Pizza by moonlight

This morning I enjoyed water exercise class with the group and spent some time afterward with the ladies, basking in the warm. Today was buffet day in The Club so a couple of us partook. Marlena gave us foam boxes to venture into the buffet area to fill our boxes and then come back outside to dine. We couldn't eat inside due to being 'out of uniform' for the dining room. Meatloaf day is my favorite, followed closely by fried chicken day. I love their meatloaf, and was able to load my box sufficiently with the meatloaf and mashed potatoes!

This afternoon I put the finishing touches on the church newsletter and got that sent off, not a moment too soon! My printer was busy making the copies for my chosen few who don't have computers and like to have the color copies. The others in the congregation who don't have computers get copies printed off black on white, an abridged edition, with the photos and graphics removed.  It's not quite the same, but serves the purpose.

Justin and I had a delicious pizza delivered for our dinner tonight. He had a coupon for the salted pretzel crusted pizza from Pizza Hut. I loved it, great taste. Justin is okay with it, but I am definitely the more pretzel-minded fan in this house. He prefers the thin crust pizza while I am pan fan. Ha ha, a pan fan! But it was delicious and most reasonable with the coupon. We enjoyed our meal as it poured down rain outside. Oddly enough, the moon rose, full, over the river, while it was yet raining. I looked for a rainbow but it was sooo dark, couldn't make one out. 

Feeling Grumpy today!

This was a dandy way to begin my day, this gorgeous sunrise greeting me. Sometimes the sky makes it worthwhile getting out of bed!

After water exercise class, I joined Maggie O and Pat G at Grumpy's. They are both in the water exercise class, too, so we timed it perfectly for us all three to get our clothes changed and on our way to dine. I have a gift certificate from the CO kids to use, which will last me a long while, as they are generous. I got my usual cheeseburger and fries, and Maggie got her usual which is quiche. She LOVES their quiche. Pat had the mixed salad plate with chicken salad, egg salad, and tuna salad on it. All of us happy!

The ladies were going shopping after we finished, as they are in charge of obtaining props for a play being put on by a local theater group. They have the most fun job, but it can also be frustrating if they can't find exactly what they are looking for. They will hit the thrift shoppes and resale stores, much like Nancy W. does. She would be a good one to take on such a hunt!  

This afternoon I got myself busy putting the finishing touches on the church newsletter, as always, waiting for the last minute submissions. While I was doing that, I was also watching/listening to the Synod convention proceedings going on in Saginaw, MI. I sure do know how to have a good time!!  

Justin made me laugh again today---he came into the house and announced that he won a bet today. I asked how much he won and he said $300. And with whom did he bet? Himself!!  He bet that he would find a half of a cheeseburger in the fridge when he got home and sure enough, there it was! I must be predictable or something. He said he didn't see my check-in on Facebook that I was at Grumpy's either, so this was a legitimate bet. Good for him being such a safe better!

Fun with my friends

It was a gorgeous day this morning with a cloudless sky, perfect for exercise class. We have had fewer of these type of days this summer which is most unusual. It's unfortunate that we are having too much rain when areas of the country, namely CA, are longing for rain. That is the way weather patterns go sometimes so we get too much and others none at all. But, today, we were able to have our class and have full sunshine. 

Immediately after class wrapped up, though, I had to bustle myself in and get my clothes changed. Nancy W. and I were meeting Maureen (Mo) for lunch at The Club and then doing our school supply transfer. Nancy brought her stuff to my house, pulling her gardening wagon behind her. Brilliant!!  We ladies had a marvelous lunch inside The Club, something new for Mo. She gets her meals out at the cabana otherwise, like I do all summer long. 

Following lunch, Mo drove her car over here and met us at the elevator. This was her first ever visit to my home, but not for lack of being asked. Whenever I've had something, Ro and she would be otherwise occupied. With both of them working and having 8 kids plus grandbabies, yes, they are busy!  Anyway, she was entirely blown away by the school supplies Nancy and I had for her. We loaded all of them into Nancy's wagon and they took the stuff down to Mo's car. Good thing Nancy kept those boxes so the items were corralled for the short drive home. 

This evening Justin and I were happy to eat at home, finishing off our leftovers from Mojo's and The Club, plus what he brought home from Pam's house Sunday. She made him an enormous cake covered with candy. There were gummy Lifesavers, Skittles, M & M's, and other decorative candies on the top and sides of the cake. It covered a glass serving tray, huge!!  We'll be eating on that for a week!  

Justin just tears me up sometimes!!  As we were watching Jeopardy! after dinner, he looked up and saw this boat pulling up outside our windows. He jokingly said, "Your boyfriends are here to watch you change your clothes..." Oh, how I laughed!!! I've said that in the past, how boats and helicopters come by, waiting to see me change clothes in my unshuttered room. These guys were a bit too early though, and by the time I was getting ready for bed, they were gone. Still makes me laugh, the deadpan way he announced this to me. Such a card!

Here's a hug from me to you!

Many many months after finally getting Justin's hug framed, it has been hung. It took a tiny man to do it, too. I will back up a bit with this....Last week I encountered by old buddy, Butch, who was on the property doing some work for one of my neighbors. For those who don't know, it was Butch who was working on my plumbing when the Great Flood occurred. Anyway, I had several fluorescent light bulbs out in the kitchen and asked Butch if he would have time to switch the bulbs out for me. Connie had given me the bulbs she had, extras, for him to use.

