More from the trip

Justin, me, plus Clara and Harvey are a bit fuzzy but yet recognizable in this photo taken by their nephew who was not familiar with the camera. Clara and Harvey are my sister-in-law's parents and we see them almost everytime we're in Manitowoc. We did get to spend time with them, but I didn't get to spend time with her daughter and son-in-law due to weather and other "complications".

I thought this shot was so fun because it appears that Manny and Justin are dressed alike! Justin's sweatshirt is a Gator shirt, but Manny's is actually a Wall-E, from the movie Justin and I hated!!! The boys can make great imitations of the robot's voice from the movie, so cute! You can see the stained-glass window in the foyer of Lisa's home.

Noah and Lisa are just the best parents, in this photo each one has a child in front of them. Lynn's child is sitting immediately to her left, but she is talking to either Justin or Dustin in this shot. One time when we were visiting the Prange's in IL, Noah was on the floor playing with Gabe and Lucas. Lucas got up abruptly and went to tell his daddy, "Jesus is playing with me!". Lisa was worried Noah would get a complex or something, but so far he's still a pretty down-to-earth guy! Punny!

Even though I was heartbroken that I couldn't get to church in Sheboygan to see Gabe in his CHRISTmas program, Lisa was able to get it on DVD which we watched on CHRISTmas Day. Gabe, in case you can't pick him out, is the middle boy in the front row, wearing his lovely vest outfit purchased for him by Grandma Lynn. It appeared as though he knew his parts and sang his songs, but when it wasn't their turn, the kids were just a hoot as they squirmed, pulled on their clothes, gazed at the ceiling........When the kids sang "Joy to the World" in Hmong, Gabe came into the living room and sang along in Hmong, so we know he knew his part, even in a foreign tongue!

Something seems to be of interest for Manny as his mama, hidden behind him, is looking something over, as Lynn, Noah, Lori, and David look on. Lori and David live in Holmen, not able to travel on Eve due to the severe weather. We got to see them at Lisa's and then later we went to their hotel to play a couple rousing games of "Apples to Apples" on their patio. The hotel has patios which open into the atrium, WI-style, and we could watch the snowfalling if the windows weren't already snow-covered and iced up!

It's about perfection today

Happy New Year everyone! Last night was a lovely worship service, though low attended, at Good Shepherd but I still got to see many of my friends again. Judy J. had her son in church with her, which was awesome, adding one male voice to the three or four others there. Judy wept through a couple of the hymns, as did I, because, appropriately, we sang, "I'm But A Stranger Here". Pete had sung this at my request at Timmy's grave site, so besides it being the perfect message for the evening, it was also the perfect message for Timmy's funeral. Judy asked me after church why we had to sing those hymns which bring tears, but she already knew the reason why.

*

I thought today was the day to start working on that nasty financial stuff but decided I'd better work on the newsletters instead. I've been sitting here at this machine all day long, but evidently not long enough to make me get up and walk away. One newsletter, for church, is nearly ready to publish save for a few pieces of information for which I'm waiting. The Palace Press letter is also at the same point, having little information to write about due in part from being gone and not having had any Board meetings in recent months. Serious lack of input going on here these days. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? Probably bad if I have nothing about which to write!!!

*

Joanne and I spent much of the morning around the house, and I did even manage to put away some of the stuff from my luggage! She was trying to clean up in her room, doing some ironing, and a load or two of wash before heading off to work. We did run into a problem, however, in the kitchen, where I discovered the garbage disposal was stopped up. I pulled out handsful of garbage but nothing that should have prevented the blades from spinning. Pushing the reset button didn't make a bit of difference, nor did running hot water down the drain. A search for the little disposal wrench was unsuccessful so Joanne went to her car for an emergency tool kit she keeps. Unfortunately, the wrenches she had were not the correct size to help the problem. We were quite the sight as we each took a turn trying to work under the sink!!! I need say no more.......Guess I'll have to call Steve tomorrow for some professional help. Boy, I wish Dave the Doorman was still here!!!

