Nowhere else to be

It feels so wonderful to be home this evening, connecting with my heating pad, my laptop, and TV remote control. Even if the Packers lost in the last moment by one stupid point, one point!!!, I am glad to be here. Checking the calendar and schedule a couple times just to make sure I did not have to be somewhere else, the decision was made to get comfortable in my nightie. If it was summer time, the sun would still be out and fun going on, but since it is winter, well almost anyway, wearing ones nightie at this early hour is more than acceptable. Between the Packers and the Jaguars, my heart is taking a beating (get it???). What a wild ride these teams have taken us on this season!

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Today required a great deal of standing as our second Advent Song Service took place at Victory, with rehearsal beforehand. Kathy B. rode with me to the church, leaving her car parked at the dog track. Rachel, the director, sent me a message overnight asking if we could bring a music stand with us so Kathy stopped at church to grab one on her way to meet me. We tossed it in the back of my car and away we went. The freeways were clear and the two of us arrived in good time, with extra spent in the car talking until more choir members began to show up.

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It was wonderful to see our brothers and sisters again, and combine voices and hearts with them. Suzanne played the viola beautifully, having to dash between the organ and piano to accompany, as Rachel asked her to do. She is the one who should be lying down tonight after all the miles she put on. It would have been bad form to cut across the front of the church so Suzanne had to truck it around back each scene change---whew! The piano, played by Bonnie, was lovely and with Rachel on the organ, it was almost heavenly. For one of our anthems, Rachel's brother, Joel, sight-read the music and played the bells, adding much to the background. Justin was the photographer for me, and got several nice shots of various people, including me. Someone after church said it was like Justin was taking pictures at his mama's wedding, ready to shoot the picture every time his mama was up front! Afterwards, Janet came to the narthex where I was "greeting", took my hand and lead us up front so Justin could take a photo of the five of us ladies from G. S. Rick P. had already left or he would have been included in the shot. Only six of our choir members were able to be there this morning, as illness or travel prevented others from being there.

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It was great to see so many people I know, including Anne's parents, visiting from Sarasota, and Carol, a friend of Linda O's whom I had met a couple years ago at Linda's condo in St. Augustine. Linda had a gathering one year after her husband died to thank the ladies in her life who had helped her get through and there I met Carol. It was amazing that she remembered my name and was so fun to see her again! Linda had invited me to come to her condo on New Year's Eve for a bonfire and to ring in 2010, even having a sleep-over. Unfortunately, or rather, fortunately my family will be visiting me yet at that time so had to take a rain check. I couldn't make it on ThanksLiving Eve either because I was in WI and if I do not watch out, the invitations might stop coming!

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Justin had plans for after church so four of us ladies went to eat lunch at Mimi's. We were told there was a 45 minute wait but we pulled up chairs at the party bar and were able to order from the bar room. Cool! Time was our enemy a bit because we had a full day ahead of us yet with the tree decorating, caroling, and then the chili supper at our own church. Others were taking care of putting up the tree and I was in charge of the caroling. Kelly T. had left the beautifully done CHRISTmas card booklets at church for us to hand out when caroling plus a gift bag for me. Inside the bag were two Packer towels for attaching to the oven door, two Packer hot pads, a gorgeous blue candle she had made, plus two dishcloths and a dish towel. She really outdid herself and I cherish the hand towels! Presently the CHRISTmas scene towel is hanging on my oven door which was her gift to me last year but will be replaced by the Packer ones when my family is here! Awesome gifts from an awesome friend!

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We have one member at a nursing home in O.P. so that is where we headed. There were only five adults and four kids who went caroling, with Nancy being delighted to see us. Before I could introduce us, Nancy said she knew who we were which was very good. She had a stroke and is recovering from it, but her memory is strong, so much so that she could attempt to sing along with us on the carols she knew. The little ones really sang out nicely as some of the songs are part of their program for the 24th. I was so proud of them! As we were leaving, we sang "Joy to the World" going down the hallway as the kids handed out the booklets. We found a roomful of people in the dining room so we sang a song or two for them as the kids gave away the rest of the booklets. Even though I was so terribly weary, it was truly a blessing to be able to go there to sing for these folks and wish them Merry CHRISTmas!

