' about yukky stuff, you know? (see Sheldon above...) Besides, I love the smell of the wipers!

While I was sitting out in the dining room, doing the folding and socks, I tried to listen to my programs on the radio. Not possible! Without wishing to blast the radio, I decided to simply listen to the sound of the jack hammers busily breaking the tiles, and the silence, right below my unit. I feel badly for those who live on the 2nd floor, with this outside their doors and windows all day. They are working longer days this week in order to leave early on Good Friday. 

                              

This earlier morning, Justin was in my room, making his battle plans for the day. I was lamenting the accumulation of concrete/grout dust settling on my exterior doors and even on my floors from us walking about. Knowing how sensitive I am about dust, he said he has to move out of here because of it. Ha, he cracks me up!  I will dust, lightly, on Saturday, but that's it, with my apologies to the guests on Sunday for the rest!

I'm going to miss him!

My Justin is in the process of packing stuff up in his room right now, too busy to cook for us. Instead, we ordered Pizza Hut sliders, our first taste of them, for our dinner. They are the size of small personal pan pizzas, nine in the order, with three different types of toppings. My three had ground beef, black olives, and onions. The remainder of the order has pepperoni, bacon, and onions. Quite delicious! We ate 5 of the order with the four leftover for two more meals. Not bad for $10 plus delivery.

                     

Today after Bible study and lunch, I went to the Argyle Publix to do my Easter feast shopping. As long as I was out, I might as well get the shopping out of the way. A lady and I discussed the pros and cons of Smithfield Hams, with the cons winning. We both went for the store-brand, which was less expensive by half. I bought a single bottle of Sprite to pour over the ham while I bake it on Sunday. I am so excited!

                                        

My sister, Kerry, sent me a recipe yesterday for a dessert she tried successfully. The ingredient list was simple---angel food cake mix and a can of crushed pineapple packed in its one juice. I can't wait to try it for Sunday's dessert. Somehow or another, I thought that Cool Whip came in flavors but apparently fat-free and sugar-free are not flavors. My mistake! I was thinking there was chocolate and a strawberry flavor. I did find the new frosting, though, the Cool Whip frosting, which sure does look enticing and probably a bit too tempting! I walked away.....

While Justin was sitting at my desk this evening, I commented to him that something was wrong with my camera. The photos I took indoors at church Sunday were all blurry. Nuts! He picked up the camera and looked at it for one second and said, "It's set on manual focus..." and moved the switch over. Oh, I am going to miss him!!!

By the light of day

Thankfully the rain has taken a break at this moment because my building is now without power yet again. There is daylight! When I called in to JEA to report the outage, the recording told me I was the only one. Now that scared me! Why just me? My payment has been taken care of and it is not very likely only MY unit would shut down. 

From the kitchen I heard shoes outside my door and there was Herve, my neighbor, on his way up the steps to the 5^th floor. When I announced my power being out, he said yes, everyone’s was out. I told him what the recording told me, but he assured me everyone was out in our area. I could hear the elevator ‘alarm’ beeping downstairs which did show me all were included in this outage. Herve said he heard the transformer blow somewhere further south on the property which is somewhat a big deal, as we remember from last summer’s lengthy outage from our transformer.

               

This computer had the battery disconnected to extend its life so I managed to plug it in and make use of it. I will leave it on after the power comes back to charge it up to full. Right now I am on 1/3 strength so won’t be able to write too long here. At the same time, I am charging my cell phone using the battery from my computer (thank you, Justin!). Once this battery goes, I am sitting in quiet---not a good look for me! Guess I could wind up my music boxes for sound. OR, I can go down to the car to charge the little laptop and my phone, and listen to the radio at the same time. A trip down and then back up the stairs…hmmm….come on, JEA!

Back again---electricity restored after two and a half hours. I now have all my devices plugged in to charge up. I should always remember to keep their battries filled for just such experiences. The recorded voice from the electric company informed me a branch or vine took down the line. That is much better than a transformer being out, by about 9 1/2 hours, based on last year's outage of 12 hours!!!

Rain, rain, go away

Almost all day long it's been like this---rain, rain, rain, flash of lightning, boom of thunder, rain, rain, rain. Not always hard, but pretty much steady. Those who know say this is exactly what is needed for our soil, and to reduce the fire danger. Of course, lightning does NOT help with that!

