Linda is here!

Linda came to Florida instead of TS/Hurricane Erika which is just fine with me. Better than fine---great!! Originally she was scheduled to arrive on Tuesday at 4:30 pm which was about when the storm was predicted to hit Jacksonville.  Chances are that the flight would never have landed here in FL during the height of the storm which would mean that she could end up spending the night in Atlanta (she'd rather go to jail than go to Atlanta!!). Tommy arranged for her arrival date to be Sunday instead, before the storm was expected. This plan change happened on Friday evening when the predictions for our area were more dire. Fortunately Erika broke up and basically became less of a threat, and now Linda gets an extra couple of days here with us!!!

Her flight was due to land at 10:15 pm last night and I was concerned about driving to the airport in a rainstorm. Justin offered to drive and I gratefully accepted. We had torrential downpours much of the day including one about an hour before we left which freaked me out. Thankfully the Lord heard my prayer and allowed us to drive to the airport and back again without being rained on. It was a relief to see Linda waiting for us at the pick-up point and we got her safely home. She and I sat up talking until after 1:00 am while Justin went to bed. The way the forecast looked in the afternoon, he expected to not work today at all, but once again, the weather pattern shifted which meant he was going to have to go in anyway, so needed to go right to bed.

I caught Linda mid-sentence as we waited for our waffles

Linda got up early this a.m. thinking she might see the sunrise but no such luck...She went back to bed and slept until almost 8.  When I came out of my room, she had already had some breakfast but allowed me to twist her arm a bit, pursuading her to go to Grumpy's for breakfast.  Linda treated me, that rascal. We each had the waffle, hers with fruit on top, plus crispy bacon. Loved the time there.  

We decided to go see a movie in the afternoon, "War Room, and arranged to meet Judy  at the theater. Before the movie Linda and I stopped at Target where I got 8 cases of soda which was again on sale four for ten dollars. We are going to return again during the week when we can spend a bit more time browsing instead of dashing in and out.

The movie was quite good, a real tear jerker. Made by the same people who produced the movies "Fireproof" and "Courageous", again covering the healing of interpersonal relationships using faith in the Lord and the Bible. It was powerful but a bit heavy in some of its messages. I won't give it away but it had us leaving moved and emotionally spent. At least this was true for Linda and me, not sure if Judy sobbed like the two of us did.  It was money and time well spent, especially so on a rainy day. 

This evening Justin, Linda, and I picked up Nancy W. to join us for dinner at 4Rivers. It was Linda's first time there and I talked her through the ordering process, telling her she had to order like on "The Soup Nazi" Seinfeld episode, ordering the meat and then moving along the line to get your sides and to pay. She had the brisket like Justin and I had while Nancy had the ribs. I brought home my side dishes and a biscuit, and even some of my brisket. We need more time to eat our leftovers. Good thing she came a couple days sooner to give us more time to eat our leftovers!  Early to bed tonight for these beauties, and Justin, too!

She is on her way!

The day began with Bible study and worship, usual for Sundays. After church our group went to lunch at Chili's, minus Betty, who has not been feeling well. She is going in for some tests soon to see what is happening with her digestive system. For some time now she's been doctoring, eliminating stuff from her diet, not unlike what Linda went through starting a year ago. I hope this is not the case for Betty, hoping for easier answers to help her feel better.

Back to lunch, it was great to have most of us together for our noon meal. Some football starts again and Justin will be missing from the table. At least so for the home games. He occasionally joins us for lunch at Chili's first and then goes to his friend's house to watch the games. Justin was supposed to have a tech appointment today but the lady cancelled so we decided to hit Publix on the way home. I had a list of things to have on hand for Linda's visit. She eats breakfast so we got some bagels and cream cheese for her, some fruit (bananas and grapes), bread for toasting including some cinnamon bread. Oh my, it looks good!

Earlier in the week Justin had wanted me to make my special meat loaf for which he was picking up green beans for me to steam as a side dish. We don't ordinarily have a veggie with our meals but he was hungry for this particular meal. That didn't end up happening so we bought the beans today to have at some future point. Perhaps we'll eat at home one night when Linda's here!  

Right now it's raining cats and dogs out there---worse than that, actually. The rain is coming down in sheets and the thunder is window rattling. I am more than a little stressed about having to drive to the airport in the rain, in the dark, but Justin has offered to be the driver. Whew!  He likely won't have to work tomorrow because the rainy forecast so staying up later than usual won't be so hard on him. Linda is due to land in JAX at 10:15 and I'd like to head that direction when it's still a bit light out. I'll treat my son to dinner at Longhorn, if he'd like to go. We shall see as the day and the storm progresses. Ugh, this weather! Really, enough already!

