Thinking of funny things

This is NOT so funny---my morning began with the sound of what may have been a wrecking ball on the sundeck. Bam! Bam! Bam! over and over again. Even though I was in my nightie, I opened the door to see what was gong on, but could not from my vantage point. After a certain point the sound turned to jack hammers which was somehow easier to take after the big bams from earlier. I guess the workman needed to break something up in order to get the tear-out underway. We were braced for it, but it sure was a startling beginning!

When I went down to get in my car for Bible study, I met some of my neighbors coming back from their walk. They are 2nd floor dwellers and would have this commotion right outside their door all day. I offered them some respite in my house if they wanted it. Perhaps some day they will accept my offer though, as the workers move from north to south, my place might be just as noisy.

This a.m. in Bible study, Michael began the study of Thessalonians with us. We were short a few people but still had a nice class. Ethel and her family are on their way to TX for her grandson's major swim meet, a college team. Go, Ryan! Betty has company from out of town so she was busy with that. Jackie was MIA yesterday already and am not sure what's up with that. Perhaps I will call to see if she is feeling okay.

This afternoon, I had a dental appointment. Yes, again! Last night I got a couple jabs from a tooth nowhere near the one needing the attention, not long after taking the last of my antibiotics for the other tooth. Should not have been an abscess problem, given the fact I was already taking the medication. 

                                       

                 This could easily be my own x-ray with all my root canals!

Peggy looked at the x-rays and saw nothing, except for a teeny cavity between the teeth. I will have that fixed after the other tooth is taken care of. Other than that, she can find nothing amiss. After it gave me a couple jabs last night, I flossed and took some store-brand Aleve. Of course, I was so nervous and upset about the tooth that I had trouble going to sleep so am dog-tired now. I asked the Lord to help me and thus far, He has kept the tooth quiet, even after Peggy poked and knocked on it. I have a stand-by scrip of penicillin to take in case it does act up. Ugh---me and my teeth!!!

I was sitting here late afternoon and thinking about funny things my nieces and nephews have said over the years. These might be some of those "you had to be there"-type of things, but they still amuse me:

Dustin was with his dad in an antique store, when he was about 3 or 4. David showed him the 'old' record player, the 'old' washing machine, the 'old' anything. At one point the clerk acknowledged Dusty and asked him, "How old are you?" to which Dusty replied, "I'm not old, I'm new!"

Another time, Dusty, who loved trains like nobody's business, was helping his mama pick out a new winter coat. She would ask his opinion, just to keep him entertained. At one point she tried on a denim jacket and asked how he liked it. His face lit up and he announced, "You look like a hobo on a train!", which is a good thing to him. She did not take that jacket....

When my niece, Alayna, was in Sunday school at FG, her Auntie Lynn and Grandma K went to collect her from the classroom. They asked her what she learned that day, and Alayna announced, "Well, we don't have to worry about Moses anymore---he died...." Just like that. He died. We don't have to worry about him any more! What a hoot!

When Jamie was little, my former spouse and I would keep him at our house much of the time, since we worked from home. He loved buses (bupsh), and would watch from our living room window for the school bus and city bus to go by. He was always so good for us, never a problem until his mom would come for him. Then, he'd act up like mad! One day I set him up on the counter in the kitchen to look him in the face, very seriously. I said, "Jamie, your mama is the boss!" After a second, he looked at me and innocently asked, "City bupsh, or school bupsh?" Ha, still tears me up!!! He thought I called Jill a bus! How can you stay serious after that????

St. Patrick's Day

Last night I attended a St. Patrick's Day-eve party at my friend, Peggy's, home. When I had told Justin about the invitation, he said, "YOU don't go to St. Patrick's Day parties..." Yes, dear, I know I don't, but was sure this would be a 'safe' event for me to attend. I loved being included and was interested to see a real St. Patrick's Day party.

