The Rules of Civility

Years ago I gave Justin a book copied by George Washington titled "Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior", originally written by Jesuits in the late 1500's. Justin liked it so much that this year he tackled the same project as Washington's of copying sections of it into a composition notebook, a resolution of sorts. Many of those rules are quite unusual such as 'a gentleman does not sit in mixed company with his feet crossed.' What possible difference would that make? Or, shift around in your seat or 'gnaw on one's nails'. Good advice for the ages. 

This sound advice about civility and practicing decent behavior came to mind after a few events recently. My friends, Bill and Nancy, told me about an incident which occurred later on July 4th while they were waiting for the fireworks. A rowdy group of folks, adults and kids, plus a dog were carrying on at the teen's pool. Obviously had been drinking as they were consuming beer from glass bottles. These are a lot of no no's for the pool area (no pets, no glass around the pool). 

Pretty soon they headed toward the adult pool and were making quite a commotion in so doing. The adults told the kids to get into the pool but Bill said it was for adults only. Apparently there was poop in the teen pool so that is why they moved up to the adult's end. One of the inebriated guys used filthy language at Bill and Nancy about minding their own business. Bill stood up to go to The Club to get a manager and the guy sort of charged at him as if to fight. Bill motioned that he was not fighting and went up to get help. It was pretty upsetting for Bill and Nancy as this is certainly not typical behavior around our beloved pool. It turned out one of the group was a member while the rest were guests. There was no need for it to get ugly and for the filthy language or threats to take place. Unacceptable!

Yesterday the CO kids were out at the pool with me. They challenged each other to a swim race from one end to the other. As they finished their race, a woman who was seated in the smoking area off of the pool started making cat calls at them, critical of their swimming skills. I had no idea who this woman was nor did she know me or the kids. She came charging over and challenged them to a race, and dropped the F bomb on them. Just out of the blue, as if normal conversation. I looked at Nancy and she looked at me, wondering if we heard that correctly. Why would this woman do such things?

The four of them raced to our end of the pool, with Chris the victor. I cheered for him, of course. Some of my other neighbors were out in the pool with us, they being on the shady side during the race. This woman asked how old they were and Chris said he was 17. She said, "Well, I'm 43 so F you!" Okay, that's enough of that! I yelled out, "Hey, I am responsible for these kids!" and to them I said, "I'm sorry, guys..."  She turned to look at me and gave me a look, turned back to them as if to say, "Whatever..."  In a few minutes the kids went down to the other end to the teen's pool and sure enough, she went down there, too. Her son was down there swimming so she should have been where he was anyway. 

After she left the adult pool, the others out there was asking, "What was that all about?" and "How rude!", stuff like that. Another older lady witnessed this as well and just shook her head. Appalling, simply appalling behavior from this total stranger. Later the kids said she continued using rough language on the other end but they basically ignored her. I explained to them how I didn't know this person and hoped to never encounter her again. Ugh!

Today, as I was driving to Fleming Island, I was waiting at the light near Pace Island, a few cars from the front. The light changed but we didn't move. I realized then the first car was stalled. I felt so badly for them, knowing how awful this situation could be. We had to wait for traffic around us to clear in order to go around and I thought I might pull up next to them to see if they needed to call someone or AAA. But as I waited for my turn, the other cars were going around, and sure enough, the driver reached out her finger and flipped them off. Not sure what brought that on but I had had enough of this type of behavior to last me. I did not stop to ask if they needed help, seeming to have things well 'in hand'!

There is a line in one of the "Seinfeld" episodes where an exasperated George exclaims, "You know, we live in a society!!"  The Rules of Civility should still apply and or better yet, the Golden Rule of loving the Lord and others, and conducting ourselves in a God-pleasing fashion. 

Signed,

Exasperated Kim

Working under cover

This morning I loaded my young friends into the car and off we went to church. We attended Bible study first and then to worship. They sat in the pew with Mike and Justin, saving a place for me on the end. After church we went to La Nopalera which has become a tradition for us when the CO kids are here. 

