Interaction or none

Not long ago I was standing in the narthex at church and watched as people arrived for worship. I enjoy being a greeter and have to restrain myself from leaping into the arms of folks as they arrive. One woman was standing at her mail box and another came in through door from the parking lot. They were less than three feet apart when they 'met'. Neither acknowledged the other, no change in facial expression one way or the other, just as though they didn't see each other. That has bothered me since---why would these long time members not greet each other with at least a head nod or even go so far as to utter 'good morning' as they passed. But nothing. 

Is it personalities at work here? What would the chances be that both ladies had the exact same personality, one which interferes with allowing for social graces? What about our Christian love for one another, if nothing else? Because of the way I am, my head or heart won't let me grasp the concept of totally dissing someone I know. Even those people I don't know get a smile or head nod when coming face to face with me. I just don't get it.

Since I got home from WI, I was in a restaurant (WHAT???) where I observed similar behavior within what appeared to be a family. If I did not know better, and I don't, I would think this couple had a huge argument prior to entering the building. The looks, their demeanor, was such that gave the feeling of a deep animus toward each other. How does that happen? I take great pleasure from dining with folks, usually, enjoy the social aspects of it, and it made me feel badly for this group that was missing out on that interaction. Maybe it was just the hassle of getting everyone loaded into the car for the ride over or deciding where to go for dinner...Perhaps they eventually did relax and treat each other in a friendly fashion. Or, was I imagining things?

Things for which I'm thankful:

I am most thankful for: 

My family, especially having my mom yet. Thankful extra for Lynn and Jill for the hands-on attention they provide her. 

Thankful for my dear friend, Linda, for being one of my drivers and taking me with her to Bible studies. And lunch! And making dinner for me! 

Thankful for all the wonderful Bible study opportunities in which I could participate. 

Thankful for the area churches  including my home congregation of First German, St. Paul where my nephews attend school, and Rockwood Lutheran where I attended a pastor's installation service. 

I am thankful for my son and his gifts to me such as the iPad Mini with attached keyboard, special brick for high-speed charging, a charger in my purse for "just in case", and his advising me on how to use and maintain my devices.  Also he allows me to sleep when without a TV by loading Seinfeld on my iPad mini for me!! And, he washed my sheets and remade the bed so I can sleep well in my own bed tonight.

I give thanks for aerodynamics and the airlines which make use of it, allowing me to fly around the US and visit my people, rather than having to drive.

Thank you, God, for wonderful friends who took me to the airport and brought me home again! Judy even came into the terminal baggage area to find me, not aware there was a waiting area she could park in to wait for my call. 

I am further thankful for dear neighbors who met me as I was pulling my suitcase toward the door and persuaded me to join them for a quick bite and adult beverage at La Nopalera. There I ran into several of my other friends from the pool, Mark and Patty, and Bill and Nancy M. Fun!!

Finally, for tonight, I am thankful for the washer and dryer working at present to clean the clothes I brought back with me from Mom's, so I'll ready to go tomorrow when I join Terri for breakfast at Grumpy's.

Primarily, I thank the Lord for the safe travels for myself and others, especially those who did the airport trips for me. Good night all!

Hello, Dolly!

Yesterday I was telling Lori about having lunch with Linda J. at The Court House Pub, located, you guessed it, across the street from the Court house. Lori used to work there when it was under a different name and management, 30 years ago! It is a bit more upscale now and we really like it. When she got up this a.m., she wondered about going there for lunch and yes, Linda was all about it!  What fun it was, we three ladies, Mom opting to sit it out. When I checked in on Facebook, Justin asked me if this place was my 'Metro Diner' since I was there two days in a row. What a card!

From there we went down to Ivy Trails so Lori could check out the gift shop. I love visiting there and the owner recognizes me from being an out of towner. One Christmas she gave me a free poinsettia from outside her store because otherwise it would go in the dumpster. It was huge and gorgeous, but suddenly out of season. None of us bought anything this time but I have already since being here in Manty. I just love this store!