Erika or no Erika???

All the weather forecasts show that TS Erika, hopefully not Hurricane Erika, is heading this way. It moved from going east of the coastline to now moving northwest and coming at our area from the west. Tentative arrival for this storm is Tuesday, the day Linda was to arrive. Thankfully Tommy arranged for her to come sooner and hopefully beat the nasty weather in so doing. Now I am only concerned that we might lose power which would be a problem for Linda as she can't take the heat. Justin ordered a second battery pack for our phones which we can use to keep them charged in case we do lose power. He is ever ahead of the game. I am going to locate my battery operated hand fan so Linda can use that if needed. 

Today's weather was a test of our patience as it started out overcast, then cleared enough for some pool time to be enjoyed. But not for very long---we got thundered out of the pool so all went home to our own places. Nuts!  At least I got to have lunch with some of my friends first. Ollavan even got to have one of my 'special' hot dogs which I gave Marlena permission to serve to her. Shhh! 

Justin and I decided to have dinner at Metro Diner again, we are becoming regulars there! We are both trying to not be locked in to a certain entree, as is my custom, so we try to have something different. He had a Vortex burger which is ginormous, made with beef sandwiched between grilled cheese sandwiches. It's hard to explain---must be experienced to appreciate it! I had a three cheese grilled sandwich with bacon and tomato. We didn't have to wait for seating as we took 'first available' and ate on the porch. Every time I've been here, I think, it's been raining! I brought half of my sandwich home, as did Justin, which will be enjoyed another time. Love that Metro Diner!!

A storm is brewing!

This afternoon Nancy W. and I were escorted by Kay, my next door neighbor, to tour the Pace Center for Clay County. This program is the one I heard about for the first time at the Republican Women's meeting a few months ago. I was enthusiastic about it and was talking to some folks at the pool about it. Kay happened to be out there, too, and she said, in her charming drawl, "Kim, I'm on the Board for Pace..." How about that? She arranged for our tour of their temporary headquarters which is in donated space. 

We were taken to their community room where a director from the Center filled us in on the services provided through Pace for girls in 'at risk' situations at home or in school. It is quite a fine program in place for girls aged 8 to 17. A young lady came to talk to us about her experience there, having come into Pace that spring. She has already caught up enough academically that she plans to graduate next year at age 15! 90% of the girls from this program go on to graduate from high school which is a remarkable achievement. They go to school year 'round at Pace, so that helps the girls to get back on track as well. They have regular classes plus some virtual classroom work for them. All quite impressive. 

                                         

We were to treated refreshments on our visit to Pace, including these wonderful cupcakes, made and donated by Yum! Bakery in Orange Park. I ate mine when I got home and it was delicious! 

When I got home from the tour, I was awaiting the arrival of the housekeeper who would do my vacuuming. It turned out to be a man, the owner, who came. Fine with me!  He told me usually used the broom first to get the big stuff up, which was funny to me since I don't really have 'big stuff' to clean up. He had a round brush on a long handle which he used along the baseboards besides his broom and vacuum cleaner. Then he had a Swiffer style mop with which he used a spray-on cleaner, doing all the hard-surfaced floors. In two hours' time he had his job complete, including doing my bedroom and bath. I would certainly recommend his services to anyone, and perhaps use him again. 

Tonight our group was going to have a happy hour buffet at the pool, but the weather turned ugly. We are expecting a hurricane to come this way, Erika, and already the weather is affected. We decided instead to go to Dick's Wings on Fleming Island with Nancy and Bill picking up Nancy W. and me. We met Patty and Mark there, and later, Patty's daughter, Katie, joined us. The place was busy but the service was good. Many were there to watch the Jaguar pre-season game. Justin was at the game, sitting in the rain. 

We were discussing the coming storm and I mentioned Linda's arrival on the same day that Erika was expected to hit us. No one really knew what to think about it---what will happen or not happen. As we talked, Linda happened to called me. She said Tommy wanted her to ask me if she should come a day sooner to avoid the storm so I conferred with my friends. They all said Sunday would be the better choice to avoid getting caught in it flying down here. She said okay, and Tommy changed her flight so she arrives at 10:15 pm on Sunday night. What a relief for me, because I was concerned she'd be stuck in Atlanta waiting out the storm, or not able to come at all. Now I'm even more excited---to have Linda come sooner, not to see Erika come at all!

