Good eatin'!

Oh, my tummy is so happy as is the back of my car. Well, not too sure about that last part but I am happy the back of my car has 10 more cases of Diet Coke in it! Justin and I drove Nancy W. and Bob, our neighbor, to Saigon Tokyo (Koko's) to help surprise Nancy M. for her birthday. Her hubby, Bill, asked me to put some people together to pull off the surprise and we did just that! Sadly, one couple cancelled this afternoon as Patty was under the weather, but we did fine with 6 of us around the table. 

Most delightfully, Koko's was busy, prayers are answered! Justin and I were at first concerned when they re-opened that it wouldn't get back to where it was before Mr. and Mrs. Koko retired, but it seems it has! The non-teppan cooking side does good business as well, as does the sushi bar. Love it! A full box of leftovers came home with us, for a future meal or two.

While we were still at the table, Bill happened to mention that Target has Cokes on sale for $2 a 12-pack. Wow! Justin excused himself, drove over to Target (one plaza down), got us 10 cases, which was the limit, and then came back to the table. In the blink of an eye, he was gone and came back again. We are going again in the morning for more, too good a deal to pass up!

On the way out of the restaurant, we met Jesse, Justin's friend, plus his brother, Raymond, who is now working with Justin. Their family was gathering there to celebrate Jesse's birthday. It was nice to see everyone again. When we got home, Justin found a delivery had come, the mask I am wearing in the photograph. He got it for Raymond's girlfriend to wear to Jesse's birthday party, a Mardi Gras theme. Just being a good guy to his friend and his girlfriend.

This morning we had breakfast at The Club with the ladies, including Nancy W., Pat, and Miss O. It was a gorgeous morning, blue and crisp, a red coat day, to start with. I so enjoy these weekly meetings no matter how many join the circle. Last week when I was at Grumpy's, no one else came except Nancy and she said she ate her breakfast in about 20 minutes. Goes much more quickly without all the conversations!!

No Happy Hour this week

Last night was supposed to be Happy Hour for us at The Club but I simply did not have it in me to go. I was so weary, just worn out, blaming it on the rain and the weather. I let my friend, Kathy, know I wasn't coming over and while she understood, was sad. She welcomes this weekly break in the week and it's good for her mom to get out to socialize as well. I just wanted to stay put!

I won't be going to HH for the next few weeks now with the beginning of Lent and then my trip to WI. The other night Justin said, "Oh, you get to attend Lenten services at First German!" He knows how nice that is to experience and knows I appreciate it. We will miss the next trivia outing too which my neighbors might not be excited about. They really like having Justin captain the team to victory!

After my long, sleep disturbed night due to the dryer situation, I was quite groggy this morning. Justin told me we had to leave Bible study immediately upon completion so he could go and help his coworker on a mulch job. He was stressing that they wouldn't get done before night fell, and as we drove up Hwy. 17, he speculated whether or not he should be going at all. Since I was not at the top of my game, I asked him, "Do you want to not go? Turn around if you don't..." and he turned us around. He called his coworker back and arranged for a pick-up time to get to the job earlier and get it tackled. 

I took off for Home Depot to buy a new dryer, though Justin feared I was too groggy to drive. I made it safely and took care of my purchase, for which Justin chipped in, feeling responsible for the added wear and tear. What a guy! I worked with a nice fellow at Home Depot and he helped me find the right sized dryer for our close space. The new one will have a fluff cycle, which I haven't had with this existing one.

When I got home, Justin had already left for work. I sat at my desk for a while and decided to take a nap around noon, when Rush started on the radio. At 12:30 Justin texted me asking if I was doing okay and I let him know I was fine and resting. Three hours later, I woke up! Now, is that a nap or is it closer to a night's sleep for some people??? I was rejuvenated!

Justin sent me a message later reporting they were still working on the yard, spreading the 100's of bags of mulch and would likely be working until nearly dark. It was the right decision to turn around and go back. Judy C. asked me to dinner which I accepted, just us two ladies. I picked Sonny's BBQ for want of more beef brisket. It paled next to Bono's from Tuesday. All Justin wanted from there were the corn nuggets, which I took to-go for him. 

At the register with our bill, I told the manager that I was paying for my meal, soda, and the cheese curds, but then quickly corrected myself. He was familiar with cheese curds, however, and we had a good chuckle over that. His father was from Milwaukee and he is himself a fan of the curd!

Justin is planning to have an informational gathering

here at our place on Tuesday night, using the happy hour time of day to showcase some 'tricks and tips' on iPhones and iPads. He can set up the TV to show what he is working on with his phone or iPad, so all can see. He is getting a number of satisfied customers via word of mouth so this is his plan to help grow his 'business'. I love it! We are putting together the list of invitees for his time out, keeping it simpler until he gets the hang of it. This is sort of exciting!

