Reminiscing

My friends, Paul and Emily, with their extended family members, have made a tradition of going downtown Jax every year for the tree lighting ceremony and the boat parade. Photos from The Landing were posted last night and again tonight of their activities, many of them featuring their daughter, Sarah. They hotel rooms along the river's edge from which to watch the boat parade from the comfort of their room, but actually go in the flesh to see the tree lighting and hear the caroling, followed by the fireworks display. Thanksgiving weekend is quite action packed downtown. They have invited me to join them in the past, and I respectfully declined, allowing them their family time. 

When Justin was a little boy, we began the 'tradition' as a family of going to the tree lighting, have some dinner at The Landing, and enjoy the beginning of the holiday festivities. The food court had something for everyone with the Chinese restaurant where I got my meal. I think my former spouse got Mexican or perhaps a burger. Justin likely had hot dogs, but that much I don't remember. I do hope we fed him...He loved the fireworks, ooohed and aaahed over the colors and the banging, lights reflecting in the water, and such.  One year we took him to see/hear the fireworks for the 4th of July and he said, "They have fireworks in the summer, too!!" He only knew about the ThanksLiving ones!

Fast forward to the mid-2000's and there I was at the boat parade with Jesse's family, watching for Justin on his father's boat taking part in the parade. We were freezing!!  We sat on the porch at a restaurant from where we had our dinner, and after the parade, we walked over to the Times Union Center for a free concert by a semi-local band. For Christmas that year, Pam gave me a CD of their music. It was an unexpected day and event, and this memory came back to me as I thought of Paul and Emily making theirs.

A year or two after that, Justin, our friend, Olivia, and I were at the tree lighting ceremony on a lovely evening. Her folks, Owen and Sandy, came downtown to meet up with us, and we ended up at a sushi place upstairs overlooking the river. They had stand heaters on the porch but eventually it got too chilly for us outdoors so we moved inside. Twice Sandy ordered a sushi tray, NOT an inexpensive purchase, and the four of them just dined away. I did not eat sushi since we'd eaten dinner in the restaurant below the sushi place, so I was all set to simply enjoy the company. We sat there for a couple hours and had such a good time doing so. I don't think Justin drove yet so that means I must have driven us down there. Those details escape me but I do remember the impromptu fun had at The Landing on this weekend in past years. People come and go from our lives but at least some of the memories live on...

Friday after ThanksLiving

Much of my time on Wednesday was spent making ready for the gathering planned at my home on ThanksLiving Day. I'd work a little while and then take a break, work and then take a break, to spare my back. I'm like a turtle, slow and steady wins the race. I got my table all dressed, pulled folding chairs from the closet (had to put them all back again when our number changed). Put up the folding table to place at the end of my dining table so we could all set together. 

Justin and I were both going to be working in the kitchen but alas, due to our heavy rains the previous couple days, he had to go to work to make up for it. They didn't miss work those days but didn't make the progress they'd expected to due to the weather.  He was tired when he got home but had a chance to rest before leaving for church at Victory. 

Once at church, being the first ones there, Stephanie came to sit with us. Erica is in WI visiting her grandma, and frolicking in the snow.  It was so nice to see our old friends and acquaintances that we don't see as often since we don't worship there on Sundays any longer. Also got to see some of our Thursday Bible study friends. We worshiped and sang marvelous hymns accompanied by Rachel on the organ...such an amazing organist. Stephanie made a special dessert with me in mind---bars made with raisins using a recipe her mom read her over the phone. Reminded me of those from Shady Lane Home. That was nice! The fellowship consisted of pies and other similar desserts, and good company.

I was exhausted last night after cleaning up from our feast but at least the kitchen and dining room were presentable. I rested the evening away with the heat pad easing my bones and finally decided to just go to sleep. My boy, on the other hand, was out and about with Jesse. They went to Jesse's dad's house at the Beach, where both boys used to live. Justin then spent the night at Jesse's but I didn't know it. I had to laugh at myself because I was holding off emptying the dishwasher and refilling because I didn't want to wake him. And then he wasn't even home!! I figured that out around noon...Jesse and he are making their moms a Christmas gift so they were working on that this a.m.