We were asked to wear green, or green would be thrust upon us, and to bring a potato dish, or some other Irish dessert. Thursday night I was making a shepherd's pie for dinner when Justin came in to ask me to Mellow Mushroom. I took the casserole from the oven and away we went. My donation, then, for the party, was my shepherd's pie! Easy peasy...

I made sure to arrive at Peggy's right on time, being among the first to arrive. This ensured me a good place to park, not too far to carry my covered hot dish, and afforded me a smooth exit when the time came. She was still flying around making things ready and urged me to introduce myself to folks already there, which I did.

Jon had put on a power point 'show' of their trip to Ireland which was set to Irish music so I watched that from the living room. Another couple came in, a retired couple, the lady having worked with Jon years ago. They had also been to Ireland so could point out various features and landscapes. Nice, nice folks. They all were, in fact, very nice.
                                      
The table was laden with food, including Peggy's corned beef brisket which she told me last weekend would start being prepared on Wednesday. Wow! I found real mashed potatoes, plus my shepherd pie, homemade soda bread which was fabulous, and the brisket. 

Later, Jon came to find me on the porch (yes, nice enough to sit outside!) to make sure I found things I liked. Guess I made an impression last weekend with my picky eating at the Wounded Warrior event. He said he knew I was not a big drinker but offered me an Irish coffee. I refused because I don't drink coffee. Ugh, I am the worst guest! Believe me, I managed last week and again last night to find enough to eat. In fact, I left without even having a green cupcake!

The whole lower level of the house, and the patio, was decorated for St. Patrick's Day, complete with a door wrap. Most festive! After chatting with folks on the patio, it was time to depart. I was home by 9:00 pm but I was not the first one to leave. They are gracious hosts with very pleasant guests, and I appreciated being included. 

Fortunately, CSPAN was still carrying the CPAC programming (all those initials!!!) so I was able to catch a speech or two missed earlier in the day. I had missed part of Dr. Carson's speech when outside with my camera so caught it in full last night, plus a question/answer portion I somehow missed at the end. I do know how to have fun!

All day I was wondering how Justin and the guys were doing on Ron's move. At last, something was getting moved into the house! Justin told me today that he did some painting at the house besides helping with the move, this time doing the dining room. Evidently the lady of the house found the original color to be too green. Justin describes her as being the 'Lady Gaga of interior decorating'. This makes me laugh. He has said more than once that Sarah just needs to come over here and look around, so she gets an idea on what works, how things work together. She has troubles visualizing things, no 'picture eyes', like Justin has!

It was so good to see him come through the church doors this a.m. I have not seen him since Thursday night and wasn't sure he'd make it to church. But he did! He was tired from moving Ron's stuff, and from painting. 

He is not sleeping all that well at his dad's house so his sleep is off. My guess is he will go to bed early tonight. Justin has to sleep one more night over there and then he is back home to get a good rest, and then ready things for our guests. Today, after lunch and spending some time here with me, he headed back to the house to help Sarah unpack boxes. Such a guy! If anyone knows how to pack a box and unpack them, it's Justin! And his mama!

Company at The Palace

Saturday I heard voices outside and saw this when I looked out--all these people sporting bright green t-shirts. On one side of the breakwater was a boat and on the other side, people carrying bags, picking up trash. Oh, it was marvelous seeing them out there cleaning up after the storms and such dropping debris in our basin!

In this shot you can see the boat pulled up to the side. Now, how did that saw horse get into our basin??? My guess is it blew off of someone's dock and stopped when it got to our rocks.

Even though I was listening to a very special speech by Dr. Ben Carson at CPAC, I grabbed my camera and went downstairs to take pictures of this hard-working crew. The guy who seemed to be in charge told me they were with the Fleming Island Garden Club and were doing this as part of Clay County's "Clean Up America". They were working along the river as well as Doctors Lake and portions of Hwy. 17. I was effusive in my thanks to them, and it was not empty---I am entirely thankful these folks braved the reeds and such to clean up for us, and for America!

Good news!

