Recent sunrises

 I generally post these sunrises on Facebook. My friend, Christine, noted that this one looked like an open book--- a new chapter to begin the day!

 This photo was remarkable in that between the time it took for me to capture the shot and return to my bed to download it, it went to full sun. First this glimmer, and then bam! Timing was everything for this picture. 

The colors in this sunrise were just so calming and remarkable, splashing across the smooth waters.

My friend and neighbor, Sharon, took this photo earlier this a.m., remarking at how quickly the sky changed between her shots. Great minds think alike as regards sunrises! I describe them as being like fingerprints---no two are alike!

Catching up on some news

Often when I talk with my mom, she'll say, "Well, I don't have much news for you..." I don't need news, I get that from the radio, TV, Internet, and my podcasts. I can simply just chat. Brenda will say to me, "We need to get caught up..." but does that ever happen? Nope. Stuff keeps going on and going away, a steady stream of information and living. And celebrating!

Last weekend I attended a birthday party, a surprise one, for a pool and Club friend, Mark. His wife threw it for his 50th birthday at The River House, here on our property. She had a caterer lined up to serve on the lower deck and it was a great plan. That is, until it began to rain! The young man setting things up kept on setting up regardless of the rain. More than once I offered to secure help for him to carry things back up onto the covered porch but he assured me he had things well in hand. 

By the time we ate, Bill O. was about to pass out from hunger. There were no lights on that part of the deck either so I stood with my cell phone flash light on the deck above to light the way for people. At last the caterer's boss came with a flash light and replaced me. It was the least I could do so folks could see the wonderful food they were choosing.  Pulled pork sandwiches, homemade mac 'n cheese with ham, chicken wings, chips and salsa, oh my, it was all quite delicious. And soup, too. Surprisingly, all stayed dry. By 9:30 pm Bob and I were walking home (saving Justin from having to come for me), he walked me to the gate to the pool and went on home, and I came upstairs, with a birthday cupcake for Justin. Black frosting did not appeal to me!

Glo for Congress!

Well, ladies and gentlemen---the primary is over and we have a winner! Glo handily defeated her opponent and will now go to head to head with Corrine Brown for the House seat in Washington. Last night Justin was busy in the kitchen preparing hundreds of pizza muffins for Glo's victory party. Our neighbor, Kay, who co-hosted the meet and greet last week delivered the muffins for us, since neither Justin nor I planned to attend the event. You should have seen my kitchen during this process....I got the job of cleaning up, which is my favorite thing to do in there anyway!  God's blessings on Glo and her family as now the gloves come off in this battle for the seat!

Sweet, hard memories

A week or so ago I broke all the rules of the house and climbed around on a ladder in my kitchen. Had to laugh at myself for doing so for a number of reasons, not the least being that I had lined up help to get things cleaned and ready for the upcoming political event being hosted here. Because the day the help was coming coincided with much of the food prep being done in the kitchen, I decided it was on me to do what needed doing as far as cleaning went prior to the food prep. My boy does NOT like me to climb on the ladder or footstool due to my bad knee but I did it anyway because I was intent on getting this done. I paid for the ladder-climbing for several days afterward, as expected. Ice is your friend!

I wiped the cabinet doors, uppers and lowers, using the Pledge multi-finish cleaner, and also opened the doors to wipe off finger prints, etc. As I looked in one cabinet, from a different vantage point than usual, I discovered a partial bag of mini-marshmallows used in a recipe I made many months ago. Oh, how that brought back memories for me....

When I was in grade school in 1960's, my Grandma Sickles lived only a couple blocks from First German. My sisters and I could walk over there once in a while and have lunch with her or just hang out if we felt like it. As memories often are, all I can think of is the time she scorched some tomato soup, so that makes me think it was every time she made it. 

Grandma had a drawer in her kitchen which we were allowed to invade, with her permission, of course, and find treasures. Among those treasures were little boxes of raisins, hardened with age, sticks of Wriggley's chewing gum, and mini-marshmallows, also hardened with age. My partial bag is still fresh and springy, but I couldn't help but wish they were a bit hard, like my Grandma's used to be...

A great movie

Last night, Nancy W and I went to the movies. It was more like afternoon, going at the 'cheap' time when old people go. Ha ha! That's us, I guess! She asked for the senior discount and it cost less for the matinee than senior tickets were later on. Works for me! She is 66 years old so actually qualifies!

We'd been at the pool much of the day and decided not to wait another minute to see the movie "The Hundred Foot Journey". We had heard nothing but good things about it and could not wait to see for ourselves. The trailers on TV looked good, reminding me of a cross between "Under the Tuscan Sun" and "Eat, Pray, Love". Nancy and I loved the movie, with me warning her that I cry at the movies, even during the previews! She got a chuckle out of that. 

The gist of the movie, a feast for the eyes, is about an Indian family moving from India to France as refugees, and deciding to open a restaurant in this small town. The only thing was---the wreck of a place they found for their restaurant was 100 feet away from a One Star restaurant (that doesn't make sense to me either but....). The woman who ran the nice place obviously was upset with the new neighbors whose food reeked of curry and their music annoyed her, etc. The son was the cook and a wonderful one at that. It's a sweet story with a happy ending, I won't give it all away and be a spoiler.