                     

Justin stayed the night at the new house, going over there almost immediately after work last night. His tail was dragging but he headed straight to the new house to help get things ready for the housewarming party which is tonight. He invited me to come to the party, but I have opted to stay in rather than brave the roads on this rain-soaked day. 

                                                    

The other night Ron and he tried their hand at installing a toilet ("We have one working toilet in the house!") and last night were installing ceiling fans and other lights. I hope they got it all ready plus had what they needed to make it a party.

This late morning my car came home to me. It was delivered to my parking space by Vince, the owner of Norris Automotive. He drove it many miles in an attempt to get it to act up but no luck. He told me that he ran all the diagnostics on the engine and stuff which came up as being in good working order. So, it must be my imagination playing tricks on me. I hope and pray he is right, have to trust him. But I also have to trust my car...sigh....

Today I made a batch of spaghetti which I enjoyed for lunch and for dinner. My, it is tasty! It is not easy to mess up such a dish but it is easy to mess up my stove, sink, and cooking utensils. Thankful for the new dishwasher to take care of the mess for me. Still in the process of deciding what to serve next Sunday for my guests...I am just so excited about having a feast. It's been a while, probably since ThanksLiving in 2011. 

Have a great Palm Sunday all! "Hosanna in the highest!"

Our merciful Lord

Once again the Lord has been merciful and spared me from a terrible expense. The mechanics, having driven my car and put about 40 miles on it, cannot find anything wrong. That is the 2nd time that I have had it checked over and nothing found amiss. Now, instead of having to replace my transmission or do other major repairs on the car, I might be replacing the entire vehicle for peace of mind's sake. We shall see! But I am offering prayers of thanksgiving to the Lord for answering mine. Earlier this week I asked Him to spare me from a tooth-ache and thus far, the tooth has been quiet. We have a good and gracious God!

Yesterday I had the distinct privilege of writing a short speech for my friend, Toni. She has to say something at her dear friend's retirement party and asked me to put words to paper for her. Not knowing the other lady at all, I garnered a few details from Toni and wrote a little speech for her to present. What a blessing it is to be able to do this for her! She said it choked her up, so I guess it was good!

                                                     

Wednesday Brenda and I met for lunch at Steak 'n Shake ("I have coupons!"). Our service, previous times not that great, was superb and we were wildly impressed. I even told the cashier how much we appreciated it. Brenda has only an hour to spare for lunch and every second matters when we are together. Her family already has plans for Easter, for which I am glad, but I wanted to make sure they were covered for the holiday. She has her hands full helping to raise her two granddaughters, and is doing a good job of it under the circumstances.

After such good news and delightful tasks, it saddens me to report the story of an area mom and the killing of her baby. She was out walking the baby in the stroller yesterday morning in a small town in GA. Two young guys, one barely a teen, approached her with a gun drawn, demanding her money. Of course, she had none, just out for a walk, so one of them shot the baby. She was wounded in the process of trying to protect the child. For what? A possible couple of bucks? Life has lost all its value....

There is a reward of some size offered for information on this crime. The police are checking with area schools to find out who was absent from class, declaring they will not rest until they make an arrest in this horrendous killing. My heart aches for the parents on the death of their little one, and sorrow for the community knowing of their own likely did this. Come quickly, Lord Jesus....come!

Waiting for the other shoe to drop

Lately my car has been acting worse and worse for me, as I have mentioned in the past, being sluggish and such. Justin freaked me out before I went to WI last December when he was using it, complaining about it acting up for him when out Christmas shopping or something on the Southside. Lately, for me, it's been idling funny, seeming to choke when waiting at a stop light. I would pop it into neutral and the idle normalized. Like driving a race car, I would have to shift back into drive and then zoom off!

Months ago I had gotten the name of a guy recommended by my friend, Betty. Her son-in-law works there and I felt confident in calling this company. I had to leave a message but in a few minutes, the owner of the shop called me back. More polite he could not be, and most gracious. He offered to come and get the car from me, which I accepted. 

He didn't have trouble finding the place as his daughter's wedding was held at The Club last year. He told me about riding to The Club to drop off a check, with his wife on their Harley, and then rode down by the river. "Some woman came charging around the building" to tell him this was private property. Connie!!! He laughed it off, acknowledging that even though he cleaned up nice, they might have looked 'suspicious' on their motorcycle!
                                              

Justin came home after work last night with an Oreo Mint Blizzard for me. For no reason! I am eating it half at a time, because it's so rich.

