Here come the boys!

Today is my birthday and my treat was having Lynn bring the boys to Mom's house this afternoon to hang out for a bit. Lynn and Manny made some special treats, Rollo Pretzels, as Gabe played his game and Angelo played with toys. Lynn also spent time preparing dinner for us, as their dad was joining this fun after work. 

Manny is ready to place the pecans onto the softened Rollo's

Here is that little sweetheart, Angelo. He played all afternoon with toys Mom keeps in her storage room. Some of them were formerly Justin's, gotten as gifts from my friends, Karen and Jan Tuesburg when he was this age. It's hard to believe that Angelo can go to preschool already next fall. He is such a doll!

Go Pack, Go!

Today was the big day for Justin and for Lynn. They were able to go to the last Packer game of the regular season at Lambeau Field. Merry Christmas, my boy! We had many details, mostly minor ones, to figure for this major event and we got them all handled. Most important was what to wear so as not to freeze to pieces while visiting the Frozen Tundra. Linda, arranged for parking at her nephew's house, only a couple of blocks from the stadium, so that was all set.

Justin and Jill at Perkin's

Originally the game was at noon but the schedule was changed which put it at a 3:00 pm start time. This did allow them more time between church and departure for Green Bay than they would have had otherwise. After church a nice group of us went to Perkin's for breakfast where Mom treated us. Loved my potato pancakes! Our group consisted of Justin, Jill, Danny, Lynn, Alayna, Mom, and me. 

After breakfast the two game-goers got ready with their hats, scarves (Justin had his custom-made Packer scarf from Stephanie), mittens, the works. He was wearing layers under his jacket and I trust Lynn was as well. And they were off! I was so glad for both of them. Lynn and Justin wanted to tour the facility, check out the Pro Shop and perhaps see the trophies before going to their seats. I was concerned about Lynn having to climb too much but they were served by elevators and had only a few steps to their most comfortable seats. Yes, not bleachers where they were, but actual seats with cup holders! And they could see just fine.

I watched the game in Mom's living room while she hid in her room, saying she could not take the stress of the game, three minutes in. She had other shows to watch while I enjoyed the game. Justin had said to me that he was surprised that I didn't go along to Green Bay and watch with the Schroeders but it never even occurred to me to ask them. Just as well---I am fine watching from home. I had expected to hear from Justin during the game only to find out later that there was no signal from the stadium. Nuts!  I had my football snacks and watched the Lions loose to the Packers, but not without some drama including Aaron going down and out of the game at one point. Yikes! No worries, though, he came back and finished the game, even after being walked on by a bad guy Lion's player. Ugh!

On the ride home after the game Justin had a signal and was able to text me. He wanted to know what happened with Aaron and Suh (the bad guy). In the stadium, they couldn't see that Suh not once, but twice, walked on Aaron's leg while he was down on the ground. It was being discussed on the postgame radio show but it was news to Justin and Lynn. I hope the powers that be throw the book at him! Not his first offense and he is just a stinker!

Justin and Lynn finally got home and brought sub sandwiches with them to have for their dinner. I would have thought they'd eat at the game or on their ride home but did not. They told Mom and me all about the game, what they saw and did, etc. Justin did have a beer there, bragging rights and all that. I wanted him to try the horse collar sandwich (it's huge!) but he is not a fan of Polish sausage. And he bought a new cheese head, thanks to his auntie, Kerry.  

The two of them were warm for the most part but each remarked that their coldest part was their laps. I guess the jacket or coat isn't long enough to cover that part of the leg and was the most exposed. They were both glad to be back in the car and then at Grandma's where it's nice and warm. Hope they both have a good sleep after that exciting game, witnessing the Packers win a place in the playoffs---just as I knew they would. You're welcome, Justin!

Blessed Christmas Day

Today was simply marvelous on so many levels, including the level of me climbing the stairs to the balcony this morning to sing the “Hallelujah Chorus” with the mass choir. I had entirely forgotten about this opportunity until Justin pointed it out to me in the service folder. I told him I was going up after taking the Lord’s Supper (love going to the Lord’s Table with my family like this!) and asked him to take charge of my purse and coat. He whispered to me that he wanted to go up, too, and would carry my items when we got to the stairs. What a sweetie pie!

As it turned out I took only my purse, knowing Jill could grab my coat for me. Putting the purse on cross body style, up the stairs we went, with me holding the handrails on both sides. In doing so I can climb up with one foot per stair rather than the customary two feet per step. I think Justin was amazed to see me do this. (Our stairways at The Palace are too wide for me to reach across to do this.) I caught my breath at the top of the steps, got the sheet music, though I didn’t really need it, and waited for the choir to return from communion before I took a seat. Justin found a seat on the side, as he wanted to watch me sing rather than join in.

I was warmly greeted by my former spouse’s cousin, LuAnn, and it was so good to see her. We were going to be joining the sopranos and took seats next to my niece, Alayna, and my sister, Lynn. They were quite short of sopranos so were glad we were coming to help them out. There had to be at least 40 people who were singing, doubling the size of the choir. This was helped by having some of the orchestra members sing with us as well. Anyone who has sung it before with a choir is invited to join and I cherish this opportunity more than I can express. Later my sister, Jill, reported that she could hear me from downstairs, which is good, I hope. As we sang to the pre-recorded accompaniment, I could see the director, Kevin, holding in his tears as we got to the last pages of the piece.