*

Joanne and I discussed our dinner plans, with her expressing how it used to be customary in OH to have pork and sauerkraut on New Year's Day. I mentioned that I had pork and sauerkraut in the freezer and one thing led to another.....my house is smelling just wonderful as I write! A couple hours ago Jennifer R. called to invite me to dinner at her house with her family---now what? I've always been of the mindset that if someone calls for dinner, turn off the stove and go! And I'll be doing the same thing tonight, except for turning it off, since Joanne and her father will be coming here to eat what I made. She was feeling badly for not getting over to his place to see him so this is the perfect opportunity for them to get together.

*

Last night Joanne and I spent the evening, after I got back from church, dining on spaghetti and watching TV. We really tore up the condo with our wildness! By ten o'clock she was dropping off to sleep in the chair and I was ready to sleep too so we decided to go to bed. I hoped that the neighbors wouldn't keep her awake, and I was hoping the same for me, as the first floor people were having a rather noisy party. No worries, I was out in no time at all. The wind in the palm trees woke me about 8:00 a.m., and it sounded just like WI outside! Only no snow---white caps on the river---but no snow blowing. I felt badly for the football fans having to endure this chilly, windy weather but I heard one man on the radio comment that at least it was warmer here than in Nebraska!

A few more photos

Sorry the photo is so dark but it was difficult adjusting for the brightness coming through the windows. Gabe and Manny had a great time opening their presents while Grandma Lynn, Lisa, and Noah look on. One of their aunties got them Crayola toys which they immediately got busy playing with, freeing up the adults to open their presents. This was our second go-around with present opening as Lori, David, Dustin, and Kerry weren't able to make it on Eve for the first batch. Jamie and his family weren't able to come to Manitowoc at all this CHRISTmas because of complications with visitation for Hunter's biological father. Jill is on her way today to see them and take the rest of the presents to Brodhead for a third go-around of present opening!!!!

We got to spend some time with my Auntie Marie at her house on the day before leaving Manitowoc, and then Lynn took the two ladies to lunch at Perkins. We ran into them there when we showed up with Mona! Mom is a couple years younger than Auntie Marie, who I believe is 86 year old. I want to look and act like her when and if I'm ever that age!!! She is lively and still enjoys a good time. She is the lady standing behind my mom, in the rocker chair.

Justin and I visited Grandpa Arno at his assisted-living home, finding out later the same day that he has been asked to move to a memory care center. I guess the staff wasn't able to dedicate all the help he needed to adapt to his new surroundings. Mona can't believe that they wouldn't be more patient with him, and half-way suspects the management wants him out because they feel guilty about him hurting his back and they not knowing about it. Arno should be moving this week, if not already done.

My sister, Kerry, takes great delight in getting "boy kisses" from Gabe and Manny, and now she's getting a big smooch from Gabe. Dusty is too old for this game, but doesn't mind looking on at this display. Lynn and Lisa are looking at something but I can't tell exactly what. Lisa's home is an older one, and features the double doors entry, with a lovely stained-glass window in the hallway. Having the double door entry sort of helps with keeping the cold air from immediately blowing into the rooms, but the concept is lost when a stream of people are trying to come in!!!

This is the second big snowstorm we experienced during the visit, this one taking place after Justin got into town. I just love the look of snow draped on the evergreen branches just outside Mom's patio doors, and you can see the high snowbanks edging the parking area. Across the street from Mom's house is the local public utility and they were quick to remove their snow. We, on the other hand, had to wait and wait for the snow removal truck to come, and only one time did the management come to shovel our walks. Alayna used the house broom to make a path so Mom could get out to her car.....don't get me started on that management again!! Mom's daughters and grands really wish she'd move to another facility where this wouldn't be such an issue....Mom doesn't want to go through the effort of moving. I always remind her that Justin and I could have her whole unit packed up in one weekend---we're good at this!

Pictures, so you know I was telling the truth!

This un-retouched photo was taken on Friday, December 19th, before the sun rose, if it did that day. The snow makes for an almost spooky look over Mom's parking lot. You can barely see the legs of an overturned lawn chair sticking out from the bank, which helps demonstrate just how deep was the snow.

Wisely, I stuck a yard stick into the bank/drift on my Mom's patio, just off her living room. Sadly, only I know what it said as far as depth goes, and you'll simply have to take my word for it that the measurement read 11".

