Fun with Lori

When Lori arrived at Mom's, she had her bicycle hanging off the back of the car. Her intent was to take a long ride along the lake shore while Mom and I each did our thing. Linda was coming for us around 8:30 to go to church for a while. Mom had 'signed me up' to work on the newsletter without knowing I had made plans to go with Linda to ladies' Bible study in Mishicot. It worked out that I got do both things, at least for a while, as we had plenty of time before having to head out. Another lady at FG was going to take Mom back home after their work was done. 

Linda suggested we go to eat lunch at the Charcoal Grille after class. I sent Lori a text message asking her to gather Mom and meet us at noon for lunch. She was almost to Two Rivers on her bike so instead of telling me she needed more time, she rode like a bat out of you-know-where for home. She flew in the door at Mom's, told Mom the plan and simply threw herself together in a moment's time to make to the restaurant by noon. When Mom told me about it, it was hysterical!

The host seated us in the back of the place, and I told him that my mom wouldn't like the long walk to the table. He said, "I'll carry her..."  From my seat, I could see the front doors and saw him standing there and watching for her. How he knew she was my mom is beyond me, but he did! When Lori pulled in, out he went to the car to escort Mom in, and walked her all the way back to the table. He said to me, "I tried to carry her but she wouldn't let me...." What a nice, nice guy!

After lunch Mom, Lori, and I went to get our toes done, Mom's treat. Such wonderful pampering for $25 each. Not only do they groom the feet but also massage the calves, lather them up, and then rub them with hot stones. Ahhhh....! Thanks, Mom!  She told us she usually gets to go first at Sassy Salon, Mama-san gets special treatment, but today they did me first, and then Lori. Mom had to wait! It was okay with me, though.  

Once home, Lori wanted to go check out a few shops downtown, but Mom and I stayed home. We were meeting our cousins for dinner at The Green Street. I arranged for the transfer of my auntie's walker to Mom, as she wants one to use in the house. It is more dainty in size and shape than the 'big' one Justin and I got for her back in 2003 or '04. So, once brought home, she now has a fleet of 3 walkers, including one stored in Lynn's trunk for use when no shopping carts are available.

My 'cousin', Alex, hugged Mom at The Green Street. He is the son of my parents' long-time friends whom we called Auntie and Uncle, and I have always considered their kids as my cousins. He was having dinner with his son but stopped by to put a hug on his 'auntie'!

We met our cousins Barb and Jon at The Green Street, plus Barb's husband, Jim. Mom, Lynn, Jill, Lori and I finished off the group. It was a great, great night---loved our time together. During my previous visit my sisters and I met up with their brothers, Jimmy and David. That, too, was a hoot. I miss seeing my cousins and it happens that we mostly get together when I am home. Interesting! They all live in this town with my mom and sisters and yet don't hang out much. 

Lori is going home tomorrow as she has a busy social calendar plus is in charge of her church's VBS which means lots of work for her. I am so glad she made the trip over here even for a couple of days into which was packed much activity. For safety purposes, she brought her bike into the house and parked it on the little porch with Mom's lovely flowers. It was wonderful for her to get the bike ride in, even if she had to fly back to Manty to make to lunch on time!

Church 'n perch 'n TV

Mom and I enjoy watching TV together including Jeopardy! in the evenings. It's on earlier here than it is at home, 6:00 pm. At 8:00 JAG comes on, a program I used to watch years ago and really missed. Love being able to see it again. It is the predecessor of "NCIS" which Mom also greatly enjoys. After JAG comes Matlock, another of Mom's favorites, though she has seen them all a time or two already. Like me with the Seinfeld episodes---some are favorites and others I don't need to see again. Mom regrets falling asleep during the shows and missing parts of them, but that happens. If she slept all night long, she might be able to stay awake later at night. It seems like all her life her sleep has been a mess...

Last night, though, I missed some of the evening viewing as I joined Linda for her late nail appointment at Rose Colored Glasses. We have a nice time when there and I get pampered even if not buying a service from them. John, one of the owners, greeted us with hugs, and gave us each neck warmers to put around our shoulders which is quite soothing. Nicole, John's wife, does Linda's nails and is an artist at it. They are also WELS and we have such good visits with the ladies and John. 

From there we went across the street to Harborside to eat dinner. We had to wait for a table as they were quite busy. Several of the diners waiting with us at the bar were in Manty by default as the hotels where they were wishing to be were all booked for the EAA show in Oshkosh. A pair of guys were trying to do business in Fond du Lac and a sales lady was supposed to be in Appleton but there was no room in the Inn. Even though she tried booking six months out, no dice! That is good for business in Manty, then, both hotels and restaurants.

The hostess recognized me from the Facebook page, as I often indicate on their daily posting which menu items I'd like, even though I am far away from them. She said she appreciates that, and remembers that on Friday I always order the fried perch! And, they nicely prepared some for us that evening, even though it was not on the menu. That is good customer service, if you ask me. I will see Linda again soon when she picks me up for Bible study which is in Mishicot. We will take her granddaughter along with us as others bring their kids with them. 

