This very early morning Judy and I drove to Leesburg for an LWMS Rally at St. Mark Lutheran. I was sad it was only the two of us but it's hard to stimulate interest in these rallies. Years ago when Mom wintered with me, my church would have sometimes two or three cars of attendees. But, no more. Judy's GPS worked at home but once we started out, it struggled. After she pulled off and fiddled with it, we decided to just use my cell phone's GPS to get us there, and it did!
We arrived right behind a car with three ladies from Victory, with our current president being Anne H. She did a great job running the Rally, with her mentor, Jennifer, coaching her right along. The mission speaker was the former president of the national LWMS who spoke to us about her trip to Napal in 2013. She was leaving right from the Rally to fly to New Mexico as her son-in-law was being installed in his new congregation there the next day. I do hope she made all her connections!
11 different types of Jell-O!!
Our lunch was fried chicken, beans, and slaw, plus Jell-O salads. I took a picture of the table of Jell-O to show Justin, who was with his friends in Tampa. His friends had dined with us for special events and wondered what was up with all the Jell-O. Now he had proof! On the table by each place was a slice of peach pie, crumb topped. Delicious!
After the Rally itself was completed, a group of us had to meet to discuss our involvement in the 2017 National Convention. So much needs to be done well in advance of this major event, and after we left, Judy expressed concern that we might be embarrassed. There is plenty of time before it's Florida's turn to host and hopefully the folks at National HQ will provide the needed influence that all goes well.
Our ride home was directed by Judy's GPS which was now working, and it took us home a different route than when we came down. It seemed as though we made better time going home than our trip down. Judy's family from SC was in town so I didn't even suggest having dinner. She dropped me off at 6:00 or so and I immediately got my dinner ready. Just as I sat down at my desk to eat, my phone went off. Sure enough, it was Judy, asking if I wanted to go to dinner at Metro Diner with Michael and her. Of course! I put my meal in the fridge and off I went.
Michael had just had lunch there with the family who was in town. How cool is that? Last night the manager told us that if we come twice in a day, we would get a discount. The same manager was working tonight who was working last night and he gave us an 'employee discount', the equivalent of a free meal. Michael grabbed the ticket and took care of it for us. Thanks, dear! That was the same manager who told me he'd stock the cooler with Diet Coke for me. Nice! I ordered the three cheese grilled sandwich with bacon, and ate it like someone was trying to steal it. My side dish was mashed potatoes which I brought home with me for another time, same as last night.
Early to be tonight since I am saddle sore from the 5 hours in the car and all that sitting at the Rally, and then at the restaurant. Judy and I were both awake well before our alarms this morning, so we were quite ready to go to bed. She has her houseguests but they are gone for the evening. Perhaps she will see them in the morning before church, or maybe not!
