It's a golden Jerusalem day!

My head is yet pounding from crying and that was nearly 10 hours ago! Perhaps it is from trying to hold it in that made my brain hurt. It was “All Saints Day” Sunday at Victory, and since I get a sneak peek at the service folder on Thursday, knew it was going to be a wonderful service. Pastor H. also sends out a ‘tease’ e-mail on Friday which gives a preview of what the sermon theme will be and so on.

When Pastor greeted me at the door, he thanked me for coming and I told him I came to celebrate. Immediately he answered, “Yes, All Saints Day.” Justin was going to church this week as there was no home football game to keep him away. I did not tell him about the closing hymn being “Jerusalem, the Golden” but I should have, since he would have liked for his friend, Sarah, to be there to hear it sung.

The other hymn sung, broken up into various parts of the service was “For All the Saints”---yes, one of my funeral hymns. Justin likes it, too, and I asked him if he would mind very much singing it at my service. Of course, he said he would not mind at all. He also asked me if I had asked Rachel to play for the service but I told him Robbie is planning to do so, and in fact, is already practicing.

Pastor’s sermon was wonderful, with the theme, “You’re just like your Father”. He imagined the angels in heaven, when they greet us, will say this to us---now in perfect glory with the Lord. It is extremely difficult for me to hear or read for myself the portion of Revelation describing the scene around the throne, which culminates with “and He shall wipe every tear from your eye…” It gets me every time.

Before leaving for church, I listened to “Jersusalem…” a couple times to try and get it out of my system beforehand but it was no use. After worship, several people came up to me with hugs and Audrey told me that when she saw the hymn listed in the folder she said a prayer for me. (Last week at GS she joined us around the piano as Robbie and Sterling played it as the choir sang)“…what radiancy of glory, what bliss beyond compare…” Poor Justin! He is already moved by this hymn and then to have his sobbing mama next to him, standing, no less, well……like mother, like son! “You’re just like your mother” and that’s a good thing!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0th-KRASl20&feature=related

Ponderings on a Saturday

This was going to be titled "Ponderings on a Saturday morning" but it is now afternoon. The outdoors appear extremely stormy, cold and overcast, windy, complete with white caps on the river. Nope, staying in today, there is no reason to subject myself to such nastiness! Even though I was thinking how good a margarita would taste today, staying in the house and plugging in my space heater it a good alternative.

Late morning I heard what is referred to as “the sound of freedom” over the river and the city, an air show taking place at NAS JAX. This afternoon will be the Blue Angels, and I only hope they are visible against the grey skies. At least we will be able to hear them. When I was in the kitchen a few moments ago, I heard the sound of bagpipes being played for a wedding next door. I feel badly for the wedding couple, having so gloomy a day as theirs. Many boaters, not fearing or being annoyed by the weather, are making their way toward the base.

As I write, I am watching a movie from the 1930’s which takes place along the Amalfi Coast. Last night when speaking with a Victory member, Ellen, I got a hankering again for traveling. She told me that next March she is leaving on a 60 day cruise to the Mediterranean, and is looking forward to visiting Ephesus again. *Sigh* Personally, I would be hesitant to venture to Turkey at this time, or in March, as the case might be.

Today’s news brought stories of upset in Greece yet again, with the Prime Minister scarcely hanging onto his seat; Italy having problems in the government, having had their credit rating decreased and in as serious a state as Greece’s---or very nearly. Both socialist governments, crumbling, and ours might not be too far behind. When seeing the cities in flames, it’s hard to tell if it is Grecian cities ablaze, or those on our own soil! I even heard it kicked about that Greece should sell its islands in order to make some money but I hate to even consider what would happen to them. I am so thankful for my past trips, my photos, and the memories stored!

By the way, I have been able to see the planes against the sky. One of my great pleasures in recent days, aside from the private air show, is catching up with reclaimed friend from the old days, Kathy. We have exchanged e-mails and sent photos of our homes and our children. She has me out-numbered in the children department, having four of them, plus grandchildren. Kathy certainly does not look grandma-ish, from what I have seen in her photographs. She loves taking care of her granddaughters, and I am glad for that, for her. Kathy has a daughter living in Orlando which likely means a face-to-face visit is in order!