My sister, Lori, is coming to Manty for a visit. She had been here on the weekend but had to go back to Holmen for a meeting at church as she is head of their education program. They have VBS coming up and plans must be made!  She is staying here at Mom's so I put fresh sheets on Mom's bed where Lori will sleep. Mom chooses to take the loveseat and/or her chair, where she does her best sleeping anyway. That way Lori can sleep later in the morning, as is her practice, and we won't bother her as much. I hope not, anyway!

I got to see my boys!

The day I arrived at Mom's house I was dropped off from Pastor Schaefer's car which was driven from MKE to Manty by Joel Ungemach. Pastor bailed on us at North Avenue where he met his wife and daughters in a Wendy's parking lot. He jumped in their van while the other two of us continued on our way home. Mom was at first worried I'd talk Pastor's arm off on the ride home but I hardly got a chance to do that! Anna's brother was in town so they were going to meet up with him for dinner that night and just hang out as a family until then. I didn't care who got me to Mom's, just so I got there!

Angelo in the car

Mom let Lynn know that I had arrived and she brought the boys over. I was so glad to see them again!!  Angelo is getting so big. He is practicing using the potty and says many more words than he had when I was there in March. He is so darn cute! 

My sister, Kerry, has a crazy, mixed-up schedule at work and is not sure when she can get here to Mom's for a visit. We had planned on taking the boys school shopping together but that might not happen. Lynn said we can go one day next week when she has the boys again so they can try on the clothes to make sure they fit. 

Today we went to the ice cream parlor and had a marvelous treat. My sister, Jill, is the manager there which never hurts either! I ordered my cone and then realized my other favorite flavor was there, so ended up with a double. Wow, that was almost too much to eat! Lynn said she will order a banana split and have that as her dinner because it's so filling. And healthy, with all the fruit on it!

No rest for the wicked

Usually our first place to go when I arrive in town is the Green Street Tavern. We chose instead to eat Friday night at Silver Valley which is easier for Mom to come and go. She fears the steps at the Green Street and dreads the being squished in the bar area as we wait for our table to be ready. Silver Valley was no wait and had great perch!  

       

As we sat at the table and waited for our food to arrive, I looked up and saw Linda and her family standing in the doorway. What a surprise!!! I had not communicated with her about this or anything, they just showed up, with Tommy spotting Lynn's car in the parking lot. 

Last night Lynn, Jill, Danny and I went to eat at The Green Street for dinner. It was delicious as always, one of the only places where I eat the salad because of their delicious French dressing. Don't know what it is about it, but I love the taste. We had an order of cheese curds for the table to share. I had perch, of course. Mom instructed me to not bring her anything from the G.S. so I obeyed her. It's her loss! The bartender/owner greeted me like a long lost friend, knowing I am in town from FL.  He even recognized me without my red coat on!

A perch sandwich and curds at The Green Street Tavern

At Christmas last year, Justin insisted on having a foam mattress pad delivered to Mom's for my sleeping comfort. It really makes all the difference on the day bed, allows me to sleep like a log. This is not so good because I don't get up in time to help Mom with her drops like I should. My sleep is such that I am well rested in the morning, snug as a bug in a rug. That is, until the train which sounds as though it's in the parking lot goes through. It has to toot its horn 16 times as it makes it way. Sleeping with the windows open has this as a downside---noise from outside!

Today I put the finishing touches on the church newsletter and got it sent off. It is somewhat abbreviated since I am missing content regarding the Bible studies and other info. I did get content from the preschool director with a wish list of things needed for the classroom. I also had to retype a report that the head elder had read the Sunday before I left. He didn't have it in digital form so I just typed it into the newsletter. That was a bit labor-intensive but I appreciate having submissions to the letter. Also, Terri wrote up something to be included regarding her time at the LWMS Convention. Her first time, subsidized by our Circuit, for the Send One Sister program. Very nice for her!  Anyway, next order of business will be The Palace Press newsletter to be written, but it can wait a day or two.

More photos from the Conference

Here is my bed in the dorm room. It was a terrible fight trying to keep the pad and sheets in place on that plastic covered mattress. Every time we moved, all the bedding moved. Judy and I both gave up trying to make the beds in the morning. 

A view of the dining room, which was "L" shaped and on the 2nd floor. Thankfully I found an elevator to use to get up there because the stairs killed me. Judy and I usually grabbed this round table close to the top of the stairs, and one of my friends, Colleen, declared me the official greeter of the Conference, as I enjoyed my cat bird seat!

Got to see some more friends from FL---had to go to WI to do so, however! Ruth and Stacy Vance, mom and sister of my friend, Mark, who is also father-in-law to Pete Prange. Ruth came to spend time with her son and daughter-in-law while Stacy attended the Conference (she is a choir director and church musician) and then joined us for the closing concert on the 25th. 

At the registration table, I found my former classmate, Eileen Fager Matty, who came from AZ for the Conference. We both lamented how our high school class had no reunion this year, our 40th, so we did our own!  It was wonderful to see her after not seeing each other for 10-15 years!

