My departure day has arrived

"All my bags are packed, they're ready to go; I'm standing here outside the door, I hate to wake you up to say good-bye..." You know the song, I'm leaving on a jet plane, or whatever vessel they substitute to get me back to Florida tonight.

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Thank you to those who have kept up with me through the blog, and I do apologize for not being able to post everyday, I missed it, too! Mom's computer is on a dial-up system which uses her home telephone, her only phone, so it wasn't always convenient to spend time on the computer--for her or for me!

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At first we'd arranged for Judy J. to collect me from the airport but in speaking with Justin this a.m., he's decided to come for me after all, since my bags need to be taken upstairs. It's not convenient for him to come Tuesday, as he has classes. He'll have to carry the stuff up the stairs...oh, brother!

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I'll give Judy a call later to say thanks but no thanks for the lift. She's a doll for offering to come out so late at night like that! Justin is re-stocking the soda supply and is getting some milk for me, too. He pretty well cleaned out the pantry and kitchen cabinets, half-starved with his "meal-ticket" gone for a month! He said he left my cereal so I'll have that much to eat, plus some popcorn. I am certain the Ming Moon man does not need the elevator so that's another meal option.

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I can't tell you how excited I am to see my Justin again, hoping I recognize him without all his hair. He had a busy weekend, I heard, so am anxious to hear how that all went for him. This a.m. I am dropping off a nice, big piece of poppyseed torte for my sister-in-law, Sharon, who stays in a group home. I hope I find her in, but chances are, she's at work. I'll leave it for her dinner and the staff will be sure to tell her who its from. Then its off to the cheese factory to stock up on string cheese and curds for myself and others in Florida. Justin, of course, has his mouth all set for some curds, which I've been enjoying since arriving here. Cheese curds will be my donation to the special meal at church on Sunday, as we celebrate our 30th anniversary as a congregation. I hope everyone knows what it is, and won't just walk away from that dish of fresh curds! Exotic, ethnic foods....

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I have a video tape taken as the former classroom building was going up. It is my plan to have that made into a continual loop so it can play during the meal portion of the celebration. Many of the people working on the original building are now working on the new building, so that's pretty neat! Sadly, some of the more prominent ones are no longer part of the congregation..

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If I can't get that editing accomplished, I'll simply show the video the way it is, but must warn people they might get woozy as the man doing the filming was not adept with the zoom and even carried the camera around as he walked, not turning it off in between. Lots of sidewalk and shoe footage!

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Sunday we'll also be opening the Time Capsule found in the wall of the "old" building, which is why I wish to show the video tape. I am excited to see what's in the box, built by former members, the Koren's. We are putting a new box in the wall and stuff is being gathered to put into that Time Capsule, for posterity. An emotional time for me, happy, but yet, reflective, thinking about all that's happened since 1991. Wow!

My newest great-nephew!

Finally! I got to meet the newest member of my family--Bryson David Schrimpf. Is he the sweetest thing or what??? I got to hold him on my lap yesterday afternoon but he was not crazy about that idea at all! He liked me much better from a safe distance, and on his father's lap instead of mine!

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Our directions from mapquest were printed in reverse order for some reason, so Lynn tried to navigate us to their house trying to remember that everything would be backwards. We did fine until it came to splitting off at the freeway, when we went right rather than left. Oops! We had to turn around and head back south, retracing some of our steps, even going so far as to drive on a section of road marked "closed"--we had nothing to lose! We'd gotten a map before turning around which Lynn ably used to get us "on the right track", as Timmy used to say. Jamie also helped us as we got closer to his house. Thank heaven for cell phones!

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Jamie shares a house with his fiance, Hannah, her son, Hunter, and their child, Bryson. Both of the boys were baptized at First German last fall, praise be to God! Hannah and Jamie both work handling TTY calls at a Center nearby, with family members watching the children for them. Jamie just had three wisdom teeth removed and was a bit tender yet, but managed to enjoy some French onion soup and mashed pototoes when we all went to lunch. Poor thing! But, Jamie always was a soup eater, from little boy on.

