Watching and waiting for Fay

The storm is somewhat upon us, although not nearly as fierce as originally expected, or shall I say, predicted. Supposedly the eye of the now Tropical Storm Fay may still pass over Jacksonville sometime tomorrow. not as much wind problems as rainfall in the forecast. Therefore, I have decided to not do anything overly dramatic as far as my glass is concerned. I hope this doesn't come back to bite me at some point but I am trusting the wind speed predicted won't be sufficient to blow my windows out.

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Well, here it is--tomorrow--and the storm is upon us! It was not appearing to be terrible earlier this morning so we decided to venture out, after I checked to make sure Hang Ups was open. Julia said my ears must have been ringing because they'd just been talking about me before I phoned them. I wondered if Koko's was open and she thought it was, seeing the chef's cars parked out front. A plan is born! I'd wanted to take Noah around Eagle Harbor to show him the town, where we'd lived and so forth, and then over to Koko's to have an entertaining lunch. This is exactly what did, not driving in the rain or wind. Not the same could be true for our ride home, however!



Wow! Lynn and I came back here but the family went over to the Mall to exercise on the indoor playground, to help the boys burn off some energy. Lynn and I came back to the condo and were thoroughly drenched just getting from the car to the elevator. The plans for our condo social event were changed from the sundeck to one of the penthouse units instead. We might go up at least for a little while to say 'hi' and let my family see the view, for what it is today!



Last night for dinner we ate at home, with me doing the honors! I prepared meatballs with mushroom gravy, corkscrew pasta which the boys loved madly, steamed baby carrots, and tried a new recipe for Vidalia onion casserole. Mmm, that casserole was absolutely fabulous! For dessert I'd made a cherry amaretto pie and served it with vanilla ice cream. Oh, nearly forgot to mention the fruit bowl purchased from Publix. And we all survived eating food prepared in my kitchen---by me! I told Judy R. I'd share the onion recipe with her ONLY if it worked out so watch the mailbox, Judy! It came through Janet's friend, Karen, who is planning to make it for our pot luck on Sunday so I'll get to have it again very soon!



Right this moment, Manny is sitting across from me at the glass topped table playing with the Play Doh which his dear cousin, Justin, bought for them to help pass the time during the storm. Justin also brought the boys some fabulous coloring books but they are really enjoying playing with the Doh.

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Above is what I wrote until the Internet got lost on the 20th!!!!

Long time, no writing!

It's Tuesday afternoon and I'm sitting here with Justin, watching the palm trees toss in the wind. It's a waiting game, now, to see what happens with Tropical Storm Fay.

We drove to Orlando using both cars to accomodate the 'peoples' and the luggage. Justin rode with Lisa and Noah, keeping Manny company in the backseat. About half the trip was in rain which neither of us drivers much enjoyed, and it was a relief finally getting to the hotel.

Lynn was thinking it might be wise to stay at the hotel for the late afternoon and evening, hitting the park in the morning. Lisa said they were up for going anyway regardless of the forecast so off we went. By the way, the hotel, which we've stayed at before, was perfectly lovely.

It takes an incredible length of time to actually get into the park even after you've arrived---getting from the parking area to the tram, to the boat, to ticketing, admissions with bag searching, and then into the Magic Kingdom. A surprising number of "guests" remained on the grounds in spite of earlier storms, but we were thankful to only suffer from the humidity instead of rain the rest of the evening!

The boys, and Noah, enjoyed the time in the park starting with the Tiki Room. We also rode on the pirate ride which rather freaked out Manny at first. Everyone thoroughly loved It's a Small World, being able to nearly walk right on. Our longest wait was for the Jungle Cruise but the lines mostly kept moving along.

While the boys checked out Mickey's Play Area, Justin and I waited on a bench. They didn't spend much time there so we headed over toward Main Street on the choo choo train, in order to see the fireworks display. Lisa is a huge fan of Tinker Bell so she wanted a close view to see Tinker Bell soar from the top of the castle.

Lynn and I found a bench near the train station and exit to wait and watch the fireworks, while Justin went off with Ellisons. Soon he came back with a gift for his mama---a Mickey Mouse-shaped tray with a large rice krispy treat face, fudge and peanut brittle making up the ears. He bought it for me because he said it "looked like you (me)!" Justin was correct, I loved it!!!! He stayed with Lynn and me, being able to see the fireworks perfectly from our vantage point. It never ceases to amaze-----the great cross-section of the world which passes through DisneyWorld!

