A good day for chili

My poor sun jar feels neglected today as the sun was not ours to be had. Of course, it was going to be a nasty, windy day because Justin was going to be working in it for nearly 9 hours. He stopped only to run to Burger King to grab some lunch, ate in the truck, and then back at it. Today's task was to pressure wash his friend, Jesse's, family home on the river, where the wind is even more brisk and biting. What a job! Not only the house but the concrete circular drive-way as well. 

Knowing it was going to be 'that kinda day', it was a good choice for me to make my delicious chili. It warmed him up and filled his hungry tummy. I just amaze myself with my culinary skills, though limited to only a few specialties, I can pull it off! We were taking a break from our leftovers, which are slowly but surely being whittled away.

                             

I stayed in the house almost the entire day save for the trip to the railing to see what was going on at The Club. When I was in the kitchen, I could hear some lovely singing, and knowing my downstairs neighbor was not home, figured there was a weddding going on. NOT a good day for an outdoor weddding, in my opinion. I could see all the chairs were lined up and ready for guests but could not see where the singer was. Perhaps she was only doing a sound check and had gone back in to defrost (it was, after all, only 55 above zero).

My sleep should be good with fresh sheets on the bed. Justin helped me get it remade, knowing my back was tender from my kitchen detail on Wednesday and Thursday. It's not easy to run back and forth around the bed and tuck the sheets in just so (he calls me "Sheldon") but I am like the princess and the pea when it comes to making my bed. And then I have the nerve to ask for help???

A day of quietness

After my busy day yesterday, I was exhausted. The bed and sleep was good, but had to tear myself away for Breakfast Club. It was only going to be Nancy and I, which I knew in advance, but still did not wish to miss. There was no hot breakfast buffet today since the Rotarians were not there, so Nancy and I ordered from the menu. We had a nice visit, staying until the waitress rolled up the tablecloth. They are so subtle sometimes!

Yesterday Nancy's knee was aching as it was today and my back was nice 'n achy after my time in the kitchen the two previous days. It does not seem to take much to wear me out any longer. Upon getting home from The Club, I got myself situated here in the desk chair which feels so good with its lumbar support. 

My little space heater was keeping the room cozy for me, but Justin was cold in his room, having two exterior walls. He actually got my little Rosewood space heater out to use in his room and turned on the A/C heat to get the chill from the rooms. It was only 74 in the house yet felt much colder.

For lunch we enjoyed our leftovers yet again, the same as we'd had for dinner last night, with him finishing off the green bean casserole. At a certain point in the afternoon, me comfy on my bed with the heat pad behind me, Justin came in to propose dinner. Earlier I had asked if he was going anywhere, and in case he was, could he pick up some Bloody Mary mix for making chili. He proposed we make our weekly trek to Koko's. He could only go so long without having sushi and fried rice! Me, too! And then we'd stop at Publix.

I really would have been fine staying in for dinner but who can resist those brown eyes? Plus I still wanted to make chili for tomorrow, so off we went. I am so glad we did go because our meals were delicious and just as we were about to leave, I met someone I had not seen in a couple years---Carrie Jackson! 

This photo is a couple years old but it already shows how much Carrie resembles her mom, and her daughter resembles her!

She was there with her hubby and kids, and some of her in-laws, home from Italy on vacation. Her mom, Kathy, had her granddaughter in church with her on Thursday and I got to see her. I am friends with Carrie on Facebook and get to see the lovely area where Jeremy and she are raising their family, while he serves in the Air Force. She spotted me and came running over for a hug. Love it! She did not think they would make it to church Sunday because of leaving the next day and then having to get all their Christmas presents purchased and ready to be shipped FedEx to Italy. It would be great if they can make it. 

Anyway, Justin and I got home just in time to watch Jeopardy! in the chilly living room and have now retired to our own rooms for the rest of the night. I am having trouble getting Fox in my room again so am missing O'Reilly but found something to amuse myself with instead as I write. It was a good day! 

"Oh, give thanks unto the Lord"

This is the cornucopia of bounty which was displayed at Good Shepherd this morning. So very nicely done!

Here is my table dressed and loaded with food, ready for us to eat. You can barely make out Mike C.'s legs at the top of the photo, as he was taking a picture, too. See my glass of soda? Was so pleased to have Mike 'n Mike, plus Betty S., and my friend, Nancy, joining Justin and me at the table this year. Thankful to God for good friends, family, and this bounty!

Happily exhausted

Oh, my aching back! I can say this with a smile on my face and my heat pad in place, lounging on my bed. I am done for the day, but ready for another one!

Justin and I began our day with him taking me to breakfast at Grumpy's. We had such a lovely time, talking and eating, as though we hadn't seen each other in months. I ordered the single pancake which nearly covered the plate (thinking this is a lesser portion than the short stack...) plus a side of hash browns. Justin had the Grumpy's Breakfast which was two of everything. Well, not actually everything but two eggs, two sausages, two strips of bacon, that type of thing. Plus pancakes, so he could not help me finish mine. 

From Grumpy's we headed to Walgreens to take advantage of the cheap soda deal. Justin had looked it up and it was a four case per customer deal so we both went in. It was a blessing and a curse for us both to go in..oh my. The blessing was the manager taking a liking to me and saying I could take as many I liked, and even helped me to load my cart. Justin also loaded up his cart with double the amount permitted. Cool! The manager liked my accent, thinking I was from MN. He was from MI so he picked up on it right away. 

