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

Monday, September 18, 2017

Hurricane Irma Conclusion

We had lost power around 10:00 pm the night before but never lost water so were able to use the toilets. Justin had pulled a box of our Christmas candles (I think about two dozens or so) and I bought batteries to load into them. When we lost the power, Kerry got busy and placed these candles around the house, lighting the hallway and kitchen, etc. Justin taped the refrigerator door shut so we wouldn't accidentally open it, forgetting there is no power. I can't tell you how often I'd enter a room and reach for the switch. We had plenty of foods out on the counter for us to eat, no one was going hungry in my house!

The wind was wicked, far more than any experienced here before. Rain was being pushed under the sliding doors and when it got lighter out I could see it puddling. I got sheets out to lay down to soak up the water. Thankfully the windows and doors held during the fiercest times of the winds, with Kerry sitting in the river room during part of that, expecting the doors to blow in. In our building, no windows were broken though most had intrusion from under the sliding doors. 

In the morning, Kerry went out to scout around and see what was happening. It came to her attention that Susan needed help, plus I believe the fire dept. came by and warned that a three foot surge was expected. Justin and she went do to help Susan and her son go to battle against the water that was accumulating in her river room, and looking to get into her rooms. They took the plywood Mitch brought to us plus our tarps downstairs and the two guys built a barrier wall to hold the river back. When Lori got up, she went down to help move Susan's stuff to higher ground, as Susan feared what the fire dept. told her. I sent out notices to neighbors that she needed help and some others went to help. Pretty soon pieces of artwork and other treasures were being hauled into my home by people I didn't even know. Love that!

Also, I had to sent out notices to the neighbors to stay off the sundeck because some of the roof tiles were breaking off and crashing down, narrowly missing my boy! Certainly that would kill a person or seriously injure anyone hit by those concrete tile. With no elevator, I had to stay upstairs so I helped in those ways. Kerry was back and forth so often, nothing but adrenalin for her!

After things calmed down a bit, Kerry was outside directing 
traffic so folks didn't drive through the deepest water or get
a nail in their tire from all the wood floating in our parking
lot or in the garages. She got my keys and moved my car up 
the hill further, suggested by the fire dept., so she parked it 
on the grass up near the entrance to the property. Thankfully
that storm surge never came, so all the prep down on the first
floor was for naught. One man refused to obey and ended up
with a flat tire, having run over a board with nails in it. What
a mess! 

On Tuesday, the original day they were scheduled to fly home, 
Justin and I drove them to the airport. Kerry had been watching
the local news (she loves the news and weather stations) which 
told about the flooding in Jacksonville so was concerned about 
our drive to the airport. I don't think she understood how large
Jacksonville actually is and we saw little to no flooding as we 
made our way there and back again. The flooding was downtown, 
taking over shops and hotels along the river, a really big mess. 
But we were good on the westside of that mess. 

After Justin dropped me off, he took off to the farm to help his boss 
rescue the equipment which was under water. We had gotten our 
power back about 5:00 pm on Monday (the 11th) so had A/C and use of our 
refrigerator with zero loss of food. His boss, on the other hand, was 
yet without power and would be for almost a week due to the switch 
for the community being under water! They were able to move the trucks and 
equipment to higher ground, losing only one truck at that time. 
Later the insurance company would total all the trucks but they were 
able to save most of the equipment. I got busy here at home with 
making phone calls to their clients, explaining the situation
the landscape business was facing. Almost all calls were left as messages, and 
those with whom I spoke were sympathetic. Most people had branches and such
to remove before the yard could be done anyway but I was glad to be 
a helper to him. 

Thanking the Lord for saving our building, my windows, my nerves,
and for the limited loss to our building. We will need to repair our 
bulkhead and certainly much cleanup in the lower units will occur. No
windows broke here or at The Club, which is simply amazing! Thanks be
to God for His mercy on us!

Sunday, September 17, 2017

Hurricane Irma summation Part One

Well, Irma was here and gone. Gone for most of us, some are still cleaning up or bailing out their homes and businesses from the high water left behind. This morning I spoke with a neighbor from the 1st floor, a tenant, who has endured quite a lot since moving in here, most recently, water intrusion from the river during the storm. She told me of the floor being pulled up from her living room and tossed onto her veranda. She told about not being able to access her dishwasher, washer or dryer (I offered the use of mine) due to her patio furniture being in the way. She told about the drips from her ceiling which landed on her TV speakers and entertainment center. And then said, "All in all, not too bad, compared to what others are going through...." Yes, that's pretty much the way we feel here at The Palace. A broad statement, to be sure, but it really could be worse!

Lori and Kerry were scheduled originally to depart from FL on Tuesday, the 12th. With the storm pending and being unable to get their tickets changed or postponed, they came anyway. Once here and looking like the hurricane was going to cause us a problem, they changed their departure flight, at no charge, to Saturday, the 9th. That should work! NOPE!!!  On Friday Lori got an email saying that flight was cancelled and they were rebooked for later in the day. NOPE! Cancelled again. No chance to get out, they were stuck. This is what I so wanted to avoid but here we were. Lori was scared out of her wits, fearing she would die. I knew we would not, our building is so strong and we are up high, but I do/did fear my windows breaking and damage ensuing. I'm all about my stuff!

