Been to the 'burg!

At the food event at The Club the other night I was given discount cards for Bono's BBQ---one for a free appetizer and one for money off a certain dollar amount spent. I got a set for my friend, Jacquie, too, since she has a brand new Bono's in her community, Middleburg. And, I had to deliver them to her, right? Off I went to have lunch with Jacquie on Turkey Tuesday at Bono's! We could only use one coupon per table so it was free corn nuggets for us, and that's it. I'll have to use the other coupon another time. 

We had a great visit over our lunches, and beyond! I had a ton of leftovers to bring home, too, including mac 'n cheese and green beans. We can talk for hours, something we both enjoy. I was a tad late arriving because I was waiting for the dryer to get done in order to rescue a couple of Justin's shirts. Wanted to get them on the hanger before they wrinkled. I had spent the evening before folding several baskets of his clothes for him and putting stuff on hangers but these shirts needed a do-over, which I gave them in the morning. One came out just as bad as it went in, and Justin said that he doesn't even remember the last time he wore the shirt so it's not like he will miss it. Might have to put it in the clothes donation stack...This subject made for some interesting conversations at the table at Bono's in the 'burg!!

I failed to mention my delightful evening at Erica's graduation party on Friday night. I had a white knuckle ride over the Buckmann at rush hour but really didn't have a reason to be as apprehensive as I felt. The bulk of the traffic is going the other way but it seemed like the right thing to do---hang on for dear life! I wanted to make sure I got there early enough to get a good place to park since they live in a cul de sac with few spaces. I did it!

Stephanie, Erica, and Jean, her grandma, at my house for dinner

It was so nice to meet, at last, Erica's boyfriend, Brett, as well as her aunties, Stephanie's sisters. Stacy lives here in FL and her other sister, Sherry, flew down with her mom, Jean, from Janesville, for the big event. One of the girls had made frosted sugar cookies so I was in my happy place for sure. It was great to be in the midst of my Victory friends again besides celebrating Erica's college graduation. Now she will be looking for work in her field of marketing or public relations. I wish her all the best! 

Jean, her grandma, used to work for Parker Pens and gave me a lovely pen when she was here at Christmas. This time she brought a pen for Justin. It is a fine pen in every sense of the world, vanishing into his giant hand like a tooth pick. I told him to put it someplace safe because that was a really nice writing instrument and a thoughtful gift she gave him. She thinks the world of him, was telling her daughters how smart he is. Justin has a fan club!

Good grief

Monday's Bible study of helping people (and ourselves) deal with death and dying has wrapped up. I enjoyed this, my type of topic, and would probably have gotten more from it had been not so start/stop. Early on in the study, an assignment was to write what we would say to 'Eunice' at this certain point in her life, as she was facing her illness. We were invited, then, to share what we wrote. The following Sunday, dear Fran came up to me saying she liked so much what I wrote in class that if that ever happened to her, she wanted me to read this to her at the bedside. This was so touching to me and I assured her I would be there if she needed me. 

At the end of the class, we sat around talking a little bit. I had made a short list of things to bring up regarding grief and loss. In discussing the use of cremation increasing in popularity, I mentioned how Pastor H. laments the replacement of a 'good, Lutheran funeral' with memorial services at the funeral home or even less when a loved one dies. I shared how my brother-in-law, Harvey, remarked, upon getting home from Timmy's visitation, how Pastor Prange had made him feel almost 'happy' with his closing devotion done there. Harvey had never experienced this before. The receiving line for the visitation was extremely long, and we went about an hour and a half over the scheduled time. Donna reminded that the cortege to the cemetery was just as long! 

Kristi mentioned her favorite memory of Timmy is him wearing a birthday hat to church. She said she smiles every time she thinks of it. This would have been after my birthday, just a few weeks before he died. Oh, how I enjoy these stories! 

Another story I told was how Cindy, his former Sunday school teacher and preschool teacher, would call me and say, "I need a pity party". We would go to the cemetery with a picnic lunch and just do what friends do---eat, laugh, and cry. The reason I brought this up was to point out how the tears are often for ourselves, not for the one enjoying the bliss of heaven. That is where the "loss" comes in with dealing with grief and loss. Tears are not to be avoided, they are as natural a response, built into us by the Creator, as is laughter. 

Before the class wrapped up Judy's phone went off. The A/C man was on the way to her house and she had to go meet him. A group of us, 7 ladies, went to eat at Longhorn for lunch. The chicken tenders were wonderful and Betty so nicely ate my salad as her meal. We have a good arrangement between us, my designated salad eater! It felt so good to get outside again to warm up...this place is always cold, and yet, we keep going back!

Soon our class will be over for the summer and we won't have these opportunities to hang out together on Mondays, unless we make it happen. The next study we are beginning is about The Heart of Jesus, from the book of Luke, looking at the women who were His followers. A good way to wrap up before summer comes...

Going to Texas more often!

