What a Mess That Turned Out to Be!

As I am listening to the Clay and Buck Show, whose tagline is "With Time Slot on Loan From Rush", they are recounting some of the foolishness put in place for the virus the past couple of years. In some places, the restrictions are yet in place including on airplanes, where wearing face masks is still required. Many are hoping that restriction gets dialed back sooner rather than later, especially since the air on the planes is considered to be already well filtered. The airlines are ready to let go of it, too much time spent on enforcement, but the unions (again!) are the ones dragging their feet on it. Sure does make air travel that much more less enjoyable. Recently I ate at Cracker Barrel with Terri, and I noticed so many folks were yet wearing face masks. You would think that they would notice that hardly anyone else was sporting such coverings but some folks are of such a mind that the mask is a security device rather than beneficial to one's health. We have some older folks at church who continue to wear face masks, even in the pew, as they sit alone, in the front row. I asked the lady once what that was about and she said, "Oh, I guess we're just used to them..." Yup, I am sure that is what has happened to so many people. That didn't really take long, did it?

Sometimes I see people alone in the car, driving down the street, wearing a face mask. Now, are they so brainwashed by the press and faux medical reports that they are too scared to take them off? They are dependent on them, psychologically scared out of their wits of the virus. The media sure did a good job of freaking people out, and the leaders in the communities and even the churches backed up the fear invoked by those supposedly in the know. People were just so freaked out about being within 6', that magic number!, that folks would walk in front of moving cars on River Road to avoid passing too close to others walking along, outdoors. Oh, for heaven's sake!! First we did not need a face mask, it is of no use, later finding out that was a lie to prevent a run on the supply. Studies are showing now that the masks and all that other stuff was not as beneficial as we were lead to believe. Washing our hands for two minutes, while singing "Happy birthday" was another idea for practicing good handwashing when some thought the virus was shared on surfaces. "Don't touch your face!" "Keep your hands away from your eyes!" "Don't handle your mask!" It used to make me chuckle that restaurant workers would be wearing "sanitary" gloves while handling our food, dishes, napkins, etc. and then handling our credit cards and money! But, yes, please, wear the gloves!

Reading my Facebook Memories from 2020 it is noted that I still went to the store and would even shop for my neighbors if they did not wish to go out, at first seeing only an occasional mask and/or glove wearer. Such a false sense of security from the gloves, ridiculous! Anyway, I was and continue to be a serious user of hand sanitizer, having been on the receiving end of 1000 wrapped wipers back in 2015, from Justin! Our friend, OJ, was and is the same as me, so we were cool before everyone else. I am just neurotic, speaking for myself, not liking to handle the ketchup bottle or salt shakers in restaurants. People are used to me being that way. Also, I need to sit facing the door, though some in my group pooh pooh that desire of mine. 

My desire to go out, and interact with others, was stronger than my terror of the virus or of public scrutiny. My friends, Mo and Ro, joined me at the pool over at The Club most days during the lockdown, where we would sit at the tables after Mo would thoroughly scrub the chairs and table top with her sanitary Clorox wipes. She was being torn between being reasonable and scared out of her wits by their older daughter, who was a kindergarten teacher. Daughter was totally freaked (she is not a union member but reads their literature). Daughter would do the grocery shopping and leave it in the foyer or away from the main house to let the germs die before putting things away. So, it was total freak out on one hand and "let's go sit at the pool" on the other hand. 

Our WELS churches around here closed, my church closing for two months, out of concern for how it would look to the community if we continued to meet. I know it was a tough decision position to be in; it sure doesn't look good if a church that was preaching Fear Not! was alive with it! But, it was happening in communities that people would call the police if they saw too many cars parked at a certain place, even at people's homes!, as the mayor of Jacksonville put limits on how many could gather in one place at one time. Even at the grocery or other stores, no more than 50 people, including staff! Ridiculous, absolutely ridiculous. Anyway, back to church. Fortunately, Victory Lutheran had some systems already in place to broadcast via Facebook or the Internet so our pastor would go over there and he would share pastoral duties with their new pastor, Troy Schreiner. That poor guy really had a rough start here in Jacksonville between waiting a month to close on their home, having a hurricane brush by, and then preaching to an empty sanctuary! They would have an organist, sound person, and perhaps a couple others in the sanctuary and conduct a service which could be viewed live or later. Many other congregations were able to do the same type of thing so I got to watch services from all over the place, a silver lining to this situation! Lots of preaching in empty sanctuaries, reminded me of "Eleanor Rigby", by the Beatles!

