Just lovin' these periodicals!

While I am not a voracious reader of books, mainly fiction books, I do like to read non-fiction writings and right now, the Forward in Christ magazine. When you hear about people devouring a book, that is what you should picture when I read this FIC when it comes each month. January's issue had wonderful articles regarding the death of a child as well as how a pastor is called upon to offer comfort when a man is killed working on machinery. In the same issue is a question/answer portion where someone asks about the sin of abortion, the deliberate end of a child's life, in harsh contrast to the loss the families of the accident victims are experiencing, mentioned elsewhere in this periodical.

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This month's issue is chock full of articles regarding creation and our Creator, as this is the 200th anniversary of Darwin's birth. The short column which really got my attention and stirred my heart was called "Don't Worry About Tomorrow" and is on a page decorated with sunflowers and daisies. Some of the items suggested for dealing with stress and worry is to "do something you love", where we are encouraged to participate in a hobby or put our talents to good use----Yes! "Strengthen relationships"---Yes! "Work on the things you CAN control"---Yes! "Spend time in the Word and in prayer"---Yes! Good stuff!

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Another interesting article is written about stealing. The author wrote about how easy it would have been for him to walk out of the bookstore, where the discount books are located between two sets of exterior doors. What kept him from taking something what did not belong to him? "Thou shalt not steal". The simple answer is the 7th commandment but then the author relates about his stealing when in kindergarten and then formulating huge, extravagant lies about how he actually got the coins. He was punished, in his recollection, for the sin of stealing by his parents, but did not recall being punished for the elaborate set of lies he used to try and cover the crime. Interesting....

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Last week as Linda and I were heading for the door to take her to the airport, Justin called me in frantic-mode. He wanted to know if I was home becasue he needed me to leave him a check for the rent plus a late fee. This was nearly 9 days after it was due. Somehow or another the rent was not paid directly through my checking account, so he excitedly was telling me how there was a note on the door that morning about the rent, etc. I asked him the reason for his waiting until the end of the day to tell this to me and he said he thought it might clear up before he needed to call me. Right, it would clear up on its own.....I hastily wrote a check for the rent and late fee and left it on the counter for him to pick up. Whew! A rush of stress before leaving for the airport---again!

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After dropping Linda off and heading back home, I gave him a call to make sure he got the check and paid the rent. I asked about the decision to wait to let me know, when earlier I could have simply paid it on-line and been done with it. After some hemming and hawing, he finally said he did not want to get me upset or whatever. Well, waiting until the "last minute" accomplished that quite nicely, thank you. Once more we had the discussion about how NOT telling me stuff to avoid "upsetting me" (a.k.a."accountability") is very close to lying to me.....withholding important information like this, which affects my well-being, is border-line lying. He is, in fact, postponing or trying to avoid, the discussion in the first place. DON'T DO THAT! Just tell me what is going on, let me handle it in a timely fashion, etc. He told me was looking for his rental agreement to see if there was a loophole "we" could use to get out of paying the late fees. Of course not! We owed the late fees, fair and square. Certainly I was not pleased about it, but that was deal we signed when we completed the paperwork. I used to encourage him to be a lawyer, a politician, or a writer for the New York Times because he was such an able prevaricator. I like how this author in FIC points out the connection between the thievery and lying.

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Did I just throw Justin under the bus? I hope not. I used him because of our familiarity with each other. We have "reasons" or "excuses" for doing the things we do, some more noble reasons than others. Who among us is not guilty of similar sins? This article adequately helped me to consider these things such as the temptation to take what is not mine, to tell the simple lie to get out of some mess, or the thoughts of ill-will I have toward other people. Even my "anger" (a.k.a. dismay) with Justin for withholding valuable information! The author reminds us that we are saved from these sins through the death and resurrection of our Savior, and that we are to be Christlike in our living, "partakers of the divine nature". Good stuff!

Typing with the plastic gloves on again!

Here I am, baking my silver remover into my hair while basking in the sunshine at my window. Such a waste of product it is, for only a small portion of my silver remover is used since my hair is quite short. Martie and I had talked about sharing the bottle but found that did not work as she needed the entire bottle of goop for her longer locks. Since I had so much leftover, I decided my green shirt needed some blotches added to it, so now there is a new shirt to use for painting! Good thing I chose something that had already pretty much outlived its usefulness. These little balloons on the tips of my fingers make me chuckle!