Backtracking just a bit---last Tuesday I attended the event at The Club, a fundraiser sponsored by the Rotary Club where area restaurants and vendors shared their goods with us. Not normally a rib eater, I had trouble passing up the grilled (yes, made on site!) ribs provided by Texas Roadhouse. Oh my! Talk about 'fall off the bone' good! As I sat on the sundeck with my neighbors on Saturday night, I told them how I wanted to go there to eat after having had those ribs, and all agreed how delicious they were. For some reason, that restaurant is not on our list of places to go. Well, Justin and I headed off to Texas Roadhouse that night!

We had a short wait, arriving at 7:30, but it was worth the wait. I told the hostess how I had enjoyed some ribs at the event on Tuesday and that was why we came in tonight. Pretty soon the manager of the place stopped at the table, having been told that I was at the function Tuesday night. He said he was there doing the cooking but he didn't remember me, his excuse being there were 100's of people. Okay, I'll give him that. 

Justin and I enjoyed our meals, shared a 'cactus blossom', half of it, for our appetizer. I brought home 3/4 of my half rack of ribs, all my sweet potato and all my corn. Justin had half his steak left, enough for another meal plus a sandwich from the leftovers!  I recommend this place...and I must not be the only one who loves it because people were still coming in the door, even with kids, at 9:00 pm when we left!

Gretchen's special day

Justin and I rode to church together again, with him dropping me off for Bible study, and then going for coffee and a bite. We are soon wrapping up the Bible study based on the movie "Come Follow Me" which is put out by our Synod. Everyone in the congregation got a copy of the movie, but, since I didn't know that, I had already bought my own. Good things come to those who wait...

Today for worship, Janet played the organ for the hymns. Oh, how nice that is! We are going to get so spoiled between her playing and Kathy R.'s playing for us. Janet added some 'dynamics' to the hymns, not as dramatically as can be done on the pipe organ at FG, but she found a way. I am so thankful for this! 

One of our members serves at the submarine base in GA, while his wife and daughters live in New Ulm, MN. Periodically Ann comes down for a visit, and when not in school, the girls can join them. Corey goes out on deployment for periods at a time so it made sense for the family to stay behind and finish school. Anyway, Ann has a wonderful voice and sings harmony on the hymns, which adds much to my personal appreciation of them. She is a 2nd cousin to my young friend, Naomi, a student in New Ulm. Small world!

Gretchen and Terri T.

After church, a whole gang of us went to lunch at Sam's St. Johns Seafood where Gretchen likes to go. She doesn't like to go to Chili's so when she joins us, she gets to pick! Two days ago Gretchen celebrated her 88th birthday. She likes to mention how the Queen of England and she are just days apart in their birthday. She tears me up! Terri T. had called her to do something that day but Gretchen's niece and nephew beat her to the punch. So we celebrated today with the church bunch. 

From left is Mike S., Betty, me, Justin, Kristin, then Sue, Judy C., Gretchen, Terri T., Michael, and Jacob. We have all age groups represented for Miss Gretchen!

Before we'd headed to eat, though, Meghan and I went to the classroom building to have her try on the wedding dress. It was huge on her---not around the middle but up top. Oh oh...Bonnie's granddaughter, Alicea, tried on my dress and we figured with some pins, she's a go. I feel so badly for Meghan, though, because she would have loved to wear a gown. She wondered aloud if she could wear her mom's dress and we all said, "Yes!, if it fits you!" We mentioned it to her dad, waiting outside, and he was doubtful about that, but will ask Michele when she gets home from work. 

As we pulled onto the property after lunch, I spotted my friends sitting at the pool. Justin knew I would go flying out there to join them, but not in my swimsuit. Quickly I changed my clothes and grabbed a partial 12 pack of Diet Coke to share, since the cabana is not open yet. The water is too cold yet for me but Mo was in the water and Bill had dived in a couple of times. The sun feels awesome and the company is great. Mo had her computer along to do some work while seated poolside...As a teacher, her work is never done. I think three of her kids were with her, one of whom did a food run to Wendy's for the family. Mo has 8 kids, and my utmost admiration! Lee moved away last fall, and today her absence was felt profoundly by me, as the pool season gets underway. She really liked the cooler water and cooler temps. Mo and I might go to eat once more at Santioni's before summer is in full bloom, and drink a toast to Lee, our absent friend.

More wedding preparations

This might a bit misleading but it sure feels more like getting ready for a wedding than for a Mother-Daughter event at my church. The theme this year is Weddings, and the ladies are bringing their wedding dresses/gowns and other treasures to church to match up dresses and models, etc. Not many, if any, can wear their own gowns, but some can wear other people's gowns! In one case, a mom is wearing her daughter's gown...

Justin and his friend, Jesse, had plans to go eat endless wings at Golden Corral for lunch, and he wanted to borrow my car to do this. He took me to church and then swung by to pick up his friend. I got there at the right time, able to help Jayne carry in some stuff from her car, china and other serving dishes, and baby food jars. What?

The group gathered in the back classroom where all the dresses and such were being stored, mine being one of the first items dropped off, since I was there on Monday. Laurie brought not only her wedding album but several from her grandparent's 50th anniversary party which I had attended. I think most of the congregation was there, in fact. The year that event took place evades me but in the photos, Cliff is still carrying Robbie. Perhaps the very late 80's or early 90's?? The albums show group shots of the tables where I could see people who have left us for heaven or for other reasons. Probably a good thing I took this sneak peek and got it out of my system before next week!