Vince, the shop owner, had a young man with him who would actually drive the car back to the shop. I gave Cameron the instructions for sitting at the lights, and they both assured me they would get it back to the shop without an issue. I hope they did! He is calling me later to give his diagnosis and estimate---gulp!

My sweet neighbor, Tracy, is allowing me the use of their extra car, which had belonged to MamMa, for the duration of my repairs. That is so very nice of her! I have the best neighbors! Connie also told me I can use her car during the day while she is here at work, which is truly above and beyond, for which I am grateful. Just knowing she offered is heartwarming to me. Twila had agreed to come pick me up for church Sunday but now I can tell her I won't need the lift.

We have a church meeting afterwards so doubt we will go to Chili's this week. Judy is going to Charleston for the weekend so will miss the meeting and lunch! 
                                            
The good news is that the following week, Judy and our group will convene at my table for Easter feast. Mike S. will be coming, too, and possibly Judy's grandson, David. I look forward to having a group around my table again, for Justin and David to be able to engage in conversation. That is going to be so interesting, these two political talkers. I can't wait!

The day in pictures

"What's all that racket out there????" Oh, yes, this is what my most recent assessment is paying for---destruction!  

It looks like they can keep the railings, thus far, which saves us a ton of money 

Meanwhile, back at church.....

After feeding the choir, the kitchen needed to be cleaned up again. Bruce is drying dishes as Judy washes roasters in the other sink.

The choir was magnificent! At one point they circled the chapel and sang from every corner. So moving...

At the end of the sacred concert, some of the choir members did a couple numbers from their recently presented production "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat". Used a choir gown instead of the fancy coat like Kramer wore on "Seinfeld"!

 My young ladies came off the bus to pose with me, with Jayne doing the honors of taking the picture. From left is Betsy (Watertown), me, Megan (IL), and Becca (TX) 

This picture is Jayne with the boys she took home with her. In her house, what's two more????

Here is Judy with her group of six. She said she had kids lying all over the place. Any port in a storm! The young lady in the white top, a cellist, came to us from South Korea. Our missions at work! I don't know for sure, but my guess is the young man, the taller one, is going to make a fine pastor some day. He has 'that' air about him!

Martin Luther Prep choir

I know it's not exactly correct to include the "Martin" in the title but I am an old school girl, so to speak. My kitchen is ready to go for making the lunches for the four students I will be keeping. I mixed up a pitcher of orange juice to serve them for breakfast. Hopefully the lunch bags I have are large enough to hold the stuff I bought for them. Might have to switch to grocery bags instead!

The weather is nice today so I hope whatever the kids are doing for entertainment is outdoors. They might even take home a suntan or worse yet, a burn, from their time in FL. If they are originally from "up north" our relatively cool weather is warm to them. No snow, which is a plus!

I don't know if I am getting girls or boys as my guests. One will have to sleep away from the others as the air bed, single, will be set up in the living room. The others will stay in the guest room. My suggestion for them will be to have two shower at night and two in the morning in order for there to be enough hot water for us all. 

                                        

Their bus leaves at 8:00 a.m. so it will be an early wake-up for us. Hopefully traffic will not be a concern but I wish to leave here around 7:15, just in case. Michael C. is in charge of the whole works and said he will be at church to receive drop-offs at 7:00 for those who are on their way to work. They can eat their breakfast here (bagels and cream cheese) or take it with them if time runs short. I also have some 'hot' cross buns if they prefer. Got my first ones yesterday and sadly, they are not as delicious as I remember them! I wish the buns were less dense, I guess. They are good, make no mistake, but I like them less compacted!

****

Justin and I are trying to orchestrate our Easter celebration. He has plans to go to the Hilltop Restaurant with Jesse and his family, as is their custom, which would be right from church. If I have a feast, I will serve late afternoon or evening, as I will be starving by that time! I am looking forward to having people around the table again, but am not sure who will be available to come. Highways and byways, anyone?

Thinking of funny things

This is NOT so funny---my morning began with the sound of what may have been a wrecking ball on the sundeck. Bam! Bam! Bam! over and over again. Even though I was in my nightie, I opened the door to see what was gong on, but could not from my vantage point. After a certain point the sound turned to jack hammers which was somehow easier to take after the big bams from earlier. I guess the workman needed to break something up in order to get the tear-out underway. We were braced for it, but it sure was a startling beginning!

