Happy Reformation Day

Happy Reformation Day, fellow Protestants!

Wednesday night Justin and I attended the Happy Hour/trivia night/Halloween event at The Club. Justin's meal was being paid for by our neighbors, but I intended on having something from the tapas menu, as usual. Well, there was no tapas menu offered, only the mini-buffet. Okay, I guess I'm in!  

Taken against the window (not a good idea) from left is Bob, who calls me 'the ambassador', Bill and his wife, Nancy, our newest friends at The Club

Things happened in rapid succession, with the dinner bell being rung and the game beginning almost simultaneously. We were obligated/commanded to sit at the table with our neighbors, but for the pre-game stuff, Justin and I sat with my other friends, Bill, Nancy, and Bob at the adjacent table. Everyone wanted Justin on their team!

From left is Betty, Justin, Orren, Arnie, Hugh, ?, and Patti. Betty, Hugh, and Patti live in The Palace with Justin and me.

The Chef came out with his video camera and posted the completed piece, complete with eerie music, on The Club's Facebook page. Justin and I show up in several places, as I work the room. I am not sure if non-Facebook users can view it but here is the link:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10202629248840182&set=vb.275027634010&type=2&theater

At the end of the game, before the bonus question, our team was in first place but after all was said and done, we took 2nd. I guess I will have to purchase Justin's dinner myself the next time!

Playing the waiting game

The newsletter for church is ready to go except for the input from the preschool. The Director is going to get me something yet this afternoon, he said. Pastor let me know last night that he would not have time to give me anything so I will have to punt! I used to tell the folks if they don't submit something for the newsletter, I'll be forced to make stuff up!

Now back again, with the completed newsletter e-mailed. I am printing a few from my home printer for some ladies who have no computer but appreciate the full-color newsletter complete with photos and graphics. 

There was so much 'newsy' stuff to put in this time with our Reformation service coming up next Sunday, the time change this weekend, Veteran's Day in a couple of weeks, and then, already, ThanksLiving!

My friend, Linda, was telling me about a women's retreat next spring that sounds very interesting to me. While I normally go up in the summer, part of my time will be spent at a Worship Conference. Somehow I have to justify more plane fare for a third trip in one year. We shall see--perhaps my sister, Lynn, or even Judy R. would even join us!

I also have to keep in mind unexpected trips north. My Auntie Marie underwent emergency surgery last Saturday, having a perforated intestine. The Lord spared her life and got her through the surgery nicely, which is no small accomplishment for a 92 year old! 

My cousin, Barbie, Auntie Marie, me, and Justin a couple Christmases ago

This evening Justin and I are going to The Club for the trivia night. My neighbors, Hugh and Maureen, are treating Justin to dinner, a mini-buffet, as compensation for him helping us win the game last time! The folks in my group just love him, are so impressed with his knowledge. Hugh, in fact, wrote him a wonderful note, telling him how impressed he was with this mix of social graces and intellect unmatched in this day and age. That was only part of it, but it was---wow!!! Hugh talks him up anytime he is with business folks to help him find something more fitting for his "skill set", as Hugh put it. Yup, that's my boy!

Takin' care of business

Justin has the day off today, due to the change of the seasons. Lawns don't need weekly attention so now their focus is primarily the commercial properties and the other services they provide besides mowing. On the weekend, he suggested our plans for today which included breakfast. We ended up at Panera Bread where I took advantage of the baker's dozen deal for bagels. 13 bagels for $6.99, and they are enough to fill a person up to the brim!

From there we stopped at Great Hang Ups to pick up Justin's hug, now framed. We got to see the two ladies and they were happy to see Justin was with me. Dee stood behind Justin and held the artwork so he could spread his arms out---up close and personal! Julie put this photo up on the Facebook page for the shop and asked people to caption it.

We went Publix so Justin could run in to buy cream cheese (too expensive at Panera) and some flaky biscuits for our dinner. Then, over to CVS to take advantage of their Diet Coke sale. Only, the shelves were bare! The lady told us that the truck was due that day but likely we wouldn't come back later. I did find my first box of dark chocolate covered cherries, out for Christmas already. CVS is good for something, even if it isn't diet!

Another of the plans Justin made for us was to start packing up bins with items from the house to be donated to the Victory yard sale. I had to laugh as he walked around my house and my room, wondering what should go in the bin. Hey, wait just a minute! As a joke, when he was in my room, I acted like I was putting my "Phantom of the Opera" music boxes into the bin. There he drew the line...I did eliminate a few items which had been gathering dust, so I closed my eyes and put them in the bin. 