I had tarps, I had food and drink supplies, buying more to have on hand since my sisters were going to be here, too. Hurricane foods consist generally of non-perishables that will sustain a person for the duration of the expected power outage. Speaking of that, my friends, the Chappell's, don't lose power as freely as we do, and had agreed to take in my houseguests for that reason. Judy checked in with me several times to find out if they were coming or not, eventually deciding to stay with Justin and me. Lori said she'd promise to not whine about the heat. I made a promise to not whine about being cold due to the A/C being set cooler for their comfort. It was a struggle, but with my heated blanket and Packer cover, I was good!

Anyway, back to the prep---I had ordered tarps from Amazon, regular blue tarps you see all over, one for each window on the river side. I knew the sliders would be okay, being newer and stronger. I bought a bladder to put in the bathtub which would hold 100 gallons of drinkable water. Typically we don't lose our water, but I felt comfortable having it. We did not fill it, however. 

Because Lori was so scared and had told people on the phone more than once, "No, they don't board their windows..." I asked Mitch from The Club to bring some plywood for the two windows. He came Saturday, his nephew helping him, but he refused to destroy my lovely woodwork with putting up the wood. He left his tools in case we needed to quickly put up boards but just couldn't justify doing it. He said much that calmed Lori and having the boards at the ready helped, too. Nothing on The Club was boarded up, he told us and it's older than The Palace. God bless him!

After watching both our football teams win their games, Justin and Kerry put up the tarps. Kerry was a willing and able worker, loves to be busy. Justin used the screw gun Mitch left to put up the tarps and then leaned the plywood sheets in front of the windows. Justin made room for me in his bedroom, clearing off his little loveseat and even putting a comforter over the top of it for more cush. Last time we had such a storm I stayed across the hall but that's where Lori was. Kerry had an airbed set up in the living room where the TV was (she is like me). At one point after we lost power we moved her bed into Justin's room so it was more quiet. 

Something woke her up and she moved out to the living room again. It was in there she heard the drip drip drip behind the loveseat. Nuts!  We had the other catch basins in place but didn't go back there. I got Justin up and together we moved the loveseat out and put down a plastic layer plus basins. Kerry had added some more on the other side as they were filling up quickly. Like I said, she was a little fireman running around and taking care of business!

Monday, September 4, 2017

My sisters are coming!

Well, it took a little while, crippled by the fact that Kerry was at work, but the two ladies have decided to come for their visit anyway. Lori and I were talking forth and back, actually talking on the phone while I messaged with Kerry who was working the pm shift. Because of the pending hurricane and the uncertainty as to direction, and so on, Lori wasn't sure they should come. She had purchased trip insurance but it seems that does not cover concern over possible bad weather. I told Lori to please not figure me into this decision at all, I would NOT blame them for not coming. Those WI girls would be miserable if the storm did affect us and we were without power for a period of time. Lori assured me she was not good in emergencies---I think it's brave of her to know that. 

Lori was going to let Kerry decide if they should postpone but Kerry didn't want to be the one to make that decision. She had the most to lose, like her vacation days, etc. since Lori is retired now. Finally, I got the message from Lori that they were going to come and face whatever they had to face. YAY!!!

I had told EVERYONE at the pool for weeks about them coming, some of the ladies remembering Kerry's visit from 2010 and others remembering Lori from my birthday party in early 2016. My other friends knew about it too, plus I joke about standing up on Hwy. 17 with a sign to let people know I was getting company. My two sisters were e-mailed the proposed plan for daily activities, including websites so they could check the venues and the time of day for the events. Lori did write back in acknowledgement saying, "I like you are making plans for us, but not the 9:00 am stuff..." I know that already but I hoped she'd be able to rouse herself on those occasions. Kerry and I are early to bed and Lori is a late to bed/later to rise person. We'll make it work. 

One day a while back I was having lunch with Terri and her sister, Gayle, at Longhorn. I mentioned that I had sent the schedule of events to my sisters for their pending visit. Gayle looked at me quizzically, and said, "I don't know if I have ever visited anywhere, or hosted anyone where there was a schedule..." Of course, there's a schedule! We are packing as much fun into that week as we can endure!! Terri and I laughed a bit since Gayle is quite a planner, too. Perhaps she didn't quite understand what I'd done, but it was funny at the time. 

Justin is still staying over in Mandarin as a house and dog sitter, but has taken time to be here to make sure things are ready for the ladies. I went to the store and got the items they asked to have on hand (I asked them what they wanted) plus I got a few things to have on hand in case the storm does come this way. Justin has the guest room made up, the housekeeper has been here and polished things to within an inch of its life. All that remains is setting up Kerry's airbed in the living room. She needs the TV just like I do. He said he will also drive to get them from the airport tomorrow evening. They land, Lord willing, just be 6:00 pm so our plans are to dine at 4 Rivers, a bit of local flavor for our guests, on the ride home. He'll have to head right back to Mandarin then to let the dogs out to potty and I'm sure the ladies will be tired from a long day of traveling. 

