Stormy weather again

I have a bit of catching up to do---oh my!  First of all, I have to tell everyone about my Mother's Day present from Justin. He was busting at the seams to tell me about it, as he usually is prior to gift-giving time. Justin is in the process of preserving my blog to an e-book! Yes, I am quite thrilled at this prospect. It will be saved in a format which will store it for me away from blogspot should anything wretched ever happen to this site. It is a time-consuming process for him because it basically is converted verbatim. You may have noticed that in more recent postings the font is smaller and I have used fewer graphics. Actual photos are easier to deal with in the conversion process.  Plus, he claims, I am a bit verbose, but in a good way. Yeah, thanks, Justin!  

Today's sky as captured through the sunroof in my car

Every day we have been having storms of various sizes and duration, and, as always, some areas got it and some did not. Out to the pool I go and back in I come, except for the exercise classes. Mornings are usually free of the bad weather, so I get a nice work out. Today it wasn't really storming but it sure looked it would, with light rain ruining my afternoon with Bill and Nancy. We are going to try again tomorrow which is predicted to be clear.

Justin and I had breakfast at Grumpy's this a.m. with me using the last of my gift certificate from Hal and Rosalie. We had to wait for a table (timing is everything!) but it was worth waiting for. That place is just a gold mine! From there we went to Staples to return some ink I had bought to go with my new printer and then we went to the Mall. I had not been at the Mall for anything other than the movies 'n TGIF in many many years. I only had to go into the catalog entrance of Penney's to return some items I'd ordered and that was it. Not technically IN the Mall this time either.

Once home again, I worked at my desk as I waited for the storm to pass, instead of getting down to the pool and get whistled out of the water right away. When it thunders, we have to sit out for 30 minutes before the lifeguard says we can go in again. Got some work done at my desk and then decided it was time to go. Bill and Nancy were already down  there and we sat at the table talking until the rain started again. I enjoy their company and look forward to the next time we are together.

I sat out on the sundeck with my neighbors this early evening and then came in to have dinner with my boy. He'd made a wonderful spaghetti sauce which was served over pasta---lots of pasta!  We are whittling away at it, with probably one more meal left to go. Thankfully, it's THAT delicious!

Missing my friend

This was the sky that greeted me this morning and more than ever, I wished that Linda was still here to see it with me. Normally I will crop the photos before posting them but this one required no such treatment---everything in this photo needed to stay!

Today I was later in getting out to the pool, taking care of a few things in the house, not the least of which is doing physical labor. Yes, 'tis true, I grabbed the vacuum cleaner which is parked outside of Justin's door and took care of the floors in the hallways, kitchen, and my room. Justin had made yet another batch of slush (it's not just for Christmas anymore!) and the floor in the kitchen was a bit sticky. To allow me to use the Swiffer I had to put the empty soda can cases outside the door to take down later. As I opened the door, there was my neighbor, Dick, heading downstairs. I told him I was earning my keep by mopping the floors and he nicely grabbed the soda cases to take them down for me. What a guy! I feel badly for my neighbors having to see me in various stages of dress all the time---either in my nightie, caftan, or swimwear!

Bob, Nancy M. and Bill O. at The Club on Memorial Day

After all my chores were done and I'd had lunch, I headed out to the pool. Bob was sitting out there by himself so I joined him. We talked for a nice while before it began to thunder. Of course! Why, oh why did I wait so long to go out there?? Oh, yes, so that I could go running back to my condo with my tail between my legs, figuratively speaking, and missing the earlier fun at the pool. Later, after the storm passed, folks did gather again but by that time I was already in my nightie and settled for the evening. Hopefully this weekend I can get some decent time around the pool and spend time with my friends. I miss them! Haven't see Rick and Fran yet this season yet either...Time's a wastin'!

Ascension Day

Tonight was worship for the festival of Ascension, when we remember our Savior leaving earth and returning to His Father's right hand. I sent out a reminder about the service earlier in the day but alas, it apparently went out too late. My heart is a bit heavy about the low attendance but it is also filled because the service was so very nicely done. I feel badly for those who missed this opportunity to worship.

We had another ferocious storm roll through this afternoon and I hoped it wouldn't keep our members from making it to church. I guess it must have been a pocket storm because some folks I talked to after church had nothing but drizzle. We had thunder, lightning, and wind with the rain, not for long, but with a fervor! A mile west of here and just some drizzle. I fear for Justin's safety when these storms come but he assures me that he will take shelter if need be. It's the mom in me that is concerned and sometimes I am embarrassed for being worried for his safety. Should I be?

My friend, Nancy W., sent me a text message saying she was having lunch at Koko's but I was still at Bible study, or on the way back. She went ahead without me which is fine, since she had been at her booth in the resale shop in the same plaza. But, when she was done eating, she came to pick me up so we could go and get our badly needed pedicures. My previous pedicure, a treat from Mom last March, had held up famously, and only began to show wear 'n tear when pool season began. I had wrestled my feet up and clipped the nails a bit so I could get my shoes on, but they were badly in need of care and management. Nancy had a place here in OP that she likes, where she took her daddy every two weeks.

The nice lady who runs the place said she could do us both, but not at once. When we got there, Nancy said she can never pronounce the lady's name and wasn't sure how to introduce me, so I did it. I said, "Hello, I'm Kim..." and stuck out my hand. She said it was nice to meet me and asked if I was Nancy's sister. I said that I was her friend, and then asked, "...and what is your name?"  She said, "Lisa." Ha, how we laughed! Nancy explained that she thought the name was harder to pronounce than that...Lisa did a nice job on our feet, filing and shaping, massaging and applying lotion, and polishing. I chose a pearly color which won't look as bad when it begins to chip off from the pool.  When we got outside and were going to the car Nancy said, "I SWEAR that is not the name she has told me before!!!" and we laughed some more.

Before the nail shop visit, though, Nancy, a great white hunter, wanted to step into Goodwill (Willy's, as she refers to it) to snoop around. She often finds a treasure or two there which she can turn around and sell in her booth. Today, though, I had the treasures---a set of Mirro Teflon fry pans. When Linda was here she was looking for a smaller pan than ones I had and the next time she comes, it will be here waiting for her! The larger pan will replace the one we had been using with a most beat up bottom. So glad to find Mirro fry pans yet, now that the factory is being demolished...Cost me $3 a pan!

