Another 'week' behind me

Tonight some friends joined Justin and me at Sweet Tomatoes for the annual celebration of Timmy's birthday and funeral remembrance. My friend, Nancy W. joined Terri T., Mike S., Michael, Betty, Justin and me. Judy was recovering from oral surgery so couldn't join us. I shared coupons online with everyone and no one had to pay full price, including Justin and me, as I now qualify for the senior discount, too. 

It was a good day to be with friends, starting this morning with our Monday Bible study on Tuesday. Pastor had an appointment he couldn't break on Monday so we all agreed Tuesday worked for us. After class had ended, we were slow to get up. I mentioned how everyone except Pastor and Betty were with me 15 years ago today, and the reminiscing commenced. At first I hesitated bringing it up but am happy I did. Kristi mentioned finding Timmy's service folder in some items her dad had given her from her mom's dresser drawer. And she told how she recently said to Bruce that Timmy was going to greet them in heaven while wearing a party hat. (He'd worn a birthday hat to church the Sunday after my party). Love these type of memories!  

Some ladies remembered the long, long line of cars leaving the church, heading over to the cemetery, Jackie saying it was 'longer than for the Kennedy's!'. Others talked about how long they stood in line at the visitation at the funeral home, which went more than an hour and half past the scheduled time. People just kept coming. Even two fellows we'd met in November on our Mediterranean cruise came up from Clearwater, Nick and George. Amazing....

One lady talked about how impressed she was with our families, and us, how we seemed to be handling things so well. She said it was more like we were comforting them, instead of the other way around, which really helped. That was the most awesome thing to hear, I was blown away to hear it from this unexpected source. I repeated what had been said in Pastor Prange's sermon that day, how not one person from the congregation nor from the family came to him concerned about Timothy and where he was. Not one! Kristi speculated about who we might see in heaven after they'd been at this funeral, to see how believing Christians handle something like this. That is my prayer! 

Time with Stephanie

My friend, Stephanie B., was unable to attend my birthday party earlier this month because she was visiting her mom in WI. I was sad about that, but now am glad because her mom, Jean, has returned to JAX for a couple months' visit with Stephanie and Erica. Yay!! We made plans to get together today for lunch at my choice, 4 Rivers, so Stephanie could compare her favorite bbq place with mine. We had her retirement party at Monroe's bbq which was voted JAX best. I beg to differ!

Stephanie picked me up around 11:30 and we headed to 4 Rivers, hoping to beat the rush. What I didn't take into account was the fact that it was national holiday so there was that much less activity today. The base was closed, school was closed, too, which accounted for more families than normal during lunch. We could sit and talk for a couple of hours and not be holding up the show for other diners. She was waiting to hear from her next appointment in OP, as long as she was over on this side of town, so we just talked and talked and talked. 

Stephanie, Erica, Jean, and me at my house for dinner a few years ago.

When the lady hadn't called after a certain point, we opted to come back here and talk some more. Her mom was expected to join this fun but decided to stay home, saying she wasn't feeling well, and wanting us two ladies to have our 'alone time'. I do appreciate that but also would have liked to spend some time with her, too. Before long she will be heading back to WI and we'll have missed our chance. That time goes by so quickly! Stephanie, besides buying my lunch, presented me with a Packer scarf she made with a ring on it made using Sharpie markers on a plastic cup, then baked. It makes into different shapes when it melts (the cup) and the one that became a ring worked perfectly on my scarf. Glad it's cold enough to wear a scarf these days. 

What I loved the most about our time together, besides the brisket!, was another day spent with a friend during this special week in January. I can't say it is planned this way or if it simply happens naturally, but I appreciate it all the same. Greatly! 

It's Chili today!

Oh, what a disappointing ending to that football game last night! I am crushed! The Packer/Cardinal's game went into overtime, and the Birds won. Ugh. When flipping the coin, or supposedly flipping the coin, the ref tossed the coin which just landed on the ground without doing any maneuvers. More like he dropped it rather than flipping. When the ref did a re-flip, it went in the Cardinal's favor so they chose to receive the ball, and then scored. The Packers never got to touch the ball at all in OT. Nuts! Oh well, I guess we'll go all the way next year! 