The boys were worn out by the time the crowds thinned enough for us to head toward the monorail for the ride to the parking shuttles. Manny fell asleep in Lisa's arms which ached from his weight before long. We stood in line for what seemed like hours for the monorail but eventually it was our turn. Two men gave up their seats to us, one for Lisa and one guy asked me to take his seat. Wonderful gesture, highly potent body odor surrounding me. Not only a day's worth, either, more likely months! It still was very polite of them to offer their seats for the ride.

We were separated going back to the parking lot so when the rest of us got there, Noah and Gabe were standing by the car, waiting. It felt wonderful to sit down again, and without any delays, arrived at the hotel. We gathered in our room first to have some sandwiches which I brought along in the cooler, leftovers from the pool party the day before. Following our snack, all retired for the evening, washed up and ready for a good night's sleep. Ahhh, it felt great to recline!

Lynn and I watched the weather to see what Fay was doing out there in the Gulf, then went to sleep. Justin slept in the parlor on the pull-out sofa rather than the bed portion. It probably would have been more comfy pulled out but he claims it was fine that way, which may be why he's asleep in the chair as I write this!!!

All of us met for breakfast which was quite tasty, hot to order. Love that Embassy Suites! Justin and I came back home, leaving the rest to enjoy the other half of their ticket value today. I hope they didn't get rained upon all day. Justin and I got groceries at Publix, driving home from Orlando without being rained on. Once inside the store, the heaven's opened!!! No one seemed to be panic buying, only 'normal' shopping as far as we could tell. We got some food stuff for dinners including veggies, as it never even occurred to me to buy any for the boys. They love veggies!!!

Now, we are waiting for them to get "home" here and watch for the storm to do something, besides ruin our pool time!!!!

Well, only a few more hours.....

...and I suspect they'll be a little more than tired when getting here! Their flight left Milwaukee at 6:00 a.m. I am not sure if they stayed overnight in MKE to make it easier on themselves or no, never asked the question. We have no plans for the rest of the day except just that---rest!!! Or whatever!

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In a few minutes I'll be heading out, first to have my car cleaned and washed, then over to church to finish setting up for communion. After church I'll head to the airport to wait for my peeps to soar in, expecting to land about 11:15 a.m.

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Already this a.m. I've worked up a sweat, attempting to clean the dust/dirt from my metal doors. I'd held off cleaning them until after the roof work was completed but wanted them to look half way decent for my guests. First I tried using the dusting tool on the vacuum cleaner but found little results. Then took my long handled fluffy duster thingy and moved the dirt around with it. With some pressure I was able to find the black paint again but they still are going to require soapy water and elbow grease to get them fresh looking again. Since I deliver The Palace Press door-to-door, I can see mine are not the worst looking ones in the building! This coming week a cherry-picker type crane is coming to apply what I call "the ruffle" around the edges of the roof which will delight the boys, I hope, as well as end the mess of the roof repairs. So, the end is near!!!!

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Why did I leave so much until the last moment? Why indeed! I'd meant to finish up a few things Friday evening but then, it happened----the phone rang! I was enticed away from my duties to dine with the Hilchey's and other ladies and girls at Biscotti's. What can say? No??? Are you kidding me? Life is too short to miss a dining opportunity with such wonderful folks!

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Sharon, my pool friend and skin advisor, and I met for lunch at the Blu Grotto. She got out of her appointment ahead of time so I dashed up there to meet her on the patio. She didn't mind eating outside, there was a breeze and the fans were going. Her other friend, the one who was driving the car when they rolled over, was out and about so she joined us later, and helped me with my pizza. I still had three slices to bring home! Sharon loved her mojito, perfect for a hot summer day! It certainly looked refreshing. I only had a rum and diet since I was going grocery shopping after lunch and needed to have my wits about me.