Bible study this morning was as wonderful as usual. Had a full house but then again, the tables were arranged differently. We can use the kitchen area for our classes in the summer due to no VPK going on, very nice for us. Dawn brought an article to show me about a Bob Dylan book she thought my brother-in-law would be interested in and Pastor teased us about being groupies! She is a huge fan but avers she is not a groupie.  

A cool thing happened while I was talking on the phone with Mom as I drove to Bible study. I'd already pulled into the lot and was telling her about the recent memorial service held at Victory. She began to exclaim, "I've got a hummingbird!"  At last---a hummingbird, or two, found their way to visit Mom's feeder. My sister, Kerry, had just planted flowers on the porch and placed some planters on Tuesday, and now the birds showed up. Mom was absolutely thrilled, so while I went in to Bible study, she was bird watching! I just love that for her.

"Be now?"

I am not sure exactly what prompted me to think about this but it was a fun trip down memory lane. Perhaps I was thinking of when 'we' took all of Timmy's baby bottles, nipples, accoutrement's related to bottles and had them disappear one night. All that was left for Timmy to drink from were sippy cups---imagine that! We just had to remember to NOT open the cabinet over the ovens when he was around...shh!  That was how we went from bottles to sippy cups cold turkey, and it worked!

What I was thinking of, though, was when my little nephew, Jamie, stayed with 'us'. When he was born, I was my sister's coach, with her hubby cooling his heels in the waiting area. Then, when he was only 12 days old, Jamie came to spend the night, sleeping alongside our bed in a little fold-out bed. I can't remember if he slept all night, pretty sure he didn't, but we were attentive to his every whim. Like having a real live doll to play with! 

Since his mom worked and was in the Reserves, and his dad also worked, 'we' were more than willing to help out. I worked from home when I wasn't working at Shady Lane and we had a room all fixed up for Jamie. We'd built a 'big' house in this subdivision and had our office in our home. With the intercom system we could keep tabs on him during his naps, and he was in the office when he was awake. 

As he got older, we moved him from the little fold out bed to a wooden pack 'n play from my mother-in-law. It was probably not deemed child safe any longer but what did we know? It sure beat sleeping on the floor in the fold-out bed. As Jamie grew bigger and bigger, the rickety 'old' wooden crib was just not going to do it for him. We had a twin-sized bed in the same room where the crib was located. Well, one day, when Jamie came over, that little wooden crib was gone! We pretended to look all over the place for it, with him helping us. Opening the closets, under the bed, going room to room, with him asking his little question, "Be now?", whenever he was looking for someone or something. "Be now?"  

Not finding the crib, he had to sleep in the twin bed. My spouse put him to bed, tucked Jamie snugly into the bed, where he stayed all night long. That plan worked! Well, it worked until it was me who put him to bed one night, tucking him in snugly, I thought. But then, during the night, we heard a big thud! and a crying boy. We both flew from our room next door and into his, finding him on the floor. I could not tuck the blankets in tightly enough to keep him from rolling onto the floor, it seemed. 

Well, one day we were having the family over and everyone was going between the house and deck on the side of the house. Some of the folks were playing 'ball ball' with Jamie outside, him sporting his jaunty hat with the snap under the chin to protect his ears which had tubes in them. I can still picture his face when he came through the garage toward the back yard and he spotted the missing crib----hidden behind a door! Oh, my, was he ever excited to have found the lost crib! and we were so busted!!!  Too late now, he was going to be using the bed but he was excited over having found the lost crib. "Be now!!!"

A memorable Memorial Day

I did feel better this a.m. having dropped off to sleep early and not waking up in entirety until I was good and ready. Guess I simply had to sleep off those chills or something. Weird!  When I woke up I watched Fox and Friends all morning, as is my custom and then moved to my desk for a bit. Justin was keeping me posted on activity at the pool, watching for my friends to show up, though Patty had sent me a message saying she'd secured seats for us. Glad she was on top of things, since the official opening of the pool today is a big draw, with seats going fast. 

Today I was meeting my friends, Jacquie and Mark, plus their daughter and her gentleman friend for the buffet and pool fun. I have been looking forward to meeting their daughter in person, having only heard about her up to today. She is a beautiful young lady and her friend is quite handsome, making a lovely couple. We all enjoyed the sumptuous buffet which offered several meat choices, side dishes, ice cream treats for dessert, and the best thing of all---cotton candy!  Jacquie actually went back up to The Club patio to secure the cotton candy for me. The young woman trying to make it was struggling with it and Jacquie told her that she better get it figured it out because she didn't want to disappoint Miss Kim! That we DO NOT want!  Ha ha!

About 2:00 or so the rumbling began and the wind was picking up. Nuts!  The lifeguard whistled everyone out of the pool, not allowing any of the children's games to take place, activities normally done on Memorial Day. Mark and Jacquie decided to head for home, having a long trip back to the 'Burg, and I packed my stuff up to come upstairs. The wind was whipping dirt around, got some in my eyes as I approached the gate, meeting some of my neighbors just coming out. They, and some other brave souls, had decided to wait it out but that was not to be. It was absolutely ferocious---thunder, lightning, sideways rain, and yes, even a tornado warning!!  That is what I call a storm!  It was so wild that Justin even took a video of it, feeling the glass on the river room doors moving in and out as he recorded. Yikes!  

This is not the video but a picture from it. The palm trees are inside out as you can see.  In a couple of hours, it was clear and folks were back at the pool...not me, though, I was done!

Chilly bones!

This morning I went to church for Bible study and worship, with Justin joining me for the service. Our pastor was gone to WI for his daughter's graduation from Luther Prep so Michael led the Bible study and did a fine job of it. Cliff was our worship leader and he also did an excellent job, the service running smooth as glass. Robbie was playing one hymn, our first time singing it, so we practiced it a capella in Bible study. He sang two of the five stanzas and we aced the new hymn. For lunch our group went to Chili's, being served by a new waitress. She said she'd been told when we came in that we were nice guests but needed our sodas kept full. And she did just that! We ARE nice!