I was going to sleep...

....early, but I cannot. The dryer is running with Justin's work clothes in it which he needs for tomorrow. Normally not a problem but his jackets and such make a racket as they roll around in the tub. His usual joke is that he has put a roll of quarters in the dryer, but tonight, he actually did pull out coins, a whole handful of them, from the dryer. His stuff is so dense that it takes a long time to dry, been going about an hour now. 

The bad news is that the dryer is making a very strange sound, one I noticed on Saturday when Rosalie had tossed in a shirt with a dryer sheet to freshen it up. I went to check on it Saturday, reset the dryer, and it was fine. Not tonight, though. The rumbling sound is worsening and when I opened the door, I discovered what seems to be a strip of insulation dangling from around the drum. This is not a good thing and I fear the worst will happen, so I am ever vigilant, listening intently as the zippers and clasps, etc. roll around. I sure wish he didn't have to have his things for tomorrow.  I already looked up some new dryers on-line and I think a trip to Home Depot is in order in the afternoon. Free delivery and haul off. Shoot!

As I said to him on Saturday, talking to him about the noise I heard (I have this keen hearing, you know!), I told him how I didn't buy top of the line appliances, that I really didn't need to for just my stuff. His stuff is heavier than mine and he also does larger loads at once than I like which are hard on the machinery. I think my point will be made when he hears about the need for a new dryer. I don't really think it's worth it to see about a repair.

Justin is off in the morning, going to Bible study with me, but we have to come right back after class so I can drop him off to help his coworker spread some mulch. Two days this week they worked in the rain so he is just 'lucky' to be off in the morning. It's been a long week already for those two guys.

Today I attended a political luncheon at The Club, with speaker being the FL First Lady. She even got her picture taken with me! We had a good-sized group, around 100 people. My friend, Diane, sat with me which was extra nice. Another friend, Jennifer, who sat in front of me at Senior Presentation, was with us also. She benefitted from my 'connections' there and enjoyed a Diet Coke or two with her lunch!

Oh, good, the dryer stopped. I hope his stuff is dry enough for him to wear tomorrow. I will make sure to check the clothes in the morning and dry them on the car seat as we drive to and from Victory. Shoot, I really hate to have to buy a new dryer but I cannot be without one either. First world problems!

Good times in the 'burg!

Today I had the privilege of driving to Middleburg to meet my friend, Jacquie, for lunch at the newly opened bbq restaurant, Bono's. It's been a long time since I made this trip and was impressed to see the growth and fine-tuning going on in this once less-urban community. It's getting all grown up, even has a hospital now! Two big box 'hardware' stores and a new Wal*Mart, plus a very nice but older Publix, where I shopped after lunch.

I loved having time with Jacquie again and we could have talked for hours longer. The place, being new and quite delicious, was a bee-hive of people coming in to eat or taking food to-go. When we first sat down, a dozen firefighters and EMTs were right next to us, the seating being bench-style. I told Jacquie we were so lucky to be eating lunch with such handsome tablemates!

The beef brisket I ordered, my mistake for not ordering the large portion!, was out of this world. Never even touching my sidedishes, I ate every morsel of that beef, using the end of my garlic bread to sop up the juices left on the plate. Oh my! (Sadly, I don't believe my hometown has any type of bbq joints, this must be a regional thing.) The very best brisket I have ever had, and I told everyone who walked past our table how much I liked it!

Jacquie and I both needed things from the grocery store, in the same plaza as Bono's. She helped me find a couple things I needed from Publix. I bought shallots for the first time in my life, and red wine vinegar, both items needed for a chicken recipe I wish to try. She is quite a cook and knows her way around the store. 

For dinner tonight, I was invited to join Nancy W. at The Club to celebrate her birthday. I totally missed it last Wednesday at trivia, but she left early due to not feeling very well. Glad she included me tonight for the pre fixe menu. Four ladies enjoyed the sirloins, plus apertif, salad, appetizer, and dessert. I had the raspberry sorbet, which was perfect at the end of the meal. 

Justin said I was carousing until all hours but I got home right around 9:00 pm. For me, that IS all hours!

A brief recap

I can't believe what's all transpired in this past week already. To recap: Thursday was Bible study and then getting all things ready for my guests who arrived late afternoon. For dinner Hal, Rosalie, and I went to The Club while Justin went to the movies to see "The Lego Movie". He absolutely loved it! 