Half of the committee working on this event consists of teachers and they have the best ideas for everything. The baby food jars were for presenting each attendee some 'scrub' to take home---their parting gift! I offered to help but had no idea what I was getting into. Laurie and Jayne mixed up their concoctions which looked vile, and poured them into the jars. Some were mixed with coffee grounds, oil, sugar, extract, but not all in the same jar. When I asked what it was, Tamara told me it was scrub. What in the world is that? I figured it was recipe ingredients (like cookie ingredients in a jar) but nope, it's for cleansing skin! 

We had four different labels for the jars, which was my job to affix to the lids, and then Jean and I started out the job of taping a little wooden paddle, like for eating ice cream from a Dixie cups, to each jar. Then, we had to cut ribbon to tie around the neck of the jar. Terri T. came in a bit late with some little silver 'rings' so we untied our finished jars and added a ring to those jars as well. Both Terri and I agreed that the scrub is a lovely idea but no way can we reach our feet! I told the ladies I would pour it on the floor on my shower and rub around on it that way. I heard lots of "Oh, Kimmer!!"  I guess I need a servant to scrub my feet for me!

My 'honorary' daughter, Laurie, and my friend, Judy C. at 2013's Mother/Daughter event.

Tina N. came in with her dress in a giant box. As she lifted off the cover, the gown almost pushing the lid off, it exploded in white fluff. I have never seen a gown like that in real life. Absolutely gorgeous, so much so that I cannot successfully describe it, other than to compare it to the one in "My Big, Fat Greek Wedding". The dress alone was remarkable, but in the box was more yet---the mesh skirt portion that made it poof out. Like a Cinderella dress! I hope the ladies can find someone to model that one because I fear the hanger alone would not do it justice. It is wow!

Lynn K., our pastor's wife, on the committe, was able to fit into three of the dresses people had brought in. That means three wardrobe changes for her alone. I have a young lady in mind to wear my dress but she won't be available to try it on until tomorrow. Her mom can't make it for the event, so if Meghan can wear the dress, she will be my honorary daughter for the day. Our last Mother/Daughter event had Laurie as my honorary daughter, so I am cool with this!

Sunflowers galore!

The other day on Facebook someone commented about sharing my fondness for sunflowers. I offered to take pictures of what I have in my house. Today I went around with my camera and took pictures of my sunflower decorator items and memorabilia, to share. 

 This piece is the one that started the entire conversation about sunflowers, when I took Timmy's piece in to be photographed and framed at Great Hang Ups. 

 An early art piece of Justin's, before he perfected his letters. Dee expertly cut the mats to the shape of the flowers

 This piece was painted by Justin in 2001. Because it was so good, his teacher wanted to use it in an auction to raise money after the terror attacks of 9/11. We left the choice up to Justin as to whether to keep it or auction it off. He chose to keep it because "Timmy loved sunflowers..."

 My front door wreath

 Here is the new blue vase from Nancy W. with my sunflower bouquet, perched on my sunflower bird bath in the foyer

This window pane artwork was purchased on a fun outing with Brenda N. at Volano Beach

My entire collection is not shown here, but a good portion of my sunflower pieces made the cut.

A real whirlwind of a day

It was no surprise today was going to be a full one but yet, it leaves me spinning. My ride over to Victory went smoothly, the traffic not too heavy, so I could talk with Mom without much problem. We had a good chat, me filling her in my 'new' friends found on Facebook, with Manitowoc ties, etc.

Class was very good, except for the fact that I took my mini-muffins, napkins, and purse with me, but left my class materials behind on the counter. Pastor H. made a copy of today's page for me and some of the info I had written down the day before came back to me as we discussed Isaiah 25. Like Pastor said, it is a perfect portion of Scripture for Easter. "Death is swallowed up..." and "...this is the Lord...rejoice in His salvation." Yes, made to order just for Easter!

On my ride back home, I had a scheduled phone call with a young man, son of my home congregation, who wanted to talk with me about Orange Park and Jacksonville. His wife and he are considering moving up here from S. Florida and wanted to know about OP. I explained to Brandon that OP was where I raised my family and have made this my home. Since I have been out of the business for a long time, I wasn't able to give solid advice on the real estate market, availability of employment in the building industry, etc. or paralegals. 

I could answer about the difference between OP and JAX as far as real estate taxes go, plus answered other questions he had. They have a son who is a toddler or just a bit older than that, not quite ready for school. Sadly, I wasn't able to offer him much help as regards available Lutheran schools, other than our 3-5 year olds preschool. I could tell him about St. Johns CDS and do know about other Christian schools in the area, but they are not WELS. Told him about the facilities and growth in Palm Coast (some salesperson for OP I turned out to be!). We were told when moving down here from WI that our church was planning to start a school, but so far we've only gotten to preschool in my 25 years here.

