The Good News and the Bad News

The good news is that I am really really enjoying the "old" movies on AMC that are being shown prior to the Academy Awards event on Sunday night. They are showing movies which have either won or were nominated for Oscars over the years. This means I have gotten to see all or part of "The Godfather I & II" since the weekend. I really like these edited-for-TV movies, hanging on some of those famous lines and scenes that make for history.

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The bad news is that this same network also seems to run back to back to back advertisements for the most wretched of all products. No, not the Scooter Store, but instead, gulp, a "male enhancement product". Oh, for heaven's sake! Enough already! I complained about the repeated ads for the "Forty Year-Old Virgin" on USA several months ago but these particular ads truly make my skin crawl. Is nothing sacred or private? This seems so back-alley or vulgar to even discuss on "regular" TV when normal people are trying to watch a mobster hit or see horses heads under the blankets on a movie mogul's bed. I do remember when feminine hygiene products or even toilet paper were considered daring to advertise but really this just blows my mind and offends my sensibility! So there!!!

The day evened out some

What started out with thunder storms, heavy rains, cloudy skies, and high winds ended up being a perfectly lovely day. As my sister, Lori, would say, "It's going to be a nice day yet after all!" I am not the only silver-lining person in my family, it appears! Presently the temperature shows 70 degrees above zero, which is close to being alright in my book! Our lows tonight are expected to be in the 30's again, a dramatic drop from 70 right now. The doors are open in the river room and foyer to allow for free air passage in the rooms, while my bedroom door remains closed to hold the heat in. Gotta have it hot, or at least, warm in here.

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I met my friend, Wendy A., at The Club for lunch and as she was running a bit late, I soaked up some rays while waiting out front on a bench. Mmmm, felt too delicious on my face. Another customer came by and remarked that I looked comfy sitting there and I told her I felt like a cat, snoozin' in the sun.

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Once Wendy arrived we were seated along the windows and like any first-time diner, was blown away. The view, the ambiance of the room, the other diners, plus the food and service---all remarkable! Tarren and Pete may get a kick out of this: one of the first things Wendy asked me, trying not to pry, was if I dated anyone, if I had a gentleman friend. The face, arms and hands were immediately in defense mode as I earnestly shot down any idea of being in THAT arena at all. She got such a surprised look on her face---I do not know if it was answer of ABSOLUTELY NOT or my being so adamant about the suggestion! We have talked and talked in recent months but usually not about me, as the theme of our luncheon ended up being "sometimes it is NOT about me", so I guess that is why the topic never arose before. I assured her I was perfectly fine in my life the way it is now, having much and many in my days the way it is. No need for complications beyond what is already there. She, on the other hand, has a gentleman friend, of whom little was spoken.

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Wendy had wanted to pick my brain about the option of her starting her own housecleaning business which she could work around the time she has with her sons before and after school. Wendy shares custody of the boys with her former spouse and hates to lose a moment with them. She is now deeply religious, makes me appear pagan by comparison. Wendy had formerly been the secretary at our church, prior to me getting on board there. Since we talked so much about miscellaneous topics, we must meet again to further discuss the business plan and surrounding matters of being self-employed. I am honored she came to me with this. Initially she had asked me if I could mention her name to people in my building in case they needed a cleaning lady, and I told her it was no problem since I write the newsletter! She was beside herself with glee!

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After lunch we came up here and she was again blown away, this time by my home, view, and Santorini! It seems she had been to Santorini herself not too long ago when her former bosses gave her the trip, which they had won in a contest. Apparently her boss was not a traveler so off they went on her described "bittersweet" cruise to the Greek Islands with her then soon-to-be former husband. The plans are for her to come back in the very near future and look at some of my albums from my trips and continue the discussion of starting a cleaning business. Too bad I have a son on retainer to do my cleaning or I would hire her myself! She also does organizing for people, such as people with desks like mine!!!

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Later this afternoon I called my sister-in-law down south to check on them. It had been awhile since we had spoken and I wondered how my brother-in-law was feeling. Tina told me he was not well and that they had decided not to move to Palm Coast in order to remain close to medical facilities. Biff was recently found to have additional nodules in his lungs and is going to have a PET scan done as soon as the insurance company gives its permission (and then we invite MORE intervention into our medical care!!!). I told Marian I would call back again to see what the tests show, and toward the end of the conversation she sort of whispered that the doctor thinks it might be cancerous because of the number and speed of growth. Oh, brother! Biff also has trouble seeing at all from his left eye, has cataracts forming on both eyes, and now will be wearing glasses for reading as well as distance. Neither of them can see or respond well enough to drive..........oh, mercy me!!!