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At Publix, I ordered the sub sandwiches for Sunday's pool party as well as a fruit tray for those who like fruit, plus tried to remember the other things needed for proper hostessing. Justin called me while I was shopping and reported he was leaving the pool party to come help me unload the groceries. I wasn't quite ready but didn't want to miss my helper! He assured me if I forgot anything or need an item, he'd stop and get it on his way over to my house anytime he's coming. He's fairly certain we ladies will be going shopping at least once while they are here!

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He carried up all the junque from my car, even my church and Bible study stuff, so I can have the car properly vacuumed and tidied up. Some of the things in my car are so odd, including shingle samples, easels, and discarded electrical fixtures. It was time they were removed from the vehicle!

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Thursday night I spent time on the sundeck with my neighbors before coming up to do anything but clean off my desk and table. Anyone have a match????

Something exciting is happening!

Here it is, less than 24 hours until my family arrives! I pray Hurricane Fay or rather, Tropical Storm Fay, stays far, far away from us, especially with my company coming!

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In a short while I meeting my friend, Sharon, at Blu Grotto for lunch. She is having a chiropractic adjustment so will be quite relaxed as we dine. Sharon was in the roll-over accident a couple months ago. She asked me to write a Letter to the Editor for her, thanking the Good Samaritans who came to their rescue. I haven't heard whether it was published yet or not.

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After lunch I am going grocery shopping to lay in supplies for my guests. Over and over in my mind are rolling the lists of likes and dislikes the kiddlings have, plus my list of necessities which will make me a good hostess! Justin is stopping by after work, wait, after a pool party, to help get my purchases upstairs as well as the sleeping mats from the preschool. Deb gave me 5 mats for keeps, since they wouldn't pass State inspection due to cracks in the surface. I didn't need so many but she suggested the boys can make a fort or something on a rainy day. Great ideas from these teachers! But, I think I'd like assistance lugging them upstairs, because they are as long as I am tall!

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Okay, now to the exciting thing: Mona, my sister-in-law in Manitowoc who, with her family, stays with my father-in-law, called the other night asking if my offer was still good to help out. Sure! I'm somewhat flexible and am glad to be able to do something to lend a hand. Being this far away leaves me at a disadvantage helping-out-wise. John and Mona's son is at West Point Academy and has a ceremony of some kind coming up next month. Unable to come up with a suitable solution for Dad-sitting, she's had to scrape the bottom of the barrel and ask me. A couple of his kids who live in town will be able to give me a breather so I won't be 'round the clock on duty. My primary responsibility will be to administer pills and (gulp!!) see he has meals.

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I can take my laptop along to Arno's and work at the kitchen table or whereever to keep him company, yet stay connected with the world. I'll have a couple newsletters due by the end of the month and with few distractions out there in the country, perhaps much will be accomplished. Justin thinks the computer is ready to go in order to pick up wireless connections, but must introduce me to it's operation. If not, John can arrange for me to use their home computer. I think I'd rather be where Arno is, although Mona said he sleeps in his recliner much of the time.

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My older sister, Lynn, the one who is coming to see us tomorrow, will be celebrating her birthday on the 15th so I will be in town to party hardy with her. Oh yeah, I can see it now............perch! Lynn knows how to have a good time!!! She will be 60 years old this year, as is my sister-in-law, Marian, in South Florida. They were born just a little more than a month apart and graduated from high school together. Lynn is quite spry, walks for exercise and has gotten a bicycle now which she uses to pick up my mom for outings-----are you believing this? Actually, Lynn rides her bike to Mom's house and they use her car to run errands, etc.

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Last night Lynn and Mom went to Sheboygan to see little Gabriel in his very first VBS program. He just loved VBS! I can only imagine how much he's going to love attending preschool starting next month. Wait until Christine sees what a big boy he's gotten to be! The first time she met him, he was a tiny baby, and Christine, not usually a baby-lover, fell head overheels in love with Gaby Baby! Four years goes by quickly, doesn't it?

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Tommy and Linda have purchased a new home and will be moving soon. I hope that she won't be so busy with packing and moving that she can't go and play........my lower lip is sticking out right now, just thinking about it! They bought a ranch-style home near Lutheran High and I teased her about transferring membership to Grace from First German. I guess Tom threw out the same idea but she shot down the idea immediately. Of course, I was kidding, since she is just two years short of celebrating 25 years in the Church Secretary's Union. And we thought 4 years went by quickly????