This morning I toyed with skipping Bible study but at the last possible moment I forced myself from bed and got ready to go. I am glad I did since there were not very many people there, every body counts! After worship our group went to Chili's for lunch. The host was new and didn't know we were regulars. We explained that we usually sit at the 'big table' so he did let us sit there. We need elbow room!

To pay for my lunch I used one my birthday gift cards. I have a ways to go before catching up with Judy, though. She has over $100 worth of Chili's gift cards to spend so we can't even think of changing restaurants any time soon. Michael, too, has a collection of gift cards to spend. Are we so predictable or easy to shop for? Yes, and yes!

This afternoon I am working on getting sign-up sheets ready for our Ladies' Brunch in February and printing off invitations which I will hand out at the end of the month. I need new ink cartridges, had to replace one already, with all this printing. The printer I have now was a good price when being purchased but holy cow, does it go through the ink!

Something cool today

These past few days I've been having a dilly of a time with Internet connectivity in my room, not because of anything I have done, as far as I know. We have signal boosters and other technical devices in the house to force that signal through and around our concrete block walls from Justin's room in the front corner, to mine in the opposite corner. Yesterday afternoon, seeing how frustrated I was getting, Justin went online and found another device to order to do a by-pass to serve my room. (Excuse me if the terminology is not exactly correct, I don't actually need to know it, only want to use it!) According to Amazon, the device would arrive on Sunday. Yay for me!

Well, this morning I awakened quite early, about 5:00 a.m. After taking my little walk, I found a Law & Order episode to listen to and back to sleep I went. About 8:30 I woke up for real, which was late for me. As I put my feet down, my phone went off. It was Terri T!!  She asked me if I saw her text message which I had not having only now gotten up. She wanted to know if I was Grumpy, and, of course, I was! Terri had looked at my FB page and saw no postings from me since lunch yesterday and was concerned that something happened to me. I told Justin that would happen, since I couldn't connect to the Internet---people would think I was dead! She needed 15 minutes to drive over from her house which proved plenty of time for me to get off the bed and to the restaurant. Like a fireman, I can be ready!

I got there first and was seated straight in from the doorway so I could see who came and went. The staff greeted me and I wished several folks a good morning, including those dining near me. Not at all obnoxious, me! Terri got there and we had a wonderful breakfast and conversation. As we ate and talked, a lady from a nearby table came over to talk to me. She apologized for interrupting us, but said I reminded her so much of her beloved mother-in-law who she missed terribly, the way I said "Good morning" and the way I looked. Aw, so sweet! She said it made her cry and she asked if she could hug me. Of course, she could!  I gave a big, squishy hug, and she wept a bit more. As she walked away, Terri asked if I knew her and I said I did not. A Day in the Life of Kim...

Two minutes later another lady was waving at me, and then came over to the table. She asked where she knew me from and I wondered if it was Sprint. The lady said, "No! I know you from church!!" Joyce, and her husband, Tim, used to go to church with Terri and me, I think leaving when our first pastor did. It was so nice to see them again, and she complimented me on my hair do. After all these years, people still stop to tell me they like my hair. 

Terri kindly treated me to breakfast, since it was "Timmy Week" and all. Very sweet of her, and so thoughtful. January is hard for both of us, as her daddy, Gordy's, anniversary is earlier in the month. I must remember to take her to Grumpy's next year when it's Gordy Week....

I got home again and Justin was still in his room, catching up on his sleep. He loves the cooler temps for his sleeping as he snuggles under his blankets. His plans for the day included making beer cheese bread and mixing up my taco queso dip which I will enjoy with the football game, plus had to sample some this afternoon. He went to the gym with Jesse and then over to his house to watch the football games, taking a couple of mini-loaves with him. I kept my slice warm on the space heater (a.k.a. best friend) pulled up to my desk. Delicious!!  

I stopped at the mailbox when I got home and found a box there from Amazon. Justin looked puzzled, not sure what he'd ordered. Sure enough, it was the signal by-pass thingy he'd ordered the day before. How did that happen---overnight??? USPS really came through with Amazon and now I have sufficient signal in my bedroom. I can watch the Packer game in here and not have to go into the 'snowy north' part of my house to watch, in order to have Internet. Terri advised Justin to file a report with ATT about our Gateway device which turns off and on intermittently throughout the day. She thinks they can replace rather than repair it, but first he needs to file a report. I guess Monday he will take care of all that. For now, I rejoice I have Internet and can once again communicate that I am alive and doing well. Go Pack, Go!!