The movie got out around 6:30 which would have been close to dinner time, but neither of us were hungry. I suggested we go to my house for some ice cream, and sent Justin a text message letting him know we were coming. He texted me back that we had no ice cream...He had purchased two half gallons within the week but somehow it got consumed. So, Nancy and I went to the Dairy Queen instead. It was a lovely evening to sit outside and watch the cars go by. The end of a perfect day!

Yesterday after Bible study I met with Brenda at Steak 'n Shake. I love our time together, though that hour flies by quickly. It was her turn to treat to the milk shakes, always handy with our coupons for BO/GO. I'm trying to lure her over to my pool, her granddaughters, too, of course, but since she doesn't drive, it's harder for her arrange. Her sudden onset vertigo keeps her from taking the chance, and I don't blame her. She is doing such a good job helping to raise her grands, she could use a break poolside!

Makes me want to paint again

This morning's sunrise

I was watching the news this a.m. and they were sharing the story of all the people who paid it forward (or backward, as the case might be) at a Starbucks yesterday. Over 100 people paid for the order of the person behind them in line, until one person opted out. It had to end eventually but still, a pretty good story, a feel good story. It makes me want to do that sometime...but at McDonald's, since I don't visit Starbucks.

Tonight is a big night in this house as both the Packers and the Jags are playing. Yippee!!  The Jags are playing the Lions (a real cat fight) and the Packers are up against the Raiders. It's a home game for the Packers which is exciting because it's the first one this pre-season. Love to spend the night watching football with my boy. He'll set up the computer with the Packer game on and then we'll watch the Jags on TV. Yay for technology!  Go Pack, Go!

My favorite day of the week

This morning was Bible study at Victory. Traffic was not too heavy so I was able to talk to Mom without much stress or lane changing. Every week, though, in about the same area of the road, I encounter sod pieces littering the lanes. And in the same area, I have to slow way down for no apparent reason. I am concerned that a motorcyclist is going to go buzzing up the road and hit one of the sod squares. That would be just terrible. My theory is that there is a sod farm off of Phillips Highway and the trucks or trailers loose their pieces in that stretch. At a buck a square, that load should be more secure!

Class itself was excellent, as always, continuing our look at Isaiah. Our group likes to discuss the issues of the day and often Pastor H. has something he brings up not entirely unrelated to our study. What is interesting about Isaiah and other prophetic books is that we can measure our current state of affairs with those in that era, making the comparisons and seeing the promises God made to sustain them and us. I just love this class! We have some newer participants, a couple about my age or a bit younger who moved here from San Antonio. Larry was taking classes online to become a Staff Minister, second career, as he's retired Navy. Both Karen and he are looking for work, but in the meantime get to take care of their grandkids who live in the area. They bring much to the table in our class as well. Nice people. 

My young friend, Naomi, and her boyfriend, David, are engaged to be married. She is in her senior year at Martin Luther College and David is teaching at a school near Milwaukee, his first year. I told Linda I feel like it's my daughter who is engaged, that's how excited I am for them! David is the fellow who played the private organ recital for me at First German, my favorite hymns. He had offered to take me to Manty, too, after the Worship Conference but it would have been out of his way since he lived in MKE already. I can't wait for their wedding! Both are such devoted believers, I am pleased to know them!

The purest form

Yesterday I got the most wonderful message from my friend, Kim, who is the sister of Terri T. We used to go to church together here in Jax but she now lives in NC. She is a gifted artist and demonstrated such with this painting. The top picture is a photograph I took on August 10th and the one below is Kim's painting of the same sunrise. She did a magnificent job reproducing the photograph. I am quite pleased!

Below is a sunrise photograph taken by me in July, and a painting done by my downstairs neighbor, Judee. She has a flair for color, being a student of Hercel Stollard, from whom I took a workshop many years ago. Judee is a prolific artist and has had her work shown in The Club's Garden Room in the past among other places. (I had a piece hanging in The Club once but never my own show). Again, it is flattering to have my photos converted to such lovely pieces of art!

This is a photo of Judee and me painting en plen air at Spring Park, Green Cove Springs, a few years ago

Meet and Greet for Glo

After much planning and multiple e-mails and text messages, the event finally came together. My house was clean, food was prepared (Justin was a busy boy in the kitchen on Sunday!) and tables readied for consumption! Sadly, I got no pictures of the foods other than the cherry pies. Nancy M. came over to help Justin serve and keep things supplied so I could tend to the guests with Kay. Her husband was set up outside at a table to help folks get name tags and to make their donations, if they cared to. 

 Glo is introducing herself as Nancy W. and I look on

 This is Glo posting with Nancy's neighbors, Jeanie, Gail, me, Marsha, and my dear friend, Kathy H.

 Kay and I stood with Glo in my living room. Kay was the co-hostess for the event, using my house since I have more room. It was my pleasure! Those invited were people from our property and we estimated about 35 came, which was manageable for my rooms.

