I have access!!!

Here I am at First German, borrowing a cup of Internet with Linda J.!!

The time is going by but not necessarily quickly. More like normal days some of which are action packed and some of which are more restful. Just the way I like it! My family and I have been eating out, eating in, cooking out and cooking in for our meals. We have done some shopping and plan to do some more!

Later this week my friend, Linda J. and I are attending the LWMS Convention at Lacrosse. My sister, Lynn, is riding along for fun as we are staying with my sister, Lori, in a nearby town. I just know we are going to laugh and laugh, meet and greet, and get filled up with the Word while we are at the Convention and with my family 'out west'!

The weather has been not ideal, at least for my intent and purposes. Some of my sisters suffer from heat and humidity but Mom and I do not. This makes for a battle of the wills and a battle over door open/door closed plus the placement of fans around the room. It will be nice to be home and warm again, through and through. I just wish Mom could come with me so she could enjoy it, too.

Lisa's boys were being cared for by Lynn, their grandma, and we went to the Lighthouse Inn for breakfast on Wednesday. They are so well behaved for her, and we were glad to have them at our table. Later we went to the ice cream parlor for a treat!

I made it!

Justin stayed overnight at my house Monday night so we could hang out together before I left. We enjoyed some Ming Moon delivery and watched a couple news programs---just like old times! Most of my packing for the trip had been completed so the time was available. After I put his laundry in the dryer, we each went to our rooms before 10:00 pm. He said he hits the hay these days by 9:30 “like an old person!” he declared. I had had a short night Sunday and he was tired from a hot day at work. The rest was needed, for both us!

Tuesday morning he was going to make sure I was up before he left for work, but I was awake before he was. I got to hug and kiss him prior to his leaving for work. I carried the garbage down to the bin and went back up to get my luggage and shut everything down for the next couple of weeks. Because I needed my ‘driving down the road’ glasses from the car, I went down earlier than I needed to be. Just as I exited the lobby, Judy C. pulled in. Perfect timing!

She told me about the terrible traffic situation we were facing and we made the decision to go on I-295 and take our chances on the detour rather than trying the downtown route.  A car had gone the wrong way on the freeway and struck a bus loaded with a minor league baseball team. No one on the bus was injured but the driver of the car was killed. The freeway was closed northbound with traffic re-routed for a ways. We managed to follow the few detour signs and got back on the freeway again. Took us just over an hour to get from my house to the airport. Judy was glad we had left when we did! Me too!

Linda collected me in MKE and we stopped at Perkin’s nearby to have a quick bite. I had not eaten in either airport (I was holding out for Auntie Annie’s pretzels sticks in Atlanta and didn’t find any). We shared an appetizer of assorted treats, just enough to hold us over until dinner. Mom was standing on her porch when we pulled in at her building and she buzzed me in. So good to see her again! Later Lynn came over and brought me some sugar cookies. That was so kind of her! She also stocked up the supply of Diet Coke---isn’t that great??!! 

I had a good night’s sleep in Mom’s guest room, finding my legs freezing this morning due to the drop in temperature overnight. When I went to bed I had no covers on but by morning, with the window open, I needed my Barbie blanket over them. Only in the 60’s today but the temps are expected to improve as the week moves along. I will be in the minority of those who enjoy that! Instead of long pants today I opted to wear capris and take my chances!

After I dropped Jill off at work, I went to church to help Linda and talk to people. It was good to see a few of my favorite folks, Larry and Todd, and meet the new pastor, Chris Hoppe. He and I were already friends on Facebook but to meet in the flesh is excellent too. We got to sit and talk a while before he had to get to work and I had to leave. Mom and I were going shopping at Festival Foods and we timed our arrivals back at her place perfectly! She jumped from her friend’s car into mine for our shopping trip. Mom had been at breakfast with friends this a.m. Busy people!

                   

Tonight Lynn and I are going to Linda’s house for dinner and ‘girls night’. I am making taco salad and Lynn is bringing shrimp. Linda is making a fruit fluff recipe she found on Facebook. Good times in store for us!

Mostly packed

Well, there sits the suitcase on the bench on the end of the bed. My desk is very nearly cleaned off and gives the appearance of being organized. My hair is cut and still crisp from the product Barb used to style it. Did I do everything that needs doing before I leave? Not quite yet, but it's getting there!

                                    

Justin is coming over tonight, going to stay over, so we can hang out a bit before I depart. He was with his father yesterday  so I didn't see him for worship or lunch. Justin is going to load some stuff on my laptop for me to use when at Lori's at the end of the month, which will allow me to fall asleep and stay asleep. Such a needy houseguest!!

The end of my bed is stacked with the folded (somewhat) sheets and pillow slips ready for the guests, one of whom might come back with me from WI (whoo hoo!). One of the young people coming, Erynn, who was here last year, will be leaving mid-week of VBS to attend volleyball camp, which frees us the bed in that room. We shall see when the time comes who gets the room...might be my sister!!

Well, folks, if I drop off the blog for awhile, it would be because I don't have access to Wi/Fi to do my updates. Would be a huge pain to do so on my cell phone! See you when I see you...pray for my travel and for my drivers, please!