Lori headed for home while Linda and I went to Bible study. Mom and Lori were going to go off and do something together this afternoon. I so much enjoy this Bible study, comparing II Kings and II Samuel, again impressed with the knowledge of the participants. Ladies come from area churches as well as from FG for this class.  I will miss all these studies when I am gone, that's for sure. Always go through a withdrawal...

After Linda dropped me at home, Lori, Mom, and I went to the ice cream parlor for a treat. Before we left, I reminded them I had to be back by 5:00 pm because Dolly was picking me up. I stopped at the bathroom and heard Mom say, "She always eats out and eats so much!" I shouted, "I heard that!" and Mom cursed my bat ears. Lori immediately stuck up for me, though, saying I hardly eat any of my meal at all, which accounts for the to-go boxes in the fridge. She doesn't get the social aspects of this being out and about at all. Thanks, Lori, for sticking up for me!

I got my single scoop of ice cream, as usual, as did Lori and Mom. Jill was kept plenty busy with customers coming and going fairly steadily. Once school is out she will have more helpers but for now, she is working long hours and almost every day of the week. This is the best ice cream in the world, made right there on the site, Cedar Crest. Yum!

We did get back home in plenty of time with some even to spare before it was time for Dolly to come for me. She was leaving right from work in Two Rivers and it took only minutes for her to get to me. Our plan was to dine at Harborside, just the two of us this time. We had a change in our original plans due to the unexpected passing of her daughter's boyfriend's father in a boating accident. The funeral is tomorrow so we changed our date to tonight, even though Lori is here. Glad we are all flexible that way. 

Dolly, me, and our classmate, Wendy at The Green Street

I love my time with Dolly and hate it that we only get an hour or two during my visits. Tonight the restaurant specially served me the beer cheese chowder even though it wasn't on the menu, because I always write on their FB page when they offer it. I was so tickled and wow, was it ever delicious. I was hardly able to eat any of my steak sandwich but brought the rest home with me. Thanks, Dolly, for the treat and for the time. 

Lori's here!!

My day began with making breakfast for Mom and me, bacon sandwiches plus eggs for Mom. She couldn't believe I just have bacon and no eggs. I worked on my iPad for a while until Linda contacted me to meet her for lunch, an early lunch. Yes, off we went. She had some disturbing news to share and we talked it all over while eating. Linda is doing well minding her 'program', enjoying salads and soups while I have my standard fare. What I had today was a Fiesta Brat at The Courthouse Pub, their special. It was wonderful! Loved our impromptu time together.

Lori was not able to come for Mother's Day. She would have had to turn right around and drive right back the next day because of work. This past weekend was the big wrap-up of her Sunday school (she is education director at her church) and then she was able to drive over to Manitowoc to see her mama and the rest of us. Lori let us know she had a doctor appointment first and then would head our way. She texted me when she left Holmen and I timed her drive over, minus potty stops, showing her arriving right in the middle of Jeopardy! Yes, she did! I greeted her and welcomed her to the house while the rest of the room, her mama included, watched the rest of the game show. Rule #1 is that you do NOT interrupt Jeopardy!!

Once she was properly greeted we loaded into the cars to head over to The Charcoal Grille for dinner. It took a bit of arranging to find a place for us to be seated in the restaurant, as though no one was sure that tables could be pushed together or something. Another hostess told us she was going to wet her pants if she didn't go to the bathroom so I told her where it was. Go, for heaven's sake! Eventually they got us situated and we even had room to park Mom's walker out of the way. 

Mom has a hard time deciding what to have in restaurants fearing she will make a mess with her food since she can't see well. I offered to split a French dip with her and that worked out nicely. Lori treated our group, which was very nice. I had ordered an appetizer of onion straws for the table which we all enjoyed. Lori ordered The Grill's Rhinelander Burger, and talk about a mess! It was a huge burger and quite delicious, from her report. She entertained us with the travails of having a new office partner which has spurred Lori to plan her retirement for late summer. 

