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.