                                        

                                 Terri and me on Easter Sunday, 2020, at church

Because our congregation was so small, it was not difficult for us to resume our in person worship just about two months after closing. We did get to partake of the Lord's Supper on two occasions during the shut down, once on Easter and again the following month. Pastor did a brief devotion for 9 people (only 10 people allowed in the room at a time then) and then offered us the Supper. The usual folks with whom I normally communed arranged to meet at that same time so we could attend together. Pastor would do this until he had to leave to join Pastor Schreiner over at Victory Lutheran for the worship broadcast. A church in our area, St. Peter (LCMS) where several of our members had joined, had such services every week, sometimes 19 times, until everyone who wished to attend and be served the Lord's Supper was taken care of.  For fear of transferring the virus on the hymnal pages, they were removed from the pews and ribbons separating the rows were put in place so we would sit only every other row. As Rush would say, symbolism over substance, but some people were so terrified about coming back that the leadership had to make it as "safe" a place as they could. As far as I was concerned, if a person was so scared, they should stay home. Like I said, it was a conundrum for the church leaders, fearing looking bad to the community or freaking out their members.

Our church also began a practice of video-streaming our service via Facebook, a practice continued to this day,  so those at home or away can watch LIVE services, or watch later. We eventually got our hymnals back though the practice of printing the entire service in the bulletin has now stuck and will continue.  Soon we will be updating our streaming abilities, more professionally done, as funds and time allow. There is movement to purchase the new hymnal and accompanying publications so we will be forced to get with the times. Hanging on for the dear life...

Love the Impromptu

Earlier today I let Linda know that I was going to be absent from our appointment to watch "The Five" tonight because of being invited to an art show opening at Santioni's Restaurant. I hate to leave Linda, cherish the time, but I had not spent time with my dear friend, Dee, the artist being shown, since last year! Just before the lockdown, Dee and Julia, former proprietors of Great Hang Ups Gallery, had met me for brunch at Just a Pinch on Fleming Island. It was going to be wonderful to see Dee and view her art show, with Jan Koss.  

                  

Some of Dee's artwork on display at Santioni's 

Friend, Mo, was not available to have lunch because of a dental appointment but she was free for dinner. I explained about the art show and suggested we have dinner while there. VERY early for me to eat, I reserved for us at 5:15, knowing that we would see the show and talk with enough people in an hour's time in the Amalfi Room at the restaurant. They were serving free pizza and wine but I brought my own soda, and Mo had some wine. It was just awesome to see my old friends from the Orange Park Art Guild, many of whom urged me to come back, even though I told them I was done with painting. 

One of the ladies I had mentored when I was involved in AGOP was there, and showed us some of her work which is permanently on display in the Amalfi Room. She did not really need a mentor! When the frame store closed, Julia went on to teach art, and many of my supplies went with her for use in the classroom. My time of painting had run its course and I was glad to share my supplies with those who could really use them. Sadly, Julia was not there last night, would have loved to see her again. 

Mo and I were seated in the main dining room at a cozy little table. She once more insisted on paying for my meal because of the assistance I am lending to Roland with his re-election efforts. Then, we got free dessert because Mo had asked for no cheese on her meal and it came with cheese anyway. The waitress felt badly even though the cheese peeled right off (who does not want cheese??). Mo had Key Lime Pie and I had a small styro cup of chocolate ice cream. We so enjoyed the time together, talking for hours, as is our practice! 

It was such a nice event and wonderful meal, Mo even knew a couple of people there, and met many more. At one point she told our hostess, Jan, that this was the first art reception that she had ever attended, and Jan told her to stick with "this girl" for many more firsts. Oh my!  I must really step up my game. Most assuredly I have lost a step in my older age here. As we drove home, Mo at the wheel, she said, "Don't you just love the impromptu things?" Yes, yes, I do!!!  God bless you, Mo!!! 