A busy busy day!

Things are happening in advance of Linda's arrival next week. Yesterday the lady was here dusting and from what I can tell, she did a good job. Then, in the afternoon, I went to the groomer so I'll be presentable for my company and more comfortable in the heat.

Speaking of the heat, it is most oppressive today. I drove to Bible study at Victory this a.m. and it was already 80 above zero at shortly after 9. Normally I don't mind the heat but because I had places to go and people to meet, I appreciated the air conditioning wherever I was.

After Bible study, I had an appointment for an oil change at Sun Tire. Originally I was going to simply sit in the waiting area but every seat was taken. A man offered me his, but I thanked him for that, choosing instead to go to Aron's Pizza next door to wait. The timing was exactly right---I saw my car driven around the building and parked again just as I boxed up my leftover Strombolli. 

He really wanted me to get the right ones!

From the oil change I drove out to Fleming Island to Wal*Mart to pick up a prescription and a few other things. Justin had asked me to get him some more freezer treats called Pop Ice, which he likes to have as soon as he gets home from work. For the life of me, I could not find the brand he requested. I sent him a text message asking if he'd take a substitute. He called me back via Face Time. At first I didn't know how to answer the call, but then I figured it out. He had me show him the shelf and witness for himself that no Pop Ice brand was available. Another brand would do the trick, but not his first choice. They are quite inexpensive a treat---got 96 for less than $5 for this off-brand. 

It was hot in the store, and hot outside, so it was good to get in the car and drive back home to my air conditioned house. I am not really complaining about this, as heat is so much easier to take than the cold, in my case. No pool time for me today, as my day was full (blessed!) and errands needed to be done. Tomorrow comes the vacuuming man, and then all things will be ready for Linda's arrival!!

This place is a beehive!

Something is going on all over our property and in my house! Early this morning the tree surgeons arrived to begin the pruning of the palm trees.  Normally this is done on a annual basis but last year we had too much other stuff going on. I was glad they did it this year because the trees outside my windows were beginning to be troublesome. Not only were they taking up some of my view but also were rubbing against my sliding glass doors on especially windy days. Having them trimmed reduces the amount of debris which can become a projectile should a storm arise. 

The trimmer has his rope looped over the top of the tree he already finished working on, and is now cutting branches on the adjacent palm. I opened my sliding door and asked him if his mother knew what he was doing. He chuckled and said she did but wasn't very happy about it. But, he added, she was also proud of him. I said I was proud of him, too, and thanked him for doing this for us. 

In this photo taken from my river room 'skinny window', you can only see the tree trimmer's leg sticking out under the fronds. These trees were seriously in need of pruning!! 

Besides all the activity outside, I had company inside. I recently bought a coupon online for cleaning service and today a young lady named Martha came to dust in preparation for Linda's arrival. All I asked her to do was dust---no toilet cleaning or shower scrubbing for her today. Doing the dusting around here is not a simple task with all my collectibles and tchotchkes.  It's more involved than simply moving the dust around, and more than I care to do. Already this week I killed my back by stripping my bed and then remaking it---ugh! So glad I saw the coupon and that Martha came to my rescue!!

Going outback...

...with the church peoples! Today was the monthly outing for the Over 50 Lunch Bunch, held this time at The Outback Steakhouse. I had to leave water exercise class early in order to get myself turned around and over to Wells Road in time to meet the group. Judy C. saved me a seat. Even though I got there about 5 minutes ahead of the scheduled time, I was the last one in. 

We had 3 gentlemen with us today, two being non-member guests of Linda's. Judy and I were seated at the far end of this table. 

The service was a bit slower today than we usually experience with a group this size, which was disappointing. On the other hand, the bloomin' onion appetizer was delightful and held us over until our meals were delivered. Oh, my goodness, so delicious! I can't wait to have another one, that's how good they are. 

I worked off my calories by washing my bed clothes and then remaking my bed. After doing this, I am convinced that I shall never return to WI because my poor aching back would not tolerate snow shoveling. Making the bed is such a laborious thing to do, especially since I did the mattress pad as well. Sometimes Justin helps me with this task but he is working so much these days that I just go ahead and do it myself to get it finished. As soon as I was done, I laid myself right down on it! 

