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No longer on the river and, again, an empty nester. Back to living on Fleming Island and making some more friends!

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Waiting for my company

Right now I can barely keep my eyes opened but must, as the Schippers are due in tonight. I didn't sleep well last night, naturally, so am incredibly ready for bed right now. Justin is busy in his room and the guest room, making the last minute efforts to get all things in order for our houseguests. The day I went to David Chappell's swearing in ceremony Justin asked me to leave a list of things I wanted done before the company arrived on the 30th. He did one item on the list that day which was to wipe down the kitchen cabinets, top and bottom, and they look great. He told me the other stuff would be taken care of on the days he had off between Christmas and their arrival, and he did it, working up until the moment they pulled in! Well, almost, anyway. Not steady working, of course, but used all the calendar days. 

After getting home from dinner tonight, treated by Mike S. for my birthday, Justin and I worked together to make up the trundle bed and got the final touches to the room for Lori and David. His room was straightened away enough to allow for Dustin to stay on the air bed. Justin worked at sorting and organizing and moving things around, getting stuff ready for donation, etc. I wanted the bathroom scrubbed to within an inch of its life. Since I didn't go back and check, I shall assume it is very near that...I know, don't assume a thing!

I have come down with a cold, not a full-blown one, but an annoying stuffy head, which is apparently what affected my sleep. Part of the reason might be because I was excited about my company arriving and about all the stuff that needs to be done for the party...possibly just the head cold.  

At least the sniffles didn't prevent me from enjoying lunch with Judy C. at The Club today. Besides being my birthday, I had not met my monthly minimum purchases for December so it was a perfect way to do so. She had never been a guest in the dining room before which made it more special for her. As we walked over from my house, I met several folks who called out with birthday wishes, and I was so surprised they knew about it. Scott, the gardener? How did he know? The hostess, wait staff, bartender, an office lady who was in the restroom when I was??? 

When the waitress, Kristy, brought me my ticket, she also gave me an envelope. I was blown away! Inside was a birthday card with good wishes and signatures of all the staff members there that day (including the gardener!) and office people. Plus two certificates for free entrees on Happy Hour night and two drinks. I was blown away (oh, I said that already!). How nice of them! Marlena orchestrated all this, that little rascal...

Just got word that my family's plane has landed and they are getting their rental car. They should be here soon!!

Saturday, December 26, 2015

Timmy's toy

This morning my former upstairs neighbor, Jessica, contacted me, asking if I wanted this toy back again. I had given it to her five years ago when they had two little boys, one an infant. She wondered if I wanted it back or if she should pass it on. After pondering only a moment, I told her she should pass it on, I didn't need it back. Yes, it had been Timmy's but, no, someone else's little one can have fun with this activity ball. I love it that of all the things Travis and Jessica have gotten for their now three children, that she remembered this came from me. Bless you, Jessica!

Friday, December 25, 2015

Christmas Day 2015

Justin and I decided to open our gifts before church this morning, not having enough time to do so last night between services. Justin purchased a Christmas stollen for our breakfast which we enjoyed as the unwrapping was underway.
My Christmas stollen, from Publix
I can always count on Justin to help me 'clean up' with products from Bath and Body Works! He knows I very much like the hand sanitizers, body wash, foaming hand products, and this year, body spray! One particular bottle has pictures of Tuscany on the label, with the contents being a lemoncello-scented soap. Gorgeous! 
Justin got me two cardigan-styled sweaters, his theme of gift giving is keeping his mama warm (just like my mom!). Here I am laughing as I modeled the burnt orange one, worn over my caftan which Justin says looks like Qadalfi. He had this sweater in mind for wearing at my desk as it gets cold sitting next to the windows in the winter. The fabric is so soft, feels cozy to the touch.  
When this present arrived via FedEx, he couldn't stand it and HAD to give it to me right away. This is a microwavable scented heat pad which wraps around the neck with moist heat. He said he got this for when my neck/shoulders get achy when I'm at my desk. The scent is quite soothing, as is the moist heat. It goes perfectly with the color of my new cardigan, too!
Among the items I got Justin for Christmas were a few things he had on his Amazon wish list. He is holding a Darth Vader bobble-head character which he will display on the shelf I got him for supporting/raising the height of his TV. He got to open the shelf early because when it arrived, he received the delivery and the picture of what was inside was printed on the box. Surprise ruined! Jesse helped get the TV up on it the other night when he ate dinner with us. I also got Justin deflectors for around the windows on his truck, three t-shirts and Packer shirt (Nelson's), socks for work, candy and nuts.
Justin had mentioned in passing that he didn't have a case for his shotgun so I got him one. I also had a picture of The River House framed for him (one for Jesse, too, as it's owned by his step-dad). We will hang it in the kitchen with the one of Whitey's, adding The Palace watercolor plus the new one of The River House from the water, all three painted by Beth Haizlip. Might need some help getting them hung because of it being an exterior wall, concrete block.
Another 'warm' item he got me was a pair of iGloves where some of the fingertips are made to allow for using the iPhone while wearing gloves. You can't quite make that out on the pointers and thumbs but I should be able to even type while wearing them. 
Here is one of Justin's t-shirts from our home town, also got him a red one. See our soda stockpile in the foyer?
I had the privilege and delight of seeing my friend, Kelly, who was down here from N. IL to see her son and his family. He is in the Navy, stationed at St. Mary's, GA. Her hubby and she wanted to worship on Christmas Day so came from the Southside where they were staying, to worship at GS. I am so glad they did, as I hadn't seen her in the flesh since Linda and I met Kelly in 2007 at the Women's Leadership Conference. Kelly walked up to our table and asked if she could join Linda's and my 'holy huddle'. We hit it off right then and there, and thanks to Facebook, have remained in touch. 