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Our favorite story about her church secretary days at F. G. begins when my former spouse was Treasurer and 'we' had the job of counting the loose plate offerings. In those days, the money was counted at home and took the money to the bank ourselves. After making the deposit on Monday morning, I'd take the receipt and bank bag to church. Of course, I couldn't NOT talk with Linda, could I?

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At one point I was feeling quite draggy, had this hanging-on cough and cold (this was winter!), never feeling rested, tired as could be. Linda was concerned and thought I should see the doctor about it. Well, in late January, after attending the Builders' Convention in TX, my former spouse, who exhibited similar symptoms and had felt sick on our trip, went to the doctor and was told he had bronchitis. He suggested I get checked out, too. Long story short, the tests came back positive for something other than bronchitis and in July, Justin was born!!!!!! I like to tell Justin he's been to the Alamo and San Antonio river walk, but just didn't know it!

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So, Manitowoc, you've been warned!!!! Kim, Kim, Kim is coming home!!!

A marvelous day on Wednesday!

What an awesome day I had yesterday! It was SO marvelous, I didn't even have any dinner! What's one thing got to do with the other? Nothing, Jerry, nothing!

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My lady friends convened at The Club for lunch first, Martie arriving a tad later because she evidently got lost. Remember now, The Club is on the same property as my home....but that's Martie!! She very nicely picked up some soda for me but wouldn't allow me to pay her for it. Martie said she decided between bringing me flowers and bringing me soda, and chose Diet Coke. Wise, quite wise!

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Following our charming lunch, we came back here to crop, with Janet and Karen working on an album for Jason, Janet's son. She uses the Creative Memories-style of album making, and was interested in the style the rest of us use, matting and such on background papers. Janet makes more headway than do we, simply because ours are more labor intensive, more, shall we say?, creative. No, probably more putzy than creative, I guess it's a matter of taste.

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Martie showed the ladies her ATCs, Artist Trading Cards, which she trades with people around the world. Actually looking like a mini scrapbook page or greeting card, Chris and she make a number of the same style card. Keeping one for themselves, they send the others off to others in their group who, in turn, send their particular cards to Martie and Chris. It's too fussy for me, I don't care to be precise but both of them are into the minutia and love doing it.

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Oh, I'm simply mortified! Travis came to the door looking all dapper in his monogrammed shirt and tie, and me yet wearing my mud mask! Of course, it's translucent and all that but still! He probably thought I worked on his campaign materials so late at night that time has not been kind to me!!! I filled an entire box to the top last night in only a couple hours' time. Each bag is handled twice by me, first applying his label and a note on the exterior, and then going back to stuff them with the materials. I have quite the system going here! My neighbor, Miss Chardonnay, is taking over for me soon, because I won't have time when my family is here. Unless, they want to help me.........we might have more down time than expected with Tropical Storm Fay lingering near Puerto Rico. Timing, sir, timing!!!

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Justin came by after work to help me with a few things prior to Lynn and family arriving. His head was hurting from having to smell paint or varnish at the office all day. He was going to change my furnace filter but when he pulled it out, there was almost no dust on it at all. Since I hardly use it for A/C, not much dust accumulates. So, now I have a couple extra filters on hand for when it's time to heat the house.

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We did a room to room search for his BeastWar toys but couldn't locate them. He remembered talking to someone about them, showing them off, and then it occurred to us that we gave them to Christopher Ross awhile back!! I wish we'd remembered sooner because I spent some time in the "Timmy closet" looking at boxes and such with his blankets, clothing, stuffed animals, shoes....didn't really have my heart ready for this type of search.

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Justin did get out the Rokenbach(?) marble game we'd gotten the boys for Christmas in 2000. I can't say if his father and he played with it after Timmy died or not, or if it's been unplayed with all these years. He's wanted to keep it for memory's sake but we figured the boys would have a good time rolling the marbles through the maze.

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I hope he's here to help get it set up the first time, because I certainly don't remember how it went together. He said I'll need a table with sides so the marbles don't roll away, so will have to come up with a plan for keeping the marbles in check. One option would be to set the game up in the underneath of my folding table where they'd kneel alongside to play. Kids don't mind kneeling down to play!