Besides my soda purchases, I picked up other things, some which were needed and some which were impulse purchases. I got a generic Alleve product to help my aching back plus some Christmas cards, my exchange gift for Monday night's Ladies' Group party (already???), some candy, and even mini-ornaments to display in a bowl. I laughed as Justin put them in the cart because stuff was supposed to be going out of the house, not bringing more in! That makes two violations of said policy this month, with the acquisition of my blue glass lantern, and now blue and silver ornaments!

We had done our grocery shopping on Tuesday afternoon so I was all ready to begin my meal prep for Thursday's feast. I began with the Jell-Os, standard fare for Lutheran events which even smelled like the holidays. I made the sweet potatoes, steamed my red creamer potatoes in two batches, made honey carrots, the green bean casserole, and was about to make the dressing when I realized I lacked the celery and onion needed. Nuts! No, I had nuts which were added to the sweet potatoes.

Justin said he would go to the store for the needed items but not immediately as he was busy cleaning in his room. Love that! He got two containers of the already chopped up veggies, so we are good to go. I can use the second container later to make sloppy joes or chili, using the fresh ground hamburger he picked up from the butcher shop on Tuesday evening. 

I also baked the pumpkin pie and while some things were baking or cooking, I could go and sit at the desk for a while to rest in between. At last I had the needed info for the newsletter and was able to get that completed and sent off. The house smelled good with the aromas mixing, and especially the pie. Yummy!

Justin and I went to church at Victory this evening for their pre-ThanksLiving service. Oh, it was lovely, with Rachel's playing of the organ being her "A-game", as Anne H. described it. She had fantastic interludes and introductions to the familiar hymns of thanksgiving and it is so great to sing in this sanctuary. Afterwards was a pie social which was great, as well. I like being able to go with him for this service, as some years he would be there with his father instead and I'd sit it out. Got to see many of my friends whom I do not see at Bible study.

When we got home, both sort of full from desserts, we opted to not have dinner per se, and got busy putting the dressing together. My bird would not allow for being stuffed so it was being baked in a casserole. It really is not a two-person job but so appreciated the company. The dishwasher got a work out, celebrating its birthday earlier this month. Would certainly have a more tired back if I had to handwash all these dishes!

I made it through!

In the pouring rain, I trundled off to St. Catherine's church for the annual event of Senior Presentation. I had not been there since 2005 when Justin was 'presented' with his class to the student body in this official manner. According to the school calendar, the time for the service was 10:00 a.m. but mass was still taking place. Another lady and I were there, waiting, when the photographer told us she just called the school and they said it began at 11. 

I know I was not mistaken and the other lady also said she saw 10 a.m., saying her son had to be at school at 9:00 a.m. for rehearsal, as he was in the choir. Oh well, I just went back out into the rain and listened to the radio in my car until I saw people streaming out from mass, and other people began to arrive. Back in I went through the raindrops. So glad my hair adapts well to being wet!

I sat in the back, as was my plan, and watched the kids stream in and go through their rehearsal. This was the upper grades to begin with, as the buses had to go back to school to reload. One of the faculty members came over immediately to speak with me, giving me a warm hug as she watched my tears fall down. She was so glad I came and spent a good deal of time with me. We had built her home many years ago, when Timmy was one year old, and her youngest was two. He graduated last year, and remembered me, somehow. Probably because we lived in the same community and my kids were in school with them...

A little bit later, Amy came back with a gentleman in tow, saying he wanted to meet me. It was the new headmaster, Mr. Ellison. I was so flattered that he wished to meet me, and put a face to the name. He was most gracious. A while after him another teacher came over and sat down with me. She told me that there is going to be a function in May sometime where Timmy will be remembered as part of something done for the Seniors. She asked me if I had some special photos or anything to share with them, she promising to take very good care of them. I said I did have some taken in his classroom, where his shoes are on the wrong feet (as usual). 

In addition to those, I am going to do something with the piece of artwork which Timmy had begun but his classmates completed, and signed. Dee might be able to help me with that part of the project. The teacher told me that after New Year she will get in touch with me, or one of the others on the committee will, with a firm date, in case any of my family wanted to attend. That sort of startled me, because I never even thought about the fact that otherwise they might be coming down for graduation....I weep....

I recognized only a couple of the names from the program, and some of them appear on the perimeter of Timmy's artwork. Some of the kids would have been in another class and not signed the piece. One young man had left St. Johns for a few years but came back for his Senior year. He had attended Childtime with Timmy and lived in our neighborhood in The Preserve. My friend, Jen, worked as the nanny for this young man and his brother, so I got to spend time with him when he was growing up. That was nice.

See the girl in the front row looking at Justin's shoes?

I knew the couple in front of me through my neighbor, Travis. Rob is our State Senator, and Travis is the State Representative for our area. It was nice to see Rob and Jennifer again (I frequently see them out and about). Their son was among the Seniors, and it appeared had grabbed the wrong blazer this morning, as his shirt sleeves stuck out two inches below his jacket. Jennifer was horrified, and was going between laughing and crying as he walked down the aisle. Afterward I told them about Justin's white shoes for graduation mishap and had a good chuckle over that. I cautioned them to pay special attention to the paperwork that comes home for graduation tuxedo requirements, and note that zoot suits are NOT among them! 

I am getting confused!

