"PACE"ing myself

Good ole' Connie got me get out of bed this morning and hustle to the railing to photograph the concrete being poured in our detached garages. And I did it, while yet wearing my nightie! I figured most of my neighbors have already seen me in less than that (my swimsuit) so I figured it was safe. I got a couple of pictures, though from the railing. 

Since I was up I might as well get dressed, so I did just that. More than a little bit was I wishing Nancy W. had called to have breakfast at The Club because I really wanted some bacon, but she didn't. I know she had much on her plate already (ha, ha) getting ready for a gathering at her house for her alma mater's home coming which is tonight. Every year her classmates get together to have a party and then go to the football game, or is it that they party after the game? Anyway, she is tied up today so no breakfast for me. 

This is a bracelet Justin gave me for Christmas many years ago. It is NOT going to be donated, it stays with me!

I got to work on a few things I have been delaying for too long including updating the prayer chain. I contacted everyone on the list to see who has been contacted and who has not, etc. to fix any broken links. Hopefully we can get things operating smoothly in good time. Besides that project, I also got busy on the PACE Center for Girls event which I am co-hosting with Kay, my neighbor. Last year we did a fund raiser for Glo Smith, running for Senate (didn't make it) and this year, a more local reason. Kay is on the Board for PACE, where Nancy W. and I had toured just before Linda came for her visit. This is the program I heard about from Sen. Bradley at our Republican Women's meeting in June. 

We are having a breakfast gathering this time, asking some ladies we know in common to come hear about PACE and perhaps clean out their jewelry boxes for us. Not a shake down, but everyone has stuff in their collections they no longer wear, and the girls would love to have it. The Center has a point system for the students and after earning a certain amount of points, the girls can redeem them for items in their 'store'. Often it's necklaces or bracelets, school items, lip gloss, other things donated for the girls to earn. I have picked out several things to donate in my house---knick knacks I can live without (I say that now....), extra necklaces and bracelets. We were provided with a Wish List from the Director which the attendees can use, too, if they so desire. Kay is feeling poorly right now, but she'll be ready to help with the planning, etc. before the 30th, when the event is scheduled. I am excited to be doing this, even have a few recipes to try for the big day!

A Monday wrap

Yesterday was a bustling one for me, so much so that my shoulder ached and my ankle, I think, hurts. Not sure if it's the ankle when it's the top part of my foot where it connects to my leg, but it is paining me. Last night I decided to apply some muscle relief ointment to my shoulder and ended up gagging myself on the scent. Phew! Is it minty? Or how do I describe that aroma? Not only is on my shoulder but also on my pillow and probably on my nightie. Phew again! It did the trick but think I'd be better off with some Blue Emu instead, 'and you won't stink!" (That ad always makes me think of Kramer on "Seinfeld", drinking the Hennigans.)

My shoulder didn't get sore from my activities Monday, though, but probably because that big, fat lady slept on it funny or something. Morning started with Bible study at church, only 6 of us at the table. I look forward to Bonnie feeling well enough to return to Bible study, as she brings so much to the conversation. Rather than joining my church friends for lunch, I joined the Flying Noodles group at La Nopalera for our last close of the season event. Marlena had planned a third event but not enough signed up for it, so no tea party this year. We had to keep adding tables to ours at La Nop. I asked the waiter how many were reserved for, and he said he didn't know. Our faithful leader was faithfully 20 minutes later than the rest of us!

Most of us had ordered already so were almost done by the time the later comers were, but La Nop is very swift with serving people. Marlena addressed the group, announcing those who had the best attendance, Pat G. second year running! plus the next runners up. Our actual classes ended rather abruptly with rains and overcast skies, but once or twice a "Noodle" would show up for a private lesson!  Overall we had 22 individuals who came for class, which is fantastic, including two men. Sadly Burney did not come to the pool side lunch nor did he come to La Nop, that rascal. Because he is from ND, he is still swimming laps and will do so until ice forms on the surface of the water!

After lunch I got home and got to hear the last hour of Rush's show while I printed off newsletters for our prospect folks for church. On them I got to invite our prospects to our Fall Festival at the end of the month, plus the Reformation Festival at the beginning of the next. Chefs Mike 'n Mike are cooking the meat for the Reformation meal and my mouth waters in anticipation of such. The members are bringing the side dishes for that meal, Oktoberfest-themed. Wonder if anyone will think to bring beer...I made the sign-up sheet but didn't leave a line for refreshments!