Speaking of cleaning out, I called my sister, Lynn, tonight upon seeing one of my Manty area friends with Packer tickets for sale. Immediately Lynn came to mind so I called to let her know. I was telling her about my bin filling and she mentioned going through her closet to sort things out. She is retired and needs fewer 'work outfits', though she said she is wearing some of her stuff for everyday now since there is no reason not to. I like to hear that after seeing people out and about in their pajamas too often! They have a resale shop which supports the Lutheran High School and certainly they can make use of her nice outfits.
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Lately I have not been able to watch the Fox News Channel in my room as much as I'd like. The signal will fade or disappear entirely just when The Five begins or in the morning while watching Fox and Friends. I can watch in the living room, oddly enough. When I called Comcast to ask for service for this, I was informed that the package which comes with my building's basic plan does not include FNC! The man said I must have signal bleed through which allows me to get these other stations. Oops....

I said, "Thank you very much..." and got off line as quickly as possible. It seems the trouble ticket or whatever he initiated did not end my bleed through as I am still getting all my usual channels (whew!). I will suck it up and carry my little laptop to the living room for my chat with Linda during The Five. Oh, the inconveniences we have to put up with---indeed a First-World problem!!!

Another gorgeous morning

This morning's sunrise was breathtaking!

It is my bro-in-law's birthday today and when I think of Harvey, I think of pumpkin. It is that time of the year when people's hearts turn to all things pumpkin. But Harv especially liked the scented candles which smelled like pie. Justin was quite fond of his paternal grandma's pumpkin bars (I wonder who has that recipe...), now that I think about it. Justin remembers making pumpkin bread with chocolate chips last year, but can't remember if he used my recipe from Shady Lane Home, or not. My recipe was called Harvest Loaf, flavorful and moist.

Ten years ago at this time, Justin and I drove to Ft. Lauderdale, my first time ever driving so far by myself (as the primary driver, I mean). My sister-in-law, Marian, and her family lived there and were being visited by Harvey and Barb, and their friends, Steve and Sue. Having recently been separated, I'd just gotten my hair cut to the style still in place today. For some reason I remember those two events together. 

Barb N. remains the beautician who does it for me, as I follow her from shop to shop. Glad she's settled down where she is now for several years. Only this a.m. I got another compliment on my hair style from a lady in The Palace lobby. The summer has pretty much left my hair and now it's showing more salt than pepper. What to do? What to do?

This morning's Bible study was quite good, covering only a small portion of the page. The discussion and 'sharing' was excellent and free-flowing, which was really good to have. Fellowship can be a difficult topic particularly for those who have not been long-time members of our Synod or for those who have forgotten some things. 

One item for discussion was about funerals which was an excellent venture. One lady remarked how when her son died a couple years ago, the pastor at the church he attended did such a nice memorial service for him. His rough and tumble friends came as did his ex-wife with their sons. Since then, several of the friends have become or are becoming members, as did the wife. The children, who live a couple doors down from the church, attend regularly. I am not sure if they in the school or not, but could be. What an amazing blessing came as a result of her son's death, in his 30's. I wept!

Instead of going to our usual Long Horn for lunch, we went to the Olive Garden. One of the ladies feels like she has been "picked on" recently by the waitress besides now being charged for the soft drinks. Of course I was not aware of anyone being singled out for poor service or anything like that but I heard that last week she opted out of lunch due to the others going to LH. The suggestion for another restaurant had to come from someone other than Judy or me, so while I was in the restroom, they made the choice of Olive Garden. It usually does fall to me as some folks have problems making decisions, but I do not!

I had the chicken scampi while most of the others had the soup and salad. The endless salad, with one lady taking home the remainer in a to-go box. The waitress seemed hesitant to do that but the lady indicated she'd taken whole salads home the previous two times. I don't know their standard practices here, just as we didn't know about LH's practice of charging adults for drinks when they order from the kids' menu!
                                 
Justin and I enjoyed the leftovers from Chilis and Olive Garden along with our pork from Saturday's dinner with the ladies. He wants to make some biscuits for us tomorrow upon which we will serve the leftover London broil from Sunday night. We also have some mashed potatoes to have our broil with if we so desire. The dishwasher is filled with Rubbermaid containers as the fridge is being emptied!

The good, bad, and ugly

Oh, what an ugly display that Jaguar game was! My heart breaks for Gretchen, as she is such a faithful fan of the Jags. She told me this a.m. that she has watched everything she could from London, as the local news stations  and paper covered their time and the contingent in London. 

More than once Gretchen has expressed her desire to see the Jaguars win "before I die..." At least today's game was not a shut out, as the Jags got some points on the board. Maurice Jones-Drew had a good game, too, so I will keep my pennant on display in the courtyard for the time being!

After Bible study and worship this a.m. our group went to Chili's for lunch. We had been absent for a couple weeks (Justin missing for a month!) so it was great to be back. Next week we will miss again due to our Reformation celebration. Judy's grandson, David, was in town, and I so enjoy his joining us for worship and lunch. He always looks so nice, wears a suit and tie every time he attends church.

