"There's nothing worse than...."

I don't know what brought on this memory for me, but many years ago when I was expecting my son, Justin, my spouse quit smoking. Just like that, quit, done, finished. When we had our little nephew in our home for the two years prior, smoking went on. When expecting our own, he was done. Our neighbor and business partner was in our office not long after the smoking cessation had taken place. Chris was a relatively humorless guy, very straight forward. That day he was also quite profound---he said, "There's nothing worse than someone who has lost weight or quit smoking..." Chris was not far off!

In the discussions at the pool, food and its consumption often comes up. While the rest of us are planning our lunch orders from The Club, another lady is lamenting the poisons she fed her children when growing up, not realizing what was in the foods she now avoids. Oh, she is a joy at lunch! She is obnoxious on a good day and having her go on and on about what she will not eat while we do makes her no more dear. The same is true for those who have lost weight or are in the process. They are alive with helpful tips on what type of smoothies to make, where to get the best dry protein or other ingredients to use (both men and women like this subject!) when mixing up their special blender drinks. I wish they were talking about making a Grasshopper rather than other green drinks! 

A couple other ladies are smokers and have to sit off to the side to enjoy their cigarettes. Some of the other ladies are not smokers or were former smokers and have nothing pleasant to say about the smell and such. I guess I am lucky to not be terribly annoyed by it, but certainly I'd prefer to not have it wafting over my plate of food. Don't miss it one little bit as I am eating in restaurants, having now become accustomed to not having it. People who once smoked tend to be downright militant about it, and give our friends every sort of advice, solicited or not, about how to quit. My choice is to stay out of these discussions. 

Two ladies who are adamant about the smoking in the   pool area are quite excited that a Fresh Market is being built out on Fleming Island. I've heard nothing but good things about this store, but, in talking with Julie, this store is true to its name---all fresh foods, nothing in cans, by the sounds of it. I'd like to check out the deli, though, the way they talked it up. Pastor H. told me once that if I loved Festival, I will also love Fresh Market. We shall see!!!

Great brisket, great company, excellent customer service!

This morning I was experiencing the height of frustration trying to log-in to the LWMS Convention, to no avail. Nuts! All I could find was the previous couple of day's events, but no place to watch LIVE presentation. Not even tonight could I find it. I've looked everywhere I know to look, but no dice. I am disappointed if for some reason today's proceedings were not aired. 

After some time I just decided to give it up and go out to the pool. There I enjoyed the company of Mo and Ro. He and I enjoy discussing politics and current events, plus he is quite amusing. They regularly tease each other, in good fun, which I find endearing. Such good folks they are! She had some minor surgery yesterday and the trouper that she is, was ready to enjoy the pool today. Only one of their 8 children was with them today, a 25 year old daughter. Sweet girl!

I had lunch at the pool, a hot dog with a side of pasta salad, which was wonderful. The salad has diced red peppers and whole black olives in it, with an Italian-style dressing. I love it! By this time Ollavan  had joined the fun, and then Mark and Patty, and later Debbie and Dick, my friends who live above me. Mo and Ro went home mid afternoon but the rest of the group (Kay and John, too) stayed later than even I did. Since I was going to dinner with Mike 'n Mike tonight, I came upstairs to shower and get changed. I'm sure the guys appreciated that!

We met at 6:00 pm at 4Rivers, which proved to be timed just right. Michael did have to wait a bit for his turkey sandwich but he worked on his side dishes in the meanwhile. Mike chose to not have the brisket tonight and instead ordered the sausage. He was disappointed in it, finding it to be dried out. When the manager came around, one who is very friendly to me when I am there, she asked how everything was. I told her Mike had just mentioned how the sausage was quite dry. Immediately she offered to get him fresh sausage which he at first declined but then accepted at her insistence. The stuff she brought to replace it was indeed much more moist and juicy, obviously not dried from being in the hot box too long like the first one was. She took the dried up stuff to show the kitchen manager for future reference. Love their good customer service! I brought home a couple meal's worth of leftovers plus two biscuits for Justin. He just loves them, and I love him. So there!

Another friendful day!