We had just over 20 folks in worship, with Lord's Supper served, with four of those being guests, including one couple from Victory. Since I am normally not here for Christmas services, it just really hit me how sad the attendance was for our candlelight service last night and our Festival this a.m. Before the service Justin and Michael went around and gathered up the expired luminaries from the night before, working up quite a sweat (in the 80's here!)
As Justin finished the ham, I began carrying stuff to the table in the dinette. We had two Jell-Os, cranberry sauces, salad, olives and pickles, rolls. and spiced apples.
As we ran out of space for our dishes Justin remarked, "We should have probably eaten at the big table..." On the far left see the iPad propped, ready to play "It's a Wonderful Life" for us as we ate. We had yams with marshmallow and pecans plus our wrapped ham and apple cider sauce. Yum!
Here is the ham after being sliced. The crescent dough could have baked a bit more but the exterior was nicely browned. The sauce really made it, though. Because we were so full after our meal, we waited to have our pumpkin pie later when we finished watching the movie. We needed an intermission to sleep off our heavy meal! It was a wonderful day, a quiet one, to go with our 'Wonderful Life'!

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Christmas Eve

This morning Justin and I went to Publix to get some more soda and few other things for our meal tomorrow, and then stopped at Metro Diner for breakfast. I had not eaten breakfast there before, instead ordering a lunch instead. Today, I took the leap and enjoyed a wonderful breakfast meal!
Justin wishing to not pose for the photo as we await our food to arrive. He ordered only a chicken biscuit with our plan to have him help me with my meal. This was an excellent idea.
 My meal came with eggs and hashbrowns. I didn't try the eggs but Justin said they were good. I very much enjoyed about a fourth of the hashbrowns. See my former neighbor's name peeking out from under the plate (Travis Cummings, State Rep.)
This sausage gravy and biscuits was fantastic, almost as good as my friend, Judy's, gravy! I ate half and Justin finished them off. 
When Justin and I got home, we were met these wet vacs, now at rest after their workout yesterday. My heart aches for those who suffered damage and are displaced today. 
Just before Justin and I left for the first service of the night, the moon rose over the river
This is the first time I've seen the luminaries put out in front of our church and along the sidewalk. See Cliff carrying the bin after placing them along the street. This might be the last time it happens, though, since our Altar Guild lady who took care of this is leaving us. 
We had a good attendance for the Christmas service with children participation and our choir's involvement

Here are the children processing into church as the congregation sang. Justin is on the far right edge of the photo   
Zachary is doing a reading for the Christmas program
Justin and I were back to church for the 10:00 pm candlelight service. Since I am usually not here at this time year, I don't know how many people usually attend. Tonight we were blessed to have 7 people join us from Christ, Keystone Heights, which swelled our numbers to 24. Pastor plus two gentlemen, including Ryan, above, helped him read the passages which accompanied the Christmas hymns and carols.
Michael is taking a turn at doing some readings. He also served as acolyte and usher for the service. 

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

What a rough day!

It feels so good to be seated at my desk, where my chair has a lumbar support pad as part of it. Yesterday my back was doing fairly well, but today, it took a beating. 