It's storm season

This morning the sky presented like this, looking ready to be a gorgeous day. I went out to the pool for a while and paddled around a few times. It's usually quiet on Mondays due to The Club being closed but a few people did join me later. 

This storm brought me into the house this afternoon, the thunder booming across the water. Justin managed to work most of the day, coming in a bit earlier than usual after being soaked through and through---again!  It's been like this all summer long, mostly on the weekends which just ruins my pool fun!  

Mind and thought management

The news these days on a national level is nearly wall to wall coverage regarding the candidates. It is early in the game and yet things are quite heated already, primarily one particular candidate running on the GOP ticket. When he is speaking or giving an interview, I often think of the advice given by the leader of the Writer's Guild to which I belonged, "Use your words economically." (I am a slow study!) This is often good advice, and would be especially so for this particular candidate. He has some good things to say, but sort of undoes things with his 'stray statements' which make him look foolish. He already has foolish stuff in his way and he pours gas on that fire right along. Are we all guilty of this in a lesser proportion?

There is an episode of "The Big Bang Theory" where one of the genius's moms comes for a visit. Sheldon's mom is from TX (bear in mind that she is made to look extra foolish, 'simple' actually, as compared to the geniuses who have no use for religious faith) and comes out with comments that Leonard feels compelled to correct. Many of the statements were common usage at one time, from even when my mom was growing up, while others have faded from use, or are strongly discouraged. The one remark was about Indians (Raj is East Indian) having a drinking problem, and Leonard informed her that 'we don't say that, either'. She looked at him quizzically and said, "I don't know how you people can even carry on a conversation anymore..." 

She is right---it's not safe! Every word has to be weighed and measured to avoid insulting or causing an offense toward another person. Finally Leonard said he would make her a list of the expressions or words which are no longer acceptable, to which she replied, "That'd be mighty white of you!". I don't even know what that means and cannot say I use it. Such a statement isn't even necessary to say 'thank you'. An economy of words would limit Mrs. Cooper's responses to 'thank you', and keep it at that. Good advice again for us all so we don't step on someone else's toes. "But let your communications be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil." Matthew 5:37 

But, on the other hand, people do not need to be so thin-skinned and delicate that every minor slight sends them into a tail-spin. We have not come very far from one sister looking at the other at the breakfast table and getting into trouble for it. It doesn't mean a thing and yet the rule is made to not look at each other anymore. What else can you do? No more looking at each other. This is not a reasonable thing but it's causing a ruckus at the table, on one person's part, anyway, to be looked at. Now just about all we say and do can be misconstrued by someone, and we might not even be aware of it. We don't want to deliberately hurt others but at the same time wish to avoid cutting our feet on eggshells. 

"You're a codfish!"

Oh, my goodness, I am so waxing nostalgic!  One of my Facebook friends has recently purchased a set of DVDs to watch with her young son and her husband. Some of the titles are newer but others are from the old days such as "The Wizard of Oz" and "The Sound of Music", among others. One title is a movie released to theaters this summer or late spring and is already in the stores. Those who have watched "Home" liked it but apparently the movie didn't flourish in the theaters. I am not a fan of these animated/Pixar-style movies but others have no problem with them. 

Erica was telling how her son, usually madly running about, sat still for longer periods watching "Mary Poppins". He is about 2 1/2 so for him to stop playing and watch portions of the movie was remarkable. This brought to mind my family's experience with Justin and "Peter Pan". When he was little, we got a Disney book series of such titles which came with cassette tapes. At the sound of the 'chime', the child was prompted to turn the page, as the book was read to him. When we were in the car, Justin had his little briefcase with the books and the tapes with him, and his own kid's cassette player. Mom and Dad could listen to the radio and/or talk while he entertained himself with the books and tapes.

One of Justin's very favorites was "Peter Pan" and a favorite line was when Peter called Cap'n Hook a codfish. "You're right, Pan, I AM a codfish". Because he loved the story so much we decided to try having him watch the movie. We didn't get the animated version, though, but instead the stage version with Mary Martin as Peter Pan. He was between three and four at this time, usually more interested in running about than sitting to watch. Prior to this movie, he'd never sat down to watch anything except perhaps a cartoon on occasion. 

Well, Mom, my former spouse, Justin, and I sat down one evening to watch "Peter Pan", with Justin sitting on his father's legs. It was after dinner which might have helped but that child sat there and watched the entire movie, hardly moving. The adults had as much fun watching him as watching the movie. We couldn't believe our eyes! Justin was riveted, absolutely riveted. 