Mom and I had a go around last night after I asked about putting fresh sheets on her bed, which Lori normally uses when she visits Mom, and I am there. Eventually Mom came to the same conclusion I had proposed so I did put fresh sheets on the bed. Mom thought I should have put flannel ones on but since Lori is usually boiling hot, felt she'd be fine with regular weight sheets. The room is all set for her, I got Mom's clothes for tomorrow out for her so she can dress in the morning and not bother Lori, plus got Mom's blanket and pillow ready to go. There will be peace in the village for sure!

Pentecost and a party

Mom and I rode to church with Jill this am because I like to arrive early enough to do some greeting. I enjoy seeing the people I usually see only on-line or twice a year, and exchanging pleasantries with them all. 

It is Pentecost Sunday but the only red I had to wear were shoes and my earrings. Sure could have used my red coat today, as it was only in the low 30's when we got up.  Man, it was bitter! I wore my black camisole under my top for an added layer of warmth, but it didn't help much. Glad I had a three season coat here at Mom's to use. 

We sang good hymns, love the pipe organ accompanying. The Bible study was interesting as well, discussing the OT and NT covenants. It is relatively fast-paced which sort left Mom in the dust, she reported. The same was true when she studied this topic with Kathy W.---too many to keep track of!

After church Mom, Lynn, and I headed to Perkins (Jill had to go to work) and met Tommy and Linda there. We had a long wait for a table, relatively speaking, and then a longer wait for our meals. It was so busy in there today!  I enjoyed our time together around the table, the passing of time mattered little. 

Lynn dropped us at home again and Mom and I came upstairs to our chilly home. We decided to turn up the thermostat but neither of us could get warmed up. (Around 8 pm Mom realized the patio door had popped open but I don't believe it was open all day).  Lynn picked up Mom and me later afternoon to drive to Sheboygan for Manny's birthday party. His other grandma, Ofie, treated us all to pizza and cake and refused our money. She did allow us to leave a tip . 

Anita holding Alan, Ofie, Noah, Jill, and Mom

Lynn, Angelo, Gabe, Manny, and me (Juanita is taking the photo)

Another couple in the vicinity of our group chose to move so we could use their table for our growing number. I was so thankful for them moving that I asked the waitress for their bill. As they were leaving, the Mrs stopped at our table to say thanks, say they were so surprised someone did this for them. She handed Manny a $10 and said the former sheriff of Sheboygan County said 'happy birthday. Wow, that was nice of them. I met some of Ofie's family, one girl who did not speak English, with an adorable long-haired baby. When I get home, I will post photos of the day. I was glad to be able to be in on a celebration for one of the kids. 

 

In the top photo is a relative of Noah's holding baby, Alan, who is three months old. I have never seen that much hair on an infant in my life. He was born with that head of hair, even down to his collar in the back. In the bottom photo is sweet Angelo.

Mom and I are spending the rest of the evening with the Hallmark Channell. I think I'll go to bed early, I am weary from the partying! Good night all. 

Coffee break

As is their custom, Saturday mornings are when Mom and Lynn (sometimes Jill) go to have 'coffee' at a local emporium. Not only coffee but also a nice piece of bakery. This morning was no exception as we found ourselves at Manitowoc Coffee again, with Kerry in tow. She can't stand the smell of coffee but toughed it out. I just love the atmosphere at that place and the baked goods aren't bad either. Only a buck for a can of soda, can't beat that! We popped into Ivy Trails for a bit before heading to Festival. 

I cannot believe how cold it was today. At one point, leaving Festival, we actually had frozen precipitation falling on the car! I checked the temps in Manty and in OP, and it was twice as warm at home as it was in Manty! 45 degrees versus 90 above zero, no snow flurries in OP today!  