Once I was home, I grabbed a quick bite to eat before my friend, Carol, was coming over. We have some meetings coming up and we had things to go over, plus she enjoys coming here for a 'vacation'. By the time she left, I had a stack of four hymnals on the table, including my aunt's confirmation hymnal with no musical notes included. The breeze was nice through my open doors and Italian music on the CD player...nice!

She left before Justin got home from work, unlike yesterday's marathon session when J. was here to greet him. His plans at first were to go to the pool hall with his boss and co-worker before going to his friend's birthday celebration. Those plans changed, however, and he was going to be home for dinner. We had decided to just forage on our own---that was until I got a phone call from Judy C., asking me to dinner. Since Justin was going to use my car to go to Ron's, Judy came to pick me up. 

We had to back track at bit (or she did, really) because we ate at Sonny's BBQ. We had a good dinner and a great visit, with me bringing home a full box of leftovers. Since Justin had eaten a meatloaf sandwich for dinner, he was not interested in those goodies in my box. Though Justin was quite weary, he was still going to Mandarin to go bowling. Oh, to be young!

All this visiting and time away from my desk has not been helpful so I must buckle down tomorrow and get something accomplished. That is, after the window washers are done. Justin and I took everything away from the windows in the living room and my room to keep the area free for washing. Looking very much forward to my fresh, clean outloook on life---on the river!

No Happy Hour for me

I decided to stay home tonight and just hang out with Justin. He got in late afternoon, while my friend was still here so he got to greet her. It had been a long time since they saw each other but he was too filthy to hug anyone. 

For dinner we dined on leftovers, as I had made a wonderful meatloaf for his dinner last night. To make the meatloaf, the first one in ages and ages, was to mix the hamburger with half a package of Stove Top stuffing, two eggs, a little water and then put it in a loaf pan. Over the top I put some bacon strips and ketchup. Turned out perfectly! Not as good as Mom's or as good as Cracker Barrel's but it was the best I've ever made. Next time, I am adding pickle juice to jazz it up!

I had met my friend for lunch at Grumpy's, where I have nearly exhausted my gift certificate from Rosalie and Hal. Only $2.50 left on it, enough for a soda! Then my friend, J, and I went for a car ride, showing her the area. The rest of the time was spent sitting in my river room, catching up and looking at my scrapbooks, etc. I can't imagine where the time went! I got nothing done desk-wise so will have some catching up to do tomorrow!

Speaking of tomorrow, I already have a full day. First I have Bible study at Victory (did my homework tonight!), and then a phone call to make on the ride home. Then, my friend, Carol, is coming over so she can have a little 'vacation' in the river room. We have some meetings coming up for which we (I) need to prepare so this should be quite interesting. I am ready!

A couple things have happened in recent weeks via Facebook, like finding long-lost friends and making new ones. One site I am a 'member' of concerns all things Manitowoc. From that site I have become friends with two ladies from my home town. One had mentioned taking her mom to Easter worship at my home church. That opened a door for me to get to know her and hear her story, etc. Another lady has done a family tree on my mother-in-law's side of the family, which even includes me! She has, I think, 3500 names on the tree, which is amazing to consider. It has to be quite the growth if I made the list! I very much enjoy chit-chatting with these ladies, plus with my old friend, and it's no wonder I get nothing done on my desk!

Food galore!

This evening was spent with hundreds of my closest friends (well, truthfully, I didn't know half of them!) at a fund-raiser event at The Club. Nancy W. went with me on this glorious night. Nice and clear, warm, not too many bugs...There were tables on the lawn and patios as far as the eye could see, covered in white table cloths. The event was called Gourmet Night where area restaurants and vendors were set up inside The Club and around the patio with their fares for us to sample. Additionally, inside, there were silent auction items available for bidding. Neither Nancy nor I bid on anything but there were some very interesting items on the tables.

I actually did know some of those attending since the fund-raiser was sponsored by the Rotary Club for Lighthouse Learning Center. Many of my neighbors were there plus other Club members, but I wanted to make friends with the people with their food displays. I can begin to mention names of restaurants, sure to leave out important ones but here goes: La Nopalera, Texas Roadhouse, McDonalds, Ramirez, The Pie House, Carrabba's, the Hilltop, The Club (of course!), Allegro, plus about 20 more places. Nancy did better with sampling than I did because she could walk and eat while I had to sit down. Too hard to juggle ribs and carry a Diet Coke at the same time!

He had on skinny suit pants...interesting! See The Palace behind him?

Nancy and I finished the evening on the back patio, sitting near the crooner musician (sort of like Tony Bennett or Michael Buble) who sang into an old-fashioned microphone. He was very good, not too loud which means I am not too old! After the singer stopped, the vendors were wheeling their equipment and supplies away, and below us, on the grounds, the Junior ROTC gang was noisily folding up tables and chairs. Nancy said, "I guess they are trying to tell us something..." and we got up to leave. Hated to, though, as we were having such a good visit, complete with eye-dabbing. I DO know how to have a party!

"I order extra MSG..."