When I went down to get in my car for Bible study, I met some of my neighbors coming back from their walk. They are 2nd floor dwellers and would have this commotion right outside their door all day. I offered them some respite in my house if they wanted it. Perhaps some day they will accept my offer though, as the workers move from north to south, my place might be just as noisy.

This a.m. in Bible study, Michael began the study of Thessalonians with us. We were short a few people but still had a nice class. Ethel and her family are on their way to TX for her grandson's major swim meet, a college team. Go, Ryan! Betty has company from out of town so she was busy with that. Jackie was MIA yesterday already and am not sure what's up with that. Perhaps I will call to see if she is feeling okay.

This afternoon, I had a dental appointment. Yes, again! Last night I got a couple jabs from a tooth nowhere near the one needing the attention, not long after taking the last of my antibiotics for the other tooth. Should not have been an abscess problem, given the fact I was already taking the medication. 

                                       

                 This could easily be my own x-ray with all my root canals!

Peggy looked at the x-rays and saw nothing, except for a teeny cavity between the teeth. I will have that fixed after the other tooth is taken care of. Other than that, she can find nothing amiss. After it gave me a couple jabs last night, I flossed and took some store-brand Aleve. Of course, I was so nervous and upset about the tooth that I had trouble going to sleep so am dog-tired now. I asked the Lord to help me and thus far, He has kept the tooth quiet, even after Peggy poked and knocked on it. I have a stand-by scrip of penicillin to take in case it does act up. Ugh---me and my teeth!!!

I was sitting here late afternoon and thinking about funny things my nieces and nephews have said over the years. These might be some of those "you had to be there"-type of things, but they still amuse me:

Dustin was with his dad in an antique store, when he was about 3 or 4. David showed him the 'old' record player, the 'old' washing machine, the 'old' anything. At one point the clerk acknowledged Dusty and asked him, "How old are you?" to which Dusty replied, "I'm not old, I'm new!"

Another time, Dusty, who loved trains like nobody's business, was helping his mama pick out a new winter coat. She would ask his opinion, just to keep him entertained. At one point she tried on a denim jacket and asked how he liked it. His face lit up and he announced, "You look like a hobo on a train!", which is a good thing to him. She did not take that jacket....

When my niece, Alayna, was in Sunday school at FG, her Auntie Lynn and Grandma K went to collect her from the classroom. They asked her what she learned that day, and Alayna announced, "Well, we don't have to worry about Moses anymore---he died...." Just like that. He died. We don't have to worry about him any more! What a hoot!

When Jamie was little, my former spouse and I would keep him at our house much of the time, since we worked from home. He loved buses (bupsh), and would watch from our living room window for the school bus and city bus to go by. He was always so good for us, never a problem until his mom would come for him. Then, he'd act up like mad! One day I set him up on the counter in the kitchen to look him in the face, very seriously. I said, "Jamie, your mama is the boss!" After a second, he looked at me and innocently asked, "City bupsh, or school bupsh?" Ha, still tears me up!!! He thought I called Jill a bus! How can you stay serious after that????

St. Patrick's Day

Last night I attended a St. Patrick's Day-eve party at my friend, Peggy's, home. When I had told Justin about the invitation, he said, "YOU don't go to St. Patrick's Day parties..." Yes, dear, I know I don't, but was sure this would be a 'safe' event for me to attend. I loved being included and was interested to see a real St. Patrick's Day party.

We were asked to wear green, or green would be thrust upon us, and to bring a potato dish, or some other Irish dessert. Thursday night I was making a shepherd's pie for dinner when Justin came in to ask me to Mellow Mushroom. I took the casserole from the oven and away we went. My donation, then, for the party, was my shepherd's pie! Easy peasy...

I made sure to arrive at Peggy's right on time, being among the first to arrive. This ensured me a good place to park, not too far to carry my covered hot dish, and afforded me a smooth exit when the time came. She was still flying around making things ready and urged me to introduce myself to folks already there, which I did.

Jon had put on a power point 'show' of their trip to Ireland which was set to Irish music so I watched that from the living room. Another couple came in, a retired couple, the lady having worked with Jon years ago. They had also been to Ireland so could point out various features and landscapes. Nice, nice folks. They all were, in fact, very nice.
                                      
The table was laden with food, including Peggy's corned beef brisket which she told me last weekend would start being prepared on Wednesday. Wow! I found real mashed potatoes, plus my shepherd pie, homemade soda bread which was fabulous, and the brisket. 