My niece, Alayna, busily attempting to remove the ice and snow from Grandma K's car, as it runs in the parking lot. This was not the same day as the first blizzard but more likely after one of the smaller storms we experienced that two weeks I was up there. Someone asked me today if I'd given more thought to moving back up to WI, and my answer was swift---NO!!!!!!!

A full day for the end of the year

This early a.m., Joanne and I watched a bit of a national news program, not Fox and Friends, and saw 2009 being rung in down in Australia so we know it's a go!!!!

*

She had a busy day in front of her so she got herself ready for work. Joanne and her co-worker were heading to the beaches area to look at a home for another client. She's spending wwaayy too much time at the beach these days!! When I talked to her a couple hours ago, she was walking around in this fabulous home with an extraordinary view. Joanne always wishes I could see these homes, so after the work with the financials is through, I'll go for a "ride in the country" with her. That's what my former spouse and I used to do, threaten each other with a ride in the country-----you had to be there, I guess.

*

This afternoon, Justin popped in for a little while to take a quick shower, change his clothes, wrap the gifts he purchased on the way to my house, and grab his luggage. Whew! He is going, after all, to celebrate CHRISTmas with his father, his father's lady friend and her family. He needed a box or basket or something to put the new purchases into, and I came up with a basket that held flowers from Timmy's funeral. Why not? It's just packed away in a cupboard so I figured it would make a nice way to hold his purchases. He hustled around looking for wrapping paper and tissue and tape and scissors and tags.....Justin was really happy to get his luggage back so he can have his "date night" shirt I bought him for CHRISTmas; otherwise, he was trying to persuade me to take him to Penney's today to find another one. Wow, he really liked his shirt!

*

After Justin left for his father's house, which is going to be the site of a New Year's bash later on tonight, I got myself ready to go to Green Cove Springs to pay my taxes. I had to tear my suitcase apart to find my box of earrings because I simply could not go to the Court House annex to render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's, without earrings! While I was at it, I also renewed my license plates, a regular one stop shopping event! Just in case the 'girls' were working up in the building dept., I took a ride in the elevator to say "hello" and "happy New Year". It was busy in the office but Robbin invited me in to her office for a quick chat. She is not cropping as much as she used to, deciding to play with little Hannah rather than crop pictures of her! Krista, her supervisor and dear friend, scrapbooks religiously yet and we are going to get together for a crop soon. Justin had to take something to the Building Dept. recently and he was saddened to report that the pictures of Timmy were taken down. But, he was mistaken---they are still there on the wall, where Robbin's desk used to be. Not obvious from the lobby area but still well-posted for their purposes.

*

On the way back from GCS, I decided to stop at the new Publix on Fleming Island to pick up the pasta and some garlic bread for our dinner tonight. Joanne made a large kettle of spaghetti sauce which we are going to enjoy once I get back from church this evening. We are on an Italian roll, as compared to a French roll, since we ate at Carrabba's last night and having spaghetti tonight. I also picked up a small cheesecake and some cherries to dress it up with for our dessert. When we talked about our dinner and evening plans, we both figured there'd be no ringing in of the New Year in this household tonight----after all, we did that once already this morning!!!!

*

I had fun earlier opening my greeting cards, many of which were birthday ones. I opened one which littered my lap and floor with tiny schnibbles including hearts, flowers, dots, and even some Charlie Brown silhouettes! That was from the Kelly's, my dear friends from church and the Building Committee. What fun! When I was looking for my earrings, I discovered the box containing the lovely angel figure that Linda gave me. It bears a poem that discusses the feelings of grief, how the Lord helps us through it. Beautiful! Thanks, Linda!

Home again, home again, jiggity jig....

Upon returning home, some things are the same, some are different: my desk is still messy, piled full of papers and other "to be filed" items, the same. This morning I waded through the mail which arrived after I left for WI, and opened all the greeting cards, different. I tuned into my morning radio shows right off the bat, the same. In listening to the program, however, it appears to be "best of" Neal Boortz program, the same. However, I did miss many programs during the time my sister was here and while I was away, so now I can catch up, different. The river was outside my windows when I woke up--same, but with extremely low tides--different. The sun was shining into my room, same, but the outdoor temps were not reflective (a play on words!) of it's heat, different. We are having some, relatively speaking, cool temperatures in the a.m.s, with the highs expected to be low to mid 70's.............ah, that's more like it!