He came up after lunch and determined that the bulbs were not the correct size and that several of the ballasts were burned out. They were special sized ones and Butch told me he'd go to Lowe's and order the right ones plus pick up the bulbs right away. He'd come back when the parts came in. All of a sudden, he showed up at my door this morning to do the work. That was quick! He got busy switching out the ballasts and was having a dilly of a time of it, causing me to be nervous, of course. Changing bulbs and changing ballasts are two different things! He is only a hair taller than me and climbs around like a little monkey. At last he got the ballasts installed and the lights worked, all around the kitchen. That is the first time in years, I think!

Because Butch had his ladder with him, I asked him if he would please hang up a piece of art for me. He was more than glad to do so. Justin is not a fan of heights, despite being so tall, and therefore the art piece has been sitting in my room, propped against the dresser for months. Butch measured, marked, nailed and got the art piece hung up in a few moments' time. And I am so happy! 

This is Justin's hug from pre-k, where the kids were practicing their scissor skills. The poem written on the outstretched arms, traced by his teacher, says:  Here's a hug from me to you, wrap it around you when you feel blue." His even has an orange yarn bracelet on it for some reason which adds some flare to the hug. His brother's hug hangs above the door on the opposite side of the room so no matter where I am in the room, I am hugged!

For dinner Justin and I went to eat at Mojo's on Fleming Island, both of us hungry for their brisket and I love their onion rings. It was a wonderful dinner and we managed to get ourselves home in time for Jeopardy! He was exhausted from working in the heat all day so after Jeppy he retired to his room, and I to mine. When I checked my Facebook page, I had gotten a message from a friend who is a teacher and vocal coach back in Manty. She sent me a video taken of her little guy, age 5, singing at the kitchen table. She thought I would like to see and hear it. Yes, yes, I do! 

From my bed, where I am presently lying, I can see both my hugs and even feel them...

It's my boy's birthday!!

This morning was Bible study and worship, which was then followed by a church picnic. Since it was Justin's birthday, he requested lunch at Carrabba's rather than attend the picnic. Of course, whatever the birthday boy wants!  

The service was a rough one for Justin and me as today we sang  the hymn "I Am Jesus' Little Lamb". Wow....both of us were in tears as we remembered this from Timmy's funeral service, suggested by Justin, if memory serves. I am so glad we were together for this, rough one today. It shouldn't have been so sad on his birthday but that happens sometimes. There is a reason those hymns are chosen in the first place, for the funeral services or for worship. They are right for the time. 

Justin was approached by our friend, Betty, twice, about not attending the church picnic but he stood up for himself. She knows he is not all about attending these events, keeping a low profile when at church other than comforting his mama. We didn't escape immediately following worship so I got a picture of the group trying to put up the inflatable water slide. 

Terri is running the water lines while Mike S. peeks out the top of the slide

Justin and I headed over to Carrabba's where we were meeting Nancy W., his request to ask her to join us. This was her first time at the new location, she accidentally pulling into the strip mall across the street. Fortunately she was able to get turned around and come back across all 15 lanes of Blanding (well, maybe 6-7!) and found us at Carrabba's. We could see her driving around so knew she was near. We very much enjoyed our lunch and ate so much that Justin didn't even want his favorite dessert. This was good news for him because Carrabba's no longer has it on the menu. He loved the vanilla ice cream with caramel and nuts on it, called a John Cole. Nope, it's gone, sadly. 

For Justin's birthday, besides buying him his license plate renewal, I got him the ice cream maker attachment for his stand mixer, a Jaguar shirt and hoodie set, and two polo shirts in tall sizes which will be good for church. He appeared to like everything, especially the shirts. 

Pam made this cake for Justin, covered in all sorts of candy. 

Since he was invited to his Jesse's mom's house for dinner, Justin didn't mind my going to the pool for the rest of the afternoon. I'd had enough of him anyway by this time---ha ha! Our group had a great time soaking up the sun and having fun, Nancy W. coming back over to hang out with us. Our fun lasted until the sky changed again and a storm was rolling in. AGAIN!!  Time to go back into the house, I guess.

Stinks to be me!

One of my pet things to say is "It stinks to be me!" I pull that out when I get a dinner invitation after I've already accepted another one, or something wonderful happens for me. Sometimes I simply cannot believe the blessings in my life. Yesterday I experienced such a  situation when Nancy W. and I were at breakfast. The usual breakfast lady wasn't there so Sandra took care of us. Jokingly she put a soda pictcher on the table in front of me, with a long straw sticking out of it. Sure hope her boss didn't see that!!

A week or so ago I was talking with the chef and told him how I so much preferred natural casing  hot dogs to the icky tasting ones (I didn't tell him that!!) being served at the cabana. I am known already as "The Hot Dog Lady" so they know I am serious about them. Chef told me about ordering natural casing hot dogs from a Club vendor for his family. He told me that he would get some for me to have in the cabana, but for me only. Today, I had my first one, and he was NOT messing around.  

Obviously the hot dog extended past the ends of the bun but it was not a problem. I just nibbled the ends off and then ate the rest of the hot dog the usual way. It tasted so good with the fried onions and the cole slaw. Marlena asked me what I thought of the slaw and I mentioned that I'd like it with a bit more liquid on it. I believe that is just a personal preference but she told Bob V. to make the slaw juicier the next time he makes it. Hopefully everyone who has the slaw likes it juicier because that's what's going to happen from now on. Bob is new at food prep so I am glad to be able to offer my slaw expertise, while enjoying my special hot dog. Life is good at the pool!!