Last night they stopped in at Wal*Mart just to see what it was like. First, they had to park at an adjoining lot in order to get to the store. Next, they found the lines in the check-outs on ThanksLiving night to be all the way to the back of the store. The lines, according to him, were as long as at Disney. They bought nothing. The customers seemed to have vouchers in hand which secured for them the desired gift for pick up at another time. Still a long time to wait in line, if you ask me, and for Justin 'n Jesse!

Today was a quiet, at-home day for me. I worked on the church newsletter, having contributions being submitted in dribs and drabs. Saturday is my planned publication date and just tonight got a few sentences from Michael for the preschool. He is busy with the budget committee plus paperwork for the license for the preschool. I assured him I can make an article out of what he sent me. After that is done I might, just might, work on getting my desk cleared off! The bane of my existence, my cluttered desk...ugh!

Our time of ThanksLiving

The morning began with Justin busy in the kitchen making his dinner rolls for our feast. When I ventured out to see how he was doing, I had the privilege of cleaning up the mess left behind. I am all about it, enjoy the task of putting everything back to right in my kitchen. Justin came up with the idea of using the little tool from Pampered Chef for cleaning the stone baking sheets to remove the residue on the counter from rolling out his dough. It worked to get the big stuff off but the somewhat gummy feeling the counter was going to take some work. I wiped it several times in the course of the day to try to get it smooth again. 

The fresh baked rolls didn't turn out quite the way Justin wanted them to but I liked them. He is going to keep trying recipes until he finds one the fits the bill.

Much of the prep was done the day before for my foods and I spent the time before worship to dish up my cranberries and relishes, etc. and get them ready for the table. Justin and I sort of waited until the last minute to start getting ourselves ready and we both got showered and ready for church in less than 20 minutes. Time in the kitchen flies by! We looked nice for church, not the least bit rushed. 

Dee had offered to pick up the turkey for us. Justin and I were responsible for some of the foods. I had mixed up the green beans casserole, mixed up a corn souffle using a new recipe, prepped the ham for cooking, brushing a brown sugar glaze over it, plus mashed the potatoes. They gave me a terrible time----wanting to climb up the beaters and out of the top of the bowl. As my niece once described my mashed potatoes:  "sticky, but good!" All things were ready!

When we got home after church I got everything out (forgot to mention my cranberry Jell-O made yesterday) and what needed to be baked went into the oven. Justin had done his rolls ready but needed to prep his mini-apple pies. There was no room in the oven for them until all was on the table so he got them ready and popped the pans in when we sat at the table. When the folks started arriving, it was a flurry of food and folks, pies and wine and gifts!

Justin took this photo of us at the table, minus Donald who was in the kitchen carving the bird. From left are Martha, Dee, Helen, Matthew (married to Martha), Michael, Donald's chair, me, Justin's chair, Julia (married to Michael), Jacko (Martha's son), Nadia, and Lorese. The three younger ladies are sisters. There mom and other sister cancelled due to the youngest sister being ill. Our number went from 14 to 12 to 13 and then to 12. This way all the plates were the same which for some reason meant a lot to me!  

We enjoyed our feast, with me being thanked for hosting about a dozen times. Part way through the meal my corn souffle finally set up enough to serve and we made a dent in it. We also had sweet potatoes with marshmallows on top and a squash casserole which Dee made, and Michael made two types of stuffing, one with oysters in it. We had three types of pie plus Justin's hot- from-the-oven individual apple pies made with crescent rolls. I think that's enough food, right? 

We sat around the table until about 4:30, so for 3 hours we enjoyed each other's company. In between Justin and I cleared away dishes and our guests followed my request to remain seated while we did so. My kitchen is too small to accommodate many people and I wanted them to just enjoy their time together. Dee was impressed with how neat everything was in the kitchen. That's the way I like it!

Ready to cook!

This morning I ventured to the Island to start our shopping for the holiday feast. We didn't have Bible study this week so my Monday a.m. was free and I needed something to motivate me to get up and dressed. Publix did the trick! Justin and I compared the ads from both Winn Dixie and Publix to see which had the best prices, etc. They were pretty much a horse apiece and my choice was Publix. I know my way around there fairly well and had my list to avoid missing anything.

It wasn't crazy busy in the store and it seemed that I had a brand-new shopping cart. Was so pleased it rolled easily and went the same direction I was going. The soda was on special too which was icing on the cake. Justin and I had picked up some of our meal prep stuff last week when shopping the big sale at Target so I just had to fill in some blanks on the menu. A nice young lady helped me get my stuff to the car, and laughed she tried to fit 4 more cases of Diet Coke into the back of my already loaded with DC car. Yes, I have a problem and so does Justin!!  