It's getting to be time

The washer and dryer are handling some of my clothing to prep for the trip to WI. Judy is all set to pick me up at 7:30 on Tuesday morning to drop me at the airport. The sheets for the guest beds are washed and some of them are even folded. 

The next important thing will be to get the suitcase out of the closet, it's almost time to pack!!! This makes my mother so nervous but it really takes little time for me to throw stuff into the luggage. At lunch today I mentioned that I rarely fold anything when I pack to travel. Mike S. asked me if I just wash and iron the items when I arrive at my destination and I told him that normally, I wear it just the way it is. Mike C. said, "Better cover my mom's ears!" as she is a rabid ironer. We will see how the things travel---perhaps a good shake out is all they will need.

My boy had sent me a text message last night about going to Victory today and then to lunch. That was not going to work for me at all---I had folks to say good-bye to at church plus meeting friends at the pool as soon as I got home from Chili's. Later today I found out he had not intended that for me, but for his father! Ooops! I hated having to blow him off for my church family and friends at the pool!

Our service was a bit slow at Chili's and I didn't get home until about 1:30 pm. As quickly as I could turn myself around, I got my suit on and was out the door to the pool. It was cooler outside today, since the front moved through so dramatically on Friday night. The water felt cooler too ("It's 10 degrees colder today!" according to Kathy) but it was tolerable when the sun was out. 

                             

Not actually me!

Jacquie presented me a white picture hat today to wear at the pool. It seems we had "met" earlier last year when at a function in The Club---a fund raiser for Quigley House. She remembers me anyway...I had been seated at a table in the middle dining room at first, seated with Jessica's sister and mom, and, it seems, Jacquie! Before we got settled, I was asked to surrender my seat and join Karrie at the head table to allow for a party of two who did not have a seat. My moving freed up my chair plus one next to mine. I was glad to move out into the garden room and sit with my friend, Penny. 

At that fund raiser, Jacquie won a door prize, the white picture hat! And now her prize is mine! I wonder what would have happened for Jacquie and me if I had not moved away from that table of ladies? Meeting her husband and she officially at the pool in the summer was the start of a great friendship and I rejoice in it!

Breezy fun

As my sweet friend, Betty, reminded us over and over at the pool this afternoon, there was no rain today. What we did have was a dry wind, dry as in 'less humid'. My doors were open all day long as the breeze moved through. The sun played peek-a-boo in the clouds, so it did feel chilly to me when the clouds won. I did get into the water a couple of times and the sun kept me warm enough. Last night's storm took the temperature of the water down a bit overnight.

My lunch was enjoyed poolside, being visited for a bit by Karrie, as she stopped long enough from her working to have a hot dog. Business was booming in the cabana with lots of families and guests from the hotel coming to eat. This year the kids' menu even includes a peanut butter and jelly sandwich which I think is a great idea. Kids can be so easy! And grown-ups as well. 

Got some reading done between visitors at my table before Jacquie and Mark arrived. Mark had gone on an adventure in the morning which delayed their arrival and brought back amusing stories to share. There is never a lapse in fun with these two around! Did not see Maureen this week at all, but hope to see her on Sunday before I leave. 

Betty and Kathy came out so we got in the water once more. Kathy's brother, Gary, stopped by and went for a dip too. The two ladies planned to come out again later for social time and did, with me having being out there the entire day. Hugh and Maureen (a different one than above) came out, and later Miss Chardonnay joined us. 

Having spent the day outside, my desk did not get cleaned off. I want to accomplish this before leaving for WI, having my affairs somewhat in order, so must make good use of my indoor time. 

                

Tonight I stripped the beds in the guest rooms to have the sheets ready for Justin to make the beds up again. My sister is considering coming back with me from WI so we must have a bed ready for her upon arrival. Then, on the 4th of July, my four teenagers arrive! What a great Independence Day celebration that will be for us and them!

What a crazy storm that was!

Oh my goodness! This evening, right in the middle of The Five, or just as it began, so did a HUGE thunderstorm. When the thunder was rolling without end before the storm, I sent Justin a text message to make sure he was some place safe, like at home. He let me know he was actually with his boss, as they were going to dinner together later on. So glad he wasn't on the bridge when it broke loose. I had to apologize to Linda for being distracted while our TV show was on, as I did my play-by-play of the stuff flying past my windows and the deafening claps of thunder. My oh my! I half expected to see an old lady on a bicycle with a dog in the basket go past my windows...

                  

             Taken in San Marco during the storm

Thanks be to God for sparing me from water intrusion this time. Not even sure if my neighbors were home to keep up with the wet vac but somehow, nothing. The wind was wild--I saw on The Weather Channel that we could expect up to 60 mile an hour gusts. Unsure if they were right or not, but stuff from the trees went sailing by. The thunder never stopped to catch its breath and the lightning was terrifying. I understand something at the base was struck by lightning as my friend reported being stranded there due to a power outage. I was so glad when it ended!

                    

      View of the Dames' Point Bridge as the storm rolled in

The good news was no loss of electricity and only a few blinks of the cable. Of course, the storm wiped out my hopes of getting dinner and meeting my neighbors at the cabana. The skies did clear but when the storm came up, the cabana staff closed up and ran for cover. I had come in the from the pool mid-afternoon when it began to sprinkle, just missing Betty and Kathy as they went out. That rain was short lived and they had the place to themselves. Kathy sent me a text message but I missed it, and missed the fun as well. None of us missed this tonight, though, no mistaking it!