I went to meet my friend, Brenda, for our Christmas lunch which is usually something we do before I leave for WI. Since I am staying here, we went today. We had excellent service and she treated me to a milk shake to go. Our time goes by quickly but she needs to get back to work. After lunch I stopped at Winn Dixie to get some vegetables (yes, you read that right!) because Justin and I were having company for dinner and I wanted to impress Jesse. Baby carrots and green beans, each a buck a package is too good to pass up!  I also got a strawberry rhubarb pie to serve for dessert, with vanilla ice cream to top it off. 

We'd gotten notice that the A/C units had to be shut off due to repairs being made this afternoon. As soon as I got home, Connie called to tell me to send out a notice to the Owners and residents to turn their A/C back on. I did that. Just a few minutes later I got a frantic call from Connie informing me that there was a flood in a 4th floor unit and the water had to be shut off again. Then she called to have me send out notices for help with the clean up. Four floors were affected. Here we go again!!

I sent off the notices and then took off for upstairs with towels in hand. I have no mop, only use a Swiffer, which isn't much good with inch deep standing water. I did my best to help Ellen who was absolutely frantic. Others were there to help with the towels and to try to move stuff out of the way of the water. I took control of the phone calls that needed to be made to the insurance carrier and the water remediation folks. She was in no state and I was glad to be able to help her out this way. Her housemate came home from work and he was a calming influence for her. 

The water folks showed up and the A/C repair guy was on site at Ellen's. Justin came home after having been to the movies and immediately got busy helping folks below Ellen. Hauling, moving, securing things, etc. Every one dripping wet from sweat because it was a hot day. My shoes and jeans bottoms were wet from walking in water upstairs. We brought some of our 3rd floor neighbor's special items here for safe keeping, so glad to be able to do that little bit to help, and give them peace of mind. They are renters and their landlord is putting them up at the hotel on the property for the time being. 

Once everyone was taken care of, I grabbed my wet towels (quite heavy!) and took them to my unit, leaving them outside my door. Justin later put them over the rail to drip some more. The lady in charge of maintenance said it was okay to leave them out overnight but I am sure by morning we should take them down. Many railings on our building had towels drying over them!!! Bet it looks pretty right now....not!

Justin wondered if we should cancel our dinner plans but after a short rest, I was able to get the scalloped potatoes and ham put together. Justin cut up the onion and ham, while I did the potato slicing. I had the casserole almost entirely put together when I realized I'd forgotten to add the ham! What? Justin's big idea was to transfer the whole works to a lasagna pan and layer it with the ham. That did the trick, and took less time to bake. I'll store that in my mind for next time. We had a salad with our meal plus steamed carrots with a honey glaze sauce. In the midst of our chaos, a wonderful meal was prepared and served. Oh, my aching back!!!  Good night!

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

At the Shop!

Today is the one where the housekeepers were expected to arrive, at 3:00 pm. Sunday I got a notice from Living Social that the company whose voucher I purchased was not able to hold up their end of the deal. What???! Living Social would refund the cost of the voucher to all of us who had not redeemed them yet. Nuts! I had counted on having this house cleaning all taken care of so we could finish decorating and make other arrangements prior to our guests arriving. Now what will I do???

Quickly I needed a Plan B. I already knew my young lady who cleaned my bedroom and bathroom was unavailable. So, no Dawn for me. I thought about Marlena but she is somewhat unpredictable and working extra hours for Christmas. My next call was to Owene, who has helped me out in the past with her lady from Haiti. I cannot call Marys myself because her English is limited so must use Owene as a go-between. Anytime between today and before my company arrives will be fine.   Justin assured me he would do the vacuuming but not the dusting, because it's too putzy. Please help me, Marys!
I ran to Great Hang Ups this afternoon to pick up some work I had framed. My print of the painting Beth Haizlip did of The Palace from the vantage point of the river is in a lovely blue frame. It will look nice in the kitchen with Beth's other piece that I gave Justin last year for Christmas, of Whitey's, again from the water. We have a theme going on here!  

Justin wanted to use my car tonight and I had left the pieces in the back seat of the car. I didn't want him to see the other two, no longer wrapped in black paper like they used to wrap in. Julia switched to a clear plastic wrap which keeps the prints protected, but visible. I told him I had to get something out of the car and went out the door. It was sprinkling a bit but that was okay, if I went fast. Sure enough, as I stepped off the curb near the elevator, the rain started to come down in buckets. I just had to laugh at my timing. Fortunately I had a sweater in the car to wrap the pieces in and got underneath in the attached garages as quickly as possible. Who laughs in the rain? I did, it was just so darn funny how that worked out. 