Anyway, while I was at Festival, I had to stop at the restrooms and on the way, saw this pretty lady standing off to the side. She looked familiar...When I came back through again, she was still there but I spotted my cousin, Yvonne, leaving the check out. I was so glad to see her! What great fun! The pretty lady, now that I made the connection, was Yvonne's sister, Christine. 

Among my purchases was a bottle of Bloody Mary Mix for making a batch of chili for our dinner. I had gotten beer last week so I was all set there. Unlike FL, I couldn't buy just a single can in the grocery store. I guess they don't want people popping one open while they shop, or something, which surprises me, knowing Manty!  

Jill had to work the first part of the day but later on we met up at Sassy Nails for Jill to get her birthday treat from Mom. We all got a treat for Jill's birthday, except for Kerry. She will not allow anyone or anything to touch her feet. Good thing she liked the Packer socks I got her! I had called to reserve for us but still they were behind and Lynn had to wait until they were done with us before getting her feet attended. She also had to sit a chair away which was too bad. That place is just a beehive, very busy. NOT good business, though, to leave one person in a party of four just sitting. Anyway, thanks, Mom for our pretty toes! 

My friend, Emily, sent me a message reporting that they'd had to rather suddenly put their cat, our former pet, Boots, down this morning. He had developed some kidney and other internal problems and likely wouldn't live very long. The merciful thing was to have him put to sleep. He lived with Justin and me from 2001 until 2007 after which he moved on up to the Lawcock's. Our pet could not have had a better home, he was so very loved there, and he loved them back. I know their hearts hurt over this and that makes mine hurt, too. You had a good run, Bootsy Boots Day Lawcock! 

Starting out early!

Linda had planned for her friends (and mine) to have breakfast on Saturday morning but the scheduling for that didn't work out. What did work was meeting at 7:15 at Perkins! We can do that! Linda, Debbie, and Angie meet up at the Wellness Center four days a week so today was ours to enjoy. Linda picked me up and away we went. We had a wonderful breakfast and I got to hear a little bit about Angie's recent trip to Italy. She posted pictures on FB regularly so I got to see what she was up to, but it's still fun to hear first hand reports as well. 

Angie, Linda, me, and Debbie 

The other day Linda and I had stopped in at Ivy Trails, a gift shop next door to Manitowoc Coffee. My sister, Kerry, had told us that she got nothing for Christmas or her birthday. I had left a gift behind for her when I went home in early December but somehow it didn't make into her hands. It was just a fun little something, nothing much. At Ivy Trails I found a pair of Packer slippers with textured bottoms to give her for her birthday. She arrived at Mom's today and I gave her the presents. Kerry loves the slippers!!  

For lunch today we ladies, minus Jill, went to check out the new bbq place in Manty named Brian's Smokehouse BBQ. We had gone the other day but they were not open so am glad they were today. I was excited to try the brisket but sadly, it was not as good as 4Rivers, but then, no one's is!  The portions were enormous and for future reference, would order a sandwich portion only and skip the sides. Mom loved hers but scarcely made a dent in it. We brought our leftovers home with us for another time. 

We went up to the ice cream parlor to cleanse our palates and spend some time with Jill. I just love their black cherry ice cream, no matter what's on special. I am glad to see their business is so steady, and certainly it helps Jill's day go my more quickly. Having warmer weather would sure be a blessing, too. Tonight we are dining in, much to Kerry's chagrin as she hungry for some Late's. We will manage, as going again today would be too much for Mumsy. 

On a date!

Today Linda and I were Mom's dates!  She treated us to lunch at Perkins, with Linda being the driver, for Mom's Ladies' Aid end-of-year outing. She had a tough time figuring out what to wear, and just before Linda came over, decided to change into a more summery top. We sat at the table and chatted for a bit, and something Linda said made Mom laugh. I caught the greatest picture of her. Linda had given Mom an extra orange peeler she had on hand but am not sure if that made her laugh or not.  

There was a nice group gathered, including some husbands, plus the two pastors. We late comers got to sit on the end of the table with Pastor Schaefer and Anna, with baby Alice. She ate all my applesauce which was perfect because she was so hungry! 