We had a nice day today of 86 above zero, but up in WI my family and friends are enduring a snow storm. Linda was not able to watch The Five with me tonight because the snow accumulated on their satellite dish. She was waiting for Tommy get home to use their long-handled brush to clean off the dish. My sister who works at a state hospital reported that their pager system for communication went down which is NOT a good thing. The wards and such need to be able to contact each other and her in case of emergency, etc. Glad it came back up again for them. Justin came home from work sapped from the heat and humidity but at least he didn't have to scrape anything!

Tonight was a Board meeting here at our building. I wanted to be sure to attend since a civil engineer was going to present some ideas for our garage leaking problem. Yes, more water problems, but at least it's outside this time. Al, the engineer, was the first person 'we' met upon moving to FL. He was a classmate of our partner, Curt, and showed us around on our exploratory visit to OP. It was good to see him again, and brought back some fond memories for me. He told me once, upon seeing me in a restaurant, that he usually heard me before he saw me, my tell-tale laugh gave me away. I reminded him how his oldest daughter used to baby sit for Justin...wow, we go back a long way!  And now he is nearly my neighbor and might see each other more often. I don't mind that one little bit!

A long day for me

It was a long day for several of us, with me just a short while ago getting home from a worship meeting at church. Apparently we are in a time crunch now to get our 'Vision' stuff ready to be presented to the leadership before the next quarterly meeting. I would personally like to talk this stuff to pieces, it's so very important, and fear making a mistake in our determinations. Sigh...We have one whole 'big idea' we haven't touched on yet but hope to do so in the New Year. It's about Bible studies and I am all about that!

I am envious of Linda and some of my family as they have up to 5 opportunities, depending upon the week, for Bible study. Linda goes on Sunday morning, Monday nights to help with the Hmong class, Tuesday afternoon with a lay leader, Thursday evening with the same lay leader but different subject matter, plus every other Friday and Saturday mornings, one with Pastor and one with a lay leader. Mom and Lynn join her on Sunday, Friday, and Saturday for those classes. They are so blessed with study opportunities!

Back to my day---It began with Bible study and worship on this Christ the King Sunday. It's hard to believe we are facing the new year already---Advent! Justin was able to join our regular group, minus Terri and Betty, for lunch at Chili's this week, watching the Jaguar game once home. It was hard to watch but at least the Packers won. Gretchen didn't come to church today. She rides now with Ethel and Darwin, and since they were staying for the soup pot luck which was after worship, she knew she wouldn't get home in time to watch the game. Oh, that Gretchen!

I had my homework done for the meeting tonight but took the time to try to organize the paperwork so I know what is what. In speaking earlier in the week with Kristi, we shared our being buried in papers for this project, and not being sure of what to keep and what to toss. I think I got it figured out. Print outs of other reference materials I collect have been marked with post-it notes so I can pull out what I need to help with my case. Didn't get to do much of that tonight as much is already pretty cut 'n dried. But, I encouraged Kristi, our official note taker, to make sure she wrote "let the record show..." as I stressed that my name is going to affixed to this final document. When I was leaving the church, I texted Justin to let him know, telling him I'll just have dessert and a strong drink when I got home. I gave it my best!

Fabulous brisket

Oh, my goodness, such great brisket! Nancy W and I went to the newly opened 4Rivers BBQ place which opened where the Quincy's used to me on Hwy. 17. Justin and I had gone there on Wednesday but it was too busy, lines snaking around the building, so we went home to eat the beef roast I'd made. This time the line was shorter and the weather more pleasant than Wednesday evening. It was well worth the wait!

The way the meat is ordered and served is somewhat unique. The customer orders at the counter and the server writes the order on the brown paper lining the food tray. One orders the brisket either moist or dry, and I chose moist, which means the opposite of dry. My choice came with three sides so I had green beans, mac 'n cheese, and cole slaw. I could have other items but was mostly concerned about the brisket. The meat is just plunked down on the brown paper from which one eats from, but the sides come in foam cups. We got covers for the sides right away, especially me, knowing mine would go home with me. 