Finally made it!!

Last night after getting home from dinner, we again had another fantastic electrical storm with our rain. Some areas on the property and adjacent ones were without power, but thankfully, we kept ours. Apparently some branches came down on the wires just off our property and the power company was swift to make the repairs. I sure don't mind if we lose our power for a period of time as Justin and I generally have enough power to run our devices (I need my devices to sleep, having Seinfeld loaded on my computer for just such situations!). My son, on the other hand, desperately needs to have the air conditioning and/or fans for him to have a decent night's sleep. He works long hard days and so very much needs his rest. 

Nancy is not spending a whole lot of time at the pool this summer, she has access to a pool only steps from her door which she uses. Because of not coming over, she is not meeting her monthly minimum from The Club or cabana. No one wants to have to pay because of NOT eating so she and I met to have breakfast in The Club this a.m. We absolutely LOVE their bacon and other hot breakfast items found on the buffet which is set up for the Rotary group who meets at Sunrise. Yes, that's the name of their group, and I am thankful they leave us a few strips of bacon!

She and I talked some more about our school supply donations, needing to make arrangements with Maureen to get her stuff transferred from my dining table to her car. Maureen has a new grandbaby and she is keeping herself busy with babysitting and just enjoying the baby. Somehow with Nancy and me, we never run out of topics! We parted company for a while, planning to meet up again at the pool later. 

Nancy M. came out to the pool, as did Mark S. plus others to enjoy the hot afternoon with us. Nancy W. did not stay all the while as she had some workers to be kept track of. She looks forward to the days when her dad's home is sold, as well as her own over in Fruit Cove. Then, she will be free as a bird. 

After a few hours at the pool, I came inside. I got myself cleaned up and ready to watch The Five with Linda, and as I watched, I also got an invitation to join the Chappells for dinner at our newest restaurant, Metro Diner!!!  I have tried to go there a couple of times with Nancy but the lines have been too long (I could have waited but....) so tonight was the night. 

Judy and Michael got there before I did and Judy was perusing the menu when I came in. We had about a 20 minute wait so plenty of time to make our selections in advance. I knew what I was going to order, my mouth was all set for it---the Monte Cristo!  As she looked it over, Judy read the description of it and asked, aghast, "Who would ever order such a thing??" and I laughingly told her, "That's what I'm having!" It was fantastic, just the way I remember from Bennigan's days oh so many years ago. Judy had the pot roast meal and Michael had a reuben sandwich. We all enjoyed our meals, having to drink Pepsi products instead of Coke, but that's okay. This place was bustling, people lined up and waiting to get into our booth so we couldn't really sit and visit very long. I loved it, absolutely loved it. 

Not my plate, as you might guess with the fruit cup on it, but the rest is right!

The manager met me at the door as I was going out the back way due to the pouring rain, yes, again! He asked me about my meal and after I sang its praises, he gave me suggestions of how to reheat the half of my sandwich in the microwave oven, wrapping it in paper towels first. He let me go the back way so I didn't have so far to go in the rain, as I was parked in the only available space at the time---next to the dumpster! Hey, I'll take it. 

This is my new favorite place to eat, and they will certainly see more of me, in more ways than one!  Justin will be so envious of me getting there without him but he was gone with Jesse and his boss to Whitey's. Nice, in the rain!

Lunch and shopping

Once again I was able to join the gang for water exercise on a Thursday. As much as I enjoy this time and the workout, I look forward to our resuming Bible study next month. In the meanwhile, I puddle away!  The temperatures are near perfect and thankfully the rains held off until later in the day. Enough of these rains!

Nancy W. and I had plans today to go shopping for our school supplies. The research done showed that Wal-Mart had the very best prices for school supplies. It is still so hot and it's not even August and yet, it's back to school season!!  Before shopping, though, Nancy and I stopped at Taps in the plaza next to Wal-Mart. Our friend, Kim II, from the pool, talked about this restaurant, her go-to place, so we wanted to check it out. I was thrilled to discover that beer cheese soup is a regular item on their menu. I had sliders and a bowl of soup, taking three of the sliders home with me, but polished off the soup!

After dining, we went over to Wal-Mart to do our shopping. Starting just inside the door were displays and lines of boxes with supply items in them. We grabbed pencils, pens, markers, tablets, loose leaf paper, folders, crayons, erasers, anything we could find from the shopping list we had with us. I got an inexpensive backpack, less than $5, for me to fill up for my Realtor friend, Kat. The rest of the items will be divided between our friend, Maureen for her classroom,  plus I am donating items to our church preschool and for the young student that my neighbor, Kay, mentors. This is so darn exciting. My dining table is piled with items. Nancy was smart enough to grab the empty boxes from the shelves for us to use to store the items, and is then donating them to Maureen for use in her classroom. Brilliant!

This evening Justin and I went to dinner at 4Rivers where he patiently listened to me go on and on about how great my day was. He is a very good sport. Who wouldn't be, though, when enjoying their delicious brisket and sides? He is just mad about their biscuits, so I always save mine for him. All my sides come home for making a meal or two for me another time. Such a good price and I get at least three meals out of it. No leftover brisket, usually, as I gobble that all up!