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From less than two weeks old, (I was his mom's labor coach!) my husband and I had the great pleasure of his company much of the time. I had no children of my own yet so truly enjoyed this opportunity. Jill worked as a waitress during the day and also served in the Army Reserve, which kept her quite, quite busy. Her husband worked construction and wasn't too keen on taking care of a little one by himself. We worked from home so it was convenient to keep Jamie during the days, and the nights that we got him. He even had his own room in our house, and would spend endless hours playing with a ball, any kind of ball. He still is a baseball nut! Yesterday, little Bryson entertained himself with a ball of every size, too. Had a bit of trouble with the handling thereof, but still wanted a ball! He is barely six months old, so has an excuse yet.

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I could go on and on about our lives and times with Jamie, some of the best in my life, and I hope, his, too. Until I had a little one myself, it wouldn't have been possible to love him any more than we did. The sun rose and set....Lisa had been our only niece/nephew for 12 years before Jamie came along and I think she was cool with having some of the fawning diverted to him for a change. Now we fawn over her little guys, Gabe and Manny. That's another story!

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Lynn and I spent a few hours with Jamie and his family before deciding to head back home. Jamie gave us some written directions for the way home (about three hours or so) which proved to be quite wonderful for us. All in all, it was a whole lot of driving, some extra of course, but still great to meet Bryson and make his acquaintance, as well Hunter, who is two. Busy, busy, busy! That is why children are given to the young!!!

The party is over--well, nearly

This afternoon I opened my e-mail to see a lovely update from my neighbor, the fella stuck with the job of "overseeing" the elevator replacement. While I appreciate greatly the responsibility he's taken on, I feel very badly for him having to deal with us second-story and above folks! According to Jeff, the work should be completed by Tuesday or Wednesday, inspected on Thursday, and fully operational by Friday...I knew it, I just knew it!!! Justin will have to be certain my fridge is amply stocked, and yes, maybe even put some food in there for me. If memory serves there were a couple twelve packs of diet Coke in the fridge when I left...I hope there still are!

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Having no elevator might be just what I need to keep me at my computer, getting the FlockTalk ready for press, instead of going around visiting people. Thursday night I am expected to join some friends for dinner at Koko's (I hope they're still open with me being gone so long!!).

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Judy J. is collecting me from the airport late Monday night and I'll only carry my smaller bag upstairs so I can get the cheese and such refrigerated as soon as possible. Also bring my toiletries and the things absolutely necessary for overnight, and worry about the large suitcase the next day. I hope my glass pieces make it home okay, or they will end up as "glass pieces"!! Wouldn't that be tragic!?!

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My dear friend and massage therapist, Carol, has sent me note, thanking me for referring more of my friends to her; therefore, my next treatment is on the house. Lovely! This is truly something to look forward to!

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Well, it's a sad day for me, having to say "farewell" to my loved ones here in Manty. Hugs were shared with both dear pastors after worship and Bible study, plus good wishes "until we meet again". Many of my family went to eat lunch at the China Buffet, including Linda J., Mom's "adopted" daughter. Mom treated us all which was a very nice thing for her to do. Of course, the boys were absolutely adorable, both well behaved in church and the restaurant. I only got to see Noah once, though, but I'll take what I can get. He'll have his fill of me in August when they come down to stay with me. Something else for me to get excited about!

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Jill is coming over in a bit to play a game of Scrabble with Mom and me, so this posting will be abbreviated. Sorry 'bout that, but different words are luring me!

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Later!

There is that crazy moon!

The moon was struggling to break free of the clouds on my way back from Green Bay tonight, finally showing its full face to me as I drove down Washington Street. Oh, how I wish I was looking at it on my river, but, alas....a few more days until I get home and then it will no longer be full. The lake simply doesn't offer the reflection that the smooth river does!