Later, Jon came to find me on the porch (yes, nice enough to sit outside!) to make sure I found things I liked. Guess I made an impression last weekend with my picky eating at the Wounded Warrior event. He said he knew I was not a big drinker but offered me an Irish coffee. I refused because I don't drink coffee. Ugh, I am the worst guest! Believe me, I managed last week and again last night to find enough to eat. In fact, I left without even having a green cupcake!

The whole lower level of the house, and the patio, was decorated for St. Patrick's Day, complete with a door wrap. Most festive! After chatting with folks on the patio, it was time to depart. I was home by 9:00 pm but I was not the first one to leave. They are gracious hosts with very pleasant guests, and I appreciated being included. 

Fortunately, CSPAN was still carrying the CPAC programming (all those initials!!!) so I was able to catch a speech or two missed earlier in the day. I had missed part of Dr. Carson's speech when outside with my camera so caught it in full last night, plus a question/answer portion I somehow missed at the end. I do know how to have fun!

All day I was wondering how Justin and the guys were doing on Ron's move. At last, something was getting moved into the house! Justin told me today that he did some painting at the house besides helping with the move, this time doing the dining room. Evidently the lady of the house found the original color to be too green. Justin describes her as being the 'Lady Gaga of interior decorating'. This makes me laugh. He has said more than once that Sarah just needs to come over here and look around, so she gets an idea on what works, how things work together. She has troubles visualizing things, no 'picture eyes', like Justin has!

It was so good to see him come through the church doors this a.m. I have not seen him since Thursday night and wasn't sure he'd make it to church. But he did! He was tired from moving Ron's stuff, and from painting. 

He is not sleeping all that well at his dad's house so his sleep is off. My guess is he will go to bed early tonight. Justin has to sleep one more night over there and then he is back home to get a good rest, and then ready things for our guests. Today, after lunch and spending some time here with me, he headed back to the house to help Sarah unpack boxes. Such a guy! If anyone knows how to pack a box and unpack them, it's Justin! And his mama!

Company at The Palace

Saturday I heard voices outside and saw this when I looked out--all these people sporting bright green t-shirts. On one side of the breakwater was a boat and on the other side, people carrying bags, picking up trash. Oh, it was marvelous seeing them out there cleaning up after the storms and such dropping debris in our basin!

In this shot you can see the boat pulled up to the side. Now, how did that saw horse get into our basin??? My guess is it blew off of someone's dock and stopped when it got to our rocks.

Even though I was listening to a very special speech by Dr. Ben Carson at CPAC, I grabbed my camera and went downstairs to take pictures of this hard-working crew. The guy who seemed to be in charge told me they were with the Fleming Island Garden Club and were doing this as part of Clay County's "Clean Up America". They were working along the river as well as Doctors Lake and portions of Hwy. 17. I was effusive in my thanks to them, and it was not empty---I am entirely thankful these folks braved the reeds and such to clean up for us, and for America!

Good news!

Do you remember my writing about the infant who was born about a month ago and was in the hospital since? Well, last night he slept in his own home and bassinet for the first time. Thanks be to God! The mom is a God-fearing woman, an active member of the church just west of Good Shepherd. It was her faith and trust in the Lord which helped her get through this trial with her baby.

It was from her husband, Will, that I bought the pair of jet skis in 2005. Will is a fun guy, a fireman for JFRD. One of Justin's favorite stories to tell is when we went to Wal*Mart once, and before we were into the store, I had stopped to talk to several folks as they were leaving. Will was next to come in and he said to me, in his Southern drawl, "What? Are you runnin' for Mayor?" It sure looked that way! Shaking hands and kissing babies...Anyway, I am so glad that Mom and baby were able to sleep at home in their own beds. I hope they were able to get some sleep, anyway!

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On Fox and Friends this a.m. the hosts are discussing the 'problem' of texting language, concerned for what it will do to people's writing skills. I am adamant about not using abbreviations when sending text messages, other than a couple, such as 'plz', on occasion. I am a full sentence girl, which makes me a dinosaur in the texting world. 

Justin informed me the other night that it is 'against the law' to use the font "Comic Sans" for anything other than comics. I wonder who is going to come for me if I break that law...There are groups for whom this stuff is serious business, and he seems to be part of them! I think it's an agist thing---looking to find things to be mean about or to diminish others. Well, it's not going to stop me from using the font of my choice, and I will hang for it!