In this photo see Michael's hands, Caleb, Mike S., Justin, Noelle, and Chris. On the other side of Noelle are seated Betty and Judy, out of the shot.

We had a wonderful time and swift service on this busy day for the restaurant. Noelle ordered the regular sized taco salad and found it to be twice what she was able to eat. For a pretty good eater, it was a challenge for her and she took plenty of ribbing for it! Caleb also brought food home for another time. 

They transferred their stuff into Michael's car and they headed back to church to continue their setting up. They have to build a 'set' basically and add some details to it to make it look like palm trees, camping scenes, rustic touches. Using toilet paper rolls and those from paper towels as well to fashion some of their set. Glad they have some 'how to' videos to help them with their projects. 

While they were busy at church, I was busy at the pool. Having been rained out yesterday The Club kept the water slide another day so the kids (and some adults) could enjoy it longer. I have to laugh about something---I mentioned to Judy and the group about my friends urging me to try going down the slide and she asked, innocently, "Don't those things have a weight limit on them?"  She sure didn't mean it the way it sounds...or did she?

Here I am with Chris and Noelle, taken last year, where I am sporting my beach cover.

We stayed out at the pool the better part of the afternoon until the thunder came and broke up our little party yet again. I came inside and tried my best to treat some yellowing stains which are making by beach cover look terrible. My guess is that the stains have formed because of the way I 'dried' it when coming in, all the water settling into one portion of the cover. I've tried various things in the past including soaking in stain removing products. 

Today, I thought, "What the heck? I'll spray it with my bathroom cleaner!" Which is what I did, only to have the stains on the cover become fluorescent yellow. What have I done??  Many FB friends have offered suggestions but my concern is that I will wear down the fabric and make it worse. This cover has served me well, about 10 years, as best I can figure. I guess I can just use it the way it is which is out to the pool and back in again. It's presently in the washer, and we shall see what the cover looks like when it comes out. If there is a yellowish glow coming from the laundry room, we will know what happened....

America's birthday

As I lie here writing, I can hear the sound of fireworks being exploded all along the river. It doesn't bother me one bit. After all, it's America's birthday, Independence Day!  There is cause for celebration.

Mike's smoker drew the attention of passing firefighters as they saw plumes of smoke billowing over the playground fence as he cooked. They had just come from a fire elsewhere, after the thunderstorm, and came to check out where the smoke was coming from. The firemen startled Mike but also made us happy to know that they were keeping an eye on things. 

My young folks are in the house with me, playing board games in the living room. They worked hard today getting their props and set ready for VBS. I got see some of their efforts as I was invited to join the group for dinner at church. Mike n Mike were making dinner for them, plus Judy and me. I hated to leave home for fear of losing my parking place, but I had nothing to worry about. No interlopers for viewing the fireworks had parked in my stall. Mike S. smoked two Boston butts, one of which we had for dinner, and the second one he portioned between me and some others. We are going to use the pork for sandwiches during the week. With the meat we had French bread, mac 'n cheese balls, baked beans, watermelon, and brownies. 

I brought the kids home with me, having to battle somewhat the traffic which congested the streets around my area due to the fireworks. We had to creep down Mcintosh and Astor Street to avoid pedestrians already working their way toward Moosehaven and the river. After getting towels for the kids and my fold up chair, we got ourselves situated on the north lawn to await the fireworks. We had rain much of the afternoon (totally ruined the daytime celebrations at The Club!) so the towels were necessary. 

We had the viewing area to ourselves at first. The young folks took a walk around check things out. Here they are all three on their phones.

Dinner wrapped up on the patio of The Club and diners were made their way toward the grass along the river. My friends, Nancy and Bill, were planning to watch with us, but instead they went to view the fireworks from the hotel where our other friends had taken a room for the night. That was an even better spot than my yard. Eventually more and more of my neighbors came out to join us and meet the CO kids. Prior to the fireworks show, my friend, Ellen, who was having a party, had her friends sing "Hello, Miss Kim", harmonizing as they did so. Loved that and so did those sitting out there. My neighbor, Hugh, played patriotic music while the show went on. 