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Dinner with Harv, Barb and Kevin was delightful as I once again was able to enjoy a perch plate, wishing I'd ordered the full portion rather than the half! Mmm, delicious! They wanted to take me to a new place rather than re-visit my usual favorite, Mackinaw's. Now I'll have a new favorite place when I return to Green Bay!

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Kevin and I enjoyed a lively conversation about "Across the Universe" and other music topics, trying not to exclude H and B from the discussion. He said he took my advice about it, and now owns the extended version of "Across...". You're welcome! I asked him if he cried during the part where the little boy is lying in a coffin, and he said he didn't. Of course he'd say that--what big man wants to admit this sort of thing? Justin didn't mind sharing with his mama but wouldn't tell another guy it choked him up, right?

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Our visit continued back at their house for some time before Harvey had to go to bed. He has to get up well before dawn to deliver bread in the area, so it's still warm when it hits the shelves--well, almost.

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Yesterday was a fantastic one, too! Mom and I drove down to see the Prange's in Morton Grove, IL. Known for my skills at map following, I suddenly second-guessed myself and thought I went the wrong way at one point. We exited and I found a restaurant, a diner-style, in which to ask for help. Here I was "on the right track" all along, we were nearly there! Mom was getting quite nervous but I felt as though I could trust the directions given me by the waitress (totally disregarding the info from the three gentlemen that tried to help!) and we found our way to Morton Grove. When we drove past the hotel we'd all stayed in when visiting King Tut and Prange's, I knew we were okay!

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Pete was leaving the back door open for us, as they were in Bible study. Mom and I let ourselves in and relaxed until they came "home". Lucas came running right up to me and hugged me, remembering my name this time! Even gave a squeeze to Grandma K, whom he's not seen in over a year. Such a sweetheart! Baby Grace is getting so big, too, pulling herself up to standing and sporting a couple teeth on the bottom front which weren't there in January! Of course, Pete and Tarren were wonderful, too, but one always thinks of the kids first!

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Today is Pete's birthday and I surprised him with a bag of his favorite mints, the kind given out at Olive Garden. Tarren's birthday is earlier in the month and I took her a lovely necklace made by Lori, perfect for her fine features. We went to lunch at an Italian eatery and then back to their house to chat.

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While there, the mailman came so Pete scampered out to retrieve the mail. Sure enough, he got a couple birthday cards, including one from a member of Good Shepherd who never forgets his birthday! I heard from another member today that this other lady had been in the hospital so I called to find out how she was. The hospital visit was more ER in nature, researching a mysterious pain in her hip. She's home now, waiting for the medicine to make her better. I pray this happens soon!

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Let's see--what happened on Wednesday? Can't think right now, but must have done something fantastic. Oh, I know!!! I spent the first part of the day with Lisa and Manny, meeting them for breakfast at the wonderful bakery in Sheboygan. Mom wanted some of their 6 grain bread and I got some extra treats for our car ride to Morton Grove, too. Manny is so darn precious, I can barely take my eyes off of him! Gabe was in pre-pre-school and we were going to pick him up at 2:30. After breakfast we went shopping and then to lunch at Chili's. Guess what--I ran into someone I knew, down in Sheboygan! Love it! Also, at the bakery, a lady came up to me and said she remembered me from the Rally the day before...go figure!

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Mom and I had supper at Lynn's and then came back home for a quiet evening. Since we had to get up early it was wise to just hang out before our big car ride to Prange's!

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This a.m. I spoke with Julia from Great Hang Ups (man, I miss them!!) and she told that my acrylic creation was juried into the 3-D show at Village Gallery. This just blows me away! Although it did not win a cash prize, the fact that it made it past the Judge is payment enough! The next best thing will be to have a buyer for it! Wouldn't that just be the icing on the cake?!?!?!