Trouble with the Ks

Sunday I had the privilege of attending a birthday party for my neighbor, Nancy L, who is celebrating her 90th year. It was my privilege to help her with the planning of this party, which was originally going to be managed by her daughters. She took control of the planning after some bickering broke out (naturally!) between the siblings. How much of that actually occurred requiring parental intervention versus Nancy's desire to be in charge, I do not know.  Anyway, my contribution was to go through Nancy's contact list for her to choose her guest list. I copied and pasted them into the body of an email to forward to her granddaughter-in-law who was taking care of the Evite. After we took care of that, we played a quick game of Scrabble which Nancy kindly allowed me to win, as my reward! 

As she already knew, I was going to be late because after church we had a Ladies' Group meeting which I needed to attend, as its President. Three times she asked me if I was coming, and three times I reminded her, and the Evite manager, that I was coming, but might be late. The time of the party was changed by an hour, due to the time change, which allowed me to arrive just as the plates were being served.  As I scanned the room for my seat, I was waved at by a friend, Terreca, and they took good care of me with a plate of food, a cup of ice (I brought my own soda!), and some tablewear to eat it with. Such nice folks at the table! 

I mention the Scrabble game because everyone had a name tag on, made from miniture Scrabble tiles!  One of Nancy's daughters came around and informed me that I had a name tag waiting for me at the entrance and went to get it for me. I was wearing my generic name tag that I keep in my purse. Jackie brought me the name tag and explained that they had trouble with the Ks as they fashioned the name tags, so they had to overwrite the labels used to make them. I remarked that it was like some of Nancy's Scrabble tiles, as she has replaced lost tiles using large buttons, with a letter and its value written on them. Fortunately it was not the Ks that needed replacement. It is difficult, impossible, to keep it a secret when you draw one of the button tiles, but she doesn't seem to care about that, so I try not to either. More than once I had offered to order replacement tiles for her, but she loves the buttons so I won't take away her fun from her. It is my hope that she continues to allow me to play with her, and occasionally allow me to win! She is one sharp cookie! 

Neighbors Kay, Nancy, and Jane at 

The Palace Book Club

How do you tell time?

Today as I was getting cleaned up and dressed in my bathroom closet area, I dried my hands on the dark grey towel hanging next to my sink. It occurred to me how old that towel is, having been purchased in the mid 1980's when my nephew Jamie was a baby! The color of the bathroom fixtures for that home were Kohler Warm Rose and Thunder Grey, and this hand towel remains from that period. The passing of time!

How weird that is to remember for which home a certain towel set was purchased! Having lived in many homes over the years, some things from each place do stand out. I have a couple striped hand towels remaining from the bathroom on the lower level in our lake house. The stripes coordinated with the striped bedskirt and valances, and yes, bedroom wall, in my adjoining bedroom. 

This late morning, Justin got out some more bins from the "Timmy" closet for me to go through. In one of them I found part of a set that hung in the kids Jack 'n Jack bathroom at The Preserve house, with a fish motif. It is presently in the washer with some other clothing items and a few stuffed animals. I was told the police dept. will accept the stuffed animals for taking with them on domestic calls when little ones are involved and need some extra comfort. Glad to share these from my kids with those who need some extra love. But the towel set stays, how else would I tell time?  

By the way, set your clocks ahead one hour when you go to bed on Saturday night! 

So, what's the story?

Any of you with siblings and parents know that each person has a different version of the same story. How does that happen? Often one of the storytellers will put a more negative spin on the incident being related while another person remembers it as being quite delightful. This came up recently when I was talking with my friend, Terri, about some family event and each one has a diffreent version of how things took place. 