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Back at church, the fellowship hall was aromatic with the scent of chili which those who had not gone caroling prepared for us. Three types of chili, three types of corn bread, crackers, cheese, onions, and kidney beans......wow! My first helping was delicious, Cincinnati chili, but my eyes were bigger than my stomach (really????) and I simply could not finish the next type of chili. Oh, it was such a wonderful day today being with two of the church families, preparing for Jesus' birthday and sharing the Word in song and booklet. And there was nothing else on the calendar for today besides that!

Bits 'n Pieces

My mind is ragged this morning, bouncing all over with ideas and thoughts and annoyances. I get irked when the 'news' is a re-run on Saturday of what happened during the week, although I realize that little newsworthy happened overnight. Guess the heavy snowfall in Washington is making for the slow news day!

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It must be okay to mention that my friend, Rick, is starting a new job after New Year, having given his notice yesterday. He wanted to do the right thing by giving a good two weeks' notice to his present employer and so far has gone well. Rick had started with our building company at the tender age of 20 as a draftsman. He was a single dad, living with his folks who helped with the toddler, whom he brought to the same day care where Timmy was kept. That is where we met. Rick worked at a doctor's office in the daytime and went to ITT at night to learn drafting. I told him we were looking for a drafter so the next day he showed up without making an appointment, was hired, and the rest is history. He married Jennifer, who worked in the day care, and now they have a daughter together plus Christopher. I am just delighted about his new job and wish him all the best!

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Andrea Bocelli is going to be on Fox and Friends this morning to sing a song from his new CHRISTmas CD. The sample they play is "White Christmas" but about half of the songs are true hymns or anthems that talk about Jesus' birthday, not the secular celebration.

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My downstairs neighbor, Jeff, is a pilot and home for a while before heading off again. Tracy said they were going to watch a movie last night but their daughters had pilfered their collection! I am going down there shortly with my basket of movies, should wear my red coat so I can be disguised as the Red Box like outside of McDonald's, only free for the borrowing!

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Twila and I watched "Julie and Julia" last night while eating our delicious Papa Murphy's pizza. Judy J. was coming to watch, too, but decided to sit by the phone to hear the report about Pastor's wife, Lynn. Judy was with their kids during the day but the grandparents came to relieve Judy before Lynn was out of surgery. All went well, the lumpectomy was performed without problem, and there was still some question as to whether she would be allowed to stay overnight or be sent home. The call came at 7:30 last night and she still had an hour of recovery to enjoy before the medical people would decide. I hope they let her stay where she was and just sleep! Thank you, Lord Jesus, for sparing our sister, Lynn K.!!!

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Twila had the idea to have a Julia Child Dinner here and I love that idea! The young lady who cooked her way through the cookbook made a beef dish that sounded wonderful as well as a fluffy raspberry dessert which appealed to me. After the holidays are over, we will pursue these plans. I will have to find my pearl necklace to wear when cooking and eating!

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I would like to wrap my presents but have no gift boxes. Normally I am at Mom's this time of the year and know exactly where the boxes, wrap, tape, bows, and name tags are up there, even in her new apartment. But, I got nothing here except for tissue paper. I do have wrap but no boxes so might pick some up when out shopping today. Remember when the stores used to offer them at the check-out? Rats!

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The other day I was talking with Justin over lunch about some "cheap" condos Joanne told me about in St. Johns county. I told Justin about the unit on the second floor in my building that recently sold after 18 months on the market for about $115,000 less than the original asking price. While I am glad they finally found a buyer, I am horrified at what will happen to the values on the rest of the units. Yes, it is a buyer's market, which is why I could get 2000 sq. ft. at Palencia for $150,000, marked down from $400,000, a brand-new unit, first owner. Imagine that!!! Of course, I would have to change churches and go to Victory but my friends would find that too far to come and visit me. BUT, my point was, in discussing this with Justin, was that the unit which sold was the same size and basic floor plan as mine, needing freshening up. He said to me, "Yours doesn't need any freshening up---it looks so homey already!" What a lovely thing to hear and for him to say. He warmed my heart!

Yet, another contribution, this one from Linda M., a girl after my own heart!