My guests were dead on their feet so had gone to bed early (about 8:30 pm their time) and slept until 7:00 am the next morning! Justin had made the beds using his 'old' twin-sized memory foam pad on one bed plus a comforter under the sheet on the other one. Cush and cozy!

Rosalie had come back down the hall after going to her room and heard Justin and me talking in my room. She mentioned it the next day, how nice it was that we talked like that. Oh, she doesn't know the half of it!!! I very much appreciated her comment to me. 

Friday was our Grumpy's breakfast, the thunderstorm, the gathering of friends, dinner at home with Justin and me making pulled pork sandwiches, and a quiet evening. Justin was home with us Friday night. 

Saturday morning I served my guests a continental breakfast before they packed their car and left. I sent some bananas and mini-oranges along with them. Then I left for the early luncheon at Park Avenue Bistro with the church ladies. From there I drove to Baymeadows for the going away party for Schroeders, and then home to collect myself on Saturday night. Saying 'good-bye' to dear people twice in one day was just about all I could take!

In the meantime, I found a very nice thank you gift left on my desk from Hal and Rosalie, a certificate for me to eat at Grumpy's for weeks to come! I bet Justin will be sharing that with me at least once or twice!

Some more Sunday photos

These photos didn't arrive until after I posted Sunday's blog, so I can add these now. Besides recognizing the 15 years of grace, 5 kids were baptized, all associated with their pre-k program at Victory. 

Not quite tall enough to lean over the font, the kids, except the taller girl on the right in the pink dress, had to be lifted up to receive the washing. The older girl appeared to be perhaps special and reacted when the baptisms began. She clapped her hands a bit before her mom stilled her. 

When the last little girl was lifted up by her mom and baptized, Pastor wiped her face off, and handed her the cloth. She said, "Thank you..." and he said, "You are most welcome..." Even the older gentleman on the end of our row was wiping his eyes.

While those 5 little ones were received into God's family, these two people were leaving the Victory family. Pastor offered a special send off blessing for them, mentioning how the congregation was blessed to have them and how blessed their next congregation (actually the one they left 2 1/2 years ago...) will be to have them back again. Wayne and Suzanne have grown in their faith and congregation life being here, as they have attested, and I can't even imagine what good things will come from them yet in their years on earth. 

A celebratory day!

Justin and I had the privilege of attending the 15 years of God's grace at Victory Lutheran Church this a.m. As Pastor began his sermon, he asked those who were in attendance at the very first service to please stand. There were about a dozen of us at this service, plus some at the first service. 

After the service, the men got busy stacking chairs along the sides temporarily while tables were put up. Lickety split, they had it done. Justin pitched right in, and was even putting tableclothes on as they went! 

When Justin was done setting up tables and putting the table cloths on, he was enlisted by Pastor Hoyer to help him with the wine, and fill the glasses. Justin was not all that familiar with opening the wine bottles but he got the hang of it. While he did that, I went through the serving line and filled our plates with food, catered by Maggiano's!   

Fortunately Anne with her parents and sister came to sit with us where we had parked ourselves. Eventually Pastor did come to sit down but then had to get up to say a few words during the slide show presentation. Joel H. was pretty much the MC for the event, one of those who attended the first service, from Good Shepherd. Now he is quite involved in the work at this congregation!

Publix once again comes through with a lovely and tasty cake (Stephanie packed some up for me to take home!) for this celebration. Not only did cake come home with us, but also leftover ziti with cheese and Italian bread. Love it!

Fun and friends

The Ladies' Group and others gathered for an early lunch today. We had 21 people including a friend of one lady who visits every year from Milwaukee. I tried to get as many faces in the group shots as possible, using my cell phone camera. Excuse the blurriness which might appear.

 Twila, Sue, Kristin, Jean, Kathy

 Kathy, Kristi, Joyce, Betty on the left side with Twila, Ethel, Gretchen, Terri on the right side

 Betty, Ellen, Rebecca, Bonnie, Donna on the left with Terri, Judy, Jackie, Julaine, Judy, and Janet on the right

 Judy, Terri across from Joyce, Kristi, Kathy, and Jean

 Janet, Judy, Julaine, Jackie, and Judy (look at all those J's in a row!!!) and Donna

 Jean, Kathy, Kristi, Joyce, Betty and then Twila, Ethel, Gretchen, Terri, and Judy

 Judy, Terri, and Gretchen

 Betty and me!

Judy ordered the dessert! It looked and tasted amazing!

A 'friend'ly gathering!

Hal and Rosalie treated me for breakfast this morning at Grumpy's. We ate there the last time they visited me, and Hal was delighted to get his S.O.S., a real treat now that he's out of the Navy!  They served it to him, not on toast as is usually served, but at his request, on crumbed biscuits. After breakfast, they dropped me off at home, and went to go visit their former neighbor. 