Another line of Kramer's (Seinfeld reference) when ordering Chinese food that Justin and I like to use after eating at Koko's. We went there for dinner tonight just because I had a hankering for some fried rice. When we walked in, we were warmly welcomed (lots of w's in this sentence!). The owner, wife of Huong, my favorite chef from the old days, asked us if we had a nice Easter and I said that we sure did, and asked about their celebration. She told us rather excitedly about how special Easter is, about Jesus. This was very cool to know!

Justin ordered sushi only but I had the food from the grille for my dinner. The way the chefs slice the chicken is such a great improvement over the 'old' way of using chunks. I used to share my leftover chicken with the dogs at Great Hang Ups but now I put my to-go box in the car before going into the shop! The box tonight was quite heavy as I ordered extra rice since Justin will be eating the rest of it.

We left Koko's and went over to Publix to get some sweet corn plus a cartful of other stuff. Chicken breasts were on sale and are so versatile that we stocked up on them. Yesterday at the Easter buffet, Jacquie had ordered a baked potato for Mark to enjoy with his prime rib (he doesn't eat the sweet potatoes) which Justin thought looked so good. We bought a bag of Yukon Gold's which are not really 'baking' potatoes but make dandy mashed ones! And, he bought a bag of onions, the kind that make him weep like baby, and make us laugh in the process!

We got everything carried up from the car, in one trip, and it was put away, for the most part. I have an issue with having stuff on the counters, but for the time being, the onions and potatoes would be on the counter until I find a place to put them. I will make corn for our dinner one night during the week, cooking it in the microwave, still in its wrapper. Learned this trick from my neighbor, Gus, and works like a charm!

Today we still did not have Bible study (we're going to have to start over!) but I had other business to take care of there. Late morning I took my wedding dress, my photo album, and my 25th anniversary photo frame over to church. The secretary was making me some copies of Time and Talent stuff so I picked that up in the office. Pastor looked at my wedding album and got some chuckles from it, seeing everyone looking so young. Laughing at the suits, plaid jacket and pants my friend, Gary, wore, and my dad's sport coat being plaid as well as the groom's slacks. The last photo is of my dad and me standing in the back of the church, ready to walk down the aisle. As I closed the book, Pastor said, "Well, now I know what you looked like as a little girl..." That was funny!

The next couple of hours was spent finishing the cleaning of the hymnals and Bibles in the church. I had run out of cleaner last week. Today I did the last three rows on one side plus the scattered hymnals in the back of the church and the ushers pew on the back wall. We normally have four or fewer men ushering---they don't need more than one per man. I found an empty shelf in the lower bookcase to place the spare hymnals, tidying things up as I went. Then I matched up the T&T sheets for those wanting to be greeters with the existing name tags in the basket. Found 5 names on the list with no tags so I can make those tags tomorrow and get them to church on Sunday. 

Tonight, when Justin and I got home from our dinner and shopping, we both said it was time to brush our teeth, as they always feel 'coated' after eating at Koko's. The extra MSG!! It's good to go to bed laughing, with freshly brushed teeth!

Easter photos

This is our sunrise service which was held indoors due to drizzling outside. Pastor is pressing the 'nails' into the Christ candle cross which is also marked with the year, plus the Alpha and Omega. We had fairly good attendance for each of our Easter services.

 Michael never poses for a photo but I caught him unaware, along with my friends, Cliff and Carol. While I was handing out my chocolate Easter crosses to the kids, I had a present for Cliff, too. I bought each of us a copy of a book about the gospel being preached through music. This is a topic of great interest to the three of us.

This is Mike S. enjoying his Easter breakfast, while listening to a point being made by Judy C., next to me. Behind Mike see Jean, Twila, and her grandson, Mark. Sadly, Twila couldn't stay for the Festival service as she didn't feel well so Mark took her home. 

This lily is so tall it would hardly stay standing!

While Justin and I were enjoying our Easter brunch with Mark and Jacquie, the owner of The Club came over and asked me to pose with the Easter bunny. So I did!

Mark took this photo of me, laughing my fool head off, naturally!

 Jacquie and I each wore the same outfits we wore for the fashion show, and posed today in front of The Club by the well. She is taller than I am!

Mark took this 'selfie' (or, as he later referred to it as a 'groupie') shot of the four of us outside The Club after lunch. You can't tell that Justin and I are related, can you?

It's a new recipe day!

Facebook has become more Cookbook these days, as folks have taken to posting pictures and recipes found on other sites. Oh, my goodness! My FB friend, one I've never met in the flesh, posted an easy peasy recipe for slow cooker chicken. I bought the ingredients and made it for our dinner tonight. It was good! Next time I make it, I will know better how to set the time on the cooker (having options of 4, 6, 8, or 10 hours) so I don't overcook the chicken. We have enough now for leftovers, with its tasty sauce.

It takes four ingredients to make: chicken breasts, a packet of onion soup mix, a can of whole cranberry sauce, and 8 oz. of catalina dressing. Of course, while I was putting it together, I was met with scepticism about this creation from my boy, who again accused me of occupying HIS territory. Just like his father! Fortunately, he liked the recipe, so I got a pass.