Kerry has to work tonight until 11:00 and then go home to try to sleep. In the morning she is driving an hour and a half to Manty, leave her car at a friend's garage, and then our sister, Jill, will pick her up and take her to Mom's house where Lori and Lynn are. Whew! Why they didn't fly from Green Bay escaped me, closer for Kerry and I think Lori could have gotten a ride up there from Manitowoc. Since Lynn broke her ankle, she cannot take them to the airport so other arrangements needed to be made. Kerry found a private party who knew her father-in-law who will drive them to MKE. Neither lady likes to drive in the big city so other arrangements need to be made. Like I said, a long day of traveling for the ladies. Oh, I sure do hope that storm misses us!!! 

Friday, September 1, 2017

From my friend, Mary

Rules For Our Sons:
1. Never shake a man’s hand while sitting down.
2. There are plenty of ways to enter a pool. The stairs ain’t one.
3. The man at the grill is the closest thing we have to a king.
4. In a negotiation, never make the first offer.
5. Act like you’ve been there before. Especially in the end zone.
6. Request the late check-out.
7. When entrusted with a secret, keep it.
8. Hold your heroes to a higher standard.
9. Return a borrowed car with a full tank of gas.
10. Don’t fill up on bread.
11. When shaking hands, grip firmly and look him in the eye.
12. Don’t let a wishbone grow where a backbone should be.
13. If you need music on the beach, you’re missing the point.
14. Carry two handkerchiefs. The one in your back pocket is for you. The one in your breast pocket is for her.
15. You marry the girl, you marry her whole family.
16. Be like a duck. Remain calm on the surface and paddle like crazy underneath.
17. Experience the serenity of traveling alone.
18. Never be afraid to ask out the best looking girl in the room.
19. Never turn down a breath mint.
20. In a game of HORSE, sometimes a simple free throw will get ’em.
21. A sport coat is worth 1000 words.
22. Try writing your own eulogy. Never stop revising.
23. Thank a veteran. And then make it up to him.
24. If you want to know what makes you unique, sit for a caricature.
25. Eat lunch with the new kid.
26. After writing an angry email, read it carefully. Then delete it.
27. Ask your dad to play. He won’t let you win. You have to earn it.
28. See it on the big screen.
29. Give credit. Take the blame.
30. Write down your dreams.
31. ONLY THE REAL SURVIVE (You dont Work you dont Eat)
32. Look a person in his eyes when you're talking to them.
33. Walk closest to the curb when walking with a female.
34. Love your mother because you won't get another.
35. Say it with your chest all the time!
36. Never break your word.
37. Never use a urinal next to another man.
38. Learn how to cook. Feed yourself.
39. If you walk in your fathers' footsteps, make them bigger!
40. Be a father to your child one day.

Friday, August 18, 2017

It's finally happened...

...not like I was wishing for it, though. My sister, Lynn, who lives in a second floor apartment, has taken a tumble down the stairs. No, not her own stairs, but those at the house in Sheboygan where she takes care of her grands. She said she didn't count the steps as she came back down because Manny and Gabe were behind her and they were talking with her. She had bags of clothes in each hand, no hand on the rail. Oops! Fortunately, she landed on the bag on one side and didn't hit her head. Unfortunately, she did injure her ankle. I have been dreading this for years, fearful of her especially, but all my sisters and Linda who have stairs to deal with. I just hate this!!!

Gabe wanted to get her up right away but Lynn asked to just lie there a bit to access the situation first. I'm not sure how she did get up but she made it to the sofa with a gimpy ankle. Angelo came out of his room and Lynn said to him, "Grandma fell down the steps, Angelo..." He looked at her all sad like, then went to his room. Out he came with a blanket which he sniffed and said, "This doesn't smell too bad..." and covered her up. Then he went back and came out with a stuffed animal for her to hold. I know, I cried, too, when she told me this. 

As she drove home, she wondered if she should see a doctor for her ankle, and decided to go to the "hop" in clinic. It was from there that Jill had to go collect her, crutches and all, as she had a broken ankle. I don't know how in the world she'd have gotten up her stairs so I am glad she decided to stop at the clinic. Mom said Lynn could stay with her so that's where are at present. 

Jill will have two people to watch over now, though Kerry is there today. Kerry likes to cook and can hopefully make some meals ahead. Lynn is having quite a time figuring out the crutches. I know I would be in a fix if it was me. One of my friends who had a foot injury a while back used a kneeling walker that allowed her to get around all over, even down to the pool! I wonder if I could get one of those for Lynn to use instead of the crutches.

When I talked to Mom about her 'sick girlie' (what my Grandma Sickles used to call us when we showed up sick at her house), Mom asked, "Well, when are you coming?" Oh, boy, that's just what they need, another body in that apartment! I offered to send food (Amazon), help find medical equipment, get meals arranged (I do have a long reach, you know!) but those offers were declined. Mom said they'll manage and I am dying to know how, but, oh well, I offered! 

Lynn does have a daughter who lives in town and I do hope that she is helpful to the ladies. Lynn is the one who normally handles the driving and taking of Mom, since she is retired. Jill is still working, running the ice cream parlor, so has less available time. Lynn has to see the ortho doctor next week and find out what needs to be done, if anything, other than the boot she is already sporting. Glad Mom has a fleet of walkers at her disposal!