Justin had begun the marination process of a London broil he'd picked up at Publix. He is like a mad scientist in the kitchen when preparing his masterpieces, or master pieces of beef! The fridge smelled so good even as it was sealed in a bag. He got out the 'old' slow cooker and got it to work (yay!) so when we came home from Chili's, we were greeted by the pleasant aroma of beef 'n onions.

Together we watched the horrid Jaguar game, with Justin leaving when the 49's made their 5th touchdown against the Jags. I stayed to the bitter end, covered up with my Packer blanket in the family room. It has turned somewhat cold 'round these parts (49 for the overnight low temp) and the house holds the cool nicely. Justin is a season ticket holder and yet cannot bear to watch the games!

We were going to have our dinner during the Packer game but our tummies wanted to eat sooner than 8:30. We decided to have dinner earlier and watched another episode of "Duck Dynasty". He is making a fan out of me, though I still pick it apart for obvious flaws in its being 'reality'. There is a little boy shown in two of the recent episodes we've watched, and Justin knows that's my weak spot. I am just in love with his little face!

                         

Prior to kick-off, we got the dishes and such cleared away so we could sit down to watch the Packers win. BUT, the first play of the game, upon kick-off, was a full field runback by the Vikings. That was bad AND ugly! Fortunately, it was a fluke and the Packers were able to return a similar favor by doing the same thing during one of their receptions. 

It has been a good, no, great, game, though again I am ending up watching alone, since my boy had to go to bed. He gets up about 5:30 in the morning so 'tucks in', as he puts it, about 9:30 usually. I am watching to the bitter end, though I am confident it won't be bitter!

Friends at the table

Here is the group around the table just prior to our feasting on ribs in golden mushroom soup, mashed potatoes, and Italian mixed veggies. Mint chocolate chip cake for dessert, the icing of which matched Brenda's top! From left is Justin, Robin C., Marcus and his grandma, Betty, and Brenda. 

Justin worked with these ladies plus has known Brenda and Betty for over half his life. Betty came to work for us when Timmy was a baby. As we celebrated Betty's birthday this evening, Justin recalled Betty's last day working for Rosewood was on her birthday 5 years earlier. She has not been working since! 

Using grants and student loans, Betty has gone back to school to earn a degree in business administration. Having already earned her AA, she is pressing on to her BA, though she has concerns about being hired anywhere after she succeeds, due to her age. 

Brenda is a bit older than Betty but has taken on the task of helping to raise her two granddaughters. One is in junior high and the other in elementary school. Due to Brenda's health problems, she does not care to drive (sudden onset vertigo) so the girls must either walk to school for the little one, or take the bus to middle school. 

Their auntie helps out with afterschool activities, to give the girls some 'normal' in their lives such as dance class and gymnastics. I give "Mommy Dearest", as she calls herself, a lot of credit. She used to describe herself as a cross between June Cleaver and Mommy Dearest!!! Justin calls her Auntie Brenda and I call her friend!

Robin actually came to work for 'my' company after I had left but we met and became friends after being laid off. She said she remembered me from the Hallmark Store near Publix, because of my interesting last name. She worked there prior to Rosewood. She also remembers all the people coming in to buy sympanthy cards in January of 2001. Robin and Betty were a dynamic duo back in the day and will hopefully remain so for a long time to come. 

Brenda works for one of our then competitors, as does Jimmie and did Troy. I at least get to see Brenda on a monthly basis. She brags about our being the queens of coupons, at least we are for Steak 'n Shake! We let too much time go by between our visits with the others and that simply must change!

I've taken up jogging!

Or, if you'd seen me this morning, it was more like cantering, like a show horse! How did this happen? How was I awake at 4:15 a.m. and find myself dozing when I was supposed to be at The Club for breakfast? Yes, folks, hence, the cantering to The Club. I did everyone the service of putting on clothing (from the floor of my closet), brushed my teeth, and smeared on my face while sliding my hooves into shoes. Wheee! Away I go, don't wait for me, ladies, but save me a seat! I got nothing but time, and yet I was late...

Our newer friend, Jean, was there, as were Ollavan and Pat. I was warmly greeted by the morning wait staff, who missed me over the summer. Aw, so nice! The waitress, Kathy, had already brought me a little cup of ketchup and had the nice, larger sized glasses for the Diet Coke ready to go. So glad they watch out for me this way. I will have to set my alarm for the coming weeks, avoiding the jog.

                    Jean and Pat                                        Ollavan 

Again, almost where we left off before pool season, Pat was able to share her interesting stories. Sometimes they are of the classroom, her years as a teacher. Today, seeing that the other two ladies were new to our breakfast club, they were hearing for the first time the lovely tales of life in Spain during the time her husband was in medical school. As always, the time flew by and they rolled up the tablecloths around us. Hint, hint, ladies, it's time for you to go!