Besides singing the Chorus, as a congregation, we sang many lovely hymns and carols accompanied by the orchestra (actually it’s a band since there are no strings, but I can’t bring myself to say ‘church band’), including “Hark, the Herold Angels Sing” with the pipe organ and instruments. Nothing like it!  First German is blessed with many wonderful musicians and singers, and organists, oh my!

For our lunch, rather than having our usual leftovers from Christmas Eve, I decided to make a ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, and such for our feast. Not too much but still celebratory. Oh my, how good that ham was! Lynn and Jill joined Mom, Justin, and me around her small table and enjoyed our Christmas lunch. Lori, David, and Dustin came by for a little while as well before going to visit family members on David’s side of the family for the rest of the day. It’s so cool to have Justin and Dustin together, and with Alayna, the night before. And in Mom’s living room today.

This evening we had leftovers and then Justin set up his laptop at the table for us to watch “It’s a Wonderful Life”. Mom wasn’t crazy about this movie the first time she saw it many years ago and I really can’t say if she enjoyed it this time, but Justin and I did. We generally watch it every year for Christmas and this year actually got to watch it together on Christmas Day because he came along with me. Yay! He forgot the cord to connect his computer to the TV so that’s why we watched at the table. Not the most comfortable but it worked and made for a nice end to our Christmas Day.

“For the Lord God omnipotent reignth…”

It's time for Christmas

Our family celebrates Christmas starting on the Eve, or more specifically, in the afternoon of the Eve. Since we no longer have kids in the program, we don't attend worship until it's time for the candlelight service. Jill so kindly reserved the community room in the apartment building for our use, which comes with a decorated tree. Nice!  Lori, David, and Dustin drove over this a.m. from Holmen, and Alayna came up from Madison, once she was done working. We attendees prepare or provide foods for a buffet where we nibble much of the afternoon and evening during the gift opening and beyond. 

Before everyone arrived, some of us sat down in the community room for a bit, once we got the buffet all set up. Here is Mom, all dressed for the occasion.

 I ordered this trivia game for us to play with while I am here, all about TV and movies. We played a modified version of it while waiting for the rest of the family to arrive. 

Justin's contribution was making sandwiches including two sandwich rings as shown here, plus his good ham and Swiss rolls made on the Hawaiian rolls, spread with onion and poppyseed. Oh, my, so delicious!! 

Here is one of the sandwich rings after its been baked. It was wonderful!

 

At last everyone is here and the boys can begin opening their presents. Angelo is looking over a present from Justin and me, as Manny and Gabe wait their turns. 

Angelo is now going to open the present which is a matching game with the theme of Despicable Me. I'm so out of the game that I don't know what's what anymore!

Besides chipping in money toward Gabe's electronic piano keyboard, Justin and I got the boys this Monopoly game based on Star Wars, of which both are fans. I hope they like it. I also got them the DVD of the Lego movie to share. 

While the boys did their gift opening, the adults sat along the perimeter to watch. Lori, Dusty, David, and Justin are pictured here. It's so nice having the boys, and their cousin, Alayna, together for a visit. 

Jill and Lori are overseeing Mom as she opens her Christmas presents. She asked that she not receive anything that has to be moved, as she plans to go into assisted living at some point. I don't think she did get anything which did not fit her criteria except for a sweater with coordinating top to wear under it. I wouldn't consider clothing something which needs to be moved, so she was happy with her gift certificates, chocolates, etc. Justin and I gave her winter gloves which match her coat. We also got her a certificate for the hair salon she goes to plus a book of postage stamps so she can mail cards to her friends. I think she liked all she received. 

After the room was cleaned up, gifts loaded into cars, and ourselves tidied up, off we went to the candlelight service. This is what Justin was waiting for---Christmas at First German. With the pipe organ and church orchestra, we sang marvelous hymns and carols, filling the length of the pew with our family. Lynn and Alayna were in the balcony to sing with the choir. It was just a lovely service, culminating with singing "Stille Nacht", first in English and then lastly in German, while holding lit candles. It was a good day!

"Christ, the Savior, is born!"

A full day with the church family

 This morning for our Lessons and Carols service, we had a little choir formed to sing three pieces, in which I sang two verses as a solo. The choir got many compliments which were warmly received. 

After church our group went to Chili's where we surprised Mike S with a new TV. He was presently watching a 13" one and ruining his eyes in the process so we chipped money and gift cards together to get him this one. Gotta love the electronics sales this time of the year. He was blown away, and even wiped a tear from his eye, saying he's never gotten such a wonderful gift. Nice!

But, no time to enjoy his new TV---not when there is a tree waiting to be decorated. Nick and Mike were stringing the lights so we ladies didn't have to climb up on the ladder. And then Mike had to go to the kitchen and make some soup!