10. CARROT STICKS Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls. 9. EGGNOG Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly.. It's rare ... you cannot find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnogoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it.. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas! 8. GRAVY If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano.. Repeat. 7. MASHED POTATOES As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission. 6. PRE-EATING Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello? 5. EXERCISE Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a ten-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog. 4. SANTA COOKIES If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again. 3. PIES Same for pies. Apple, pumpkin, mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day? 2. FRUITCAKE Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards. 1. MOTTO One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner. Remember this motto to live by: Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming "WOOHOO! What a ride!"

From my friend, Dee Dee (Diane) complete with animation!

Christmas Cookie Rules... 1. If you eat a Christmas cookie fresh out of the oven, it has no calories because everyone knows that the first cookie is the test and thus calorie free. 2. If you drink a diet soda after eating your second cookie, it also has no calories because the diet soda cancels out the cookie calories. 3. If a friend comes over while you're making your Christmas cookies and needs to sample, you must sample with your friend. Because your friend's first cookie is calories free, (rule #1) yours is also. It would be rude to let your friend sample alone and, being the friend that you are, that makes your cookie calorie free. 4. Any cookie calories consumed while walking around will fall to your feet and eventually fall off as you move. This is due to gravity and the density of the caloric mass. 5. Any calories consumed during the frosting of the Christmas cookies will be used up because it takes many calories to lick excess frosting from a knife without cutting your tongue. 6. Cookies colored red or green have very few calories. Red ones have three and green ones have five - one calorie for each letter. Make more red ones! 7. Cookies eaten while watching "Miracle on 34th Street" have no calories because they are part of the entertainment package and not part of one's personal fuel.

8. As always, cookie pieces contain no calories because the process of breaking
Causes calorie leakage.

9. Any cookies consumed from someone else's plate have no calories since the calories
Rightfully belong to the other person and will cling to their plate.
We all know how calories like to CLING!


10. Any cookies consumed while feeling stressed have no calories because cookies used for medicinal purposes NEVER have calories. It's a rule!

So, go out and enjoy those Christmas Cookies - we only get them this this time of year!

Waiting for kick-off

And so far, no rain! Justin had planned on attending the game tonight, the first game this season not being blacked out, due to help from area businesses and the city of Jax. As we were leaving Bible study, he got a phone call from his father, asking him if Justin would mind missing the game since the weather was expected to be foul tonight, complete with rain and cold. Justin was cool with it, and while I did not at first realize it was his father breaking the plans, I was bemused that he let the caller/canceller off the hook so easily. I had assumed he was going with Ron, but that was only my assumption. Instead, the father and son team is going shopping for Justin's cousins who live in Manty, as his dad is not sure what to get them. My shopping for them was completed without benefit of a list when I was in Manty, wrapped and delivered to Barb, ready for distribution. I really do not like list-shopping and prefer to take my chances on what I know or surmise.

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Our Bible study went a bit long this a.m. with our discussion of the Lord's Supper and its benefits to our life. We have a newer attendee who walks over from the subdivision next door, happy to have a church, any church, nearby. Francis' background is Methodist and she appears to be quite well-read in the Word but is strange to the WELS and its doctrines. Pastor is talking with her about taking the "Life in the Victory Lane" classes so she can become more aware of what we teach. She brings much to the class and as Justin nicely pointed out later, it helps to revisit the reasons why we do the things we do. He is quite astute sometimes.

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Justin was hungry for rice so "talked" me into lunch at PF Changs. Believe it if you will but we dined el fresco in the full sun. It just now occurs to me that I left my inevitable "to-go" box in the car. My hands were full when I got home carrying my made-to-order Papa Murphy's pizza, which is rather floppy when carried. They had a special of $5.99 for a large pepperoni and the lady nicely threw an extra handful of shredded cheese on the top, no charge! Lisa, my niece, raves about their chocolate chip cookie dough, which they offered at two for $5. I told the clerk how my niece eats the dough right from the container and she said, "It is that good!" I will wait to make mine into cookies until it is closer to when the family arrives so they are fresh.