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There was no Bible study this a.m. which also means no lunch with the ladies afterward due to President's Day. Good thing I got my chicken fingers yesterday, the balance of which I will devour today. Instead of staying in all day as my original plans were, I will have to go to the store to get fresh cat litter and food, plus more soda. Joanne asked me last night why I don't just get 10 cases while I am at it and I said because it is too hard to get it upstairs and then store it. I do have a large closet in my bedroom, guess I could put it in there......Justin will be coming after work today to do some things for me and I will ask him to carry up the litter and heavier things for me, as I have to take care of my back. Getting old is not for sissies!

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Oh, I am so excited now! Emily just sent me an e-mail asking me to come over later on to chat. In fact, we are going to have dinner together! We have lots to talk about, and I want to see their pictures from their 10th anniversary cruise from last week. One of the best memories I have from their wedding is when they came down the aisle after being declared husband and wife, one sole pair of hands applauded---Timmy Day! Those Lutherans just are not accustomed to such outbursts of glee, maybe they are now! Justin sang "Happy Birthday" at my brother-in-law's wake.....my guys!

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Okay, now no more bags on my finger tips as I have rinsed the remover from my hair, turning the color of part of my neck, the faucet in the kitchen, a towel, and some of my counter top in the bathroom. Except for the cloth items, the silver remover comes off of the surfaces, making my neck quite raw from scrubbing. My friend, the plumber, is coming tomorrow to replace the leaking disposal for me. Steve said we will not need to turn off the water supply to do the replacement and I hope he is correct about that because we would need to get into Gus's unit on the first floor to shut off the water for the entire column of the building that mine is in, since one of my "main" faucets is non-functional and will be replaced in March. Oh, please, let the leak just be from the disposal!!!!!

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Joanne did lots of sleeping and reading during her recuperation from this determined "bug" that has been plaguing her. It seems her daughter also got sick once she returned to OH so that means it was most likely not food poisoning after all. Joanne was still suffering some cramping and diarrhea events this a.m. but was going to work anyway. She can come home if she feels too ill to stay. The pain killer warning label said not to drive so she is not taking that pill, and we had a good laugh when I reminded her that it cautioned against "driving or singing" while taking this medicine! She wants to sing so said she won't take the pain killer. Maybe I should!

Another afternoon with the heating pad---nice!

Here I am, sitting in the family room under my Packer blanket, heating pad propped behind me, and my official "lap warmer" in front of me. A small pillow keeps the computer up high enough for me to use as I am reclined here. My lower back is giving me a fit and while I realize "ice is my friend", I like to be more choosy with my friends and picked heat instead. More of a comfort thing than curative.

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Yesterday I mentioned being contacted by my friend, Susie, through e-mail and how excited I was about it. I did see her in Manitowoc last September at Copp's, my cookie store, but then she is working so it does not qualify as an official visit. Later that day one of Justin's friends who used to spend lots of time with us asked me to be his "friend" on facebook. I was on a roll!!! Today I received a request to be "friends" with one of my former fellow members, Dawn! She is Tarren's mom and asked me to be patient with her as she becomes comfortable with the networking tool, and I assured her I have a degree in patience! This is so exciting, some reconnects via e-mail and some through facebook----all electronic but still viable!

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The choir sang four times during worship, much of it portions of the liturgy, as we used the Supplement which the choir helped introduce for the congregation. Janet was going to play along with Kathy, one on the organ and one on piano, to help us pick out the melody of a hymn. During the course of rehearsal, however, Janet determined that she would sing with us, plus brought in a ringer, Karen! Who needs the melody played when you have Janet and Karen to carry us??!! It certainly felt good to sit down finally, as we sang three times including the psalm before getting to sit!