He offered to make the mini-muffins for our Easter breakfast while I put together the egg/cheese/bread casserole which has to sit for hours before being baked. We stayed out of each other's way and no one got hurt (ha, ha). I wasn't sure there would be paper cups so small for the muffins but he did find some at Publix, buying two packs of 100. That should hold us. He ended up with about 50 mini-muffins, lemon poppyseed flavored. That should about do it!

Our chefs at church, Mike 'n Mike, are taking the year off from making Easter breakfast so we have folks bringing baked dishes, bakery, milk, and such, plus Judy is making biscuits and gravy (to die from!!!). I am sure we will have plenty but Judy is concerned about that. At least folks can fill up on mini-muffins! 

The week ends

On Wednesday, Justin and I were able to join our neighbors at Trivia at The Club. He played last month when I was gone to WI, but two teams reached an impasse. This month's contest was for double or nothing, for all the marbles, as it were. That means we get double free drink tickets as our prize, or none. We got double! Not only did we win, but Hugh picked up the tab for Justin's meal and drinks. The team really thinks the world of Justin and believes we couldn't win without his help. Several people gave him their drink tickets, too, so we have a whole stack of them on the kitchen counter. 

On Thursday, Justin and his underling, Ray, found time in their schedule to stop by church and do some yard work. He reported blowing the accumulated leaves from the beds and knocking down (burning) the weeds and growth. They edged and trimmed, with Mike S. stopping by to pitch in. It now looks nicely groomed and ready for Easter!

Thursday night we went to Maundy Thursday services. While I was rehearsing with the choir, he was helping to put up the tables for the Easter breakfast. When we were both done with our 'jobs', we stopped at Panda Express to pick up our dinner. I just love their orange chicken! Justin orders the calorie-friendly fare but then was able to finish off my fried rice for me. 

This morning I went to Breakfast Club with Nancy W. only, as Pat reported being under the weather. We had to order from the menu this time since the hot buffet was not provided. I ate most of my French toast and brought my entire fried egg home with me, plus two pieces of coffee cake that Kathy insisted I take. She knows I like the strawberry icing she puts on it (this is contrary to the boss's orders...). Kathy said she also thought of little Gracie, the daughter of my friend, Tina, who used to come to Breakfast Club. Gracie is now in school so Tina doesn't come anymore either. I miss them! Soon I will see them at the pool, weather permitting!

Maundy Thursday service

When Justin was a little boy, he'd gotten a 'care package' in the mail from his grandma with home-sewn outfits and pj's in it. I remarked that the Lord had sure blessed Grandma's hands to make those things for him. He agreed, and after a few minutes, he piped up, "The Lord blessed the hands of the banner makers, too..." Who would expect a little kid to notice the banners? All these years later, I can't help but think about that exchange when I see these lovely banners, made by Twila and June.  

From the left see Terri T., Pastor removing his stole, Bonnie, Ellen, Jean, and Twila. The ladies can no longer go up and down the steps carrying the items removed from the altar so tonight Donna handed the items to the ladies for them to carry.

 From the left see Pastor, Jean, Donna, Terri H., and Twila 

This part is usually quite emotional for me to watch, as Terri H. would strip the altar and lay the items on her mom's outstretched arms. Ethel is not well so Terri T. stepped in to help, her first time. The last part of this ceremony is Pastor carrying the brass cross from the chancel, in the darkened sanctuary. Kathy R. played "What Wondrous Love Is This" on the organ while this was going on, timed perfectly with the ending of the hymn. All very well done...

I got those wedding dress blues

Actually, I have quite the contrary as Justin has dug out the bin from the "Timmy closet" which stored my wedding dress. The dress looks like brand-new yet, but is wrinkled from being in the bin so tightly layered. Justin is having a fit, seeing my 'tiny' dresses from 100 years ago (ahem, ahem), some which he has declared to be 'vintage'. 

One particular dress was a favorite of mine, made for me by my sister, Lynn, when I was in high school. It looks exactly like something I would wear now, if I could. The dress of many colors was worn with tights, depending upon the day---I wore turquoise tights, or maize or purple...Boy, I loved that dress! Justin wanted to lend it to his friend, Rose, to wear because she likes 'vintage' clothes but I said no to that.

One dress, which I called my panther dress, I used to wear with black lace up boots. I think the dress, one of the few store-bought ones I had, was purchased at Maurices' in the Mid-Cities Mall. In the bin was also a wool suit that Mom made for me to wear to my sister-in-law's wedding in 1973. The skirt is as long as it is wide, a mini-skirt, green and blue plaid. The uncontructed jacket was solid green and I wore a gold blouse with it. And the black boots!

Two of my dresses which were made by Mom or one of my sisters (I am sorry if I can't remember who made them) which I wore for our Junior/Senior banquets (1973 and 1974) are in there, too. The same pattern as my 'formal' for the '74 banquet was used for the wedding dress, which was only a few months later. 