Justin was a changed man after watching the movie, wanting to act out the scenes from movie. I had to establish with him the rule of 'no flying in the house!'. He wore a cape and loved to call everyone he met a 'codfish'. That had to be corrected quickly as this was quite rude but also so darn cute! We called his bedroom the nursery (or at least I did...) since he fell in love with that book, much as the children in the story called their room the nursery. 

Justin and I gave the book/tape sets to my niece's family which was a bittersweet donation to make. By the time Timmy came along the cassette player no longer worked but the books still worked fine. I am not sure if my great nephews still have the books, it's likely they do not, but I love remembering the joy they brought to Justin, and to us, those 25 years ago. 

Another story: One time I was chasing Justin around the house in an attempt to get him ready for church. He was wearing only his training pants (no Pull-Ups in those days), which were thick underwear. I threatened him, "Justin, if you don't get dressed, you'll have to go to church in your underwear!"  He stopped in his tracks and looked at me with a gleeful expression, "I'll look just like the Man Cub!" Yes, another book in that set was "The Jungle Book". Oh, my goodness, that child made/makes me laugh!!! I sometimes still call him the Man Cub but never a codfish, because that is just rude...

Assorted Thoughts

This might be an untidy posting but my head has been busy with info and news, some of it worthy of note. 

Thursday as I drove back from Bible study, I heard an author on Laura Ingraham's show talking about what the secular university system is doing to our society, and in particular the students who enter the university as Christians. Some study showed that about 50% of those who believed in God as first year students graduated as doubters or outright deniers.  This hurt my heart as I've seen this occur with people near and dear to me, and I hate it. A friend from church, now deceased, told me this one time: "The only thing you can hope to take with you to heaven are your children."  Lord, may it be so!

Yesterday my child, my tiny baby boy, had to miss church due to having a dead battery on his truck. Before church began he sent me a text politely asking if he could borrow my car to get a new one.  Of course he may! When I got home after lunch I suggested to him that he call AAA instead as they will install it for him plus check the alternator to make sure it is healthy. My new battery last summer was $135 and came with a three-year warranty. Since it was pouring rain at the time, he agreed to my idea. The guy came and had a hard time getting a pulse (ha ha) on it, even thought the blasted thing started for Justin the 2nd time he tried it. Nuts!  Anyway, as the guy finally got the clamps fixed to the terminals, he told Justin what type of battery it was. Immediately Justin Googled it and found AAA's quoted price to be almost right on as from Sears or others. This extra service of having the battery installed and doing the other checks makes it more valuable. Now it's done and hopefully all that will behind him. 

My friend, Judy's, back went out last Monday while she was doing some regular cleaning on her porch. She bent over to do something and then could not really stand up again. She got herself into the house and onto her bed with the heat pad. Michael let me know the next day what happened and asked me to call her in the afternoon to see how she was doing. Of course, I can do that, knowing what she's going through.  She was doing better but was far from okay. After her surgery in late winter she had gotten some pain pills which she never really did require. Thankfully Judy kept them and they have been helpful to her in managing the pain.

I suggested she see my massage lady, Carol, who has been such a great blessing to me, and most recently to Justin. Judy did make an appointment but couldn't get in until Friday. I took her to the appointment and because I referred her, was able to recognize a nice discount. Carol took her time with Judy and, as of yesterday, (Sunday) Judy was standing up straight. Michael drove her to church and lunch, dropping her at the door to save her steps. It's hard for Judy to be limited by this as she runs circles around us (me) otherwise.  A couple weeks ago she rode horses with her son on his farm in NC. Amazing lady!

Thermostat wars

On the news recently I saw a segment or two about how one more thing in this world is considered sexist---the temperature in a room, or building. Yes, it was sexist because the men wanted it cooler and the women in the office (or place of business) wanted it warmer. The battle over the thermostat!

When my former spouse and I built our office building, our suite of offices, my office did not have a ceiling fan in it. Not necessary, thanks very much. The others did have fans. I would freeze in my office, the north facing side of the building while the ladies in the front offices were roasting. They would lower the temperature and I would bump it back up. Those ladies were being baked in the sun that came in their south facing windows. One year for Christmas they got me a space heater for under my desk. I still have it, it was a blessing to me, and to them. Somehow those ladies were not doing this to be sexist, nor was I. I simply wanted to be warm.