The dining room is lined with rows of tables with some booths around the perimeter, and seating outdoors as well. We found a place at a table and got settled in to devour our meals. Nancy took the chicken and was delighted with it, taking half home with her. I, however, ate every morsel of my brisket plus some of the paper it came on!!  Wow, words cannot express...I remember when Justin went the first time to the store on the Southside with Will and Bethany. He sat here in my room and simply gushed about it. Now I see why! 

Because this is the first week they are open, the manager was walking around, making sure we were all set. She told us this was the smoothest first week store opening they've ever had which is good news. I told her that I should have bought a double order because I loved it so much, and was told it is possible to order a second portion for a few bucks more. And she gave each of us a card for a free sandwich for our next visit. Can't go wrong with that! I cannot wait to go again!!

A day of remembrance and encouragement

Today is my dad's birthday, or would be, if he was alive. He would be 92 years old, something I cannot even imagine. He passed away from complications after a stroke when Timmy was about 5 months old. I remember talking to my sister, Lynn, on the phone, getting a report from her on Dad's condition. The doctor had told her Dad was doing better, showing improvement, that type of thing. A few hours later she called to report he was gone. What in the world? How could things have changed so dramatically in a few hours' time? Bob was 74 when he died and he never got to see Timmy. I'd send him letters and cards with pictures, some of which were still in his room at Shady Lane where he lived. Lynn did the lion's share of taking care of business for Dad and I am so thankful for that. 

When I was young, I used to spend lots of time with my dad in his workshop and on projects around the house. It was my job to put the nails the right way in the box, all the heads on one end, easier to grab and use that way. Now it all makes sense about my wanting things organized...my dad taught me that! This might also be why I like the smell of fresh cut wood. 

This afternoon I got a message from a friend from high school, who commented on my blog posting about dreaming of Timmy. Steve said, "Come on, Kimmer, quit spending time on the blog and finish your book!" Another friend, Judy, also from Manty, chimed in with her encouragement. Both seemed to think what I have to say will be valuable to others so I told them I'd make a New Year's determination to work on the book again. I know I've said that several times before but perhaps this time it will stick!  I am thankful for the encouragement and also thankful that Steve remembered my article in our high school's alumni newsletter back in 2005. Whew, that is a long time ago!  

Weather or not

Storm reports are coming in from all around the US indicating freezing temperatures and/or feet of snow being deposited. Poor upstate New York! Here in N. FL, we are among those with the below freezing overnight temperatures, with two nights in a row showing at 28. First of all, that is far too early for us to be this cold. Secondly, that temperature is always too cold for us! It doesn't seem to be going very far south so the hopefully the crops won't be affected. Justin and his buddy, Ray, each purchased insulated jackets a couple weeks ago from Wal-Mart, so they are ready to face the cold. At least, I hope the jackets do the trick. 

Connie has covered the plants along our walkways and property, including using a set of old sheets I had offered her as drop cloths. Glad to see them pressed into service already. The property at The Club once again looks like a bunch of ghosts as the shrubs and greenery are dressed in white sheets. I'm sure they have extras since they use them in the hotel (not the same ones, I am sure). Yesterday it warmed to the mid-50's and today it was in the low 60's for the high temps. 

What a week of goofy weather it's been. Monday, as we ladies had our sad lunch at Longhorn, after being told we wouldn't meet again until 2015, people all around us were having their phones going off. Our waitress came to tell us that Duval and Clay counties were under a tornado warning. They weren't sure if we should stay or go but most of us were in favor of heading for home. I called Connie to let her know, so she could button things up on the property, but Rose had already alerted her. Connie told me the elevator man was there greasing the cables in anticipation of the freeze but hoped he'd be done by the time I got home. Thankfully he was, and he took me up to my floor for his test run. Whew!, no steps to scale with the storm behind me.  

I took this picture when I got up to my courtyard, looking west as the storm headed our way. Justin was in the house, aware of the storm because his phone also alerted him. He suggested we make sure our devices were charged because a couple times our electricity blinked, and he brought me an extra charger for my phone to speed the process. First the winds came, and the sideways rain, and then, it was over. The temperature had dropped from 82 above to the 60's, and only went down from there. Perfect night for us to go shopping, right???

The worst part of the storm occurred on the Southside and Arlington areas, and downtown. Some of my friends posted pictures taken from the taller buildings downtown, and reported feeling the buildings swaying in the wind. A tornado was sighted but did not touch down, thankfully, but damage from the high winds was evident. Gas station roofs torn off, trees down on the wires, 6000+ without power for a while, and trees through people's roofs. November is not the month for tornadoes nor for freezing temps! We object!  