This was the good-bye photo taken with Diana at breakfast on the last day of the Conference. It was so good to spend time with her there in the flesh, instead of just visiting via the Internet. Her son was in Milwaukee with her sister, and had taken the tour of WI Lutheran High School. This will be huge for her and for him since they live in Canada. Nathe will live in a dormitory on the campus and they are hoping to benefit from some grants and other help to make this affordable for his education. I wish them the best!

This is the closing concert with our view of the orchestra. Oh my, what a wondrous event this was! We sang the "Hallelujah Chorus" with the gathered 1700 people in this chapel, and also  "Jerusalem, the Golden" as the closing anthem. What a way to end this amazing Conference! A couple rows in front of Judy and me sat the elder Prange's (he is turned in his seat in this photo) 

Good to be back in Manty!

Today I got to participate in worship and Bible study again at First German, true highlights of a visit to Manitowoc. There is nothing like the pipe organ accompanying the hymns and hearing a powerful sermon from the raised pulpit. Love seeing even more people I know (after seeing many folks at the Conference!) and being welcomed back to their midst yet again. I hadn't been there since March, when I came up for the Pathways to Christ retreat.

Mom, Lynn, and I went to Perkins for breakfast which was a treat for me. The waitress was surprised to hear that I didn't live here because she said she seems me there so often. It must just seem like often. I told her the closest Perkin's to us used to be an hour away but it closed, too, so now my potato pancake fix has to wait for Manitowoc!  I bought us a pie at the check out, a wild berry pie which looks fantastic. Can't wait to have a slice for dessert tonight!  

It's my boy's birthday!

Justin and I are celebrating his birthday 1200 miles apart. This a.m. I went with Mom and Lynn to have coffee, or soda, as the case might be, at Manitowoc Coffee while Justin was taking care of the church property. They didn't get to it during the week and had one more property to catch in Oakleaf so off he went by himself. So thankful he attends our church property twice a month on his own dime and today, on his own time. Often Mike S. meets up with Justin and Raymond to conquer the yard but I am not sure that happened today. 

Not only was Justin working today but was also going to help/observe his boss, Will, doing some welding on the equipment, sort of hanging out with him. He declared himself not a diva on his birthday by going to work and hanging out with the boss. Tonight is a big one for Jacksonville and the Jags as the new giant-sized screens at the stadium are revealed. Part of the night includes a concert by Carrie Underwood which is preceded by a soccer game involving a team owned by the Jags owner, Shad Kahn. Quite a show they put on for my birthday boy! Sadly, the rain dampened the guys plans for tailgating so they ended up at Mojo's BBQ. Justin paid for his own meal there, too. No diva he!          

                       My boy and I at Victory a couple years ago

Back in WI, we 3 ladies had some baked goods at the coffee shop and checked out the new gift shop which opened adjacent to it. Mom and I picked up sympathy cards to send our friend, Gretchen, who recently lost two of her dear cousins which were almost like siblings to her. Two in a week's time or at least within 10 days is quite hard to take. The gift shop is great and I can't wait for Linda to see it, especially the corner dedicated to items of sentimental nature. The proprietor told me she placed a box of tissues nearby for people like me!

Bought us each a brat at the stand outside of Festival. A lady walked up while I was there and said, "Well, hello, Florida!" She used to be a teacher at FG and her husband taught me in high school. That's what I love about small towns!

After the two shops we ladies went next to Festival where I stocked up on a few items I need when in town like puff caramel corn and the fresh sliced ham. We will have that for dinner tonight with the free rolls which come with it. I thought that was only available on Sunday but now it's ready on Saturdays as well. Also picked up some ingredients for making meals when at Mom's. Let the fun begin!

Photographic wrap-up of Conference

Judy and I arrived safely and without delay in Kenosha, WI for the WELS Worship Conference July 22nd. The part I enjoy most is seeing people I know and meeting those I did not know before. The music and special worship are also huge draws, and for me, I get much from the seminars. But, I really love seeing the people!

The single thing that made my time there on the campus of Carthage College doable was the ready access to the golf carts which would take us (me) from Point A to Point B. It was the same couple doing the escorting as served us at St. Olaf, which was wonderful. Their phone numbers were posted at the registration desk and I made note of them immediately. All I had to do was text or call, and a chariot would be waiting for us in the morning, or outside a building to take us to the next destination. God bless the Committee and Barb 'n Don for providing this service!!

Right off the bat Judy and I ran into Mary Prange in the dining area. The guy who hosts the Facebook page "Mary Prange Fan Club" had sent out his e-mail address for people to submit their 'Mary sighting' photos, and mine was the first one submitted and posted on her fan club page!

While Judy and I were seated and waiting for the beginning of the opening concert, Mary came over to tell me that someone at the end of our pew wanted to see me---Anna and Vic Prange, her brother. Oh, it was so good to see them, and, of course, Anna and I wept together. I would be able to see them several more times this past week, much to my delight, but this first night was extra special. 

We also met on our first night a friend we'd made at the previous Conference, Diana Widdefield. She and I are in contact at least weekly since 2011 when we met, but Judy hadn't seen or heard from her. They reconnected before the service got underway. We would spend time together the next few days and have several more picture opportunities. So great to see her in the flesh instead of only on-line!