From The Club I headed to Winn Dixie for a few grocery items as I am having some guests over for dinner tomorrow evening. Betty, Brenda, and Robin C. are coming to help celebrate Betty's birthday, which is this week. I had a $5 off coupon to use, which would come in handy since I was buying soda and meat. While I was strolling in from the parking lot, one of the cart guys offered me a larger-sized cart. Very nicely I requested the smaller one, 'because they are so cute...' He was so kind to me.

As I was going around the store, a song came on the intercom, and I am not above singing along. This one was especially inviting to sing along with, "I Will Survive". I met a couple near the meat dept., he in his Navy cammo attire and she 'busting' out of her top. They smiled at me and I said to the woman, "sing it with me..." She just laughed as I rolled over to the bakery. 

Back there the two ladies in the bakery were singing along so we made our own little flash mob singing "I Will Survive". Oh how fun! After we sang our finale number, I rolled toward the check-out, still grinning ear to ear. A man asked me if I had just won the lottery. Cute! When I got in line, there was a lady I knew from the pool, Jill. She said she caught part of 'my act' but didn't realize it was me!! Ha ha...

Jill wondered about my purchases, since I had a lovely mint chocolate cake in the cart, obviously for a special occasion. I told her it was my former employees' birthday and I was making her dinner. My cart bore many good items, more along the line of short-cuts to a great dinner. Hey, dinner is dinner, right????

I have the doors open, making the house rather chilly for my taste but it will be nice and fresh for my guests tomorrow. This was an exceptional day, starting with a jog, mixed with a musical performance, and topped by seeing my lady friends! It cannot be beat...

Sunday flash back

Here it is Thursday already and I haven't mentioned the event of Sunday yet. First of all, I had been invited to Jim and Janet's house on Saturday evening for an Oktoberfest party but since I was going out that direction on Sunday, I declined the party. Only later did I discover that some others from my group had gone, which would have changed things for me. But, then, I would have missed out going to Koko's with Justin and my neighbors!

Sunday was Bible study and worship first, and then some of our members were going to the home of Lonnie and Renee. The entire congregation was invited but not all came. They were hosting a farewell picnic for Sterling, as he has orders to WA this month. He was/is such a blessing to our congregation, serving as a musician, MIDI operator, Council secretary, and cleaner superb! Sterling is getting married in July to a woman he met via the Internet, the daughter of a pastor in MN, which is pretty cool. 

Anyway, back to the picnic---I had made a large bowl of my pasta salad for the picnic while some others brought beans and cole slaw. The hosts provided the rest of the stuff, which was awesome. They have a great yard, perfect for parties, complete with a pool and hot tub, cabana, and a TV on the patio for watching football! Not as many folks came as could have been there which was surprising to me, but those of us in attendance had a great time. The weather was fantastic, not too hot or too chilly---just right!

Judy C. had offered me a ride out to Fireside, to keep the car number less, but I was not sure how long I would stay due to the football games so opted to take my own car. I did drive around the neighborhood a little bit, saw our model home and the home we lived in. It was amazing how grown up the trees and such were. We had built several homes in Fireside before the business there dried up. (The week of the grand opening of the community saw the land developer die while mowing the grass along the creek...this project was doomed from the start!)

                            

Because the folks were so great to talk with and the weather terrific, I found myself sitting there much longer than I anticipated. All of a sudden it was 4:00 pm and I had to scoot to get home in time to watch the Packer game, calling Mom on the ride home. Only a small amount of the pasta salad remained, so I had to juggle the large bowl plus the to-go container Renee sent the remainders in. Never empty handed around here!

At first I struggled getting the iPad to bring up the football game (the Packers) and after a few fervent text messages to Justin, who was at BW3 eating 'cry fries' after the Jaguar game, I got it to play. At least they won, but it was a close game, too close for comfort. Next week the Jags play in London, which might be just what they need---a vacation!

Glad the sun is back

Yesterday was a dreary day again as a front was moving through. This meant rain off and on much of the day, with only occasional glimpses of the sun. 

This wasn't too bad to wake up to this morning after no real color the day before except for greys. My sun jar got filled up and so did I, as we are both solar charged!

Tuesday night was a building committee meeting, our fifth such gathering since the beginning of the year. At last we made a determination as to how to proceed with our limited resources to fix up the place. It is a long time coming as most things at church often are, and I look forward to getting underway. The project must be completed by next fall, as we are hosting the LWMS Rally in 2014!

Of course, I drove over there in the rain, though at some point the rain had ended. A couple folks at the meeting had had little rain at all, but for me, it was on and off, with the big downpour beginning at 6:00 pm, just before I was to leave. Justin even wondered if I would still go in such a downpour. Fortunately it let up before my departure time so I was not thoroughly soaked getting to my car.