From my bedroom window

I went out to the pool to sit with my friends after getting home from church. Several groups came and went until the skies changed colors and got noisy. Boy, I get tired of that!  For some reason I simply could not get warmed up once I came in, even took to lying on my bed and covering up with my baby afghan. Brrrr....Justin and I ate dinner, leftovers, of course, and he suggested that I take a nice, hot shower when we were through. What a good idea! I had no poof, so I did just that---took that nice shower and am now snuggled under my covers, warming up. Hopefully a good night's rest will 'cure' whatever is ailing me, if that's what it is, and will be good as new for the holiay recognition tomorrow!

All cried out

Today was a gorgeous day weather wise but I made the decision early on to not go out to the pool. I could have spent some time with my friends and have a bite to eat but I was going to Victory for a memorial service. It began at 3:00 pm but I was leaving around 2:00 pm to allow sufficient time for travel and for the visitation with the mourners. On my ride over there I called Mom to see how she was doing, despite having spoken with her the night before. Lynn and she had gone for coffee that morning and then the rest of the day was a quiet one for her.

Few people were there when I pulled in though some young men were walking around in the parking lot, possibly friends of Joshua's. As I opened the back of my car to get out a couple cans of soda to have during the luncheon, one of the young men came over to ask if I needed help carrying anything. Nope, I was good! Just then Nancy pulled in and did need some help so I sent him her direction. I carried in a box of chicken from Publix which smelled so awesome!

The ladies were getting things ready in the kitchen, several of them still there after having a baby shower earlier in the day. These people are so busy all the time! They converted the kitchen over from baby shower to funeral reception in a quick fashion. It was great to see the folks there at Victory again, but wish the circumstances had been different. Shane and Toni were greeting attendees as they came in, holding up nicely, it seemed. They'd had a week or so to come to grips with this all before the service which really helped. 

I sat with my young friend, Erica, and another mom, Beth, who'd lost her daughter to brain cancer a few years ago, aged 12. We were a good crying group, that's for sure. We sang such lovely hymns including the closing hymn of "In Christ Alone". I was able to sing all four stanzas because the mourners needed to hear the message, especially those not in the Word.  The meal afterward was excellent, bountiful, and I was even given containers of pasta salads and dessert to go home with me. I was worn out when I got home but watched "Jeopardy!" with my boy before retiring to my room. A crying headache needs me to go sleep early tonight. 

A couple more firsts

Today is the day that Linda is going home, even though she just got here. It seems that way, anyhow. At least we had the daytime to do stuff before she had to complete her packing for the trip to the airport. We made good use of that time, too!

For breakfast, we were going to go to Park Avenue Bistro after seeing a posting about pancakes on Facebook. Let's go! But, they are not open for breakfast so we went to Panera Bread, where Linda has never dined (if you can call pastries 'dining'). She got a couple of scones, one to take on the plane with her, and treated me to a cherry turnover. She was also able to get an embellished coffee there, and I got soda. We had a nice little breakfast.

There is a new bookstore which opened in the Target Plaza, just to the north of the Panera. Sweetwood Books opened about a month or 6 weeks ago, and I had planned all along to take Linda there, being the book lover that she is. I ended up being the one to buy a book, though, a memoir of the Astor family members who had lived in poverty. Sounds so interesting, along the lines of "Grey Gardens".  Not only were there books but gifts and greeting cards, and very humorous cocktail napkins. A fun store, and I wish them well!

After our little outing, we came back home and got changed into our pool clothes. The weather was perfectly gorgeous today, and the pool water getting warmer right along. We bravely got in and bobbed around a bit. Linda's delicate skin can only take so much so she wore my white picture hat from Jacquie to help protect her face and shoulders. I sprayed her with the sunscreen, too. For a snack we had a bag of those yummy sea salt potato chips before we ate lunch. We ate later so that it might hold Linda over during her travel time (besides the tasty scone in her carry-on!). 

While we were out there, Marlena offered me a free sample of a drink she was making, saying I'm her official drink taster. When I have a drink, it seems that many do, too, so I am good for sales. At first I refused because of driving to the airport but then got a text message from Justin reporting he'd be home before Linda left, and then offered to do the driving. Linda said, "You can have an adult beverage now!", so we shared it! Twas delicious, too, most refreshing and fruity.

Linda and I came upstairs and she finished with her packing. We passed the rest of the time in the family room listening to our radio show and waiting for the time for 'apparture', as Timmy would say. Justin got home and had time to shower before we headed out. Linda asked him to lift her suitcase to see if it was overweight, and he thought it was. She then set about shifting things between her two carry-on bags to make her luggage lighter. She never did find out at the airport how much it weighed---I always like to know because I fear it being overweight every time I fly. Fortunately she gets a wheel chair ride from the check-in to the gate so didn't have to carry the bags very much.

The traffic was light for a Friday evening and we got to the airport in good time. After our good-byes (sniffle sniffle) and as Justin drove, traffic a bit heavier and the road not the best, I called Mom to fill her in our happenings. I'd missed her the last couple of times I called so this time I got her. She's a busy gal! Linda is like another daughter to her and she likes to hear what we are up to. Anyway, Justin told me he was glad I was distracted by the phone conversation because otherwise I'd be like a cat in the car, meowing loudly about the traffic and the rough road! He tears me up!

Justin took me to 4Rivers BBQ, a new place his boss had introduced him to. This was a first for me! Long line as we waited to order our wonderful brisket and side dishes, well worth the wait. The place is a gold mine, and we look forward to having one open at some point in the future in OP. The former Shoney's is being reworked to accomodate this restaurant, which also features a dessert bar of unusually flavored cupcakes. We were too full to even try one, but maybe someday I will, though my tastes are more simple than that. I ate most of my sandwich and brought home my two side dishes for later consumption. 

Both of us were done for the night once we got home. and settled into our own rooms. I am faced with missing my friend's company, which usually happens when my guests leave. It was good to have this nice evening with Justin after saying 'good-bye' to Linda, who will hopefully be home in her own bed by 1:00 a.m. tomorrow morning, if the Lord wills. So glad she could be here with me for the special event at St. Johns and for the enjoyment pool side, and elsewhere. Many memories made, good movies watched, and time spent in the same room. Gotta love that!