While they were out and about a horrendous thunderstorm came up, causing tornadoes further to the south of us. It gave us lots and lots of rain. It was so bad that when they tried to come back home again, the street was blocked by a tree which had fallen across it. I gave them directions to go around and come into the property via a different route instead. I let my invited guests know of the fallen tree as well so they would know to come in on Milwaukee Avenue instead. 

This is one ominous looking sky!

The small group was assembled to spend some time with Rosalie and Hal, especially Joe, who was top on their list of folks to see. Gretchen was also invited but not expected once the rain began. We knew that going in!

                         

Hal and Joe talked over old times in the Navy and other stuff while the ladies chatted on the other side of the room. I did take pictures of them but they were too blurry to use---sorry!

This will do, though, with Rosalie, Carol, Joe, Judy, and me. I am standing just ahead of the chair where Joe was seated which is part of the reason why I look so much larger than the rest! It was a very nice gathering, if I do say so myself!

We won! We won!

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, The Palace team won at trivia tonight!  Whoo hoo! We broke our three month long losing streak, losing by just a few points each time we lost. And this time we won by nearly 20 points. It seems like everyone had something to bring to the table, to help us win. I was of very little help with the finale since I didn't know the names of the cities which hosted winter Olympics the last ten years...um, um, um....But, I did get my "Lutheran" card back by knowing the right answer to the Bible question!! I lost my 'card' last time by messing up on the Bible question.

Justin and I had the tapas menu for dinner, each of us having an order of chicken sliders and shared onions straws. It was a perfect-sized meal for me, and I think Justin too. Next week is the mini-buffet instead of on trivia night which was a bit much. Nancy W. was there but had to leave part way into the game as she'd been awake since 1:30 in the morning. Still having troubles with her noisy neighbor. Poor thing!

The other day Nancy sent me a text message with a picture of a swimsuit on it. My 'personal shopper' found the perfect swimsuit for me on sale at Ross For Less. She picked it up for me and came by to drop it off. She has done this before when my rice steamer quit and found a new one for me, plus once she came upon a green glass candle holder at a resale shop. I am now all set for summer, suitwise. 

Nancy stayed to chat for a while, shedding a tear or two over the heartache of her troubled son and the mess he's made with his life. He is 45 and still can't get his life together. Nancy wanted to know how to block his text messages so Justin showed her how to do it. She is full of compliments to me on what a nice young man he is, and I have to just squeeze him for being the kind of man he is, especially to me. It's so sad, this situation between her son and her, but it's his own making. Glad she can come here and talk things over with me. I count my blessings...

Just a little late....

...but finally, got my oil changed!  I had toyed with taking care of it before I left for WI in December, and now, more than half way through February, it is done. Also I had my tires rotated and new wipers installed. A person needs good, workable wipers, especially these days of heavy pollen accumulation on the cars and windows. While the car was being tended to, I enjoyed a very nice lunch next door at Aron's Pizza, having a stromboli. Even ordering the small resulted in my taking half of it to-go, which is normally how this goes. Will be good for dinner tonight!

Justin will have the remaining chicken breasts and pasta from last night's dinner while I have my stromboli. No sense in making something else when we have such tasty leftovers. He is always quite tired when he gets home from work, and might not feel like cooking. And I am certainly okay with leftovers. 

Work progresses on getting the guest room ready for our company which arrive on Thursday afternoon. I offer my assistance (i.e. nagging) to help him toward the goal but it's really best for him to take care of this himself. Besides the making of the beds, he needs to remove his excess from sight, deal with his clothing and other items that have overflowed from his room. I had truly hoped that would not happen again, but yet, it has. I need to address my excess in that room too, but it's MY room!

We have the floors mostly vacuumed but the ktichen will need it once again because he carries stuff in on his shoes every day. That's okay, he cleans it up by sweeping it right out the door! I will take care of the dusting when it's closer to the Brazee's arrival as the jack hammering and pollen undo the dusting if done too far ahead. I am so excited for them to get here!

A welcome change

Last April, early in the month, work began on our sundeck/terrace here on the building. Plans were to have the project wrapped up by the 4th of July. As of today, the project yet continues. Ugh! Right now, we are all being seranaded by the sounds of hammer drills and grinders yet again, removing several dozen of the tiles laid only a few months ago. A problem with standing water remains after assurances that the situations would be resolved, so now, tear it up and adjust the slope. My sympathies to those who live on the second floor, having to go through this mess even longer.