I could get used to this! For the second Friday in a row, I was off on an outing with lady friends made through the pool. Last week Ollavan treated Nancy M. and me to lunch at Derby on Park, doing so for me because I brought her some cheese curds and Nancy 'just because'. That was so nice of her! Today's outing was to St. Johns Town Center Mall to shop and have lunch. Debbie A. and Ollavan enjoy shopping at a place called J. Jills. Debbie is traveling to visit her daughter in San Francisco next week and wanted new clothes for the trip. Ollavan and she each had bags of discarded clothing to drop at J. Jills for which they each received a 30% discount on their purchases. Nice!

I scoped out in advance the store and its location at the Mall, finding it right across the street from the Apple Store. We had to walk about a block and a half from where we parked, thankful to even find a space that close. I knew from the website there was nothing for me there but that did not prevent me from visiting the racks and looking at the fashion. There were hardly any prints used in their clothes, mainly solids in quite neutral colors. That doesn't work for me but I still like to look. 

By plan we met up with Lynn W. and Linda C. who also brought in clothes to donate. Linda is a friend of Lynn's and I know her from the Republican Women's group. Debbie was the only one who hadn't met her before. The five of us then went to lunch, also planned.

Pictured here are Ollavan, Debbie, and Lynn, guests at my table at the PACE Luncheon earlier this year

At my suggestion we had chosen to eat at Bahama Breeze, silly me expecting we'd eat on the veranda, as I normally do. These ladies would have no part of that, all Southern women who simply could not be warm while dining. It was hot out but terribly comfortable under the ceiling fans and with the delightful breezes blowing through. Inside was quite dark by compare and a bit chilly, but I was a good sport about dining indoors. Sadly, my buttermilk chicken sliders were no longer on the menu so I had the buttermilk chicken breast (2 of them!) instead with the yellow rice 'n black beans. Yum! Somehow we ended up with three orders of onion rings for the five of us of which we barely made a dent. Another waitress came by and said that next time we should order the small portion. Our waiter should have suggested the same but did not. Hmmm....I ended up bringing all the leftover rings home with me, at their insistence. They believed Justin would like them. They are correct!

After we got dropped off at the pool again by Debbie, Ollavan and I decided to get changed into our swimsuits and join her son and his wife, Mark and Patty, poolside. Let's do it! In no time at all, we were in the drink, enjoying the water and the company. It was so pleasant. Mark and Patty just returned from a trip to Alaska so we were able to hear about their fun and experiences. The worst/best part was the very long days---sunset and sunrise only a couple hours apart. They managed but would have benefitted from room darkening shades or drapes. All in all, though, a wonderful time was had. 

The water felt so good and the time went fast, and just as I was getting ready to go upstairs to watch The Five with Linda J., Bill and Nancy came out. Shoot! I hated to miss this but needed to be with Linda, too. We need our time!  As we chatted and watched our program, Justin sent me a text message, wondering what I was doing tonight. When I said I had no plans, I expected he'd ask if he could use my car to get to Whitey's. This time he asked me to join him at Saigon Tokyo (Koko's), since it was too hot for them to sit at Whitey's. I am less aware of the heat than most people are, particularly those who labor out in it. 

Of course, I agreed to join him, and asked the Chappell's if they'd like to come. They had other plans, however, so it was just the two of us. We had a group of four with us at the table which Justin likes since he was hungry for sushi and feels badly when the chef only has to cook for me. He so enjoys his sushi, has that every other visit for the above stated reason. He also eats my salad and my shrimp appetizer for me. Nice guy! I had told him how the clothes in the shop this a.m. didn't appeal to me, too beige and neutral. He pointed at my plate of fried rice and chicken, thinking I actually DO like those colors. Yes, I do, covered in the yum yum sauce! That guy tears me up!

A friendfull day!

My morning began with a brief but amusing chat with Linda before she even had her breakfast. She had a busy day in front of her including going to Shawano to make cards and then back to town to work on the potato salad committee for the upcoming church picnic. I would love to watch those ladies throw that potato salad together. And that's a lot of salad!!!  

When Linda had to pause to eat her breakfast, I said I was home until 11:15 for when she was ready to finish our conversation. Not two minutes later, Terri asked me to join her for either breakfast or lunch. Since I already had lunch plans, we agreed to meet early at Metro Diner. We both ordered my standard meal of biscuits with sausage gravy, hash browns, and eggs. I ate one and a half of my biscuits, plus a portion of hash browns. The rest of Terri's meal came home with me as well and we'll enjoy it tomorrow morning! I had to be careful to not overdo it and ruin my lunch.