A bit more about yesterday

Okay, let's see---where was I? Ah, yes, on my way to the Island, and finding out the BOA branch no longer has a drive-through. My next stop was the groomers for my after the full moon haircut. My schedule for grooming is off ever since I went to WI. Barb was able to get me in on this first day back from vacation and I was glad she could get me in, regardless of my 'usual' schedule. I arrived before time and she was able to take me sooner than planned. Fine with me. Barb filled me in on the fun she had in Napa on her trip, the hair-raising ride up the mountains and down again. Glad they had a car and nothing larger to navigate on those dangerous roads. 

I stopped at Great Hang Ups on the way back, my first time in a long while. Fortunately, Dee was there so I got to enjoy her company as well as Julia's, and get all caught up on their news, etc. Julia was looking so good, having lost a bunch of weight this year. I am happy for her. I apologized to the ladies for being so negligent in my coming in but they understand that summer is a bit different for me, with the pool and all that. They are just the best!

Staked my claim for the side of the pool

In all the running yesterday, I never really got to have lunch but somehow, I survived. That is the blessing of having leftovers in the fridge, including my sandwich half from Monday's lunch with Nancy. Certainly I won't starve any time soon, especially with the good example that Julia has set for me!

Today my little nephew, Angelo, was able to attend an open house type of situation at St. Paul Lutheran where his brothers attend school. His other grandma posted a photo of him seated on the grass and holding the sign indicating his class/age group. When I commented on the photo, a young lady I met last summer at a Mary Kay event in Manitowoc, she having been at the worship conference when I was, responded to me. It turns out that Angelo was in her group and she said he was so cute and well-behaved. This I like to hear!!

Tidbits of the day

I had a few interesting things occur today which need mentioning. The morning began with water exercise class for which I went out about 30 minutes early. Before I could descend into the water our newer member of the class arrived. She asked me to please spray her back with sun screen as she couldn't reach and I accommodated her. Only now is she beginning to warm up to us and I cherished the opportunity to help her out and engage her in some chit chat. She had told me once before that she is basically wound far too tightly to enjoy relaxation. Coming to water exercise class during her 'lunch hour' is not one bit a social (yet!) event for her. 

Last week Dr. M came over to me before the others arrived and said something, in essence, how she enjoyed class with me, found me entertaining and positive. I know this took much for her to approach me so I welcome her attempts to break the ice, as it were. This morning I told her it was my job to break the ice on the pool and shared the story of Marlena calling me once at the end of the season to break the ice off the top of the pool for them. I do have rules---No swimming when the water is too cold or when the sun isn't out. I've been flexible on the cloudy skies of late, but not so much for the cold water. Dr. M found it amusing and we spent some time chatting. She shared with me how she has no friends and only three contacts in her phone, including 9-1-1. I see a project there and can certainly fix her up with some more friends and contacts for her phone!

Sadly, after class was underway, M was way out in the deep water where she usually does her exercises when she let loose with a cry. She'd been stung on her thumb by a bee and was in considerable pain. Marlena applied some medication she has on hand for bug bites. The lifeguard gave her a frozen bottle of water to hold against the sore area after the two ladies used tweezers to pull out the stinger. (I got goosebumps up my arms thinking about this just now!)  M put her cover-up on and left. I sent her an e-mail this evening asking how she was doing but haven't heard back from her. We all hated for this to happen to Dr. M.

After class was over, I dripped for a bit before changing my clothes to run errands. My first errand was to get Justin's license plates renewed for him, for his birthday. Going to the DMV is a thrill, such interesting people sitting in the seats waiting for their number to come up. The receptionist gave me my number and I asked her how long the wait would be, explaining I had an appointment elsewhere at 2:30. She thought it would be 10-15 minutes which was fine with me. I got situated in the seats, two seats over from a lady with a purse which was actually a metal lunch box with Betty Boop on it. She mentioned that she heard me say I had an appointment and offered to trade numbers with me. That was so kind of her and I accepted her offer, she having no place else to be this afternoon. As it turned out, we both got done at the same time, but still, the offer was great and quite unexpected. 

I got Justin's new tags and off I went to Fleming Island. I had to stop at the bank to pay my credit card bill, only to discover the Bank of America no longer operates its drive-through. I had to drive-through the drive-through to go around the building and come back to the front of the bank. AND get out of the car and actually go in to take care of my business.  The teller greeted me by name, which surprised me since I only go there once a month to pay the bill, and he served me through the window. Anyway, he told me that there will be ATMs installed at some point which will be able to take payments. So, his job was basically morphing, if not going away completely, with this change coming into place. I told him I like speaking to people and having the personal touch, even if it's at the drive-through. He said that will soon be a thing of the past. Sad to know this...

The rest of my day will be detailed tomorrow, because I am getting drowsy at the keyboard. Sleep well, my friends, and see you in the morning!

A Monday wrap

Rather, it was a delicious sandwich, but I will get to that. My day began with an appointment at the imaging center. As I drove along Kingsley, I discovered Nancy W. was right behind me. We texted each other once arriving at our separate appointments, planning to meet up at the newly opened Metro Diner for a late breakfast. My appointment took longer than hers did, however, so our plans for late breakfast were changed to lunch at a different restaurant. The lines are simply too long yet at Metro since it is still new. We hope eventually to time our visit right to avoid the 30 minute wait. She is dying to have the waffles and fried chicken for which Metro is known.