Monday, July 31, 2017

Gasp! and Longing

We have a new pastor, Newlin Schafer, at our church. He was installed on the 16th of the month and has already preached for us three times, once prior to the official start of his service. This week his doctrinal word to examine was 'longing'. He spoke about the various things people long for, in his case, longing for the birth of their next baby, and so on. Pastor also mentioned about longing for people to come, even standing on one's tip toes to see down the road for the company to arrive. Yes, that's me, alright! I get so excited when company is coming.

A couple weeks ago Mom and I were talking on a Sunday afternoon. I asked her about church and the hymns they sang, etc. and also about Bible study. The subject for summer is taking a walk through the Supplement hymnal, examining the hymns. When I was there in May, we looked at "In Christ Alone", fleshing out the doctrine found in the text of the hymn. The hymn Mom and the class looked at that particular day she declared was from Advent season, but I couldn't find it in the CWS. I did find it later in the next section of the hymnal but that's okay. For our discussion, and theirs, one of the words they fleshed out was 'gasp'. What was something that made a person gasp? Seeing a mouse? No, we're talking about good gasps here. 

I came up with seeing something beautiful, scenery or landscape (the Amalfi coastline came to mind) or a garment that just strikes you right. Mom said looking at a baby, the parents gasp in amazement. All good things. I remember gasping and then bursting into tears when I saw the view from kitchen through the family room and porch to the lake when I toured that home I bought on Doctors Lake. That is a true GASP!!!

Then, I suggested, "Company coming!" and she disputed that. Nope, not gasp-worthy in her book. Of course, I didn't back down and insisted I DO gasp when company comes, that I love to entertain and enjoy people. Mom's answer was, "Well, what if a person doesn't want any company? What if it's not someone you want to visit?" Oh, that just made me so sad to even think that, but she was right---not gasp-worthy if you don't want them to come. 

May I long for the coming of my houseguests and visitors and gasp when they arrive! And may I long for the coming of the Lord to take us all home to Him. I know for sure that is gasp-worthy, with the trumpet sounds and angels and singing and seeing Christ face-to-face. "...what bliss beyond compare..." GASP!!!

Saturday, July 22, 2017

Love when my friends meet!

My day began with a last meal with Terri for a long while as she is leaving tomorrow morning for a vacation to Indiana with Charles. His family lives there and other than traveling up for his sister's funeral, they haven't spent 'good' time together. When Terri and I are together, it's also a good time. She brought Justin a funny birthday card about being 30, with a gift card inside. Nice! 

We enjoyed our breakfasts, Justin having his meal and I had my new favorite breakfast sandwich. Terri mixed it up today with a different choice than the Fruity Nutty Waffle she likes to get. She was planning to go see Gretchen one more time before her vacation. She is a doll! We hugged and kissed, then parted company, and headed back home.

I worked at my desk for a while before heading to the pool to have lunch with Debbie and her granddaughter, Violet. Dick is gone on a golf outing so the 'girls' were enjoying a pool day. Debbie has completed her radiation treatments following the lumpectomy and still has to protect the site of the treatment which is raw yet like a sunburn. She and I sat in the shade under the umbrella and watched Violet play in the baby pool. 

Something so cool happened, though. My new 'friend' from the neighborhood, also named Deborah, was talking to me from the pool, telling me that the Chef had hired one of her boys from the school where she teaches 'at risk' boys. I was glad to help facilitate that and glad that she shared the news with me. I, then, introduced the two Deborahs to each other and she joined our table. They had so much to talk about since Debbie runs the Teen Court in Clay County and is always looking for participants and the other Deborah is looking for outlets to help her students. LOVE IT!!! 

They are making plans to get together and see what can be worked out between the school and Teen Court, and Deborah might even get to help Debbie as a volunteer. The students who help with Teen Court can earn their service hours this way and learn much in the process. I am so excited for these ladies, for their efforts on behalf of the kids, and for The Club for extending the opportunity to these kids who are trying to get straightened out. God's blessings abounding!!!