Fun night at the movies

Judy and I had a private screening of the movie "Parental Guidance" tonight at Frank's office. When I called to let him know I was coming and bringing a friend with me, he said he messed up. The announcement about the movie viewing did not include RSVP information. Oops! Only Judy and I were there to watch the movie with Frank on his projection screen, and didn't mind one little bit!

                        

They started out with a tiny sliver of cake and went nuts after having the dreaded sugar

Frank has a popcorn machine which made the place smell so good and it tasted like movie popcorn---almost. We had sodas and some round chocolates that I should know the name of (I think my sister, Lynn, likes them). Since it was dark in the room, I could not read the label. 

The movie was much what I expected, only more. There actually was a story to it---tightly wound parents with strict rules for their kids (no using the word "no" to them, suggest alternative thinking (???), other sorts of mumbojumbo for rearing their kids.) They are a functional family, with a few glitches: little boy is a runner, takes off running when he doesn't get his way, who also has an imaginary friend, Carl the Kangaroo. The next boy has a serious stutter so gets picked on at school. The oldest, a daughter, is committed to her violin, trying to make into a highly regarded music school. I won't give it all away but it has a great ending for all of them.

We got home again just after 8:00, with the sun still out. Got to watch most of O'Reilly anyway, having missed the first half last night because of Happy Hour. Good thing it comes on again at 11:00 pm to catch up. Hope I can stay awake that long as I am sleepy from my time in the sun at the pool and my movie watching.

I heard a news story about a tree falling on an apartment building in Maccleny in a recent storm and had to look it up on the map for location. Christine's gentleman friend has his business there and I was not clear on where this area is. I should have known it was in Baker County because of something Christine said at lunch Tuesday. 

Because we were in a local small restaurant, I knew many of the folks dining there and they knew me back. Besides the man being there from whom I bought my condo, a friend from the pool was dining at a near-by table. The staff there recognizes me, too, and were attentive to us. 

After Christine was seated, my friend from church and her husband came in. Jackie came to our table to greet me and I introduced her to Christine. Later, Jackie came back to our table to ask me some questions about church mailings. Jokingly Christine made the remark about next time we must go somewhere where no one knows me, perhaps in Baker County, saying she didn't want to have to share me. Oh my! I know Greg works there!!! And Martie's son lives near there...

                                   

This afternoon when I was at the pool, my upstairs neighbor left me a phone message. He had made up a batch of meatloaf, and wanted to give me one! Nice! We'd talked about meat loaf at Happy Hour the other night and Debbie told me how Dick makes such wonderful meat loaf. He described his ingredient list and methods, and now, I have a pan of yet-to-be-baked meat loaf making my fridge smell wonderful! Thinking I will serve that for my dinner Saturday when I have my Dinner and Movie Night. Thanks, Dick!

Great neighbors

Tonight I had a very nice evening around two different tables at The Club. Our group at Happy Hour grew and grew and grew requiring a second table to be added. As it turned out, folks made little circles with their chairs and had separate conversations all about the room. Maureen prefers all around one table but that just was not possible this time. 

I had invited my upstairs neighbors to join me as my guests to thank them for keeping up with the water collection during the most recent TS. Dick and I walked over together, with his wife joining us later. At the bar, I reached for the ticket to sign my name but Dick took it away from me and signed his name. They had joined The Club the day before, using me as their reference, and tonight was his treat!! So much for my idea of treating them! BUT, his using me as his reference got us each a $100 credit on our accounts! Yay!

We had such an enjoyable time around the table, my neighbors getting better acquainted with folks and meeting new ones. One lady Debbie and I talked with, Micky, is Swiss, and quite interesting. She said something about speaking French and Debbie asked her how many languages she spoke. Micky sort of laughed and said, "Not that many...." but confessed to speaking English, Swiss, German, French, and some Italian...." Not very many??? As Debbie said, "I have enough trouble with English!" I think Micky was a war bride and so darn cute for a little older lady. Such fun to talk with her.

                    

This morning was my first time at water exercises this season. Even though I paced myself, I can sure feel it in my arms and legs. As soon as I got back up here I had a bottle of water to replenish my liquids as it was hot today---almost 90! Now that's more like it!

I should wear a hair net!

Years ago, actually over two decades ago, when I worked at Shady Lane Home, my uniform included a hair net. The last thing anyone wanted was our hair showing up in the food we were serving to the residents. That would be so gross! On more than one occasion, I forgot my hair net or it tore, so I had to borrow one. The good news is that my grandma lived there and yes, a white hair net on my head was stunning!

She was one cool dude in her Foster Grants! Here is Lily, well into her 90's, sitting out in the fresh air

Today, I cleaned my keyboard yet one more time, because I cannot stand the feeling of the sticky keys under my fingers. Much of the gunk has accumulated due to the humidity in the air (and on the keys!) and even though I have new cans of air, it didn't help. Air won't remove stickiness. 

Justin had picked up three cans of a name-brand compressed air for me at Sam's Club. He is such a dear boy---knows what his mama likes! The air blows the crumbs out, somewhat, but the rest has to be wiped. I used baby wipes on the end of a small screw driver to wedge the wiper between the keys. Then, switched to a stiff piece of cardstock (the real estate mailing I got came in quite handy!) and used it to push the wiper between the keys. Not trying to gross anyone out but by the looks of it, but I should not have a hair left in my scalp!!! Ew!!!!