My friend, Pat, lives a few miles south of me along the river and experienced for the second time in 2014 the loss of multiple trees on her property, taking with them her power and other connections. I feel so badly for them having to go through this again, and hope she can get some help with the clean up, and get her connections all restored quickly. The utility guys will have a few extremely busy days getting things back up again. They are heroes when they do!

Shopping like rock stars

Last night Justin and I went shopping at Target, primarily to take advantage of the soda sale going on. Secondly, they have a deal where the purchase of $50 worth of groceries earns the shopper a $10 gift card. That is not hard to take!  Each of the us had a cart and we took eight 12 packs in our carts. Right there we each had $22 worth of groceries before any real food went into the basket.

Many food items needed for the ThanksLiving feast were 'on sale', or should I say 'highlighted in the ad',  so it didn't take long to reach the required purchase amount to earn the gift card. I guess it's similar to the deal Kohl's or Beall's offers, to entice the shopper back an additional time. Justin bought himself a Thermos bottle to use for coffee while on the job. It has been a very long time since a Thermos bottle has been used in this household. More than 10 years, I would safely guess. He was able to turn right around and use his discount card to purchase the Thermos, checking it out separately. Brilliant!!

It was turning cold by the time we got home (having had dinner at Koko's first) so we carried up only the stuff which needed the freezer or fridge, though it really wouldn't have mattered since it froze outside overnight. The canned goods and such will be carried little by little to get everything upstairs the next few days. We are serving 10-14 guests for the feast, but we don't have to make all the food. Justin plans to make homemade dinner rolls so he bought some more flour and sugar. We are overrun now with canned goods with no place to put it temporarily so I am allowing (wince!!) some of the items to remain on the counter. I don't care for that but what else can we do until next week?

One item we took a look at was one of those 'too good to pass up' things, but I decided to do just that. It was an electric roaster, similar to what I know as a Nesco. The price was so good, less than $30, but I really could not think of a reason I would need such a thing. Somehow, if I lived up north yet, I could see it's purpose, but I don't entertain here like we did when in Manty. 

I did buy a new slow cooker this year to replace my long-time one which quit, so that is about the size I need. It's just galling to pass up such a great deal, though! I even asked Mike S. if the church would have a use for another one and he said we don't use the ones we have. My former spouse and I bought those Nesco roasters (a pair of them) many years ago when he did much of the cooking for functions. If I really need one, I know where to look!

Crazy mixed up day

Today we got some tragic news which  I guess on the 'tragic scale' might not be so bad---we won't be having Bible study on Mondays until January of 2015. No-more-Monday-study-until-next-year!! Sad faces all around the table. The reason presented is that, well, next week is Thanksgiving, and then after that is Advent and then Christmas. The extra work doesn't allow time for Bible study. We've been on this same study about the women in Jesus' life since early May but have had many starts 'n stops which delays our forward progress. Now it will be longer yet with this halt until next year. I rejoice that Bible study continues at Victory except for ThanksLiving Day, so I will get a few more sessions under my belt before leaving for WI. 

I was telling my friends at church Sunday how messed up time-wise I've been since we have not had Bible study on Sunday a.m. the last two weeks. Instead of study Pastor has been presenting a stewardship program for those who don't care to come during the week or at night. A few people did come. This is the 2nd phase of the series which was already presented to the Monday class 3 weeks ago. Since many of us regular attendees have been through it before, it didn't pay to go again, this time held two Sundays in a row. So, when do I get up? When do I get dressed and leave? My timing was all messed up, but it didn't hurt to arrive at church early as the others were in the sanctuary hanging out to visit while the session was going on. 

Worship was wonderful, Saints Triumphant Sunday, one of my favorites. (Some ladies would smile about that because I say that every week about one hymn or another). We sang "For All the Saints", "Wake, Wake for Night is Flying", "My Hope is Built on Nothing Less", and the last 9 stanzas of "I Come, O Savior, to Thy Table". I wish we could have sung "Jerusalem, the Golden" but it is not in our MIDI. I got a few messages through out the day from folks who did get to sing it, one church using both versions. Linda sent me a text from her Bible study to report they had sung it and she wept, as did my sister. Love that she was thinking of me....a good hymn day! Good hymns and then the Lord's Supper as well, yes, a good day!