She chose Pompeii for our meeting place and I was glad she did. Nancy recommended the pork sandwich which we both ordered. We noticed at another table three Navy folks sitting with a couple in civilian attire. They all had beers so we presumed they were not going back to the base after lunch. One of them was black so we also determined they were likely not all related. Hmmmm....I then remembered that two ships had returned to Mayport this morning and speculated this was a welcome home for these three folks. As they passed our table on their regular trips to the patio to smoke, I asked the young lady if they were celebrating something. She said they had just gotten back from deployment and we two ladies thanked them for their service and welcomed them home. 

Her appointment was to discuss headaches with her doctor, he thinking the bulging discs at the top of her spine might be the cause. She's had them for a while, suffers from scoliosis for which swimming is a blessing. I am sure talking with a surgeon wouldn't hurt so I think she might go ahead and keep the appointment. I wish her the best with this and hope the headaches don't get too bad in the meantime. We discussed all this over our meals, each of us ladies eating half of our sandwiches. Nancy ate some of my fries for me. The waitress boxed up the remaining halves for us and Nancy paid the bill. She treated me because she said she owed me a lunch. Nice! 

It was a rainy and gloomy day so no swimming for us today. Besides, Mondays are usually my TV watching day, JAG being shown on the preview channel of Comcast. Mom watches also up in WI, which is fun to know. Today, however, there is no JAG and won't be for several weeks. What's that all about? My neighbor's brother offered me the DVD set so with them I will get by, and hope that Mom will, too. 

Justin had asked me to start cleaning out the freezer because he wanted to restock it. Jesse has membership at Sam's Club and Justin wants to buy giant packs of chicken and cylinders of hamburger, etc. I don't know why that stuff is any better than the chicken and hamburger we already have in the freezer, but I am nothing if not a good sport. I took out a pack of hamburger with which I made meatloaf for our dinner. It turned out that Linda was having the exact same meal for dinner at their house. How fun is that?! 

Justin came home from work early due to being soaking wet, getting caught in a soaker out in Oakleaf. This might end up being a long week for him if this continues. The forecast shows rain percentages high the rest of the week, and high temperatures with them. Poor guy!

Noisy clouds!

Our afternoon pool fun went uninterrupted until late afternoon. This was so nice for a change. It seems at least once each weekend we have to make a run for it, or end up sitting on the side of the pool because it thundered. Many don't care for that rule, but I realize the lifeguards have to err on the side of safety. But, today, we had several hours together with no thunder and no splash 'n dash storms breaking up our fun.

These clouds formed over the river just before dusk and what a racket they are making now! Almost endless rumbling and grumbling, but thus far, no rain. 

I was later getting to the pool today due to having Bible study and church first. And then, of course, Chili's with my church group. I just love going with them. Some of us have various social engagements in the course of the week, but others do not, so that's what makes this time special, at least it is for me, for them! 

A pool party!

I just came in from the pool, yes, at this late hour. A group of us planned to have this 'after hours' potluck poolside. You know what they say about the best laid plans? Well, that is what we had!  

My day began at the pool as usual for a Saturday, going out about noon to have my lunch and enjoy the water 'n sunshine. The same group would be gathering again about 6:30 after the cabana closed up, each of us bringing something to share. We were providing our own beverages. Marlena had come around the pool and chatted with me a bit, saying she had to leave by 5:30 to get her mom's prescription picked up which meant the cabana would be closed. At least you'd think so!

Well, when I came out with my pan of brownies Justin made for me, the cabana was still open and both Marlena and her helper were working. It seems she had the prescription transferred to a closer pharmacy which she found out saved her no time at all, other than allowing her to remain open longer. She wondered what was going on as people were arriving with their stuff and I explained that we'd planned this potluck to happen after hours which is acceptable per pool rules. Sort of....

Everyone was wondering why the heck the cabana was still open, and no other people out there than our group. She teased us about the outside food being brought in, but knew we expected her to be closed and gone. The way it turned out, Bob and she did not close finally until 8:30!!  Two and a half hours after scheduled time. Shaking my head as I write this. 

We had such good food including wings, pizza, sausage dip, Nancy W's good wrapped hot dogs, fruit plates, plus my still warm Ghiradelli brownies. They were a hit! We brought our own beverages to wash down the food, and it was a perfectly lovely evening. Some even got in the pool to cool off, or rinse off, as it was balmy out there. Nancy had left her hot dogs in the oven too long, she thought, but many folks love them burnt. Wrapped in bacon, oh, yum!  Justin said he stepped out onto the courtyard to see how much fun we were having, but refused to come out. That guy! Anyway, we had a blast and I look forward to doing this again sometime soon!

Vexing devices

It was a lovely day today, and I got to spend good time with friends poolside and in the water. Nancy M. has off on Fridays which means she can come out and enjoy the down time. People come and go all afternoon, and thankfully the rain held off until later. When I came back in and got settled, I was able to work at my computers where this a.m. they were giving me a fit. I blamed sunspots at first but then read something online about NASA and Venus, which makes me wonder if they were vexing my connections. 

This was the gorgeous sunrise this morning!

Justin went to Whitey's with his friends for the appetizers and I stayed in. I had leftovers from Koko's for my dinner, as we dined there last night. I still have enough left for another meal. I make it worse now by ordering those cheese wontons as my appetizer which Justin and I share. They have ruined me from enjoying wontons anywhere else. Ruined me! Justin says the appetizer wings at Whitey's have ruined him, no one else's wings measure up. This happens!