Monday, December 21, 2015

Smiling and wrapping

Before Justin left for work I had him carry out the plastic bin in which the gift wrap is stored. It is an upright bin, looking almost like a missile. There are rolls of paper in there that might be decades old, or at least 15. Gift bags have sort of taken away the charm of wrapping boxes. Inside this missile are rolls of paper, flattened gift boxes, ribbon (which I no longer use), and has a suspended bucket for bows. Since my back has been giving me trouble, I dreaded standing over the table to wrap, but Judy C. suggested I do it while seated. Hey, I probably would have done that anyway, what was I thinking??  Because Justin was gone all day I could just spread my purchases around me and wrap to my heart's content.  
The other night Justin had a blast shopping for gift bags. He does not care one whit for wrapping the old-fashioned way and loves the utility of these bags. But, not just any old bag for his gifts. He showed me those he purchased, telling me which ones reminded him of me ---"Oh, Mom would really like this one!" or "This one looks like Mom!" In our house, even the bags are a gift! He even put a couple back after he found some that had JOY on them, in glitter. He was at the Dollar Tree for the bags, so they didn't set him back too badly.

As I wrapped my presents for him, I caught myself smiling because I knew he would like the things I got him. Plus, the gift wrapping just put me in a happy place. There is kids' paper in the missile, some with Scooby Doo prints. I probably wrapped presents for Timmy with that paper, don't think it's old enough to have been for Justin. I used it today, though, 'cause, why not? Many years ago his father and I would set up a table in a spare room and wrap presents together. Not only for our family but, in those days, for our extended families, when we could travel with wrapped gifts. We'd take an evening, if not more, to get everything wrapped. I sure don't mind doing it alone especially since it's only gifts for Justin. As I wrapped, I smiled!

Sunday, December 20, 2015

What a full weekend!

My fun began on Friday with our group going to Tallahassee for David Chappell’s swearing in ceremony to mark that he is officially a practicing lawyer. He is a judicial assistant to an appellate judge for the State of Florida. Not shabby at all! Our group met at church at 10:00 am and eventually parted company about 8:30 that night, after two meals together plus the reception at the Court House. We DO know how to have fun!

Saturday morning was choir rehearsal after which I stopped at Publix for soda and a few things. Saturday night was Robbie’s graduation celebration at their home. Justin had an appointment with his groomer, who now makes house calls, so Jesse and he were both taken care of at Jesse’s home Saturday afternoon. Now Justin looks nicely groomed for the holidays. And for the football game which he attended today. Unfortunately, the Jags lost, which is such a disappointment after last week’s victory.

Today was a full one as well, beginning with Bible study and worship. Between the study and worship our little choir ran through our anthem “Prepared for a King”. The children were finishing their rehearsal and then we flowed right into ours, trying to do so before members started arriving for worship. The place was a beehive! At the beginning of the service the choir sang a hymn from the Supplement and the congregation joined in the refrain, “For You, O Lord, My Soul in Stillness Waits”. Interestingly, I had used the refrain for my Christmas letter this year. Later in the service we sang our anthem, both which went well. Our service had extra folks today with Judy’s visiting family and Betty’s 5 family members in town. We have had one couple return for their 3rd time, with their baby, Noah. When I spoke with them their first visit, Kate told me they were church shopping and I was glad to see them back again today, three Sundays in a row.

The choir rehearsed again immediately after church, running through the two anthems for Christmas Eve. Kristi told me it was okay to leave early since the melody part didn’t really need much work, mainly the harmony voices. I was thankful for that since our rather large in number group was heading to Chili’s and I didn’t wish to miss a minute! We had 11 at our table and that was minus our three men since Mike ‘n Mike were busy preparing soups for our soup supper and Justin was at the Jaguar game. Judy had ordered for me already so all I had to do was show up. 
In the foreground is Betty and her granddaughter's family. On the other end see Judy's son and daughter-in-law, plus OJ with Terri, Judy, and me.


We had surprisingly good service for the time of day and number in our group with only one person, OJ, having to wait for her meal. The Chili's manager even came over and apologized for the delay, which means a lot. Because we got to the restaurant so quickly after church, we found there was time between finishing lunch and the tree decorating for us to all go home for a bit. This was welcome for me as my back has been giving me a fit again lately. The heat pad felt good as I watched the Jaguar game, until it was time to head back to church.