Do you remember my writing about the infant who was born about a month ago and was in the hospital since? Well, last night he slept in his own home and bassinet for the first time. Thanks be to God! The mom is a God-fearing woman, an active member of the church just west of Good Shepherd. It was her faith and trust in the Lord which helped her get through this trial with her baby.

It was from her husband, Will, that I bought the pair of jet skis in 2005. Will is a fun guy, a fireman for JFRD. One of Justin's favorite stories to tell is when we went to Wal*Mart once, and before we were into the store, I had stopped to talk to several folks as they were leaving. Will was next to come in and he said to me, in his Southern drawl, "What? Are you runnin' for Mayor?" It sure looked that way! Shaking hands and kissing babies...Anyway, I am so glad that Mom and baby were able to sleep at home in their own beds. I hope they were able to get some sleep, anyway!

****

On Fox and Friends this a.m. the hosts are discussing the 'problem' of texting language, concerned for what it will do to people's writing skills. I am adamant about not using abbreviations when sending text messages, other than a couple, such as 'plz', on occasion. I am a full sentence girl, which makes me a dinosaur in the texting world. 

Justin informed me the other night that it is 'against the law' to use the font "Comic Sans" for anything other than comics. I wonder who is going to come for me if I break that law...There are groups for whom this stuff is serious business, and he seems to be part of them! I think it's an agist thing---looking to find things to be mean about or to diminish others. Well, it's not going to stop me from using the font of my choice, and I will hang for it!

The other day and evening I was chatting with my sisters about our time spent babysitting 'out in the country' for our cousin's family. The creaking of the house, the unknown sources of noise, etc., the ruralness of the house. My sister, Lori, mentioned the scary basement, but I don't remember ever seeing it. The house was a huge one, a two-story duplex, in downtown Newton. We would usually spend the night because of the distance from home and the late hour they would get home.

The conversation began as part of my noting the playing of the National Anthem prior to the new days' broadcast on Fox News Channel. We remarked about hearing that played at the end of the day, when the TV actually went off the air, usually between midnight and 2:00 a.m. When babysitting and waiting for the parents to get home, this made for a long night!

                                      

It was at David and Rochelle's house where I would listen to country western music on their console TV and stereo, and discovered Buffy St. Marie. I told them how much I enjoyed listening to it, and they didn't like her album, so gave it to me! I would listen to Waylon, Merle, and Johnny, too. Old school country musicians, men and women singers, with big hair.

To tie this together with the text messaging, here is the clincher---when I babysat there, I thought my cousins were old. After all, they were in their mid-20's!!! Which is what Justin is now---kids might look at him and think how old he is. Agism against him, as he is considered by younger folks. 

I think about this as I associate with so many folks who are older than am I. Even though we are 15 to 20 years apart in age, it seems we are the same age. At some point, the numbers lose their importance. 
           
Stephanie, me, and Rita at Good Shepherd. Ed looks like he has one antler, but it's a gondola on the wall

And, when I hang out with Rita and Stephanie, I am the old lady! Rita is about 10 years younger than I, with Stephanie about 6 years younger. Oddly enough, if Timmy had not died, I would have a child younger than theirs...as Rita's older son is looking at graduate school already. Her younger one is 13, so he'd be right behind Timmy. Stephanie's daughter, Erica, is in college now. Age means less and less, it seems, the older we get.

From one meal to the next

This morning I enjoyed breakfast at The Club, joined by my friend, Pat. When I first walked in, a lady sitting at the large table called to me, and ran up to hug me. She looked so familiar but I couldn't place her, especially because she was sporting a pair of large sunglasses. She told me her name, Susan, and then I recognized her as being the former site agent for my company. Susan had come on board after I was thrown overboard, as it were, so never worked side by side with her. 

She was so excited to see me again, and it was nice to see her, too. Susan was additionally excited because today was her daughter's wedding. Many of her family members were staying at The Club, and were expected for breakfast. The reason she was wearing the sunglasses indoors was because she had no make-up on, as a professional was coming to make the ladies up later on. 