My church's prayer chain was activated on behalf of one our dear members who is visiting family in IL. She fell ill while up there and had to have abdominal surgery yesterday. Ours were prayers of thanks as the cancer was removed and no further treatment will be needed. Praise God for sparing Fran and for getting her safely through the procedure. Now, when can she come home??

Incommunicado

Justin and I enjoyed our dinner at Saigon Tokyo Bistro​ this evening, glad that a family of three were joining us at the table. We feel badly when the chefs have to go through the routine just for us. The mom, dad, and adult daughter sat at the end of the table opposite us, all three on their phones with games (at least two of them were looking at games) the entire time. Justin and I talked the whole while with each other, rarely a quiet moment. In fact, when he noticed what was going on across from him, he gave me the elbow, but I'd already noticed. I am glad he noticed and gave it a tiny head shake. He said, "I had my phone out on the table because it's so large in my pocket, but I put it away again when I saw that..." Proud Mama moment. And a sad one for those folks at the end of our table, missing the pleasure of their meal and its preparations, and the company of others.

We each brought home a generous portion of our meals, having shared an order of rangoons which were on special tonight. They are even better than the ones I get from Ming Moon, and cheaper when on special at Koko's. I still have one third of my meal from Tuesday night's dinner from The Olive Garden and half my meal from lunch today. That should get us through the weekend!

Today a lady came to water exercise class for the first time this season. She has the distinct characteristic of being on my short list of people for whom I have no patience. This lady has the uncanny ability to insinuate herself into other people's conversations, replacing her stories for theirs, despite what they are saying. Worse than me, I usually say!  She seems to be unaware of the rudeness exhibited. Last season a friend was trying to tell me about her recent trip overseas but this other lady gave it her best to redirect the story to her trip. I did all I could to keep the conversation my friend's and not let this other woman do an override. And I really wanted to hear about my friend's adventures. It sort of took the fun away, too.

Right after New Year I posted about my friend, Nancy's, sort of resolution, something she picked up from Willie Nelson. He quoted someone else but here goes: "Listen more with the intent to understand instead of listening to reply". I am glad this happened today as it brought this resolution back to mind. I shall make every attempt to follow this advice and do my best to not be obnoxious. 

A quiet day

The day began with water exercise class, fewer today than we have other days, for some reason. At the beginning of the season, the decision was made to not have class on Wednesdays until the numbers supported it. Once we had plenty of folks on the other two days, Wednesday was added back into the mix. It's a good time no matter how many show up. 

A couple of the ladies wanted to stay for lunch and not to be unsocialable, I stayed too, just having an order of hand-made chips for my meal. I think I was still full from my Italian food from last night. Oh, I had to laugh at my boy yesterday. He came in after work and looked in the fridge. He announced that he'd won a bet, $300. I asked with whom he bet and he said, "Myself!" He bet that he'd come home and find a to-go container in the fridge with a half cheeseburger in it, and he won! I had checked in on Facebook from Grumpy's but he claims to have not seen it. That is a pretty safe bet, I guess, that he'll find a half of a cheeseburger in the fridge. I am not sure where the $300 comes in. 

So, back to the fellowship around the pool---we enjoyed our time chit chatting until the clouds started to roll in. The ladies' all went their own way and I came back upstairs. The afternoon storms are starting earlier and earlier this summer, getting tiring. Justin has to race against the clouds, as it were, to get as much work done as possible before they get soaked and have to call it a day. Often they end up working on Saturdays to get caught up, if they can catch up.

For dinner we just enjoyed leftovers including my food from Olive Garden. There was enough for both of us including my half cheeseburger. We watched Jeopardy! and then each retired to our own rooms, my boy all worn out from his long day at work. So glad to have Law & Order reruns to lull me to sleep, that, and the falling rain. Good night!

A new steeple

This is a view of my home church in Manitowoc, WI, First German Lutheran, which is getting quite the face lift for its 160th anniversary. The old cedar shingles were stripped off and now copper 'shingles' are being installed on the steeple. This view is looking east, the lake being at the end of this street. I was thinking how nice it would be if the sun were out, but I bet the workmen are glad to not have to deal with the sun glaring off the copper while they are trying to work with it up close and personal. Both of the pastors took a turn riding up to the highest points in the crane's basket. As Mom would say, it turned my belly button inside out seeing them. But what a panoramic view of the city they were afforded. 

An International Day

This morning I went to get a car wash at long last. My car was looking tough and now that the kids are gone, it needing a good cleaning. As soon as I was done with that, I swung by to get Nancy W. We went to eat at Grumpy's to celebrate National French Fry Day. It nearly got passed me but I saw a segment on Fox and Friends where a chef was making all sorts of different fries. This stirred my taste buds and not one to pass up a National Holiday, off we went to Grumpy's!  It was kind of funny when I pulled up in her driveway, Nancy noticed immediately that I'd gotten the car washed. It must have looked quite bad before the wash!

We talked about some of the groups for whom to obtain school supplies. It's hard to believe some kids are starting school in a couple of weeks. Our friend, Maureen, has appreciated donations in the past, which Nancy was able to bestow on her after going through stuff at her dad's house. Two baggies of pens and pencils alone for Maureen's classroom. Justin will have that many when I pass away, too, I bet, being a fan of writing instruments. We are going to watch for the best prices on supplies and go together to stock up. My friend who is in real estate is having a program where people can stuff a back pack which will be given to someone in need. We will have a ball getting everything.