I got back over to church, the traffic not too bad, in time to watch Mike helping to drape the Christmas tree with lights. It took four people to figure out the lights but eventually they got them strung and operational. OJ and Terri are quite the team, regular whirlwinds! Betty's family helped place the ornaments on the tree (I love it!) and in short time the sanctuary was ready to go. We had to head to the VA hospital for our caroling, three vehicles. I rode with Terri since Betty's van and Judy's were full with their family members. We arrived in good time and proceeded to the halls to sing carols to the veterans and staff. Justin was concerned about my going, knowing it would be hard on my back, but I made it.
If it wasn't for our singers from out of town, our caroling group would have been Terri, Judy, Betty, and me. Sort of sad, if you ask me. It's great to have kids along to sing, the residents love seeing them.

After caroling, we all met back at church for the soup supper prepared and served by Mike 'n Mike. Usually there is not a problem getting people to show up at least to eat but this year only the pastor and his family were there waiting for us. We had three types of chili and three other soups, of which I had broccoli cheese and turkey noodle. Yum to both! The third non-chili soup was a seafood chowder but I had enough with my other two. Plus some French bread to dip in my bowls. 

It feels good to be home reclined on my bed with the heat pad doing its thing on my poor aching back and bones. The weather here has turned cold, about 30 degrees colder for the guys at the stadium than it was last week! Dramatic drop by any standards. Betty's family is going to DisneyWorld tomorrow and I hope the weather warms up for them at least a few degrees. They are tough Illinoisans so are not as aware of the cold here as we are. Terri made arrangements for them to get discounted tickets using some connections she has through work which is a blessing for a family of five. She also told them about certain perks they can get as first time attendees. Terri is quite the gal, that's for sure. I hope Michelle and family have a great time at the world's happiest place. I am enjoying my happy place right now! Good night!

Saturday, December 19, 2015

Robbie's big day

After my big day yesterday, going forth and back to Tallahassee for a friend of the family's swearing in ceremony (David Chappell) I took today to recuperate. I got a few things from the store, including soda which is on sale at a wonderful price. We can stock up for ourselves as well as for my birthday party January 2nd. I got a movie gift card for Robbie who has graduated from UNF. Originally the gathering was scheduled for last Friday, but since Robbie hadn't gotten his final grades, he didn't feel right about it. Now he has them, and all is well. Tonight, we gathered!!!
Just as Justin and I arrived at their house, Cliff was carrying in food from Sonny's BBQ. Justin grabbed some stuff and they headed into the house through the garage. Carol didn't see them coming and nearly closed the door on them as they passed under it! Our meal was simply delicious, can't go wrong with Sonny's!
Here is Laurie sitting with her aunt, Susan, before dinner. Other aunts and an uncle were there besides Andy, and Laurie's husband and boys.
At last it was time to cut Robbie's cake but he couldn't figure out how to get it started. His loving sister, Laurie, grabbed the server and ferociously stabbed the cake with it. Cue the music from "Psycho"!! Robbie is calm and Douglas is licking his lips in anticipation for his piece of cake.
Here's a picture of the two young men who grew up together. They were in the same Sunday school class and confirmation class. And they spent half the evening talking about Star Wars, just like they did when they were kids!!!  No wonder Justin thought a gift card for the movies was a good gift for Robbie!

Friday, December 18, 2015

David Chappell's Ceremony

This morning Terri picked me up in her husband's big truck, with Justin and Connie standing by to boost me up, if needed. I did fine, though I feared tipping the truck over as I climbed up into it. She drove us over to church to meet our 'gang' who were all riding together to witness David Chappell's swearing in ceremony in Tallahassee. This was so exciting and I was pleased to be included in the group invited to attend. I am proud of David and so glad for him getting started in his career in law, presently working for a judge in the appellate division for the State of FL. 
Judy talking with Hanna as Betty surveys the rotunda 
We were gathered into the courtroom where David's ceremony would take place. On the right side of the photo are his coworkers in the court house and on the left are family and friends. Center is David's mom, and his grandma who flew in from WY 
 In the center of this photo is Bethany, David's girlfriend
 Joi was surprised but thrilled that she would hold the Bible for her son's ceremony. David was sworn in by the judge for whom he works, Judge Osterhaus 
David and his boss, the judge, in the chambers
Following the ceremony we were invited downstairs to a reception for which Terri found herself serving as Hostess. She jumped right in to make sure the food was opened to serve and even cut the cake which was a marvelous German chocolate cake. This was somewhat appalling for Terri, who is a FL Seminole fan, serving food on Gator-colored partyware!
Terri and David's dad, Billy (Judy's oldest son) having a conversation while David enjoys his appetizers
Here is a group photo of family and friends gathered for David's celebration. I am fairly easy to pick out. Look for Hanna, Mike S., Judy, Terri, Betty, and Joi in the front row. In the back, toward the left find Michael, his brother, John, Bethany, David, Billy, Jessica (David's sister), brother-in-law, Ethan, and behind Betty is Hughie, a long-time friend of the Chappell family. The others are Joi's family members, one from as far away as CA. David was thrilled by the turnout for his big day!