Justin served me dinner in my room when I got home, since he had eaten without me. I like room service! We shared my leftovers from Koko's and my portion of the leftovers was great plenty for my dinner. Talk about generous portions! I do believe we had ordered the double fried rice so that accounts for the bounty.

              

He worked extra sites on Monday so that on Tuesday he would be home in time for the roll-out of the new Apple products. He very much enjoyed watching it live rather than later on after the world already knows. It's a techy thing to get it fresh, apparently. Already he is showing me things I can do on my phone and on the laptop, even if the laptop is not an Apple product. Some new ideas for newsletters are being fostered!

On this date in 1988...

...my family set off on an adventure to a brave, new world---Florida! Justin was 15 months old as my spouse and I loaded up the truck (moving van!), and along with our business partner, Curt, and brother-in-law, John and his family (Mona and JR-age 18 months) drove to Florida. We stopped for the night at about the halfway point, I can't recall where. I  do remember driving through the mountains of TN enjoying the changing colors of fall. Wow!
   

When our caravan arrived in Orange Park, the moving van was lagging behind, as somehow it was going to squeeze in yet another household of furniture on the way south. We stayed a few days in a hotel not far from church, with Mona and I having to hit the strip mall across from the hotel to see if we could find some cooler clothes for the little boys, as we did not consider packing clothing for warm weather!! Who knew?? It is 79 here right now with the highs expected to be low 80's. I don't think this is unusual so you can imagine our little guys being uncomfortable in their WI October clothing!

              
We had a Realtor as our contact person here in OP plus Curt had a college friend who was a civil engineer living in town. These folks helped us get connected with suppliers and contractors, as well as secure lots upon which to build (a small detail!). A man we met at church was also able to help get us directed where we needed to go for stuff.

Church ladies at The Pasta Market

We almost immediately connected with our church, my spouse serving on the church council prior to our even being accepted as members. The same week that our household arrived, as we got situated in our temporary quarters in an apartment, we were visited by two folks from church, to welcome us to GS. Right off the bat we had company!

                              
Ricky and Jimmie sitting in my river room         Justin with his "Auntie Brenda" 

Many things have taken place in these 25 years, some good, some not so good. Among the best things is my church and church family, and the folks whom I loved in my business. Some of them are gone, shed from my life, while some remain and whose company I yet enjoy. 

A big plus about our moving was having my mom come down to stay with us several weeks or months each year, which really was a good situation for Justin and her. Mom's last long term stay was in 2007. They had their own adventures over the years, with Grandma K being a very good sport about it all. (picture Mom driving Santa's imaginary reindeer sleigh while pushing Justin in the stroller!)  That kid had/has the best imagination---oh my!

Over these 25 years both sides of our family have been able to come down here for visits, for vacations mostly. Once they came for a funeral.  Some of these folks would never have made such a trip if we had not moved to FL, not likely have gotten to DisneyWorld or the other theme parks, or seen the sights. A couple of my nieces and nephews have come without their parents over the years as well, with one even riding the rails (actually the Greyhound bus) with Grandma K, back in the day. Now THAT is an adventure!

I am on a first-name basis with the fellows at the moving company, though I haven't had to call Sabin since Justin moved into his condo on the Southside in 2007! I have lived in this condo since January of 2006, and have never lived anywhere this long before, save for my childhood home. It almost sounds like, gasp!, roots have been put down!

Happy silver anniversary to Justin and me! Florida is still wondering what hit 'em!

All dressed up...

...and at Basketique Tea Room and Gift Shoppe for our season-end party for aquarobics on Monday. 

This is a partial group shot of the ladies and gentleman. Next to me is Nancy W., soon to be living on the compound with us at The Club.

Judee and Annette enjoying their strawberry soup

Annette and I are sporting our matching white picture hats

Nancy and Lynn sitting across from me. Lynn is the lady who insisted I take her phone number the day I had my dental work done, in case I needed a ride home...

Randy, who could not participate in the classes this year due to a surgery, agreed to model the 'tea party hat' for us

Marlena at the head of the table, with Jean and Pat

Here is my friend, Pat, with whom I have breakfast on Fridays at The Club in the 'off-season'

Debbie made my day!

Saturday night, before we went to dinner, Justin and I were invited upstairs to Dick and Debbie's house to look at the new rugs. They picked them up the night before at a store which was going out of business at the Town Center Mall. They got a good deal on them, and fit their decor very nicely. Before Justin got up there, though, Debbie and I were talking and she asked me, "Do have a problem with dust in your place?" WOW!!! So it's not only me!!! 