At Shady Lane it was so hot all the time and we were hustling for extended periods of time. The dish washing room was particularly steamy. The elderly residents needed to be warm. I was not always cold in those days. But at Sprint---yikes! Working in that place forever changed me, reset my personal thermostat. When I first started there we wore attire for business, which meant dresses, skirts, nicer clothes. Layers upon layers, even when wearing pantyhose. At times I even wore my spouse's t-shirts under my clothes just to add another layer. The management's explanation for keeping the rooms so cold was for the good of the machinery. The computers, hundreds of them all running at once, had to be kept cool to keep them healthy. Meanwhile, the employees would freeze, men and women alike. The men at least wore suits, most did, anyway, which helped them. And yet, some of the females wore sleeveless tops, which was unbelievable. But not necessarily sexist. 
                                 

I remember one time my family picked me up after work and we went to Sam's Club. It was summer and there I was, all bundled up. I looked and felt ridiculous. Sort of like Amy Farah Fowler on "The Big Bang Theory"!  Again, not sexist at all keeping the rooms so cold at work, it was for the good of the equipment and kept us awake in the wee hours of the morning! 

On this day in history....

...I started working at Shady Lane Home!  Back in 1976, I was hired by Mabel, who would be my supervisor. We hit it off immediately for a number of reasons, including both being Lutherans! Her daughter had attended college at DMLC with my sister-in-law, Judy. Very cool to have those connections when trying to land a job. We'd moved back to Manty from Milwaukee after selling our 4-family home there, a year after our wedding, almost to the day. At first, I worked at Northern Lab with my mom, not necessarily on the same line as she, as a temporary worker. When that job ended, I had to find something else, which was Shady Lane. I don't remember how I knew there was an opening but there I was!

On this date also, same year, my other sister-in-law, Marian, started working at Manitowoc Health Care Center. Her husband, Biff, and she moved up from Milwaukee after we did, and moved into the apartment my spouse and I were vacating when we moved into the big house we were going to remodel. In MKE, they had lived a block away from us, and then they moved into our apartment, and she started work the same day I did. Pretty cool!

My first day of work I also had to go to the farm, my in-law's farm, and shuck corn which had been harvested. At least my memory tells me it was the same day. I must have trained in the day time my first week or something to make me available for corn shucking. Otherwise, my usual shift was 11:30 am to 7:30 pm, with every other weekend on duty. I would be there for two meals a day, included and paid time for meals, which was pretty cool. Boy, we ate good!  In fact, I think I am still carrying around some of that good eatin'!

My 'retirement' party from SLH in 1986, with some of my co-workers. Peggy, Lori, me, and my best friend at the time, Karen. My best friend was skinny as a rail and ran circles around me, and was 12 years older than me! Just like Judy C. does now!

When my sister, Kerry, was in high school she worked the evening shift at SLH which was lots of fun. We had so many friends there over the years, our group was called the Shady Ladies, and included a couple of guys, as well. I was the old lady in the group and one of the only married ones, except for Teresa and Paul. We had some great fun, all of us. Bowling, movies, parties at people's homes, going out to eat, and a couple of times to bars. Not everyone was old enough which was a problem. 

Besides Kerry still being in my life, I have contact with a couple of the ladies via Facebook, including my good friend, Annette, who helped to train me. When I visit SLH when in WI, nothing is like it was in 1986 when I left. Only Teresa remains on duty, the only place she's worked since she was 16 years old, and is now a grandma! She has really moved up the ranks from evening receptionist to admissions director. 39 years ago today....

A day for the books

This morning began with a lovely chat between Linda and I before we each had to get ready for church. She has worship at 8:00 central time and then Bible study. Here I have Bible study first at 9:00 for about 45 minutes and then worship at 10:00, at least for a couple more weeks. On the 30th we return to our 10:30 worship start. Then we might possibly begin on time. 

We sang one of my favorite hymns (there are only a few which are not!) today and was glad my friend, Ann, was seated a row or two behind me. She sings harmony and it was so lovely. The hymn was "My Faith Looks Up to Thee", and I whispered to Justin that stanza 4 was my favorite one. After church I sought Ann to tell her I'd sing that hymn with her every Sunday if we could. She laughed and said, "When we get to the 4th verse, I don't do so well..." and I told her the same thing was true for me. When her dad, a pastor (later prof. at MLC) would visit the nursing homes on Sunday, she'd go along and they would often sing this hymn. As we said, those folks were likely closer to the end of the 'life's transient dream...' She was wiping her eyes yet when we parted company. Love that girl!