 

On the left is Marlene Bruss, the wife of my classmate, Dean. I had met her at the Conference in 2011 and saw her again at the LWMS Convention in 2013 and at Pathways to Christ this year. She is with her pastor's wife, Natosha Cole, who also taught at First German this past year and with whom I became acquainted when visiting there. Tosha was the first one to greet us as Judy and I arrived at registration, and right behind her was Paul Prange!! Such great fun making all these connections! If Judy said it once she said it 25 times that she wished she could remember people like I do...Good thing I was there to help her out!

Anna, Beth, and Vic Prange pre-service

An unexpected pleasure I had was spending time with my friend/former pastor's sister, Beth. She is Pete's older sister and I had last chatted with her at Pete and Tarren's wedding in 2003. Beth and I got to visit a little bit during pre-service opportunities but got a better chat in when seated in the dining hall one afternoon. I so enjoyed our time together, and the kind things she had to say to me will stay with me for a long time. 

Pete with his aunts and uncle: Paul Sr., May, and Ann Lyon

During the Conference and its concerts and services, I would look around expectantly for Pete and/or Tarren. Somehow I missed them, even though I knew they were there. I guess 1700 people makes it hard sometimes for folks to connect. Well, when Judy and I were in our seats for a seminar, I turned around to see Pete come into the room. Up I dashed from my seat to hug and kiss him. That was the extent of our visit, since the session was about to begin. He was seated with his family members which made for the great photo op. 

More photos to come, as you might imagine...

Packing day!

Yes, it's time to get out the suitcase and start throwing stuff into it! Jacquie, has a hubby who travels for business and is quite particular about how his bag is packed. He uses a carry-on sized bag while mine is as large as can be purchased, a bit of a difference there. As I told Jacquie this a.m., I pack from across the room, basically throwing things into my bag. Shameful, I know, especially for an ordinarily particular person. About packing I am not particular!

Before I got too involved in the packing process, I did enjoy a nice breakfast with Nancy W. at Grumpy's this a.m. She swung by to pick me up and away we went. It was great to spend the time, swift though it was, before I leave for WI. And enjoy a delicious breakfast in the process!

I did have myself in a state, though, today because I could not lay my hands on the bag I use for carrying my laptop. Looking in the closets in my room and the guest room, the front hall, checking door knobs, and my bed posts but not finding it. I keep similar bags as this in my closet holding somewhat important papers, more or less portable, if need be. Oh, so frustrating to not find it! 

Since I had my laptop here, I knew I had to have the bag with me when I came back last March after my trip to WI. But, I called Mom just in case to see if I'd left it there for some reason. She looked around but could not find it either. Her words of wisdom to me were that I would find it in the most unlikely place. Hmmm....

When Justin came home from work, I told him of my dilemma and expressed my frustration to him. Being the good boy that he is, he brought me a travel bag made for laptops with pockets and flaps and all sorts of things on it. This bag would do the trick, but it was not as pretty as my other one. Where is that stupid bag???  

I made bbq'd ribs with baked potatoes and creamed corn for our last dinner together for awhile. While at the table, I once more lamented the fact that I could not locate that perfect bag for hauling my laptop. It had a black tapestry pattern on the exterior and nice leather handles for putting on my shoulder. Justin asked me, "Did you look in the car?"  Did I look in the car? Why would it be in the car? Excitedly I said, "NO! I did not check the car..." and he offered to run down to check. Sure enough, there it was, just as I had explained to him as having important papers in it. Not the papers I was thinking but then I remembered using it for the worship committee meeting in June. It got put in the back of the car when the CO kids were here, and now, the mystery is solved!!!!  I feel so much better, and am thankful to my boy for thinking of it, and fetching the bag for me!

Being lost in nostalgia about my cruises, I neglected mentioning the wonderful time I spent with my friend, Jacquie, at the pool on Friday. We enjoyed the time together, bobbing about in the water and chatting around the table. It was good unwinding after a long week for her, and our last time together until I return from WI. So glad the weather held for us!

"To all the Kims out there, but especially to my Diet-Coke loving friend, 

Kim Lahaie Day!"  

This was posted by my young friend, Erica, who found the soda bottle with my name on it! She knows me so well....

One of those days

Forty years ago today I got married. Only a bit longer than a month out of high school and down the aisle I went. Mom made my dress for me, plus those of the two girls from my class who were my bridesmaids. Yes, I had a whole bunch of sisters to pick from and, at the time, I was trying to not cost my parents too much money so asked my friends instead. My mistake and a long-time regret on my part. How could I decide, though, on which of the five to ask--or, all of them? My intent was to keep it small and understated, originally wanting a garden wedding at my parent's home, but that got vetoed. It all turned out okay, wedding-wise, and one man told me it was the most fun he'd had a wedding in a long time. This would be the reception he was referring to, not the wedding ceremony itself. And, he had a pile of kids himself, several of whom were already married!! That is quite a compliment!

Here are all lined up...How could I pick???