Monday, May 22, 2017

More WI photos from May trip

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Lori drove over to Manitowoc on Mother's Day, arriving barely in time to meet the rest of us for lunch. (Mornings are not her friend.) She brought with her a freshly baked rhubarb pie. She served it to those gathered at Mom's house that afternoon, and ran out of forks, so I got the giant serving fork to eat with! 
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For the duration of our meal at Silver Valley, a buffet for Mother's Day, Mom had all her daughters together. Right after this photo was taken, Kerry had to head for home to get some sleep before going to work that night. Lori and me in the back row, up on the hearth, with Kerry, Lynn, and Jill in the next row, and Mom up front. She never wants to get her picture taken but I insisted. We have so few photos of us all together and time is running short! 
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The day after Mother's Day, some of us went to eat lunch at Late's Drive In, my first time there since remodeling was completed. The food was excellent! Enjoy my perch sandwich greatly!
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Linda had surgery on Monday, had to recuperate at home. Lori needed Internet so she drove us over to see Linda and to tap into her Internet. Linda's cat was guarding her so she didn't move around too much, very territorial! Lori at last got the information she needed to send off Mom's DNA sample to do her Ancestry thing. This should be fun to see how Mom's test comes back. Oddly, two sisters who did the tests did not show much German at all, even when all the family history says Germany...
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Here are Lynn's three grandsons, getting so tall and handsome. Gabe is the oldest, then Manny just a little more than a year younger. Up front, that little cutie pie, is Angelo, who is going into 1st grade this next year. Love their chin dimples!
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Jill and I went to eat at the newer Mexican restaurant in town while Lynn and Mom attended a piano recital in which Gabe and Manny were participating. We had a very nice evening, and saw some customers Jill had taken care of in the parlor earlier in the day, a group of fellows on a trip. That was kind of cool. They were so nice.
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This is one of my favorite pictures of Mom. She was laughing at something Linda said and I caught her without Mom even knowing it. Love the naturalness of it. 
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On my flight back home, I had a sweet little guy sitting next to me. His mom and younger sister were across the aisle. He kept himself busy with a video game but after a while he got sleepy and took a nap. Little by little his shiny little head found my arm and then rested on it. I had my arm somewhat raised to support his head so it wouldn't hurt his neck. The mom looked over and saw this and started to say something but I motioned to her that it was fine. Little did she know how much I was loving this, and how much effort it took on my part to not stroke his hair....

Wisconsin trip in photos

From May 6 to the 20th I spent time in Manitowoc with my family and friends. Part of that time included worship, Bible study, school activities for my nephews, and yes, even dining out! 

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This Sunday was Examination/Confirmation Sunday. 9 students answered questions and gave witness of their faith based on the Catechismal studies and did a fine job of it. 
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Linda and I had lunch together at the Courthouse Pub on Monday. We had a great time together! She ate all her salad, but I couldn't eat all my burger and fries. I'd rather talk, anyway

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I absolutely refused to take my coat to WI but fortunately Mom had one of my 'old' jackets in the closet yet. Needed it almost every day! Linda and I went shopping and such in Two Rivers and I found this 'original' bubbler in Schroeder's Dept. Store. Had to take a sip!
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Linda and I also went shopping and to lunch in Green Bay one day. Oh, my!!!  Our friend, Debbie H, had told us about a big sale happening at CJ Banks and I really cleaned up. People who have to look at me will be glad to see me wearing some new tops. Once back in Manitowoc, Lynn and I went shopping at Kohl's on her day off and I got a few more tops there. Such good sales---can it really be end-of-season this early in May?? At the checkout in Kohls I was struck by this display of items from the Golden Book series. When Justin was little, he enjoyed Golden Books and one particular video, "The Great Harbor Rescue" which I could put on twice for him after we got home from work/day care. In that period of time, I somehow magically threw our dinner together. Those days are a blur but we still have our VHS tape of 'the get up and go' movie!
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Jill's son, Jamie, messaged Lynn while we were at the Coffee Shop the Saturday before Mother's Day to report his boys and he were coming up for a surprise visit. We were to not say anything and they would surprise her at Grandma K's. Jill wept when she saw them in Mom's kitchen and put big hugs on them. Jamie could only stay the day but that was nice that he came. Later Lynn had her grandsons come and they went to play in the park across the street from Mom and Jill's building. It's not often the cousins get to see each other, much else play, so this was great!

Sunday, May 21, 2017

Look at that shiny stove!

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When I got home from WI, this is how I found my stove. Rarely do we/I see the top of it and he had it all polished up. The counter tops were equally cleaned off and polished using Clorox wipes. 
Last August I sent this photo of our stove top to Terri's sister, Gayle, after we had a discussion about this. She is quite handy in the kitchen. I explained that my stove is seldom used for cooking. Storage? Yes! Cooking? Less!

Now you can see why I was quite impressed to see my range looking so brightly polished and cleared away of boxes!

Saturday, April 29, 2017

PACE clothing give away

A week ago Friday I joined my friend, Terri, and her sister, Gayle, over at church to sort and fold clothes which Terri had hauled from her office. I didn't know they were going to do this and was happy to be part of the fun. I can sort and fold clothes to beat the band and do enjoy doing it for the girls. There was much much more clothing coming from the PACE Center which Terri would get help moving on Wednesday. 
This past Thursday Terri and the gang had gotten everything hauled from the back classroom where it was stored to the Fellowship Hall at church where we began in earnest with more sorting and folding. Besides the ATT Pioneers volunteers, Gayle, plus Janet B., from our congregation, came to help. When we had the room all set up Michael came in from the classroom and took our photo. 
 On Friday morning, we were ready for the girls from PACE to come and do their 'shopping'. I was privileged to help this young lady with her selections. The number of items they get to take is based upon an earned point system in the school year. Two young ladies had acquired enough points to get 50 items! They get to choose from the hanging clothes, folded items, purses, lingerie, sleepwear, and even shoes. 
 The girls were transported by their own PACE vans from their school to our church, about 12 at a time. Terri's group is quite organized with the way things are handled for the selections and bagged up. This is important since they are under a time crunch. I thought of Supermarket Sweepstakes where folks run through the aisles of the grocery store and throw stuff into the shopping cart to beat the clock. 
 Here's some of the room all done up and ready to be dug through. In between the visits from the girls we'd have about 45 minutes during which time we'd restack the clothes which had been rummaged through, locate empty hangers in the racks (the hangers were very nicely placed in boxes for the next event) and we'd move some stuff around on the racks to make them easier to see. Some of the groups had quiet girls while others had more excitement. I'm sure it's a bit overwhelming especially for some of the girls who come from less than ideal circumstances or from poverty. At the end of the shopping, I was completely worn out and excused myself while the ladies set about packing up. Terri had to be sure the Fellowship Hall was turned around and ready for Bible study on Sunday morning. She reported to me that she had done just that. 