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Joanne and Judy J. were coming over to watch the game and share the pizza but plans changed and the pizza waits. Joanne was so exhausted that she has dark rings under her eyes. I did not ask her specifically but I wonder if her incredibly noisy, rambunctious, frisky neighbors woke her up from the sound sleep again. She is working very hard these days, having lost her assistant and doing it all herself again. Maybe after CHRISTmas I can lend her a hand but do not want to jeopardize our friendship in any way. It can happen, you know! So, since the ladies are not coming tonight, my dinner will be some of my leftover ribs from Sunday night and mashed potatoes made last night. Twila and Judy J. will come tomorrow for Dinner and a Movie, when we will enjoy our pizza. I bought "Julie and Julia" for us to watch plus Twila has "The Point of the Spear', a movie she has raved about for ages. When I mentioned it to Judy, she seemed familiar with it but said she has not seen the movie, she read the book! Oh, how we laughed----there's a book???? Judy is watching the pastor's kids tomorrow as his wife is going in for her breast cancer surgery. The procedure is expected to be same-day, but we shall see. I was thinking the surgery was today but is actually tomorrow. Prayers that all goes well for her would be greatly appreciated!

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Justin is coming over Saturday to go shopping with me for groceries, mostly to help me get them upstairs. Much of my list is not food items but things needing to be on hand for house guests and their comfort. Justin assured me that the grocery items would be fine for a week prior to their arrival, especially since I am making a dinner on CHRISTmas Day after all. Even Rick and Jen might join us which pleases me beyond measure, and the Hilcheys have been invited. Speaking of which, Jen and I had breakfast early this a.m. at Grumpy's after she dropped Mem off at school. As we sat and talked, in came Owen to meet his friend for breakfast! We hugged and he sat down at the table next to ours so we could chat. He did not know that I had spoken with Sandy about coming for dinner so I hope they can make it. When he was getting ready to leave, he snatched the bill off our table, saying this morning was his treat. Wasn't that nice? Once before this happened to me, at Cracker Barrel, when a car salesman picked up our ticket. I hope all get to come for dinner on CHRISTmas Day, as I reminded Jen, I love nothing better than people around my table! Of course, it does not have to be anything fancy, just basics, but will be lovely nonetheless. Now I am getting really excited!!!!

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Justin will be at Victory on CHRISTmas Eve, attending the children's service with his father, who will be leaving for WI the next day. Victory does not have worship on the 25th for some reason so he can come to Good Shepherd for our song service and home with me for the feast. Did I mention getting excited???

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As I checked my voice mail today I had several from church, asking me about the details for Sunday's big events of putting up the tree, decorating the tree and church, going caroling, and then the chili supper. Technically I am only in charge of the caroling but, as Renee said when she called later this afternoon, there seems, oddly enough, to be a communication gap regarding the events. Really? Fortunately I was able to answer her questions about the tree and ornaments and such since some of the regular players would not be there to orchestrate the decorating. Renee's hubby, our new property trustee, is also in charge of the chili supper and seems to have that well in hand. That whole conversation just made me chuckle as once again, the right hand does not know what the left is doing but somehow, it will all come together. The church secretary had also called with questions but I did not get the message until after Justin and I finished lunch....I can get with her tomorrow, I guess. But, for now, kick off!!! Go Jags!!!

Oops, the day got away from me!

I am perched at my desk, using the desktop tonight, as I finish my delicious supper---at nearly 10:00 pm! My eyes are quite ready to sleep but yet I have not completed my meal. Am I upside down here or what? Martie and I had a late lunch today at Miller's Ale House, sharing a portion of their tremendously wonderful cheddar and bacon fries with chicken tenders on top. We did not even finish that dish and Martie took the balance of it home with her for later. When I spoke with her hubby on the phone this a.m., Ernie asked me if I had ever eaten at 5 Guys. Of course, I expounded on the virtues of their food and he said he had his first visit the other day. He loved it but was buried by the hamburger, just too big to eat! I told him they have a junior-sized burger instead and also recommended the hot dog. It is the fries, though, that people go crazy over, so good, fresh-cut fries. One order is enough for three people, as Justin, Linda, and I found out when she was here.

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After we finished our long lunch, without benefit of adult beverages, Martie and I went to the UPS Store to send off our packages. Hers cost way more than mine did, going parcel post snail mail. Martie was appalled that the shipping was nearly the same value as the gift inside the box! Mine was not quite that bad but I do regret not taking care of this when I was up in Manty to avoid having to ship anything. Rats! Some of my shopping was done via Internet and those packages will arrive at their destination without additional help from me. Some will even arrive gift wrapped! And hopefully, on time!