This picture was a happy accident, Chris in silhouette in the rocket's red glare.

Part of the fun of this annual fireworks show is watching the boats gather for it. The police vessels keep the boaters from getting too close to the barge anchored in the river.  Because the weather had been so bad today, complete with a thunderstorm and wind, I didn't expect as many boaters. I was way off on that prediction. It was completely dark, of course, after the fireworks display ended, so it was more interesting watching all the boats leave. How they avoid each other out there is beyond me, and I am just glad that they do!  

All excited about the kids being here!!!

This is a recap of the past few day's events: 

I've been making an attempt to not refer to these fine young people from Rocky Mountain Lutheran High School as kids, but it just slips out. A couple years ago when Justin was leaving his bungalow (shack) at the Beach and moving back home, he told me he would have come home sooner except, "Those kids that you love..." were still here. Now that's a line I like to use about these young folks, "those kids that I love".

Caleb (the brother of Jacob who has served us for two years prior), Chris and Noelle, both serving Good Shepherd last year have returned for another go at it. They arrived in JAX on Wednesday night on a late but direct flight from Denver, having no adult escort this time. Michael picked them up and stored the group overnight at their house (Judy's and his) due to the hour. They all slept late and after having a breakfast/lunch Michael brought them over to my house. I had already come up after exercise class and had changed into clothing, rather than wearing my night gown. There is plenty of time for that!

Michael came back for them around 5:00 pm after having decided to not have dinner before arriving at church as they were still full from their late breakfast/early lunch. After they were done with the canvassing of the neighborhoods, Michael took them to eat. Justin and I were already in bed before they came home and got themselves off to bed for their big day today.

They left here this morning around 6:00 am for a day at SeaWorld. The weather should be good, likely getting some rain at some point during the day as is expected in the summer in FL. I didn't think to advise application of sunscreen for them so hope it's not a problem for their fair CO skin. We have had young people here who have had some sunburns and it is not a pleasant experience for them, or for anyone.

The group had to seek shelter for a bit at Sea World due to a thunder storm rolling through. Michael sent me this picture showing their unexpected 'rest' during the day.

Before I headed to the pool for the afternoon, I got busy cleaning out my purse. It was filled to overflowing with papers and receipts and church bulletins. AND, my ticket stubs from my flights to and from WI from over a month ago, plus crumbs from the Pop Tart I had purchased in the airport in MKE for my trip back to Florida. I ate only half of it and the rest made for sticky crumbs in the bottom of my purse. Yech!  

Also, I broke down and ordered two new swimsuits from Sears, on the advice of my pool friend, Pat G. She gets her suits from there and I like how they look on her. They were on sale already at 60% off which is why I took two instead of only one. Prices on suits are simply ridiculous and I refuse to pay full retail for one, much less two!

I haven't actually eyeballed the young folks since they left for church yesterday afternoon and likely won't see them again until Saturday morning. Justin and I will be quiet as we normally are, allowing them to sleep until they wake up, or until Michael is ready to come get them for setting up VBS stuff at church. My plans are to enjoy the Independence Day celebrations at the pool and then join the group at church for dinner as Mike S. is smoking some Boston butts and making other good stuff for us. 

We will get back here in time to enjoy the fireworks from my property. Hoping for great weather for those events as well. My greatest concern is that some interloper will park in my spot while I am gone to church, but hopefully we'll be back in plenty of time to prevent that. Looking forward to having fun with these nice young folks for the time they are here and that our VBS will be blessed having them here!

Shall we play a game?

This morning I went out to water exercise class, leaving the kids to fend for themselves for breakfast. I showed them where everything is in the fridge and have the other stuff out on the counter for breakfast and for making their lunches. The young people went to church to do some prep work for VBS and then came back here to get themselves settled in. 