When I attended the tea party event with the ladies from water aerobics class, I tasted the delightful olive mixture served on brochette. The owner of the shop ordered a jar of it for me and it was absolutely delicious. It was expensive, relatively speaking, so I decided to check around the stores to see if it was available. I did find some more finely chopped than from the boutique but nearly as good. I remember having this mixture on a sandwich or two when in Florence, served with ham. Oh my goodness, it was so good! I had my sandwich, as well as Jean Nichols’ because she did not care for the muffaletto. I am glad I have some ham in the freezer to make a delightful sandwich for myself later, and remember Firenza!

A musical weekend

Last weekend was lots of singing on my part, with joint choir rehearsal Saturday morning and again on Sunday before the Reformation service. Then, we sang for the actual service, which had lots of singing. Tonight I was on the listening end of the music, as I attended an organ recital in which my friend, Rachel, was a presenter. This recital is part of what she needs to earn a certain designation in the organ playing world. Two men went ahead of her and then Rachel played. She had the largest contingent of fans in the audience, drawing from her biological family as well as church family and co-workers. Three of us were from Good Shepherd including The Maestro.

This church was the same one where my friend, Kathy’s, daughter was married a couple years ago. The church looks like a cathedral inside, with Spanish tile, wrought iron, Moravian looking lights, a real old-world charm. And extremely uncomfortable seating! At least our humble church has comfy seats…

After the recital, we were invited downstairs for refreshments. We gathered around tables in the church basement (in Florida???) to have our treats. Anne H. sat next to me and I told her I was glad she had her camera. She had taken a photo of Rachel at the magnificent pipe organ, as she played “A Mighty Fortress” just for her Lutheran friends, after the recital was over. (I was still in the church portion while the others were around the organ in front of the church, behind the altar area. Ellen and I sang from the aisle, and the others from around the organ. Antiphonal!)

Anne remarked that she is not as quick with getting her photos posted as Miss Kim is….I defended myself by saying I have no life so have nothing else to do but mess with my pictures. Anne had a good laugh over that, but she does, in fact, have a job during the day so must play at night or whenever there is down-time. Gotta love down-time!

We all gather again on Sunday night for another musical presentation, this time at St. Mark's for a Bach vesper service. Man, I am making the rounds as far as church-hopping goes. First the Assembly of God musical event for my neighbor, then last night at a Baptist church, and Sunday, Episcopal! Both Rachel and Kerra, from last week's photos, are in this Bach presentation, which Rachel informed us is an actual service. Hmmm...I have to think about this....is this a fellowship matter??

Before the recital, Suzanne and I met at Panera Bread for an early dinner, each of us ordering the gourmet mac ‘n cheese, with Suzanne’s meal coming with a turkey Panini. A nice young man, the head baker it seems, spoke to us ladies from behind the counter, asking what we were doing tomorrow morning. Not sure what to answer, Suzanne reported having to attend a soccer match with her daughter. He told us that every morning this week the Blue Angel pilots had been coming in for breakfast and thought we might like to come in when they are there. Nice! I told him I get to watch the practices during the day since I live on the river. He was nice young man!

My day prior to meeting Suzanne was action packed, beginning with “Meet, Eat, and Play” at The Club. This week again we played Trivial Pursuit, adding Mary Lew, back from knee replacement surgery. We established an 11:00 a.m. end time but did quit before since Mary Lew had to leave. She was going to stay and have lunch at The Club but had a meeting in between. Mary Lew is back!!! We had no one close to winning so I hold the status of being the declared winner for two weeks. I suggested “Scattergories” for next time which more might enjoy.

Again, half my breakfast came home with me which can be enjoyed tomorrow morning. The French toast breakfast is so good, but has four slices of toast, plus eggs and bacon. I ate the bacon and two pieces of the toast before hitting the wall. When the Chef came out to talk with us, asking how our meals were, I told him the portion was too large for one sitting for me, so it’s a great value---two meals for $8.00!

Mary was able to go and see one of the available apartments Kerrie has, just across the street from the property, near the tennis courts. The price seems to be close to what she can afford and certainly nearer to work than where she lives now. On one hand, she would be upstairs where she prefers to live, but not have washer/dryer hook-ups. The more expensive lower unit does have hook-ups but she prefers to be upstairs. There is a laundromat across the street on Hwy.17. How fun if she lived this close to me! We could hang out all the time!