There are two crew-neck solid colored sweaters in the bin, bought for me by my dad when he and I went shopping. Yes, my dad took me shopping, as he was teaching me how to drive. Those two sweaters were pretty tame, and I think I wore one of them for my Senior class picture. At the bottom of the bin is a cowl-necked blue marled yarn sweater which my boyfriend had gotten me in 1972. I wore it for my class picture when I was a Junior, I think. Time to get out the yearbook, it seems!  

This is NOT how I wore my hair on the actual wedding day. The circle of flowers was on top of my head, around a bun. 

A young lady from the congregation might be able to wear my wedding dress (it is not considered a gown, though Justin teases me that it's a nightie!) and she will try it on Thursday night after church. I hope she can wear it and agrees to model it. Her mom has to work that day so Meghan will be my daughter for the event. Yay!

I have 'bin' meaning to do this

Our Ladies' Group is having a Mother/Daughter event in early May using the theme of weddings. Part of the fun is going to be ladies modeling or displaying their wedding dresses, or finding someone else who can model their dresses. The search began at my house a week or so ago, with me going through bins in my closet to see if my dress was packed away in there. 

Oh, my! What great fun that was! A couple of the bins were still taped shut from my move in 2004 (I'm fairly certain) and have been secreted in my closet since the remodeling was done in 2007. If it's ten years or eight years, it has still has been a long time since I've seen these garments. Many of the pieces are still my size but seem to fit me a bit differently. Rita, my friend from Victory, and I were talking about it at Bible study, how much gravity there seems to be these days!

I found one piece that I had given up as lost---a knit poncho given me by the mother of Justin's friend, Jesse, for my birthday many years ago. Fearing I had left it lay in a restaurant or somewhere, there it was in the bin. What great fun to see these old garments again! 

I decided that since they didn't flatter me, they might serve someone else nicely. I offered them to Betty at church first. She took the bins home and picked out what she wanted. Justin put them back in the car, still full. Betty cleaned out her closet and put stuff in to go to the next person. Love this! I had thought of Amber but missed talking with her on Sunday, as I was busy after church. 

I had gotten an e-mail from a friend who lives south of me on the river. I snitch sunrise photos from her once in awhile. She is trying to find work for a Haitian family she has taken under her wing. While I don't have yard work or anything they can do right now, I do have two bins of clothes in my car to share with them. 

I dropped them off today as I ran my errands. In his broken English, Jean told me his daughter who can use the clothes is his 8th child. Oh, my! I hope his wife and daughter can make good use of the clothing and I will enjoy having more space in my closet!

I have 'Rome-ing' thoughts

Last night as I was lying in bed, waiting for sleep, I had turned on "Everybody Loves Raymond". This was NOT my first choice for laughing myself to sleep but I didn't care for the "Friends" episode showing. I am so glad I chose 'Raymond' because it was an episode I very much enjoy. The matriarch of the family takes them all on a trip to the homeland, Italy, and in particular, to the region around Rome. 

They showed a great deal of the scenery around the place where the Barone's were staying, with 'family', and also the tourist spots in Rome, except for the Vatican or St. Peter's Square. The city streets, Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, the Coliseum, and other famous sites were shown. I can't remember now if I had been thinking about Rome/Italy prior to this or not but after I saw it, I sure was!

Taken in 2006

As I snuggled in my bed, I remembered the wonderful trips I have had to Rome and to Italy, the memories made there---wow! One of the trips made with Justin, in 2006, I was just worn out after traipsing around in the ancient ruins of Rome. When our bus took us to the next exhibit, I opted out, and some very nice ladies from our ship took custody of Justin. He went inside "St. Paul in Chains" and was absolutely blown away by it. I sat on a half-wall outside, across from our bus, and let my feet hang down. 

All of sudden, as I sat there, a huge commotion broke out, and a great celebration began. The Vespas and other vehicles were roaring up and down the street with people waving their Italian flags, horns were honking, the whole shootin' match. After a certain point, I made my way across the street to the bus, for safety and assurance, and I asked the driver what was going on. He reported that the Italians had won a major soccer event, prompting the celebration. I remember thinking, "Soccer? Really?", but it's huge in Europe. 

The parade up and down the street went on for some time and we saw more of it as we drove through the streets back to the ship. People were out on their balconies waving flags in the air and yelling with joy. Those are fans!

It was this day, also, when our bus could not make a very tight curve, under an overpass, due to a car parked where it should not be. Not only could our bus not get through, but we couldn't go backward, either, as the stream of cars was lined up behind us!!! The driver honked and honked and honked, and eventually some guys came out of a bar to see what was up. 

One passenger plus our driver got off the bus to assess the situation. Sure enough, the group of guys, ours included, picked up that offending car, and put it on the sidewalk!!!  There!!, and away we went, with that long trail of cars behind us!  Justin and I won't ever forget that, I hope, and I appreciate this TV show for prompting my memory of this wonderful trip we had!

Some passing pictures

Cliff standing on the corporate ladder at church, painting the trim along the front, as the ground under him was being pressure washed. I considered having the washing done before the yard work was completed as to washing the kitchen table when all the dishes are still on it...