Yesterday I was listening to an episode of "That's The Way I Heard It" by Mike Rowe.  When he was done with the playback, he went live on Zoom, talking with his elderly parents who live in Baltimore. Mike is relating chapters from a book he wrote and cannot get out to promote due to the pandemic (he lives in CA, need say nothing more) so he is using these programs to do so. Mike told a story about cutting down trees in their yard and neighboring woods to use in their wood burning stove. Well, that was a hoot!  Mike told the story one way in his book, and his dad, reluctantly, not to rain on his boy's parade, retold the story the way it really happened. And then Mom got into the fun and remembered the particular tree being in an entirely different place in their yard. For all we know, the tree cutting never took place, but he tells the story in so interesting a fashion that it would be okay if it was entirely a work of fiction! Three people, three different recollections of the same story...

On the news this week has been a high society story about the Royals who left the "life" of luxury in London and are airing their dirty laundry about the royal family.  It seemed like the more the interview went on with what many consider royalty in some circles, Oprah, the stories just got bigger and better, or worse, as the case might be. Of course, the royal family and the press all have other versions of the same story. 

It is distressing to me to have this much unnecessary coverage of this story while the Congress is passing an  horrendously expensive rescue bill (ha ha) and sinking our nation into incredible debt. All this spending is under the guise of helping the people suffering from the pandemic, but in reality, little actually is directed to the people. Typical pork barrel spending, and without much mainstream press attention.  The Royals are fiddling while Rome burns, in this case, the USA, as illegal immigrants are charging the southern border. Ask someone else about the story, and you will probably get a whole 'nother version of the outcome. By the way, gas was up to $2.85.9, a leap of 35 cents in less than a week. Send help!!! 

The Forty Day Challenge (or a lifetime of collections)

 Some recent posts and happenings have me pondering a few things. One of the posts is the "40 Day Lent Challenge" where a person is suggested to find something in their home every day for 40 days and place those items in a bag, to donate at the end of the period. My mind said that is not possible, I cannot let go of 40 items except when I clean out my closet. I have actually done that a couple of times, not long ago.

Another person shared the knowledge of having had to pack out her parent's home and had two weeks to do so. She said she wishes she could serve as a consultant to others on what to keep and what to get rid of well before someone has to do this for us. I did tell her I'd be interested to hear what she has to say. 

Today a friend at church reported having to do basically the same thing for a family member this past weekend and how much stuff was not worthy of being kept. So much work and effort involved in closing out someone else's household, someone else's life collections. 

Timmy's Booklet All About Him 

While my friend, Rosalie, was here visiting, she told me about a photograph she has of herself and Timmy, seated on the front steps of our home. She said, "That is my joy picture." My, that touched my heart so deeply! We went on to discuss a movement circulating now of walking through your home and deciding what gives you joy and what not so much, and freeing your home of the no joy items. 

A couple years ago my sisters had the daunting task of closing out my mom's apartment where she'd lived for many years. Even though we'd discussed the 'who got what' and all that some time ago, it still became a struggle when it came down to the actual sorting and packing thereof. Even with plans in place, it still was a chore to actually do it. 

A box of Timmy's belongings

How does a person begin such a purging? What if something happened and I'd suddenly (or Justin would suddenly) have to clean out my house? What do you think you'd absolutely have to keep and of what could you freely be rid? Would those items be something your family or friends would love, or wish to keep, or are they meaningless to others? I believe that if I choose to participate in the 40 day challenge, I can catch up without violating the concept.

For posterity’s sake

 As President Donald J. Trump prepares to leave the White House, I am making this post so it will show back up as a future memory on my timeline. This isn’t a political dispute. I am genuinely curious what the next 4 years will bring:

Today is 1 day until the Biden/Harris Inauguration. President Trump has returned to FL 

• Gas is currently $2.19 per gallon.

• Interest rates are 2.25 percent for a 30-year mortgage.

• The stock market closed at 30829.40 though we have been fighting COVID for 11 months.

• Our GDP growth for the 3rd Qtr was 33.1 percent.

• We had the best economy ever until COVID and it is recovering well.

• We have not had any new wars or conflicts in the last 4 years.

• North Korea has been under control and has not been testing any missiles.

• ISIS has not been heard from for over 3 years.

• The housing market is the strongest it has been in years.

• Homes have appreciated at an unbelievable rate and sell well.

