A gorgeous Friday

When Mom and Lynn were here, I made every effort to introduce them to people with whom I associate. Those folks include my church friends, pool friends, and those from Victory whose names show up in my blog or Facebook. I did fairly well, even arranging to meet Anne H. for breakfast so Mom could see her, and having Stephanie and Erica join us. Now Mom and Lynn can put faces and personalities to the names!

They got to meet almost all my pool friends, and when they were getting ready to leave, I said, "The only one I wanted you to meet yet was Lee..." Mom said, "Lee? I can't say I recall your mentioning a Lee." Well, I have, and we recently 'celebrated' our one year anniversary, as I met her on the same day she was closing the deal on her house, which is nearby. Mom said there are too many people for her to meet but I like her to meet the folks who mean something to me.

When I went out at noon yesterday, there she was. She had been away from the area and from the pool for a couple weeks. Lee thought my company was coming in September, so was sad to have missed Mom and Lynn.

She allowed me to photograph her as she lounged in the sun

We had a great time visiting, with another neighbor from the Villas, Bob, joining us. He often calls me The Queen, and likes to tease me. Bob remarked at how my mom sure is spritely for her age, got a kick out of watching enjoy the water. His own mom still lives, too, but has Alzheimers Disease, so he can't really enjoy her much. His mom came for a visit in June but remembers nothing of it. The visit was more for his benefit, I reminded him, and not so much for her. He agreed that this was true. One day when my mom was here, he carried her sandals to the edge of the pool so she wouldn't burn her feet on the hot pavement. He was also impressed that she still does crossword puzzles. His mom can neither go into the pool nor do puzzles so he was pleased about my mom's abilities.

Anyway, the air was nice and warm but the water was not. My, oh my, was the water ever chilly! The recent rains have cooled things substantially and overcast days prevent the water from warming. We were thankful to have the water to cool off in after sitting in the sun, gradually becoming accustomed to the colder water. Lee loves it this way while Fran, Rick, and I do not! Fran would only sit on the edge of the pool, not getting in. Was so glad to see Fran and Rick again, with them asking if my company got home safely, and such.

                        

For a Friday, it was nice to see people coming and going from the pools, and not so many kids due to school being in session again. Saturday might be different, provided the weather holds. Lee and I had lunch together, with Fran and Rick eating later. I surprised Julius by ordering a hot dog because he had anticipated my ordering a burger. It was already on the grille. Lee got a kick out of that, as though I had a standing order. Marlena asked me the other day if I was going to have a hot dog since they got the special ones I like, so I felt obligated to have one. Oh the pressure!!!

Late afternoon, I decided to go back up stairs for a while, and took a shower. Instead of putting my nightie back on, I got dressed. Not my usual modus operandi, but I figured I would go back out later on. Marlena asked me if I would come back out and sing karaoke in the cabana. She wanted to put my name on the marquis. I made no promises and was glad she did not put my name in lights as no one was singing. Instead, we gathered around a table and enjoyed the lovely summer evening. Must have been a dozen of us, with chairs being added and moved around all evening. I did have a burger for my dinner, made to order by Julius. Mmmmm!

Justin and I are going to the movies in the morning, nearly afternoon, for the cheap ticket rate. Rick wished he could go too but has to work this weekend. Shoot! I am to give him a report about it. Judy J. was going to go with us but she went on her own this afternoon, and loved it. We will compare notes once I have seen it. I am anticipating long lines but Justin says people won't stand in line for a documentary. We shall see!

Laughing my head off

As I write I am watching "Seinfeld"---the 'can you spare a square' episode. Kramer and George go rock climbing (in New York City??) with Elaine's boyfriend, on whom George has a man-crush. Jerry suspects that Elaine dates Tony only because he is attractive, and that Tony is a "male bimbo", or a "mimbo" for short. .Jerry finds Tony quite comical, of course, and mocks his cool good looks and hip attitude. Too funny for a Thursday night!

 

Justin and I combined efforts on a taco salad to eat while watching the football game. He nicely went to the store plus got gas in my car, after he got home from work. What WILL I do when he moves away from me? Guess I will get my own gas....It was his idea to make the taco salad so he went to the store. When he buys his gas at Gate, he earns Jaguar bonus bucks so does not mind one little bit getting my car filled up for me.

 

The Jaguar game was a dismal one this time, so we retired to our rooms during the 3rd quarter. I did get to see Michael Oher, though, which was cool. At least the Packers won their game.

 

Earlier in the day I decided to bake the special treat I had planned to make when Mom and Lynn were here. When they arrived, Lynn told me I had to help her stay on her diet so was careful not to put too much temptation in her path. She had recently lost over 20 pounds and wanted to keep it off, which is not easy to do in my house. So, anyway, I made the treats which consisted of chocolate chip cookie dough pressed into a muffin cup, topped with a peanut butter cup, and then covered with brownie mix. I know, right?

They turned out deliciously, which was an accomplishment, since I did not know how long to bake them. I had three cookies which did not get brownie mix and they dried up nicely. Justin teased me when he tried to eat one, remarking, "My mama made these!" He did try a completed one and enjoyed it greatly, without complaint.