On Thursday, after helping in the classroom at the preschool, Betty, Judy, and I arranged to meet at Steak 'n Shake (I have coupons!) for a quick lunch. Judy had errands to run and had to be back to Suzanne's to await the kids after school. Well, silly me, I automatically moved into the lane to turn into Sonic, instead of at the next light, where I was supposed to be. Nuts! Fortunately, I could pull back out and get in the right place. Judy teased me that my car goes its own way, by habit. I had just been to Steak 'n Shake the day prior so know it well. Giggle, giggle.

                           

Well, today, after Bible study, 9 of us headed to the Dairy Queen to take advantage of the $5 lunch deal. Judy had her two grands plus Michael joined us so we had more people. Off I went merrily down the road, only a few blocks from 'my' DQ when it occurred to me that the DQ we were going to was back on Blanding Blvd.!! A brand-new (nearly) place and I drove right past it, not even thinking. I called Michael and told him I was coming, but had to work my way back that direction. That's it! Time for me to go to the HOME!

Left brain, right brain

Or is right eye, left eye? Justin set up his 16" laptop with monitor in the family room in front of the TV for our football viewing. We were watching the Jags on the TV and the Packers on the laptop. I had my laptop in front of me as I sat on the loveseat, and Justin, in the chair, had a hand-held device while we 'watched' both games at once. A typical Sunday in this house since Justin got this program which allows us to watch the Packer games no matter where they are playing!

Michael asked me why we didn't just put the Packer game on the TV and skip the Jaguars but they were actually the team that won. I had sent this photo to both Mikes as we had begun watching the Packer/Viking game at Chili's during our post-worship lunch gathering. Mike S. is a Viking fan so this was a fun match up. It ended up in a tie, after going into overtime. Mike said, "It's like kissing your sister..." Not a win, and not a loss, it's a shrug.

It is Christ the King Sunday and I expected singing some wonderful hymns. We did, in fact, sing "Crown Him with Many Crowns" and a couple others I liked. We had a couple 'mishaps' during the service with the incorrect psalm being printed in the service folder than was programmed into the MIDI and was on the hymn board. After a bit of fumbling, the psalm was played and sung. Also, one of the readings was different than what was in the bulletin. I think one of our members is being trained to fill in when the secretary is away and that might be what happened there. 

Something really cool did happen though. Before church began, a young lady came in and sat toward the back of the church. I went over to introduce myself and find out who she was. As we talked she told me she was in the Navy, lived on the base, having just moved here. I asked where she was from originally and she said, "Wisconsin..." What are the chances of that happening??? I said, "I am from WI, too. Where in WI?" She said, "From the Manitowoc-Sheboygan area.." to which I replied, "Get outa town! That's where I am from!!!" 

Angel's brother married the daughter of the family who owns the meat market at School Hill

Angel is from the Kiel area, went to church at Louis Corners and has a brother presently at the area Lutheran High school. I invited her to my ThanksLiving dinner but she has already accepted an invitation to join a fellow Navy person at their family's home in Daytona. She is coming back next week, she said, feels right at home already. I love having someone from home among us!

Got me thinking...

...after I accidently came upon a game show I thought was long gone. I was waiting for a movie to begin so tuned in ahead of time. There, believe it if you will, was "The Newlywed Game". Not an old version either, but a seemingly present day show. Who knew? I know some people do very much enjoy the Game Show Network, including Betty S., but I found it appalling.

The host, a black woman, was asking the ladies the typical questions they do on this show. One of the wives said she makes a list of chores for her husband and he is sometimes slow with completing his list. Really? These are newlyweds supposedly and she is making him a list of chores? Like she would do for her kids? Horrifying!

Advertising and TV shows more often than not present men as idiots or mindless goons to be treated as children. Makes me put my mad face on to see that. What does that tell children about their dads? No wonder they do not respect adults and act up like they do. I get upset when I see "Everybody Loves Raymond"---he behaves like he is Debra's fourth child OR he is treated as though he is. Which is it?                        

This afternoon I got word that my friend's husband was taken to the hospital with a mysterious pain in his calf. It turned out he has a blood clot. Karen's spouse is a runner, training for a half marathon and is physically fit. No explanation as to why he would develop a clot, but he's got one. 

Another of my friends, a lady with whom I used to scrapbook, recently moved to her hometown where her husband is serving in the Navy. Russ has had a couple of strokes, has no strength on his right side and has difficulty speaking. He has been hospitalized for three days so far, undergoing tests and such. He is extremely frustrated that he cannot communicate adequately, but can form some words. 

Kim and Russ just moved this summer to a new home in Pensacola, did some redecorating, plus had a pool dug. Just now getting everything situated and this happened. I don't think he is more than 45 years old, with two young kids at home. Thankfully Kim's parents live in the same town to help out with the kids while she is at the hospital with Russ, whom she always calls 'my prince'. He is no Ray Barone, not by a long shot! 

Today the nurse made her go home and freshen up. Hint hint, I guess...So many folks are offering their prayers and good wishes for Russ and Kim, as she is quite concerned about her husband. Love to see this type of outpouring of Christian love and concern for this lovely family. Mine have been added to those of the others, for healing for Russ, and comfort for Kim. 

Catching up on some things

Wednesday night Justin and I were at The Club for Trivia Night. This time no one fought to buy him dinner or drinks except me. We started out sitting with Bob, Bill, and Nancy, enjoying the buffet with them. Again I had wanted the tapas menu but it was not available, so I think I am catching on to the routine. No tapas menu on buffet night!

Once the game got under way, we moved back over to The Palace Team table where we again ended up in 2nd place by a sizable amount. We won't be able to play if it's offered in December as Advent begins and I won't be going over there. I guess that was my big finish---2nd place.

