There have been tears

The other day I was looking at Facebook and saw that one of Timmy's classmates from St. Johns was celebrating his 18th birthday. He is the grandson of my downstairs neighbor, Judee, on whose FB page I saw the pictures. A couple times a year I get to see Brooks, and did just see his dad within the past couple of weeks. I believe I mentioned it here in this blog, how Justin and I rode upstairs in silence after speaking with him, each of us 'afraid' to say anything, thinking about Timmy. Therefore, my seeing Brooks' birthday photos was bittersweet.

In my memory box on the hall table is the wooden train whistle that Timmy got as a souvenir from the first and only kids' birthday party Timmy attended. It was a Thomas the Tank Engine-themed party, hence, the whistle. That day the boys had two parties to attend and since Brooks' house was closer to the office, my former spouse chose that party. It was only later that he realized that parents generally stayed with their kids for the parties. I had taken Justin to a party off of Camp Johnson Road, where there was a magician performing for the birthday boy.

Brooks' name is on the lower left border of this piece of artwork, and has been here in the past few years to see it, forgetting about doing this those many years ago. Merrick's name is next to Brooks'---his dad is mentioned below.

Friday I went to the groomers and got my haircut, stopping at Publix on the way back home. As I was getting my cart, I met the dad of one of Timmy's classmates from Child Time and from St. Johns. Their family were our neighbors in The Preserve, plus my friend, Jen, used to be the nanny to Terry's sons, so I knew them fairly well. It was good to see him again, and he reported his boys are doing well. 

Here are Christopher and Merrick jumping into my pool at the lake house

Inside the store, I encountered Justin's pre-k teacher, a dear lady who is always so sweet and kind to me. We had a great visit, shared some tears, and it was so very nice to chat with her. She misses her grandkids, none of whom live in this area, but her husband is not ready yet to retire. Two of her daughters live in the same town in NJ, totally by 'accident', with the cousins attending school together. Another of her kids lives in AL, not too far away. She told me how wonderful it was for me to have Justin right under my roof!

The reason I was at the store in the first place was to pick up some steaks for Justin to make for our dinner. He had sent me a text message asking me to pick up something good and he would cook it for our dinner. I chose steak and baked potatoes, the steaks he would pan fry. Sure wish we had a grille!

Before dinner, however, I joined my neighbors and friends around the pool for our final cabana happy hour of the season. We had a good turnout, but Betty and Kathy were not there, which was odd. (Heard later they came out after I had gone in). Justin sent me a text message saying he was ready to begin the meal so I said 'good night' to my tablemates and headed toward The Palace. At the gate to the stairs I met Judee, whose grandson's birthday was posted on FB. She told me she had been thinking about me and gave me a big hug. Of course, a few more tears found their way out. I love that others still remember and think about us after all these years. Warms my heart....and wets my cheeks.

I am trainable

After getting home from our adventure at the Sprint store yesterday, Justin got busy training me on the phone and doing all the additional set-up necessary for the operation of the phone, or adding the extra features for the full use of this device. I have help sheets handy, fold-out instructions, and him to help me if I get stuck. He was in his glory, so to speak. I tried to pay attention and not get distracted. I made sure he showed me how to answer a call and how to make one---priorities One and Two!

Instead of going to Panera, though, I treated him at Koko's for lunch, stopped in quickly at Great Hang Ups, and then headed toward Wells Road to the only Sprint store in OP. I wanted to get some plants for my outdoor planter from Home Depot so we went there first before heading to our intended stop. We found some shade tolerant plants, in reds 'n greens, almost Christmas-y looking. My sister, Kerry, laughed when I told her about our purchases because I am planting when others are taking theirs out (up north). It's different here! Justin wants to buy a gardenia plant for in the house but wants to find the right planter (i.e. blue!) so he waited to get his.

                                

Once home, Justin intended to hook up his Apple TV in the family room to show me how to use the phone, but instead he just sat beside me on the bed to do so. He 'synched' my laptops with the phone so my contact list from gmail merged into my phone, and then, vice versa. I actually DO understand what this is about!

He was able to open my old phone, remove the card, and transfer the data. Amazing child! At one point he crashed my little laptop and then his in an effort to use the card reader to draw the information from one device to the other. Somehow, though, he figured it out and got the data transferred. He said, "You can go through all your contacts and delete the ones you don't need, but don't do that until you have your desk cleaned off..." What??? I would so rather do that cleaning (the contacts) than actually cleaning off my desk!

                                    

This afternoon I was at the pool for a bit with Bob, Nancy and Bill, staying for about an hour. This is the last day for the cabana so I had one final meal for the season. Cheeseburger in paradise, as Jimmy Buffett would say. Nancy gave me her phone number but that was one thing Justin did not train me on!!! But, with perseverance, and no help from anyone else, I figured it out! And, I was supposed to be deleting contacts, not adding more!!

Oh, there's no living with me now!