After I took her home again, I worked at my desk for a bit before taking a nice rest. Late afternoon I joined the Chappells for the long ride to the funeral home. The mother of one of our members passed away and we went to the visitation this evening. The mom was also a member but was shut-in the entire time she was a member. When Michael was serving their previous congregation as Staff Minister he had called on this lady several times so it was right for him to go, for us all to be there for Frank and Maggie.

As we drove back we decided to stop for dinner at The Olive Garden. I hadn't been there for dinner in a long while so it was a nice treat. They were having a special on multi-course choices which resulted in all of us taking boxes home with us. It was called "A Tour of Italy" where we got tastes of three different entrees. Oh, my, so delicious and such a good price, too.  Michael got a chuckle out of me knowing someone seated at an adjacent table who came over to greet and hug me. She works at Saigon Tokyo so we see each other regularly. 

Anyway, it was nice celebrating "French" fries and Italian food all in one day! 

...and, they are gone!

Yes, the house is empty, the family room returned to its normal state with Noelle's airbed deflated and put away. Sheets are either washed or soon to be from the three beds. I hate it! I hate saying good-bye to those kids that I love!

They presented me with a gift certificate for Grumpy's and a larger compartmentalized picture frame into which I can consolidate the photos from the previous years, plus ones Michael and Judy put in from this year. Of course, I will cherish it, and them! Every time I go to Grumpy's and make use of their generous gift, they will come to mind.

The beautiful sunrise this morning as the kids were getting ready to go.

Michael came by early this morning for the young folk were not exactly ready to go. This made me nervous but I understand that is my thing, not theirs. The good news is that flew into JAX instead of Orlando this year saving many miles for Michael. They are also flying directly to Denver, no plane changing, which is good since they have no adult escort with them this year. At last they were out the door and on their way, and I could sit down to soak up the quiet.

But not for too long, as I had to ready myself for Bible study and worship. A couple people asked me how I was now that they were gone, but it was too soon for me to answer. I mourn! Judy had gone to church after Grumpy's yesterday and helped make sure everything was cleaned up and put back in the proper place. It all looked nice today, as though nothing had gone on.

We went to Chili's after church, and they seated us at a table which made for a tight squeeze. I moved around to the end to allow more elbow room. As we sat there, Michael got a text message from the CO kids reporting they had arrived at the airport in Denver. He took a picture of me to send them, showing how sad I am that they are gone. Except, I gave my default look:

Who can be sad with the Triple Dipper and Diet Coke sitting in front of them???  

Yes, I miss them but they are off now on more adventures. Two of them are going to camp where they will be counselors. From one fun time with young ones to another. God bless them!

Taking my kids to eat

This morning I made the kids rise and shine so we could meet the rest of our group at Grumpy's for breakfast. This, too, is another tradition in which the visiting CO kids must take part, and do so willingly. I didn't know that they had not cleaned up last night, so after breakfast they were heading back to church to put everything back where it belongs. 

Michael, Chris, Noelle, Jacob, me, Judy, and Betty shown here

This end of the table shows Terri joined by Betty and Michael. Later Terri made the remark that today was just like Sunday, only missing Justin and Mike S.

Normally my young guests leave for home on Saturday but this time they are leaving on Sunday instead, very early in the morning. Since I never get to have the kids for a dinner, tonight was my chance. I treated them at Saigon-Tokyo, one of my favorite places to eat. Betty, Judy, and Michael joined us. Mike was not available this evening either, playing catch-up with his landscape business due to the frequent rains this past week. Too bad---he loves this place, too! 

Poor Justin is an only child!

My friend shared a funny poem on FB this a.m. which about what a lady will do when she is old. The gist of the poem is that she will go live with each of her kids and do all the fun things they did when they were young. Among the items on her list was writing on the walls with markers, jumping on the furniture with her shoes on, hating what they give her to eat for dinner, drink from the milk carton and then leave it on the counter to sour, stuff the toilets to overflowing, make noise when they are on the phone, and you get the picture. It is humorous for sure because anyone who's had kids knows exactly what the poem is talking about. I found it funny as well but then feeling badly for Justin---because he'll get to experience all my shenanigans by himself since he's my only. Gulp! 

Justin at Show Biz Pizza

Justin has the privilege now of putting up with me, he doesn't even have to wait until I am elderly (or more elderly!) Thankfully he is a good sport about it---does our night driving when available and the heavy lifting. And when he has time, the vacuuming which just kills my back. I allow him to jump on the furniture now and again just to stay in practice. 

Today was a lovely one spent poolside. My happy place especially when my friends come out to play. Marlena has a CD of music for us to enjoy but it gets a bit too much to have it repeat over and over the way it does. Sometimes the guys hook their phones to the system and music from their Pandora or similar entertains us, a nice mix of 'oldies' and island music. One couple prefers Country Western music but Marlena has none of that. I am really okay with what the two Marks play for us, to break the monotony. Marlena is trying to get an iPod loaded with a variety of music but is not techy at all. The one she bought online was meant to be worn with headphones only so had to send it back, and is awaiting the arrival of a different one. By the time summer is over, we should be up and running!

All stacked up!

Today was water exercise class for me, with my house guests sleeping right through it. Michael picked them up for a day in St. Augustine. It was a gorgeous day to walk the streets of the Oldest City. 