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After church a group of us went to Longhorn and the fun began! If you take Janet and Jim, Karen and Bob, Tamara, Mark and kids, plus Kathy, Brian and me, then mix well, you have a party! Terri strode past on her way to the bathroom and said hi, which means that Gordy was there somewhere. Sure enough, here was Mike and Judy C., with Gordy's family plus a visiting professor from MLC who was a mentor of Mike's, Jack Mench. He presented a talk about MLC during our Sunday school and commented that he did his practice teaching at some school in Manitowoc, WI called First German!! When he mentioned staying with Bud and Alice, I just had to speak up! Afterwards he asked me to write down my name so he could mention meeting me to Alice because he stays in regular touch with her. He said that once he stopped in and a group of ladies were working on something in the church office. Sure enough, there was Alice so he was able to surprise her. Said it took her a moment to recognize him and then the hugging began. He knew about her hip surgery, so he really does keep in touch. Prof. Mench also knows Linda so I told him she was just here last week, but now she is gone...............sniffle, sniffle....

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After lunch Jim, Janet, Karen, and Bob came over here, arriving before I did somehow. Bob and the rest got the 50 cent tour, both guys being blown away by the size of the place. Sadly, they could not stay very long as the two guys wanted to go home to watch the Race, but, these two macho guys had to take a nap first!! How ironic! I was sad to have them leave but I understood. Bob really liked my place, as Karen knew he would and in fact, they all really like it here. They are more than welcome anytime!

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Kathy played much of the liturgy today as it is not on our MIDI system yet, plus led the Sunday school kids and me through their upcoming anthem for Lent. She was a busy busy girl today and I thank God for her! She gave me a book which Dee loaned to her Thursday evening, saying she read the whole thing cover to cover since she got it. Wow! I could never read a book so quickly, not even at gun point. Guess I should not say "never" because I would be putting limits on myself then, but will say under normal circumstances, not likely. It took me a couple months to read The Shack and it was riveting!

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Linda left a book by Bill O'Reilly here for me to read and Jim asked me if he could read it when I was finished. I told him to take it now because it will be a while before I get to it since the first Grandma book remains unfinished on my bed, with two more to read after that one! I guess I could be reading instead of vegitating with a computer, heating pad, and "House"!

I was wrong as rain

Or, I was right as rain, as it continues to fall. Joanne was in need of some medication and I ventured out to pick it up for her. At Walgreens, they have a drive-up window into which I placed the paperwork. Joanne has a pre-paid service for scrips so the lady just told me to come back in 30 minutes. Sweet!

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Getting to Walgreens was a piece of cake but then to go the Mall to get the tickets for tonight took ages! The cars just crept along Blanding, inch by inch. Those with an alternate route in mind kept turning off into parking lots in search of another "avenue" in lieu of this boulevard! It was not until I made the turn alongside the Mall that I saw a wrecker doing something at another of the driveways into the parking lot, which must have been the cause for the delays, besides the rain, that is. Seems as though rain seriously affects traffic flow, which might mean that folks are using extra caution---maybe???

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In speaking with Kathy B. on the phone this a.m., we discussed the location of the Customer Service desk at the Mall. It used to be in the same passageway as the movie theater but it had been so very long since I was in the Mall that I could not be sure. I parked outside of Dillard's (yes, Mom, Dillard's!!) in hopes that CS desk was still there. Nope! The signs directed me toward the Food Court, or rather, toward Belk's wing of the Mall. And, in walking through that mass of, it's a stretch to say "humanity", it suddenly came back to me just why I don't go to the Mall anymore-----Oh, my, the sights and exhibits strolling the walkways was incredible. If I had a little child in there with me, I'd have slapped my hand over their eyes at some of the attire and, as my mom would say, "get ups" these creatures wore! I wondered if I was supposed to pay admission to see a freak show such as this! Well, after all, it is a special holiday, maybe that is why these people were all dressed up---or not dressed up. Yikes!

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Eventually I got to the CS desk and got my tickets, having to initial this, sign that, show two kinds of ID, and leave a thumb print. For heaven sake, it's a theatrical performance, I am not buying a rifle!!! Traffic was heavy going up Wells Road, too, so I cut through the business park and came down the side road which took me back to Walgreens.

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I pulled up to the window and over the speaker a voice asked me if I was dropping off or picking up, and I said "picking up for Joanne S**********." In a couple minutes the same lady appeared and asked me to verify the address. I asked her if she wanted my address or Joanne's 'other' address, because I had already explained that she was staying with me. She asked, "Wagon Road?" and I said, "Oh, yes" and the shoot opened, out came the medications and off I went. A far cry less red tape required to pick up these scrips than to pick up "Riverdance" tickets!!!!!