Susan introduced me to a number of her family members and then told her spouse how I live at The Palace. They are just in love with the place and its views. She told me that there had been some cancellations for the wedding reception and urged me to come join them for the party tonight. I thanked her for the invitation but declined crashing the party. Love to see The Club and the hotel bustling like this.

Pat came in sporting a big black boot on her left foot. It seems they thought at first she had a broken foot but upon further examination found a ganglion cyst. After Easter she will have surgery on her foot and hopes the healing will be complete come pool season. For now she has to wear 'das boot' and shower with a goofy cover on her bandaged foot. She said she has learned to take really fast showers to get it over with. Poor thing!

While we were eating our breakfast, I got a call from my friend, Judy, asking me to lunch. Pat had to laugh as I set up my lunch date at the breakfast table. Such is Friday for me! We agreed to meet at Pengrees, not far from home for me. The staff began to vacuum the dining room as we ladies sat and talked. We can take a hint! I had another hour and a half before getting to my lunch appointment!

As Pat and I walked out, we met our other friend, Owene, who was on her way in. Her son is getting married in a couple weeks and using the Winterborne for his rehearsal dinner. Owene had to finish up some of the arrangements for this event. She is also part of our water exercise class, new this past season, so looks forward to getting back in the water. She is a lap swimmer besides so really appreciates the pool. I know her as a former teacher at St. Johns and it was great to connect and reconnect this past summer under other circumstances.

The prep work is done for the removal of the 2nd floor sundeck. It wasn't nosy enough around The Palace.....

Just before noon I headed to Pengree's to meet Judy C. We both ordered the country fried steak which is absolutely delicious. We sat there and talked until they turned the OPEN sign around and the staff was sitting down to eat! Twice in one day, I close the place!

Cold once more

When I was driving to Bible study this a.m., I told my mom how it turned cold here again, that I was not dressed for cold weather. She reported it to be 18 above zero where she was. That did not comfort me one bit, and I reminded her that she would actually dress for that temperature, where I had failed to do so for our temps in the low 50's. It was 37 overnight, but warmed up presently to 55 above. She has to dress much more warmly for her temps than I do for mine, but I am a big wienie! I guess because I do not watch local news it is a big surprise to me when I open my door to go outside. Brrr.....Looking forward to the high 70's of next week!

I have been alone at home (except for all the workmen in the building) since yesterday morning. Justin did come in after work Wednesday but then had to leave again as he found out he was needed sooner than expected for dog sitting. Justin didn't think he had to be on dog-duty (doody---te he he!) until Thursday. Good thing he called his father or Mickey would have been quite upset! 

This weekend the guys are moving Ron into the new house and Justin will have to take Mickey with him to the house. He is thinking he will tie him in the yard but I reminded Justin that Mickey is quite the Houdini. Perhaps there is a crate Justin can use part of the time. This timing could not have been worse.

Justin has been pulling stuff into 'launch position', including some of his bookcases and plastic bins, into the foyer. I hope no one comes to the door and sees this disarray. He has to buy a box spring for his mattress as he is switching away from his platform bed. The hope was to use his father's SUV for hauling the box spring this weekend, but, alas, that is not to be since the car is gone. My sincere hope is that all of his stuff leaves here with him and that my rooms are returned to normal again. But hate the thought of him leaving. Such a conundrum!

Next week Tuesday our church is hosting a choir from Martin Luther Prep. Folks have been asked to sign-up for hosting students overnight before they head up to GA. We will provide them a place to sleep and shower, breakfast, and a bag lunch for their bus ride. As of now, about half of the kids have been arranged for. If I had a larger car, I could take more, putting kids on the floor or on air mattresses, if need be. At some point phone calls are going to be made to ask folks to be hosts. One of the members who lives a distance from church has offered to put up the adults in a hotel nearby, which is most generous of him. I am eagerly looking forward to the concert and then hosting a few of the young folks. And making them breakfast!