Bob thanked me again for inviting him to join us for ThanksLiving. He has plans to dine with Bill and Nancy, who have sort of adopted him, and he them. Bob was telling Justin about how I know everyone and what's going on around the place, and Justin said, "I know...she is like an ambassador!" Bob had to laugh because that is what he calls me. Justin knew that so fed him the line. Funny! Bob told me he wants to take me to eat at The Club after I get back in January and I think that will be just dandy.  My guess is that Bill and Nancy will come too. I make him clean up his langauge around me, just like my neighbor, Randy, had to do!

Kindly notice the blue lantern hanging next to my chimes. It was a treasure found at the Victory yard sale, even though I was determined to NOT find anything...I got it washed up and Justin hung it where my other wind chime used to be, the one that kept falling down in pieces. Then, Stephanie got me a new one and it didn't hold up either. I wish better for this one!

Justin is gone to a birthday party at the house he used to live in a few months ago. Tomorrow his whole gang is going to a football game in Tallahassee. Friends from the Tampa area are joining them for this game. I am unsure exactly which teams they are going to watch but some of them attended Miami and some FSU. Hmmm...So, anyway, Justin will be spending the night in Mandarin and they will leave from there in the morning. 

He made a pasta dish on Tuesday night while I was at a Building Committee meeting but we just don't care for it. Too strong a flavor or something, perhaps the shallots, not sure. I added a can of golden mushroom soup in an attempt to fix it. He tried adding some pork we had in the freezer but that didn't really help much. I might use the pork in baked beans instead for my dinner tomorrow night. 

Earlier I was at my desk to work on the church newsletter which was pretty far along already. But, alas, it somehow was unsaved when the computer did a reset (I vaguely remember it doing that in the middle of the night) and my work was gone. I tried to sit here and put things back in but it's too late at night for thinking. That's why I am writing my blog!

Saturday is expected to be a hot day, in the 80's. That will feel so good to me. We have had a few days of sunshine, and what seems like many more with winds and dreariness. I have the doors open when it's not raining so the house is aired out nicely. It might also be a bit damp but when it's windy, it keeps the damp from settling. That's my story and I am sticking to it!

Fun in the classroom

This morning I had the opportunity to again pitch in to help with crafts in the classroom at our church's preschool. At first I was going to have to decline since Justin was expected to be off work and would attend Bible study with me at Victory. But, then, his work schedule was changed and he was going to be working so I told Michael I would be there. And then, Justin's schedule changed again, and is off, but it's too late now, I'm going to preschool!

I just love the look on Betty's face as she watches the kids do their painting with Q-tips. Both Judy's table and Betty's were working on the same type of project while my groups worked on lunch bag turkeys. I had to re-work some of them because their helper messed up stapling the turkey heads to the bag (me!!!). "Oh, Miss Kim..." They have a nice system of keeping the kids moving from 'center' to 'center' to complete the various items. 

This is almost looks good enough to eat! 

The thank-you gift from them was a bean-coated candle holder. We volunteers were not required to help with this project, thankfully, because it looks complicated! Lots of glue, mixed dry beans and corn shaped in a plastic cup, with the candle stuffed down into it. Cute!

Some sort of sad news

This is a recent photo taken of Mickey the stupid dog, as Justin so lovingly called him. He was given to Timmy for Christmas in 2000, after I gave in and agreed to having a pet. Justin was going to get a kitten, his pet of choice, but the one we were going to adopt did not work out in time for Christmas. He later did get Boots and enjoyed him until Justin went to college. Boots now lives with the Lawcock's, our church friends, and they love having him in their pet family.

But, anyway, back to Mickey. He was born in September of 2000 so when we got him on Christmas Eve that year, he was about three months old. Timmy loved him, I have video tape of him running around in the front yard chasing that dog. On Christmas morning, Mickey fell into the pool and my former spouse had to fish him out. Yeah, I know....

That dog was nothing but trouble. We were warned by our friends from church, the Roys, about the barking and yowling, but we were committed. And should have been committed for trying this pet business!!!  Using baby gates, we coralled Mickey in the pool bathroom and would let him out on the patio for his potty. A good deal of time and effort was exerted to clean up the concrete after the dog. Sometimes he was outside the enclosure, but the fear was always that he'd go running off. We had plenty of trees to tie him to but that Houdini of a dog could escape.

He barked in the house, he barked in the yard, he barked on the patio, even if he wore a barking collar which was to shock him when he raised his voice. Numerous electric collar sytems were purchased to keep him from running off. While he was on the patio and not barking, he gnawed on the legs of our furniture...our expensive furniture. But Timmy liked him....

Then, only weeks after getting the dog, Timmy died, and that was that. No real training or anything happened with the dog other than scolding. Mickey would ignore the shocks of the collar and go running around the neighborhood, with neighbors calling to report our dog in their yard. We'd have to drop what we were doing at work and go round up that stupid dog. One time, Michael, our 'house boy', had to chase Mickey all the way around the pond in the neighborhood, and when he caught him, told me he was never doing that again!!

After our separation, Mickey went to live with my former spouse. Justin would still get to enjoy time with the dog, even being the official dog sitter when his father was out of town. More than once Mickey was hit by a car or hurt in some other way (our former employees even finding Mickey tracking mud into their nearly completed homes under construction!!). 