The end draws nigh

Already a week has gone by for Linda's visit---hard to believe! Other years she's had to get back to work by Wednesdays to do the church bulletin but no more. Her time is pretty much her own, and Linda manages to use it all. She still keeps her foot in the door at church, helping to count the offerings on Mondays and working in the office on Thursday mornings after she's done at the Fitness Center. Busy girl!

Today we went to Bible study, this time minus Justin as it was a nice day. At last, we are getting summer-like temps which do nothing but help warm the water in the pool. I am all about the pool these days, and its enjoyment. Anyway, back to class...a couple of the ladies were absent for one reason another but there were still enough of us to make for an interesting discussion. 

Linda and I helped to fold the bulletins (bulletin day is Thursday here!!) before we got underway. I got 'moved' from my position by Harold in whose seat I was sitting to do this task. He told me I wasn't doing it fast enough, snatched a stack and proceeded to fold 10 pages at once. Our 'boss', Cary, said that it's not about speed, it's about precision, always a problem with Harold. We were patient him, though, as he is recovering from a recent serious heart procedure. I had to have a heart and go easy on him!

From Bible study Linda and I headed over to PF Chang, someplace she had never dined, and enjoyed lunch on their patio. It was so lovely out there, a nice breeze so my friend did not overheat. The food is extraordinary, in my opinion, and for starters, we shared an appetizer of crabmeat rangoons. We each brought a to-go carton home with us, mine containing crisp honey chicken and hers cashew chicken with rice. Another meal for each of us!

Upon getting home, we got turned around and joined Nancy at her pool. We took the car as it's a bit too long of a walk over there, and were able to park in Nancy's neighbor's driveway to make it even more handy. Their water temp is warmer than The Club's pool because it's a bit shallower. Nancy had picked up some wings for us to enjoy poolside but I was still full from my lunch. 

Linda requires shade and protection of her delicate skin so she wore my picture hat and I sprayed her thoroughly with sunscreen.  I apply my own sunscreen while standing in the shower stall so I don't get the residue all over the place. On my face I use a lotion product, which I got in my eyes on Tuesday and burned like fire when at the pool. Yikes!  It was nice to just bob around in the pool and chat, soaking up everything, including the sun!

Linda and I came back here and got ourselves situated for the night, watching our TV show together after a rest. It's exhausting---all this recreating!  Linda gets up very early to catch the sunrises plus sometimes has trouble with sleeping due to her restless leg syndrome (I always think of Rush talking about RLS, wondering why there is no telethon or ribbon for those who have RLS...) so she finishes her sleep in the chair in the family room. Since I am not a breakfast eater per se Linda fends for herself in the mornings. 

Our dinner was a smorgasbord of delights, enjoying the bounty of the fridge. We had chicken cordon bleu Justin had made, remains from Koko's, plus Linda had some lasagna leftover from Carrabba's. I really liked the stuffed pepper soup Linda had made for our dinner on Tuesday so I had some of that with my cordon bleu. The balance of her soup will be relegated to the freezer for future meals for me, as Justin didn't care for it. No worries, he did not go hungry---not with our to-go boxes and leftovers (hangovers!) in the fridge! He was with his boss and his wife tonight so Linda and I fended for ourselves, and did nicely!

"We are the champions...."

Sing it with me..."We are the champions, my friends..." The Palace trivia team successfully mopped the floor with the other team who played against us at Happy Hour Trivia tonight. Yay for us!  The other team's commandant wasn't able to rally her troops tonight, even though they had enlisted the help of a college-aged young man. My guess is the older folks didn't concur with the young man, knowing those others as I do. We had people on our team who were 'over served' and didn't understand the concept of whispering or only sharing answers with our table. Good thing we only play once a month...Justin and I were given many of the awarded free drink tickets which were the prizes, which come in handy through the months!

Tonight we had French dip sliders from the tapas menu, with Justin having eaten at home before coming over to The Club. Linda and I had the same meal, including having the onion straws to go with the sliders. Yum! They were a bit too sloppy to pick up to eat so I ate mine with a fork. Delicious! Justin ate my leftovers from Koko's which had been our lunch. 

After water exercises this a.m., Linda and I were talking about our plans for the day and Nancy asked so sweetly, "Can I come along?" Of course, you can! Once we got ourselves cleaned up, Linda and I picked up Nancy and headed to 'the Island'. The first stop was Wal-Mart as I had offered to pick up some of those fun noodles for a family from Victory. Geri had looked at two stores on the Southside and didn't find them, so I got them for her!

From there we went to Koko's to have lunch. Nancy gets there almost more than do I, after I introduced her to the place, since she has a spot in resale store a few doors down from Koko's. The chef automatically made extra onion for me, and gave the two ladies the other veggies. He knew to give me two shrimp sauces and no ginger sauce...love how they remember those details. Great food and customer service! We put our to-go boxes in the car before going into Great Hang Ups, and got my two pieces from the back of the car. I was also having Dee and Julia look at the picture given me as a gift by Timmy's classmates.

Timmy's framed original work, as noted by Justin and not me!, had the hanging wire on the wrong way. The way it sits on this easel is actually sideways! How can we tell? The flower has a stem! It is a simple fix for Julia to make. We also realized, then, that the print to canvas piece was also 'wired' that way. I am going to let the school know that Julia can fix it, if they bring it in to her. She is expecting them to be coming in with more work to be framed so they can do it then. Oops!

Dee had come by last week to deliver the canvas print to me and got to spend some time with Linda here in my home. Linda had not gotten to see Julia though, so today was the day. From Great Hang Ups we walked a door or two down to Junque in the Trunk where Nancy has a booth for selling her collections. She is liquidating the furniture and such from her dad's house in this shop, piece by piece, hoping to have it all gone in about four months. Dee was her first sale, buying a portable desk which Nancy had just picked up somewhere else.  

Our plan had been to stop at the new bookstore on Fleming Island but Linda said we could do that another day, as she was getting pooped out. After all, we'd done water exercises in the cold water first that morning, and then our shopping trip and lunch. Wears on a person! With Trivia tonight, we had to rest up and watch The Five, right? That's what winners do!

Shopping 'til we drop

This morning Linda and I suited up and headed out to the pool for the water exercise class, though I had little intention of getting in that water. The overnight temps were in the 50's and it was not even 80 above zero when we went out. The ladies who were more brave than us said the water was cold but got used to it, especially moving around like they were. Linda and I were fine on the sidelines, cheering them on. 