Justin and me posing with Harvey and Clara in their apartment, Christmas, 2008. I look like Barb (their daughter) in this picture because I had my new glasses on, used for driving. The man who took the photo was not familiar with my camera so we are blurry. Do not adjust your sets!

I also wrote out some cards including a sympathy card for my sister-in-law, Barb, and her family. I should send one to myself as well because I will miss Barb's mom, too, or the memory of her anyway. My bro-in-law, Harv, called to tell me that Clara had passed away peacefully with Barb at her side. She'd been failing quickly especially since her husband died a few years ago, and it's merciful that the Lord took her home. Barb said that the radio was on in the room, a church service playing, when Clara took what was her final breath. When I told Justin about this, he said, "Odds are that's how you'll go, too." I love that boy!

Last night was a Board Meeting for my building and I have love/hate feelings about attending. I take notes there, not Minutes, as I write the newsletter and need to be 'in the know'. But I also don't like knowing and hearing some of the goings on. At the end of the meeting as we filed out, I said to my neighbor, Bob, "Ugh, I need a drink!" and he said, "I had one and it didn't help!" It was funny and sad at the same time. None of the issues are all THAT serious but most of them seem to involve that same old buggaboo involving communication. One heavy issue we will soon deal with is losing many of our Board members who wish to step down at the end of the year. I wouldn't want that job EVER and do my share to support the building by trying to unify people plus write the newsletter! I am leading from behind, which, in my case, actually works!

Oh, those Jags!

It was such a good night's sleep last night, catching up after our long day yesterday. Felt so good! Justin is in Tampa at his friend's house with a couple of his friends to attend the Jaguar game that was this afternoon. The Jags were picked to win over the Bucs, and how I hoped this to be true! For the group of young men, it's probably the last time they will all be together now for a while since Ron is getting married next month and will need to be around for the wedding stuff. 

We had Bible study and worship this a.m. as usual. Our class was small again, still missing so many people who used to attend for whatever reasons. The hymns for the day were focused on family and the home, nice choices. I was sorry Justin wasn't there to hear the readings and sing the hymns, which would be good to share in our 'little' family. Judy's granddaughter came with her to church and requested we dine at La Nop instead of Chili's. I really didn't mind, even though I am dining there tomorrow. It is not outside the realm for me to eat someplace back to back! (Metro Diner!) But first we had a brief choir rehearsal after worship where Kristi played with one finger the hymn we are singing for Reformation. Next week Kathy should be there to accompany us and perhaps more people will join. 

After our lunch at La Nop, I came home to watch the Jaguars game. UGH! It was awful but not as awful as its been in the past, which gives one hope. At the end of the game, the Jags had lost by only on touchdown, which was scored at the last moment. Again, I did feel badly for Justin and his friends, wishing they could witness a victory, but it was not to be. Justin finally got a Butter Burger and some curds after they left the stadium. They didn't stick around to see that last touchdown, wanting to get back to town early. At least the Packers won, we have that comfort, anyway!

Road trip!

This very early morning Judy and I drove to Leesburg for an LWMS Rally at St. Mark Lutheran. I was sad it was only the two of us but it's hard to stimulate interest in these rallies. Years ago when Mom wintered with me, my church would have sometimes two or three cars of attendees. But, no more. Judy's GPS worked at home but once we started out, it struggled. After she pulled off and fiddled with it, we decided to just use my cell phone's GPS to get us there, and it did!

We arrived right behind a car with three ladies from Victory, with our current president being Anne H. She did a great job running the Rally, with her mentor, Jennifer, coaching her right along. The mission speaker was the former president of the national LWMS who spoke to us about her trip to Napal in 2013. She was leaving right from the Rally to fly to New Mexico as her son-in-law was being installed in his new congregation there the next day. I do hope she made all her connections!

11 different types of Jell-O!!

Our lunch was fried chicken, beans, and slaw, plus Jell-O salads. I took a picture of the table of Jell-O to show Justin, who was with his friends in Tampa. His friends had dined with us for special events and wondered what was up with all the Jell-O. Now he had proof! On the table by each place was a slice of peach pie, crumb topped. Delicious!

After the Rally itself was completed, a group of us had to meet to discuss our involvement in the 2017 National Convention. So much needs to be done well in advance of this major event, and after we left, Judy expressed concern that we might be embarrassed. There is plenty of time before it's Florida's turn to host and hopefully the folks at National HQ will provide the needed influence that all goes well. 