So, then, 30 years later, Justin and I were enjoying a wonderful cruise together on this date. It was probably not the way I'd expected to be celebrating it, but it was most certainly memorable for us. We met many nice people, had marvelous experiences, and really whet my appetite to go again, and again. Justin and I went two years later on the same ship, same itinerary and ports of call, for his graduation.  One of the waiters from the Galaxy remembered us. He came up and greeted us with, "You wear your hair the same!"  Wow! After two years and thousands upon thousands of people through their doors, he remembered Justin and me, and my hair!

On one of our trips over I bought a blown glass pendant light fixture from a shop in Santorini. Justin and I chatted at some length with the woman running the shop, Jeannie, who was originally from CA, and had lived there 7 years. When I went back there another time without Justin, she remembered me, asking immediately if my son was with me. She was actually working in the bar which just across the path (I knew she worked both places) and again she asked about my son. What a memory!

Jeanne in 2007

Today after church our group went to Chili's as usual. I had been collecting first aid type items to take along to the Worship Conference. At the Conference I will find my FB friend, Pat's, pastor, who will take the items back to Pat for her to use on her mission trip to Cambodia. Several of our members donated such items but one lady didn't have hers along. Her husband asked me how we could connect but we had trouble coming up with a plan. While we were dining, Justin looked up and there came Mike with the bag of stuff from Cindy. He knew where to find us! How fun is that!? I am sure these items will be put to good use by the nurse missionaries on their trip.

Upon getting home from church, I immediately changed clothes and got out to the pool. I got to spend some time with my friends and even get an ice cream treat with Burnie, who said he only came over to get his "Kim fix" before I left. It wasn't a long stay poolside today though when the sky darkened for our afternoon storm. Good-bye pool and friends!

More about that trip

I learned some more lessons on that first trip Justin and I took in 2004 besides getting the money changed prior to sailing.  Another lesson was that a person should let their bank know they are traveling out of country or even in country. Justin and I were shopping in Santorini, walking on the stepped streets and visiting the shops, etc. He liked to tease me about being a magpie, attracted to shiny things as we window shopped along these ancient streets. Every third store sold jewelry and at one place I noticed they had displayed necklaces like one I'd had my sister fashion for me from a belt I had gotten at Chico. No one else had such a lovely piece, at least not until I saw some displayed in this shop window. The store clerk came out and complimented me on my beautiful smile and invited us into the shop. We went in!

This is the necklace fashioned by Lori from a belt I'd found. I was simply ahead of my time!

I got Justin a nice ring with the Greek key featured on it and, for myself---a lovely necklace and bracelet which I wear everyday. However, when it was time to pay for it, my card wouldn't go through. What in the world??? The credit card security had intervened and determined it was not me making these purchases even though the trip had been paid for using this same card. Hmmm...No problem! The merchant, who had locked the door to the shop when we came in, interestingly enough, accepted a personal check from me. How about that? I could have stopped payment on that check and they'd have been out the value of the jewelry if I was a bad guy. Now who is the trusting one, Justin?

Fortunately, the ship offered Internet service and had computers sent up in one area, which was a blessing. When we got back to the ship, I was able to contact my friend, Joanne, to whom I had given power of attorney in case a real estate offer came in for my house in The Preserve. She was able to contact the bank for me and get things straightened out, freeing me up to continue my trip without concern. Note to self (and others)---always let the credit card people know when you are traveling! 

Thinking back a few years ago,...

....on this date in 2004, Justin and I were on our first Mediterranean cruise, by ourselves. "By ourselves" I mean just the two of us, planned and executed by me. We had a marvelous time, made many good memories, and experienced much. Justin also enjoyed our trip, which was pretty cool for a young man his age, 16 at the time, to be walking the ruins of Pompeii like he did. We did manage to locate an address in those ruins mentioned in one of the books he had read in Latin class, which was the goal in the first place. 

One thing I learned was I should have pre-arranged our first shore excursion because those planned were full and we could not get on the first one to Pompeii. I was absolutely determined to get that boy to those ruins, so I ventured out to the parking area where the taxis were all parked, waiting to take others from the ship on outings. One man swore on his son that he would get us to Pompeii and back again (his son was not even there!). Justin was extremely reluctant to do this, saying it was okay to not go, etc. but I insisted we were going to do this. "Mom, you trust everybody!" and I did trust this man. 

He even took me to an ATM and showed me how it worked because I had also failed to get currency to use for paying for taxis! Yes, he could have robbed me blind, but he did not. In fact, he got us to Pompeii and back again, waiting for us the entire time we were walking the ruins and touring the sites. I did not pay him until we were back to the ship so it wouldn't have benefited him to ditch us! I gave him a tip besides because I was quite appreciative of his coming through for me where I had dropped the ball. Believe me, for that time on, I made sure we were pre-booked on our excursions.

It was on this cruise, also, where Justin and I were introduced to Sarah Brightman and her singing of "Con Te Partiro", or "A Time to Say Good-Bye" which played as we sailed from the ancient port of Dubrovnik. Normally we sailed at dinner time so we would miss this, that at every sail away this song was played. It was afternoon as I was standing on the deck and watching the city go by while this lovely song played. 