The Chappells were gone to NC for a wedding and Terri T. was absent so only three of us went to lunch, which was nice. Mike, Betty, and I had a bit of a problem since something was amiss with either the ice or the water, making our beverages taste funky. Mike and I both switched to regular Dr. Pepper and that seemed okay, or at least tolerable, and I'm still alive so it must have safe to drink! Betty is a woman of few words but yesterday she more opportunity to converse, which was great. Her grandson who lives with her, is laid up with a sore leg, having fallen from a skateboard earlier in the week. He is 35 years old---too old be to be on a board! Jimmy has not been able to work since then, poor guy. 

Glad that Michael and Judy got back safely from their wedding. It was an outdoor marriage ceremony for her granddaughter, Jessica, in North Carolina, where it has been cold lately. Judy made a warm shawl/poncho for her granddaughter, Morgan, who was part of the wedding party because her dress had spaghetti straps and she'd freeze. Judy whipped it up in one afternoon, just like that! Now she has enough fabric leftover to make some clothes for one of our members, Jordyn, who still plays with dolls. Jordyn is quite appreciative of the outfits Mrs. Chappell makes for her dolls. Judy's own grands don't play with dolls so she had to find a little girl who does!

Car rental woes

Justin was working today for his boss, Will, driving to Lake Worth to pick up a new truck. Oh, we had a good laugh over this---of course, "Seinfeld" all the way. Saturday I took Justin to the car rental place up the street to get a car which his former co-worker, Caleb, and he would drive to get the truck. (Will couldn't go because he had too much going on at church....He actually DOES, because he has two youth group meetings each Sunday). As we drove over to get the car, Justin joked about how the rental place "knows how to TAKE the reservation, but they don't know how to HOLD the reservation." Complete with Jerry's arm gestures. I dropped him off, and he told me to run along as he had to wait in line. I was going to Great Hang Ups from there. Justin had a 9:30 computer appointment after getting the car picked up.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4T2GmGSNvaM

Well, I so happened to stop at home for a second when Justin called me reporting "they DON'T know how to hold the reservation!!!" He was so upset---they had no cars. None! I drove back to pick him up as he was already walking toward his appointment's home. He changed that appointment to another day, and his boss directed him to another car rental place on South Blanding. Ugh! 

Justin was so frustrated by all this, hating to have to leave his truck at the car rental place while they were gone. I didn't think it was a problem and it wasn't but he was just stressed by all this. He told me that he used that line from Seinfeld at Enterprise, saying he couldn't help but think of it every time he's in a rental place. Because they gave him a clown car instead of a mid-sized one Will had reserved, he also told the story of how I used to say we both had to get in at the same time so we wouldn't flip it over!!  Both Will and the guy at the counter found that amusing! You're welcome!  

He had 10 hours of driving and was so glad to be home. We settled in to watch the Packer game, me starting before he got back. I had made us a kettle of chili into which we dipped our homemade rolls Justin baked on Saturday. We watched the Packers make mush out of the Eagles and then, in the 3rd quarter, FOX changed games on us. The announcer said they were switching programming to a game more competitive than what we were enjoying. NUTS!!! I was beside myself. We were so enjoying this game and then it was yanked away. That was disappointing, but I was able to follow somewhat online which is not quite the same. Oh well....We have a few more Packer games coming up which will be shown here, unless they aren't competitive enough!

In your dreams

Or, rather, in my dreams. I was thrilled this a.m., though saddened to wake up too soon, to see Timmy in my dream. Oh, my goodness, he was so sweet and cute looking in his blue t-shirt. In the dream, I arrived 'home' after apparently being away for some time, and he came bounding down the stairs to greet me. (Excuse me just a moment as I wipe my tears...)  He had some chocolate in his hand, perhaps half of a fun-sized candy bar. I asked what he had and he said he cut it in half. What? This little guy has a knife up there? He said it was a table knife and for some reason, I didn't go upstairs to check it out. I asked the boys, Justin showing up now as well, if their rooms were clean and their bathroom tidy. I seem to have taken their word for it being so...It was nice to get to hold him on my lap again, even if it was just for the blink of an eye.