Justin was really the man of the hour with folks just loving the foods he made. Besides the little cherry pies he made pepperoni pizza puffs and his wonderful ham and Swiss sandwiches. Glo loved the food so much that she asked if he could make something for the victory celebration next week. He said he would be glad to make the pizza puffs again. This is Justin and me with Glo, and Jimmie, who is a neighbor and is also the man from whom I bought my condo! His wife said she might not mind having it back. Let's talk!

Before too many people got away, the photographer got a group of us together for this shot. Right behind me is my friend/dentist, Peggy, and her hubby is barely visible back by Justin. The others are my neighbors, some from my building and others from buildings on the property. 

Justin's miniature cherry pies. So very glad there were some leftover!

Nothing but color today

The day started out with this lovely color-streaked sky but ended up pouring down rain before we even got out of church. Nuts! I miss my pool friends and the time spent there. I'd much prefer the rain fell during the week or when we're sleeping but I have nothing to say about it. I am so grateful for this view and this morning sky, however. 

For some time I had lamented not having gotten a picture of my bedroom at the lake house. Last night, I came upon a pack of photos and found this one. My painter, Jeff, had managed to match the colors of my dust ruffle and valances for the wall paint, each of the four walls a different one. That poor guy!  The room was quite long, had been a rec room for the previous owners, so I had a partial wall built to break up the room and add a sitting area which also served as bathroom access from the pool. When I asked Jeff to paint this side of the partition wall in stripes, he thought I was crackers, but he did a marvelous job of making it so.

The blessing of the Internet

It's a love/hate relationship sometimes between humans and the electronics in our lives. The non-millennials struggle often with cell phones, computers, TVs, electronic reading devices, office equipment, and even kitchen appliances. It is quite frustrating to be outdone, and undone, by things which are supposed to make lives simpler or better. Or more efficient. 

I am extremely thankful for all the things like this in my life and am especially thankful that I have a son who lives with me, running interference between me and my machinery. This skill and ability also makes Justin a highly popular fellow here on our property as he provides his skills to other non-millennials. 

Tonight he hooked up his computer to our living room TV to show the preseason Packer game while we enjoyed a lovely meal of subs from Publix. Life is good on the river, and a Packer victory would be nice, as well. 

Making things ready

Earlier this week I had my friend, Marlena, here to help with some cleaning for the upcoming event. Actually, what she did for me would not figure into the Meet 'n Greet but was something which I could no longer tolerate---dust in my room! This area would not be open to visitors at all but it's where I spend most of my time, which is likely why it gets so dusty. Because I was tied up with getting other things ready, I got her here as my designated duster. She doesn't mind climbing around on the ladder and reaching the high stuff which I cannot.

Tomorrow my friend, Owene, is going to bring her lady here to do the rest of the cleaning in the formal rooms. Marys is an Haitian refugee befriended by Owene who has been desperately seeking employment for Jean and Marys. They have 8 children, not all of them here, with one being in high school. Earlier this summer I was able to donate some castoff clothing to this family and now am able to employee Marys for a couple of hours. She does not speak much English so I had sent a list of what I'd like done to Owene who then sent it to the daughter who can translate for her mom. This should be interesting, and far, far different than when Marlena is here. Wow, she talks more than I do!

Justin and I decided to not go shopping last night because of the storm, and not wishing to miss the Jaguar game. Football is football, we don't care if it's preseason or not. Sadly, the Bears beat the Jags by one point, one point!! It so easily could have gone the other way but alas, twas not to be. Oh well....

So, anyway, I agreed to do the shopping alone today in order for him to have all the ingredients he needs for his recipes. Justin wrote me a list, but not your ordinary list---his was written so that it takes me directly to the location in the store where the items is located. An example is, when entering the store you bear right past the BO/GO items. I can throw them in the cart even if not on the list, right? Anyway, next he lead me to the deli for the Swiss cheese and ham, and down the aisle to the Hawaiian rolls, and so on. He knows his Publix layout that well!

Connie helped me carry stuff upstairs, at least the refrigerated and necessary items. After a rest, I went down to get some more. She is such a good helper, especially at times like this. Today she washed off my doors from the outside and hosed the area around my door, at her own suggestion, so it's nice for the gathering on Monday. That saves me a job, and I appreciate her help. 

A crazy summer storm!

Justin and I are waiting for this wild storm to wrap up before we head to Publix. It has been thundering like nuts and lightning right on top of the thunder, rattling the windows and my nerves. My friend, Cindy, reported that another storm has just left her area so we are getting another wave right now. We lost our power a couple of times which nicely takes the Internet with it. During The Five, mind you! Interrupted Linda's and my conversation mid-sentence!

This was the sky which greeted us this morning, as captured by my neighbor, Sharon. I had taken a photo before she took this one and it was lame by compare. She is a pro and it shows!

Tonight we are shopping to get our supplies to make for a political function being hosted here on Monday night. My next door neighbor, Kay, asked me to help her since her house is smaller than mine. Justin is quite excited because he is interested in politics, plus he's been planning items to make for appetizers. Kay is making stuff, too, and took care of distribution of the invitations which I made up. We are quite the team! Glo Smith is running against Corrine Brown and has my full support!