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Tonight as I headed back to church for Advent worship, I found myself alongside Judy J. at the light on Hwy. 17. We were neck and neck most of the way to church then, if the lights were in our favor, but when we got from Wells onto Blanding, the nightmare began. The traffic, usually dense anyway, was extra heavy with the Mall traffic and then, having the signal messed up at Argyle and Blanding was unforgivable! The left turn arrow, covering two lanes of traffic, failed to allow traffic to leave Blanding. Fortunately I was stopped back far enough to observe the problem and therefore, went straight instead of getting into the turn lane. Those lanes were also full but had operational traffic lights. Several of our members were late getting there, but Judy somehow beat me, by going against the red light and around the corner when traffic allowed. Joe came that way, too, and felt a bit uneasy turning against the red arrow! Others came in after church began including Twila and Janet, but I made it before church actually started. One thing we absolutely depend upon are operational traffic signals from Blanding onto Argyle and Wells Roads, at CHRISTmas especially!

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Tomorrow a.m. I am meeting Jennifer at Grumpy's after she drops Memrie off at school. She has some things to talk with me about, good things and otherwise. Time will be our enemy though as I have to leave there with enough to spare to get over to Victory. Yes, it is Thursday already...wasn't that just last week when we had a Thursday??? Martie and I talked about how this year flew by and we wondered if it because of our ages, or did it really fly by?? I remember that I was totally preoccupied with legal matters early on in the year and after that, time just took off running! Summer went especially fast it seems. Tomorrow night is the football game and I am excited about that. Not sure if I want to go get the pizza or order in, we shall see! Go Jaguars!!!!

I just cannot do it!

I cannot and will not watch "Elf"! My tolerance for 'holiday' programs on TV is already low but to watch the weirdo Ferrell would be too over the top. A couple of us on Facebook discussed this movie and it seems I am unique in my sentiment about it. Oh well, the rest of you, enjoy!

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Speaking of enjoying, I did just that tonight as the preschool and kindergarten's students at church told the assembly the true reason for celebrating CHRISTmas. Earlier today I met Judy C. over there and together we set up the Fellowship Hall for the reception which would follow the program. I took my tablecloth and centerpiece, candy dishes, candy, as much as I could load in my wash basket, over this a.m. and the rest of it this evening. We dressed the tables with red or green plastic covers and the refreshment table with my tablecloth. It looked quite festive if I do say so myself! Mike C. and Carol stayed afterwards to help us get things put away and cleaned up, the whole evening over by 8:00 pm. Not bad, and an excellent turn-out for the program and reception!

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Obviously, the table toting and chair hauling, days which I thought were behind me, wore me out so I am now resting. A notice had come Monday to remind us the elevator would be down, so to speak, for an hour today so I planned to stay out after finishing at church. Kohl's is having a big sale so that is where I went to finish my shopping before heading to Great Hang Ups. When I came in, Julia announced they were getting worried about me since I had not been around in over a week. We had a wonderful chat even with a few clients coming and going, which is great to see.

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After leaving Hang Ups I headed for home and worked on a few things for the function tonight, some posters and notices about our special services coming in the next few weeks. And then, I rested! When it was time to head back over to church again, I carried my large wash basket which was loaded to the top with the goody bags, balancing my home-baked cookies on top of that and headed to the car. In the lobby I met my neighbor who declared, "Every time I see you, you are hauling something!" Yes, it is true---or so it seems, anyway.

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When we came out of the program, we realized it had rained. This made it that much more steamy outside, adding to the already muggy air which today topped 82 degrees. Tomorrow it is expected to drop down 20 degrees and more rain is coming our way. Oh nice! The Jaguar game is being broadcast locally on Thursday night, the first time this season the Jags will not be blacked out. YIPPEE! Joanne is coming over to watch the game with me, at least the first part of it. I am looking forward to seeing her again since I have not since getting home from WI. I am thinking of getting one of the "Father Murphy" pizzas, new in Orange Park. We had a couple of those when at Lori's, only the official name is Papa Murphy's. I accidentally called it Father Murphy and now I cannot say it correctly. It's a Little House on the Prairie thing!!!