Thankfully they could wheel some of the racks to the back classroom where they can be gone through again before being packed up for the next time. I look forward to helping with that next week, I'm sure!

Monday, April 17, 2017

I hate the words "used to"

Hate is a strong word, I should modify it to 'dislike' that group of words. One of my friends at church, Jackie, in her 80's, told me more than once how she has come to hate those words. "I used to be able to drive at night..."; "I used to be able to shop for hours...", "I used to be able to sleep all night..." and so on. All the things we used to do, or were able to do. I used to dance like my pants were on fire. Now, they'd have to actually be on fire for me to move like that! And then I'd not be able to walk for the rest of the week. 

Several years ago my sister, Lori, was telling how her husband and she were moving furniture around in their split-level. What formerly would have been a simpler task proved to be quite taxing. In Lori's words: "My days of carrying sofas down the stairs are over..." She 'used to' be able to carry stuff easily, but now, not so much. The physical limitations are just that---limiting. 

I remember how I 'used to' do many things on the job sites including demo work, nailing drywall, stapling insulation, nailing floors, staining and varnishing trim, painting walls and ceilings, painting the exterior of our homes. I used to be able to climb ladders, once even getting onto the roof of a house, but found myself unable to address the ladder when it was time to go back down! In those days, my husband was able to swing and lower me by my hood onto the rungs of the ladder. He 'used to' be able to handle me, as it were. 

Some of the things I used to do I don't miss much but there are other things for which I do wish. One is to hear my son's voice. I can make that come true by having my video tapes converted to DVDs. Not sure what is preventing that, it's on me to make it so. I used to be able to Jazzercise, now it takes all my strength to move from chair to bed to car to place where I am going. That might be an exaggeration but not too far off. My joints complain and my back hurts. I used to be able to pack up a household in really good time, whereas now, I'd have to sit down every few minutes to accomplish the task. At least I can still tell others, the able-bodied, what to do yet!

I used to wear big, heavy glasses but after having LASIK surgery, I no longer have to wear those. However, I am at a point where glasses might now be necessary again, after 17 years. Hopefully not so heavy and I am sure so large, though that is presently the style people are wearing. We shall see (ha ha)! I never used to take afternoon naps but now I do, every time I can. I never used to procrastinate but now I do, much to my chagrin. 

I 'used to' a lot of things, some of which I miss, and others I do not. I don't hate it yet as much my older friend does, but I imagine I shall some day. 

Monday, April 3, 2017

Looking at relationships

There is a scene in one of Justin's and my favorite movies, "Julie and Julia", where Julie has a sad lunch with her friends and comes to the realization about who or what they really are---terrible people! At least, that's the way they come across in the restaurant scene, totally self-absorbed and full of themselves. Simple Julie meets another friend later on and asks her the rhetorical question, "What does it means if we don't like our friends?" Quite telling. Are they truly friends or just people we know? 

I've had some recent experiences and communications which proved troubling, leaving me feeling sad and unsettled. What's going on with people? Why so touchy? Are our relationships so valueless and unimportant that they can be disposed of without any sense of loss? I hate to even think how close I've come to figuratively giving a pop on the snoot and say, "Knock it off!" The question is for how long does a person tolerate being poorly treated or spoken to before severing ties? When it's one's own family acting poorly toward the others in the relation, that is a tough situation. From the outside, it is easy to make suggestions on how to make the repairs to the relationship. The more people involved, the more complicated it becomes. It all gives me a headache, and sometimes, a heartache. Deep and abiding sadness, messing with my joy. Hate it, just hate it, for all of us. 

Monday, March 13, 2017

Deeply sad news

Last night before I was ready to drop off to sleep, my phone went off. It was Jean from church, calling me to report some terrible news. A long time friend of the family, church and school ties, had died earlier that day. Twila's grandson, Mark, same age as Justin, had problems with drugs. At this time it is unsure what caused his death but likely it was life-style related. Jean said that Twila didn't want this news publicized yet, but felt she just had to talk, and I was glad to be here for her. 
Mark, Robbie, David, and Justin 2009

Mark went to live with his grandparents when he was about 9 years old, after his mom died. Mark's parents were divorced and the dad was not equipped to care for him so the grandparents took over. Twila talked to me about sending Mark to St. Johns, and since 3rd grade Mark and Justin were in school together, graduating in 2006. Church and school friends, and neighborhood friends as well. The boys were confirmed in faith together in 2002, with their friend, Robbie. 

After Jean called me, I went to see if Justin was still awake, but he was not. Apparently the news got out other ways because before I went to sleep, folks were reaching out to me, asking me for information, etc. I let Robbie know this a.m. on a private message, and I let Justin know last night in the same fashion, fearing he'd see it on Facebook first. So far I haven't heard from him about this, he will have all day to process it, as will I. 