Cleaning has been going on here, badly needed, including me breaking the rules and climbing on the ladder to polish up my kitchen cabinets. Whew, what a job that was! Yesterday I did my curio cabinet which was badly in need of dusting. I have a burned out light on my chandelier and I think it needs the attention of an electrician because the socket might be bad. Will have to get along with one bulb out. Hope no one notices...

We have plans to watch the Jaguar game tonight so I hope the storms let up soon enough to allow for shopping and getting home in time to watch the game. Justin can't stay up long enough to see the end and I am not sure I will either, but we'll see. It starts at 8:00 pm so we'll watch Jeopardy! first while we eat dinner and then start watching the game. Go Jaguars!

Such goofy weather

This morning we had something quite unusual occur during our water exercise class---we got 'thundered out' of the pool!!  It's not unusual to have this happen in the later afternoon but it is extremely rare for 10:15 in the morning. The lifeguard, Tiana, summoned us out of the water as soon as she heard the second roll, being in compliance with the pool rules. 

We grudgingly sat on the side at first...and then someone had the terrible idea of exercising out of the water. What???  The ladies grabbed their foam barbells and away we went. After a certain point we realized it was harder to do our routines out of the water! We thought they were strenuous enough in the water and they were worse yet on dry land. Nancy L. said doing them hurt her shoulder and I didn't want her to feel bad about sitting out, so I joined her. I am the best friend (and not interested in dry land jumping jacks!).

This morning's sunrise

When I got back up to my house, the weather was changing rapidly. I was not happy about that because I was meeting a friend for lunch at Ruby Tuesday on Fleming Island. I'd made this date with her in July before going to WI and had looked forward to seeing Lisa. She is a consultant for Creative Memories products which is now operating under a different name since being sold. She showed me their new line of products, gave me a brochure so I can show it to Judy C. who used to deal Creative Memories years ago under Lisa's team. I was glad the rain let up before I had to drive home again. Crazy weather!

My sister, Kerry, works ridiculous hours at her job, first working day shift, then several days of 2nd shift, and then a couple more of 3rd shift. She already has troubles with her sleep habits and this is exacerbating the problem for her. She reached out to me via my Facebook page asking my friends and me for advice on sleep helps. Many of them did come through with ideas including many she'd already tried and some she's not. One person suggested some sort of essential oils to aid her sleep. Sleep is essential too! I feel so badly for her because I know how I am when not getting sufficient sleep. She needs to be at the top of her game for her work and not nodding off when she's on duty at the State Hospital switch board. I will pray she finds the help she needs for getting decent sleep and a more regular work schedule soon. 

Lunch with Jacquie

This past summer has been beastly as far as getting together with Jacquie and Mark poolside. The weekends have been dampened regularly with stupid storms, causing people to dash for cover or for their cars, as the case might be. We had one really good day in May, when Linda was here, when Jacquie presented me with my fancy pool noodle. Other dates we were able to be together included Memorial Day poolside which was so nice. Cotton candy from the buffet---awesome!

Linda and I riding on the fun noodles from Jacquie. I got to keep mine!

Today Jacquie and I were able to catch up for lunch at Panera Bread as we both had things to take care of on the Island. She picked up some framing she'd had done at Great Hang Ups, a lovely piece. Jacquie told me how glad she is that I introduced her to those ladies, as they have become a blessing in her life as well. Love that! While at Panera, I took advantage of the baker's dozen deal for bagels, offered on Tuesdays. 13 bagels, sliced, for $6.99. Half a bagel is a meal for me. Justin asked me to get the cinnamon topped ones so I took 6 of those and then the rest are variety. I get my cream cheese elsewhere, though, because it's too expensive for my tastes and needs from Panera. 

It was nice to be with Jacquie again. We talked about recipes and foods to make for the upcoming Meet 'n Greet I'm having at my home for Glo Smith. Jacquie's been involved in several such events and has much to offer as regards what to serve, what not to serve, and so on. Justin is more concerned with the food and I am concerned with the turnout and where to put everyone if the turnout is excellent. I met with the co-hostess, Kay, yesterday and we are on track for having things under control. At least on paper it looks that way!!

The Eyes Have It

Not long before I left for WI I noticed something was amiss with my eyes. Or, eye, I should say. Not unlike what I experienced last fall which was caused (likely) by a stress migraine in the eye which did not hurt but caused the light flashes on the peripheral which did eventually dissipate. So, therefore, I didn't get too upset by the flashes and the sense that something was running under my bed or that someone was coming in the room when I was alone. Sort of spooky...

I don't know if I mentioned this to anyone in WI either as the flashing seemed to stop but the blurry spot remained. When I got home and settled, I went to the website for the eye doctor to set up an appointment to have it checked over. The appointment was set for this a.m. but I never did get a confirmation e-mail or a phone call about it. I tried calling the office, the old fashioned way, but had to leave a voice mail. When I got to the office, they had no idea I was coming. My explanation that I'd made the appointment on-line was met with "oh, sometimes that doesn't work...". Really? How handy is that? 