It was nice for Linda to see the ladies again, having not seen them since last August. We met a new participant, Bernie, who recently joined The Club, and lives in the Villas across the parking lot from the pool. Marlena had told me about him being a hairdresser and he complimented me on my hair! Those compliments never get old...unless going grey makes it old!

We didn't mind not getting wet and such because Linda and I were planning to go shopping today. She just loves Bealls plus Nancy W. has encouraged me to check out Ross for Less in the same plaza. That is where she found my rice cooker and my swimsuit at such great prices. Linda and I found some stuff to buy at Bealls, with me really striking gold finding some capris for myself. I am not the easiest to fit and was glad to find three pair which fit the bill, as it were. Plus got two tops! Linda got some capris, a lightweight jacket, and a patriotic top. At Ross she found some journals for her granddaughters' birthday which is on Monday. They are 11 this year, growing up, and will enjoy having the journals. I got myself a cotton knit cardigan in beige to take with me to WI for wearing at the Worship Conference, expecting it to be chilly when we're there!

Another thing I bought, at last, was a pair of sunglasses. When I had gone to the optometrist last fall with my flashing lights business in my peripheral vision, I promised him I'd wear sunglasses. Now I can fulfill my promise with purple rubber-framed sunglasses! The material might be the same as that used in making the rubber garden shoes people wear for everyday. Sort of like clogs but shaped more like wooden shoes...can't think of their name. But the purple is fetching with a tiny bit of bling in the corner of the frame. I am now in compliance!

Linda and I had also wanted to visit a new bookstore which opened on Fleming Island but did not get there today. We get tuckered out quickly sometimes. Linda has been getting up early to watch the sunrises in the a.m. so has a shorter nights' sleep due to that. One night I got up to get a soda and when I came back to my room noticed the moon was brightly shining on the river, at 2:19. We had been watching for it to rise before we went to bed but sure didn't expect it to be in its glory at this time. Talk about a deal breaker!

Living with electronics

Friday, when getting myself ready for the event at St. Johns, I put together a few words to read rather than deliver off the cuff in case I was choked up. As I prepared to print it off, the machine was dead...as in door nail. Unbelievable! No lights turned on, the printer did not respond to being unplugged and then plugged in again, nothing. Perhaps if I simply did a restart on the computer, the printer would be prompted to wake up. Well, when I  shut it down and then tried to bring it back up, Windows started an update, which cannot be rushed. It was too late---time to leave for the event, minus the prepared speech. Off the cuff it is!

Well, I had Justin, my I.T. guy, take a look at it and he, too, declared it DOA. He had given it to me for Christmas in 2012 so it wasn't very old. No warning signs or anything to tell me it was near death, either. Hmmph! After Bible study and lunch today Linda and I stopped in at Staples to get a new printer. I'd checked various machines online and Justin suggested looking at the store instead of ordering one. A nice man helped me find one on sale for $50, a Canon, which was fine with me. I also got printer cartridges right away as the starter ones rarely last very long. As part of the deal, it seems, I get membership in a printer and ink discount deal, giving me money off the ink and the printer. 

We got the stuff home and carried upstairs to my room. I put the printer on my bench so it was handy for Justin to hook up while we ladies were gone to the movies. I unpiled the stuff from atop my 'old' printer so Justin could readily move it off the desk. With my hand, I brushed the dust (yes, dust) from the old machine and, just for fun, pressed the ON button, and ta da!---it came back to life. What the heck???  I couldn't make it go, Justin couldn't do it, and now, by brushing the dust off, or having it sit idle for three days, it's healed!  Now the decision is whether to return the relatively cheap printer or keep it for posterity. The ink should go back because it has an expiration date on it. Right now I lean toward keeping the printer as it seems I got an additional $20 off the machine somehow. Nice!

This afternoon Linda and I were joined at the theater by Judy and Betty to see "Heaven is For Real". I am so glad Judy could make it, having the afternoon off. We had to wait about a half hour because the time changed since I checked it on the weekend and today, by 40 minutes. It just gave us more time to visit, that's all. They were most forgiving of my mistake...

The movie was good as far as movies go, but the script writers made a mistake in not taking advantage of the openings to share the Bible. After all, the father was a pastor, who went by his first name and preached in street clothes...yech! The congregants were all nicely dressed but not their pastor. Only once did they show the Bible open on the lectern and it had a piece of paper over it with his handwriting on it. But, that's Hollywood for ya'. Linda didn't think it was close to the book but her friend said it was. I can't help out with this comparison. The little boy, Colton, was absolutely adorable, and did an amazing job in his role. I was smitten!

After the movie we went to Sweet Tomatoes, using a 20% off coupon Betty had. Three times in one year for me and it's only May! Linda remembers having eaten here many years ago, probably when Timmy was still with us so it was fun to go again all these years later. Linda had bought a big bag of popcorn at the movie of which I had some so I wasn't starving for dinner. I ate my salads and had a bowl of chicken noodle soup. Didn't even go back for the soft serve with sprinkles that I normally get. I was full in more ways than one!

Life is a picnic

We are just relaxing around here, having come in from the pool, a much quieter day than we had yesterday. Maybe because it was Sunday or because we simply had so much fun the day before, wearing ourselves out or something. It just feels so good to be resting. Tonight our dinner will be chicken cordon bleu casserole, a recipe Justin got from Pinterest. Should be a delight! He used lots of tools to put it together and had to pluck the meat from a rotisserie chicken to make it. Justin said that was the worst part of the construction for the meal. Will report how it turns out. 

This a.m. Linda and I went to church for Bible study and worship, with Justin joining us for worship. I had made a pasta salad to take for our church picnic which was held right after church. It turned out very good and I got compliments on it, my very basic pasta salad. Mike S. cooked the meat for the picnic, and the members brought the accompanying dishes. Such wonderful food! I even was lured into eating a salad made of Jell-O and chopped vegetables. It was very tasty and I enjoyed it! Fran is sharing the recipe tomorrow morning at Bible study for those who wanted it, including Linda. I think we left the picnic about 1:30 pm and then headed right to the pool. 