***

Today I had a very nice lunch with my friend, Christine, with whom I have not dined in ages! She is quite busy with her real estate, and in fact, had to hurry through lunch to get to a closing. It had been postponed from yesterday, but she didn't want to cancel our lunch date. We need more time but made amazing progress in getting caught up in the flesh. Usually a sentence or two on Facebook is about what we can muster. Once I get back from WI, I will make it happen. We can sure talk fast when we have to!

Here is Christine sitting on the floor in my bedroom at the lake house. This must be her color because she was wearing it again today, too!

Yesterday I had an appointment in Argyle with one of the financial guys, Frank. We need to meet every six months as required by the SEC or somebody, and I don't mind seeing him one bit. He is a hoot! While I don't always follow what he is telling me about the investments, I do know and understand the real estate market and construction. He recently bought the office he is in, having moved from Blanding Blvd. a few months ago. Nice digs here!

He has a huge screen in his conference room and is going to be showing movies there as a service to his clients. Judy C. and I are hoping to take in the movie this week, Parental Guidance, loaded with slap-stick mixed with "America's Funniest Home Movies" antics. Grandparents in charge of the grandkids, breaking every rule the parents set down for the kids. From the trailers on TV, it has all the stuff little kids, and some old ones, too, enjoy such as groin kicks and other 'funny' things. The parents left all sort of instructions, and the grandparents blew it off.

When Justin was a baby and I would go out of town, I used to tell my family/babysitters regarding Justin: "Don't dress him like a Pollack!" That would be frowned on now! One time I came home and they had deliberately mismatched all his clothes, just to mess with me. With Timmy, I was far less stringent!

Speaking of movies, I had a pre-order in place for a new documentary called "Honor Flight". The documentarians accompany WWII veterans flown to Washington, DC to visit the war memorials. Each vet has a host which travels with them, flying out in the morning, and returning at night. A man from church, Bill B., had the privilege of being able to go a couple years ago.

I was talking about the movie (documentary) at the pool on the weekend with Kathy and her hubby, Tom. Tom works at the airport in Tally with the TSA. When he heard I was getting the movie he said, "Have some Kleenex ready..." Tom went on to tell about a recent flight which went out of Tally with the vets, bound for DC. He said the concourse and walkway to the plane was lined with well-wishers, waving flags and applauding as the veterans, most of them men, went through and onto the plane.                        

Actual shot of departing veterans 'guarded' by the Patriot Guard

The Patriot Guard motorcycle group was there to see them off as well, and even MORE folks were there to greet them when they arrived back in the airport after 11:00 pm. Tom said it is never busy at that hour of the night otherwise, and he said, "Believe me, there was not a dry eye in the house..." Everyone was in tears, no matter their walk in life, seeing these old guys going and coming from their Honor Flight. 

My copy arrives on the 14th and I only hope I have a chance to air it for some friends before I leave for Manty. Linda was pre-ordering as well, so we might get to watch her copy when up there. I hope that someone does this for the Viet Nam vets, like Tom, too, some day, before it's too late. 

(Warning!!) No despair here...

...at least not over this. Sorrow and loss, yes, but no despair here. 

Our worship yesterday was so evocative for me, and for my boy. The pre-sermon hymn was "Be Still, My Soul" which formerly was #1 on my funeral hymn list. It was bumped down to third place by "Jerusalem the Golden" and "In Christ Alone". When Kathy R. was our organist, she would often play the hymn for pre- or post-service music, and give me a wink. She knew how to pluck my heart strings.

(A couple weeks ago, before we sang a hymn, I leaned over and whispered to Mike S. how much I loved this hymn. Twila and Jean, seated behind us, heard this and chuckled, knowing my list of favorites is extensive!)

The Gospel reading was from Luke, the story of Jesus' giving life back to the widow's son. "His heart ached for her..." Oh yes, it does! He knows every emotion we feel, having experienced that same grief Himself when He became fully human. "When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, “Don’t cry.”" Luke 7:13  Pastor used a Greek word---splanchnizomai---which meant Jesus 'hurt deeply for her'. And brought her deceased son back to life for his mother.

Pastor's sermon was based on this lesson and hit very close to home. He talked about the grief of having someone near to us die 'an untimely death'...an operation gone bad, sudden illness, or a tragic accident. It is not our time, but His timing. 

Pastor mentioned the public grieving the parents showed after the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary, and of those who lost children in the collapsed school in Moore, OK recently. Seeing these parents suffering might trigger our own memories of personal losses experienced in 'untimely deaths'. Whoooo, tough one!

He also mentioned the comfort of hugs, gestures of kindness, the sympathetic   (my phrasing here) tears from others in our loss, and the comfort we have knowing Christ understands our sorrow so well. 

Then, Pastor mentioned the preschool graduation of last week, and the conversation he had with one of the dads. The dad shared the plans for the coming summer, how his two children were going to visit their grandparents and spend time with extended family, and just enjoy themselves all summer long. Pastor wanted us to imagine all the precious memories they will be making. 