The young lady was trying to find an appointment time for me and was well into September for an opening. Once I explained what was happening, she got me in the next day. That's more like it! This means getting up and dressed two days in a row (it sure doesn't take me long to fall into my old habits!) for this appointment. And, I'll miss water exercises because of it, too, but need to get it looked into.

I have to laugh at myself sometimes---laugh, or cry. I got the new washer in July when the CO kids were here, and then a week or so later I left for WI. Now that I am back here and using the new machine, it makes sounds that I don't yet recognize. I am getting exercise running to check that all is well. One time I ran in there and it was actually my neighbor's machine making the racket. Whew! It doesn't sound as though it's working all that hard but makes other noises when it changes cycles. This will take some getting used to, but in the meantime, it's a workout for me and my nerves. 

Church, Chili's, and pool

It was back to church for me this a.m., first to Bible study and then to worship. I was glad to see my friends again, hugs exchanged and some delivered as requested by Mom.  My friend, Carol, is still at her summer home so I won't get to see her hubby and her until September some time. Loved seeing Gretchen and put a few extra hugs on her to make up for lost time...We had talked once when I was in WI, which was nice, but this is better!

                   

                            This is the lovely sunrise I witnessed today....worthy of a painting!

After church our usual group went to Chili's for lunch. Judy told me that they tried Buffalo Wild Wings while I was gone, to see if it would do, but it did not work out. The prices were high, the food only so-so, and it was too noisy. It is more of a sport's bar atmosphere than is Chili's though they do have TV's in each dining section so I can watch football when it's that season. Spoiled Kim!  Judy said we just have to resign ourselves to being patient with Chili's, which is a relief to me. I don't get weary of their menu since I have the same thing every week! Sure don't mind having leftovers for another meal or two either.

Since I had lunch out, I disappointed Marlena by not ordering food once I got to the pool. She knows I go with church family on Sundays but hey, it's worth asking, right? I did treat Burnie and me to an ice cream later on, since he treated me before I left for WI. He said the reason he jogs and swims laps every day is so he can have an ice cream. I have no such excuse!

Marlena came over to where I was bobbing in the water to tell me a nice story. While I was gone, some one in the exercise class mentioned my name, saying I was still writing my newsletters while away. Marlena wanted to know if I knew the pump was out on the pool, and was told that I did, indeed, know about it. Nancy L., my 80+ upstairs neighbor, said, "...and she would find something nice to say about it..." Aw, isn't that sweet of her? Even when we have a disaster in the building (except for in my unit!) I try to present it in a fair and balanced way, smoothing things over, snipping off the barbs, as it were. How kind of Nancy to say that and for Marlena to tell me!

Of course, it's raining!

It is a no-clothes day for me, but it's not as awful as it sounds. Today is one where I go from wearing my night gown to my swimsuit, and then back into my gown. No reason to get completely dressed unless someone calls and says, "Let's go have dinner!" I can get dressed with the speed of a fireman if I have to, but unless that call comes, I am ready to stay in my sleep wear for the rest of the day. We got whistled out of the pool late afternoon due to the sound of thunder. We are patient and can wait for the 30 minutes to pass between thunder rolls, but when it began to drizzle, well, most us just called it a day and went to our respective homes. 

No worries, though, as there is plenty to do at my desk, not the least of which is to conquer the stack of mail which accumulated in my absence. Before I left for the Conference I had pretty well gotten the desk cleared off but it doesn't take long for it to be piled full again. Years ago my company had an employee, Rebecca, who just loved to file stuff. I don't understand her preference but sure did appreciate her doing it. Somehow that desire did not visit upon me so my piling system sometimes gets the better of me here. The only area in my life that I allow/tolerate a mess is on my desk. And I do know my A-B-C's, so that's not my problem, ha ha!

Oh, it was so good to see my friends again today. Bob was there and I was glad to give him a hug. He'd been with his daughter's family at a rental house in Ormand Beach so wasn't around either for the pump being out. He would NOT have had something good to say about it, that's for sure. Bob gave me a quick run down of his time away, the good restaurants they found, etc. Fran and Rick were a bit further down the pool edge, and eventually Bill and Nancy M. came out for some relaxation. They are still working on their home, affectionately called The Money Pit, but need some down time from their tasks. Painting is in process inside by Nancy while Bill is working on projects outside. Can't wait to see the finished project. It is soon their one year anniversary of coming to the pool, right around Labor Day. We sure did make fast friends with each other!

Nancy W. did not come out today as she is still feeling a bit punk from her respiratory malady. She has been on the sick list since before I left for WI with various maladies, not the least of which is being kept awake most nights by her noisy neighbor. Nancy said she may as well have a baby and being awakened every two or three hours by a lady who doesn't even realize she is doing it. I miss her, though, so will try to get together another time and catch up on her life, etc. Text messaging just doesn't do it sometimes. When she and I went to breakfast the day before I left, she was expecting to have sold her other home so I hope that did take place. She has so much on her plate!