Once Michael dropped them off, they got ready to go out to the pool and did have a little bit of time before we got rained out. Nuts! I hate this for them because it's such a nice part of their stay here. Instead we came inside and I got them situated with a few board games. They actually requested Monopoly which Noelle had played for the first time last year when she was here. All I could find in my game closet was the Manitowoc version but they didn't mind. I taught them how to properly pronounce "Manitowoc", fingers pinching their noses shut! Ha ha!  When Justin got home I asked him if he knew where the original version was and he thinks it might be at Ron's house where his group generally play board games. My guests don't mind this 'quaint' version so I won't worry too much about it.

This evening they were having dinner at church and then off they go with some others canvassing. Hopefully the rain won't hold them back from their tasks. Tomorrow is a big day for them so I don't expect them to stay up too late to finish their game. Michael is taking them plus his niece and nephew to Sea World for the day. This is a nice change for Michael as previous years they have gone to Universal Studios. It is fun to change things up a little bit!

Taking one for the team

Justin and I have at last gotten things wrapped up and ready to go our house guests. Tomorrow the three young people from CO arrive here at my home. Noelle and Chris were here last year, and Caleb will be new this year, his brother, Jacob, coming for two years before him. We have the two boys set up in the back guest room and once again Noelle will sleep on the air bed in the living room. Justin brought out a white wicker table for her to have alongside her bed which may or may not afford her some privacy. She will have the convenience of the table if nothing else. 

I was helping Justin with some organizing in the guest room, as much of the disarray was his. As he walked between the day bed and its trundle which was popped up, he hit the edge of trundle, right in his shin. Ouch! Later, I hit the same edge, only it caught me just above where my knee is supposed to be. Ouch!!  

I have hurt myself three times this week doing household tasks. One night I had to throw one of my tops in the wash load with Justin's clothes because of getting a spot of food on it. Wanting to grab it out of the machine so it wouldn't get thrown in the dryer, I reached in to fetch the top. The cover of the washer came down as I was stretching into the machine and caught the bridge of my nose. Thump! That really smarts! Justin was standing there and saw it happen. I reached in yet again and darned if that lid didn't come crashing down on my arm. Ouch!  Justin was trying to tell me that he could pull it out, meaning the entire machine and not the blouse, but I was already yanking it out. What he did do is scoot the machine forward to where it is supposed to be so the cover would open all the way and stay open. And not smash my face and arms in the process! He also pulled the dryer forward so both machines were perfectly lined up, the way I like them. 

So, I caught the washer lid with my nose, my forearm, and the frame of the trundle bed with my chubby little knee. This getting the house ready for company takes its toll on me. My back is aching tonight because I did some vacuum cleaning in fear that Justin wouldn't get done in time. It's like Christmas---we know for an entire year that the holiday is coming and yet we are caught off guard by it. What is up with that??? And, yes, I do know the kids probably won't care if the floors are vacuumed or not, but I do care and want everything nice for their visit. Can't wait to see them!!

Interesting skies

Is this not a dramatic cloud? The white was so brilliant and the blue around it really set it off beautifully!  This was taken a couple nights ago and after I posted it on Facebook several folks commented that they had seen it,too, some as they drove across the bridge. Glad I was home and able to catch this shot. 

Today I went out to the pool for water exercise class, as always, excited to see who else would show up. We had a good group of attendees, three rows of people thrashing about madly in the water together. What a sight we must be!  Marlena every year says we are going to put on an end of the year show (for whom???, we'd like to know)  She is the only one excited about that, the rest of us are more than reluctant!!   

I had a cool message from a FB friend today, a classmate of mine from high school. She has some physical maladies one of which is hand pain. She was telling how her arthritic hands hurt so much that cooking or baking is most difficult most days. I told her I have dough hooks as an attachment to my mixer which are useful for mixing bread dough and can be used for meatloaf. 

She wrote to me with great thanks for suggesting this she had forgotten that she owned dough hooks and used them to mix up the meat for their evening meal. Her cousin who is also a relative of mine commented on Joy's posting that she daily reads my postings, especially the Bible passages and hymn stanzas, and is blessed by them. This was so great to hear, and the dough hooks remark was simply a passing comment. And it was life-changing for Joy. Glad to be of service from this far away!