Then, we should imagine (consider it done!) what their lives would be like if one or both of the kids suffered an untimely death---the missed birthdays, the empty place at the table (that's my addition to the list), or a holiday celebrated minus that child. At this point Justin leaned over and asked me, "Is he doing this on purpose?" Justin's heart was aching, too. His own loss of his brother and the grim reminders to his mother. I just love that guy!

The sermon, of which I have a copy, goes on to mention how we will all meet again, 'caught up in the skies', all seated around the table at the heavenly banquet, every seat filled (my words again), a closeness with our Father which far surpasses any earthly closeness. Eternity in heaven, we long for that!

                          

After the sermon, as I was all mopped up, Twila put her hand on my shoulder, as she knew what we felt like, me more outwardly than Justin. When the service was over and we waited to be ushered out, all three ladies behind us were hugging our shoulders and telling us how much they loved us. Just as I had my tears mopped up.... 

Once outside, exiting via the side door with Justin, Kristi sought me out. She said she just had to give me a hug, "after that hymn (she knows it's my favorite) and that sermon....." As I told Linda later, I have the best friends, and I love them, too! 

It's hard to accept or comprehend that this sermon was right for everyone, not only me (us), and that I am certainly NOT the only person who has suffered a loss, an untimely death. Perhaps it's because my little boy was so much a part of the congregation or something, that it is personal to all of them. My older friends have lost their parents, and some have lost their spouses (like the widow in the lesson), and others have had to bury children as adults. But somehow the loss of a child is that much more, for lack of another word, profound, bringing home the fact that we are all vulnerable and have our days numbered. 

When Sterling came out of church, I thanked him for playing 'my hymn' for us that day, on the piano. He is not skilled in the same way Robbie is, but does a very good job of it. Anyway, he said, "You're welcome..." sheepishly, and then told me I had a black speck on my cheek. If that's all I had there, that would be a good day! I told him it was probably mascara as I had wept in church and he said, "Oh, I try not to..." He is such a dear!! I hope when he gets orders the next time, it keeps him at NASJAX. He is a blessing to our congregation and our worship.

                                            

Friday at Happy Hour at the pool, Kathy was telling about a cobalt blue glass piece she has in her collection. She said she thinks me of every time she looks at it. The shape is a tear drop, gotten in the Middle East, and is a vessel for collecting tears. It moved me so to have her tell me this. Cobalt blue is my favorite glass color, as she knows well, and the fact that her piece would collect tears puts it over the top. It would be over the top full if it collected my tears yesterday. Whew! My glass only collects dust!

About Saturday....

It has been a great weekend, but, man, I am tired! Yes, I did have an adult beverage at the pool, which may make me feel extra tired but I think it was the fun combined with the emotion of this day which has worn me out. More about the emotion in another posting...

Yesterday morning I went to Wal*Mart and Great Hang Ups. At the store I got my scrip picked up plus a few other things I'd had on my list. At Hang Ups I viewed the last of the show from Whitey's exhibit, as they are ready now to take it down. A new custom, I am told, is having an opening and a closing of a show. Doesn't hurt one bit!

It was good to see Dee and Julia, spend some time with them again. Dee recently got a new dog and was happy to show her off to me. Princess was and is intended to keep Blair company at home, but came along to the shop with Dee that day. What a sweetheart of a dog she is! Not a peep out of her...A job I had to tackle there was to sign my piece entered in the "Visions" show. Dee took it out of the framing materials for me to sign it, and will reassemble it for me, and drop it off again. 

After the errands, I went out to the pool and had lunch, being joined by several ladies. That was so enjoyable! Some of the ladies just came to eat, going back home across the parking lot to finish cleaning their veranda. They chose cleaning over pool time---go figure! Anyway, a fellow member of the Art Guild sat with me for a bit, being able to enjoy the adult end of the pool since her son is away for a couple weeks. Good time for us to catch up!

I managed to get down into the water for a bit with some prompting from Patty. I stood rigid with my arms clasped around myself as long as I could bear it. Once I moved into the sun it was more tolerable in the water but I was so not a happy camper. The folks I was sitting with are neighbors from The Villas, regulars poolside, and get a kick out of me. Makes for a fun afternoon!

Later in the day my other neighbors came out, with Kathy's hubby being in town this weekend, for extra pool fun. (He works in Tallahassee so comes every other weekend). At a certain point, though, I had to shift gears, go into the house to change clothes, and head to a birthday party. Sue, from church, was throwing a surprise party for her daughter's 40th and nearly did pull it off. Unfortunately, Kristin came home early from work and caught them mid-set-up. It's the thought that counts!

                                

There was one tableful of GS friends there, and the rest of the guests were family friends and co-workers of both Sue and Kristin. The grandkids did the majority of the heavy-lifting, as it were, to get things set-up, so Mom and Grandma could enjoy the party. Nice kids and a great party. TONS of food leftover from Sonny's BBQ. Wish I could have eaten more (but it's too late now!) Got home around 9:00 pm and was so ready for bed. Talk about an action-packed day...perfection!

A brief peek at Saturday

While I was suffering at the pool, my family in Manitowoc was enjoying fried cheese curds, brats or burgers, or say it isn't so---perch sandwiches, at the Garden Show across the street from my mom's place. Nice! They tortured me with pictures! Not of the kids but of the curds!