For months, even years, my son has been after me to join the dark side with him and become an iPhone user. This, despite my protests and insistence that my working Android 'Smart phone' was serving me just fine. Perhaps if something were to happen to my existing phone would I consider switching to another brand or (gasp!) leave Sprint. I have been with Sprint both as a customer (since the divestiture in the 80's) and as an employee for 5 years. It turns out a person can get the newest and best while keeping their phone number and staying with their original carrier while using an iPhone. I know this because I now have one!

                         

For months Justin has been researching and experimenting with the carriers to find the least expensive plan for a couple of reasons, not the least being he is now responsible for his own cell phone plan. And, always looking out for his mother, he wanted to find the best deal for me. In order for him to get the plan he uses, Justin switched his service to T-Mobile which has limited reception 'down here at the bottom of the hill', as he describes it. At the gates he has perfect reception, but as he progresses down toward the condo, the signal diminishes. Not a good thing for him, and certainly no deal for his mama who does much of her talking from home.

His age group talks less (uses less talk time on the phone) than any other features of the communication devices such as text messaging, iMessage, streaming, and web-browsing. On the other hand, I still talk to folks on the phone in addition to text messaging and the only occasional Googling to look up something. When I am at home, I have my laptops to do that, so I needed less gigabyte service in my plan. 

Last night Justin proposed he would take me to breakfast at Panera Bread and then we could go to the Sprint Store to check out the 5C phone, "which comes in colors!" He thought he could wave pretty things in my face and I would be a knock over. While he knows I am not prone to the attraction of the 'newest and best', he can sure sell! And he can buy---he treated me to the new phone while at the same time I got a cheaper plan which allowed me to keep my phone number and save money each month. Win-Win!

                                              

He created a monster by showing me the features of the better camera on this phone and posed for this "Seinfeld"-esque picture for me! "Was it a pick or a scratch?"

I told the lady taking care of us that Justin should work there because he certainly knows his stuff, knows all the features of every device, and can sell like nuts. Or to nuts! Smile for the camera, everybody!

Sorting photos and memories

The other day I posted a photo of the former drapery tie-backs I got at the resale store a couple weeks ago when shopping with Nancy W. Originally my thought was to suspend them in the bedroom windows but Anne H. suggested hanging them from my door handles. I love it, and took a photo of one in my dining room. Very nice! Well, one of my newer connections on Facebook is my former classmate, Linda, from MLHS days. She commented that my home seems bright and clean. I don't know about the clean part (me and my dust issue!) but it is bright! 

                      

Of course, I invited Linda to come down for a visit and give the place her own 'white glove test' some day. I also sent her some photos from when our mutual classmate, Rick, and his wife, Laura, were here last year for a visit. I hope they tantalize her to come down...

I also 'tagged' my friend, Brenda N., in a photo which stimulated all sorts of attention on my page, even though the photo has been posted for ages. The journaling of the picture states how this was one of the finest days of my life as Brenda N., Brenda W., Carey (Brenda's friend and our captain), and I went boating. We sailed from St. Augustine on this lovely day, went up the Matanzas River to the intracoastal, stopping to eat at a 'fish camp', whose name I do not know. It was just an awesome, carefree day, and I loved spending this time with my friends. 

It was so carefree that I took the liberty of locking my keys in the car, so Brenda W. and I had to wait for Pop-A-Lock to come free us! This was really a first for Brenda W., having a day like this, and I am so glad I got her to come along. On our ride back to OP she told me how Jimmie and she rarely did anything until he came to work for/with us. Then, doors were opened for them, figuratively AND literally (ha, ha) to travel and be entertained. So glad to be of service!!!

Time with friends well spent

This a.m. was Bible study at Victory, as we began the look at Isaiah. Only two of us had done the homework, the youngest two ladies in the room. A newer member, Katherine, and I were teased for being brown-nosers while the couple to my right reported "we don't do homework!". I told Pastor I was scooting over as to not associate with them, but he told me to move closer to be a positive influence. Such fun we have in our in-depth look at how history repeats itself!

Rita asked me to take copious notes for her since she was having a medical procedure causing her to miss class. I believe my homework answers plus the notes from today should catch her up, if she can read my teeny writing. Pastor read to us from a book their congregation provides to the confirmation students which gives an informative outline about each book of the Bible. He feels that the young folks don't have enough information about the Bible going in to their confirmation classes, which focus primarily on the Lutheran Catechism. I like his thinking on these matters of instruction.

From Bible study I headed back to OP to meet my neighbor/friend, Kathy, for lunch at Pengree's. I am so glad to be able enjoy a delicious meal with this lovely lady and lend her an ear and shoulder. Of course she had a salad plate while I had my usual of country fried steak with mashed potatoes and green beans. Half of the meat 'n potatoes came home with me, but I snarfed up my beans. Those are on my list, along with real mashed potatoes, to be served at my funeral meal!

From lunch I came home to work at my desk, the piles of papers getting taller every day. I must stay away from that mail box and that's all there is to it! Besides the mail stacks, I have notes taken at the building committee meeting, the Ladies' Group binder and notes for typing the Minutes, plus the paperwork from the LWMS Convention. The latter stuff is needed for the church newsletter. I am unlike my mom in that regard---not fond of getting the mail unless I am expecting a check!