As I sat at a table talking with some folks, the owner of The Club walked through to the cabana, and then back again. She said 'hello' to a couple people as she walked back again, heading for the gate, but then turned around and came back. She came to where I was seated, welcomed me back, and then said, "Mitch worked late last night to get that pump in for you...." I thanked her for his efforts and said I was quite glad to have it up and running again. And then she left. My table mates wondered what THAT was all about and I just said, "She knows how much I enjoy the pool..." I liked the extra effort put forth to get the pump in and running. I don't mind sharing MY pool with everyone else!

Like old times!

While I was gone to WI, at least one week of my time away, great distress fell upon The Club. Not a tree this time---but a failed pump on the adult's pool. In fact, when we got home last night, the yellow caution tape was yet in place around it. Of course, everyone who wanted to could use the teen's pool but not many care for the great amount of fun kids can have. Well, as of 6 pm, the tape is down and we'll be good to go on the adult end for fun tomorrow, weather permitting, of course. I'm so excited to see my friends again and enjoy the soothing of being in the water, bobbing around.

How do you like that??  My first night back in town and I've been abandoned for the Jaguars!!?!!  Really not one bit upset as I enjoy watching from home and can take care of myself just fine, thank you. For my trouble, I get to see this lovely full moon over the river which is also providing extra light for the teams playing downtown. Of course, they might not even notice since the world's largest outdoors screens have been installed at the Jaguar stadium. It's a hot night...hope Justin doesn't melt out there after working in the heat all day and sitting out in it at night. Yawn.....Go Jags!

Home again, home again, jiggity jig!

Ahhh.....sprawled out in my bed and trying to remember which channels are which. Good thing I wasn't gone from home any longer! I had memorized the channel guide at my mom's house and now have to recall which channel "Seinfeld" is on here as I settle in for the night. Justin collected me from the airport just in time for us to grab some dinner at the Longhorn on the airport property. We had lots to talk about even though we'd communicated more than once while I was gone. He and I are both talkers!

I was delayed in leaving MKE because the flight coming in was held up due to weather problems elsewhere. I plus everyone around me kept getting notifications from Delta about the delays and those with connections elsewhere were being rebooked if the delay would prevent them making the next plane. I was not rebooked but was concerned because what had been a nice length of time between flights in ATL was getting a bit tight. The lady at the counter checked it over and just to be sure, booked me on a back-up flight in case I didn't make it. Loved having that assurance that I wouldn't be sleeping in an airport tonight instead of in my bed. As it turned out, I got off my plane in ATL, used the rest room, and then got to my next gate in time to board. Whew!

Mom and Linda took me to the airport in MKE this a.m., stopping first at Festival for me to buy the cheese curds to take home with me. I have people waiting for them, not the least of whom was Justin. Also got him some string cheese for good measure.  I was a sad girl saying good-bye to my mommy and my dear friend when they dropped me off. I stood at the outdoor check-in counter with tears on my face as the nice man weighed my bag for me. Yay! I could have bought a few more packages of curds. Always fearful of having the bag weigh too much...

I called Mom once Justin picked me up from the airport to report I was on terra firma. She informed me that Linda and she did not stop for breakfast/lunch on the ride home because Linda had a nail appointment to be kept. The good news was that we got to MKE safely and they got back to Manty safely, and I am in my bed, safely.  Good night, all!  Looking forward to the pool tomorrow and seeing my friends again....

Time with Dolly

Yesterday morning Linda picked me up and we went to Manitowoc Coffee for a treat. She had coffee with hers and I had Diet Coke, for a change. Plus another peanut square! They are made and supplied by a local bakery and are just delicious. In fact, all the baked goods at M. Coffee come from there. 

Lynn got me cookies from Hartmann's a couple years ago

The other day in the elevator at Mom's, a man rode up with me carrying a paper plate with bakery on it. I asked him if they were kolaches and he said they were, made by Hartmann's. I expressed my delight at this since that is from where the peanut squares came at Manitowoc Coffee. He said, "Yes, we do deliver there. My sister owns the bakery and I'm a driver." I told him I loved him and he sort of giggled as he walked down the hall with his kolaches. He is lucky I didn't mug him!

Anyway, after Linda and I had our morning treat, we stepped across the hallway to the new gift shop. I badly needed her to see this framed piece which touched me deeply. I had tried to photograph it and send the text to her via e-mail but it was hard to blow it up large enough for her to read. Once again, the owner had the tissues near the display as our tears fell. We do things like that!  She took me back home to Mom's and she went to hers, a great way to begin our morning!

Today had a good start as well when my friend, Dolly, picked me up to join her for lunch. She had to be at work by 1:30 so we did lunch rather than our usually breakfast meet ups. We went to Fork and Knife where she is a regular with her mom. They've been absent for a few weeks since Joann had her knee replaced. The waitress got permission from the owner to fashion a perch sandwich for me from the daily special since a whole plate lunch would have been too much food. My last perch sandwich of my visit, I expect. 

Dolly and I posed for our mini-class reunion picture, taken by the waitress

My sister, Lynn, by pre-arrangement, picked me up at the restaurant because Dolly worked nearby. Thanks, Lynn!  She had been at the Wellness Center for a water aerobics class first and then swung by for me. Lynn had wanted to have us come to her place for dinner but knows the stairs are a problem. Another option was for her to make the dinner at Mom's house but she came up with an even better idea---ordering Chinese! Manitowoc has become Big Time now by having Chinese delivery. Oh yum! Often I tease my mom when she is on the phone with me and says she has to get going, ditching me the way George Costanza's parents did to him. "Oh, gotta go---my Chinese is here..." And now she can really do that!