Bits 'n pieces

The other day on Facebook, a "friend" from my home town posted how her husband and she had gone to dinner with two other couples. As they enjoyed their meals and the evening, a man came over and told them their bill was taken care of. They were stunned and he said, "I like to do that when I see folks pray before their meals..." What a powerful statement was made first by them, and then by him. Gives you an idea, does it not?

It's one of those 'pay it forward' opportunities. One time Jen and I were eating at Cracker Barrel. When it was time for us to go, the waitress came to tell us that a man had already covered our bill, and he extended God's blessings on us. Nice! We were blown away. I have heard about folks who pay for the order of the car behind them in line at a drive-through, just to be nice. Or pre-paying someones toll on the freeway...anonymously.

A few years ago I had something like this happen for me. At the gas pump, I realized I had not pulled far enough ahead to allow for the car behind me (sort of a corner gas station, smallish area) so I got back in the car and pulled it ahead to make room for the one behind to pull in. As I got busy pumping my gas, a lady came up to me and gave me a gift card to Bojangle's Chicken, as a thank you for being so kind to her. 

She told me she'd been on the road much of the day, dealing with rude drivers, etc. and was blessed to have me be kind to her by pulling ahead like I did. Wow! For so long, I would not use the card because it meant much to me, but Justin told me I get to keep it after it's used up. So, recently I enjoyed a wonderful steak biscuit as my reward for moving my car ahead, such a simple thing....

***

Tuesday I had the privilege of meeting my friend, Jacquie, for lunch on the Island. She had a nail appointment and we met afterward at La Napolera. They were out of strawberry margaritas---how can this be? It was an okay thing, though, since I had to be at the top of my game for the preschool graduation reception that night. As we stood near the parking lot before leaving for home, a car came through the lot and hit a pothole full of water. Yup, we each got splashed but neither of us moved. We simply simultaneously looked down at our pants, then at each other, and laughed. Just a little water with dirt mixed into it---no big deal. Talk about funny!

                               

My friend, Lee, is leaving for Chicago today for the college graduation of her son. I suggested she take clothes for several temperatures, though she is less chilly-boned than am I. She likes the cooler air temps and water temps. Our paths will not cross for a while now since she will be with family in IN when I am leaving for WI. It won't happen again until I get back in July. Oh man! 

***

We had a Board of Directors meeting Wednesday night in the lower level garage. The chairs and tables from the sundeck are stored there so it was easy to set up for a meeting, though it did get dark. Sometimes the discussions are far too heated for my tastes, unnecessarily so, and it bothers me. Others seem to flourish in it. Hmmm....

Anyway, the conversation was yet again about the importance of having licensed and insured plumbers only doing work in our units. This is a hard-learned lesson, as you know. We cannot just assume someone has a license and is insured! He might know what he is doing but if something goes badly---that knowledge won't cover the damages. Two incidents of pipes breaking has happened in the past week which made this ugly topic rear its head. There is not a sure way to enforce this other than the honor system by the Owners which did not bode well with some. No other solution is available so the arguing was of no use. 

I hope and pray the water problems from plumbing are behind us all. And am thankful no water problems from outside affected my inside with this tropical storm moving through!
***
On a brighter note, this week I got a lovely card from my friend, Gretchen. On the front it says: "Laughter is like a bowl of ice cream with two spoons". On the inside is printed: "so glad for all we share!". Besides that she wrote a note, as is her custom, thanking me for something and wishing me warm water in the pool. Besides the card, she included a business card-sized piece of paper with passages about singing, from the Psalms. Such a dear!
***
I also have received invitations to the graduation services for the first two girls from Rocky Mnt. Lutheran High who stayed with me. I am so touched by their thoughtfulness and their continued practice of calling me 'Auntie Kim'. 
***
My extended family has experienced a loss. My niece lost her grandpa on Monday to a brain aneurysm, suffered the same day his wife had a stroke. His was worse than his wife's situation and had to go to another city for treatment. Sadly, the damage was more serious. His wife was able to go and see him before he slept away. Our family grieves for this loss, as Ray was a wonderful man, a perfect grandpa for my niece, and a best friend to his son. He was a God-fearing man and I am sure heaven is having a good time listening to Ray's stories. I can hear the laughing through my tears...

We've got company again...

Tropical Storm Andrea is visiting the First Coast, making for some very nasty weather. My sister in WI is a big fan of the weather and was tracking this TS, fearing for my safety. Thus far, at this writing, the worst of it might be over, as it moves north and west out of the area. From what the local weather guy said, it is moving more quickly than expected which is a blessing for us. Areas around Mayport and Fernandina Beach had possible tornadic activity with some damage occuring on the base. Mainly it was roof damage, a few broken windows, and upset picnic sites. Nothing directly related to the ships or anything like that.

                            
                                    Mayport Naval Station roof damage

Justin could not work in this weather so he joined me for Bible study this a.m. At first I was not going to go but it seemed to clear up a bit for my ride over. Even got to talk to Mom all the way with no problems. We had a scant class today, when last week we added a table to accomodate our group. I think the weather kept folks at home. Pastor was so glad to see me, thinking I would not come due to the weather. Can't miss an opportunity to study the Word with my boy, can I? Lucy was so glad to see Justin---she leaped to her feet to give him a hug. And sent the extra doughnuts home with him, too!