After I got home, I called my friend, Carol, and we talked for a length of time. She had some good news, as did I, and we enjoyed sharing with each other. Robbie, her son, has passed his State tests and is now eligible to teach in FL. The world is his, or at least, the state is. There was much rejoicing in that household, and he showed up at their door in time to talk to me on the phone for a bit. I wish him all the best!

At the appointed time, Ollavan picked me up at The Palace and then we drove over to get Nancy M. Ollavan was taking us to eat at a place at 5 Points called Derby on Park. It was so neat but what a crazy place to drive! I don't know how we actually found the diner but there it was, right in front of us. We had to park a little way down from the restaurant and walked through some parking lots to find it. The food was varied, something for each of us. O had the shrimp and grits, Nancy had a giant salad (had to put half in a box just so she could eat the rest!), and I had a 12" hot dog served with hand-cut fries. Yum!  We shared a molten lava dessert, all courtesy of our friend, Ollavan. She is so generous and thankful for her cheese curds!

I spent the afternoon, what was left of it, at home. I called my mom and talked to her for a bit but she was rather involved with her little vacuum cleaner and needed to get that taken care of. I understand...I guess. Anyway, when it was time for The Five, I found it pre-empted by the funeral service for Mohammed Ali. Come on, really!!??!!  This was a good day for Linda to be busy at church, I guess, and missing our show. 

In the meantime, Nancy W. called me and asked if she could drop by with her gentleman friend. YES!!  I had yet to meet Frank and he was truly a delightful man. When they got up to leave, thinking a storm was coming, I told Frank I'd love to talk to him for days! He is a retired Army pilot and has stories galore. Nancy and he are leaving today for a cruise to the Caribbean and she wanted to leave some info with me in case something happened to her when traveling. Thankful she trusts me. 

Justin got home in time to meet Frank, too. He was exhausted from the heat of the day and decided to go to Dairy Queen to get a Blizzard for his meal, and got me a funnel cake dessert. Yum! Neither of us were hungry so this was just right. He might have eaten something later on but for dinner, ice cream was the way to go. We watched Jeopardy! and then retired to our rooms. He needs to rest his poor, tired feet and legs. He showed me his scratched up arms and said that he tells people I did that to him for using wire hangers. He has been warned!!!!

Interaction or none

Not long ago I was standing in the narthex at church and watched as people arrived for worship. I enjoy being a greeter and have to restrain myself from leaping into the arms of folks as they arrive. One woman was standing at her mail box and another came in through door from the parking lot. They were less than three feet apart when they 'met'. Neither acknowledged the other, no change in facial expression one way or the other, just as though they didn't see each other. That has bothered me since---why would these long time members not greet each other with at least a head nod or even go so far as to utter 'good morning' as they passed. But nothing. 

Is it personalities at work here? What would the chances be that both ladies had the exact same personality, one which interferes with allowing for social graces? What about our Christian love for one another, if nothing else? Because of the way I am, my head or heart won't let me grasp the concept of totally dissing someone I know. Even those people I don't know get a smile or head nod when coming face to face with me. I just don't get it.

Since I got home from WI, I was in a restaurant (WHAT???) where I observed similar behavior within what appeared to be a family. If I did not know better, and I don't, I would think this couple had a huge argument prior to entering the building. The looks, their demeanor, was such that gave the feeling of a deep animus toward each other. How does that happen? I take great pleasure from dining with folks, usually, enjoy the social aspects of it, and it made me feel badly for this group that was missing out on that interaction. Maybe it was just the hassle of getting everyone loaded into the car for the ride over or deciding where to go for dinner...Perhaps they eventually did relax and treat each other in a friendly fashion. Or, was I imagining things?

Things for which I'm thankful:

I am most thankful for: 

My family, especially having my mom yet. Thankful extra for Lynn and Jill for the hands-on attention they provide her. 

Thankful for my dear friend, Linda, for being one of my drivers and taking me with her to Bible studies. And lunch! And making dinner for me! 

Thankful for all the wonderful Bible study opportunities in which I could participate. 