Our ride home was directed by Judy's GPS which was now working, and it took us home a different route than when we came down. It seemed as though we made better time going home than our trip down. Judy's family from SC was in town so I didn't even suggest having dinner. She dropped me off at 6:00 or so and I immediately got my dinner ready. Just as I sat down at my desk to eat, my phone went off. Sure enough, it was Judy, asking if I wanted to go to dinner at Metro Diner with Michael and her. Of course! I put my meal in the fridge and off I went. 

Michael had just had lunch there with the family who was in town. How cool is that? Last night the manager told us that if we come twice in a day, we would get a discount. The same manager was working tonight who was working last night and he gave us an 'employee discount', the equivalent of a free meal. Michael grabbed the ticket and took care of it for us. Thanks, dear! That was the same manager who told me he'd stock the cooler with Diet Coke for me. Nice!  I ordered the three cheese grilled sandwich with bacon, and ate it like someone was trying to steal it. My side dish was mashed potatoes which I brought home with me for another time, same as last night. 

Early to be tonight since I am saddle sore from the 5 hours in the car and all that sitting at the Rally, and then at the restaurant. Judy and I were both awake well before our alarms this morning, so we were quite ready to go to bed. She has her houseguests but they are gone for the evening. Perhaps she will see them in the morning before church, or maybe not! 

Pretty cool!

Tonight Justin did not go Whitey’s with his group since a couple of them are going to Tampa for the Jaguar game, which is Sunday. They will be getting wings at some point this weekend so tonight he was available for dinner. He proposed we go to Metro Diner and invited the Chappells to join us. I tried something else from the menu, trying to not get into a rut with their varied choices. Justin looked at the breakfast menu and discovered that the Monte Cristo sandwich appears there. Imagine that---a Monte Cristo for breakfast! I guess why not, though. It’s like having French toast with some ham and cheese, and raspberry jelly. Works for me!

A couple of the staff members there used to work at The Club so I got to say hi to them, plus some of the wait staff recognize us (me) and are good about greeting us. As we were finishing up, the manager stopped by the table to say hello and then, when he saw me, said, “Oh, you’re back. I haven’t seen you in a week or so." Justin told him I have to spread my business around but the manager said he could not accept that. We laughed, and then he asked about our meals. Of course, I offered my compliments on the French dip of which I ate half. He said they make their own au jus from the roast beef they serve. Everything is fresh and homemade for the Diner, the waitress telling us that the only thing frozen there is the ice! 

Anyway, I said to him that the one thing I have a problem with is not having Diet Coke. He was sympathetic but said serving Pepsi products saves them $10,000 a year. Wow! I said they'd save that much on me alone. They get more variety with Pepsi products besides the savings. I told him it was not a deal breaker for me, I'd come anyway and have the Diet Dr. Pepper. He said, "I'll tell you what---I will get a 12 pack of Diet Coke and keep it in the walk-in, just for you. When you come in, just mention Sage, and they'll get it for you." How cool is that? Who is spoiled?  First I have my own set of glassware at The Club for my soda and now private stock of Diet Coke at Metro. Judy said the bad part of this was that the 12 pack wouldn't last very long there. That was funny, too, but actually people move in and out of the Diner so quickly, the 12 pack might last about 4 visits, if they serve us fast enough!

This is a full month!

Facebook has multiple status updates regarding pink ribbons and people having pink streaks of color put in their hair for breast cancer awareness. My son said last year, 'Who doesn't know about breast cancer by now?" seeing all the stuff the football players wear to show support. I am not sure how the pink stuff for their uniforms is paid for (guess I could look it up...) and also wonder what happens to the added features at the end of the season. Maybe they can be used again the following October? There are marathons, telethons, and other fund raising events going on, and I have a friend who is instrumental in orchestrating some of these events locally.

Not only is it breast cancer awareness month but also clergy appreciation month. One of my teacher friends in CO posted recently expressing "Teachers get only one day..." of course, in jest. The racks at the grocery store have greeting cards in the end caps so we can acknowledge our pastors, several of the cards being the kind money gets tucked into. Not very subtle, is it? 

October is also domestic violence awareness month so many announcements and PSAs abound regarding this problem faced in many families. A friend of mine used to be the main fund raiser for our local  'safe house', and I have donated clothing and other household items to them, including most recently my exercise bike! 5 years ago they got plenty of stuff from me after the Great Flood, and my friend was glad to deliver the items for me. 