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Marian told me they have no income and I interrupted her with the question of "What???". I asked her about Social Security and she admitted they both are now collecting on disability but it is barely enough to make ends meet, with no wiggle room for emergencies or extras. Just when you think you have it bad, someone else has it that much worse! I praise God that Lynn, who is their age, has no health problems to speak of and continues to work over 30 years at LTC. Praise be to God! Marian was saying that her "church" told it was okay if she could not give any money, which is how she got on the subject of not having "income". I reminded her there were other ways to support her church, like helping with mailings, bulletins, newsletters, making phone calls, etc. If you do not have monetary treasures to share, certainly time and talents can be pressed into service. She said she helps out with a couple things but, again, has so many physical limitations that do not allow her to do much.

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After speaking with her, I was a bit drained, but have recovered enough to write this posting. I know Tina must be terribly torn about her parents' health and the five hours separating them, but that is just the way it is. Marian remarked that their long-time friend was coming from Milwaukee soon and she had asked him to install a bathtub for her. Evidently she has one of the swinging door tubs advertised on Hallmark TV for folks who cannot climb into tubs any longer to bathe. She hopes he realizes she was serious because she really wants it installed, since they decided not to sell and move up this way. I do hope Elroy can put it in as I doubt Biff has it in him to do physical labor any longer. I am so glum after talking with her. Think I will go over to church for the meeting with the LES Team, that might cheer me up!

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Everyone----count your blessings!!!!

Why am I thinking about Buffy this morning, I wonder?

"My world is like a river, it's as dark as it is deep...." I know many other artists recorded, covered, this song but Buffy's version is the one that flows through my memory. It is on the "Moonshot" album from 1972. I have the vinyl and possibly the cassette version of this. I know David would record it on CD for me but I also see that Amazon has it available now for around $12. Mother's Day is coming......Many moons ago David and I were discussing music, particularly two of the female artists in my collection. He wisely described Janis as being "ahead of her time" and about Buffy? He would not even discuss her!! I wonder if he still feels the same way about her now as he did over 30 years ago!

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I was thinking of going to the library (see that, Judy?) looking for a movie or two to watch this weekend. The weekend is not going to be full enough with the Life Line Screening Saturday and the full day with the LES Team on Sunday----no, I need to see if the movie "Lady Sings the Blues" is available to borrow. My sister, Lori, and I saw that movie in 1972, a loose biography of Billy Holiday, a.k.a. "Lady Day". Many folks used to call me that, not pronouncing my last name correctly or playing games with it, not realizing it was also a reference to Billy. "I'm a fool to want you, just a fool to need you....". One time at church when Pete was putting something into his trunk, I noticed he had stacks of albums in there, including Billy Holiday. How cools is that? Paul is also a fan of the blues/jazz era, and he gave me a brief lecture about jazz the other night when I ate at their house. Something about how jazz is "covered" and "recovered" by artists so much, they often forget where it started!

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Last night a small group of us met for dinner at Cracker Barrel and I had my favorite meatloaf meal once more. Yummy! I was able to bring half of it home with me for consumption another time. Linda H. did not work yesterday so only Leanne, Caroline, Judy J., and I were there. Oh, we had such a great time together! Both Leanne and Caroline are excited about being newer members so have no burn-out to speak of. Suzanne, they are so all about the gift basket silent auction for the church picnic!!! Ideas were flying all over the place while we ate, so much so that Caroline said, "I've gotta go!" to make up some baskets! Just teasing but that is how excited she is and filled with ideas. I ran into the Latham's afterward and it was so wonderful to see them again. Also encountered Wendy as she was on her way in to eat and she promised she'd call me last night. Still waiting.......

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Travis was going to help us out with one of the meetings the consultants from Synod's LES Team needed, but he had a change in plans. Oops! He did, however, arrange for another County Supervisor to meet in his stead Friday. The substitute is actually the one who represents Argyle and parts of Oakleaf. Perfect! Pastor said he has actually met and spoken with this man before and says he has great insights, so will be a great sub for Travis. Thankfully Doug can adjust his schedule to allow for the meeting with LES!

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Yesterday I worked on reprinting some of the photos for the Flock Board at church plus printing names on 4" x 4" cards to post where no photos are available for members, sort of a place holder until they cough up a photo. Suzanne asked me to forward to her a photo of the sunrise I posted on Facebook, as she wants to add it to her personal collection. How flattering! Kelly T., my helper with the Flock Board, is unavailable for a while as her dad had knee replacement surgery yesterday. His appointment was not until next week but he got moved up! The family had to hustle as they thought they had a week before having to do this.