Once the tree was decorated, a group of us headed to the Veterans' Home near St. Augustine to sing carols to the residents. After we sang to each dining room of vets, we'd go around to greet them and wish them Merry Christmas, thanking them for their service. The kids were real troupers, not shy about greeting these folks. I am proud of them for being so kind and willing to serve.

We had ten total carolers, three of which were young kids, and one young man who is Judy's grandson, David, a law student at UF. We put on lots of miles on foot going dining room to dining room but it was well worth it as Laurie's youngest son remarked to her on the ride back, "That was fantastic..." or something to that affect. Love it!

This is what awaited us when we got back to church. We had several choices of soups, and breads to eat with it. We had lots of people show up to eat besides the carolers but there was plenty of soup for us all.

                               

Here are the soups, as prepared by Chefs Mike 'n Mike, and one by Brad, including graduated types of chili starting with mild and ending up with 'there go my fillings' hot. Also a turkey and wild rice, a seafood chowder, and another one which I don't know what it was. The bread was wonderful, too, with butter---yum!

When I got home from my church activities, Justin so too excited to wait for me to open my Christmas presents from him. Even though I didn't have mine ready for him, he just couldn't wait. This bag contains numerous bottles of scented hand sanitizer which I like, plus the bag is actually a cooler. Once frozen, the bag will chill a 6 pack of soda or beer for a period of time, like a giant coozy. I just love it, perfect for the pool!

Justin made these wooden pillars for me, resembling gifts. Working together with Jesse, they cut, sanded, shaped, and painted these pillars and applied the ribbon to make them look like this. Both us moms got a set and some friends as well are getting some of their hand-crafted gifts. I like them, our only decorations out this year!  He also gave a scented candle which doesn't appear in the photos, two scents as one flows into the other as it burns. He is a gem!

Loss and the holidays

In the most recent edition of "Forward in Christ", a periodical published through our Synod, there was a story about a pastor and his wife who lost their 2 1/2 year old son on Christmas Eve due to a fast moving illness which consumed him. They had no worship that night, as you might expect, but the pastor did conduct the festival service on Christmas morning, to celebrate the birth of our Savior. Without this babe, he said, he could never have peace with the loss of his babe. I get that.

As I lie here and think about it, my friend, Linda, comes to mind. A couple years ago I was able to meet her good friend, Angie, and meet again Debbie and Chris, with whom Linda works out nearly every morning. We were lunching at the Harborside just before Christmas and having a marvelous time. Angie was telling me how Linda talked about Justin and me often, and she felt like she knew us already. I felt like I knew her as well.

Linda had reported what a sweetheart Justin is (of course!), and as we gushed over him, my phone went off. I excused myself to talk to Justin, calling from FL. When I came back from the chat with him, I told them what he had to say. Justin was cautioning me to NOT listen to the first hour of our favorite radio show that day because the guest host was talking about the unopened gifts under the Christmas trees of the homes of those slaughtered in CT at the school shooting. He is familiar with that sadness, that empty feeling, and knew it would upset his mother. So he called to warn me. The ladies were moved when I told them why he called. It was so thoughtful of him to be looking out for me this far away.

I had shared this experience with my sister, Lynn, then, and a few nights later, she presented her youngest grandson, Angelo, with a stuffed lion. This lion had been on her shelf for over a decade (oh my, that sounds like a long time!), intended for Timmy's birthday the year he died. Lynn took that unopened present and gave it to Angelo, to open. I just love that. Brings tears to my eyes yet today. Thinking now about all the parents out there who have unopened gifts intended for those no longer here. I am glad to have the opened gift, the comfort of knowing that my Redeemer lives and my loved one is with Him in eternal bliss. There are no tears where he is, only bliss beyond compare, where everyday is Easter and everyday is Christmas. "How my heart yearns within me..."

Preschool Christmas program

In recent years Betty, Judy, and I have been privileged to serve as hostesses for Precious Lambs Preschool's Christmas program. This year Judy had a schedule conflict and was not able to attend but did make some wonderful cookies. Betty and Michael got the room set up, we got the cookies displayed, and I made punch for the reception. My lady friends are more creative than am I but I am no slouch when it comes to making oatmeal Scotchies! 

These are the cookies made by Judy (on the tray) and Betty's on the foam block. Oreo's dipped in white chocolate and then decorated to look like snowmen. This idea was sent to her by me!

Here are the kids starting to assemble before the program. They had the jitters in their legs for sure, and the little blonde boy cried more than once before going over to church. He is not yet 3 so this is a big adjustment for him. They are taking kids a bit younger than usual to get the census up in the classroom. Hoping for more students in the New Year!

Good times with friends

I had such a nice visit with my friend, Edda, who came over for a couple hours. It was great to have a chance to catch up on news, her recent retirement and discuss the search for some ways to spend this new free time.This is what prompted her to seek me out--since she follows me on Facebook, Edda figured I would be a good resource. She asked me for suggestions or ideas for how to serve others in the community. I rattled off a few things some of my friends are involved in which might interest her and promised to send more information as I was able to garner it. I so enjoyed our time, especially since she asked me about my church. She is going to join Justin and me for worship on Wednesday night!