On this end of the table you can see the baby plus her parents and Mom. I was seated next to Mom and Linda next to Pastor. On the other end is a lady who is even older than Mom!

After the luncheon, Linda and I dropped Mom off at home and then we went over to her house. Linda was making sausage, peppers, onions, mushrooms, and tomatoes for our dinner, which she served over rice. Delicious! She made the mistake of telling me it was turkey sausage but it sure did taste good! 

In the smaller pan is the sausage, cut into teeny pieces

From her house we went to a member's home for Bible study. Kathy W. again leads this study, and presently they are hosted by Jean, a former teacher at FG. She retired due to ill health but is making a good recovery right now. Anyway, this study was in I Cornithians 14 and again was most interesting. All the ladies present tonight were from FG but other times there are attendees from elsewhere. I loved it, such good material we covered. What a great day filled to the brim with time spent with members from FG in social settings!

Mission accomplished!

For years I have heard from Mom about her big box of papers she has accumulated, primarily health insurance paperwork, and needs to have it addressed. Usually when I am visiting Mom doesn't permit me, ahem, to handle any projects at her house, saying I am so busy. Actually I am not, or I wouldn't be watching reruns of "NCIS" or her other favorite programs. At last, I got permission to shred her papers.

The first order of business was to garner permission from the insurance company as regards these papers. I called the number on the card and after several false starts or restarts, finally got hold of a person. I had to answer many questions before she told me my name wasn't on the list of those they could talk to about my mom's health insurance. Mom was right there and yelled, "It's okay!" and I jumped in with saying, "All she wants to know is how long to keep EOBs." Immediately the lady relaxed and we visited like old friends. She said Mom has been with them since 2006 and I said we had every single one of those EOBs yet. She said to shred away! The ones that come in the mail should be used to verify that patient saw the doctor on this date, etc. and can then be disposed of. If questions arise later, both the doctor and the insurer have copies of the form. That's all I needed to hear, and away I went!

For about two hours I fed paperwork into the shredder, filling four bags with shredded paper. The fifth bag in the photo is household trash also ready to get hauled out. Some of the items in the box, an archive box, was dated from 2005, but the rest was 2006 to last year. Thankfully Mom does not have all that many doctor visits or it would have been twice that amount of paper. One less thing for Mom to think about, the box is now empty!

We also visited her bedroom closet where I looked at her slacks and tops to see what colors of pants she needs. Having such skinny legs makes it hard for her to find dressy slacks to fit properly so I wanted to see what tops she had to match things up. She can use about any of the standard colors to pull her outfits together. It sure would help if she could buy complete outfits when she shops but ordinarily buys the slacks one time, and a top later, not necessarily coordinating. Jill said they should make clothes for older folks like they do for toddlers, Garanimals, so they could mix 'n match. Makes sense to me, too!  

For dinner, Mom opted to stay in while Lynn, Jill, and I went The Green Street Tavern. While there we saw our 'old' neighbor, now called Ed (Jr. to me!) before being seated. The owner of the place greeted me, welcomed me back from FL. That is so cool!  Lynn and I had the perch dinner but Jill had liver and onions (ewww!) plus we shared a plate of cheese curds. Somehow, we weren't able to polish them off. The soup which came with my meal I had packed to-go (cost me a quarter!) for Mom. As much as I like their soup, I knew it would make me too full and she'd enjoy it. I loved our evening out!   

Feeling humbled

Linda picked me up late morning and went to have lunch at Applebee's, a place where she can order her more specific menu items. She has an app on her phone to track her calories and fat. I ordered from the appetizer menu, trying cheeseburger rolls. They were on the order of an egg roll, but with hamburger and cheese stuffed into it. I ate one and a half of them, taking another whole and half home with me. While we were there, her good friend, Debbie, came in with a group. How fun is that!?  We are getting together with her later in the week. 