I was entirely mesmerized by the sights and sounds, and wished that Justin had not gone down to the cabin to watch '24' on his computer. I wanted him to hear this and see what I was seeing. Just then the automatic doors opened and there came Justin with a look on his face. "Mom, do you hear the music that's playing?" I did, I did! We asked in the gift shop if they knew who sang the song and if they sold it there. The clerk said many people ask about it but no, they didn't know the singer or carry the CD. 

At the dinner table, we asked our tablemates, a Jewish family plus a Jewish couple, if they knew the singer or the song. They did! The dad, Yehuda, told us all about Sarah, how she was married to Andrew Lloyd Webber and starred in "The Phantom of the Opera", etc. Justin and I determined to get her CD when we returned home. At this writing, 4 of my 6 slots in the car CD player are hers! Like I said, great memories made....

An amazing tree

Last night, poor Justin came home from work, soaking wet. It had rained to some degree all day on the various sites where they were working. He was kaput! He did not feel like going over to Happy Hour with me and while I felt badly for him, I didn't want to miss the 'big event' going on over there. During the month of July, we were encouraged to invite people from the area who are not members of The Club to HH where they could partake of the tapas menu and/or have a free drink. For this all-out effort being put forth to garner new members, I felt it was important for me to be there to greet folks. 

While I was at HH, Justin sent me a text message suggesting that I have my picture taken with the sawed off section of the giant tree which was taken down that day. My neighbor, Hugh, was sitting with me and when I told him Justin's idea, he said, "Let's go, Kiddo" and away we went! He took several shots of me with the chunk and of the stump remaining to be ground down, estimating the width across as being 6 feet. The chunk I am near is 5', my height. That is just amazing, in my opinion, a substantial tree!  Oh, and did it ever stink out there---the wood was rotten in the stump, had turned to black mush, and was quite pungent. No problem, though, as Hugh and I went back inside to enjoy the rest of our evening meeting and greeting new people. 

Tonight, Justin and I went to Carmike to watch a documentary "America" by Dinesh D'Souza which was excellent, and well done. The documentary was food for thought but we supplemented that with dinner at Koko's! It would be our last time there for a while, until next month, at least!

No pool for you!

This morning it was overcast and quite gloomy, a carry-over from last night's storm. Phooey! This meant there would be no water exercise class today, much to my chagrin. It was the birthday of one our friends and I looked forward to seeing her and extending my good wishes to her. Oh well...

Our goofy weather did not deter other excitement here at our property, however. Starting early on, the trucks and equipment we'd been expecting was busily addressing the damaged tree located just behind our detached garage, on The Club property. The crane and other equipment was parked in our parking lot, entirely blocking access to the north parking areas. It seemed everyone who needed to get out did so by moving their cars before the machinery arrived.

 Here is the tree as seen on July 4th

The chipper and crane in place, already at work

 There are men everywhere, even up in the trees!

It's getting less and less tree-looking...

She is good that way

I have declined to serve on the Board for my building but sometimes find myself in the mix of things. For one thing, I am usually around during the day, and for another, I know how to use the computer. This week we are anticipating the removal of the damaged tree on the adjoining property requiring the equipment access to our parking lot. I have been asked to be the person who notifies our residents of the time frame and expectations so they can be sure to get their cars out of the garages in advance of being blocked in. Besides sending out the e-mails to everyone, I also posted a notice near the mailboxes for all to see. I hope that does the trick so no one is parked in once the machinery arrives. Certainly Connie will call folks to remind them if the cars are still there. She is good that way.

Another exciting job I do is send out notices announcing the elevator being shut down for an hour or so to allow for monthly maintenance. Connie usually checks with my next door neighbor to make sure Jack, wheelchair-bound, has no appointments at that time, and she finds out from me what my schedule is because she knows the stairs are not my friend. Especially the stairs which go up! I believe Connie also checks on the north end of the building where an older lady resides on the top floor, because she is good that way. 

One day she got herself into a mix-up at the pool. While Connie really has no beeswax about what goes on there, she does use the 'public' restroom connected to the cabana. More than once she has asked (told) the pool attendants to move the reclining chairs and swap them with the umbrella table. Connie claims our residents are in danger of tripping over the recliners and perhaps falling into the pool. I don't know that any Palace folks actually have tripped over them, but that was the reason Connie had for moving items around NOT on our property. The pool folks have the chairs and tables where THEY want them to be and are not willing to obey direct commands from our maintenance lady. Well, one day before Marlena came on duty the umbrella table and its chairs were relocated, and the reclining chairs moved. A battle of wills it was going to be. 

Marlena asked me what she should do, since she was sure it was Connie whom moved things around but didn't see anyone do it. My inclination was to run away and avoid this mess, but I did not. There is no sense going nose to nose over stuff like this. Marlena just had the staff move everything back to where it was and I didn't hear anything more about it. But tomorrow, with the work going on, I bet all the tables and chairs will be moved around to allow for the workers to have full access under the tree branches. Hopefully no one will trip over a chair and fall into the pool! 

A good pool day

Even though the cabana/Club is closed on Mondays, I was quite glad to see the lifeguard, Casey, walking around. That meant, besides his company, I could enjoy a cold soda when I needed one. He has access and ability to write up slips for purchases. Life is good!