                         

I hugged and thanked her for asking me such a question, explaining it's the bane of my existence (that, and filing papers!!). Oh my...I told her how earlier in the afternoon Justin had been in my room and ran his finger across the top of my TV stand, removing dust which had settled there. I keep the Swiffer handy as I regularly wipe off my monitors and TV, and the equipment which attracts dust. Even as I sit on my bed and the sun beams across the room, I can see the dust in the air. Where does it come from??? I told her how I had my A/C vents cleaned a few years ago in an attempt to reduce the dust and hoped that having no carpeting in the house would also have the same result. All it does is free up more space for dust to show, instead of disguising it in the fibers. So, yes, Debbie, I  DO have trouble with dust in my place!!!

The smell of sauce in the air

Justin is busily cooking spaghetti sauce in the kitchen, having gone to the store for ingredients earlier today. He no sooner began than did the aroma of garlic find its way to my room. What an awesome smell! He is like a mad scientist in the kitchen, adding a little of this and a little of that to make his sauce extra special good, including some corn! I'll take it!

We are having a marvelous day weather-wise. I was able to find a couple of my friends poolside this afternoon. I took my new card folder outside with me so I could write down the address info and such for the upcoming 'going away' party for Lee. Cynthis put me in charge of invitations so I did that this afternoon----at least four of them! The water is, of course, cold but Bill, who is more hardy than some of us, dived in a couple times. Shiver!!

About late afternoon, my upstairs neighbor sent me a text message asking if we had dinner plans. Oh oh...now what??? At first I invited them to come down to join us for spaghetti but Debbie had troubles reaching Dick to get confirmation on that. 

                          

In the meanwhile, Justin thought the sauce would be just as good tomorrow while Koko's would be good tonight. That's what we settled on---dinner with our neighbors at Koko's!! Justin ate there on Wednesday night with Michael G. and was still craving sushi so off we went. "If someone calls to go to dinner, turn off the stove and go!"---one of our house rules. Nothing goes to waste, only eaten on a different day. That works for me! So thankful for my good neighbors...

A Friday Fish Fry

Oh, how my mouth waters thinking about the delicious fried perch people are enjoying in WI and other lake regions on any given day, but especially on Fridays. Yum! A week or so ago a lady with whom I used to worship at GS, sent me a message from her home in WI, asking for good places to eat in my hometown. Her hubby and she were going to Manty for a long weekend and wanted to go to the places she has seen me write about. I sent Dawn to The Green Street Tavern among other places. I envy her, but in a good way! 

This is my plate from The Green Street Tavern: perch sandwich and cheese curds!

It was a glorious day today with temps in the low 80's. I kept looking outside to see if anyone was sitting out there but saw no one. Instead of going out, I stayed inside and went through things on my desk and in my files. A never ending project, so it seems. I also paced myself on soda consumption as Justin had counted the remaining cans for me the night before, to make sure I'd have enough before he went to the store again. I did good!

Justin had talked to me about going to have appetizers with his boss and his wife after work but he hated to 'ditch' me again. I somehow manage, you know? But he is so sweet...Anyway, just as The Five was coming on, Judy C. called. She said she knew The Five was on but wanted to ask me if I had plans for dinner. Michael and she were going to Sam's St. John Seafood and asked me along. Sure!!! I was all set...

We agreed to meet at 6:30, giving me enough time to watch/chat with Linda, fix myself a bit and drive those couple of blocks to the restaurant. I like their fried pollack, which is what Judy had, as well. Michael had the shrimp, and he took our cheese grits home with him. In WI a perch plate comes with rye bread, but here, a pollack plate comes with grits!

When I got home, I had time to watch part of Jeopardy! and then go outside on the north end to watch an expected fireworks show, hosted by a wedding party. It was to take place at 8:45 but I sat with a couple of my neighbors waiting for half an hour after it was due. Seemed to be a dud. Oh well...

When I got back upstairs, Justin was suprised he didn't hear anything. I told him it was a dud, but then we heard the booming. There wasn't enough time to get back down to the north end so we hung out the patio doors and saw what we could over the neighbor's canopy. It was very nice and had the most amazing echo on this very still night. The moon, a hunter's moon, I am told, was full and brilliant in the water and in the sky. Picture perfect!

                              

When I posted this photo on Facebook, one of my friends wrote that they were just waiting to see what I would post regarding the moon. She liked what she saw!

What a marvelous day!

My day began with an easy ride to Victory with my mom riding shotgun (inside my phone!) with little or no traffic with which to contend. So refreshing! Mom told me about an interesting LWMS Rally she attended on Tuesday evening, hearing a speaker address missions to the Amish. This was not something I was at all familiar with, nor had Pastor Hoyer heard about it. 

Our group was fewer in number today because of the Southern Women's Show taking some of the ladies downtown. Lucy was back from her trip to MI, attending the wedding of her nephew, and seeing her son. She brought a small box of Dunkin Donuts, while Rita brought in a dozen delicious doughnuts from Cinatti's Bakery. I had one from each box! 