Happy St. Valentine's Day

Well, at least it has stopped raining, but the sky is less than forgiving. No sun has peeked and the clouds remain in place as far as the eye can see. Nuts! I must rely on the heat pad for my warmth today! My day began quite early, the result of going to bed too early last night. Rain was coming down and should have lulled me back to sleep but not so this a.m. Sometimes I can talk myself into falling asleep again but today I talked myself into getting up and writing. Over 20 e-mails awaited me, some immediately to the Trash but some worth a reply.

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One of my childhood friends from up the road wrote me a nice, long letter, recollecting how one day she came running down to our house to deliver a St. Valentine's Day card to me. What a sweet note to read first thing in the morning! Janet also wrote me an e-mail asking me to lunch tomorrow after church and then coming up here to show their friend, Bob, my home. Absolutely, without even thinking, the answer is "yes"! When talking with Kathy a bit later, I have asked her to join the fun and she said she would. Yippee! I sense a party! Or simply a great deal of laughing---more towels, please!

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Tomorrow will prove to be quite full with a special speaker coming from one of our Synod schools to lead the Bible study and perhaps preach. The choir is on board to sing several different things, and we are quite short-handed, or voiced, as the case might be. Suzanne is away camping and Judy is watching their kids, so can't sing and watch kids at the same time. Somehow I managed it but oh, well........Of course, you already know what is happening after church.

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Joanne is feeling somewhat better after her bout with what we thought was food poisoning, but now her daughter, who returned to OH, has it. Food poisoning is not contagious so the illness might be other than from food! Joanne asked me to pick up some scrips for her so I will be heading to Walgreens in a few minutes. Justin and I are going to church tonight at Victory before going to "Riverdance". He is hoping we have time to grab a bite at Times Grille but I have my doubts about the time. We shall see, but I fear the bistros will be busy with the holiday and all that. I was just glad to get tickets for the show at the last minute!

Enjoying a relatively quiet day

Justin has just left my house after stopping at the store to pick up soda for me. My arms are going to be full with scrapbooking supplies and I knew I'd never get it all upstairs again later on. At least not in one trip! He is badly in need of a shave and a haircut but doubt he will manage both before our "date" tomorrow night. We are going to see "Riverdance" at the Times-Union Center. I was trying not to buy any event tickets but realizing this is the end of their tour, I bit the bullet and got us seats. We are going to church first, then grabbing a bite at the Times Grille, which I truly love, and then off we go to the show!

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Earlier today I was in the kitchen and caught a whiff of something foul, sour, yukky water smell. I checked under the sink, pulled on the basket which holds my household supplies like Pledge, Soft Scrub, dishsoap, etc. and it was so full of water that some swished out onto the floor. Not good! Peewww! This must be what stinks...ya' think? I pulled it out more carefully and put the basket in the sink on an angle so the water all ran out. Under the basket was a pool of smelly browish water which forced me to get down on my knees to mop up. Yuk! I scrubbed my hands raw after that, being all Monkish and such about touching the smelly water....Guess I will need to call the plumber again and get a new garbage disposal. Justin determined the source of the dripping, which took place only when the disposal was on. So much for my self-healing disposal!

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I was excited because my old and new friends were coming by today to see my home and enjoy the view but Janet called just before 11:00 to report that they were heading straight to The Landing today instead so asked for a raincheck. Of course, I was sad, because, after all, I'd made up my bed and re-stacked my papers so it would like nicer in my room. They will be coming some time before Tuesday which means I cannot mess it up again until Karen and Bob have been here and gone!

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This left me with the free time I needed to print pictures and work on a couple other things for church. When Justin and I went to Staples for my printer cartridges, I bought the assortment pack because it cost less and am so happy I did. Today I not only replaced the yellow one which I knew was empty but also ended up replacing black and cyan as the printing progressed. The freedom to print photos at home must be weighed against the cost of the cartridges. Many of my friends send their photos off via e-mail to be developed but I like the ability to adjust on my photos as I go. It is just one of those things that I like to keep in-house, and must bear the consequences of replacing inks and paper.