*

Nearly my, our, entire day was spent traveling, or not traveling, from WI to FL yesterday. I'd hoped that at least I would get a pat-down at the airport as a birthday present, but nope, cleared security with no contraband telephones tucked away. Oh, well.........My sister, Lynn, and Mom drove us to the airport without incident, as more winter weather advisories were in effect. In fact, they made such great time going back after "dropping us down" (as Timmy used to say) that the two ladies stopped at our favorite bakery in Sheboygan for coffee and sweet rolls! Snow did come eventually but long after they were safely back home.

*

Justin's flight was scheduled for two hours earlier than mine so we checked in at our respective airlines, meeting in the middle. We had plenty of time to spare, since already at check-in, Justin found out his flight was delayed! We went up to the Food Court to have a breakfast sandwich. He delighted in showing me clips from "Dark Knight" which is downloaded on his telephone (new-fangled inventions!) but it really is a bit "dark" for me.

*

We both flew from the C Concourse so sat together in his gate area until it was time for me to wander to mine, just down the hall. His flight was really really late, but would still allow him to catch his next flight in St. Louis. When I got to my gate, I found out mine, too, was delayed over an hour, which meant my connecting flight in Charlotte would be gone when we landed. The airline had already re-booked me on the next flight which would get me in at JAX around 7:00 pm. Ugh! We had birthday dinner plans!!!!!

*

Well, it all worked out---Justin waited for me to arrive in JAX, collected me, plus both my bags, from the claim area, and asked me drive because he felt like his foot was too heavy or something. You must know Justin to appreciate this.....a Justinism. Of course, his car was also out of gas, with the little gas pump symbol illuminated on the dash, which he knows I hate!!!! He claims it was 'an accident' that he ran low on gas, but he did have the car running to cool him off while he waited for me to land. How ironic, to be running the car to remain cool instead of desperately trying to get the frost off the windows!!!

*

We gassed up, him pumping and me paying, of course, and then headed to Carrabba's to meet Joanne and the Ross family for my birthday dinner. By the way, Justin's bag wasn't there at the airport, but a different red suitcase was left instead. It appears that someone accidentally took his luggage and the airline assured him that when they brought the bag back, the airline would deliver the correct piece of luggage to him. He asked them to bring it here since his student housing doesn't have ready access, and my name is the one on the bag anyway. It did show up yet last night, and it was delivered to my door sometime during the night. Justin asked me to leave a signed note on the door saying it was okay to just leave the bag, and sure enough, it was there this a.m. when we got up! Now he's in a pickle because he'd "cancelled" his CHRISTmas celebration at his father's under the guise that his presents were in the missing bag! I feel badly for Justin, finding himself in such a spot all the time.

*

I just heard from my friend, Judy J., whose birthday is today. We sang to each other, and then she told me about her birthday surprise---her son flew in from Detroit to celebrate her birthday with her! When she called me, Jeff was sitting in the driveway in a lawn chair, soaking up the sun. Another irony!

*

Instead of the pat-down at the airport, I did have another neat experience......I had gotten several birthday wish phone calls while waiting for my plane. It's not easy to have private conversations on the phone in the airport. While sitting there, I'd made my usual eye contact/smile contact with the gentleman sitting across from me. He was just a moppin' his face and entire head, that's how warm it was for him. I was fine, of course. As he stood up to catch his flight, he wished me a happy 'birfday' and offered God's blessings to me. I thanked him 'warmly' (ha ha) and then he asked me if I liked art. I assured him I did, and told him I was a member of the Art Guild here in Florida. He gave me his business card and told me to contact him at the website listed. The man, a gentleman of color, informed me he has a condo at Jax Beach and a permanent home in Atlanta, where his art studio is located. He wants to give me a piece of his art as a birthday gift! Can you believe this?? No strings attached, just being a nice guy to poor, weary traveler in the airport on her birthday............