This a.m. Nancy W. had asked me to join her for breakfast at Grumpy's. She came by for me and together we rode over. She had recently been entertaining a friend from her past, a man she had dated over 40 years ago. They are both now alone, he being a widower, and is not a stranger to this area. He contacted her a couple months ago and came to visit, returning twice since then. She confided that she is 'very very much in like' with this guy, enjoying the company of a gentleman. When I told Justin about this, he was so glad because he knows Nancy needs some good stuff in her life. I agree but then I have to get in line to spend time with her. That's okay---I can wait!

I told Nancy about how I spent nearly two hours with my old friend, Martie, also at Grumpy's. We did a bit of reminiscing about the old days when we'd spend our time on the patio at Johnny Carino's and in my studio at the lake house and here. Life gets in the way for Martie and occupies her time so this works out for us to meet before she has to go to work. We can often just pick up where we left off in our conversations, sometimes the same ones we had those years back at Carino's. Sadly, that place is no more, so Grumpy's will do!

A friend from the past

In a few moments someone with whom I spent much time in the past is coming to see me. Etta retired, closing her business which was nearby to my home, and is now officially retired. Already today she has been to yoga class which means she is an up and at 'em girl. She lives not far from our shared friend, Brenda. I actually introduced the two ladies to each other before Brenda even came to work for us, and they became fast friends. Brenda had then worked for the developer of our community and Etta handled the closings. Worked out great for them, and then Brenda came to work for us, which was even better.

Besides our business dealings, I worked closely with Etta when we built her home many years ago. I can remember clearly persuading her to use a vibrant  paint color for her front door when everything else she chose was safely neutral. The color was named "Watermelon" and how strange that I remember this detail!! She was thankful later for me pushing her to stick her neck out that way. 

Etta and her daughter are such good friends to Brenda that at least once, sometimes twice, a year they take her along with them to the Bahamas. They used to have access to a beach property but now they just stay in a hotel or inn when they go. It is such a wonderful getaway for them all, and a special treat for Brenda. They are so good to her, and for her!  I used to send my discarded clothing along with Brenda for her to give to a lady they were friends with in the Bahamas. One year the lady sent back a lovely necklace and anklet for me. She made the jewelry and sold it to tourists who came to her display set up along the path. So primitive an existence, and yet so grateful for my donations. 

I am looking forward to playing some catch up with Etta, and since she expressed a desire to visit my church with me sometime, this might be the first of many regular conversations! More later!

"Do not fear"

This was the theme of our Ladies' Advent Service (or ABC, as our hostesses call it) at Victory. It is such an enjoyable evening at this service by women and for women, followed by sumptuous treats at beautifully decorated tables. The best part for me is getting see all the ladies again. One lady I got to see came via iPad, as her daughter-in-law, Jenna, made it possible for Marilyn to "attend" from her home. Marilyn has inoperable cancer of the heart and her days are spent in a hospital bed set up at home. Ordinarily she'd have been in the middle of this whole ABC event, but this time, only a spectator from the comfort of her home. 

Carol came by to pick me up and direct her to our destination. We drove in misting rain which was unpleasant but not horrible (at least, not for me as a passenger!). Laurie was supposed to join us but her husband had to work last night so those plans were changed. Only the three of us signed up to attend, which is sad because it's such a wonderful way to 'look forward' to Christmas. 

Esther, seated across from me in this photo, was our hostess. She told us how the first ABC held here had 35 in attendance and this year's reservations topped 90. It is just that popular an event, with their members inviting family members and friends to share this special time with them. 

Before Carol came for me, I watched the Jaguar game. At halftime I was hopeful the Jags would be able to pull off another victory but, alas, it was not to be. At least we'll get to watch the Packer game tomorrow night which will make up for our sad Jaguar game. It was great to spend the time in worship and fellowship with Carol and the others at Victory. Such a lovely evening...

"Are you a friendly neighbor?"

My friend, a Realtor, sends out a newsletter every month or so through her real estate business. I used to be paid to prepare these mailings for her so know all about them. This month's letter arrived and was lying on my bed when Justin came in. Seeing the letter, he laughed a bit when he read the title question.  "You???", he asked.  I told him I chuckled a bit when looking at it because I am sure my neighbors get quite annoyed with me...Not really, but I truly didn't need a reminder letter about it. How unfortunate, though, that some folks do need to be encouraged in such a fashion.

The suggestions were made to get to know your neighbors better for safety reasons in addition to just being the right thing to do. To make your neighborhood a smiling place to be. There are gift suggestions such as cocoa mix in a mug, a poinsettia, or baked goods taken to the door to introduce yourself. This brought to mind how a few years back each of the residents in my building received ceramic mugs with candy in them one morning before Christmas. No one knew who did it, and people were guessing it was me. They said this sounded like something I would do, and I was a bit ashamed of myself for not doing it! I don't think the gift giver ever came clean but it sure was a nice gesture. But, it didn't really help us to get to know each other better, by remaining anonymous. What it did, though, was put a smile on the receiver's faces and the gift giver's, as well.