                             

Tonight for dinner Justin and I were joining Michael and Judy for dinner at Sonny's where our young member recently starting working. We were under the impression Caitlyn was going to be there tonight but sadly, she was not. I am so not sorry we went there, though, as I ate every bit of my beef brisket. Judy is going up to Charleston to visit her daughter and family, taking them two bottles of the spicy sweet sauce from Sonny's. I cannot wait to go back again to have more brisket! 

Justin had to work late, making up for Tuesday off and a sick mower, so was not able to make it. I brought home some pulled pork for him, and corn nuggets! He was so happy. Michael was feeling a bit under the weather, having tonight as the only one this week he has not spent at church for meetings. I suggested strongly he get a good night's sleep but he said he had something to type up yet before he went to bed. I asked if it was something I could do to help him and he laughed, saying, "It's for you!" Ha, didn't think of that---he is working on his submission for the newsletter! Okay, yes, he can finish that and THEN go to bed!

This is riveting!

Justin went reluctantly to work this a.m., sure that the heavens would open again and make today a wash-out. At nearly noon, it is yet dry here, but extremely overcast. Yesterday afternoon the rains had let up but they knew the yards would be nothing but standing water or mud, so it didn't pay to go out and dig up people's yards with their equipment. I hope today is better working conditions for them.

I am watching the ongoing speech/filibuster by Senator Ted Cruz before the Senate, having gone on since 2:41 pm yesterday. I did go to sleep but woke up when the station went off the air during the night. I don't know what that's all about with Comcast, but I had a tough time finding a station that was not off the air. This normally happens in my room, not in the family room. Is it my receiver box or a connection outside, I wonder...

...and it's over. The Senate leader has taken the podium from Ted, and now more discussion and conversation will take place before the vote. Reid said Ted just wasted a bunch of time--by listening to the voice of the people these bills will affect? That speaks volumes about those elected folks so wildly out of touch with the citizens. May the Lord guide their deliberations and decisions today.

Yvonne and me reconnecting after decades of not seeing each other. Photo taken at First German right outside Linda's office door, by my cousin, Sandy. We were communicating for months via Facebook, but were able to touch each other after she moved back to Manty and I came up for my Christmas visit (note the red coat!)

My family experienced the sudden loss of my oldest cousin over the weekend. My friend/cousin, Yvonne, let me know late Saturday morning that her father-in-law did not wake up that morning. At least, Ronnie did not wake up in his bed, but rather, in heaven. Only the night before his wife and he dropped off a bucket of plums at the pastor's house and some at his mother's house, before going to dinner. He got up to use the bathroom around midnight, and then, woke up in heaven. 

While this is very hard on the survivors, especially his 92-year-old mother, I can't think of a better way to go. His wake is tonight, and his service tomorrow, at First German. I wish I was there to throw my arms around my auntie and my mom as they mourn this loss. And, of course, to offer comfort to his widow, Sandy. Ronnie was such a character and easy to be around---he will be missed by so many.

                                      

This morning I was awake quite early, due in part to that goofy TV going in and out, so I watched a Compline service from MLC, recorded on Monday evening. Oh my...It really sets the tone for the day, besides the 'filibuster', as I consider my family and their dealing with this funeral and its build-up. Through my head goes the refrain again and again: "Into thy hands I commend my spirit...." 

A day of knowledge, information, and a goof up

It was a rain day today, or at least, it began that way. When Justin should have already left for work, I heard in my waking moments his laugh wafting down the hallway. I scooted (that is exactly what I do!) off to his room, concerned that he was late for work. Nope, he was not going to work today, but he was up and dressed for a day at home. Because it was so dark out yet, I could not see how gloomy and stormy it was at present, and was going to be. His boss had already given him the heads' up on the nasty weather coming our way, and sure enough, he was right!

Justin was laughing at his early morning radio show on The Blaze. Tonight he reported to me that a tweet he had sent to this humorous morning team was re-tweeted several times by others. He is famous in the world of tweeters! In the Twitter world, that is significant. 

Around 7:30 a.m., to the sound of falling rain, Justin came to my door and asked me if I would like some homemade pancakes for breakfast. Sure! Normally not a breakfast eater, I was pleased to be served 'breakfast on belly', as we used to call it when the kids were little. Perfectly shaped pancakes plus two sausages, which were located in my freezer. I have never been able to master round pancakes and beige ones, instead of burnt ones!

Since today was an in-the-house day, I was able to catch up on some reading, the best article being sent to me by my friend, Mo. She is a teacher, extremely frustrated by the new education program instituted by our State and County School Boards, called Common Core. Many folks know nothing about this program, good or bad, but those of us who are following this know it is not good. During the summer I tried to warn her but she was not to be dissuaded---she was ready to go!

At first she was enthusiastic about this new uniformity of instruction, etc. but it didn't take but a few weeks for it all to become perfectly clear---disaster!! More questions than answers, and certainly no grades. Every paper is considered good whether the student grasps the concepts or not. This week the administration was having meetings where the teachers can come and present their grievances. 