Other things being recognized this month include shelter dogs, Apple Jacks cereal, cookies (yay!), country ham (yay!), drums, pizza, seafood, and various medical conditions including lupus, diabetes, and pharmacists (not a condition actually). And it's vegetarian awareness month which is interesting to me. "How do you know when someone is a vegetarian?" "Within 10 minutes they will tell you..." After I heard this 'joke' I paid attention and sure enough, it's true! Even one of our waiters at Chili's felt like telling us he is vegetarian. We did not ask him, he volunteered this info. Not a good sales pitch at a place like Chili's. He might be happier across the street at Sweet Tomatoes. 

People who have lost children are encouraged to place a lighted candle in their window on the 15th of October for awareness purposes. I have done this in the past in December. Compassionate Friends chooses the 2nd Sunday in December for this. My friend, Cindy, gave me a battery-operated candle just for this reason many years ago. I can't say I always remember to get it out. I'll be home this year at the time so will make an effort to do so. 

All of these plus the many others celebrated this month are worthwhile causes and issues. The one, though, which has basically swamped my 'feed' on Facebook is in regard to recognizing those who have had miscarriages, stillbirths, or had infants die. Oh my....I know so many folks who have had miscarriages and even stillbirths, some whose babies lived only minutes or were delivered already dead, having died in utero. I am not sure what exactly can be achieved by having an awareness month. Those who have these losses in their lives are well aware, as are their families and friends. Perhaps it is meant to educate folks on how to care for those who've had such a loss. 

One link I clicked took me to a site where one could order greeting cards just for such situations, a couple of which even included street language to offer your sentiments to someone whose lost a child. I am so thankful no one saw fit to get me such a card. Is it that difficult to come up with a few words to express sympathy or sorrow to a person? Some might say it is, but not having to resort to vulgar or profane printed cards. No one is that socially inept, are they? Perhaps they are if they buy these cards!  

Busy time with church family Part II

Sunday was busy enough with church stuff, and Monday was no different. The morning started with Bible study, our look at Ephesians which is interesting. We also took a bit of time to talk about the movie "War Room", looking at the good in it besides the 'bad' theology. Only three of us including Pastor had seen it and the others didn't really seem interested in going to see it, but it is important to talk about the pros and cons of such movies. 

After Bible study, five of us went to the Dairy Queen for lunch, enjoying their wonderful $5 menu choices. While everyone else had chicken, I had the bacon cheeseburger. The meal includes sandwich, fries, soda, and a small sundae. Quite the feast! I enjoy our social time together so much more and having a sundae at the same time is all the better! In several hours we'd be meeting again for Ladies' Group---almost doesn't pay to go home sometimes!

I spent my afternoon on the computer and just as I was settling in to watch The Five with Linda, I got a text message from Terri. She wondered if I was eating dinner before or after the meeting, as she wanted to grab a bite. I am flexible if nothing else so excused myself from Linda and our shared TV news show and met Judy C. and Terri at Cracker Barrel. We hadn't been there in months, Judy not even remembering coming there to eat with the Over 50 Group. I have pictures to prove it!

While waiting for the ladies to arrive, I had a chance to visit with one of the waiters who used to take of me when I came with a different group years ago. I must tell Judy J. that Seth is still working there, as is his sister. It was nice that he recognized me and came over to chat for a bit. He is looking to become a police officer but life got in the way so he has put that on hold. I wished him the best and hope he can recognize his goals sooner rather than later. 

Gretchen, Judy, me, Fausto, Julaine, Ethel, Darwin, Hilda, Bonnie, Donna, (Betty is out of frame), Rachel, Linda, Jackie, and Twila at Cracker Barrel.

I ordered the meatloaf meal, lunch sized portion, and believe it or not, ate the entire thing. Plus a biscuit! As I told the ladies, it was my funeral meal I was enjoying, as these items are what I have requested to be served to my potential guests for my reception afterward. I got a small paper bag into which to place two extra biscuits left on the plate. No sense them going to waste (waist). We had to hustle a little bit to get from Cracker Barrel over to church, hoping the traffic wasn't too bad. Judy ran into some trying to get from home to CB. We made it in good time. 

We had a small number for our meeting but accomplished much. Afterwards we sat around talking and ended up roaring with laughter as we shared stories involving outhouses and public bathrooms. I told the story of Timmy and the automatic toilet at Publix which caused him to jump off of it. Many of the ladies had a story to share and we sure had some great laughs. Thanks to Betty for making us a tasty dessert to snack on, cheesecake brownies, I believe. She is ever so handy in the kitchen!