So, there is something to being a friendly neighbor. I have certainly experienced such here in this building. I love my neighbors and go out of my way to let them know how much I appreciate them. They are at my door with chicken soup when I am recuperating from oral surgery (Ellen), or come running with mops and buckets when that particular need arises, and yes, even pay to have my drywall repaired/painted when needed from a leak. It is just surprising to me that people need reminding to be good neighbors, but I guess it does. I know of some people who have no idea who their neighbors are, only enough to wave at, if that. One person tells me about a neighbor who actually turns their back when waved at as she passes by. For no apparent reason, just turns his back. I would take that challenge on, but not my friend---she just keeps waving!   

Other ideas in this letter suggest being considerate of others and keep your place tidy. These are things you learned growing up, and should carry over into your work place and everyday living. I do try my best to not be noisy for my neighbor's sake and am friendly when they come and go in my presence. Just the other day I gave a pitch to a couple looking at one of the units for sale (heard they ended up buying), telling them how nice it was to live here, and so on. Oh, goody, I'm getting new neighbors!!

Lunch with Martie

After a long time of Martie and I not seeing each other, today was the day! For one reason or another we have not hung out together for ages. We did see each other at a wedding in late June and it was great to catch up there, though briefly. She is busy with grandchildren, great-grands, work, her husband, her brother...Life gets in the way of our fun!

We agreed to meet for lunch at Grumpy's which is close to her work. She didn't have to be in until 1:30 so we had two hours to talk and eat and talk some more. I think I got caught up on all her family's news. Her sweet 'little' grandson, whom we called Man Man, turned 15 today which is so hard to believe. I've known him since he was about 4 years old and to imagine him as a teenager is nearly impossible!

This picture was taken at Justin's 21st birthday party in 2009. There is Man Man (now known as Little Mark) behind me, eating meat on a stick. Usually he ate grape tomatoes but this time he switched it up!

Tonight Justin and I went to worship for Advent services. He worked today but not as long as he did yesterday which allowed for him to get a rest before church. We had toyed with getting our dinner from Panda Express like we did last year but then Justin suggested we swing by Ming Moon on way home to pick up what he was craving. I just had some crab meat rangoons for my dinner while he had beef and broccoli. Oh yum! Can't go wrong with Ming Moon on a full moon night!

Reminiscing part II

This morning I was forced to watch a local TV channel because once again my FOX connection is missing from my bedroom TV. I can barely tolerate to watch CNN or Headline News so I put on the local news to see what was going on. It was pretty 'intense' as these types of programs tend to be, with the reporters out on a crime scene making dramatic use of hand gestures, expression, and theatrics when describing something which happened hours ago. The latest report was that the crime scene tape was removed and the investigation moved up the road a piece. There is only so much that can be said 12 hours after the crime took place.

This actually was rather big news for our area  with the late afternoon murder of a young mother and the abduction of her 10 year old daughter. The murderer/sexual predator was captured early this a.m. in the woman's vehicle, which he stole, being pulled over in a traffic stop at the McDonald's just outside of Middleburg. This is a little too close to home, especially for my friends who live out that way. 

Besides this dramatic story, there was a 'stock' story about how much more prevalent toy injuries are these days. I don't recall the time frame they used, but evidently kids are eating their toys, breaking parts off and hurting themselves with them, and so on. This brought to mind a trip to WI not long after we'd moved to FL. We were at the home of my brother-in-law for a visit where Justin played with some of his cousin, Kevin's, toys while the parents sat around chatting. 

Later that night Justin was 'up in the night', as Mom likes to say, complaining as best he could at his young age about his ear. The next morning I called the doctor's office where we were patients only a few months before and they got us in. As Dr. Schmidt was examining him, he asked us when Justin had gotten tubes in his ears. We were stunned at that question since Justin never had tubes in his ears. "Hmmm..." he replied. He got a forceps and proceeded to pull out a little plastic piece of a toy from Justin's ear! What in the world?? What makes a guy think, "Here's a little piece of a toy which will fit perfectly in my ear..."? We were relieved he didn't have an infection or anything like that, just a simple piece of Kevin's old toys he had placed carefully in his own ear!

Ladies' Group Christmas party

Tonight was our Ladies' Group party tonight, the very earliest it could be in the season. What great fun we had. The food tables were laden with trays and dishes of food, oh my! There were 26 ladies in attendance, some for the first time, which was great. After we ate, Terri T. got us started playing Bunco, most of us new to the game. She and OJ, her lady friend, were most helpful in showing us the ropes. 

 Julaine, Jayne, Janet, Lynn, Kristi, and Betty

From the back, Ethel, Sue, Kristin, then Rachel, Carol, Julaine, Jayne, Janet, and Lynn

 Across the table Jean, Michele, Twila, Rebecca, Donna, Tamara coming in the door, Ethel, Gretchen, Sue, Fran walking with food, Kristin

From left Lynn, Kristi, Judy, Jean, Michele, Twila, Rebecca, and Donna

People gathering at the food table: Sue, Rachel, Jayne, Donna, Laurie, Carol, Julaine, Fran, and Gretchen

After we played one full round of Bunco, we did our gift exchange using a poem Janet brought. We had to go through some hoops in order to end up with a gift, not our usual Chinese Fire Drill-style. She sure put us through our paces! Such a good night and great fun with our group...