Justin would come home with stories about that 'stupid dog', and how he is regularly being taken to the vet for one malady or another. Ever since Mickey chewed through a cord and got shocked, he had a drooling problem (ask me again why I don't want pets!) and had to take medication disguised in food items. Ugh! When his father was married, a couple more dogs were introduced into the mix, the dustball looking kind, which Justin would also have to dog sit. Fun fun fun! I always said that if that dog had not been Timmy's dog, he would have been gone a long time ago. 

A couple weeks back, Mickey had to be put down, which Justin found out on Facebook. He had some sort of cancer and had lost weight, so it was time. At the age of 13 calendar years, 70+ if counted in normal dog years, he was put to sleep. I felt kind of sad, but mostly because he was Timmy's pet. Sort of the end of an era...

Like mother, like son

Last night, as I mentioned, we enjoyed the sight of the full moon. All day long it was cloudy, and in the afternoon it began raining. Once Justin got home, showered, and dressed, he went to get my car filled up with gas for me. He goes to the Gate Station to do so as he 'earns' Jaguar Dollars for every 10 gallon purchase. He sees to it that I have gas in my car---such a good boy!

                  

While he was gone, a relatively short jaunt just over the Doctors Lake bridge and back, I reheated our leftovers so dinner would be ready when he got back. Everything was heated up, the table was set, and no Justin. At one point I went to the kitchen door to listen for him to lock the car door so I could hit the button on the 'wave to reheat my reheated food. 

                     

Just then my phone went off---it was Justin calling!  He said, "Like mother, like son...I was talking with the ladies at the gas station." What a hoot! He said, "I know you were wondering where I was so long..." and I asked him how he knew I was standing at the kitchen door. I did have to reheat the food once more as I had him stop at the Walgreens to get Diet Coke, since it cost too much at the Gate Station. At least the rain had let up!

Sunrise on the river this a.m.

My friend who lives a few blocks to the south of me took this photo and shared it on Facebook this morning. I state this in case you wonder where the dock came from. Owene was a teacher of Justin's years back at St. Johns and for a while hung out at the pool. Did not see her much this sesaon so she must have found somewhere else to go for her lap swimming. 

I can count on Owene or my neighbor on the property, Sharon, for helping capture amazing sights along the river. We have a full moon presently which is at last free of the clouds and is shimmering on the water. Hopefully the rains are over for the rest of the week. Justin worked the last part of the day in the rain, soaked through two shirts, and ended his shift by injuring his thumb/nail by jambing it against the car when trying to free his phone from his wet jeans pocket. I know, a freak thing, and wham! 

He thinks the nail split (goosebumps up and down my arm thinking about that!) and it is pounding like nuts this evening. Ice was not his friend and he has wrapped it with bandages to protect it. Somehow he will have to try sleeping with his arm over his head to keep the blood out of his hand. That should be comfortable...poor guy!  

When relatively small things happen to us, like the time I had an infected hang nail and was seemingly crippled by it, I wonder how in the world I would survive something serious happening to me. What a bunch of wimps we are sometimes. I do not wish to find out, however.

Saints Triumphant!

The second Sunday in my favorite (one of my favorites) time of the church year, End Times. Oh, those deeply meaningful hymns...Sadly, our congregation did not sing "Jerusalem, the Golden" today, which I guess would be because we have no one to play the piano or ogan for it. The hymns from the Supplement are not in the MIDI, though I was sure one of our members had loaded all that several years ago. Hmmmm....anyway, I wanted to sing it and know I can't without sobbing. 

We did sing "For All the Saints", four stanzas worth, before the MIDI stopped. I don't know if all the stanzas aren't loaded or if the operator just cut if short. I made a noise when it stopped playing, and Terri patted my leg to comfort me. I wanted to sing some more!

                          

After worship four of us went to Chili's, a lesser number than usual. Terri had to go to work, Justin was at the football game, and Michael had a meeting. He is dog sitting for his brother and family while they are off camping in GA. Michael wears many hats! 

When I got home, I tuned in to the Jaguar game where they started out in a favorable position. This, however, proved short-lived, and they lost to the Cardinals. It was downright embarrassing at the end, oh my. I guess last week's victory was a fluke, just enough to please Gretchen. 

While I was worshiping, eating, and watching football, my family was enjoying special worship as well at my home church. First German was celebrating the 140th anniversary of its current structure. A former pastor, Joel Otto, was the preacher and a former teacher, Carl Nolte, was guest organist. The Lancer Singers from MLHS added their voices to that of the church choir with special anthems to "join the full throng". The church band played as well, not an orchestra because of not having stringed instruments. 

I saw photos on Facebook posted by Pastor Hoppe, including one where my family is seated at table in the gymnasium waiting their turn to eat. Three of my sisters are there, my niece, her hubby, and the three little boys, plus, of course, Grandma K! I was so tickled to see this picture, and others taken inside the church proper, where Pastor Schaefer presented a slide show history of the building, etc. Everyone was in their appointed pew! This made it easy for me to pick them out.

In the afternoon, I watched the Packer game on the iPad (they lost, too!) and on the laptop tuned into the anniversary service from the Seminary. It was great, it was lovely, it was well done, it was significant. And, I saw people I knew in the choir and in the congregation. 150 years for the Seminary and 140 for the church building. A really good 'heritage' Sunday!

Saturday in the shop!

Today I spent about six hours meeting and greeting at Great Hang Ups for their Holiday Open House. Oh, I just love being there!! This peacock is created using cut paper---simply amazing work.

Julia tended the register and wrapped up purchases for the steady stream of shoppers while her hubby, Michael, was set up creating ceramic ornaments to be hung on the tree, once they are fired. Many of those already made were sold---angels, cherubs, and birds---went like hot cakes!