I have so many memories of experiences with Mark including mischief the boys got into at our homes, shared meals when the boys were in confirmation classes,  carpooling to school, birthday parties, church events...Oh my! Twila and I were raising boys the same age, though she is about 20 years older than me. My heart is so heavy with all this, breaking for Twila. When Timmy died Twila was at my house the next morning to be with us. I wish I could do the same but she has asked for no phone calls or visits just yet. I will respect that, but only to a point. 

Jean, Twila's sister-in-law, suggested I share this news with those at Bible study this a.m. So far I have not been asked to place them on the Prayer Chain but I am ready when the family is. Such a sad ending to this young man. On the same day my son was voted onto the church Council, Twila's grandson died. It's just so hard to process. May the Lord comfort Twila on these most sad days...

Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Celebrating friends

Today was a gathering at The Club to celebrate a couple of birthdays including my friend, Nancy W. The past few years we would meet at a nearby Brew House which had its pluses, but more minuses for some of us. One thing is they don't serve soda, and another is the seating is at hightops---most uncomfortable for those with back troubles. So, this year they chose The Club and for that, I rejoice!

Two of the three birthday celebrants were at our table, and once we ordered, the ladies got busy passing out the gifts. I was so impressed with the amount of apparent thought that they put into their gift shopping. The cards Nancy got were just about all themed around cats, since she is the cat lady of the group. Her gifts were right up her alley, chosen with her likes in mind, obviously carefully so. One of the ladies gave her a bracelet in a most beautifully decorated box, something her daughter does as a hobby. The box alone was a gift!
We sure enjoyed our time together and am glad to be included in this circle of friends. Nancy and these ladies all live on our property north of The Club and allow me to sit in on their Trivia team each month. At the table they were talking about how they've taken up canasta as a group, taking turns as hostess for it. Another lady had out of town guests and had a bounty of leftovers to be eaten up so everyone is going to her house for dinner tomorrow night. That works! Love this for Nancy and for all of them!

Monday, January 30, 2017

Such behavior!

Tonight I found myself again in a TV drought, there being nothing I cared to have on, really, as I worked at my computer. So, eventually I turned on reruns of "Everybody Loves Raymond". It was a terrible episode, as so many of them are, regarding the behavior of the husband and wife toward each other. The husband, Ray, is made out to be a total fool (and tonight, he was!) and his wife, Debra, was a shrew, as usual. Their common roles are husband as child and wife as mother to their children and Ray. Ugh! I hate that!

The story line tonight was about a suitcase left on the stairs landing, each of them holding out for the other to carry it upstairs. Weeks went by, each one glaring at the other behind their backs about ignoring their single piece of luggage on the stairs. At one point Debra walks through wearing a top which was in the luggage which really irked Raymond, prompting him to blurt out about the stand off to his father. His dad encourages him to stand his ground, typically. 

Ray had to go on a business trip and, instead of taking the suitcase with him, he put his belongings in a plastic bag, like a hobo. Talk about stubborn! Marie came over to the house and wondered what stunk. Debra and she sniffed around the rooms and determined it was coming from the suitcase. Before he left, Raymond had put a chunk of stinky cheese in it, that rascal. I guess he didn't consider that his stuff in that bag was going to smell like rotten cheese, too. Did he not need his shaving kit from the bag for his business trip? 
Image result for everybody loves raymond suitcase on stairs
Anyway, they both behaved so badly that I could hardly watch, but I wanted to see how it resolved. Eventually when Ray came home Debra was determined to be the better person and "win" by carrying it upstairs. Then Ray wanted to be the bigger person, have the upper hand, as it were, over Debra by taking it up. They proceeded to have a tug of war over it, Ray holding Debra's legs as she tried to hold the suitcase. And then brother Robert walked in and asked, dead pan, "how's the suitcase situation coming?" 

It doesn't show how it finally resolved but my guess is that every time they traveled in the future, there were thoughts of a stand off repeat, 'cause that's the way they are. And not once did the three children show up in any of the scenes. How does that happen? 

Did/do people think this was amusing when it was new, or were they upset by it like I am? I should have taken Justin's advice and save some of my daytime listening for at night on Mondays to avoid this type of thing! Ugh!

Friday, January 20, 2017

Well, it's done!

The United States of America has a new president serving the nation. The parades have ended (or have they???), the swearing into office made it official this a.m., and the celebratory balls are taking place. I've kept my thoughts and opinions to myself, for the most part, since I had no dog in this fight other than the political party and policies which I support. While I would dearly have loved to have a truly Constitutional man in this office, going through all the pomp and circumstance, the voters/electors chose differently, despite the best efforts of the media. 

Many in our country, however, do not agree and have taken to the streets to express their displeasure. Windows are being broken in buildings and automobiles, trash and other things being lit on fire in objection to the transfer of power. The media is obsessed with the coverage thereof, showing split screens of the anarchists terrorizing city streets. Much is taking place in DC and New York, with more participants from which to draw, aside from those being bused in, to take to the streets. This is not an organic outcropping of unrest. This has been cultivated since election day, gas being poured on the fire of disappointment. 