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I'll ask Justin to bring my "old" folding table back from his condo, I'd prefer it be here anyway. We'd gotten it as an anniversary gift back in 1979. I'm a sentimental fool, more like an idiot! There are stamp marks on the underside from some little kid playing with the "Entered" stamp in the office!

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Wednesday, after Justin left, I rested a bit before going to the Board meeting downstairs. It didn't take as long as usual since some of the more contentious folks didn't cause much of a stir. The upset upsets our President and she's accustomed to dealing with people on a professional level as a psychologist!!! Perhaps it's too close to home, in more ways than one! I'll have two newsletters to get out by the end of the month and can probably continue to work on them during some down time when the family is here.

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My busy, busy, fun-filled day all took place without my having to leave the property!!

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I am ready to rest my eyes and shoulders for a bit. Oh, one more thing: a giant cherry picker machine will be here next week to finish the roof edges and hopefully the boys will get to see it at work. Kids love that type of thing! Also, the dredger is still at it in the basin and helicopters fly by regularly. I hope they have fond memories of their time with "Kim Kim Kim in Floreedaa!"

About friendships....

Okay, so make a liar out of me--again! One of the ladies can't make it today as her back is hurting too much. She has rheumatoid arthritis so I give her a pass. She serves as the ultimate inspiration to Martie and me, hardly lets anything discourage her! A real go-getter, and will be again once the back problem is addressed. I often tease that Chris has no original parts---everything inside her is now titanium!

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Sunday at the pool, a group of us ladies were chatting about friends and their value. Miss Chardonnay was filled with some sort of self-pity that day which rather changed up the conversation to a whole 'nother level. My theory was: a true, genuine article friend would be the one to change your bedpan when you're sick. This came to light when my friend, Brenda N., hurt her foot badly and was in wheelchair, not able to put any weight on the foot at all. Her better friend, stayed with her and took care of her bodily needs in such a manner. A true measure of love!

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Who are the friends you could count on, especially in a time of need? I pray your list is long, and don't hesitate to include your family members in your list of friends! If your list seems to be short, now is the time to cultivate some friendships, keeping in mind they don't all have to bedpan friends!

Oh, I am so sad!

My dear heart, Raffi, visiting DisneyWorld in July. They looked for me in the phone directory but didn't find me----rats!!! He's a real tourist, complete with map of the park in his pocket!

This morning, I received an e-mail from our friends in Mexico City, reporting that they'd just been to DisneyWorld for little Danny's birthday but they couldn't find my phone number in the telephone directory! Oh, I'd have loved to go down there to meet them, as would Justin, I'm sure, since we are now at two years since we first met on the cruise in the Mediterranean. Danielle had a birthday on the 25th so this was her celebration and Raffa said they planned it quickly. Nuts!

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As a comfort, however, he did enclose some lovely photos which I will post today. You will see why I am so terribly smitten by this family! Ooooh, here comes the rain and wind! The palm trees are shaking in their boots, so to speak!

The top picture is of both children, Danny and Raffi, with the Finding Nemo fish. The lower picture is of Raffi dressed in pirates' costume in the gift shop. Aren't they adorable children? I can't over how big they are getting, must be MY age not allowing it!

In less than an hour I am meeting a bunch of my lady friends at The Club for lunch and then are coming over here to crop. Yippee! No cancellations today! I may even have to set up my extra table for the overflow. My family room table is taken up by the campaign materials and have somewhat of an order to them, so don't want to go shuffling them around too much. How 'bout that----somewhat of an order!

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Travis came to the door a few minutes ago so I had to grab my caftan and run out there. He'd dropped off some more things for me to use in the bags, plus the actual bags, last night when I was at the baseball game----hey, that's why my throat is scratchy today! I did a lot of hollering at the game! I had trouble following the action, although there was little of it, and once clapped for the wrong team, by mistake. Ooops! I did get to have my cotton candy and my 50 cent hot dog. Terri T. shared her brat with me because it was soooo huge, she couldn't finish it herself. I am glad I didn't buy a whole one for myself, but it certainly was delicious, smothered in peppers, onions, and green peppers. Yummy! Like at the County Fair! I like to get the blue cotton candy to turn my whole mouth blue and then stick out my tongue. The children find it amusing, as do I! Going to that game with the church family last night was an absolute hoot!!!!!