Our group met up at Chili's for lunch, them seating us the BIG table, which is actually two larger ones pushed together. We were quite spread out which is okay compared to being seated on each other's laps. Some of us are people of size and need a bit of elbow room, as it were. It is, however, less intimate. We had one of our familiar waitresses so she was on top of our orders and soda refills. It was a great time with our friends two weeks in a row. 

Today I had flowers in the chancel in remembrance of Justin's baptism. I asked him if he wanted them at home and he said no, so I took them to the cemetery after lunch. 

After I dropped off the flowers, I came home and got changed for the pool. Justin had originally scheduled an computer appointment after lunch, but the client postponed. He was cool with that because he appreciated having nothing else to do today except rest up. It has been a long week for him, getting rained out and then playing catch-up on the days they worked, including yesterday. He said, "You go and do what you like for relaxation, and I will do what I like to do---lie on my bed and watch MASH." Sounds good to me, and it was!

Most of the usuals were out there and the fun began. Mo and Ro were getting ready to leave (Ro joked that Mo always wants to leave as soon as I get there!) but we made plans to get together on Tuesday. She wants to thank Nancy and me for the school supplies we got for her classroom. Nancy and I had a ball shopping for the items, as much joy for us as they will be for the students. 

People came and went most of the afternoon, which was the first one all summer, just about anyway, where we didn't get rained out, or clouded out. Patty treated some of us to an ice cream sandwich toward the end of the afternoon. I didn't eat anything today from the cabana other than the ice cream. Marlena was working alone in the cabana, doing the cooking and serving herself, since Bob V. called in sick. 

Besides handling all that, she also had to jump in the hole to open the valve for the artesian well to re-fill the pool. It was down about 6" both Saturday and Sunday, something Marlena attributes to the pool cleaners possibly leaving a valve open in the pump room. It is not for us to worry about unless the pool is compromised in some way. Then it's a big deal! In no time at all the pool is full enough again, and quite a bit cooler, which many appreciate. The maintenance man, Mitch, will check it tomorrow and the pool cleaners return on Mondays as well. 

When I came in from the pool around 5:30, Justin mentioned that he was hungry for Ming Moon (2nd time this week!) and I'd be okay with that for dinner. OR, we could put clothes on and go see our friends at Koko's. Justin said YES to that so we both got ourselves ready to go and off we went. Justin had a sushi appetizer and we shared an order of crabmeat wontons, both of which were on special. Two couples joined our table so the chef didn't have to cook only for us. Much of our meals came home, which is genius for us. Tomorrow will be leftovers for dinner for us both, and on Tuesday he can have more leftovers as I will be with Maureen, wherever she wishes to go! 

As I wrote this, it occurred to me that Justin and I each had the exact same meals for lunch, and again for dinner, except for the appetizer. Our tastes just seem to run the same, at least so on Sundays!

A double birthday

On the way to Bible study this morning I stopped at the 'new' Dunkin Donuts and got myself a Diet Coke and bought doughnuts for the class. The bottle I got had the name Abraham on it which made me laugh. I'd expect something more common like Steven or Brian but I suppose in order to be inclusive, we have to throw in a different one once in a while. We are studying Isaiah so that would have been funnier yet if it said "Isaiah" on it!

Pastor Huebner did a good job with leading our class, filling in for Pastor Hoyer. Since he is not a usual participant in the class, he was not aware of the dynamic so really did his level best keeping us on track. When Harold and Lucy came in, they also had doughnuts. We had a mess of them and many in our group do not partake. I don't mind taking some home and sometimes Lucy sends goodies home with me. Today, though, she took me to the side and suggested I mark my calendar....on the first Thursday of the month she brings the doughnuts. It was all I could do to not smile because she was so serious about it. Of course, I promised to mark the calendar so I didn't overlap with them. They get their monthly check at the beginning of the month which allows them to treat us for Bible study. Sure don't want to take that away from them. She is so precious, that Lucy!

Because of going to dinner tonight I didn't go out to the pool after getting home. I hate to miss it but time was better spent indoors. Tonight I gathered with friends for two birthday celebrations. Maggie O., Pat G., Ellen P., Marissa, and I enjoyed casual grille night. Ellen had a birthday in July and Marissa's is this week. She is Maggie O.'s daughter, who is a former teacher and now an attorney in family law. Marissa and Ellen's daughter were good friends in school so these ladies have known each other for a long, long time. I am the newbie to the group but am the one to make the arrangements for our gatherings.  And, I am glad to do it! Not only did I bring home more than half of my meal but also half of Ellen's steak! It was a lovely evening and the leftovers will feed me at least twice more. I am so glad to have them!!