My waking hours were spent going to the groomers for a 10:30 appointment. This will be my last time being taken care of at this location because Whitey's is taking back the shop to use for the restaurant, an expansion or something. So, Susan and Barb are moving further up Hwy. 220 to the Silo Shoppes. Next month, before I leave for WI, I will check out their new digs. 

From the booty shop I headed toward Publix, stopping first at the bank. Parking was not easy to come by at the grocery store but I managed to find a spot not too far from the entrance. Mercy me, already???  I picked up a spiral ham to serve for ThanksLiving plus a few more things including nuts to make more Chex Mix. I could almost live on that stuff, plus the soda I picked up. The young man who helped me to the car with my purchases said I should wait a week and parking would be much worse, with the holidays coming. When did this happen? 

As I drove home, I called Justin to ask him to help me carry up the groceries. He said that Sarah had stopped over so he'd get the stuff later. I was so happy to hear she was there, remembering we'd waved at her yesterday as we drove home after Bible study and lunch. Cool to see her two days in row.  Sarah was in the neighborhood as she had just put the deposit down at The Club for Ron's and her wedding next November. A year away yet! I am so glad they chose The Club for the wedding, she saying it reminded her of the Mediterranean, from where her family originally hailed. 

I bored her silly showing her my scrapbooks from the cruises. Justin actually brought it up by mentioning the pelicans in Mykonos. We laughed because she probably felt like a prisoner, trapped looking at someone else's trip pictures!! She said she liked them, and made her wish to go herself. Lucky for her she had a paper to write as she is a nursing student, so we released her from captivity. Just yesterday I had reminded Justin about the time we took Sarah to lunch for her birthday after we'd been at Bible study, and now it's nearly her birthday again. Time flies and before we know it, their wedding day will be here. And by here, I mean, on our property! 

A delicious dinner

Happy Veteran's Day! I enjoyed watching Fox & Friends as they had plenty of coverage for and of the military. Out on the plaza was a drill team from the Air Force and the Navy Band. I have a friend who plays for the Navy Band, now stationed in WA state. It was a good show. Also I listened to two worship services this a.m., both of them Reformation themed. I have a good life.

Justin had off today but it had nothing to do with it being a holiday. He is on his winter schedule now so has periodic days off during the week. His plans were to make more dough like he made last week for his calzones. Also in the plans were some apple desserts like he made last Thursday when his boss, Will, and wife, Bethany, were here for dinner. Calzones and mini-apple pies again so soon? Yes, please! 

He had some problems making the dough, doing it by memory because he could not lay his hands or his eyes on the recipe he used on Thursday. It got a little more sticky than the last time and the loaf of bread he made from it was rather bland. The pizza crust, however, he kneaded more flour into so it had a better consistency. He added Italian seasoning to the dough once smoothed out and then the toppings went on. Very good and filling, as you can imagine.

While he was busy with dough in the kitchen, my friend, Stephanie, and I were at The Club for lunch. We'd made the plans last week for today because she was off  from work for the holiday. Stephanie works for the federal gov't. and is also a veteran, having served in the Navy as an MP. Our original plan was to dine at Pengree's because I have taken her to Grumpy's in the past. But then I had the brainstorm to take her to The Club. It was great to spend the time together there, and at home again. Before we knew it, the clock chimed 3:30 and she wished to head for home before traffic got too bad. I hope she enjoyed her day off as much I enjoyed her day off!

Justin had gone to the store while we were out, bringing back the hard to find Wheat Chex and some soda, store-brand this time. It takes some getting accustomed to, less delicious than Diet Coke. But, since no one had DC on sale this week, store brand it is. I am loving the Chex Mix far too much, making my second batch yesterday. I will pace myself tomorrow because it makes me thirsty and fills me up. I have real food leftovers waiting to be eaten so I should leave the cereal alone!

An at home day

This morning's sky did all the talking....

Justin teased my nose and my senses with a pork butt he prepped in the kitchen this afternoon. He is bathing it in spices and mustard, packing the goodness into the raw meat. Tomorrow, Jesse will put it in the smoker for them to enjoy during the football games. Yes, two games to watch tomorrow---yay! I asked him to save some of the pork for me, a small tidbit of the goodness. I will be interested to see if it competes with the flavor of the ones Mike S. makes for us at church. Close enough, I bet!