Justin and I ate at home tonight, polishing off some leftovers accumulated in the fridge. After we finished eating he encouraged me to pose with the stack of soda cases in the foyer, the result of our shrewd shopping when it was 4/$10 at Target. Can't pass up a good deal like this! Connie so very kindly hauled it upstairs for us using the hand truck. She is a gem!

I hope the CO kids have had a good day at VBS. They are averaging around 23 kids a night. Many are returns from previous years, or were students from the preschool. It's always fun to have them back again to their old stomping ground. Every evening a different person makes dinner for the volunteers. Betty made homemade pizza for them Monday night, but had far more than was needed. The kids brought home so much we had to pack it into two gallon sized bags. I popped one right into the freezer knowing there is no way it would get eaten before going bad. Thanks, Betty!  Oh, her crust is to die for, she is quite the cook and baker. Also, she made homemade cinnamon rolls, Michael's favorite. Everybody's happy!

Shall we play a game Part Two?

Today my houseguests enjoyed an 'at home' day, which included sleeping until noon. They have been going nearly non-stop, as has Michael, so they opted to take a day off in the middle of their long week. After they got up, Noelle came out to the pool to swim some laps, and Caleb joined us later. The last one out was Chris but unfortunately, the thunder prevented him from jumping in. Instead we had an ice cream treat before coming back upstairs to wait for Michael. 

The young people enjoy playing with board games when here. In searching for another Monopoly game for them to play I came upon a Lord of the Rings chess set. They loved it! Also have they played a long game of Lord of the Rings Monopoly. 

Justin nicely shared his game system with them and Chris got it all hooked up. While waiting for Michael to arrive they got in a game of Mario Smash Bros. 

This is the TV screen with the game being played. Noelle is observing. 

The Rules of Civility

Years ago I gave Justin a book copied by George Washington titled "Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior", originally written by Jesuits in the late 1500's. Justin liked it so much that this year he tackled the same project as Washington's of copying sections of it into a composition notebook, a resolution of sorts. Many of those rules are quite unusual such as 'a gentleman does not sit in mixed company with his feet crossed.' What possible difference would that make? Or, shift around in your seat or 'gnaw on one's nails'. Good advice for the ages. 

This sound advice about civility and practicing decent behavior came to mind after a few events recently. My friends, Bill and Nancy, told me about an incident which occurred later on July 4th while they were waiting for the fireworks. A rowdy group of folks, adults and kids, plus a dog were carrying on at the teen's pool. Obviously had been drinking as they were consuming beer from glass bottles. These are a lot of no no's for the pool area (no pets, no glass around the pool). 

Pretty soon they headed toward the adult pool and were making quite a commotion in so doing. The adults told the kids to get into the pool but Bill said it was for adults only. Apparently there was poop in the teen pool so that is why they moved up to the adult's end. One of the inebriated guys used filthy language at Bill and Nancy about minding their own business. Bill stood up to go to The Club to get a manager and the guy sort of charged at him as if to fight. Bill motioned that he was not fighting and went up to get help. It was pretty upsetting for Bill and Nancy as this is certainly not typical behavior around our beloved pool. It turned out one of the group was a member while the rest were guests. There was no need for it to get ugly and for the filthy language or threats to take place. Unacceptable!

Yesterday the CO kids were out at the pool with me. They challenged each other to a swim race from one end to the other. As they finished their race, a woman who was seated in the smoking area off of the pool started making cat calls at them, critical of their swimming skills. I had no idea who this woman was nor did she know me or the kids. She came charging over and challenged them to a race, and dropped the F bomb on them. Just out of the blue, as if normal conversation. I looked at Nancy and she looked at me, wondering if we heard that correctly. Why would this woman do such things?

The four of them raced to our end of the pool, with Chris the victor. I cheered for him, of course. Some of my other neighbors were out in the pool with us, they being on the shady side during the race. This woman asked how old they were and Chris said he was 17. She said, "Well, I'm 43 so F you!" Okay, that's enough of that! I yelled out, "Hey, I am responsible for these kids!" and to them I said, "I'm sorry, guys..."  She turned to look at me and gave me a look, turned back to them as if to say, "Whatever..."  In a few minutes the kids went down to the other end to the teen's pool and sure enough, she went down there, too. Her son was down there swimming so she should have been where he was anyway. 

After she left the adult pool, the others out there was asking, "What was that all about?" and "How rude!", stuff like that. Another older lady witnessed this as well and just shook her head. Appalling, simply appalling behavior from this total stranger. Later the kids said she continued using rough language on the other end but they basically ignored her. I explained to them how I didn't know this person and hoped to never encounter her again. Ugh!

Today, as I was driving to Fleming Island, I was waiting at the light near Pace Island, a few cars from the front. The light changed but we didn't move. I realized then the first car was stalled. I felt so badly for them, knowing how awful this situation could be. We had to wait for traffic around us to clear in order to go around and I thought I might pull up next to them to see if they needed to call someone or AAA. But as I waited for my turn, the other cars were going around, and sure enough, the driver reached out her finger and flipped them off. Not sure what brought that on but I had had enough of this type of behavior to last me. I did not stop to ask if they needed help, seeming to have things well 'in hand'!

There is a line in one of the "Seinfeld" episodes where an exasperated George exclaims, "You know, we live in a society!!"  The Rules of Civility should still apply and or better yet, the Golden Rule of loving the Lord and others, and conducting ourselves in a God-pleasing fashion. 

Signed,

Exasperated Kim