The rain was on and off steady but not heavy so Justin and I went in my car to Bahama Breeze for lunch. We ate on the patio where it was still warmer than inside. It was so good to have my favorite buttermilk chicken sliders. The rice 'n beans was not so good and I left it behind. Justin had the pork sliders and fries, finishing his meal. We shared a small order of onion rings, three in the order, a new item on the menu. Very good! I packed up my leftovers to bring home for my dinner. All set!

We went back to Victory to get Justin's car, and it was really pouring. It was an unpleasant ride back toward Orange Park for me, with Justin exiting at San Jose to head to his place. There were 'standing water warnings' for parts of this street but he got home safely. 

By the time I got to the bridge it was getting brighter out and the rain let up. Thanks to the river, I think, and its Creator! I was so very glad to get home, believe me. Gus offered to help me carry my soda upstairs but I was managing okay. He is such a dear man!

My upstairs neighbor said he was ready and standing by if help was needed, and I think I heard the wet vac going earlier this afternoon. The sun is peeking out for the first time today at this time of night. That is just fine with me! Thanks to all my friends and family who have us in thought and prayer. Welcome, blue skies!

Busy days

It surely does seem to me that life has returned to pre-Justin days with busyness and down-time in proper balance. I like having something going on or to do every day of the week, even if it's only running an errand. It would get soooo easy to just enjoy my perch in the window here or poolside and not venture off the property most days. This coming Saturday my presence is required, or requested, three different places besides poolside!

It is that time of year, graduations and other occasions to be celebrated. May was like that for some us around here, with Judy C. having something every weekend last month and into this one. Her son's installation, a granddaughter's college graduation, another son's deployment send-off, another granddaughter's graduation, and then a trip to AZ, hopefully to rest! 

This Saturday I have an art show to attend at Great Hang Ups in the morning, then to the pool (weather allowing), and then to a surprise birthday party later in the afternoon. That same day Justin and I are invited to the graduation party of a young man whose dad, Rick, used to work for us, and remains our friend. Sadly, we cannot make both parties....

He is a little blurry because Rick sent me this photo via text message

Christopher was in the same daycare as Timmy, which is where I met Rick, who was his then single daddy. Rick was training to be a draftsman back in 1998, and I suggested he come over to talk to my husband about a job. He showed up the next day, unannounced, and long story short, got the job. The rest is history! 

Rick and Jimmie sitting on my sofa (Chris can be seen over Jimmie's shoulder in the other room)

Rick, married to Jen, now works with Justin's friend, Ron, at a commercial construction business. I was so proud of Rick when he graduated with high honors from ITT, and am also proud of Christopher and his achievement. 

Graduation at Precious Lambs

The graduates lined up in the front, telling their Bible stories in song       

Precious Lambs director, Michael and Ms. Lisa hand out the diplomas. Lisa made their hats, which were like a headband with a graduation cap afixed to it

 Betty and I prepared the reception and dressed the room for our guests

 Betty made this lovely punch, which packs a punch on the green tablecloth

  This table holds the baked goods and cookies donated by members for the preschool reception

Betty made these special treats for the little graduates and staff. It's a marshmallow cookie on the bottom, with a chocolate graham cracker for the mortar board. An M & M and licorice make the button and cord. Tasty and quite cute!

Tales of My Duster

Today I was sad to not be getting ready and out the door for Bible study but we are on recess now for a couple months. It seems Pastor is yet busy with every member visits and Michael needs to direct his attention to the preschool and VBS. Rumor has it we might resume after VBS is wrapped up, which will be fine with us! Now we will have the abbreviated study on Sunday morning before church and one at Victory. Plus, those I will get in Manitowoc!

My duster was scheduled to come over today to do some dusting and cleaning up for me, expected at 11:00. Now, I have been doing this for a while already and know her habits fairly well. When she called in the morning, I had guessed what she was going to ask me. "Would it be okay if I come this afternoon?" Without being cruel, I was careful to not mask my annoyance, telling her I knew this would happen. It happens every time! There was no time crunch but she is the one who is in desperate need of the money, and me who ends up irritated by her lack of time tracking skills.

She often tells me about the discussions she has with her boss, how he is less than merciful to her about her time tracking and being putzy with her work. She does thorough work, I knew that going in, but sometimes it doesn't require time, it requires efficiency. Marlena was in the Navy so knows how to get things spit polished, but in her position, time is often of the essence!

So, anyway, she said she would be here at 1:30 but showed up around 2:15. As a peace offering, she brought me food such as cole slaw, spanakopita, tuna salad, and three bean salad. I know---I am sort of doubtful about eating this stuff, but appreciate her thinking of me. She got busy cleaning up the mess of cobwebs which had taken over my river room. Certainly having my doors open didn't help any, plus the extreme dust from the work outside on the sundeck made it worse. For two hours she worked in there, using the vaccum cleaner, dusting wands, and many cloths to get the room straightened away. Justin will have to come over and take down the lanterns for me to wash in the sink. That can happen later...