Linda and I then went to Bible study at church, studying II Kings side by side with II Chronicles. I am in the presence of greatness, listening to these knowledgeable ladies! They are amazing with what they know and have learned over the years, using Prof. Wendland's notes. Kathy throws out a question, a deep one, whose answer is not automatically "God", and these ladies can come up with responses well thought and often accurate. They have been studying together for many years, and have learned a great deal. Again, I am in awe of their education! 

Visiting the hot spots

This morning Lynn contacted Mom and I after her class at the Wellness Center to see if we were interested in some lunch. Of course, I was all about it. There is a new bbq place in town they were waiting to try when I got here but when we pulled up, we found they were not opened on Monday. Back into the car we went to find some place else to dine. We chose the new Noodles & Company restaurant which was quite good. Mom and I had the steak stroganoff with wide noodles and Lynn had a Caesar salad and a wrap sandwich. Mom and I combined our unfinished food into a to-go box so that I could enjoy my giant Rice Krispie treat.  Lynn was ahead  of us at the register and told the lady, "Wait until my sister sees these!" and sure enough I had to grab one.  

My giant Rice Krispie Treat

After our lunch we went shopping at Younkers because I so wanted to see if I could find another cotton cardigan like my orange one. I regret often not taking more colors when I got this one, it is so versatile. I did find a black one at Ross a few weeks ago for less than $10 which is a third of what the orange one cost. I so prefer a color rather than black but hey, I'll take it. None was to be found but Mom and Lynn each found a purse they liked, getting additional discounts on top of the sale price once at the register. Nice!

From there we went to the ice cream parlor to have a treat, my 2nd visit since arriving. The first time I was there on, Saturday, I saw a Facebook friend whom I knew when I was a young teenager, shared him with my friends, the Zahns. This would have been back in the last 1960's/early 70's. Facebook is so fun this way, and he recognized me immediately. He did better than I did as it took me a millisecond to figure out who he was. 

Lori arrived, horror of horrors, during Jeopardy!, so had to wait until it wrapped up to be greeted by her mama. Priorities! I knew that was going to happen. We went to the Charcoal Grille for dinner, Lori's place of choice. She was able to tell us about the goofy person in her office, speeding her way towards retirement which is in August. It was funny but sad to hear about her work situation which was formerly enjoyable. What a great meal we had and good fun. Lori is bunked down in Mom's room as she needs cool and stays up late. Mom sleeps her best in the living room anyway. Lori can't sleep in with me because I have it warm and have my "Seinfeld" playing all night long as I sleep. Nope! Mom gets up early and has coffee while she listens to the radio so also nope for Lori in the living room. This works for us! Good night all!

Mother's Day blessings

This morning our day began with Mom and I greeting Kerry as she arrived just prior to our departure for church. She had an hour and half drive over from Oshkosh after working overnight, just to surprise her mama!  Jill drove Mom and I to church while Kerry chose to come separately, as did Lynn. Mom was pleased to have four of her girls with her in worship. Lori decided to not make the drive over from Holmen since she couldn't get here until later afternoon and our Mother's Day plans were for lunch. They would have turned around the next day and driven back so it didn't really make much sense. She will try to come another time during my visit.

After worship, Jill had to leave for work, and Kerry came back here to catch some sleep while the rest of us went to Bible study. The pastor's brother-in-law, Josh Zarling, led the class which was about OT covenants. He mixed in some humor by using quotes from a movie and having the class say the next line. Lynn got it at long last as he kept going...it was from "Young Frankenstein". She had the advantage over me since I've not seen it. I know, I live a deprived life..

Our luncheon reservation was for 1:00 pm which worked for Jill as she had to open the ice cream parlor and get things rolling before she could leave. Jill met us at the restaurant, Kerry taking her own vehicle as she would have to leave right from the restaurant to go home and sleep. It was a buffet-style meal with many delicious items to choose from including baked chicken, beef tips in gravy, and roast pork, with mashed potatoes and other veggies. The hall was half empty already when we arrived, and I found out while dining that we had just missed Harv and Barb by about 10 minutes! We posed for a picture before Kerry had to leave for home. 