Here is some of the ceramic pottery that Michael and Julia work on in their spare time...Michael and I took about a 30 minute break and had lunch at Koko's next door, and brought back lunch for a very busy Julia!

  

While all that was going on inside the store, Sonya, back to the camera, was doing a workshop just outside the door for folks who wished to make painted silk scarves. I think she had about eight customers ("never had an empty chair!") including my friend, Pat, who actually painted two scarves plus bought one of Sonya's cross-body purses for her mother. It was a good day for painting outside, not too hot and not too windy, either! 

Another cold day

Justin and I had lunch today at 5 Guys for a change. Usually we eat outside there but the cold temps made that not a good option. We love the 5 Guys fries, the small portion being sufficient for us both, easily. He had the small burger and I had the hot dog, of which the last bite went in the trash, just could not finish the whole thing. They have the fancy soda machine with 85 or more different flavor choices. Mine was Diet Decaf Coke with Raspberry. I should have listened to Justin and not taken a full cup of it, but had to learn for myself that a little of a good thing is enough. After drinking some, I added regular Diet Coke to thin out the flavor. Tasty but too much, you know?
                                  
We'd had a busy morning already, starting with an early start hauling our loaded totes to the car.  It  was cold out there, layers were required, but at least the wind had died down some. Justin used the dolly to get most of them down to the car, plus loaded Connie's Christmas tree into our car, her donation to the Victory yard sale. We got it all in, amazingly enough.

The unloading proved swift, with Justin being able to pull the car up near the doors and folks around to grab the totes. In the sanctuary, tables were set up in long rows, with volunteers in there to sort and price the items. We got our empty totes back in no time at all. I hope our items make for good sales on Saturday. 
                        
The stuff on the chairs is some of what we brought. These are some substantial chairs!

The study was good, but a little more awkward with us sitting in a circle on chairs in the narthex. All the tables were used for the yard sale, and all the extra space as well. It was hard to juggle coffee cake on a napkin plus my folder, pen, and People's Bible for Isaiah. Glad we have tables otherwise. When we first were getting situated, Pastor mentioned his hope that we would manage and Justin piped up that his mama would have a tough time of it. Does he know me or what? Next week we will be back to normal and I thrive in that environment!

Chestnuts roasting

This evening I enjoyed time with my neighbors and friends at The Club, sitting in the former Palmolive family living room in front of the giant walk-in fireplace. I could smell the fire going from outside as I shivered my way from The Palace to The Club. Brrr....temps were in the low 50's with high, biting winds. Miserable outside, but delightful inside. Nice 'n cozy!

          

Here is the room dressed out for a wedding but you can see how the fireplace has considerable presence 

It was all I could do to not go and poke around in the fire which I absolutely love to do. The owner and the bar manager took turns stoking the fire and placing the logs in as needed. I'd have thrown all the logs in at once if it was mine, but oh, well...The tapas menu offered chicken sliders this month plus the crispy fried onions, which I greatly enjoyed. Kathy and I had a good chance to get caught up since I was absent last week due to the funeral home visit. Loved our time together.

While over there I got to see several of my pool friends who were there to have dinner including the couple who hosted the going away party for Lee. Speaking of Lee---her house was packed up on Tuesday and when I sent her a text that night to see how she was doing, she reported being exhausted and ready for bed. I can sympathize with her, but I have only moved cross-country once. Her car is being moved via an auto-transport carrier so she doesn't have to drive all the way to Napa. I am sure going to miss her, but am wishing her all the best on her new page in life.

Today I read some articles about what foreigners have observed upon living in the US. What were the things they were surprised by or disappointed to find? Most of the people who wrote in commmented on finding the huge portions of food which are served. What would serve two or three in some regions are consumed by one person here. Others were amazed by the immensity of our nation, from sea to shining sea, and how varied the terrain can be. While so many Americans are obese, almost as many are pre-occupied with fitness and exercise, running in particular. In the cities more than in the suburbs, interestingly enough. 

                             

Folks are impressed by the availability of materials and products, especially in the grocery stores. We are certainly a land of plenty. And, something I had a problem believing, people from other lands found Americans to be religious folks, having secure morals and knowledge of right vs wrong. Good for them being able to see that, right? And, we are patriotic! I like to hear that. One more thing, among the many others in the article, was how Americans more often use credit cards instead of using cash. Very interesting observations...At least I found them so.

11-12-13

This is a pretty cool date, if you ask me. My friends in MN made a family pyramid and posed for the camera to commemorate the big day. Always a good reason to have a party! Mom mentioned that folks were choosing this date to be married, to help them remember their big day. Hopefully they won't forget that easily. I do have a friend who was married on 2-2-02, not sure if it was by plan or not.

Some places had food drives to commemorate the special date

Today I ran some errands including bank stops, and then stopped at Publix to get some soda. While I was there, I picked up a few things for our ThanksLiving feast, including my festive bird. The last time I went looking for the type I like, they were sold out so was glad to find one waiting for me. I like the bake in the bag turkey breast and hope my guests don't have their taste buds set for dark meat. I could secure a turkey leg and thigh just in case someone insists on dark meat. As I told Justin several times recently, I am so excited about the feast!

Last year, Justin and I went to The Club for our feast where he dined lightly because he was expected at his father's house for dinner. I was invited to the Chappell's and went there to hang out. We dined later there, with Judy's bird being stubborn about popping its thermometer, which was fine with me. Since I was still rather full, any delay was welcome. Regardless, when dinner was served, I had some of everything!! And had a marvelous time with the two Mike's, David, and Judy. 