Today she sent me an article telling how the Governor has withdrawn our State from the government program overseeing our education, to get us out from under the control of our schools. What a relief!!! 

Another article I read was about evangelicalism, written by a theologian in 1984. It has proved to be prophetic, how some in the church are denying the efficacy of the Scriptures, saying the historical portions of the Bible don't add up. So, is it God's Word, or is it not, if you don't believe it is inerrant?? Very interesting article. A friend had posted about a book she was reading and that's how I got taken to this article. 

Our congregation is being visited yet again by our 'mentor' the first week in October so the Elders are cramming through a book they were assigned to read before he gets here. In fact, they were to discuss it tonight at their meeting but several had not delved as deeply into it as they should have for discussion. They confessed this to me so I am not speculating. I hope they got some good reading time in after our building committee meeting last night!

Not only did I get breakfast served to me, but Justin also presented me with a grilled cheese sandwich for lunch. He knew I was busy reading, and writing, today! About midmorning, I went to the kitchen to cut up some chicken breasts and put them in my new steamer/slow cooker with bbq sauce to cook all day. 

                     

Since it was new, I was not sure about the settings, and found out the one I chose brought the sauce to a boil, cooking the chicken very quickly. Justin turned it down but I guess the damage was done---the chicken chunks were on the dry side. Nuts! I have decided to mulch them tomorrow and make chicken salad out of it. And hope it tastes okay. Hate to waste such nice chicken breasts, you know?

Church family photos

Cliff served as worship leader yesterday due to Pastor being gone to his daughter's school (LPS) for homecoming. Cliff did a very nice job of it. Sterling played two hymns on the piano for us, including "Be Still, My Soul", one of my favorites. Justin is visible on the right hand edge of the photo.

Here is our group at lunch at Chili's yesterday, taken from each end of the table. I was seated between the two birthday boys!!

On this end you can see David's sister, Jessica with her boyfriend next to her, and her mom next to Ethan. Then David, me, Mike, Caitlyn, Jacob. You can't see Kristin or Sue from this end, but can see Justin, Michael, Judy, Betty, and Terri.

"Happy birthday, and thank you for taking me to Carrabba's"

My former neighbor, Dan, and his family are still on my mind, which happens to me quite often. Can't shake 'em!  They live now in Utah, having taken a transfer there several years ago.

My family moved from the neighborhood in early December of 2000. Shortly after we got settled in, we invited their family to come to The Preserve to have breakfast with us. Dan worked nights so the earlier we got together, the better. As my spouse prepared the food, I got busy setting the table, with Timmy as my assistant. He put packets of fruit snacks at each place, which was not really on the menu. 

Once their family arrived, and they were done looking around at our home, we prepared to sit at the table. From the kitchen came the food, and Timmy, carrying a can a beer for Dan. Oh, how we laughed! No one asked for a beer, or even offered a beer, but his little buddy knew that Dan should have one!  It got put back in the fridge, "for later".

The summer before we moved, the four adults and a friend of their family, a former foreign exchange student, Phillipe, took dive instruction. The man from whom we took instruction ran the local dive shop, and for the life of us, we could not figure out how he did it! Steve was so incredibly odd, he tried to speak Spanish to Phillipe, who is French. The first night after our class, we five went a few doors down to Sorbello's for a bite, and we laughed until we cried at the absurdity of it all. This was going to be such fun!!

A few weeks into our training, the group went for a test dive, and afterward, the entire families met at Carrabba's to celebrate my spouse's birthday. We invited Steve to join us. For all the rest of our time together, he never stopped wishing him happy birthday, and thanking him for the dinner. To this day, Dan and I wish each other "happy birthday", even when it's not. Lynn is a neo-natal nurse practitioner, but Steve absolutely insisted it was my car he often saw at the hospital. Pretty soon I was convinced!!

Another time we were all going on a dive, our two families in Dan's big conversion van, and Steve in his, by himself. No one wanted to ride with him. By this time in our training we had gone over and over the rules about staying with your buddy, taking a head count when you get back to the boat, etc. many times in class. We got it. 

                                 

Well, we headed south on Blanding toward the dive site, Steve in the lead van with the equipment. All of a sudden he pulled off into a turning lane (it was quiet this early Saturday morning, thankfully), so we pulled over too. We were not far from The Golden Corral on Blanding. He got out of his van, came back to ours, and proceeded to take a head count of everyone in the van. We had only just left the dive shop and not made any stops, so had not left anyone behind. 

It was absolutely incredible, and we laughed all the way to Ginny Springs, and back, and for months afterward. I am throwing my head back in laughter as I recall this now. We were so stunned at this man's ridiculousness, his trying to appear in charge when it was so obvious he was not! And, by the way, I never did take the certification dive test because I did not feel well enough trained by this goofball to risk my life just to prove something. I learned how to do it, and know I can, and will chalk it up as done! And have a long time of laughing and fun to reflect on!!!

Happy birthday!