This was my view as I walked home tonight. Cotton candy clouds behind The Palace

Laughing with my boy

Pastor Hoyer sent me an e-mail to tell me which chapter of Isaiah we are studying tomorrow and that we are having a substitute teacher. This time it's not Cary but a retired pastor who is part of their congregation----Pastor Huebner. Phil and Anne are going to Sarasota to be with her parents as her dad is having a pace maker put in. Dolly no longer drives so Anne and Phil will be there to drive her back and forth plus be with Jim for his procedure. I am sure Pastor Huebner will do just fine trying to keep us reined in!

This morning I had an interesting conversation via FB with a friend who summers in Manty and lives the other 9 months here in FL. She was telling me how the local radio station reported Lake Michigan's water to be 68 degrees. She said she'd love to see me swimming in water that cold temperature. I related to her how Mom and I had just talked about how we kids would swim in that cold water and not worry about it. My mom also grew up living right on the lakeshore and swam in the ice cold lake. I am wondering if the water is colder now than it was back then or if people were tougher....

My pool water is nice and warm, at least high 80's, as was the air temp for our water exercise class. Clear sunny skies really make a difference for keeping the pool warmer and it feels so good on our shoulders which are out of the water during class. Some of us sat and visited poolside after class but others had places to be so headed on out. It's hard to go inside on so lovely a day, particularly since so many have ended abruptly with those goofy rain storms. 

Justin and I ate dinner at home tonight, polishing off some leftovers. I decided to not go over to The Club for Happy Hour, since my friend, Kathy H., is gone to Chicago. My poor guy is dead on his feet these days, the heat and trying to beat the rain really takes its toll on the guys. Anyway, while watching Jeopardy!, Justin looked up and said, "Oh, your boyfriends are here to watch you change clothes again..." Sure enough, there was the boat that pulls up around this time regularly. Justin thinks that is so darn funny and I think it's funny that he does. Pretty soon these guys should realize they are too early---I don't get ready for bed until much later and they have already headed for home. Their loss! 

Good 'scents'

This morning it was gloomy and overcast, not a good day for going out to the pool for class. Instead of suiting up, I went instead to the closet for real clothes. I had to go to the Island to drop off items off at a real estate office. When I walked into the office with my donations, I was met by the smell of drywall dust and compound, as remodeling was going on. It brought back all kinds of memories for me including being in business for all those years up to the repairs made in my unit after The Great Flood.

When I got back, I met my neighbors, Kathy, and her mom, Betty, waiting for Gary to pick them up to go shopping.  I got into the elevator, smelling their perfume on my face as we'd embraced in the lobby. Betty still wears Jean Nate and I only know this because Kathy told me. It is a distinctive scent, and it lingers. Unless I would wash my face, their combined fragrances would stay with me for hours, which is not a terrible thing.

Because it was a gloomy day, I guessed no one would show up for water exercise class. When I came back from my errand run, I saw a couple ladies standing in the parking lot. Pat A. had sent me a text message asking if I'd heard from Marlena as apparently the participants were there but no leader. I hope she did show up for these braver ladies and gentleman. 

For his birthday, Justin had requested a batch of Chex party mix, with no nuts. A little after the fact, I got busy in the kitchen today and made a couple batches---one for him, no nuts, and one for me with mixed nuts. Our upstairs neighbor, Debbie, had given us a lovely gift box of nuts for Christmas and this was the end of them. I am surprised at how much I loved the macadamias in the mix. Less pleased with the almonds, because they put up a fight when eating them. In the process of making these batches, our cabinets are now freed of three cereal boxes and the fridge free of the nuts. 

My batch is on the left and Justin's in on the right

When I got done with this project, not all that time consuming, my rooms smelled wonderfully from the aromas used in making the mix. The Worcestershire sauce and the seasonings blended together and filled my nose and memories as well. On Facebook I wrote that my house now smelled like Christmas. It did not smell of chestnuts roasting or of pine trees, but it did have the memory-bearing aroma of party mix. When Justin got home from work, he announced immediately that the house did indeed smell like Christmas. Being such a gloomy day, you'd have sworn it was winter! And now it smelled that way, too.