We left church at 10:00 am and arrived in Tally after one rest stop with time to eat some lunch. We found an Olive Garden and urged along our nice waiter, Elijah, with our orders as we explained our somewhat tight schedule. He complied, but that stinker, Mike S., picked up the tab for all of us. Michael successfully got us from the restaurant to the court house (not downtown, thankfully) in time for the ceremony. 

The reception was nice: light appetizers and cake served, photos taken, and congratulations shared. Judy's family is joining her at home Saturday to celebrate Christmas and she was detailing where she is putting all the bodies. Now some of the plans have changed so Judy is unsure exactly how many people will come yet tonight as they were going to see Star Wars first. 

After we got back to church, we divided into our own vehicles (Mike S. went home because he had to get things ready for Sunday and working tomorrow). We reconvened our gang at Cracker Barrel for dinner. I loved my meatloaf and mashed potato meal! I got Mike S. a bottle of maple syrup for Christmas (shhh!) because he likes it so much. 

On Sunday Judy's family will join us for worship and then later in the day join in the caroling at the VA Hospital near St. Augustine. Later we gather back at church for a soup supper. I know laughter will ensue and I am looking forward to that fun! 

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

So glad to find these

This morning I did a soda run to Walgreen's as they have Diet Coke at 4/$10. That is the good news. The less than good news is that they don't carry the decaffeinated type I prefer. Instead I got four regular diet Cokes for Justin and for the party. It's hard to go into a drug store or hardware store and come out with only one item. I found a giant chocolate coin to give Justin as a stocking stuffer plus picked up an outdoor extension cord for my neighbor, Kay, as she lamented not being able to locate hers. I fixed her up!  
When I was in Manty, I mentioned to someone that I was glad the chocolate Santas didn't come the way my favorite Easter candy does---dark chocolate and coconut cream. Yikes! What did I find today? Yes, the same company which makes the Easter eggs also makes Christmas candies in my favorite flavor. Only took three when my impulse was to take the entire box full, because, as the expression goes, Stover is 'mighty proud' of their candy. 

Monday, December 14, 2015

Putting Christmas in our home

This morning I was greeted by this most lovely sunrise

Justin was off work today so together we got busy putting out our Christmas stuff. My job was to move the year-round pretties out of the way so the festive decor could be put in place. I just need to remember where I stuck everything so I can put it back again in January!

Following The Great Flood five years ago, Justin and I went through the Christmas decorations due to necessity as boxes had gotten wet. Every year I said the same thing---'we' must go through this stuff and get rid of what is no longer used. That proved to be the perfect opportunity and I was more willing than ever at that point to let things go. Michael took our items to the yard sale at our sister congregation in Keystone Heights so I didn't feel quite as badly letting them go. 

The point of that paragraph is to explain how less and less decorating gets done each year, limiting myself now to about three plastic bins of decorations to use. Last year we barely decorated at all since Justin and I were going to WI, so he was spared the tree wrestling in 2014! This year I helped him to spread the branches and together we decided that this is the last year for this tree. About half the lights no longer light and it's been through much in 10 years. 

My nice 12' tree got soaked in another flood (Hurricane Charlie which dumped rain on us at the lake house, coming in under the garage door before we had stuff moved out of the way). The Thrivent agent took it for use at his church. I was afraid to use it since it had gotten wet but he was fine with it. So in 2004 I got the tree we are using at present. Justin is a shopper/hunter so he'll find a good price on a replacement tree after Christmas for our home. 
This is the fireplace mantle featuring the Willow nativity set which was a gift from a church friend, Laurie, in 2004. I cherish it! Glad it wasn't damaged in the Great Flood.

Justin placed his hand-crafted ceramic Santa Klaus on the window sill in the living room. It weighs a ton! My friend, Carol, covets him. I gotta say, he is quite charming looking but I doubt she'd be able to snitch him easily because of Santa's weight!
 