While I am thinking of it, I should mention that my friend, Dan, has recently retired from the FAA. He is still a somewhat young man but he was always working toward this goal as long as I have known him. In 2012 I was able to spend some time with him when he was in town for business.  

Me, Dan, and Lynn at Clark's Fish Camp

Dan served as one of the pall bearers for Timmy, as he was quite fond of that little guy. We lived next door to Dan and his family, took dive classes with them, and had marvelous laughs. He is soon to be a grandpa, any moment now, actually, as Amanda is ready to deliver. And he is barely 50, retired, and nearly a grandpa...seems hard to believe!

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Tonight I was at the Chappell home for a birthday party---a double birthday party. Judy had told me she was having a dinner for Mike S. and David, her grandson, inviting our usual lunch group to the celebration. Well, David, a law student at UF, was getting a surprise visit from his mom, sister, and her boyfriend. This came about after Judy's original plans so she had to kick things up a notch. As you might guess, she rolled with the punches.

Joi, Jessica, and Ethan drove down from North Carolina and arrived at 3:30 am Saturday morning. Michael kept David up playing board games until they arrived. Wow, nice going, Michael!! David was surprised, which worked out well, except they were all pretty tired.

We had Mexican food, which Judy is well-known for, and it was delicious. A bit messy, but still very good. Betty could not make it and Justin had made other plans to go to St. Augustine with his friends. He said he wished he had not paid the money already because he would have really enjoyed the birthday celebration. This makes me happy, knowing he is so comfortable with our extended church family. Mike S.'s birthday is actually Monday but we can celebrate him ahead of time if we want!

This afternoon I spent at the pool, the teen's end of the pool, as the pumps for the adult and baby pool have quit. Parts are on order and we should be up and running on Tuesday. Only one child came out and she was simply adorable. The water is colder than I normally enjoy but the air was hot and it felt good to get in to cool off. We had a nice group gathered, even Debbie, my neighbor, stopped by after work to chat. 

I was lamenting to some folks that once summer is over (i.e. pool season ends) we will not see many of our friends again until next summer. Some do come periodically to The Club to eat but others primarily having pool memberships. One lady, Cindy, and her hubby, have decided to host a going away party for Lee, and if she does not actually move to CA, we will just have a party. The conversation evolved to having gatherings once a month thereafter so we can all stay together and in touch. Now I am excited!! I chose November as my month and can hardly wait.

This morning I met Nancy W. for breakfast at Grumpy's. She had left me a message the night before saying she and the seller had reached an agreement on the home she is buying, so let's celebrate!!  It seems that my little handyman, Butch, is on board to make the repairs, or most of them, and Nancy can close on the purchase November 1st. 

Betty and Robin C. in my river room

While we were talking and eating our breakfast, my friend, Betty, came in with her sisters. Betty used to work for/with me at Rosewood. It was great to see her again, and I told her how only the day before Brenda N. and I were talking about having a get-together for the ladies again. So, now I am making plans for that dinner too! Love to have my place as the gathering spot, and since it's a private home, no hurry to run off and give up our table, like at Grumpy's!

"The Big One"

             

The following wall displays show some of the things the students have learned in the first weeks of school, which began for them on August 19th. They are doing remarkable work for their ages, and I am glad to see this. 

Learning better their shapes and colors, practicing scissor skills, pasting, and organizing. Oh, the things grown-ups take for granted!

The students presented a number of songs they learned thus far this year, all of them "Bible" ditties, including "This Little Light" and "Jesus Loves Me" among others. They really get into the arm motions and know when to emphasize! 

The most special moments for me, watching from the back of the church, was hearing the little ones recite the Lord's Prayer. Michael taught them using pictures on his laptop, graphics which showed each portion of the prayer, to help to remember it. Even as I write now, tears roll down my cheeks, as they did that night to hear the kids praying what Timmy referred to as "The Big One".

These are cookies and snacks made for the kids and their parents. Mine came from Publix, the rest are homemade by Betty and Judy C.  

Judy made the 'acorns' using Hershey Kisses, tiny wafer cookies, and a butterscotch chip. Betty used fig newtons to decorate Bibles for the kids, with fruit roll ups to fashion the book mark. I find the ideas on Facebook and share them with those who can do this!

Deeply going to study!

Today at Bible study we finished the last of our booklet from Good News dealing with repentance. For the next course of study, Isaiah, I had ordered the study books from the publishing house for two other ladies at Victory, and for myself.

The two-book set about Isaiah have been received and delivered to church, but Marilyn was not there to receive hers. Pastor handed out folders with worksheets in them, for the first half of the study. I am so not accustomed to this type of preparedness, and have not done homework in some time. 

In the Bible Information Class we had work for at home but that was more along the lines of fill-in-the-blank. These worksheets really will make us dig deep and think!!! I am so looking forward to this.

*

Justin was a hero last night around the table at Happy Hour and trivia. He enjoyed the buffet while I had my Italian sliders and special ordered onion straws. When I saw the menu, I thought I might not like the chicken, but upon seeing it, could have choked it down. But I am happy with what I had, and Dawn even gave me a piece of tiramasu for dessert.