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Kelly T. offered to help re-do the Flock Board at church so I was printing off people pictures too today, not only scenery from my trips. This week is also my turn to prepare the Lords' table so am going over to church ahead of time to get that set up before ladies arrive to crop. Where does that time go?

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Joanne came home a couple hours ago and is in her jammies already. It seems that while she was staying in the lap of luxury at Amelia Island with her daughter, Joanne ate some bad scallops (see???) and got so violently ill with food poisoning that she had to be transported to the hospital. I only found that out this afternoon when she called to say she was coming home to sleep. The last time she was at Amelia Island her sister fell over on a bicycle and broke her ankle so I am going to put Joanne on restriction about going up there any more. Heather has flown back to OH to await the birth of her baby. She had to fend for herself yesterday as Joanne was quite doped up after being in the hospital and such. At least the weather cooperated for Heather! And that is why I do not eat seafood!

"It is well, it is well with my soul....."

Who ever thought that when I left home this morning I would be gone until 4:00 pm?!? My first stop was at Grumpy's to pick up my fresh baked rolls which were expected to be ready for me at 9:00. Sadly, the regular rolls took second place to the fresh baked garlic rolls for their spaghetti special on the menu today so I ended up waiting until nearly 9:30 for them. Talk about fresh! The waitress cautioned me to not close the lid because the rolls were so hot, they would sweat inside the container. Oh, if only I'd had some butter-----they might be gone before I got to Bible study, but oh, the stomach ache which would follow!
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We had a full house for Bible study, the subject matter which was again inspiring and frightening at the same time. Making the comparisons with the past and the present, watching the same mistakes being made, power and arrogance before the fall.....good stuff! Pastor Hoyer told us about the funeral he was conducting this afternoon for a former boyfriend of his daughter's who died of a drug overdose. He asked for prayers for the family and friends, and that the Holy Spirit would work in the hearts of those attending, to lead them to the saving faith. I decided I would stay for the funeral................

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The service folder used, folded by another lady and me, was originally purchased by the church secretary for her own funeral sometime down the road, had the words from the hymn "When Peace Like a River" printed on the front. It was lovely, and hopefully healing for the mourners. I was thinking about my nephew, Tommy, whose funeral was also today, wondering if the church where his service was held was as full as this one. Sadly, I will guess not. "It is well, it is well with my soul."

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I only got home a few minutes ago from a lovely dinner and visit with Kathy B. She came here after school and we left together to stop at Great Hang Ups to say 'hi' to Dee and Julia. Kathy met Dee this past weekend at a women's retreat. After spending some time chatting, Julia excused herself to go down to see Carol, the massage therapist. Carol told me yesterday that business has really picked up since CHRISTmas, and we speculated that people have the results of stress affecting their bones and muscles these days. I hope that Julia feels the healing hands, as Judy R. mentioned to me today in facebook!

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Kathy and I had dinner at Koko's, her first visit, and Hung cooked for us. It was great having our "lady time" and just as we were about to leave, I noticed someone I knew coming in. Sure enough----it was Lonnie and Renee from church! I've seen them at Koko's before so it was not totally surprising but who was with them? It was Janet! And Karen!!! I had just posted an "old" posting about these two ladies today before leaving for Koko's and here they were! I finally got to meet Karen's husband, Bob, plus another couple who are friends of Lonnie and Renee's. It is Lonnie's 65th birthday, hence, the group outing!

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Karen was just beside herself seeing me, saying she has been pestering Janet ever since they arrived in town today about when she would see me. I mean it, and Kathy heard it, too, she is President of my fan club or something. Karen said she has told so many people in MI about me, about my house, and such. My head is just huge after spending 30 minutes with these ladies, and tomorrow the fun continues! They are coming over so Bob can see my home and the view, and then we are going to lunch. The group asked me to join them for an outing at The Landing but I had to decline as I've been gone so much the past couple days that I am behind in a bunch of things. Tomorrow night is cropping at church so I really need to not be tearing up Jacksonville with this rowdy group! What an incredible, emotional day it was!

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Wish I could have seen Justin in between Bible study and the funeral, but he was working on a rough draft of a paper for literature class. As Pastor admonished us, remember to not leave people with harsh words or actions that you will regret, because you never know if those are the last ones you get to say to your loved ones....Remember to tell people you love them, too, so "I LOVE YOU", and you know who you are!