The Ladies' Group celebrated our annual picnic at Mojo's BBQ tonight. Twila asked the waitress how big the onion rings were and I jokingly made a big circle with my hands. I was not too far off! They are huge!! Good thing we all shared our appetizers

I had to leave home early to make sure the restaurant, Mojo's, had seating for us as the guy told me it was not their policy to take reservations. That would have been nice to know when I called a month ago to secure the restaurant for our picnic. That young lady said nothing about  not taking our reservation when she took all my information, etc. Hmmm...

Because I was leaving early, I told my duster she should turn her attention now to Justin's shower, as I wanted to make sure that got taken care of. Her last hour of the work was devoted to his shower, it taking a long time to get the soap scum from his walls. 

At one point as I sat at my desk, I heard this horrible shrieking sound and realized it was the water alarm going off. She had gotten water on the floor when cleaning the shower which set off the alarm under Justin's toilet. She asked what she should do, thinking it was a smoke alarm, but I asked her to hand it to me. She yelled, "Make it stop!" as I took a cloth from the sink and wiped the water off of it. We know now that it works!  She is coming back this afternoon to finish up a few things that didn't get attention today. It is always so nice to have things cleaned up!

I am running!

Tuesday evening I got one of my favorite types of phone calls---dinner invitation! Just after 7:00 Judy C. called, asking if I had had dinner yet. I had not! She said Michael and she were "on their way" to St. Johns Seafood and wondered if I wanted to join them. YES! All I had to do was grab my purse and shoes, and I was on my way.  I 'ran' over there lickity split! The parking lot was being re-coated but the area by the restaurant was simply roped off. Judy parked away at first but then moved her van closer to the door.

It was great to share a meal with them, and have my standard fare there of the pollack. It's as close to perch as I can get here and the tartar sauce makes it tolerable. Brought home no leftovers, either, as I finished all the fish, leaving most of the fries and some of the green beans. Judy was leaving the next morning for AZ so it was nice to say good-bye once more before she left. 

One afternoon last week she had called me to meet for lunch at La Napolera on Fleming Island "just because I felt like having lunch out", and we said good-bye there. She was heading to SC for her granddaughter's graduation from high school (I can't believe Victoria is graduating already!) and we didn't expect  to see each other again before she headed out west. Glad we did!

Thursday evening was my dinner, rather, a late lunch, with Cassidy, again at La Nap. We rode over together in my car, so it was a short run down Kingsley Avenue. Besides the chips (no salsa for me) I had a beef quesadilla, with shredded beef.

                   

Friday morning, I was lolling in bed with the laptop in front of me when my phone rang. It was my friend, Pat, wondering if I was coming to breakfast at The Club. We had not made plans to go, but said if she wanted to go, I would too. It was already 8:45 so I had to go with my feet like wings, first to get dressed and then run to The Club before they put the food away. 

I asked Pat to call The Club and let them know we were coming, and she said, "I will tell them right now---I'm sitting here..." It is amazing how quickly one can throw oneself together in a rush! I looked half-way decent but must remember to get a new water squirt bottle for my hair on days such as these! Whew---run, run, run! and fly!

Planted at the pool

Plans were made earlier in the week to meet my friends at the pool on Saturday, always with the disclaimer of 'weather permitting'. One friends' hubby travels for business during the week and arrangements were made to have him dropped off at the pool rather than sending him all the way home. Great! We ladies got a jump start on our visiting--Jacquie, Lee, Maureen, and I before Mark arrived. Later Patty joined the circle of fun and chatter. A couple of the ladies bravely dipped into the pool for only a moment or two, rather than the hours we look forward to soon.

The air temperature was simply delightful and the breeze kept it cool. At  one point, after Mark and Jacquie left, I was thinking I might go upstairs but changed my mind. Lee was needing a salty snack, a point she has made regularly with the cabana staff about having popcorn or nachos w/cheese available for these late afternoon hungry times. Marlena scared up some pita chips, so a few of us enjoyed the 'drink of the day' or other adult beverage, as Betty and her family came out to join the fun. They found the water too cold to swim in but sitting around and chatting was fun too. No special desserts this time! Lee said from now on she is bringing a bag of pretzels with her to avoid this dilemma.

Having been outside since 11:00 a.m., by the time 5:30 rolled around, I was ready to go inside. Linda J. and I had tentatively planned to watch a movie together long distance this afternoon but I stayed out far longer than expected. I watched the end of The Five, a replay of Friday's program. Later, I found a movie on the preview channel to watch, "You've Got Mail". A nice one to watch any time. I was flipping between that movie and "The Lake House". 

Jacquie brought me a lovely treat from Panera Bread today, a frosted sugar cookie! It was huge and I nibbled on half of it right away. When I got upstairs and had taken my shower (had to cleanse that sunscreen from my skin!), I had the rest of the cookie. I was not all that hungry today for some reason and the cookie was just right for holding me over until dinner. On Friday night I had the yummy desserts which served as my dinner but I was hungry when I woke up. To avoid that, I made myself some waffles for dinner, embellished with summer sausage. My sister thought that sounded funky but it really is good. Try it! 

        

Here in the South the local restaurants, in particular Johnny Angels or Grumpy's, will serve waffles with fried chicken as an entree. Justin has tried the waffles and chicken, but I never have. I am a cheeseburger girl when it comes to Johnny Angels! Now I see there are potato chips with that flavor. I should pick up a bag of the waffles and chicken chips for Lee, for when she needs her salty snack fix!