The other day and evening I was chatting with my sisters about our time spent babysitting 'out in the country' for our cousin's family. The creaking of the house, the unknown sources of noise, etc., the ruralness of the house. My sister, Lori, mentioned the scary basement, but I don't remember ever seeing it. The house was a huge one, a two-story duplex, in downtown Newton. We would usually spend the night because of the distance from home and the late hour they would get home.

The conversation began as part of my noting the playing of the National Anthem prior to the new days' broadcast on Fox News Channel. We remarked about hearing that played at the end of the day, when the TV actually went off the air, usually between midnight and 2:00 a.m. When babysitting and waiting for the parents to get home, this made for a long night!

                                      

It was at David and Rochelle's house where I would listen to country western music on their console TV and stereo, and discovered Buffy St. Marie. I told them how much I enjoyed listening to it, and they didn't like her album, so gave it to me! I would listen to Waylon, Merle, and Johnny, too. Old school country musicians, men and women singers, with big hair.

To tie this together with the text messaging, here is the clincher---when I babysat there, I thought my cousins were old. After all, they were in their mid-20's!!! Which is what Justin is now---kids might look at him and think how old he is. Agism against him, as he is considered by younger folks. 

I think about this as I associate with so many folks who are older than am I. Even though we are 15 to 20 years apart in age, it seems we are the same age. At some point, the numbers lose their importance. 
           
Stephanie, me, and Rita at Good Shepherd. Ed looks like he has one antler, but it's a gondola on the wall

And, when I hang out with Rita and Stephanie, I am the old lady! Rita is about 10 years younger than I, with Stephanie about 6 years younger. Oddly enough, if Timmy had not died, I would have a child younger than theirs...as Rita's older son is looking at graduate school already. Her younger one is 13, so he'd be right behind Timmy. Stephanie's daughter, Erica, is in college now. Age means less and less, it seems, the older we get.

From one meal to the next

This morning I enjoyed breakfast at The Club, joined by my friend, Pat. When I first walked in, a lady sitting at the large table called to me, and ran up to hug me. She looked so familiar but I couldn't place her, especially because she was sporting a pair of large sunglasses. She told me her name, Susan, and then I recognized her as being the former site agent for my company. Susan had come on board after I was thrown overboard, as it were, so never worked side by side with her. 

She was so excited to see me again, and it was nice to see her, too. Susan was additionally excited because today was her daughter's wedding. Many of her family members were staying at The Club, and were expected for breakfast. The reason she was wearing the sunglasses indoors was because she had no make-up on, as a professional was coming to make the ladies up later on. 

Susan introduced me to a number of her family members and then told her spouse how I live at The Palace. They are just in love with the place and its views. She told me that there had been some cancellations for the wedding reception and urged me to come join them for the party tonight. I thanked her for the invitation but declined crashing the party. Love to see The Club and the hotel bustling like this.

Pat came in sporting a big black boot on her left foot. It seems they thought at first she had a broken foot but upon further examination found a ganglion cyst. After Easter she will have surgery on her foot and hopes the healing will be complete come pool season. For now she has to wear 'das boot' and shower with a goofy cover on her bandaged foot. She said she has learned to take really fast showers to get it over with. Poor thing!

While we were eating our breakfast, I got a call from my friend, Judy, asking me to lunch. Pat had to laugh as I set up my lunch date at the breakfast table. Such is Friday for me! We agreed to meet at Pengrees, not far from home for me. The staff began to vacuum the dining room as we ladies sat and talked. We can take a hint! I had another hour and a half before getting to my lunch appointment!

As Pat and I walked out, we met our other friend, Owene, who was on her way in. Her son is getting married in a couple weeks and using the Winterborne for his rehearsal dinner. Owene had to finish up some of the arrangements for this event. She is also part of our water exercise class, new this past season, so looks forward to getting back in the water. She is a lap swimmer besides so really appreciates the pool. I know her as a former teacher at St. Johns and it was great to connect and reconnect this past summer under other circumstances.

The prep work is done for the removal of the 2nd floor sundeck. It wasn't nosy enough around The Palace.....

Just before noon I headed to Pengree's to meet Judy C. We both ordered the country fried steak which is absolutely delicious. We sat there and talked until they turned the OPEN sign around and the staff was sitting down to eat! Twice in one day, I close the place!