A niece and nephew day

My niece, Alayna, recently graduated from UW-Madison and now living there, was in town for the day and came over to see her grandma and me. Much to her delight, Lynn also had the boys with her and joined the fun at Grandma K's house. 

From left is Manny, Angelo, Gabe, and Alayna

She couldn't stay long as she was meeting her daddy for lunch and going to see her other grandma. When Alayna left, Lynn and I took the boys to the Pizza Hut which is just across the park from Mom's to have lunch. This is sort of a tradition now, to go there with the boys when I am in town and I love it!

                   

 That sweet Angelo at the table at Pizza Hut. The boys ate free and Mom paid for Lynn and me. Thanks, Mom!

Kerry had so badly wanted to come to Manty to take the boys school shopping but she just couldn't get away. She and I were going to pay for their clothes, shoes, and first-day-of-school socks 'n underwear. Every year I helped out with their school clothes, usually getting their stuff sent to them via Wal*Mart.com so if something didn't fit, it could be easily returned. This time I am here to take them shopping but instead, get this, went to GoodWill to do so! I am a convert to resale shopping! Linda had gotten a bunch of stuff for her twin granddaughters at GW but struck out at the MLHS resale store. 

The boys were reluctant at first to go and try their stuff on but did so. I got them pants and shirts suitable for school, and did allow Manny to choose a pair of shorts because he insisted that he can wear shorts in the winter. We shall see about that! Several of the pieces still had their purchase tags attached. Lynn is going to launder everything before they wear them. I bet I got three or four outfits for each boy. At the register, I noticed the sign about seniors getting a discount but I wasn't old enough. I explained to the clerk that my sister was right there and she was old enough and these were her grandsons so.....Yes! We got an additional 15% off. It was less than $50 for this cartfull of clothes, even some for Angelo!

From there we went to ShopKo to look for shoes for gym class and the undergarments needed. Lynn said they had plenty of socks (she does their wash) except they needed bleaching. She was going to get some Oxyclean to do that but Kerry and I got the boys new undershirts and underwear. Those items were priced as BO/GO, which worked out great. Mom is paying for their gym shoes, finding some indicating non-marking soles. They are set to go, the week before Labor Day being their first day back at St. Paul's in Howard's Grove.

No shopping trip is complete, of course, without a stop at the Cedar Crest ice cream parlor. Auntie Jill was there and got to see the boys, and serve them some ice cream. Manny wasn't feeling well and really wanted to leave, but Angelo wanted to go and play by the cow. Gabe and he are shown here under the legs of Bernice who is most patient with them. He got to play for a few minutes before Lynn took me back to Mom's and the boys home with her until Noah could collect them after work. It was a good day!

I got made over!

Tonight Linda and I were treated to a make-over thanks to a lady from FG who is a consultant with Mary Kay. Cathy had asked me before to be a 'model' for her and this time it worked out. Lynn didn't want to come along but Linda was willing so off we went. When we arrived at the site we were met by a familiar face---my classmate, Connie! She is even higher up on the Mary Kay rungs and actually did our make-overs, while Cathy was in the meeting/pep rally in the other room. Another lady and her counselor were with us, too, and we were being observed by a tall young man, a nephew to Cathy who was signing on with MK. 

Before we got entirely underway, we ladies were all chatting between ourselves and it turned out the other counselor, Kirstin, had also attended the worship conference. We compared notes (ha, ha!) and she agreed with me on my assessment of the Wednesday night "service" of which she was part. She told me that when choir members register for the Conference they have no idea of the music or anything they'll be asked to sing. In fact, she reported that the director, upon seeing the music for one anthem, announced, "I don't read Spanish!" Kirstin ended up singing in the questionable presentation that Wednesday night and expressed being relieved her mom wasn't there to witness to it. Yikes! And what are the chances that everyone seated in this room at the MK office would be WELS? I guess much higher chances than if it was held here in FL. Oh, Kirstin remembered meeting my friend, Diana, who was also in that choir.

Linda and I looked like a million bucks after our faces were scrubbed clean of our 'old' make-up and new layers of product were applied. We were given the task of looking one another over and determining what we liked best our neighbor's new look which I am sure is a prompt to getting us to purchase whatever the others complimented. Neither Linda nor I bought anything even though Cathy gave us gift certificates to use. I didn't intend to buy anything but came because I thought I'd be helping Cathy. But, for my bringing Linda along, I earned a bangle bracelet, and much applause from those in the meeting room where we finished our evening. 

Because we looked so smashing, Linda and I went to the Kwik Trip so I could pick up a 12-pack of soda. I got the very last Diet Coke in the house and was thankful that I did! Lynn had stocked Mom's larder with Diet Cokes for me but I was getting to the end of them so grabbed one more to last me until I leave Thursday morning. Linda will be taking me to the airport that morning, and Mom might be riding along. She is torn so we'll see. It's not too early in the morning like some flights are, and in fact, we plan to stop at Festival first in order to grab the fresh cheese curds! Squeak! 