 

When I was leaving for Bible study this a.m., Connie stopped me to tell which spots under roof were available for parking in case the tropical storm comes our way. She is going to have me send out an e-mail to everyone, cautioning folks to clean off their exposed patios to avoid stuff flying off or through windows. She gave me a spot in the detached garage but I told her that Justin should use it because his sunroof leaks.

 

I couldn't stay long to chat with her as I was already a bit behind schedule because Judy J. called me about going to the movies this weekend. Somehow I was able to dress and do everything except brush my teeth while talking with her...the queen of multitasking! Not a good idea to apply lipstick before using the toothbrush, though. She is going to accompany Justin and me on Saturday morning for the cheap show, his favorite time to go. I will start getting ready sooner on Saturday to spare my lipstick getting smeared all over my new toothbrush!

Another day with rain

As you can see, a storm was brewing! Don't those clouds look ferocious?

 Oh shoot! The repairs the 5th floor family attempted as of last week have not worked as water puddles on the floor in Travis' river room. I put down two towels to soak up the water in this empty unit, and used one in mine.

This shot is looking up the wall at the water making its way down, in Travis' river room. Mine made it all the way to the floor but when I took this photo, the streaming had not gotten to the floor yet. The other other puddle came from under their door and they are going to see about getting that caulked when the guy comes back to do Herve's repairs. Let's hope and pray that TS Isaac goes further west and leaves FL alone. In particular it should avoid Tampa and Jacksonville!!!

Photos from the Mystery Dinner

People are pouring over the obscure hints as to what is on the menu, trying to figure out the puzzling clues. After a certain point, one must simply make a decision and have fun with the results. This table features Jayne's family, with her step-son, Trey, at the head. Further down is Julaine, Judy J., and the Douglas's.

Jim was given a bottle of bubbling grape juice in lieu of wine (from Pastor) and he wished to share with us all. Carol got the mini-cups and the communion cup filler to help him share his wine. Debbie, Jean, and Twila watch the process. Miraculously, after we all had a little taste of the 'wine', there was yet a half bottle remaining.

Mom's first course turned out to be chicken, two big pieces, plus deep fried corn 'n rice balls. Oh, and a spoon with which to eat it! A spoon was not needed for this very hot finger food, however. She was able to take home the larger piece of chicken since it was too much to eat in a short period of time between courses.  

Gretchen, Terri T., and I all got a large brownie with a scoop of ice cream and whipped topping for our first course, along with buttered bread. And a spoon. We are not fools---we had dessert first! Gretchen was in her glory, as she loves nothing better than chocolate and bread. She recently told me that she could live on sandwiches, using Publix bread, but knows she should not. That's where the chocolate comes in!

The wrap up

This is the sky that began the day, an hour prior to our departure for the airport. Mom and Lynn were quite ready to go with Mom even coming to my door to check that I had not overslept. It was only 7:20 with our planned departure at 8:00 a.m. Oh yes, I was up but just not at 'em!

When I did dress and come out, Lynn helped me carry down some of the trash, leaving the empty soda cans at Connie's door and throwing my trash into the bin. I got my neighbor's mail to free up space in her box, as this is my job for now. I think I might turn the keys over to the neighbor who held them previous to me, since they have returned from vacation.

I moved the car closer to the lobby area to make it easier to load the luggage. Connie had arrived in the meanwhile and helped us get the suitcases and the walker into the back of the car. We were leaving plenty of time for the commute, being warned the day before by those who do this daily. It is the first day of school in Duval County which complicates things and add to that possible storms. The way things worked out, we got there with about two hours before Mom and Lynn's flight was due to take off which is what they wanted. Perfect!

Hugs and kisses ensued with many thanks for the visit and hospitality...and now, my heart is heavy as I face my mostly empty home. As I Windex the glass table in the living room, my prayers of thanksgiving go up that Lynn was able to escort Mom to see her old friends, and me, as well as asking the Lord to be with them on their travels home. The only thing that comforts me is strawberry pretzel torte....

Our last day together

Today after church, a group of us, 8 total, went to lunch at Chili's. Because we go so often, Justin and Terri T. qualify for  the free chips and salsa appetizer. I had my usual meal of potato skins and chucken tenders on the sampler platter, while Lynn enjoyed quesidillas and soup. Mom had a BLT with baked potato soup. Justin had a fiesta salad, just to embarras me, I like to say. The last thing we needed in the fridge was more leftovers, but yet, some of mine came home with me. Oh well....

While we ladies were at church last night for the Mystery Dinner, Justin was at home making strawberry pretzel torte for his auntie and grandma. And for me! We were so full from our dinner and to allow the torte to properly set, the decision was made to have it for breakfast instead. So, this photo shows Mom having a nice piece of torte before church this a.m. Such is life at Kim's house!

Dinner was a Mystery!

Tonight at church, in our newly remodeled fellowship hall, we enjoyed a Mystery Dinner. We were presented with a menu with vague or entirely opaque clues on it from which we were to choose our meals. Served in three courses, a person could choose wisely and get an appetizer to eat with a fork. If one did not figure out the system, they would enjoy a lovely brownie with ice cream and buttered bread as the first course---maybe even get a spoon to eat it with!! Such fun seeing the strange combinations some came up with. I was the one who had the dessert and bread for my first course and ended up having to bribe the waiter for a fork later on. It really was fun and better than that---delicious!!!!