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Justin made me so proud the other day! He told me that he stopped at Twila's on the his way to the jobsite when he saw her outside walking around with a cane. Wow! She did so well on her rehab after hip replacement! He told her he was concerned about her because there was a small red car in the driveway instead of Twila's SUV. It turned out that she swapped cars with her granddaughter, also named Twila, because it is easier for getting in and out of the lower vehicle. Makes sense to me! I just love it that he cared enough to stop by and give his "Grandma Twila" some hugs and express concern for her recovery. What a good boy I have there!

Some perfect Scripture to start the day.............

"But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel." Hebrews 12: 22-24

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You will never guess what I am listening to on my computer right now....Yes! You are correct! For some strange reason whenever I hear this anthem, I think of the Prange's first, and then the pictures of heaven. "....forever and forever clad in robes of white....." This is especially poignant after the funeral services yesterday, the one I attended and the one I did not. "For God would have all men to be saved and to come unto the knowledge of the truth..." The comfort for those left behind to mourn is that in heaven there are no more tears, because Jesus will wipe them all away. "....and there from care released......."

Still waiting to hear from the plumber

The sun feels so awesome pouring in on me as I sit here in the window. I could possibly look like Jim and Bob did on Sunday after they got heavy doses of sunshine at the racetrack in Daytona on Saturday. Odd, but they had sunshine while we had rainy skies most of the day! But, these two guys looked so cute with only half of their faces reddened, like aliens on Star Trek! Bob is quite pale ordinarily because he lives in MI where the sun never shines.....

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While the two guys were at the race track, Janet and Karen went to have a pedicure at some shop in Middleburg where they charge less than a dollar per toe! Wow! What a great price and great time they had together. Certainly they had the giggles there, as they do every time they are together.

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Some of my Middleburg family is planning a cruise in mid-October in celebration of Sandy's birthday plus some have other events like anniversaries to celebrate. I was invited to join the fun and the price was so excellent that it seemed foolish to turn down. The rule of thumb is generally $100 a day for a cruise but this was far less money than that. BUT, and that is a huge but, right now, I simply could not justify paying a deposit for a cruise with my financial future so up in the air. I would be Nero fiddling while Rome burns. The price quoted to me was as a single in a room which is generally more than if I had a roommate, the price of two per cabin would be better yet. Joanne and I talked about it and she suggested if I decide to go later on, to find a last minute fare which might be just as good or even better than the one quoted to me now. I told Jen not to write me off totally, not 'til the fat lady sings anyway. Boo hoo hoo!!

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Speaking of Joanne, she is still feeling poorly but at least some of her symptoms have subsided. Yesterday she was at work most of the day but this a.m. she is yet in her pj's at 10:30 a.m. I suggested to her that perhaps her stomach and connected systems are "bruised" from the abuse they endured during the worst of her bug. Often after a headache, I will feel as though my brain is bruised from the pounding. For my own purposes, I have signed up to visit the Life Line Screening mobile unit in Mandarin on Saturday afternoon. My former spouse and I had done this once before when they were in Eagle Harbor and it is quite thorough yet economical as compared with a doctor's office ordering the same tests. My aortas and such will be examined via ultrasound, my blood tested for various things and levels, bone density exam, and other stuff. The last time I had to have blood work done for the doctor, it cost me over $500 out-of-pocket expense, and while it might be more comprehensive than the Life Line testing, many of the same answers will obtained. The bad thing is that I must fast for 8 hours prior to the testing and my appointment is not until mid afternoon. Watch out, Mandarin, I will be hungry!

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Yesterday on Facebook, I put out a request for suggestions for fun things we can do with our Youth Group at church. Some ideas flowed in, a few of which we have used already with some success. We recently hosted a Super Bowl Party here, a Guitar Hero play-off at Pastor's, a movie showing at church, game night.....During the Super Bowl gathering we asked those in attendence what they would like to do for fun events and one girl suggested going to a batting cage or bowling. Good! Love the input! A couple of the kids are competitive bike riders but am not sure that would transfer to a group event or not. Timing seems to be the enemy here with kids already being quite busy in their extra-curricular lives, but our goal is not to keep them busy. The goal would be to help them establish sound relationships with their sisters and brothers of the congregation and spend down time in the Word. I did some research yesterday regarding ideas for Youth Groups and have many ideas stirring around, can't wait to get together with Kathy and Brian to kick some of them around. But, if your congregation has an active and/or growing Young People's program, please send me your ideas, okay? Thanks!

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Well, the plumber will not be coming here until 4:00 pm so I am free as bird until then. He claims it will not take long for him to switch it out so I can keep my plans to meet the ladies for dinner at Cracker Barrel. Even though we do not have class tonight, that does not mean we cannot meet for comfort foods by the fireplace! Meatloaf anyone????

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!