Our  Mother's Day photo: Jill, Lynn, Kerry, Mom and me. Mom had to be coaxed into the photo, glad she gave in!

Lynn, Mom and I came home to Mom's for a while before we headed to Rockwood, suburb of Manty, for the installation service of their new pastor, a son of First German. Bruce went to school with my sister, Kerry, and I've known him since he was little. He is the uncle to my dear young friend, Naomi, who was at the service with her husband, David. They each took a turn on the organ bench for the pre-service and installation service, David playing the majority of it. We sang such good hymns and were privileged to hear the sermon preached by our former pastor from FG, Arno Wolfgram. It was good to be there for this service, and in support of Bruce. 

My dear young friend, Naomi, and her husband, David playing the organ for the installation service

I had planned for us to have hot ham sandwiches and corn on the cob for dinner but no one was hungry enough to indulge me. Lynn went to her home and Jill had to check back in at the parlor before retiring to her home to recuperate from her lunch. I had a nice long phone conversation with Justin late afternoon before Mom and I watched some TV. It was a good Mother's Day!

The 2nd day of my visit

Bright and early this a.m. we ladies had Bible study at First German. Lynn first picked up her friend, Bonnie, and then me for the class. Linda was already there when we arrived. Our course of study was about Eve (and I didn't have a thing to wear! Ha ha) The pastor's wife, Anna, led the class, with 7 ladies, meeting in the church office. It was a most interesting class, lots of participation. One younger lady struggles with some 'issues', the most primary one being the loss of her parents relatively close together. Anna did her best to keep things on track while at the same time giving the lady the time she needed to speak. I enjoyed starting my time in WI with two church events in two days!

Mom and Lynn are met half way down the block by fellow church member, Tom Drill, who greeted them, and us, excitedly

Linda and I went ahead to Manitowoc Coffee while Lynn took Bonnie home and then picked up Mom. Linda and I were warmly greeted by the bell ringer, Tommy Drill, he nearly stopping traffic to do so. He rings the bell at times not Christmas or ThanksLiving, evidently, having a little hut on the busy corner of 8th and Franklin Streets. We went into the shop and ordered our treats, secured a table, and had a ring-side seat to watch Tommy running down the street to greet Mom and Lynn as they got out of their car. Oh, my! Such a commotion, more than Mom is accustomed to getting for her morning coffee!  I got some photos of them through the window of the shop.

Linda ordered a gourmet coffee which looked divine

After we finished our coffee and treats, we walked around a little indoor 'mall' where area vendors had their arts and crafts set up. We didn't venture into Ivy Trails as I'll save that visit for another time. Mom doesn't like to go in there with her walker so I'll go sometime when she is not with me. Linda went on home and Lynn took Mom and me to Festival Foods. Yay!  I had the best time there, love that place!  On the way back from Festival we swung into the ice cream parlor to have a treat with Jill. Oh, yum! Ran into a man I knew back when I was young, and I was amazed he recognized me. Guess he did from my photos on Facebook, which is a blessing in helping to remember others. 

At Festival I got the ingredients needed for some recipes I am making for us while here plus some of the goodies I like such as caramel corn, ham salad, 'Sunday' ham and rolls, Chermak summer sausage, and peanut squares....As I walked down the cracker aisle I came upon a box of round saltines. Stop the presses!  Never before had I seen such a thing and told them lady next to me, whom might think I was weird, that the world is upside down!  Even the guy in the meat department who sliced the sausage for me asked to see the box, never hearing of it himself. It was a long time coming. Now I think I should have taken two boxes!