Reminiscing

My friends, Paul and Emily, with their extended family members, have made a tradition of going downtown Jax every year for the tree lighting ceremony and the boat parade. Photos from The Landing were posted last night and again tonight of their activities, many of them featuring their daughter, Sarah. They hotel rooms along the river's edge from which to watch the boat parade from the comfort of their room, but actually go in the flesh to see the tree lighting and hear the caroling, followed by the fireworks display. Thanksgiving weekend is quite action packed downtown. They have invited me to join them in the past, and I respectfully declined, allowing them their family time. 

When Justin was a little boy, we began the 'tradition' as a family of going to the tree lighting, have some dinner at The Landing, and enjoy the beginning of the holiday festivities. The food court had something for everyone with the Chinese restaurant where I got my meal. I think my former spouse got Mexican or perhaps a burger. Justin likely had hot dogs, but that much I don't remember. I do hope we fed him...He loved the fireworks, ooohed and aaahed over the colors and the banging, lights reflecting in the water, and such.  One year we took him to see/hear the fireworks for the 4th of July and he said, "They have fireworks in the summer, too!!" He only knew about the ThanksLiving ones!

Fast forward to the mid-2000's and there I was at the boat parade with Jesse's family, watching for Justin on his father's boat taking part in the parade. We were freezing!!  We sat on the porch at a restaurant from where we had our dinner, and after the parade, we walked over to the Times Union Center for a free concert by a semi-local band. For Christmas that year, Pam gave me a CD of their music. It was an unexpected day and event, and this memory came back to me as I thought of Paul and Emily making theirs.

A year or two after that, Justin, our friend, Olivia, and I were at the tree lighting ceremony on a lovely evening. Her folks, Owen and Sandy, came downtown to meet up with us, and we ended up at a sushi place upstairs overlooking the river. They had stand heaters on the porch but eventually it got too chilly for us outdoors so we moved inside. Twice Sandy ordered a sushi tray, NOT an inexpensive purchase, and the four of them just dined away. I did not eat sushi since we'd eaten dinner in the restaurant below the sushi place, so I was all set to simply enjoy the company. We sat there for a couple hours and had such a good time doing so. I don't think Justin drove yet so that means I must have driven us down there. Those details escape me but I do remember the impromptu fun had at The Landing on this weekend in past years. People come and go from our lives but at least some of the memories live on...

Friday after ThanksLiving

Much of my time on Wednesday was spent making ready for the gathering planned at my home on ThanksLiving Day. I'd work a little while and then take a break, work and then take a break, to spare my back. I'm like a turtle, slow and steady wins the race. I got my table all dressed, pulled folding chairs from the closet (had to put them all back again when our number changed). Put up the folding table to place at the end of my dining table so we could all set together. 

Justin and I were both going to be working in the kitchen but alas, due to our heavy rains the previous couple days, he had to go to work to make up for it. They didn't miss work those days but didn't make the progress they'd expected to due to the weather.  He was tired when he got home but had a chance to rest before leaving for church at Victory. 

Once at church, being the first ones there, Stephanie came to sit with us. Erica is in WI visiting her grandma, and frolicking in the snow.  It was so nice to see our old friends and acquaintances that we don't see as often since we don't worship there on Sundays any longer. Also got to see some of our Thursday Bible study friends. We worshiped and sang marvelous hymns accompanied by Rachel on the organ...such an amazing organist. Stephanie made a special dessert with me in mind---bars made with raisins using a recipe her mom read her over the phone. Reminded me of those from Shady Lane Home. That was nice! The fellowship consisted of pies and other similar desserts, and good company.

I was exhausted last night after cleaning up from our feast but at least the kitchen and dining room were presentable. I rested the evening away with the heat pad easing my bones and finally decided to just go to sleep. My boy, on the other hand, was out and about with Jesse. They went to Jesse's dad's house at the Beach, where both boys used to live. Justin then spent the night at Jesse's but I didn't know it. I had to laugh at myself because I was holding off emptying the dishwasher and refilling because I didn't want to wake him. And then he wasn't even home!! I figured that out around noon...Jesse and he are making their moms a Christmas gift so they were working on that this a.m.

Last night they stopped in at Wal*Mart just to see what it was like. First, they had to park at an adjoining lot in order to get to the store. Next, they found the lines in the check-outs on ThanksLiving night to be all the way to the back of the store. The lines, according to him, were as long as at Disney. They bought nothing. The customers seemed to have vouchers in hand which secured for them the desired gift for pick up at another time. Still a long time to wait in line, if you ask me, and for Justin 'n Jesse!

Today was a quiet, at-home day for me. I worked on the church newsletter, having contributions being submitted in dribs and drabs. Saturday is my planned publication date and just tonight got a few sentences from Michael for the preschool. He is busy with the budget committee plus paperwork for the license for the preschool. I assured him I can make an article out of what he sent me. After that is done I might, just might, work on getting my desk cleared off! The bane of my existence, my cluttered desk...ugh!