***

This morning I had a conversation with a lady whose daughter-in-law worked as a nurse in a neo-natal care unit. She told me how the d-i-l had to cycle out of the unit after a while because it got to be too much for her. My friend told me something I cannot even fathom---more than can be imagined, parents of newborns who are in critical condition/premature, simply cannot face this baby, and abandon it. How is it I never heard about this before today? 

Here is my little nephew, Angelo, riding a bike at Wal*Mart. He spent a couple weeks in a NICU when he was born. Now he can ride a bike!

I have a friend who gave birth to her son about a month ago . She took him home and not two days later, he began having seizures, etc. He was rushed to the hospital first in OP and then to Wolfson Children's Hospital where they (mom and son) have been ever since. Thanks to Facebook folks can be kept up with the baby's progress, etc. It's impossible to imagine this couple simply abandoning their baby because they couldn't "take it". I wonder how prevalent that actually is---this abandonment thing. Perhaps it is more common among single moms who are young and have no skills in the first place. This sort of threw me for a loop when I heard about it. Tonight when I go to bed I will pray for Gage, and for all the babies in the NICU.

Good day after a grumpy one

Here I am---sitting in the sun which is even warming the keys on my keyboard for me. Nice! Early morning yesterday I was awakened by rain on my windows, and it rather continued much of the day. Not always raining but misting, grey and dreary. 

This suited my mood because of my dread of an endodental appointment I had. When I went for the check-up the other day, the dentist, Peggy, was not happy with the swelling on the gum above the area where my last two root canals took place last year. I have a brand-new crown and gold post in place (I have pictures of the post if you wish to see it...) which added to the price of my million dollar smile. Now, I have to have more work done in the same area. Rats!

Dr. Smith, whose office is in my former building and suite, said he has to perform a root amputation. This is an involved procedure so we agreed to not begin the process until after Easter so that I can sing. I had a prescription for antibiotics to have filled, which I dropped off at Publix. They offer free ones, so I accept! It was going to take 45 minutes to fill so I left and went to see Julia at the shop. I was not going to wander that store for 45 minutes and fill my cart with things I didn't need.

I did forget to buy milk, the only thing Justin had on his list for me to pick up. I don't know how that happened except that I was so sad about having to have this procedure done. I was already in the car when I remembered so I drove thru at McDonald's and got him a milk, and me, a Diet Coke!

At Publix I did think to buy my petite red potatoes for taking along to a St. Patrick's Day party Saturday night. The guests are asked to bring their favorite potato dish and MUST wear green, or will have green applied to them. I will comply, as I have two garments which meet the criteria. 

If I were a T-shirt wearer I could sport one of Justin's kelly green shirts that I got him for his birthday last year. He loves them for their softness. Shrewdly, I bought them before knowing his boss was going to supply them with shirts! Mine are softer  cotton so he wears them around the house.

Today I was supposed to go to Lake Asbury for Bible history class but Amber had a doctor appointment. She needs to keep those, as she has found a doctor who will see her at a discount rate and write her scrips to keep her alive. She is also quite thankful to know that her one expensive heart pill is now available in a generic form. Small blessings add up! And I am upset about a tooth procedure????

               This is my photo, taken in 2006, looking down from Santorini

Justin has been pestering me to go to Carrabba's which has rebuilt a restaurant near the freeway exit. Not very handy, in my opinion, but good visibility for travelers. I was not in the mood last night but did agree to take him to The Greek Village on S. Blanding. His first visit, and he loved it. Said it felt like eating in a restaurant in New York, an off-the-beaten-path looking place. I love the murals and posters of Greece, as they transport me. We both brought home containers of unfinished meals which will provide more meals for us this week. 

                                                

Yesterday morning my friend, Emily, posted a photo of Boots Day, our former pet, who was feeling poorly. She said he might have eaten something outside that didn't agree with him. He didn't even come to her when she put food in his dish. Oh my! Just the night before, I was  telling Linda how old Mickey the Stupid Dog is now, going on 14 years. Boots is younger than Mickey. I hope Boots springs back to being 'the perfect pet' for their family!