When Romney/Ryan lost back in 2012, Justin and I were just so so so sure they were going to win. We were dumbfounded when the election results were coming in. What? How can this be happening? We'd made a celebratory meal and luscious dessert to celebrate the victory. That dessert ended up in the fridge for at least two days before either of us felt like eating it. We were devastated. I wept, not sure if he did or not. It took me months to feel like myself again, the election results being a constant reminder of 4 more years of the same or worse. But not one window was smashed. Not one fire was set. Neither of us marched or chanted. I mourned for my nation and myself in the privacy of my home or with my fellow like-minded folks. We did it differently. It is safe to say that even if the opposing candidate had won this time neither Justin nor I, nor the folks with whom we associate, would have gone on a rampage. Nope. 

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

An afternoon at the movies

Somehow, in my old age and being discombobulated, I accidentally double booked myself for this day. Nancy and I had made plans to go to the movies today, and she would ask Toni to join us. That was all arranged but then some of her neighbors wanted to have lunch first (but not go to the movie). We were all set up to do just that when I got a text at dinner Monday night from my friend, Stephanie, asking if we were still on for lunch Tuesday. Oops!  

I excused myself from the lunch with Stephanie and Jean, planning for the following week instead. Glad she is forgiving and flexible like that. Then, Nancy let me know that now she has a scheduling problem. A classmate of Toni and hers had their spouse die and their presence was requested for a lunch Tuesday. Of course, I excused them. I still planned to see the movie and one of her neighbors, Janelle, was going with me. But then she also decided to get her iPad repaired instead at St. Johns Town Center. So, then I called Judy C. and made plans with her to see the movie. There, that works!

She offered to pick me up since it's on her way to Fleming Island. I had already told her it was my treat because she shortened a pair of pants for me. We saw "Hidden Figures", a truth-based story about the black women who worked as human computers behind the scenes for NASA. The story told what life was like for them in their workplace, segregated and such, and how eventually they were able to climb up in their jobs, gaining the respect of their peers. At the end of the movie snapshots were shown of the actual women portrayed and told about what they all accomplished in their years at NASA, and after. VERY good movie, I highly recommend seeing it. One I will most assuredly purchase when it comes out on DVD. 

The best thing was that it was 'cheap day' at the theater, discounted tickets and refreshments. We had a good number of folks in the theater with us which was great to see. Most people gasped at the same scenes as those around them, shocked to see how people were treated and how they thought back in the early 60's. These ladies and their co-workers were ambitious and wanted to flourish in their careers. That is always encouraging. 

Justin and I just had leftovers from our 'tailgate' party Sunday, reheating brats and beer cheese soup for our dinner. I wanted to eat earlier tonight because I'd had breakfast with Terri this a.m. and left about half of it, and had only a portion of a bag of popcorn this afternoon. I was plenty hungry for our dinner. And now I'm  tired so sleep well, all!  

Saturday, January 7, 2017

Sad January

Last night I read a lovely post from a newer friend of mine who served on the Board with me at The Club. Doris wrote how her door is always open, her sofa is perfect for comforting, and tea is always at the ready in case anyone is hurting and needs to talk. I love that! She went on to say how January is often depressing for many folks, with the third Monday being the day the most suicides take place. To what is this attributed? She didn't say, but my guess is the let down following the build-up of the holidays, putting the decorations away, the bills start to come, tax info arrives in the mail, the weather is grumpy...All that stuff. Yes, it can all be a real downer.

For me January is sad for an additional reason. It was in this month that my world turned upside down, having my son die. The sorrow is now less but flares up as the anniversary draws near. Timmy died on the 14th and his funeral service was the 19th, what would have been his 5th birthday. I am so glad we chose to do that day, it simply had to be that day. When I was in WI recently my mom was talking about how long it takes to get to the airport. My sister, Kerry, had asked and when I answered it was about 30 minutes, Mom corrected me. She was emphatic that it took 45 minutes because she rode back and forth to the airport multiple times during that 'funeral week' as our families traveled. She has forgotten that I live much closer to the freeway now.

Today is also the anniversary of the passing of a dear friend from church, Gordy. I was so mad at myself that day, having intended to stop at the Hospice facility on my ride back from Bible study. I was so deeply engrossed in a radio program that I drove right passed the exit, forgetting about wishing to turn there. I decided to just go back that evening...As it turned out, Gordy had likely died about the time I missed the exit. Michael was there with him, being his long time family friend, as were a couple other church members, plus his family. Remembering this always makes me sad, and mad at myself for forgetting to exit. 

In my e-mails this afternoon came a notice from GroupOn advertising tickets for the Ringling Bros. Circus. For Timmy's birthday, our plans had been for my spouse, Justin, Timmy, and our neighbors/employee's kids to attend the circus. I would not be going due to recovering from surgery. Every year in January I get the notice about tickets for the circus, and every year I remember how they did not get to go. 
Gordy having a nice MGD with Brian at our church picnic

Later I might join my friend, Terri, and some of her family as they gather at Miller's Ale House to drink a MGD as a toast to her daddy. Gordy was a frequent guest at the Ale House and everyone knew his beer of choice. It was served at his funeral meal as well. Cheers, Gordy!