Speaking of Santa---I failed to mention something that happened the Monday after I got back from WI. Nancy W. and I were meeting for lunch at Metro Diner but I got there ahead of her. I scanned the dining room for her, but found instead my neighbor, Gus, and his brother. I had a nice chat with Gus, again him telling me how nice 'Jason' looked in his tux, and telling me he needed help with his TV. I assured him that I would have Justin get in touch with him about it. 

Once Nancy arrived we were seated, my back to the door (gasp!). We had the same waiter we'd had the time before and he remembered that my mashed potatoes were to be packed to-go with no gravy. I love that about wait staff who remember those details about their customers. As we were finishing up, Mike came to our table and said, "You must have been very good this year..." and I assured him I was. At this point a waitress familiar to me came over and said, "I'm supposed to tell you that Santa paid for your meals today." Both Nancy's and my meals were paid for by an anonymous person (was it Gus??). We were thrilled! Now we will each look for an opportunity to do the same for someone else!

Back to our decorating---in no time, our decorations were out and most of them placed around. Gone are the days of doing each room, which my friend, Judy, still does, and insists she'd do even if she never entertained. I've gone minimalist in my old age! Or, maybe I just love the things I already have out? Certainly I don't entertain like we did in WI with family members coming and going, plus no more business entertaining. Now, the decor is mainly for Justin and me, and the occasional neighbor or friend who ventures over. 

The rest of the day was spent on the Christmas cards, which I truly enjoy doing. I should have my consummate shopper, Justin, look for cards for me for next year as the season winds down. Always good prices on Christmas cards in January or even before. Finding just the right ones, though, is tough, so I had better do that myself.

Sunday, December 13, 2015

Something's on my mind....

..or more on my heart. Today as I drove to church, I noticed a young couple walking along Blanding Blvd. where there were no sidewalks. That stretch makes me nervous as a driver since folks could easily step off the grass or side of the road and into traffic which is swiftly moving. The man was carrying, almost juggling, an infant wearing what appeared to be a sleeper, besides having bags in his hands. The woman was a few steps behind them, carrying stuff in her arms as well. 

By the time I took this in, I was already going around the corner onto Argyle Forest. I am now wishing I'd gone around and come back, to see where they were going and if they needed some help. It's not as easy as it sounds, going around and coming back again, and I fear they may have disappeared into the woods along there before I got back again. It just bothers me, though, since they had a baby with them. It's one thing if it is adults living like this and quite another if there is a baby involved. I am comforted that it was warm out and not fear them freezing to death or anything like that. 

This past week I've had to say good-bye to some people, including my friend, Amber. After multiple set-backs in her life, including health problems and having nowhere to live, she has decided to move back to NJ where many of her family members live. I am thankful she let me know before she left but am disappointed I didn't get to physically hug her. Had to settle for a virtual hug good-bye over the Internet. She asked me to let Judy C. know and tell Pastor as well. I guess I can put away the Bible history book and workbook she and I used when we studied together. I hope and pray she has her Bible history book with her but am suspecting she basically left with what's on her back. I have heard from her since and she did arrive in NJ after a long car drive with her brother and his four kids! Not too much room, I'm sure, for books and such things.

Besides Amber, I have to sort of say good-bye to some other friends from church who will be dividing their living time between here and their home in the mountains. Unfortunately, where they stay in NC, there is no church in our affiliation so they have to change to another Lutheran denomination. This only makes sense to us Lutherans and I am terribly sad to not worship with them any longer. This couple is very dear to me and when they are gone for months at time, I will miss them terribly!!  

Today at the Voter's meeting, which I missed due to choir rehearsal, this couple was granted a membership release. My friends who were in the meeting said they were emotional listening to it being voted on. This couple will be greatly missed (did I say that already?). They will be leaving for the mountains immediately after Christmas so she and I are planning to have a get-together before they leave. Hopefully we can do it!

Saturday, December 12, 2015

The best day!

The other day an artist friend of mine, Beth, contacted me about helping her sell a watercolor she'd done of The Palace a few years ago. She was wishing to reduce her inventory and I am quite glad to be of service. What better place to look for clients than in the featured object in her painting?  I e-mailed the picture of her piece to all my neighbors and the Owners, and almost immediately got a bite----my upstairs neighbor! She came down yesterday to look at the piece I gave Justin for Christmas last year that Beth painted of Whitey's Fish Camp, so she could see her work in person. I assured her the other piece would be just as lovely, so we made plans to see it this a.m. 