The good news is that the weather is allowing for the workmen to remain on the task, not being run off by rain. The sun has returned, though our mornings start with cooler temps, it warms nicely by afternoon. As long as it stays dry, tile men and landscape crews can do their work!

My coat on the model in Kusadasi, Turkey

I had to chuckle at church yesterday, as I came with my coat on, the temps in the 40's that morning. A young girl of the congregation, not yet confirmation class age, was wearing a strapless dress, sort of like one would wear to a school dance, and me, all bundled up. I wore my ruby red blouse that my mom got me for Christmas several years ago in addition to my coat, and appreciated having the layers. I did see others dressed for summer too, including a man who came to church in shorts, sandals, and a floral shirt! Such is our Florida weather! 

Judy C. was in Charleston for the weekend so we went to Chili's without her. At first Betty thought she would miss it because she was asked to serve cake for the baptism reception after church. But, as Justin so kindly informed me, the mess was cleaned up and all put away, with everyone else waiting for me to finish up my meeting with Carol about the exterior paint colors. Well! These things take time!

Justin is planning to make our dinner tonight, using some chicken breasts we got at Winn Dixie the other day (I did go back to get another of those pork roasts). He is coating them with an egg, crumb, and cheese mixture, with a pasta 'n sauce side dish. 

Justin had off from work today and seems to be making some forward progress in his room, getting things straightened away. He half killed himself with the fumes from the foaming bubbles in his bathroom, as I "encouraged" him to spray it all down. Phew, what a strong smell! I asked him the other day how things were coming in the guest room, and he told me that he is 60% ready for our company to come. Oh, I would like that to be 100% ready, but he still has Wednesday to finish the job. Always by the skin of his teeth with these projects!!!

Lots of talking

I have a sore throat from all the talking. One conversation on the phone lasted nearly two hours while I mostly listened! My friend from church had much to discuss, as together we serve on the building committee. She is full of ideas and thoughts, bounced them off me. Boy, I sure do wish we had unlimited resources to do the things we have ideas for our project!

I have also been talking with family, often with my fingers instead of my voice, since my auntie died. There are details and such needing to be determined yet, but sadly, I won't be able to make it to her service. My schedule and pending house guests just don't allow for it, especially with my trip coming up in March. 

I don't actually have a sore throat but it is scratchy and I am clearing it regularly. Today in worship I had trouble singing, sounded rather croaky. We had a houseful of visitors, too, with a baptism. The highlight, other than having both sacraments today, was a couple visiting from WI with Manitowoc roots. The woman was in high school with my older sister and the husband was the son of the former pastor at Bethany Lutheran. Small world in the WELS! It was great chatting with them. They enjoyed our winter weather and were bracing for their drive back up to the Appleton area. "Pam" said they always to come to churches early when they travel because her husband likes to talk to people beforehand. Sounds familiar!! Such nice folks, I am glad to have had the time to visit with them before and after worship!

Sad news today

This evening Justin and I dined in, having pizza delivered from Papa Johns. He had a coupon for a heart-shaped pepperoni pizza and a cookie pizza for $15---a good deal!  We watched a couple episodes of "Last Man Standing" while we ate. One slice of pizza left and two wedges of chocolate chip cookie. I am stuffed!

While Justin and I cleared away the dishes and got the kitchen tidied up, I was telling him about my Auntie Marie. She was recently moved into Shady Lane Home after having a fall in her home. This morning I was contacted  by my cousin reporting that now Auntie had fluid on her lungs and didn't want any further intervention. She was done. 

While I was talking to him about it, my phone went off. It was my sister, Lynn, calling to let me know that my auntie had passed away. Fortunately Mom had gotten to Shady Lane in time to see her, and she passed away later in the day. I am so very sad. I had just this afternoon printed off a couple photos for Auntie and written a card to her. Still on my kitchen counter to be mailed...I loved my auntie and feel badly for her kids and for my mommy, who has lost her last sibling. Heaven is richer for it, but my heart is heavy at the loss.

These are the two pictures I printed off and enclosed in my card to Auntie. Now I will send them to Barbie (on the left in the lower photo), Auntie's only daughter. Top photo is 2008 and the lower one is 2011, both at Christmas.

A crazy busy month

I guess it's not a crazy busy month but more like the next couple of weeks. Dee invited me to attend an art reception at the Thrasher-Horne Center celebrating the local artists represented in the gallery over the past 25 years. Dee Roberts was one of those artists who had an entire show of her work, so she asked me to be part of her "plus two" group. It is an honor to be part of this event, with her. She is taking her little group to dinner at Koko's afterward and then to her house for dessert. I look forward to this tonight!