We had three teams and Justin was captain of ours. Thanks to me, we blew the Jaguar question, the very first one. And it was worth 5 points at that!!! Shoot! and I was so sure I was right, too. Justin knew many of the answers that no one else had and we won! One lady told Justin she would pay for his dinner if he came again the next time. People were fighting over him! Love it!

This evening he is making beer cheese soup, the simpler recipe (he said that even I can make it!). He made some when Linda was here but it had the cut-up brats in it. They added little to the flavor, and are best eaten on the side. We are eating a bit later because I have the preschool open house at church tonight for which to serve. My privilege, with Betty and Judy, to serve as hostesses for the parents and family members of the students. Betty is making a cookie treat that I sent her from Facebook and I can't wait to see how they turned out!

Judy made the acorns and Betty made the Bibles. Judy's are kisses, tiny wafer cookies, and a butterscotch chip. Betty's are fig newtons decorated with frosting crosses, a fruit roll up fashioned into a bookmark.

A day spent together

My boy has off from work today and we are going to spend it together. In fact, we have already begun doing so. This morning, late morning, we went to Saigon-Tokyo (Koko's) for lunch. It had been raining all morning long, sometimes heavier than others, but we decided to not let it allay us. My teeth are just fine, no residual discomfort or anything from the work done yesterday so off we went to lunch. 

They are always happy to see us come in, and give us royal treatment. The chef we had today sliced the chicken nice and thin so it was quite tender. Oh my, so delicious! I like these slices better than the chunks of chicken, and told them this. AJ was our waitress and took good care of us. 

From Koko's we stopped in at Great Hang Ups and had a nice visit with Julia for a bit. She is hosting a show which opens on Sunday and she would like me to be hostess for it. I am going to see what the weather forecast is, because if it's nice, I will be at the pool. While I love being hostess, I can do the same thing at the pool!

Justin and I needed a few things from Publix and you can just imagine what our cart looked like on the way out. Granted, we did buy two 20 packs of Diet Coke which take up space. I got the things I need for events at church this week, including the preschool open house Thursday evening. Justin bought mini-muffin pans to make some for me if he has time before now and then. 

                                

Once we got home and carried the groceries up, Justin and I put everything away. We bought some coffee cake, buy one/get one, and he wondered if I wanted them left out of the fridge. I said I did and he remarked, "...but you don't like that..." I know I don't, but for now, they can stay on the counter. I have issues about having stuff out on the counter, like my new rice steamer which Nancy W. picked up for me at Ross!!!

This evening we are going over to The Club for trivia and dinner. I will order from the tapas menu but Justin is dining from the mini-buffet. I didn't think I would like the chicken but do like my sliders. Perhaps I will get my favorite onion strings, if the kitchen is not too busy to special make them for me....

Such nice ladies

I just came in from the pool, dressed out for swimming but never getting near the water. The exercise class was just finishing up (I told the ladies I lived in a different time zone!) and I had only come out to chat. 

No one was staying for lunch today, which is good as the weather is threatening. Not only a threat, as it is presently raining. Tomorrow more of the ladies will be able to stay, but today many had errands, etc. The dining room/kitchen does not actually open until 11:30 so it takes a long time for our meals to come out once Marlena gets them entered in the computer inside. 

                                

Some did sit around to drip dry before heading for home, most of them having to drive to get to class. We talked about what we are doing today and I mentioned my dental work. Several of the ladies offered to either go with me or take me home, and Maggie even offered to bring me soup from Panera Bread. Lynn insisted I take her phone number so in case I can't drive, she can come and get me. Aren't they just the nicest bunch? Now they have me nervous!

"Do you want to talk about something?"

"Let's talk about how things are made..." I wonder if my friend, Lee's, sons ever said such a thing to her when they were little. While sitting poolside the other day, some of us were talking about the funny things kids come out with. Two of those with me are teachers so they hear it all---often far more than they wish.

Lee has two sons, one who is quiet and keeps to himself, and one more talkative, but mainly only about the things which interest him. When my turn came, I shared the stories of Justin and his talking skills, including testing positive for 'verbal overflow' when being evaluated at St. Johns. My friends found it hard to believe that he was talker...yeah, right!

When we lived in Waterford Landing, Justin had a little friend who lived across the street, named Kyle. He was younger than Justin but they got along nicely. One day he told his grandma and me that he was going over to play with Kyle. After a while he came back, which surprised us. I asked where Kyle was and he answered, "Oh, he wasn't home." "Where were you so long then?" "His mom was in the garage and I talked with her. She can carry on a good conversation!" Mom and I lost it...Oh that guy!

One of my favorite stories of Justin and his talking include my sister, Lynn, who was riding in the backseat with him. I cannot remember where we were going but it seems like a longer car ride. They were quiet back there, Justin about 7 years old, I think, when he asked Lynn, "Do you want to talk about something?" "Sure---what should we talk about?" Justin suggested, "How about how things are made?", excitedly. Wow, now there's a topic for you!! His dad, Lynn, and I were chuckling a little bit, and Justin, still pondering said, "How about wood?" The idea of this still makes me laugh, but I cannot remember what Lynn and he came up with, but I am sure it was fascinating! And now there is TV show dedicated to "How Things Are Made". He was just ahead of his time...