My sister, Kerry, sent me this picture of herself holding a giant chunk of ice on the shore of Lake Winnebago. Ice shoves were moving onto the land around the lake, being pushed along by the wind. She said it was incredible what she saw as she drove around the lake, wondering when people decide it's time to get out of their homes....

While Kerry is hauling off giant chunks of ice, I am enjoying the view from my window of this passing ship on the river. This is far larger than most vessels I see, probably had work done in the dry-dock in Green Cove Springs. 

The evening sun was setting and beautifully highlighted the palm trees as they blew in the wind

Just another gorgeous sunrise I don't mind sharing

Love the smell of citrus

Today was a scheduled work day at church to get the yard ready for Easter. We were allowed to make contributions toward the purchase of mulch and flowers. I did that since my yard work days are behind me, in more ways than one. I was going to let my checkbook do the work for me until an e-mail arrived yesterday informing the members that it was an inside and out work day. Oh, now that's different!

Justin told me last Sunday how awful the property looks and what a big difference Raymond and he could make if they had the chance to do so. I offered to buy some of their time if they could swing by to do some work during their already packed schedule. Justin said he'd look things over and get with Will to see what could be done.

Mike is saying, "Oh, Kimmie....." In the background is Renee, spreading mulch

He got back to me a few days ago saying they could do an hour's work on Thursday as their route took them that direction. One hour and they can do a whole lot, mostly grooming things, like edging and blowing. I am getting the 'discount' rate for charity, according to his boss. Nice! Mike S. and Justin talked about all this and are going to coordinate on what and where their attention will be needed. Mike S. does this for a living as well, so those two guys are a good team!

Since this was now supposedly an 'inside' day too, I went over with my spray bottle of multi-surface citrus Pledge with the goal of wiping off the hymnals and Bibles. My personal mission is to have no sticky handmarks on the covers. When I arrived, people were quite busy with weeding and mulching. I walked around and greeted everyone. Janet looked at me with my bags of stuff, and my Diet Coke. "You look so fresh, with your bottle of soda...You know where we want to put that bottle of soda?" (She is so earthy!) I laughed and said, "In the fridge?" She mocked me, saying I was a prima donna which prompted me to sing that song from "The Phantom of the Opera". She was not amused! I told her if she wanted me, to look in the church, but I wouldn't tell her what I was doing. No one else was there for 'inside' cleaning. Guess that was misprint or something.

Mostly I was alone in the sanctuary, listening to Sarah Brightman on my iPhone as I sprayed and polished. Pastor and Nathan, his son, were working on the MIDI and speakers for next Sunday's outdoor service, so I kept the volume down. At one point, Pastor thought it was me doing the singing. Now that's a compliment! 

Here find Janet, Ellen, and Judy working on the beds along the side of the church

After Pastor went outside it was just Nathan and me. I showed him the filth I was getting off the pew books and he was surprised to see how much build-up there is. It's been a few years since I've done this the last time (I do 'my' hymnal in 'my' pew as needed). 

At one point I could hear lots of voices in the breezeway but figured folks were taking a break. Pastor poked his head in and invited busy Nathan and me to join the rabble for lunch. I sat next to Janet to eat and she sneared at me, "You're still fresh..." and I said, "Minty fresh!" Such a girl she is! 

After lunch the crew got busy again, as did I, listening to some Leonard Cohen while I worked. Carol came in to do some altar stuff so we talked for a bit, me multi-tasking. But, before I got to the end of my project, I ran out of Pledge. Nuts! I have about three rows to go plus the scattered hymnals and Bibles so will have to pick up more citrus cleaner (should be minty!) and finish the task during the week. I am such a prima donna!

Breakfast Club coming to an end

This morning I walked over to The Club for breakfast, this time only Nancy W. and me. It seems things are winding down a bit as folks are gearing up for summer activites. The sun was just getting past the edge of the building and shined across the lawn, highlighting the bright yellow flowers which line the stream. I was struck by them and snapped a picture:

The buffet was set up in a different room this a.m. and offered ham rather than sausages with the bacon. Kathy, the continental breakfast hostess, is also the baker, and made a delightful coffee cake with cranberries and almonds in it. I complimented her on it and she said she tries to find different ways to jazz things up since the boss told her not to use icing anymore. Obviously, I am not her boss!

Nancy had a full day in front of her so we parted company around 10:00. The pool guys had been by and had the water so nicely cleaned up. When I got upstairs, I looked back at the pools and noticed a lovely layer of film on the surface---that confounded pollen! The porch rails are coated in it, waiting for Connie to get back from vacation to hose things off yet again. Can't wait 'til this is over and I can open my doors without coating my furniture in it!

Judy J. told me her grandson and family were coming for a visit, asking me if they can come by to see the manatees in the basin. Of course, they can! I'd love that. I called her to confirm the arrival date and such to make sure I was around that day, etc. She was chuckling about my excitement regarding their visit, and I told her I needed to know so I could do the dusting. Judy about fell of her chair! I told her my dining room table is so dusty, that when I laid something on it, I couldn't find it again.  She said she was having a bad day prior to my call and now she was laughing at my dusty furniture! You'd have to see it to believe it!