Thankful for the area churches  including my home congregation of First German, St. Paul where my nephews attend school, and Rockwood Lutheran where I attended a pastor's installation service. 

I am thankful for my son and his gifts to me such as the iPad Mini with attached keyboard, special brick for high-speed charging, a charger in my purse for "just in case", and his advising me on how to use and maintain my devices.  Also he allows me to sleep when without a TV by loading Seinfeld on my iPad mini for me!! And, he washed my sheets and remade the bed so I can sleep well in my own bed tonight.

I give thanks for aerodynamics and the airlines which make use of it, allowing me to fly around the US and visit my people, rather than having to drive.

Thank you, God, for wonderful friends who took me to the airport and brought me home again! Judy even came into the terminal baggage area to find me, not aware there was a waiting area she could park in to wait for my call. 

I am further thankful for dear neighbors who met me as I was pulling my suitcase toward the door and persuaded me to join them for a quick bite and adult beverage at La Nopalera. There I ran into several of my other friends from the pool, Mark and Patty, and Bill and Nancy M. Fun!!

Finally, for tonight, I am thankful for the washer and dryer working at present to clean the clothes I brought back with me from Mom's, so I'll ready to go tomorrow when I join Terri for breakfast at Grumpy's.

Primarily, I thank the Lord for the safe travels for myself and others, especially those who did the airport trips for me. Good night all!

Hello, Dolly!

Yesterday I was telling Lori about having lunch with Linda J. at The Court House Pub, located, you guessed it, across the street from the Court house. Lori used to work there when it was under a different name and management, 30 years ago! It is a bit more upscale now and we really like it. When she got up this a.m., she wondered about going there for lunch and yes, Linda was all about it!  What fun it was, we three ladies, Mom opting to sit it out. When I checked in on Facebook, Justin asked me if this place was my 'Metro Diner' since I was there two days in a row. What a card!

From there we went down to Ivy Trails so Lori could check out the gift shop. I love visiting there and the owner recognizes me from being an out of towner. One Christmas she gave me a free poinsettia from outside her store because otherwise it would go in the dumpster. It was huge and gorgeous, but suddenly out of season. None of us bought anything this time but I have already since being here in Manty. I just love this store!

Lori headed for home while Linda and I went to Bible study. Mom and Lori were going to go off and do something together this afternoon. I so much enjoy this Bible study, comparing II Kings and II Samuel, again impressed with the knowledge of the participants. Ladies come from area churches as well as from FG for this class.  I will miss all these studies when I am gone, that's for sure. Always go through a withdrawal...

After Linda dropped me at home, Lori, Mom, and I went to the ice cream parlor for a treat. Before we left, I reminded them I had to be back by 5:00 pm because Dolly was picking me up. I stopped at the bathroom and heard Mom say, "She always eats out and eats so much!" I shouted, "I heard that!" and Mom cursed my bat ears. Lori immediately stuck up for me, though, saying I hardly eat any of my meal at all, which accounts for the to-go boxes in the fridge. She doesn't get the social aspects of this being out and about at all. Thanks, Lori, for sticking up for me!

I got my single scoop of ice cream, as usual, as did Lori and Mom. Jill was kept plenty busy with customers coming and going fairly steadily. Once school is out she will have more helpers but for now, she is working long hours and almost every day of the week. This is the best ice cream in the world, made right there on the site, Cedar Crest. Yum!

We did get back home in plenty of time with some even to spare before it was time for Dolly to come for me. She was leaving right from work in Two Rivers and it took only minutes for her to get to me. Our plan was to dine at Harborside, just the two of us this time. We had a change in our original plans due to the unexpected passing of her daughter's boyfriend's father in a boating accident. The funeral is tomorrow so we changed our date to tonight, even though Lori is here. Glad we are all flexible that way. 

Dolly, me, and our classmate, Wendy at The Green Street

I love my time with Dolly and hate it that we only get an hour or two during my visits. Tonight the restaurant specially served me the beer cheese chowder even though it wasn't on the menu, because I always write on their FB page when they offer it. I was so tickled and wow, was it ever delicious. I was hardly able to eat any of my steak sandwich but brought the rest home with me. Thanks, Dolly, for the treat and for the time.