When I woke up this morning, I counted the chimes of the clock to determine the time, since I have no clock in my room. When the clock struck 7:00, I was astounded because it was still so very dark outside. What the heck? I guess I had better get used to darkness in the mornings since we set the clocks back an hour this weekend and will wake when it’s dark still. If I didn’t have the function at The Club, it would have been so easy to just cover up and sleep another hour or so! The gentle rain lolling me to sleep…..I am glad I did not nod off during the recital and embarrass myself and my compatriots!

Laughing in my room----again!

Of course, it’s laughing at “Seinfeld”, The Kiss Hello episode. I remember when I used to burst out laughing at either "Frasier" or "Seinfeld" and scare Lynx straight up into the air. She never saw it coming, but she should have!

We had a laugh at Bible study this a.m. too. Before we can take our seats in the back of the church at the tables, we have to wait for the pre-k gang to vacate. Liz was in there busily wiping the tables when I ventured in and offered to help her with the cleaning up. She had a Clorox wipe in each hand, seeming to have quite the system in place. She busily wiped the seats off and went for the broom and dust pan. Meanwhile, Pastor H. came through and picked up something from the floor---a gooey, slimy gummy thing that dripped all over his hand. I gave him a Clorox wipe to clean his hand off as he chuckled about the stuff kids leave on the floor.

Later, a family walked through with the mom carrying a live animal in her arms, which I got a fairly close-up look at from my seat. Everyone else assumed it was a stuffed creature but it was live, for Show and Tell. I think it was a guinea pig, not quite as large as a rabbit but bigger than a hamster. When class was done, and we were putting the tables and chairs back, Pastor H. bent over to pick up something on the floor. He recoiled and then laughed, realizing it was a little turd from the furry pet! Using his fingers, he brought it into the kitchen where I was rinsing Judy’s coffee cup, dropped the turd into the trash and laughingly washed his hands. Pastor said, “Anne would call that a shurtzy” or something like that, and then said, “Guess you never know what you’re going to find on the floor…” That’s for sure!

When we were leaving, Rita and Marilyn invited me to join them for lunch at Olive Garden. Since I was not familiar with the area we were going, Rita said to follow her. She drives like it’s a get-away car and a couple times I thought she shook me but I tailed her! We had to do one go around since we turned a drive-way too soon but eventually the three of us found the restaurant and were seated. Marilyn said she wondered how I would be able to keep up with Lead Foot Rita but I held my own!

My lunch from Olive Garden was a variety of appetizers but I did not care for the ravioli bites. The waiter offered to remove them from my bill but I said no because there was nothing wrong with them, I just didn’t like them. The mozzarella and chicken tenders were fine, and the company better! After a lovely visit we parted company with me finding my way back to 9-A somehow or another.

Last night I had a good sleep on my freshly washed sheets, no crumbs yet. It was hard to get out of bed this a.m. but I did it somehow. The sun was reluctant but did eventually free itself of the clouds by lunch time. The temp was 80 as I drove home but sure didn’t feel like it.

My dinner last night and again tonight was something from the back of my freezer, leftover roast beef with carrots. I made baked potatoes to eat with the leftovers which I re-cooked in the oven the entire time I was at choir rehearsal last night. Talk about tender roast beef! For dinner tonight I simply microwaved the balance of the meal, planning to dispose of what I could not finish.

Yesterday I got my fingers and toes done at a salon just down the street. Actually it is across from where our office used to be, near the post office. My friend, Jennifer, who used to go to church with me, recommended her niece, a recent graduate from beauty college. Some of my finger nails were ridged and the cuticles bad so opted to have both hands and feet attended to by Jennifer, named for her aunt! A lovely young lady, who is attending classes at the community college besides working at the salon. She is presently in education but might change her major to Christian counseling. Probably gets a workout listening to the clients in the salon! Gotta love an ambitious and pretty young woman…she is probably too busy to date right now but would make a lovely daughter-in-law!

A trip down memory lane

The other day, I think it was Saturday, as I was about to post something to my blog, I noticed an unposted comment waiting for approval. Normally the comments, when they come, are seen in my e-mail first, perhaps because they are done as Anonymous postings. When I clicked the comment, I found out it was from my long-lost friend, who had served as my matron of honor 100 years ago! Kathy found me somehow, perhaps Googled me, read my blog, and left a comment. Since then we have reached out to each other via e-mail to get a bit caught up.