My friends, Hal and Rosalie, are coming to town next week and will be staying two nights with us. Their daughter is treating them to the Daytona 500 which is next weekend. They are flying into Orlando, driving up here to visit, and then driving down to Daytona on Saturday morning. They have a couple requests on their list of things to do: see Joe Z. and eat at Grumpy's!! Cool beans! I am having some people over on Friday afternoon to spend time with them, as I did a couple years ago when they were in town. Mainly they want to see Joe, and the rest will be icing on the cake.

Saturday morning, they are leaving here and I will be going to Park Avenue Bistro (formerly Honey B's which was owned by former owners of The Sister's Tea Room). Park Avenue is owned by the former owners of David's Restaurant, which is now Grumpy's. Get it??? I ate lunch there with Kathy H. on Wednesday and it was good. I hope the church ladies are all satisfied with their meals and such, as many of them will remember how David's was known for its salad plate. That starts at 11:00 a.m. 

THEN, from there, I am heading to Baymeadows area for a going away party for our friends who are moving back to Green Bay after 2 1/2 years in Jax. Suzanne just lost her mother this week, too, who was in Hospice care in Green Bay. I have not heard that the party is cancelled yet, as details are pending. I had offered to bring fruit on a stick to the party but then realized that it would be tight making it from one event to the other in time to get my fruit there, if they were eating right away. Rita, who is in charge and hostess for the party, told me to not worry about my fruit, just come to the party when I can, because Wayne and Suzanne want me there, not necessarily my fruit!

The next day, Sunday, is the anniversary of the first service at Victory. Justin and I were there for the first service as was my mom, former spouse who also ushered, and Timmy. I remember there being wheels on the chairs in the room in which we worshiped at UNF, and nothing says 'church' like a kid on wheels! Anyway, we are going for the worship and the meal afterward, being catered by Maggiano's Italian Restaurant. 

During the week I have a Republican Women's Meeting at The Club, a luncheon meeting. Then, on Friday, Justin and I are invited to a surprise birthday party for Nancy M. Her hubby, Bill, asked me to contact a few people to go to Koko's. One couple he asked me to invite are not able to make it so I will ask him if he would like me to invite someone else. Nancy W. and Bob will be there, too. There is only room for two more people at the hibachi table so he might be okay with just the six of us. I am so glad they like the place, as we dined there within the month for Bob's birthday and they loved it. Justin and I ate dinner there on Monday night, and I am going again tonight with Dee and Julia, which means I must love it, too!

March begins a flurry of activity as well with the Martin Luther College choir coming to sing at Christ the King, in Palm Coast. Judy C. and I are going for sure, and I am not sure who else is interested in attending. Guess I will drive for that event. The LWMS Spring Rally being held in Gainesville on the 8th. Judy is driving to that and it looks like we might have a nice size group going. 

On the 10th of March I am flying up to WI yet again to attend a women's retreat with Linda in Oshkosh. Two years ago we watched the recorded sessions of this retreat where Prof. Deutschlander presented on his book "The Theology of the Cross". We sat in Linda's living room with the laptop playing the session. Linda and I found ourselves making the exact same sounds at the same places as the ladies in the room, which was so funny to us. When she heard he was coming back this year, and told me, we just had to go! 

I will be in Manitowoc/Oshkosh for two weeks this time, a shorter visit, as I am returning in July at attend the Worship Conference. Judy C. will be accompanying me, or I her, to the Worship Conference, and we will likely travel together. My guess is we fly into Chicago and get transportation from there, or perhaps even to MKE. I will ask around to see if someone from Manty can give me a ride home to Manitowoc when the time comes. Much like I did in 2011 when the Conference was held in MN. I got a ride to Judy R.'s house in Winona and then my sister, Lori, who lived just across the river, came to pick me up!!

But, that is July, and I have time before then. I will have to rest up after my busy end of the month of February, and brace myself for traveling to frigid WI yet again. At least Mom's house is cozy warm and I will get to see her and my peeps again. My sister, Lori, mentioned she might come over to Manty when I am there,which will be awesome. Mom is still eating some of the meals I froze during my last visit, so I can make some more stuff when visiting in March. I will have to come up with some new recipes, though Mom really liked the stuff I made this last time. Perhaps that pork tenderloin Justin made for us this week would be good, but so good, we might eat it up right away!

A welcome change

A day that began cold and damp ended up being rather pleasant, at least inside it was. This morning I left home about 10:15  to catch my ride to a political meeting being held downtown. A lady who will become a friend offered a ride to me since I was/am reluctant to drive around the area where the meeting is being held. I must be getting old or something---I don't trust my abilities to navigate the twists and turns of the south riverbank. I just don't like it!