Since Linda got here we have watched several movies including "Philomena" and "Saving Mr. Banks", both of which were based on true stories. Tonight we will watch "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty", which is described as being real life mixed with fantasy. Sounds good, too. We have a few mores movies to watch including one Linda brought with her. Monday we plan to go to the theater to see "Heaven is For Real", with Judy C. and Betty able to join us. Judy has off from babysitting so is free to go in the afternoon. 

I had mentioned being at the pool this weekend but only touched on it. Saturday was an absolute hoot, with Linda meeting my friend, Jacquie's, spouse, Mark, for the first time. Oh, how we laughed at the most ridiculous things, nothing naughty, of course, but sometimes sassy stuff. One thing that truly irritated Mark was the price of the hamburger available from the cabana. It is now priced probably $2 more than it was last year (I can't say for sure because I truly don't recall). I had been warned about it by Marlena but she did also report that sodas were reduced in price by 50 cents which goes a long way with me!  Because he doesn't like the side dish offerings, he got just the basic hot dog and two bags of Lays potato chips. It really did look pathetic alone in the foam box, his face speaking volumes about how he felt about it. 

I was getting teased for ordering the "expensive" burger, just to try it, since the previous two times I'd had the hot dog. All hoity toity with the Angus burger!! Linda had the new sandwich of cheese and turkey grilled with mozzarella cheese, pesto, plus lettuce and tomato on a wonderful artisan bread. Well worth the money, I am told by those who have ordered it. Might have to give it a try because it does look good. We sure can have fun, especially when riding on those comical foam noodles!

Some pictures for your amusement

Linda arrived on Wednesday afternoon and our fun began with a visit to Happy Hour at The Club where we enjoyed the tapas menu choices for our dinner. The next night we actually dined in the restaurant for Casual Grille Night where I had a Delmonico steak and she had a shrimp dish. The meal comes with a salad and appetizer which that night was crab cakes. Linda did me the favor of eating mine for me. Nancy W. had them box up my salad for her to take home. I have designated eaters who help me out!

Crab cakes with a sauce for dipping

 It was a stormy day on Thursay but fortunately we were able to avoid rain for  our walk over to The Club. Justin was going to join us but then accepted an invitation to join his boss/friend for dinner. We three ladies had a fine visit without him, and enjoyed the view on the river. My downstairs neighbor captured some shots of the evening sky, including these two photos, one above and one below, both taken with iPhone cameras. Amazing shots!

Gotta love a double rainbow, double promise from the Lord!

Whenever there is a full moon, I think of my friend, Linda, and my other friends and family members who have been here to enjoy this amazing sight with me. This time Linda was able to capture the moon shining on the river when it finally 'rose' after 10:30 pm! I don't know what the delay was about but this was worth the wait!  

Today Linda and I spent at the pool and oh my, did we have fun!! Jacquie and Mark came, Mo and Ro were there, Nancy and Bill, plus Pat A. stopped by, as did O. to pick up her cheese curds which Linda had brought for her. Jacquie gave me a gift of this riding alligator noodle complete with saddle which coordinated perfectly with my swimsuit! We have more fun talking with Mark (Linda's first time meeting him) and the others, roaring with laughter. Justin said he could hear me upstairs...

This photo of the three noodles won't rotate in the blog so I posted the photo sideways so you can see how fun these are. One is a shark, one a dolphin, and mine is an alligator. They are very awkward to carry as they are longer due to the head and tail. Such great fun they are! In fact, tonight, Mo is going to Wal-Mart to get some for her family! 

...and here is my friend, Linda, sitting poolside, waiting for the water to be warm enough to actually enjoy! She might have a long wait...but we got in anyway. Linda has tender skin so has to avoid getting sunburned. I sprayed her with sunscreen so she wouldn't get a burn plus she wore my white picture hat to keep the sun from her face and neck.

The day is behind me

It wasn't a dreadful day for me but for some reason, I am glad to have it behind me. I think the 'unknown' about it is what had me in a bit of a stir facing the day. When Linda and I pulled into the parking lot at the school, I didn't expect to have to search for an empty space. We parked on the grass, with Judy pulling in just in front of us. Carol was not far behind, and then, to my surprise, Terri T. arrived. I couldn't believe it! 

I was thrilled to have these special ladies with me today. We found our way into the P.A.C. and were greeted promptly by the lady in charge plus the art teacher. They told me what to expect, etc. We were told to sit in the front rows in reserved seating, and Judy, the art teacher sat next to me. We agreed between us that I would go up on stage when she did, with me carrying the art piece I was donating to the school. I also had the envelopes with me which contained the prints I had made of the original art piece. The original framed picture was situated on the stage, toward the back, center. 

I had written a short speech to present but unfortunately my printer would not work. Then, the computer went into reset mode and I could not wait for it to finish doing that so left without it. I would have to wing it!  Plus, when I wrote it, I didn't know exactly what I was facing during the event. This might not make much sense, but my brain was going bonkers trying to handle this emotionally. 

We ladies sat through the presentation of various awards for the students, all the upper school kids, primarily for academics. It helped me to organize the envelopes according to name since I no longer knew the kids, except for a few. I did them all lined up, but when it was time to hand them out, they came to me. First, one teacher stood at the lectern and told how there should be one more graduate sitting with this class on stage but a tragic accident in pre-k took him from them. The two pre-k teachers present that day, including Timmy's, were asked to stand. All around us I could hear people sniffling as tears ran down my cheeks. On the screen above us were the pictures of Timmy with his class, which I had sent to them, plus a picture of his art piece. 

Next, Judy, the art teacher, was asked to come up to tell the story of the painting and up we went. I carried the piece I was donating with me, plus the envelopes with the prints. By this time I was fairly well composed, thinking of what I was going to say. Terri took some pictures and a video which she is sending later. I can't recall right now who gave me the package and the picture. The picture showed the students who were in Timmy's class then holding up his bench and the little statue that I put there. Around the edge of the picture were the kids' signatures, just like on the edge of the painting they finished for him. 

The wrapped gift was a copy of the yearbook for this year, with a tribute on one of the pages from the class about Timmy. I handed out the envelopes, said a few words of thanks, acknowledged my lady friends who were there supporting me. I cannot even tell you what I said...I only hope I made sense. Another teacher gave me a hydrangea in a blue pot to have as a reminder of graduation since that is customarily what is on the stage during the ceremony. She also mentioned Justin being Timmy's older brother and graduating in 2006. This plant would remind me of his graduation and put me in mind of what Timmy's would have been like. All very touching gifts, with great sentiment. When I returned to my seat, those around me said I had done well. I hope I didn't make a fool of myself. 