My last day of worship at FG

This morning we went to Bible study and worship at First German. I knew it was going to be wonderful because my young friend, Naomi, was playing for the service, with her gentleman friend, David, joining her on the bench for a pre-service hymn. The church 'band' also played and the choir sang "In Christ Alone" for this special service where three new teachers were being installed. This was why we attended the late service---to witness the installation, hear the special music, and enjoy the pot luck luncheon afterward. 

Mom and I contributed delicious (if I do say so myself) baked beans

Linda and Tommy were privileged to have their son and his two little girls with them in church today. It has been about three years since I last saw Matthew and it was great to see him. Linda had been keeping his oldest daughter, Amanda, for a week or so and she joined us for occasional outings. She even went to Bible study with Linda and me last Thursday and enjoyed playing with the other kids. Linda couldn't get over what a good girl she was on these outings, made her grandma proud. With Dad back in the picture, he had his hands full with his little girls.

Having the church band accompany our worship was an added delight to this visit. The brass, horns, and timpani made the hymn singing even better, with Naomi on the bench, well, tears flowed! It was simply a wonderful service, installation, and feast which I greatly enjoyed.

Tonight I made dinner for Mom, Lynn, Jill, and me including sausage (brats), peppers 'n onions. Mom just loves this meal and I am glad she does. It's really no trouble to throw together. Besides that, I made fresh cucumber salad using the produce I got yesterday at the farmer's market. What a bowlful that made! We had a spoonful of beans leftover from the pot luck to go with the meal and all went away happy and full. I just love the cucumber salad and wonder why I don't make it more often...Perhaps I will when I get home!

It's a little fuzzy but that dish contains the sliced onions in the vinegar, sugar, and milk sauce, awaiting the sliced cucumbers. Yum!!

It's a blessed day!!!

Yay!!!  Lori sent me a text message last night just before 11:00 pm that the missing keys had found their way into her purse by mistake. She is sending them back to Mom posthaste! Mom was already asleep when the message came and I sure wasn't going to wake her, so I wrote her a big note with the words "It's a blessed day" on it, and put it in the bathroom. She found it when she got up in the night to use the potty and was so relieved to know where they were. Whew!!!  These things happen and it has little to nothing to do with age. Yay!

Today Mom, Lynn, and I had a good time. We started out at Manitowoc Coffee where I enjoyed a soda and a peanut square. The two ladies had their gourmet coffee and a baked treat as well. From there we checked out once again the gift shop adjacent to the coffee house where I picked up a couple of things including some bookmarks and little pair of slipper socks for Mom. She said the ones she had been using were wearing out. 

We walked down the street and went over to the Farmer's Market. I just love the market---all the variety and the people I know there. Love that! Here are some photos from the day:

We have enjoyed lovely weather, even I think 77 is a good temperature. This sign greets us at the entrance to the Farmer's Market

The Hmong farmers really produce (ha, ha) for the weekend markets. I did buy some cucumbers from them which we will have for dinner one night before I leave. I also got my mom a pair of earrings from a vendor, hot pink ones, for $2. Can't go wrong with that!

This view is looking across the river at the Manitowoc Maritime Museum where the submarine 'Cobia' is moored. 

The lost keys

When I was here in March my mom had an episode where she experienced an upset stomach and that which accompanies such. I didn't like it one little bit---hated to see her feeling and looking so puny. The next morning Mom was over her 'bug' and was able to attend worship and Bible study. 

This time her malady is not necessarily a physical one but still causes her great upset. Her keys are missing. They are nowhere, absolutely nowhere, to be found. Lynn and I have looked in the car, in the trunk, every room in the house, and Mom even checked in the trash to see if they were accidentally disposed of. Nope! I called every restaurant and establishment we'd visited since she last used them to get home after helping at church yesterday. I called The Charcoal Grille, Sassy Salon, and The Green Street Tavern with no keys being turned in. Mom is quite perturbed about this. 

Lynn, Jill, and I went out to dinner tonight to a local golf and country club for a perch dinner. Mom opted to stay in, just not up to going out this evening. By LIKING them on Facebook, I was able to get us discounted meals, at least for two of us, at the Branch CC.  It was a lovely dining room, sort of rustic but with a nice ambiance, great view of the links and all that. There we saw an old friend of ours from First German days. Kris was a year ahead of me in school but we were still friends. It was great to see her husband and her again. 

The only thing we can think of that happened with those keys is somehow Lori might have picked them up by mistake when she left this a.m. I have called her and let her know of the situation. She is setting up at a market tonight to sell her jewelry which was another reason why she needed to get back home but promised to look for the keys once she gets situated. 

Until then, my poor mumsy is feeling quite sad and sickened at the thought of replacing her car key (she doesn't drive anymore anyway), her mailbox key and her main door key to the apartment building. I have offered to help her pay for them, but that is not the issue. She won't rest easy until she has those keys in hand but we have to wait for Lori to check things over and see if she has them. Until then, we wait...