Our time of ThanksLiving

The morning began with Justin busy in the kitchen making his dinner rolls for our feast. When I ventured out to see how he was doing, I had the privilege of cleaning up the mess left behind. I am all about it, enjoy the task of putting everything back to right in my kitchen. Justin came up with the idea of using the little tool from Pampered Chef for cleaning the stone baking sheets to remove the residue on the counter from rolling out his dough. It worked to get the big stuff off but the somewhat gummy feeling the counter was going to take some work. I wiped it several times in the course of the day to try to get it smooth again. 

The fresh baked rolls didn't turn out quite the way Justin wanted them to but I liked them. He is going to keep trying recipes until he finds one the fits the bill.

Much of the prep was done the day before for my foods and I spent the time before worship to dish up my cranberries and relishes, etc. and get them ready for the table. Justin and I sort of waited until the last minute to start getting ourselves ready and we both got showered and ready for church in less than 20 minutes. Time in the kitchen flies by! We looked nice for church, not the least bit rushed. 

Dee had offered to pick up the turkey for us. Justin and I were responsible for some of the foods. I had mixed up the green beans casserole, mixed up a corn souffle using a new recipe, prepped the ham for cooking, brushing a brown sugar glaze over it, plus mashed the potatoes. They gave me a terrible time----wanting to climb up the beaters and out of the top of the bowl. As my niece once described my mashed potatoes:  "sticky, but good!" All things were ready!

When we got home after church I got everything out (forgot to mention my cranberry Jell-O made yesterday) and what needed to be baked went into the oven. Justin had done his rolls ready but needed to prep his mini-apple pies. There was no room in the oven for them until all was on the table so he got them ready and popped the pans in when we sat at the table. When the folks started arriving, it was a flurry of food and folks, pies and wine and gifts!

Justin took this photo of us at the table, minus Donald who was in the kitchen carving the bird. From left are Martha, Dee, Helen, Matthew (married to Martha), Michael, Donald's chair, me, Justin's chair, Julia (married to Michael), Jacko (Martha's son), Nadia, and Lorese. The three younger ladies are sisters. There mom and other sister cancelled due to the youngest sister being ill. Our number went from 14 to 12 to 13 and then to 12. This way all the plates were the same which for some reason meant a lot to me!  

We enjoyed our feast, with me being thanked for hosting about a dozen times. Part way through the meal my corn souffle finally set up enough to serve and we made a dent in it. We also had sweet potatoes with marshmallows on top and a squash casserole which Dee made, and Michael made two types of stuffing, one with oysters in it. We had three types of pie plus Justin's hot- from-the-oven individual apple pies made with crescent rolls. I think that's enough food, right? 

We sat around the table until about 4:30, so for 3 hours we enjoyed each other's company. In between Justin and I cleared away dishes and our guests followed my request to remain seated while we did so. My kitchen is too small to accommodate many people and I wanted them to just enjoy their time together. Dee was impressed with how neat everything was in the kitchen. That's the way I like it!

Ready to cook!

This morning I ventured to the Island to start our shopping for the holiday feast. We didn't have Bible study this week so my Monday a.m. was free and I needed something to motivate me to get up and dressed. Publix did the trick! Justin and I compared the ads from both Winn Dixie and Publix to see which had the best prices, etc. They were pretty much a horse apiece and my choice was Publix. I know my way around there fairly well and had my list to avoid missing anything.

It wasn't crazy busy in the store and it seemed that I had a brand-new shopping cart. Was so pleased it rolled easily and went the same direction I was going. The soda was on special too which was icing on the cake. Justin and I had picked up some of our meal prep stuff last week when shopping the big sale at Target so I just had to fill in some blanks on the menu. A nice young lady helped me get my stuff to the car, and laughed she tried to fit 4 more cases of Diet Coke into the back of my already loaded with DC car. Yes, I have a problem and so does Justin!!  

We had a nice day today of 86 above zero, but up in WI my family and friends are enduring a snow storm. Linda was not able to watch The Five with me tonight because the snow accumulated on their satellite dish. She was waiting for Tommy get home to use their long-handled brush to clean off the dish. My sister who works at a state hospital reported that their pager system for communication went down which is NOT a good thing. The wards and such need to be able to contact each other and her in case of emergency, etc. Glad it came back up again for them. Justin came home from work sapped from the heat and humidity but at least he didn't have to scrape anything!

Tonight was a Board meeting here at our building. I wanted to be sure to attend since a civil engineer was going to present some ideas for our garage leaking problem. Yes, more water problems, but at least it's outside this time. Al, the engineer, was the first person 'we' met upon moving to FL. He was a classmate of our partner, Curt, and showed us around on our exploratory visit to OP. It was good to see him again, and brought back some fond memories for me. He told me once, upon seeing me in a restaurant, that he usually heard me before he saw me, my tell-tale laugh gave me away. I reminded him how his oldest daughter used to baby sit for Justin...wow, we go back a long way!  And now he is nearly my neighbor and might see each other more often. I don't mind that one little bit!