Several of my friends and acquaintances came and went as the day progressed, many of them using the kids' pool on the far end. If I really wanted to, I could go to talk with them down there but that inhibits the fun kids have with splashing and such. I just stayed where I was and called my mom from the side of the pool.

One lady I needed to speak with did not come out today. My neighbor, Kay, has asked me to co-host a meet 'n greet with her for a Congressional candidate for our district. My unit is larger and better suited for such an event, plus she's already done one with her son on his farm for this same lady. Her name is Glo Smith, and drew national attention when her campaign signs were vandalized, painting over her black face with white paint. Yea, way to go, Jacksonville---NOT! She is running against another black woman so some would say Glo is an 'Uncle Tom' for being a successful business woman. Ugh, hate that kind of thinking!

Justin is excited about the whole event, doing planning of menus and such well in advance, his head spinning with ideas. I am more concerned with the logistics---room, getting the house cleaned, making sure we have enough food and drinks (no alcohol is served), and so on. He is all about the menu!  Kay is delivering the invitations on our property, our territory for the event. I will be making them up and she will get them printed. There are still a few details, or many, to work out before we are set on a date, etc. It is quite exciting!

This was our afternoon sky, just before The Five came on. No rain that I know of, but lots of wind and bluster!

All quiet now....

Even the washer has stopped for the day, having done several loads of sheets, towels, and other items from the guests. The folding can wait, but not too long. I am always in a funk when my guests leave, but it was good to be with the church family today to help me recover. 

Here is a shot of last night's super moon. I had told my sister, Kerry,  I likely wouldn't get a good shot because I stink at moon pictures, but this one is pretty good!

Thursday at Bible study at Victory we heard some very sad news about our friend, Marilyn. It was discovered that she had some sort of growth on her heart and had surgery to remove it. Not knowing what the growth was, cancer or whatever, they couldn't treat until it could seen/removed/treated. During the procedure, another surgeon was called in (not good) to check it out. It was determined to be cancer, and it had spiraled itself around the heart and in the tissue. There was nothing they could do.

Her first few days afterward were rough, as you might imagine after having ones chest cracked, and then to find out they couldn't help her....well, it was truly heart-breaking. She is well loved by her family and her friends, and we feared for her survival. I even put her on our church's prayer chain, so tenuous was her situation. We got word today via Facebook that she is doing much better, and hopes to soon have the ventilator removed. Reports are that she is alert and reacts to family when they speak to her. Thanking the Lord for sparing her this long, at least until her brother and family can get here to see her. Prayers for comfort for Marilyn and peace for her family will be greatly appreciated. 

A time to say 'good-bye'

The day began with a nice, big breakfast at Grumpy's, one of our established places to take our CO visitors. After breakfast, we met back at my house where Michael and Judy got them loaded into the van to head to Orlando. 

 This is Chris and me in the dining room. He promises he'll be back next year! 

 Jacob, his second time helping us with VBS, standing with me in the dining room. He is also a fan of the Packers!

 Jayson, his second time visiting me, was here last year with his brother, Jackson. He is such a joy to have around!

Sweet Noelle, her first visit to help with VBS, wants to be a preschool teacher some day

A group picture of the students and Michael, who rarely poses for photographs. This is a treasure!!

Justin captured me standing on the porch waving good-bye as they drove off...Jayson had asked me to not cry because he would cry and then Jacob would cry and it would be a big mess. So glad Justin was home for me to wipe my tears into his chest when they left.

Inspiring artists!

Last night my neighbor, Judee, posted this photo of her most recent painting which was inspired by one of my sunrise photographs. She did a great job, didn't she?

Judee is a student of well-known artist/teacher named Hercel, who is presently in a rehab center after suffering a stroke. The class continues to meet even though he is not there. They have been so well taught by him that they can carry on in his absence. He can likely critique their work on-line or if they take it to him at Brooks! 

The death of me!

Earlier this year it was the delivery of my new dryer which nearly finished me off. The delivery guys had to remove the washer in order to get the old dryer out and the new one in. I was a nervous wreck over that! Now, it's my new washer. Ordered last week from Home Depot, I had to wait until my guests are here to have it installed. The fine print on the purchase receipt said the faucets must be operational before the guys will install the new equipment. NUTS!! My hot water faucet is/was inoperable but we could shut off the water to the unit to accomplish the install. Nope, not good enough. The plumber had to come. Two days in a row my mouth was so dry I could barely swallow, but the plumber got the faucets replaced without incident but not without some effort. Then, today, the washer was coming.

Yesterday, because we were having the water shut off, I had to let my houseguests know that there would be no water for a while and told the young men that the plumber would have to access the bathroom in their room to shut off the supply. They barely moved a muscle despite people going in and out of the room. I was busy wringing my hands, ready to wring out water if called upon. Such a Nervous Nelly I am when it comes to water, and rightly so!  The plumber who came, Pat, brought his son to be the helper. He told his son to turn the supply back on very slowly once he had the faucets in place. Just as the son started turning the water on, the doorbell started ringing frantically. Oh, my heart! It was just Connie, coming to check on the progress. Both Pat and I jumped a foot when she did that, and ended up laughing, since the faucets did not leak. Whew!! I was so relieved to have it over. They moved my old washer into the foyer, where they observed my young lady guest sleeping on the air bed. 