• And let’s not forget that peace deals in the Middle East were signed by 4 countries—unprecedented!

• Unemployment sits at 6.7% in spite of COVID.

Joe takes over on 1-20-21. Let's see how the next four years fair.   Copied from a friend.

Stinky burgers

 This noon I fried up two hamburger patties I found in the freezer, age unknown. It has been a while since I have done such a thing, but since Justin has moved out, it is up to me to take care of such cooking. There were also some cheese slices in my crisper drawer, found when I cleaned out the fridge last week, age unknown on them also, which I used to make cheeseburgers. They spit and spat all over my stove top, a mess I will clean up shortly. 

As I was enjoying one of the burgers, eaten not on the moldy bread in my kitchen, but on a brat buns, a memory from my newly wed days came to mind. Part of the time in our first year of marriage found my husband laid off or on strike. We were often short on money. One time we were grocery shopping and came upon a deal for pre-pattied burgers for an amazingly low cost. We bought the box and figured we were all set for quite a while with that basic food. The first time we made a couple of burgers, we were surprised by the smell. Cooking in the house versus making on the grille??  Shrugs shoulders...And the taste?  Not good, not good at all. Something was off about these burgers.  Upon closer examination, the fine print indicated these might not be made from beef! What it actually was I cannot remember but it was not cows.

                           

Now what?  We have this box of possibly 40 burgers, minus what we cooked up the first time. To throw them out seemed horribly wasteful and sinful but we sure could not eat them, not able to stand the smell of them cooking nor the flavor or texture. Now that I think of it, there might have been soy involved in those patties. Then we had an idea...My former spouse's brother-in-law and six kids also lived in Milwaukee, with Ernie being a butcher. He would never make a mistake like we did but his kids would be none the wiser. 

We had a get-together with Ernie and his family, the adults having real hamburgers and the kids being served the boxed burgers.  That is where my memory stops--I cannot recall if they noticed the off- scent or taste, or even how many of those burgers were consumed. What I recall is pawning those 2nd class (or 3rd class?) burgers off on the kids. Lesson learned is to always check the label and when it seems too good to be true, it probably is!  By the way, I think I cooked up my two frozen patties just in time. My burger was good, but not like a fresh, hand-pattied burger from The Loop! 

Some sage advice

Now that I am 65 years of age, yes, it is true!, here is so advice I snitched from elsewhere to share. Most of it is easy enough to follow, while some might take a bit of effort to achieve: 

1  After loving my parents, my siblings, my spouse, my children and my friends, I have now started loving myself.

2  I have realized that I am not “Atlas”. The world does not rest on my shoulders.

3  I have stopped bargaining with vegetable & fruit vendors. A few pennies more is not going to break me, but it might help the poor fellow save for his daughter’s school fees.

4  I leave my waitress a big tip. The extra money might bring a smile to her face. She is toiling much harder for a living than I am.

5  I stopped telling the elderly that they've already narrated that story many times. The story makes them walk down memory lane & relive their past.

6  I have learned not to correct people even when I know they are wrong. The onus of making everyone perfect is not on me. Peace is more precious than perfection.

7  I give compliments freely & generously. Compliments are a mood enhancer not only for the recipient, but also for me.  And a small tip for the recipient of a compliment, never, NEVER turn it down, just say "Thank You.”

8  I have learned not to bother about a crease or a spot on my shirt. Personality speaks louder than appearances.

9  I walk away from people who don't value me. They might not know my worth, but I do.

10  I remain cool when someone plays dirty to outrun me in the rat race. I am not a rat & neither am I in any race.

11  I am learning not to be embarrassed by my emotions. It’s my emotions that make me human.

12  I have learned that it's better to drop the ego than to break a relationship. My ego will keep me aloof, whereas with relationships, I will never be alone.

13  I have learned to live each day as if it's the last. After all, it might be the last.

14  I am doing what makes me happy. I am responsible for my happiness, and I owe it to myself. Happiness is a choice. You can be happy at any time, just choose to be!

Why do we have to wait to be 60 or 70 or 80, why can't we practice this at any stage and age?