                                

Pastor had a box of a strange fruit donated by one of the preschool parents. It is from Guatamala, a pretty colored prickly looking thing called rambutan. This box came from Gautamala, but the child who arrives at preschool everyday with one in hand is from Thailand. It seems this breed made its way to the Far East. The fruit, once peeled, has a taste and texture like a large grape. Fran took a couple along at Pastor's urging, to show her grandson, Michael.

From Bible study I drove toward Orange Park to meet my lady friends for meatloaf at The Club. The lunch buffet featured my favorite, as this was pointed out to me by Jacquie, so plans were made. Lee has her house on the market, and within less than a week of being listed, had two offers on the table. She filled us in on the drama of trying to get the appraisals and inspections and such in order. She needed some time away to collect herself, and that's where we come in!

As we were finishing up, our other pool friend, Cynthia, came in. We asked her to join our group and the ladies had dessert while Cynthia ate her lunch. I so very much enjoyed that---much like what happens at the pool!!! Cynthia appointed me to be the official inviter for Lee's going-away party since I have contact with everyone (just about...). 

When we got outside, Jacquie and I had words left over so we went over to my house to talk for a bit longer. Like for several hours! It was great! We visited here until Justin came home from work, and realized what time it was. At nearly 5:00 pm we parted company and I went to my room to log-on for my chat with Linda while watching The Five.  

When Justin came in, he made Jacquie and me laugh. Under his breath he was muttering, "jack booted thugs..." as he presented me with a sizable stack of catalogs which had come in the mail. Unfortunately, there were none from Pottery Barn, which is where this "Seinfeld" quote had come from. It's the catalog time of the year, that's for sure!

Off to Publix I go!

Justin had a dish of cut-up chicken in the fridge, looking somewhat gross, if you ask me. He was planning to make a chicken dish in the slow cooker for our dinner. He asked me if I would mind going to the store to get an onion and a container of mushrooms. Of course I would do that, going all the way to Publix (make it sound like a journey!) rather than across the street and down a couple blocks to Winn-Dixie. I chose Publix because Justin told me exactly where the mushrooms were located, exactly which ones to buy, so I wouldn't mess up the recipe.

                       

Upon getting home from the store, I sent Justin a text message to ask him what was to happen now. He told me to cut up the onion, put the chicken in the slow cooker ("set it on warm, not cook!") with a 1/4 stick of butter, and layer it with the mushrooms. Now, doing the math, it seemed to me this recipe would NOT be done cooking in time for dinner. These type of recipes generally cook for 6-8 hours and it was already 3:00 pm. Regardless, I plugged the machine in and let it do its thing.

About an hour later, Justin sent me a text message asking me if it was okay for him to meet his friend, Michael, for dinner. Of course it is! He and I sort of live by that guideline--if the phone rings, turn off the stove and go! Since I anticipated the chicken would not be quite ready to go by 7:30 pm, it mattered not to me!

I could have gone to Happy Hour due to our plan change, but opted to stay in to eat dry bread and water. Or, leftover bratwurst and pasta salad. My friend, Kathy, was looking for me at HH, but I excused myself, leaving her the option to come up here if she needed to talk. She often does come by for a visit but did not come tonight. Justin said I should erect a booth like Lucy has on the Peanuts cartoons, and charge 25 cents for a visit!

The TV news has me riveted, watching as the GOP caves yet again and agrees to the debt ceiling increase, etc. Ugh! Stephanie, my friend at Victory, didn't know yet at this hour if she was going to work in the morning or if she was going to the Southern Women's Show Thursday morning. She had anticipated the shut-down and planned for it financially, was ready to ride it out for the long haul. Around midnight or sooner, she might know what her day holds for tomorrow.

A going-away day!

Quite a different one than yesterday, it started out on-the-go early. I had to go see my friend, Peggy, have her take a look at my temporary bridge and x-ray the site where the tooth was extracted. She said it appeared to be filling in, which is good. It would be another four weeks before more work could go on for the permanent bridge. We decided to wait until after Christmas for doing this, postponing the expense until the next tax year.

Yay! From the dentist office I wandered over to Wal*Mart to pick up a scrip and a few other things. My bottle of Obsession is getting empty, not quite but getting there, so I thought I would pick up a new one while I was at it. It's gone up in price since the last I bought it (I think...), now at $15 for a half ounce. The smaller bottles are better for traveling which is why I get them, plus it's less of a hit a half ounce at a time! 

Brenda and I had made plans to meet for lunch, though I was going to be there a bit early since my dental appointment was brief. Oh well...I took my Isaiah book and worksheet into the restaurant with me so I could do my homework while waiting. The waitress kept my soda glass filled as I waited for Brenda. 