Immediately upon hearing from her, I sent Dolly, my other friend from grade school and high school, a message to tell her about Kathy finding me. Dolly could not at first remember her so I sent a picture of the wedding party to refresh her memory. Later, she wrote back to say that she did indeed remember her and then commented that everyone looks so young, expected since it WAS 37 years ago, and remarked that I look exactly the same. I thanked her for the compliment and was glad she remembered Kathy.

Yesterday afternoon when Justin came by, I was telling him about Kathy finding me and so on. He wanted to see who I was talking about so I showed him the photo sent to Dolly. Justin said, “Oh, wow, hippies!” “Look at those pants!” Just because we ladies had the long hair and we had a flower crown on our heads…So anyway, he looked at the photo some more and said, “You look exactly the same…” I laughed and scrolled down the picture to Dolly’s remark and he laughed about that.

Click photo to enlarge

My wedding party: Nancy Kaye Erickson, Kathy Raleigh Schmidt, me, Roger, Biff (bro-in-law), and Gary Alan Welsch. The three not related to us were my high school friends. Mom made our dresses and the guys wore suits instead of tuxes. I am hoping that the guys were just not ready for the photograph because they are sober as judges standing there! What a lovely church--glad I gave in to Mom about not being married outdoors!

Justin was telling me how Mac computers have a tool to do facial recognition and he wished I had a Mac so he could do that for my photos. All pictures with me in them would line up next to each other, I guess, like a photo array. I told him that was fine, except don’t look too closely!

I am not sure if I mentioned that Justin’s boss lost a major lawn care job so his hours were going to be cut. It was going to enable Justin to maneuver the time he works for his father, then, so he could attend Bible study on Thursday. It seems since last week, though, William has gotten another contract which is great for him and the guys. It would be great if Justin could return to class but also great for him to have the work. He did tell me that on Friday, he will work a 12 hour day so they don’t have to work on Saturdays twice a month any longer. The work will be done all at once on Friday so no Saturdays. Oh, to be young!

The markets tanked yesterday as the EU and primarily Greece is freaking out again. I was so glad to see the DOW get above 12000 last week, which in my mind was a good number to shoot for, and hopefully above, even though I don’t really own many stocks. If the DOW is up generally the bond market is up as well. I realize the markets are being propped up by devalued dollars but still, I am hopeful. Clark Howard, the Consumer Warrior, often urges people to look away from the stock market numbers but my eyes stray that direction often.

Here is my advice to Herman Cain---stop talking!

Amen!

I am back in church

As I write, the strains of “A Mighty Fortress” are being sung during a Reformation service far north of where I live, but south of where I used to live. Does my heart good to listen to the singing, though I am personally all sung out until Wednesday night!

The sun feels delicious on my back and shoulders. My patio and kitchen doors are opened, but the bedroom doors are closed. It is a bit nippy out there this a.m.; only in the low 60’s to get us started. The house is getting a breath of fresh air and my feet are snuggled in the fuzzy slippers.

The washer is busily taking care of the dirty laundry even though both my baskets overflow with the already cleaned loads. I wish someone would fold those towels and put them away! The nightgowns and my dainties are grabbed out when they come to the top of the heap, shoved into the drawer. But the folded stuff requires more of me. We just make our own trouble sometimes by setting these unreasonable standards for folding things! Guess I can still do that---someday!

Last night for dinner I ate some of the leftover spaghetti from Friday’s Dinner and Movie. It occurred to me that I did not care for the sauce, or something. I just don’t like it and will toss the balance of the meal. Did I even mention the Dinner and Movie on Friday? I could go back to check…hang on….Nope, I did not.

Judy C. and my pool friend, Mary, came for Dinner and a Movie at which I served the aforementioned spaghetti. I even had a salad which Mary was quite impressed by ("Oh, you made a salad!"). Actually I tore open the bag and dumped it in the bowl. Even my newer friends are aware of my quirks! The movie we watched was “Brideshead Revisited”, a theatrical version from a few years ago. Mary had seen the PBS version which is over 10 hours long. My upstairs neighbor reported he owns that series, which follows the book nearly verbatim and offered to lend it to me. Since this shorter version left us a bit unsettled, some time passing before watching the televised version might be appreciated!

Saturday morning I had to be at church by 9:00 a.m. for our joint choir rehearsal. It was marvelous to be with both church choirs and do our run-throughs. Anne H. was talking with me afterward and said how much she has appreciated watching Robbie’s ‘earnestness’ increase as the big day approached. Usually she only saw him as “The Maestro” on the day of the service, since Rachel would accompany and direct at Victory. This time he served the two churches as both accompanist and director. She wondered if she should mention this to him and my reply was ‘absolutely’! Robbie greatly appreciates feed- back and reinforcement. Only 24 years old and he wears so many hats already. The other morning he was showing me all the different hymnals and books he needed for the service. He said, “I love planning this stuff out…”I love that he loves it!