My driver, whom I will call Francis, lives on the property and I made it easier for her to find me by walking over to The Club. She said to look for her brown Oldsmobile (ahem, it was a Chevrolet!). I was at first concerned but found I need not be, as she monthly makes this trip to attend the meeting of this group, belonging to both Clay and Duval Federations. At the registration table, four ladies were in place to get us signed in and paid for. As this one lady searched her sheets for my name, another from the end of the table called out to me. When I looked up, surprised, she said, "See? I told you I'd remember you!"  I had met her at Orien's funeral reception and she had arranged my reservation.

We got there early and found a place to sit, using a banquet room double what they usually use. Before I left, Justin encouraged me to take a can of soda along in my purse, "just in case", and I am so glad I did. A nice waiter brought me a glass with ice in it so I didn't deface the beautifully dressed table with my soda can. The meetings held at The Club allow me to have Diet Coke (membership has its privileges!) but this place, being a hotel, did not offer alternatives to the water, coffee, and iced tea. 

The speakers were the big draw for this meeting, attracting many more people than a normal meeting. Unfortunately, the speakers were stuck in Philadelphia, having had three flights cancelled on them, no one willing to rent them a car (fear of having them banged up or abandoned on the freeways), and no train service to get them to FL. 

The good news was that they were able to send their slide presentation and notes via the Internet. There was a man in the group who has written extensively on this subject as well ("What Really Happened in Benghazi" was the subject matter) who stepped up to read their notes, pronounce the difficult names and cities, and offer his insights into the discussion. 

While I tried to absorb as much information as was presented, it was a struggle to soak it all in. I would have loved to have some handouts but that was not provided to us. Several people running for office from our area were there, many of whom were retired military folks, and to a person spoke of the mixture of emotions that flowed when listening to this presentation. 

The woman that I am helping to get signatures for, Glo Smith, was there, and even remembered me from the meeting where she spoke at our group last month. How cool is that? When introduced, she nearly got a standing ovation as she is going head to head against a very difficult incumbant who really needs to go! 

My driver, Francis, was quite an interesting lady. She had served years ago in the State legislature in the same seat that Travis now occupies. She is no stranger to the sausage-making in politics, and has a long history in the political arena. The woman who was originally to give me a ride, Judy, said that this lady would be a delight to get to know, and she was right! I love getting acquainted with more of my neighbors, even though they are on the "other" side of the property!  And, we drove home in the sunshine, which was most, most welcome!

Well fed

A couple of weeks ago I saw a recipe online for what looked like a marvelous way to make a pork tenderloin. I sent the recipe to Justin for his reference and he decided to make it for dinner tonight. He asked me to make escalloped potatoes which I did, and added cheese to them for good measure. After he got home from work this afternoon, he showered and then went over to Winn Dixie to get the pork. He came back with a wonderful pork butt at a great price (tempted to go back over to get some more!) and some steaks, which were on sale for St. Valentine's Day. Nice!

The recipe called for red wine so got that as well, and used our Pampered Chef apple slicer to make his onion petals. Very clever idea, if I do say so myself! He still cried while cutting them up, but when I cut up onions for the potatoes, they didn't bother me at all. Marlena came into the kitchen and saw me cutting up potatoes, and stopped dead in her tracks. Something she has never seen before was me at the counter, preparing food! 

Because I had a building committee meeting at church tonight, we knew we would eating much later than usual, which was fine for the pork. He used the slow cooker roaster but in the oven. The base for the original slow cooker has ceased working but it's nice to have an extra casserole for just such occasions. The house smelled great when I came in after the meeting. All things were ready for me to just sit down at the table and eat!

 This is the pork roast, prepared with red wine and onion petals

The escalloped potatoes with cheese over the top

Oh, good! More rain!

Wakening once again to falling rain. I know it could be worse, we could be shoveling or having to scrape our windows, but really, this rain and gloomy skies and cold is getting to be too much!  Or, just enough. It's hard to believe that areas of the nation are experiencing a serious drought while others are in the throes of terrible winter weather including ice and snow. 

One of my friends from Victory who moved to SC a year or so ago spent nearly 8 hours without electricity, which also means heat. Her co-workers were coming to the hospital where they are on staff to shower in order to be ready to go to work. Some people have been without power for a couple of days already, just miserable. And I am murmuring because it's cold and rainy outside while I am warm and snug inside. But my boy has to work out in this junk and I feel badly for him.