When the plumber was leaving, after I paid him, I told him I needed the proper spelling of his name so I could put him in my Will. He said, "Just don't leave me this place!" Plumbers just don't like us here for some reason, and I know what the reason is!

Slaving away in the kitchen

Justin and I signed up to make supper for the VBS volunteers, not realizing what we were getting ourselves into. Yikes!  At first we were told it might be about 15 people, which is indeed a managable number. But then I was told it was closer to double that, depending upon the teachers bringing their kids along. Justin and I quickly had to revamp our strategy, since he would be working all day and not have sufficient prep time before I had to have it at church. And, it never occurred to me that we'd also need salad and dessert, too. Thanks to Betty, there was a half pan of brownies leftover from her meal served the night before so she let me use them. Whew!  

I had the job of registration for the first night, getting walk-ins signed up and making out name tags for them, etc. I also had tags already made up to give to those pre-registered and checked them in for their classroom. I counted how many students were in each group which helped the ladies making up the story-telling snacks for the kids. Judy and Tamara were doing that and seemed to be a good team together.

After I was done with registration, I stopped once again at Publix (many times this week already due to the soda sale going on!) and got the extra things I needed for the supper. I decided to make PBJ in addition to the wonderful ham and cheese sandwiches Justin was making, just to make sure I had enough food, especially since kids might balk at the poppyseeds on the hot sandwiches. 

When I got home, Justin had already begun the process of putting the sandwiches together, being careful to keep the 'wet' ingredients between the cheese and ham so the rolls wouldn't get soggy. Brilliant plan! My job for preparing them was to brush the sauce over the top and bake them once I get to church. They turned out great, were most popular especially with the adults. Most of the PBJs came home with me which will not go to waste, especially with a houseful of young people!

Young blood

Last week my neighbors, Betty and Kathy, were being entertained by their great-grand and grand children, respectively, visiting from Atlanta. Amy brought the three little ones, a pair of boy/girl twins and their younger brother, Beau, to spend some time with the family. Oh, what fun to have them around, especially at the pool. They are a hoot and bring their great grandma and grandma much delight.  

Beau playing mini-golf

On my floor, my neighbors have their daughter and granddaughter staying with them for a while, plus the infant daughter of another of their children. So besides the younger kids, we can add two baby girls to our building for the time being. And, this morning, I saw my upstairs neighbor, Debbie, carrying her infant granddaughter against her, sound asleep. Debbie put her finger up to her lips to motion to Connie and me that we should not greet her loudly or disturb that baby. We shushed....Debbie must have had her out in the car to get her to sleep or something.

In my unit, I have four teenagers plus Justin, who will soon be 27. He is the old man of the group. They don't get to spend much time with him as he is gone to work when they get up and they keep themselves fairly busy when they are back here again. A couple times they have gone out before dark to swim but got thundered out of the pool one night and it got dark quickly another night. But at least they get out there. Like today, they got done with set up at church early so came home mid afternoon and off to the pool we went. Their escort, Kelly, came, too, which was great. She is a very nice lady and relates well with the kids. I like having a bunch of young blood in the building these days!

Getting ready for VBS

Tonight I enjoyed dinner at home while the young folks were at church getting things set up for VBS. Michael C. is cooking for them, and asking Jacob to help him with the preparations. He is doing a shrimp boil! Not my favorite thing to eat, though Michael is swift to remind me that I like the potatoes and mini-corn cobs. I do, yes, but not enough to drive over there. I feel sorry for him, though, as he is suffering with a terrible head cold. Yesterday he laid down on a pew and slept for a couple of hours while the kids prepped for VBS. 

Last night I ate with them, however, as Mike S. served a smoked pork butt for dinner. There was barely a scrap left so I am glad I didn't stand by at home waiting for leftovers! Judy made a pasta salad to have with it, plus we had Italian bread. Oh, yum! 

Today after church, as is our tradition, I treated the kids plus others to lunch at La Napolera. We had to divide the kids between our vehicles, with Justin taking one or two with him, since we had their chaperon, too. I nearly drove past the place and had to do a rather reckless turn into the lot. I regret that, should have gone with my first inclination to go past and turn around. I could have caused bodily harm or an accident doing such a thing. I hate that I did this!!  

Anyway, some of us had a good laugh over our lunch plans. Judy had already made arrangements with Gretchen to dine elsewhere, and I heard her talking with Terri on the phone at dinner last night. When we gathered inside church before leaving, I said to Terri, "We are going to La Nap, and you guys are going to Sam's St. Johns..." assuming she had been asked about it. She had not! How we laughed, because it was as though I ordered her to go. Normally she is the one who gets Gretchen to go along. She didn't mind going to either place, but it just came about so funny. There were far too many in our group for us to try Sam's anyway, and we had plenty at our table with the 8 of us in our group. Terri is a good girl and goes where she is told!

Yesterday after church, I got the group together for a quick picture before the chancel would be switched over for Vacation Bible School.