Moving into the present, the other day as we drove home from Victory/lunch, I told Justin that I probably had to get a different car. It was time. Immediately he pulled out the phone to start searching for the perfect car for me. He knows pretty much what I like in a car (champagne taste/beer budget) but he also aims higher. I told him I wanted something around $20 thousand or less. With a deep sigh, he said, "Okay, grandmaw...." meaning I was being quite unrealistic, living in the past as far as car pricing goes. He asked me if I really wanted crank windows and no power steering. I know he was being dramatic and sarcastic. But he also made me laugh in the process of his mocking me. My sister got a nice car not long ago with lots of bells and whistles but at a decent price. 

                                     

A funny story about that now---when I was in Manty this summer, Kerry took Jill and I to Wal*Mart  in her new car. Still had that new car smell and all that. Nice! I rode in the front seat, but oddly enough, the head rest tipped way forward, causing my chin to be buried in my chest. That is a good way to shut me up! No matter what we tried, the three of us could not figure out how to tip that headrest up, the way the driver's side was set. It sure provided us a good deal of laughter in the process. I wonder if she ever got it figured out or if her passengers simply sit in the backseat in a full and upright position...

Let's try football again

Today is my sister, Lynn's, birthday. My mother now has a daughter aged 65. I can't believe it either. I remember when 65 used to be considered 'old'. When my friends who are older than I am can run circles around me, I am the old one, it seems. I called Mom a bit ago but she had to go because one of my other sisters and she were taking Lynn to dinner (actually a late lunch, if you ask me!) around 5:00 pm. Of course, "Seinfeld" springs to mind...

At church this a.m., Justin took advantage of the opportunity to sit in with the fellow running the MIDI, as he is scheduled for re-training on the last Sunday of the month. He won't be there that week due to a Jaguar home game taking place. The liturgy was played by Sterling on the piano so only the psalm and hymns were played via the MIDI. He had done this job in the past, before college and I am sure he will be a quick study for getting back on track again. To say I am pleased about this, taking place outside of my knowledge or influence, is an understatement, but I am staying very low-key about it, so as not to scare him off.

This photo is of my refrigerator door (yes, a magnet on my fridge door!!!) and a pretty picture made by Jacob, one of the young men who stayed with me this summer. He made it for me during VBS and dresses up my door nicely.

We had a larger group of us at lunch today, totaling 10. Justin had gotten away from the parking lot sooner than many of us, so reserved our table for us. Last week we were treated with a free dessert for the table as a 'thank you' for making the manager on duty laugh. I guess something had happened the previous visit when I was at Victory, when Mike S. got Diet Coke poured into his tea or something, and made a joke of it. Being good natured about a simple mistake goes a long way, including getting a free dessert!

                

On Fox and Friends this a.m. they had several segments featuring National Cheeseburger Day. My mouth was watering for a burger, so I did order the Big Mouth Burgers on my triple dipper entree, plus my potato skins and chicken crispers. Justin had a Smokehouse Burger. We are all about it!

When we got home, Justin found the Packer game on-line, via a program he is able to access after buying a video game. It is called Sunday Ticket or something like that, so I got to see a few plays which nearly persuaded me to stay in from the pool to watch. Knowing I can watch it later on, the game in entirety in 30 minutes, allowed me to go play with my friends. 

The days of poolside fun are limited, as it's going to be over far too soon. We had rain overnight which allowed for the water to cool even more. Nuts! The thunder storm during the night nearly shook me from my bed with the first ferocious crack. It made my lanterns rattle!! After I got used to it, back to sleep I went. 

The Packers played a marvelous game and won handily in celebration of Lynn's birthday. I hope the Jaguars will do the same thing for her birthday, but from what I see right now, this will NOT be their best showing. Hopefully something amazing happens during this halftime break and the coach can rally his men to at least execute if not win. 

This team really makes one work hard to be a fan, but I do know people can hang in behind a non-winning team, like baseball teams. I can do it, and I shall, until I can no longer!!! (How is that for a declaration of confidence???)

A great treasure!

The other day at the pool, my friend, Pat, mentioned a yard sale was going to take place on Fleming Island. It was a multi-family deal, one of the more well-known names in the area, where the families all live on the same property. She was thinking there would be the place for me to find the headboard for Justin's bed.

Nancy W. suggested we go together, as she has been in the antique business in the past and enjoys looking. She picked me up at 10:00 a.m. with plans for us to look for the headboard, have some lunch, and visit Dee and Julia. She has a big vehicle which would allow for a purchase of that size to fit in. 

Well, we rode up and down the street where the sale was to have taken place but did not find it. No signs, no cars, no people carrying things, nothing. Nuts! Did we have bad information or were we just looking in the wrong place? Nancy said, "Well, it's still too early for lunch...How about we drive to this place I know in Green Cove that has furniture?" Sure, why not?