Lunch with Miss Brenda

Yesterday I had lunch with Nancy W. at The Club for fried chicken day, and last night Justin and I had dinner with Judy and Michael at Metro Diner. I was so glad to have the invitation and we very much enjoyed our meal and the time together. 

Because of my dance card being full yesterday, I had to decline an invitation to meet Brenda for lunch. Today, though, was going to work for us to meet up. I drove over to Steak 'n Shake, arriving about the same time as she did. Brenda is such a good friend, a long time friend, and I cherish her. She tried to arrange for Jimmie to join us if he got back to the office in time but sadly, he did not make it. I would have loved to see him!  

Yesterday I got many many contacts from people extending their thoughts, prayers, and words of comfort on this anniversary. They mean more than I can express, I am so thankful for all the kind words, and the memories people shared. Brings a smile to my heart and to my face, thinking about them all!

Some of the remembrances were about Timmy wearing his heavy winter coat, even when it was warm out (just like his mama!), and how one of the teachers at Precious Lambs would sit and rock him to sleep, telling him secrets. These are the things which bring comfort, and I appreciate everyone's sharing of them.

A wonderful sentiment

Today I had lunch with my friend, Nancy W., at The Club. It was fried chicken day so we HAD to partake of the mini-buffet. I was glad to have something planned for part of my day, besides Bible study. She presented me with a gift, saying she simply could not hang it back on the rack after seeing. It's a black top, 3/4 length sleeves, with gold figures on the front. The best part is the flared bottom, which matches mine! What a nice thought for her to get that for me! 

Later this afternoon when I was chatting online with Linda, Nancy forwarded a poem she found for me---perfect for the day I am acknowledging today. It speaks for itself and I am thankful for her thoughtfulness in sending it to me: 

Just a few remembrances

Tonight I changed my Facebook profile picture to one of Timmy sitting in the car, on the seat rather than in his car seat. We were crowding people in, his uncle and auntie from WI were visiting and it was tight with his big seat in the car. Obviously Timmy felt 'put out' or funny about not being in his seat plus was a bit intimidated by his uncle, Harvey. He had sneezed a giant sneeze and scared Timmy, making him cry. The rest of us were accustomed to his big sneezes but it startled little Timmy. 

After I posted the photo, I started hearing from folks. One lady was his teacher at Precious Lambs and would take the time to soothe him and rock Timmy to sleep in the afternoons. She told me that besides her husband, Timmy was the only one she told about being pregnant and he was excited for her. I never knew this story and it warmed my heart. Amanda said it was their little secret!  

Another lady, Robin C., who was at my birthday party a couple weeks ago, used to work at Hallmark before working for Rosewood. She told me the story of being swamped by people in our neighborhood coming in for sympathy cards. She wondered then what was going on, and later found out. Robin said we were connected even before she knew me!  

Another lady who sent a message was the branch manager of the bank we used for our business and personal banking. She knew Timmy before he was born! And knew him after as he went everywhere I went. He was quite popular with the ladies. In that same branch was a teller named Melody. She attended the visitation for Timmy and later would tell me how her daughter and she would swing by the cemetery periodically to visit his grave. Do you know how special that makes me feel?

These photos make Timmy look so solemn but he was a joyful little guy overall. 

Today on Facebook I read how a mom was practicing the Lord's Prayer with her little son, thinking he wasn't getting anything out of it. Later, when the dad got home, he was asked what he learned that day. The seemingly too busy little guy reported God was his father, lived in heaven, and loved him. Mom and Dad were stunned! When we'd put the boys to bed, Justin being 9 years older than Timmy, we'd ask which prayer we should pray that night. Among the choices were singing "Now the Light Has Gone Away", the Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep which sometimes went on and on with people to bless, and the one Timmy called "The Big One"---the Lord's Prayer.  My sister donated an art piece with The Big One on a plaque attached to the Lord's Prayer, in his memory. That prayer is one of the first things the students at Precious Lambs learn every year. 

In both photos above, Timmy is wearing outfits made by his Grandma K. So darn cute!