This year the two Mikes will be here around my table, plus my friend, Nancy W., and I am asking one more lady from church if she would like to come. A man who serves with the Navy in GA did not accept my invitation as he gets to go home to MN for the holiday. Corey is excused! And this year Justin will not be leaving to go to his father's so it will be an awesome day. Complete with football!

Accumulating Junque

Justin was off work today due to Veteran's Day. His boss, William, took the time to spend with his wife, a teacher, because she had a long weekend. Took advantage to enjoy some time away. Nice! Justin had the day at home, at least the first few hours before Jesse and he did battle at the Mall, going to see a movie. Wow! When I went passed the parking lot, cars were already parked on the grass, since all the official parking spots were taken. School is out and the movie "Thor" just opened. I think Justin and Jesse got their tickets on-line to make sure they get some for the matinee price.                                                                               

While he was getting ready for the movies, I was at Bible study where we had a good turnout. We had a great study and interaction today, much to ponder in this portion as regards our attitude toward the poor, etc. and fellowship. Might have created more questions than answers this time...

We had only 5 in our lunch group today and the ladies were wondering where to go. The one lady who thought the waitress there 'picked on her' suggested Long Horn, and I was all about it! The waitress could not have been more accomodating and attentive. I am not sure everyone was thrilled with the restaurant choice but it was wise to go here when we did due to the high traffic from Veteran's Day and the discounts offered them.

I sent Justin a text message, asking him to stop for soda on the way home. Sadly, none of the area stores had a really good deal on Diet Cokes, once again the CVS was sold out of product. How can that be? Instead he went to Winn Dixie and got the Pepsi products which were sort of on special to hold us over. My tendancy is to drink them too quickly because they go down so well. He made dinner for us using some smoked pork from the freezer, cooking it up with some spatzel. Just delicious!

Ed is already busy at church, sorting and pricing

Justin and I are gradually getting plastic bins packed up for the yard sale at Victory. I started rather slowly but have picked up some momentum of disposing of things. I should rephrase that---recycling items I no longer have use of. Justin and I haven't done this (or, I should say, I have not) since the Great Flood. That time, it worked out perfectly to have Christ Lutheran having a yard sale. Michael C. three times took stuff from our house to the yard sale for us. This time it's less emotional a purging than the previous one!

How do you like your neighbors?

I like mine around my table, enjoying the fruits of Justin's labor. Or, the Pad Thai of Justin's labor. He had no other plans Saturday than to make dinner and invite Dick and Debbie down to share it with us. Justin had Pad Thai for lunch Thursday at PF Chang and was not impressed with it, which prompted him to make his own. 

                              

He'd talked about doing this not long ago after finding a recipe online for making his own sauce. That plan did not work out as the ingredients were quite expensive as compared to the kit. It was simply delicious and I even got to help him prep for it. Cutting up onions and chopping peanuts are something I can do, especially since I was concerned he wouldn't be done in time for our guests to arrive. We worked together and no one was hurt---how about that?

                               

Besides his yummy Pad Thai, he made a dessert he'd been wanting to try. It was called Apple Wontons. He had to cut up the apples into what almost looked like shoestrings, flavor them with cinnamon and sugar, and then, using wonton wrappers, make a teeny dessert using the wontons. A few weeks ago Justin bought mini-muffin pans and has pressed them into service regularly since, including muffins and the apple wontons. He bought Blue Bell vanilla ice cream to serve with them, and wow! Just so delicious together, and pallete cleansing to boot.

He suggested we dine in our formal room, which required my getting out the tablecloth and the 'good dishes', which I very much enjoy doing, and 'laid the table', as the expression goes. Debbie was impressed that my dishes match the tablecloth (I like it, too!). I had water in the glasses already and Dick brought along a bottle of wine for them, and urged us to have a sip. It was not bad, sort of sweet. It was a German wine in a blue bottle, not Reisling. The name appears at the end of this posting.

They just LOVED the salad and meal, taking 2nds and 3rds on the Pad Thai. Even I had a bit more than my first serving, even had some salad to be socialable. The dessert was just divine, with us having to avoid the 'sharp' edges of the wontons. A consequence of baking them rather than having them deep fried. A small price to pay! Just a wonderful evening---dinner, conversation, and then more conversation. The way I like it!

                           

Pieroth Blue Burg Layer Schlosskapelle Nahe Auslese, if you are so inclined to buy a bottle.

A whirlwind Thursday

Let me tell you all about my Thursday---whew! To begin the day, Justin was my driver to Bible study, stopping first at the RaceTrak to get sodas for class. 

I talked with my mom on the ride over, with her filling me in on their wonderful worship services Sunday. One was at FG and the other at the Lutheran High School, where the brother of a special pastor/friend of ours was the preacher. She was so moved by his sermon that she told me, "When he said 'Amen', I said 'Wow!'" Mom is not normally a 'wow' person but this sermon nailed it. She wondered if with my connections and such if I could get a copy of the sermon. And, I did!!

Bible study was very good, lots of comparisons between Isaiah's times and the ones in which we live. Interesting how that happens. Pastor H. has a knack for doing this which adds a great deal to the class and to our learning. Much of the conversation revolved around the debacle unfolding as regards 6% of our national economy and the government's inability to launch. What a mess! We are in serious doo doo here, folks.