I have seen this boat consignment place every time I drive this route, but never paid attention to the other store before. It proved to be a treasure-trove of wonderful things, perfect for those in the market for such. 

                    

Nancy knew the proprietor from her auction/antiquing days. It turned out he was good friends with my former neighbor, Billy, and shared some wonderful stories from the old days. Nancy and he had a mutual friend who had passed away the night before, so they shared that memory together.  

My phone battery had died, because I had neglected to charge the phone overnight, so I was not able to take a picture of the headboard he had. Nancy took a picture and tried to send it via e-mail to him, but somehow, Justin was not getting the pictures. Nuts! The man told us about his new store opening on the property next door and he showed us how to get over there. 

Nancy knew this man's wife, too, and we sure did like their new, spacious showroom. Wow, what treasures and excellent prices! Instead of finding a headboard for Justin, I found those gorgeous drapery tie-backs, which they'd had hanging in a door way to the 'boutique' section of the shop. I had big ideas to hang them in my bedroom window to catch the light.

To celebrate our fun time, Nancy and I went over to Great Hangs to show off my gaudy adornments before lunch.  We found both ladies in the shop, but Dee could not join us for lunch as she had to get back to feed her hubby. She did come in for a few minutes to chat with us, which was nice. The waitress, AJ, whom we knew when it was Koko's, was able to plug in my phone for me, got me charged up while I ate. Full service restaurant!!

Nancy and I enjoyed our lunches, with leftovers coming home with me. She dropped me at my door, so I could come upstairs to get changed. She had changed quickly when we stopped to see her dad's home where she lived. We agreed to meet at the pool on this lovely, hot day.

For several hours we enjoyed the pool and the cooler water with several of our friends. It seems we all arrived around the same time, like a plan was made. My newer friends, Nancy and Bill, who moved in down the street, were enjoying the pool until he had to go back home to work. Nancy starts her new job on Monday so this weekend is her last-blast on weekdays. I shared GroupOn information with her as she wants to have her air vents cleaned. "I'm Dutch! I can't stand the dust!" I wonder sometimes if I am Dutch...

Fried chicken anyone?

This morning was Bible study at Victory, with hardly any traffic of which to speak. This made it easy for me to drive and talk with Mom on the ride over. Justin had picked up my bottle of Diet Coke for Bible study the night before so I didn't have to take time to stop on the way to Victory. Mom was planning her day, the highlight of which would be Ladies' Aid. They meet in the daytime as most of the attendees are elderly. It is a nice outing for her, and for them all.

Normally before our class begins we sit around the tables taking care of the service folders and doing the inserts. Today, all the work was completed before we arrived, as Cary had come in yesterday and took care of it. Rita brought in two types of cookies she'd made: Key Lime and S'Mores. I had two of the S'Mores and found them wonderful both times. Lucy brought a box of Dunkin Donuts to share, so all were well fed.

In a couple weeks we will wrap up our study of repentance, using the booklets titled "Good News". Some have requested moving away from these and into a book of the Bible for a change. We have used the booklets for several years now so it will be interesting to move into something else. 

                              

Our first study, Isaiah, seems daunting in itself. Pastor feels as though we can zoom right through it, but the way this class likes to discuss, we might stretch it out a bit. I have ordered the two-part commentary books for Marilyn, Judy, and myself. To thank me for ordering the books, Judy brought me two crocheted hot pads and a dishcloth. Very nice!

From Bible study I headed straight to The Club where I found my friends sitting in the garden room. Those who came in from the pool were in their cover-ups and could partake in the buffet, just not in the dining room. I sat with them while waiting for the arrival of Jacquie. She was delayed due to her nail appointment taking longer than expected. I watched the other ladies while they ate, and cheered them on.

                                          

They stayed until Jacquie came, not wishing to leave me sitting alone, but really, I would have been just fine. They are gems! Oh, that chicken looked so very good, my mouth was watering. Jacquie and I were seated in the dining room, since we were fully clothed, after I bid farewell to the other ladies. 

We visited the buffet where I stepped outside my norm and had a bowl of mushroom soup, since everyone was raving about it. It was good! With the fried chicken was served homemade mashed potatoes and greens, with large carrot chunks in it. I don't mind the carrots. Our meals were delicious!

From The Club, Jacquie and I went over to the pool, with me stopping upstairs to change into my suit. Nancy and Bill were out there, and Bob. Jacquie didn't put on her swimsuit so we sat and visited before she had to leave. Her friend was coming over for wine and appetizers after work so she had some preparations to take care of before her neighbor arrived. We are such busy folks sometimes!

Bill had a funny story, explaining why he was able to be at the pool during the workday. Since he works from home, electricity is valuable. However, a squirrel evidently chewed through a wire on the outside of their home, and poof!, no power. 

JEA said it would take about four hours for them to be restored, so off to the pool they go. The poor squirrel was fried, not quite crispy, but definitely jarred. He went off to die somewhere, but Bill didn't see how far he got from the house. Their dogs might know...