For our dinner I made the meatball sub casserole which turned out perfectly. Jill liked it so much that she took a portion along home to take in her lunch the next day. The cheese stuck to the pan so it's soaking in the sink overnight, hope we don't have to scrub it. I got ingredients to make chicken and dumplings, chili, and meatloaf to get us started. Tomorrow we are eating at a buffet for Mother's Day. Lori decided not to come since our reservations were for noon. She wouldn't get here until later afternoon so figured it wasn't worth the quick turn around trip. I agree with her. Hopefully she can come another time during my visit so we can hang out. 

Well, time for me to go to sleep so I am bright as a penny for Mother's Day worship and Bible study.  If time allows after our lunch buffet, we are going to attend the installation service of a son of the congregation at a neighboring church. Our former pastor from FG is preaching the sermon and Naomi is going to play the organ for the service. I look forward to the whole day! 

Flawless travels!

It's so seldom that I get to say this, having had either delays or witnessed traffic accidents on my travel day but today's trip was picture perfect. Terri stepped in to take me to the airport since Justin's start time was changed, otherwise he'd have been able to drop me off before going to work.   God bless her!!  Justin got my luggage downstairs and loaded in her car before we hugged and kissed good-bye. I'm going to miss him!  

Terri dropped me off and I got checked in outside, the guy's first customer of the day!  When I got to security, I had been granted TSA pre-screening status so didn't have to undress but did nearly forget to grab my phone out of its holder. In no time at all I was at my gate, ready to fly!  My connection in ATL was just across the hall and down so no hustling needed on my part. Mom, Lynn, and Linda were ready for me when I came out the doors, driving past but in enough time to pull over to scoop me up. From the airport we stopped at Perkins for a bite to eat before heading back to Manitiwoc. We did encounter some slow traffic leaving downtown but eventually broke free of it for clear sailing.  

This evening Lynn drove Mom, Jill, and me to Howard's Grove to see Gabe and Manny in a musical. We arrived a bit later than we wished so got to sit on folding chairs rather than the bleachers! There I met a Facebook friend I'd never seen in person, his wife a teacher at their school. I got some pictures of the boys but cannot post them using this device. Can fix that when I get home again. The two boys seemed less than gregarious about their roles but it was nice to see them again. Angelo was a doll, of course, but I am biased!  

Gabe is shown 3rd from the left in blue shirt

After the musical, Lynn drove us to eat at a place in HG called The Log Cabin. They had wonderful perch dinners, mine coming with a side of potato pancakes. Mom had German potato salad with hers and the other two ladies did baked potatoes. I could eat only a small portion of the pancakes but ate every bit of my perch. Delicious!!!  

This is my perch plate from the Log Cabin in Howard's Grove 

By this time, I am more than ready to go to sleep so please excuse me. Good night, and praise God for my safe travels and time in Manty!

What I know

I remember it like yesterday---Justin had made a cheesecake with cherries on top and we enjoyed a wonderful dinner in my room. He had carried one of our wingback chairs in here so together we could watch the election results. The date? November 6, 2012. Upon watching those returns, the numbers coming in, it began to sink in what was happening. We were filled with horror, disbelief, and disappointment. Our celebratory cheesecake went two days before being cut into. It somehow had lost its appeal, nothing tasted good. Oh, my. 

Good thing we ate dinner before tonight's results were in from IN. I was so filled with hope, sure that reason would prevail and Ted Cruz would rise the victor. It was not to be. Again. This time a good, Constitutional candidate lost to a ... I can't even say. Words escape me as tears run from my eyes yet again. I was working at my desk on a newsletter when Justin came in to tell me the news. He was sniffling and I thought he needed a tissue, because of his cold. Nope, that wasn't it. I fear, but cannot give up hope. 

I know that I will have moments of utter doom but have to beat it back with things of which I am sure, the things I know. I know that my Redeemer lives. I know heaven is my home. I know that all things work together for the good of those who love Him, called according to His purpose. I know the wages of sin is death, I know the strength of sin is the Law. I know goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. I know His word is lamp for my feet. I know that I am part of a royal priesthood and holy nation, not a nation of this world. I know the Lord is in control and lay myself back in His comforting arms, praying for mercy on our nation.