For the special Reformation service, he was bouncing back and forth between the organ and the piano. At one point, when I was in back of the church, I whispered to his dad, Cliff, “Next he’s going to grab that bassoon and play it!” Sterling had the bassoon parked between the organ and piano, and could easily have been knocked over in the shuffle.

The service itself was very nice, with the three pastors (two Kuske’s and a Hoyer) presenting brief remarks in regard to the readings from the Small Catechism and Smalcald Articles. Our anthems were interwoven with the responsive readings. It was great reading through these parts of our confessions, and I remember fondly a Bible study done years ago on the Smalcald Articles. We were well fed!

When it was time for the congregation to sing “In Christ Alone”, I moved away from the rest of choir sitting in the pews to join Terri T., alone in hers. She scooted over but just enough so we could lean on each other a bit. This hymn, with its rich text, was sung at Gordy’s funeral, and somehow I sang it without sobbing that day, and again on Sunday. She was not so fortunate but I sang it in her stead. She helps me out on Easter and I help her out on Reformation…that’s what friends do! When I got back to my seat, the lady in front of me, from Christ Lutheran, turned around and smiled at me, as she also wept!

There was a funny thing that happened as well. I found it so, anyway. First of all, Robbie told me ahead of time that Sterling and he were playing “Jerusalem…”during the offertory, plus “In Christ Alone” in the service. I told the ladies that since we had Psalm 46 during the service and in the a.m. service, Pastor K. mentioned some of Psalm 31, all we needed was Rice Krispie Treats and we’d have my funeral! Carol said that was fine only she would want to change her clothes first. I told Carol she looked nice and she said, “No. I need to wear my brightest colors for your funeral!” Love that!

So, here comes the funny part---if you can stand any more funny parts---Sterling and Robbie were playing the pre-service music, waiting for the three pastors to come around the building and in the front doors. They were playing “Behold, a Host Arrayed in White”, another of my funeral hymns. Anne loves it too and I told her it was for my funeral. When we looked up, we saw through the opened breezeway door, three men--in white robes. I turned and looked at Anne, and she got the irony, as well.... Coincidence? I think not!

Photos from Reformation celebration

Our pre-service rehearsal had The Maestro sporting a gag idea for directing us and playing at the same time. Since he was behind the piano, it was difficult for some to see when to come in so he applied an antennae to his face. When he removed it, some of his eyebrows came with it!

The order of these photos is a bit confused, my apologies. Pastor Kuske speaking at the afternoon Reformation service, his dad seated in the front row.

Prof. Kuske led the morning Bible study based on Romans, "By Faith Alone"

Robbie, "The Maestro", and our fabulous soprano, Kerra, who attends UNF with Robbie, rehearsing Saturday. Kerra sang the 2 descants for which I personally was most thankful. She is a member at Victory, as is her boyfriend, Daniel, both from King of Kings, Maitland.

Setting up the chairs for our joint choir rehearsal on Saturday morning. Carol, in the blue top, now walks without benefit of a cane following her knee surgery. Bravo!

Here we are, ready to enjoy our Reformation Feast as prepared by chefs Mike 'n Mike. In the foreground is Joseph, with the white hair, next to Ellen C., Twila, and Jean. Across is Donna W.

Mike C., one of the chefs, in line to eat

Here is a group shot from my seat. In the foreground you can see the youngest attendee, a three-week old baby in arms, with her parents from Christ, Keystone Heights. That's the 'Buz', anyway!

Janet is dishing up some of that awesome feast, with Michelle across from her. Behind Janet is Rich, from Victory and WI (he used to own a restaurant along I-43, near Mequon!). Cary, my Trivia partner, is following Rich, Suzanne is across from them both.

Here is a close-up of the grape salad that I loved so well. Jayne made it, and Judy J. brought me a plate of salad, as I hollered to her across the room to do so. Funny! As I ate the grapes I thought I tasted peanut butter but those with me suggested I was imagining things. Jayne told me later that there was crushed Butterfingers in it. Do I know my grape salad or what???

The tables begin to fill......