This a.m. he had his standing Saturday appointment with Jane where he helps with her computer and similar things ("she pays me to be her son") such as ordering her vacuum cleaner bags and setting up speakers, etc. Last week at a worship meeting, Jim offered up a used router which he no longer needed and I took it for Justin. He was able to make use of it almost immediately, installing it at Carol and Randy's house after his appointment with Jane. Busy guy with the electronics. Nice that Jim's donation was put to use so soon. 

Tonight Justin is at Jesse's watching a movie, taking the pork butt with him so it's ready for the smoker in the morning. The other day Linda told me she had Chex party mix at a gathering which sounded so good to me. Since he was going to the store after his appointments, I asked Justin to get the ingredients for me to make a batch. Sadly, he could not find Wheat Chex, which are my favorite ones. He bought one box of Life to try instead and it turned out rather good, sort of sweeter than expected. Justin believes the gluten-free people have taken over the cereal aisle. I was surprised at how much the mixed nuts cost, though. I better get over this longing quickly! This afternoon and evening I had party mix for my snacks plus leftover food from Koko's where Nancy W., Justin, and I dined last night. Not starving here, that's for sure. Sure did enjoy my day at home and just working at my desk, besides washing my sheets and mattress pad. Will sleep nicely on freshly laundered bedding. Good night!

On the mend

Today was a good day, feeling like nothing happened to me. Still on the soft diet for the most part but stepping out a bit with some Halloween candy. Justin went to the store to get fresh spinach for me today and came back with a wonderful surprise. He had me close my eyes and hold out my hand---a chocolate covered cherry! Yes, Halloween must be over because the Christmas candy is out! Dark chocolate covered cherries---my favorite! They are on the menu of foods to be served at my funeral. Justin told me today to not die in June because these would be hard to get at that time of the year. I suggested he get them at Beerntsen's in Manitowoc, but that would be expensive!

Several people have contacted me and asked how I was doing. Nancy W. I suspect wants to go and do something but is patiently waiting for me to be free to go. She told me a funny story today---her neighbor and she were cleaning up around the pool on their part of the property following a party held there last night. The temps dropped dramatically overnight and it was incredibly windy today. While they were cleaning, the wind caught Gail and into the pool she went. Oh, brrrr....Nancy nicely took a photo of Gail climbing out of the water, like a good friend would! Two patio umbrellas also ended up in the pool before they were all done. NOT a good day to be poolside, or in the pool! Poor Gail!

   

                  Nancy and Burnie sitting poolside before winter came

In the past couple of weeks I've experienced some losses---my family room TV, my cell phone, and my printer. What in the world is that all about?  Justin researched and found me an inexpensive TV which, if ordered online via VyStar, got me a discount and cash back. Yes, it has a smaller screen and is smaller overall, simply because the 'old' TV was so large and bulky. I would have thought that almost 8 years was young yet for a TV but I guess not. Connie actually took it down for me on a rolling trolly thing she has for moving stuff. My neighbor is taking the old one to his son to see if he could fix it, or harvest parts from it. Best wishes to him, as I'm just glad it's gone from the living room. 

Then, Justin researched my phone and plan before we went to Sprint to check it out.  What he/we thought would work did not turn out that way, too many loopholes. To replace my phone with the exact same one would have cost me more money than to get the new iPhone. Now I only have additional cost per month for insurance because the phone is leased for 2 years. Okay, fine, so now I'm modern, even more modern than before. That whole thing really ticked me off, though, because I should have had at least 2 upgrades coming and with the loopholes, nope. 

I am thankful to Justin for treating me to dinner from Panda Express after haggling with the phone people. Ugh! Who would think a phone (my old one) would swell up like that? And wouldn't you know my phone would die while sitting in the waiting area for our turn to be taken care of?? Fortunately, Justin was able to transfer my data from the old phone to the new one using his computer, in about 20 minutes' time as we ate our Chinese food. Already I'm accustomed to using the iPhone 6, and we look forward to getting our 'lifeproof' cases for our phones when they come out. I will appreciate the added protection, for sure, even though I have insurance on it now!

For the printer, I simply ordered a new one through Amazon, a bit smaller than its predecessor by an inch or two, but same brand and features. Bad thing was it won't use the same sized printer cartridges. I tried searching using the cartridge size first, but that didn't work. So, now I have three yellows, a magenta, and one black cartridge and no machine to use them in. I'll offer them to anyone who can use them. The ink costs almost as much a new machine after a few times. Which do I do---order more ink or replace the machine??