After class Justin and I headed to the Town Center Mall to have lunch at my favorite place---PF Chang. Their honey chicken is the best, with the brown rice and crispy noodles. Justin had pad thai, but he was not blown away by it. Says his is better...and I believe him! He stopped at the Publix before we headed back home. I had about an hour or so before I needed to be back on the road!

My friend, Carol, and I met at Panera over near church and had a marvelous catching up visit. She'd been gone for three weeks and came back refreshed. We still had lots to talk about. About three hours later I was home, late for my appointment with Linda!! I did get on-line in time to chat with her, and also had called from the car to let her know where I was and why I was absent.

Once I was home and had chatted with Linda, I had about 30 minutes before my next adventure began. My neighbor, Ellen, was treating me to a play in which our mutual friend, Maggie, was appearing. We had planned to go the week before but had to reschedule so tonight was a go. At 6:30 I had to be downstairs and away we went to Atlantic Beach. She asked if I wanted to ride with the top down on the car but I was just as delighted to have the seat warmer on!! It was so not 'top down weather'!

                          

The play was very good, the theater small and intimate. Maggie had warned me about a bit of language used in the play but she assured me her monologues were not like that. And they weren't. Both Ellen and Maggie apologized to me afterward for the bits that were in the show, which was nice of them. As it turned out, Ellen was going to take me home and then drive back to the beach condo, so Maggie offered to be my driver. She has been making this drive alone during the rehearsals and the run of the show, so having a partner for the long ride back to OP was most welcome. 

When I had left for the play, Justin reminded me that he was working on Friday, so he would not wait up for me. I can't remember what time it was when I actually got home but it sure was nice to finally get there and settle in. What a day!

My poor friend....

Poor Nancy W. is having a tough time with her new patio home purchased here on our property. The seller had to disclose any structural problems or defects with the home, but does not have to document the noisy neighbor next door. Oh my! She moved in on November 1st and has not had a good night's sleep since.

I was at Nancy's on Tuesday and she was dog tired. Not only is moving into one house exhausting, but she has to unpack at the old house to get things ready for the estate sale she is having. And now, she cannot get a decent night's sleep! It is making her cranky! The lady next door, sharing a wall, opens and closes her cabinet doors all night long. Nancy even went outside and peeked in the window to see what she was doing. Open, close, open, close...it seems she has obsessive compulsive disorder. 

Nancy bought her some rubber bumpers for the cabinet doors and took them to her, fearful of setting off a problem. The lady apologized but then it went on again all night. Her nerves are frayed from not sleeping and I suggested getting melatonin to help her sleep, which she said does not work for her under normal conditions. She is thinking of ear plugs, and has already gotten a white noise machine, which does little against the bang, bang, bang in the wee hours of the morning. She can't sleep during the day because that is when she needs to work to get things taken care of. I feel so badly for her as this move was her dream come true, and now, a nightmare.

              Nancy at the Tea Room

Her realtor, Pat A., told her the lady next door is quite ill, and Nancy reported seeing a band around her upper arm, as though she has a shunt in place. Also, has seen Hospice folks come and go which means the lady might not be long for this world. The neighbor's mom lives in the condos along the river and that might be the next person Nancy talks to about this. I could offer her a bed here if that would be a help to her...

This morning at breakfast it was all she could do to be civil, saying she feels like a witch with a capital B. The ladies go for a walk along River Road after breakfast so I hope the walk will help her to vent some of her frustration. Nancy said she feels sorry for any stones or rocks that get in her way! I hope she goes easy on the other ladies...

Gorgeous sunrise

This is what the sky and river looked like this morning. Instead of getting up to take the photo, I allowed my neighbor, Sharon, to do so. This would be sooooo easy to paint if I was thus inclined to pull out the paints and equipment. I figured that by the time I'd have gotten my camera, the moment would have passed, and instead, I just admired the interesting colors from my bed!

Sympathy and supper

I am nicely groomed again and it feels so good. I was getting terribly shaggy and it sure didn't help matters any to realize I'd been using body wash instead of shampoo in my hair for a few days! Time for the H-O-M-E!!!

This evening my neighbor, Dick, called for me after The Five and drove the two of us to Green Cove Springs for a funeral home visitation. Debbie works in GCS so met us at the funeral home. I chose the visitation over the actual service on Thursday due to the scheduling conflict with Bible study. Earlier I had met Pat outside, the woman who has lost her mother, as she was coming back from the doctor's office. She has bronchitis! On top of all this other stuff, she is sick. She looked good tonight, after having had a breathing treatment and taking medication.

Some of our other neighbors were there, including Judee, who agreed to join us for dinner. Dick and Debbie knew of a good Italian place ( I know---seems odd to have such a place in humble GCS!). It was bustling, all the customers coming in at one time, it seemed. It was a small place, not much ambiance, but the food certainly made up for it. Oh my! 

                                

The chicken marsala I ordered was out of this world, with Justin polishing off the leftovers when I got home. The side dish of spaghetti was untouched before I poured it into the foam box to come home with me. Garlic knot rolls were simply too delicious! The others enjoyed their meals as well. I rode back with Debbie...like this getting driven around stuff!

While I was at the funeral home, my phone took a call from my neighbors, Hugh and Maureen. I called right back when we got outside, and Maureen answered, "Why aren't you over here???" Oh no! I missed Happy Hour! I explained that I was at the funeral home and she said they had been there earlier. I don't know how they did that since the hours began at 6:00 pm but they did it! Guess I was excused tonight...but I can't let that happen again without permission!