           

It seems we are never short of anything to murmur about and don't take the time to consider the suffering others are actually enduring. I was grumbling to my friend about my dusting lady, scheduled first to come on Monday afternoon, then changed it to today, and now changed to tomorrow. I can set my watch by her not keeping her appointed scheduled. She seems to be do okay at her regular job but the side jobs, not so much. She has the sizable task of dusting in my room, which includes use of a ladder and dusting tools. She is lithe and spry, even though she is older than am I. It's been a while since this room was tackled and when I see cobwebs between my frames, it's time to call in Lithe and Spry!!

An off day

My entire day is thrown off because we didn't have Bible study this a.m. In the summer I know what to do with the 'free' time in the schedule but in the winter, I am at a loss! Somehow I did use the time but not the way I wished to. Justin asked me to do a favor for him and take a package to the Mailbox Store for him, so I did that. While there I got several books of stamps (no rolls available) plus sent a little something to my sister in Oshkosh. After I got the price for mailing this rather insignificant present to her, I'd have been better off waiting to just hand it to her in person next month when I am there! Wow, postage!!!

While I was out and about, I was able to take advantage of the 'special' deal at McDonald's for Mondays. Three days a week they are running deals with today's being buy one, get one for Big Macs and/or Quarter Pounders with Cheese. I was able to mix and match, taking one of each! Something else is bo/go on Wednesdays and then on Friday is bo/go for the Filet O'Fish sandwiches, which I really like. We shall see if I take advantage of that deal.

Instead of having Longhorn or Dairy Queen for lunch, my usual Monday fare, I had a Big Mac for my lunch. Such a mess! I had lettuce all over my desk, as hard as I tried to keep it under control. It's a tasty treat every now and again. I left the other sandwich for Justin if he wishes to have it another time. Or, for my lunch tomorrow! 

When he came home, I had just gotten seated at my desk, in the dark and watching Fox News. He pulled my doors open and waved a menu from Ming Moon at me. Since I had been feeling rather dreary all day, that did not really appeal to me, but when he suggested we go to Koko's instead, I was suddenly sprung to life! We went Dutch treat as he likes to order sushi alongside his meal, and we bring our bountiful leftovers home. For me, it could be a couple more meals, but he can tackle his leftovers for breakfast!  

We sat with a family of 5, celebrating one of the sons getting his driver's license. Justin was not impressed with the dad, being more observant of behavior than I was. He found him grumpy and domineering, especially to one son. It turned out the two boys were twins but only one of the got the license. It is interesting to share a table and a meal with strangers, to watch the dynamics (I do pay attention sometimes). At one point four of the five in their group had their phones out, but not for very long. I know phones have more than one purpose than making calls and do my own "check ins" when I get somewhere, but don't use the phone in lieu of conversation. 

So, anyway, we had a nice meal and then came home. Both of us were tired, each still at battle with the head colds and coughs. I had napped in the afternoon which made me feel fuzzy headed the rest of the day. Going to bed early was not a punishment for me!

Advent photos

Today my friend, Ed, downloaded all the photos taken two months ago at Victory's Ladies' Advent Service. The young lady who was the photographer ran into problems downloading so Ed helped her out. Interestingly, I ran into a similar problem this past week and even had Justin pick up a new card reader for me, before getting my old one to work. Must be something in the air!

Here am I seated next to my table hostess, Erica. At the end of the table is Cathy F. with whom I sat several years ago at another Ladies' Advent Service! I had Diet Coke in my glass while the others had water or tea.

Here is a fuzzy photograph of Lucy H. and me at the table, with Stephanie standing behind me at the coffee center. Lucy just loves "my son" as she always refers to him.

Erica and Stephanie posing together

Friday night Nancy W. had another friend and I over for dinner, and I just loved her placemats and glassware! 

I am a menace!

At least my jewelry is...oh, my goodness! I told Linda the other day how I am snagging my new comforter and throw pillows repeatedly with my rings and bracelets. In the three weeks since I've had the comforter on the bed I have already had to use my nail clippers to snip off the longer threads. How sad this is, my nice comforter being shredded every time I move my hands!

I guess if I simply used the laptop which is on my desk this wouldn't happen, but since I am half the time in or on my bed, snagging it is! The clasp on my necklace catches on the pillow used to prop my head up when I incline (or my head goes between the bars on the headboard---not good!). If you recall the time I had my skin tags and beauty marks removed at the doctor, that no matter who tried---me, Justin, the nurse, or the doctor---could not get the clasp open on the necklace. It had too much thread from my pillows wrapped around it, impossible to free it. That is, until I got to the dentist the day after and Yvonne, the dental assistant, would not rest until she got the threads snipped and pulled off. She then cleaned the necklace in the sterilization equipment! Now, I am loading the clasp all up again.