*

Another almost nice thing happened at the airport---the young lady working at the gate desk who was struggling to re-book all these folks told me that she would have upgraded me to first-class seating IF the airplane actually had a first-class! All because she felt sorry for me being delayed from attending my birthday dinner at Carrabba's. In this case for certain, it is the thought that counts!

Gathering thoughts and packing up

As we search the corners of the room we shared, Justin and I are getting things together to begin the tedious yet necessary packing process. Well, at least one of us is! The room isn’t really quite large enough for us both to be working at the same time so, in order to be gracious, I’m letting him go first. He got a bunch of presents and isn’t sure he’ll have room for all of them in his luggage, perhaps overflowing into my pieces. Not that I didn’t get a bunch, too, but mine seem to be more “compactable” than are his. At first he’d toyed with bringing only a carry-on bag for this visit in order to avoid checking luggage but he did change his mind about that once he began getting things together for this trip. It’s not a good idea to go minimal luggage for that reason, avoiding baggage checking, because inevitably one returns with more than they came with anyway.

Instead of going to visit Auntie this a.m., Justin stayed here to take care of the laundry so he doesn’t have to take dirty---and smelly---clothes home with him. We both smelled heavily of smoke after dining at the Green Street Tavern again on Sunday night. After we got home last night, I took a shower to help get the smell out of my hair. Phew! Although I hate having government intervention in such a matter as smoking, it sure is refreshing to not having smoking allowed in our area restaurants in OP. I don’t remember if it’s statewide or not, but I like it for the places at which I dine.

My sister-in-law, Mona, picked up Justin and me for lunch today which we did enjoy at Perkins. Justin hadn’t been there yet this visit and Mona liked it too, so off we went. Sure enough, when we pulled into the parking lot, there was Lynn’s car sitting! She had the two older ladies in tow, although they were nearly finished eating by the time we got there. Justin got to “hug on” Auntie after all so it worked out great. We had a nice meal, Mona treating us both for my birthday, which is tomorrow. Allie was at basketball practice and I think JR was with John checking out nursing homes from my father-in-law.

When we got back to Mom’s, we were greeted by Linda’s twin granddaughters. Alayna had to leave again to go back home to get something she’d forgotten so we watched the girls. After attempting to amuse them, I asked if they liked to watch the Disney channel and they said they did. Justin searched the directory to find a station suitable and came up with the Cartoon Network. The girls were enthralled with a show called “Chowder” which Justin found offensive because the characters did a lot of pharting and belching. We just couldn’t believe it!! Lisa doesn’t like her boys to watch it either but the girls kept shushing us so they didn’t miss a sound, or a word!

After Linda came for them, we followed her home and had a nice visit with them at her new house. She conducted the 50 cent tour for Mom and Justin and then put out wonderful CHRISTmas treats for us to savor. Lynn brought along a plate of cookies too and Linda put those out for us as well. The four of them were going to Green Bay for supper and the girls were excited about this outing with Nina and Gumpa. I believe tomorrow they’ll be reunited with their parents and life will return to normal for them all.

In packing my luggage tonight, I realized I’d not mentioned much about my presents! Justin gave me the travel game of Apples to Apples plus the DVD “Mamma Mia!”. He already told me he’s getting me a wireless router for the laptop computer so I have dependable service in the family room. I spend a bit more time in there now that Joanne lives with me so it helps to have trustworthy connections. My sister, Jill, gave me a lovely red/black sweater plus a box of chocolate covered cherries, my favorite! Mom gave me a sparkly red sweater; Barb, my sister-in-law, gave me blue booties, red nail polish and a small bottle of Obsession, perfect for my make-up bag. I’d put the polish on my list, because I couldn’t find it in Orange Park. She struck it rich by finding it here!!! I’d already mentioned the tie-dyed shirt and bracelet from Lori for my birthday, plus Lynn gave me a musical jewelry box with a “sisters” poem on top, decorated with purple irises, another favorite. My apologies if I forgot to mention something, and I’ll know more when I unpack my luggage in Orange Park, whenever THAT happens…..I hate unpacking!!!!