Carol couldn't join us but the rest of us went to Pengrees to have lunch. I really needed to unwind a bit which these ladies could let me do. Terri even asked the waitress if they had any adult beverages! Of course, they don't do that there but it was fun to ask. Jackie and her husband were there having lunch, too, and she was tickled to see her fellow church ladies come piling into the place. We had a very good lunch, great visit, and in my case, leftovers! 

We are underway

This morning was overcast, as expected, with the prediction being for 100% rain today. That is why Justin was having the day off since the guys cannot work efficiently in the rain. This means they work on Saturday which they'd rather not do but that's the breaks! At least as we drove to Bible study, it was not yet raining.

On the ride over to Victory, I called Mom from my position in the backseat. The world looks so different from back there!  At one point I said to Justin that it sounded like the radio was playing under the seat and he asked, "Aren't there speakers in the doors?"...Sure enough, there are! I just had to laugh at myself for not being very observant. Mom didn't expect me to call since I had called her when driving to the airport the day before. I had to hang up abruptly when Linda "beeped" in to let me know she had landed and Mom had expected me to call her back to let her know her other 'daughter' had arrived. But, I didn't call back until today...

Class continues to be excellent, our working through Isaiah. I had made copies of my worksheets for Linda plus she brought her sheets about Isaiah as her class is way ahead of ours. It was a good chapter to use for comparing our events today with those of Isaiah's time. We always have such great discussions in these sessions. Of course, the attendees remember Linda from previous visits, plus they were delighted to see their boy, Justin. He offered his knowledge on the 12th Iman which was helpful when we discussed the spread of Islam in the world. He is a regular Cliff Claven, but in a good way.

It was not raining when we left church so we went to Bahama Breeze as was my original plan. I just love their chicken sliders plus beans 'n rice. Justin and I ordered the onion rings which have a coconut coating on them, and they came with a spicy dipping sauce which worked great on my sliders. Of course, by the time we were done eating, the heavens had opened. We waited a while before leaving for it to let up and then made our way to the car. 

We stopped at Publix to get the things we need for a recipe Linda plans to make plus some other items to make Linda's time with us more pleasant. She likes to have breakfast in the morning so we got stuff for that, plus I, at last, got to replenish my sun screen. Somehow I either used up mine from last season or simply can't find it. I am now good to go!

Tonight we are going to dinner at The Club, meeting Nancy W. to enjoy Casual Grille Night. They make the best Delmonico steak, enough for two meals for me. Linda likes fish so she will likely go that route. We hope to enjoy the moonrise while at our table, unless these clouds hang in all day. Quiet afternoon, as quiet as it can be with Linda and me around!

She's here!

Right on time---the plane arrived and I scooped up my friend, Linda, from the airport this afternoon. We could not have timed it more closely. I didn't even have to pull into the waiting lot, just drove right up to the baggage claim area and together we shoved her suitcase into the backseat. The 'trunk' of the car still had too many cases of soda in it! I had asked her ahead of time the size of her bag just to make sure we could get it in the back seat.

Linda was hungry after her day of travel but she said she could have some curds to hold her over when we got to my house until we had our tapas at The Club later on. She'd had breakfast at home before leaving for the airport and then only two bags of pretzels all day. No time in ATL to do anything except stop at the bathroom. Very short connection time... 

We got the bags upstairs and situated in her waiting guest quarters. Linda pulled out cheese curds she'd brought for us, a package of hot dogs for Mike S., plus she surprised me with caramel corn. One container for me and one for her, actually. Oh yummy! She also surprised me with a wonderful plaque with my favorite Bible passage from Philippians 4:8. I just love it! We sat for a bit watching our show, The Five, first, before heading over to The Club. Justin was not home from work yet when we left, but came over after he got cleaned up. Linda and I ordered the BLT sliders and he had the chicken caeser wrap. 

We had a very nice visit with the neighbors and friends there and then headed back home. Many knew she was coming (I joked about holding a spinning sign on Hwy. 17 announcing her pending visit!) and for some it was the first time meeting Linda. Unfortunately the moon was hidden by the clouds so we could not enjoy the reflection on the river before going to bed. Tomorrow brings us Bible study, lunch somewhere, depending upon the weather, and then dinner at The Club with my friend, Nancy. Justin has already been granted the day off because of the 100% chance of rain, so he will be our driver for Bible study and lunch. Good!, because I am not fond of driving in the pouring rain!

Getting ready for Linda

The piles on my desk are shorter, progress has been made in getting business addressed, papers filed, and others shredded. That's why it's good for company to come periodically to prompt my desk cleaning. Linda is usually the only guest I entertain in my room and yes, Rosalie came in here, too, but the cleaning is mainly for me. So I like to have some semblance of order in this workshop of mine! As I explained to Justin, there are just some pieces that have no other place to be than on my desk, so there they stay!

The dusting is done, Justin is vacuum cleaning right now, and already some plans are in place for Linda's visit. Some stuff we play by ear while other arrangements are set for us. Thursday is Bible study at Victory, then lunch at Bahama Breeze. That night we are thinking of having dinner at The Club on casual night, steak and seafood. Guess which I'm having...

The replacement windshield being installed

Today was a busy one, starting with a carpet cleaning man coming by to look at my area rug in the river room. The edges where we walk around the table are showing dirt but Aaron (Brenda's son) said he could do this carpet no justice since it requires more TLC than he can provide. Guess I can live with it being grungy a bit longer. Then, the man came to replace the windshield in Justin's car. It has to be done before he can sell it and the insurance covers it. Hate it that we waited this long to get it taken care of. I should say, 'he waited', because personally, I'd have done it ages ago!  That fellow was running ahead of schedule so I was able to keep my lunch appointment with Miss Brenda after all, thinking at first the windshield guy was coming later. Glad he could make it here earlier!