Debbie sent me a text message this a.m. telling me she was ready to go, but I had to ask for another minute before I was ready. I was still in bed!!!  Somehow I messed up on the planned time and got involved with something on the computer and in a "Law & Order" episode. I got myself ready to go as fast as a fireman, out the door in less than 5 minutes, with teeth brushed, lipstick on, earrings in my pocket, and yet, clothes on!!! Good thing I always shower the night before, because of just such situations!!! 

While at Beth's house in her studio, she showed us several pieces she was working on at present, mostly going into commissioned art rather than entering shows, etc. as much. In her basket of prints, I found one of the same original piece Debbie was buying, though I will have to frame mine. Debbie's came already framed which is quite a deal. We stopped for lunch at Chili's on the Island and had a marvelous time together, as we always do. 

While we were there, Debbie had to speak with the manager of the store as she is part of another fund raiser (besides helping with PACE) in Green Cove. A group of mainly veterans is raising funds to erect an inclusive war memorial in front of the Historic Court House, which is where Debra works. The manager, himself a veteran, increased the cause's 'take' to 15% of sales on a certain day after New Year. They have to coordinate on the date and I was excited to hear how accepting this fellow was to be a participant in the fund raising. 
While I was out with Debbie, Justin was off with his friends at DisneyWorld. There is a light display for Christmas which is out of this world (ha ha!) and the guys were meeting their other friends, from Tampa, to enjoy the lights and the parks. At one point, Justin sent me the above photo, knowing it is one of my favorites in EPCOT. I love it, just love it, that he thought enough to send it. He used the last of our World Passports for admission which we've had for some time. I am so glad he had these opportunities to go with Jesse and friends, using the Passports, and truly getting our money's worth. It is a best day for both of us! 

Friday, December 11, 2015

Fun with friends

It was so grand to see my 'pool friends' again tonight, as friends Bill and Nancy had a Christmas gathering at their home. Justin made cookies this afternoon so I had fresh baked oatmeal cookies with chocolate and 'scotch chips to take with me. Nancy had said to bring nothing so I took a tray of cookies! Tsk, tsk, tsk on me. Nancy W. picked me up because it was too far for me to walk even though it is just outside of our property. Nancy didn't want to walk it either, since it would be dark when we would be leaving. We got the best parking space because of being among the first to arrive, besides our friend, Bob. 

Nancy M. and Bill have done a marvelous job renovating their home which, when purchased, had 'lots of potential'. Oh, I know what that means!! We had one of those, too, and while we did turn it around, while living in it, we swore we'd never do it again. The renovations were pretty close to being done when they had a terrible flood from their main floor into their lower level, where Bill's office is located. Oh, my heart broke for them, once again having to deal with a terrible mess. When Nancy showed Nancy W. and me the repairs, I could not really tell that anything had happened. In fact, they'd done some extra work while in the process of putting things back to right. I'd say, from my perspective, the house and property is done! But homeowners know that is rarely the case. 
 Nancy has a collection of beautiful and interesting things. We didn't know where to look first as there was so much to take in. In her foyer stood a 7' tall St. Nicholas in rich colors of burgundy and gold. barely escaping the flood they had this late summer. I can't show you the picture because it won't post upright, no matter what I've tried. Nuts! I wanted you to see it!  
The food they put out was good, ole upper midwestern stuff including cheese, crackers, and sliced salami (instead of summer sausage). Also, hot cheese dip with scoops, and Nancy W.'s recipe for bacon wrapped smokies. Then, Nancy M. pulled hot ham and cheese sandwiches from the oven. All that plus the candies she had out, and my cookies! 

Earlier in the day I had a housekeeper here to clean my room. She had allowed about three hours and used every minute of it plus some more getting things cleaned up. She said the up and down the ladder business takes time as I can certainly attest. She did a wonderful, thorough job and I can now again enjoy my room and bathroom. When she was done, Justin took me to get my car from Mark, who only did a tune-up on it. Once I got that back again, we went to have a late lunch at Metro Diner. We both brought back half of our food for another time. While at Metro, we saw our old friend, Olivia, Justin's classmate who is expecting her 2nd child. We got to see her mom, aunt, and meet her first child, who was adorable. In the parking lot I got to see my big, red car, which she is still driving, with 300,000 miles on it! And, I complain about my little car...

Justin carried out the Christmas decorations from the back bedroom, with our original plan to decorate while Dawn was here. I decided to do it on Monday instead but all the stuff is out so I can work on it over the weekend, not the tree but the rest of the pretties. We shall see!