A long day for me

It was a long day for several of us, with me just a short while ago getting home from a worship meeting at church. Apparently we are in a time crunch now to get our 'Vision' stuff ready to be presented to the leadership before the next quarterly meeting. I would personally like to talk this stuff to pieces, it's so very important, and fear making a mistake in our determinations. Sigh...We have one whole 'big idea' we haven't touched on yet but hope to do so in the New Year. It's about Bible studies and I am all about that!

I am envious of Linda and some of my family as they have up to 5 opportunities, depending upon the week, for Bible study. Linda goes on Sunday morning, Monday nights to help with the Hmong class, Tuesday afternoon with a lay leader, Thursday evening with the same lay leader but different subject matter, plus every other Friday and Saturday mornings, one with Pastor and one with a lay leader. Mom and Lynn join her on Sunday, Friday, and Saturday for those classes. They are so blessed with study opportunities!

Back to my day---It began with Bible study and worship on this Christ the King Sunday. It's hard to believe we are facing the new year already---Advent! Justin was able to join our regular group, minus Terri and Betty, for lunch at Chili's this week, watching the Jaguar game once home. It was hard to watch but at least the Packers won. Gretchen didn't come to church today. She rides now with Ethel and Darwin, and since they were staying for the soup pot luck which was after worship, she knew she wouldn't get home in time to watch the game. Oh, that Gretchen!

I had my homework done for the meeting tonight but took the time to try to organize the paperwork so I know what is what. In speaking earlier in the week with Kristi, we shared our being buried in papers for this project, and not being sure of what to keep and what to toss. I think I got it figured out. Print outs of other reference materials I collect have been marked with post-it notes so I can pull out what I need to help with my case. Didn't get to do much of that tonight as much is already pretty cut 'n dried. But, I encouraged Kristi, our official note taker, to make sure she wrote "let the record show..." as I stressed that my name is going to affixed to this final document. When I was leaving the church, I texted Justin to let him know, telling him I'll just have dessert and a strong drink when I got home. I gave it my best!

Fabulous brisket

Oh, my goodness, such great brisket! Nancy W and I went to the newly opened 4Rivers BBQ place which opened where the Quincy's used to me on Hwy. 17. Justin and I had gone there on Wednesday but it was too busy, lines snaking around the building, so we went home to eat the beef roast I'd made. This time the line was shorter and the weather more pleasant than Wednesday evening. It was well worth the wait!

The way the meat is ordered and served is somewhat unique. The customer orders at the counter and the server writes the order on the brown paper lining the food tray. One orders the brisket either moist or dry, and I chose moist, which means the opposite of dry. My choice came with three sides so I had green beans, mac 'n cheese, and cole slaw. I could have other items but was mostly concerned about the brisket. The meat is just plunked down on the brown paper from which one eats from, but the sides come in foam cups. We got covers for the sides right away, especially me, knowing mine would go home with me. 

The dining room is lined with rows of tables with some booths around the perimeter, and seating outdoors as well. We found a place at a table and got settled in to devour our meals. Nancy took the chicken and was delighted with it, taking half home with her. I, however, ate every morsel of my brisket plus some of the paper it came on!!  Wow, words cannot express...I remember when Justin went the first time to the store on the Southside with Will and Bethany. He sat here in my room and simply gushed about it. Now I see why! 

Because this is the first week they are open, the manager was walking around, making sure we were all set. She told us this was the smoothest first week store opening they've ever had which is good news. I told her that I should have bought a double order because I loved it so much, and was told it is possible to order a second portion for a few bucks more. And she gave each of us a card for a free sandwich for our next visit. Can't go wrong with that! I cannot wait to go again!!

A day of remembrance and encouragement

Today is my dad's birthday, or would be, if he was alive. He would be 92 years old, something I cannot even imagine. He passed away from complications after a stroke when Timmy was about 5 months old. I remember talking to my sister, Lynn, on the phone, getting a report from her on Dad's condition. The doctor had told her Dad was doing better, showing improvement, that type of thing. A few hours later she called to report he was gone. What in the world? How could things have changed so dramatically in a few hours' time? Bob was 74 when he died and he never got to see Timmy. I'd send him letters and cards with pictures, some of which were still in his room at Shady Lane where he lived. Lynn did the lion's share of taking care of business for Dad and I am so thankful for that. 

When I was young, I used to spend lots of time with my dad in his workshop and on projects around the house. It was my job to put the nails the right way in the box, all the heads on one end, easier to grab and use that way. Now it all makes sense about my wanting things organized...my dad taught me that! This might also be why I like the smell of fresh cut wood. 

This afternoon I got a message from a friend from high school, who commented on my blog posting about dreaming of Timmy. Steve said, "Come on, Kimmer, quit spending time on the blog and finish your book!" Another friend, Judy, also from Manty, chimed in with her encouragement. Both seemed to think what I have to say will be valuable to others so I told them I'd make a New Year's determination to work on the book again. I know I've said that several times before but perhaps this time it will stick!  I am thankful for the encouragement and also thankful that Steve remembered my article in our high school's alumni newsletter back in 2005. Whew, that is a long time ago!