We had our lunch at Steak & Shake, being served in a timely fashion. Often, Brenda is on the run and if they are slow in serving us, well, that doesn't work for her. It was my turn to treat to the shakes (using the BO/GO coupon) for our afternoon snack. They are too filling for me to have with my meal. After lunch I stopped at Winn Dixie to pick up a few things, including buying some chicken thighs, at Linda's recommendation. She told me how to prepare them for our dinner, and I did so without benefit of paprika. Instead I used season salt and they were tasty! Also made baked potatoes and ate our last two ears of corn. As Justin pointed out, all our food was the same color!

Fuzzy Pickles!

This morning I went to Precious Lambs Preschool at church to take pictures of the little ones who are graduating to kindergarten this year. They are leaving our flock, this safer haven, for the big world beyond. It has been my pleasure to take these photos in the past and to do so again today. Originally I arranged to do this at 9:00 a.m. to get done before Bible study but then that class was cancelled yet again. I told Michael I could come later then but he was fine with the time we set up.

Lisa helping the little guy with the gown

Those kids are so darling, especially because they are THAT age, 5 years old. At first they started out sitting nicely on the carpet awaiting their turn but then the jitters got into the legs. They can really move around without actually standing up!!! Lisa, the assistant teacher, put the gown on the kid, tied on the white 'bib' thing, and used a clothes pin to tighten up the neckline so it wouldn't droop. And then, the fun part, balancing the mortar board on their teeny heads! To get them to smile for me, I would say, "Fuzzy pickles!" and they'd show some teeth, many smiles missing a tooth or two. These photos will be used for a slide presentation Michael puts together for the graduation event at the end of the year. I wanted to do the photos now rather than when Linda was here and get it out of the way. Done!

Tonight I went back to church for a stewardship session. There were about 9 of us in total, which is the group size the leaders were looking for. I sat with Mike S. and Judy C., plus another Mike and his wife. We had to do those breakout things but we are entirely uncooperative. Not deliberately so, but it just works out that one of us ends being the 'reporter' anyway. The subject matter was hard to follow so it was clumsy work at best. We had a ton of information to go through in an hour and a half, about our personal finances and our attitudes towards them, etc.

Justin was going to make some burgers for our dinner but during the class I got a text message from him saying he'd shut off the burners and accepted a dinner invitation from his boss. I taught him well! I wrote back to ask if he had made any burgers or if I had to stop on the way home and he wrote back, "Can you stop?" I did!  He went to a new place, one Will was familiar with from Orlando days, and had the most excellent beef brisket he's ever had. I envy him his delight, because I also once had the best brisket ever at Bono's in Middleburg. He couldn't stop talking about it after I got home from the meeting. Funny he didn't load me in the car right then and there to take to this place! It's called Four Rivers, named after the owner, I guess, and he loved loved loved it!

Good Shepherd Sunday

Yesterday was a great day, spent at the pool with varying groups of friends who 'floated' in and out all afternoon. Once the morning ladies were gone, some more folks would come out. There are two newer people helping Marlena in the cabana, Sean, and woman named Sylvia, who had worked out there years ago with Danny Cabany. So, she is new again! I like that they opened ahead of time, instead of having a grand opening on the busiest weekend of the year, Memorial Day. Not fair to the staff or to the members.

I kept checking my phone to see or hear from Justin as to our plans for getting his car picked up, since he didn't know if we'd go that night or on Saturday. Because of that, I came upstairs and got out of my suit to await my marching orders. The insurance is all lined up, pending the finalization of the purchase, so tomorrow I will let the agency know that it's his. On Tuesday the windshield on his Dodge will be replaced, under insurance, and then we can greatly reduce the amount of coverage on that car and get it ready to sell. 

So, moving forward with that to today, Good Shepherd Sunday and Mother's Day. My morning began with Justin bringing me what we always referred to as 'breakfast on belly'---waffles! And, no fruit, he knows me so well. That was a total surprise and I really got a kick out of it. He said at first he was just going to bring me a Diet Coke, my usual breakfast and then remembered we had waffles in the freezer. Funny guy!

Originally he was going to take me to Lowe's to select a blue flower pot and either a jasmine or gardenia plant for it, for Mother's Day. After seeing his truck and how it looked, I asked him to please go to the car wash and have it cleaned up there as my Mother's Day present. I wanted him to have a fresh start with his truck. So he did just that!

At church, our opening hymn was "I Am Jesus' Little Lamb"---oh my! Mother's Day is emotional to start with, and my friend, Cindy, had put a photo of Timmy in my mailbox..so hearing this wonderful hymn, used for his service, being sung this a.m. was tearful for me. I was still in the back so I bothered no one with my sniffling, but afterwards both Terri and Laurie mentioned it to me. Terri said as soon as she saw it in the hymnal she thought, "Oh, oh..." but would have had to climb over Charles to get out of the pew. I told her that was very sweet but I was fine just standing back there and letting the tears drop. "...even calls me by my name." That's the promise we hold on to for dear (eternal) life!

After church six of us went to have lunch at Chili's, arriving before our usual time because the service wrapped up much earlier than ordinary. Mike S. was later in getting over to Chili's though as there was an outreach gathering after church for which he was expected. He was frosted when he finally got to the table but we got him calmed down enough to enjoy his lunch and his company. Meetings!

Justin was going to treat me for lunch but when the waitress brought the ticket to the table, she gave it right to Michael. That rascal picked up the whole group. What a gem! As we walked to our cars, the rain began to come down. Nuts! Wouldn't you know it? The best laid plans to sit out at the pool, Justin, too, were washed away by a giant thunderstorm which hung around much of the afternoon. Oddly enough, Mike's house had no rain nor did the golf tournament, as far as I knew, at TPC on the other side of the river. Meanwhile, we were under a severe thunderstorm warning!

Instead of sitting poolside, Justin was busy getting things ready for Miss Linda, who arrives on Wednesday. He got all the bins put back in the closet, somehow or another, did some vacuuming, made up the guest bed, and other tidying. Plus he vacuumed my room, with me chasing dust bunnies around with the dust mop. (He complains that I can't smell what he does on his work headphones but I CAN smell dust under my dresser!) He has a bit more vacuuming to do (I did the dusting already) and then, Linda can come!

We will enjoy leftovers tonight, pizza which was delivered last night, and what I brought home from Chili's. Less stressful now that the truck is collected and cleaned up, so we can relax a bit in that regard. Just enjoy Linda when she gets here!