When she came we compared coupons, as is our custom, and ordered exactly as we do each time we meet. Let me rephrase that---I tried a different relish this time which made my steak sandwich taste like it had spikes sticking out of it. Much more potent than their crazy green relish I usually order. I asked Brenda to remind me the next time to not order the mustard relish! Drank a whole lotta soda at lunch! Brenda treated us to shakes (using the coupons again, bo/go) and parted company. That hour goes by so quickly!

                        

Once home, I carried my purchases upstairs, welcomed by the racket of jack-hammers again. This time the work was going on is between the 2nd floor and garage, removing some stucco or something. Not sure what that is all about but I did my job of asking the residents to remove their vehicles from the area so the work could go on. 

                            

The rest of the day was spent piddling away at the desk. This evening, I was all set to go to a building committee meeting, leaving Justin at home to fend for himself. As I sat in the parking lot at church, finishing my homework, it seemed odd that no one else was arriving. I thought I had better check my e-mail from Mike K. to verify the date, and sure enough---I was a whole week early! I had so wanted to just stay home tonight because of the dreary weather, but went to the meeting, which was not!

I surprised my boy by coming home so soon. Justin had ordered a pizza for dinner but I didn't care for any of it. Instead I had some of the pasta salad from the night before and watched Jeopardy! in my room. Justin's season tickets allow him certain benefits which includes discounts or special deals on things, such as Papa John's Pizza, the official pizza of the Jaguars. Whatever he doesn't eat for dinner he has for breakfast or mid-day snack at work, so it all works out. This time he also got the chocolate chip cookie which has been advertised. Surprisingly, it is quite a lot smaller than the pizza! Sort of made us laugh...

                                    

An at-home day

Happy Columbus Day everyone! Yes, it is a holiday which normally means the banks and post office are closed for business. It also means no school for the kids and no Bible study for us. Nuts! Not a single one of the attendees are affected by the work stoppage and Judy usually brings the kids along with her when there is no school. But, no Bible study for us today. That means no lunch at Longhorn, either!

It's a good thing, I guess, that I was home this a.m. because at last I got a call back from the insurance company regarding my health policy. It seems my insurance coverage expired last April, after my debit card did! I was issued a new card with a new expiration date but it never occurred to me the insurance was linked to this card. 

As I said to the nice lady who called me, a local number, it would have been lovely to get an e-mail or a letter about this, as there is a 30-day grace period when something like this occurs. She told me there was no note or anything on my account regarding them contacting me. They just dropped me like a hot potato! 

Maracella transferred me to an agent who could help get back on insurance, though I had to wait a year after being dropped to be picked up again by the same policy. I didn't really care which policy it was, just wanted to be covered. "Ben", in Miami, was able to help me find a similar package to what I had. He also did price the (ahem, ahem) AFFORDABLE Care Act's policy, just to see. Wow! 

While it covers "everything" like pre-existing conditions and so on, for the small price of 3 times what I am paying now, per month, with a $5000 deductible, I very politely refused. Holy cow! And that was lowest priced package offered. My sympathies to those who will be compelled to make such a purchase! I don't think I have ever reached my deductible in a year's time (thanks be to God for this!), even with everything being covered, there is no way I could justify paying such a terrible fee for health insurance. And then find a doctor who will take it...

Once this ordeal was taken care of, I got busy writing Thank You notes to the folks who made our Sunday event so wonderful. It took a trial run and one ruined card to figure out how they will go through the printer. Got it figured out, cards printed, and ready to be mailed tomorrow when mail service is operating again!

                                 

Justin asked me the other night if I could make a salad using bowtie pasta. He had picked up two boxes at Publix and has been asking for such a salad. I said I could use them, and got myself busy this afternoon in the kitchen cutting up summer sausage to use in the recipe. For the 'sauce' I used a mixture of mayo and Henri's Tasty Dressing. It tastes great, if I do say so myself! Had a nice sausage sandwich for lunch, while I was at it.

For dinner, Justin and I worked together making brats with caramelized onions (okay, Justin did most of that!) to have with our pasta salad. He got done working earlier than usual, and was quite hungry when he got home. To hold him over he had some banana nut bread, but we did decide to eat dinner earlier than usual. 

He has the 'habit' of having me watch "Duck Dynasty" before we watch "Jeopardy!". Tonight he said, "I think I am getting you to like it!" Tolerate, yes; like it, yes, but the reason I do like it is because he does! I love it that he likes it, and enjoys a wholesome program such as this. 

He knows I am skeptical of reality TV shows and will admit to the situations being contrived, but I try not to dissuade him from enjoying them. In fact, some of the family members on the program remind us of our friends in Middleburg! I am good sport, if nothing else. There you go, Jack! (One of the characters on Duck Dynasty uses "Jack" as punctuation in a sentence).