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My mail has been forwarded to Mom's, and, to her dismay, much of the mail in her box is mine! One day this past week I received a card from Carol, the massage therapist, thanking me for sending some more of my friends her way. My next therapy treatment is "complimentary". Nice! On the downside, my neighbor told me the elevator is expected to be finished by Wednesday or so...what???? I am coming back on Monday, if you don't mind. Can you believe it? Jeff said the Contractor ran into some problems, and I told him I understood about contractors, can't be helped. I even convinced myself that it was okay!

Another fantastic day in the motherland!

Ooooh, what a joyous day today! I can't wait to tell you about it!!

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The morning began early for me as I was "expected" at church by 8:15 a.m. to help register attendees of the LWMS Rally hosted by First German. My seat was between my dear friend, Linda, and Alice, a lady I've known nearly all my life. Alice and I worked together and also sang soprano in the choir when I still belonged. I was definitely in my element, enjoying the process of greeting and such at the table with two such lovely ladies!!!

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After a certain point, the pastor's wife, Ellen, came to ask if I'd hand out service folders at the door so off I went to do that task. Another great job! There were a number of men helping out with the Rally, one of whom was a classmate from grade school through MLHS, Steve. He gave me a quick hug and then had to leave to get his suit on, in case they needed another usher for communion. Never did come back and I would have liked to chat with him. Oh well....maybe Sunday we'll have a chance to catch up with each other.

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The children from the day school performed their tone chime song as well as the anthem they'd sung on Sunday, again doing a great job. What a blessing a Lutheran grade school is! Expensive to operate? Yes. Worth the cost? Every penny, equipping these souls with the armor of God...can't put a dollar value on that!

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The first presenter showed slides and lectured on our missions in India. It was heart-wrenching to view the horrendous living conditions these people have, the great poverty, homeless/parentless children, and heathen worship practices. BUT, it was heart-warming to hear how much these believers appreciate their Savior, rejoicing in His saving work, and how eager they are to be in His house for worship! Oh, for a minute amount of their enthusiasm and faith in these most dire living conditions!

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The afternoon presenter has served our mission in Indonesia, again an area bereft of the living Word. The majority of the nations making up Indochina are Hindu or some similar eastern religion, and many, many Muslims, who like to make trouble for the Christians. In spite of the aggression and persecution our missions face there, those converts are hungry for the Word and full of zeal to learn more and more. Again, I couldn't help but feel a bit sad when I think about what lengths and risks these people go to worship and receive instruction, while our pews often remain empty....

I know, I know, we have to appreciate the "one who returned" but can't help asking the question: "but where are the nine?" (Luke 17:17)

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Of course, the luncheon was wonderful, served at our table so no long lines or the pushing and shoving that goes on at these events. That was quite nice, the food delicious, and the company charming. Some of the grade school children made the place mats, their teacher being a school friend of our pastor's wife in Jacksonville. I always extend greetings back and forth from Karen to Lynn. Today Karen said she hears more from me than she does Lynn, saying it's always too late at night when she thinks to call her. I suggested e-mail, so perhaps she'll press that into service. It's never too early or too late to send e-mail!

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Once home at the end of the Rally, I decided to go visit my friend, Dolly, so we could watch "Under the Tuscan Sun" together. She is averse, or rather, disinterested in traveling, so I decided to bring Italy to her! She loved the movie, too, and now has it in her collection to watch again and again. I promised to send her actual photos of the areas we saw in the movie, especially the fields of sunflowers and the piazza in Florence. This will most likely be our last time this visit to be face to face so said our farewells, until we meet again. We'll be back at CHRISTmas but can't say if the time will allow for a visit since that season is so busy for everyone. The hugs will have to hold us for a while.

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My niece is celebrating the end of tax season and tomorrow we head off for some breakfast and shopping, until Gabe gets done with his preschool class. Next fall he starts the real thing, this class is simply to prepare him for preschool. Hhhmmm, didn't it used to be that Kindergarten prepared one for grade school? Now we have a pre-preschool to get us ready for preschool, which gets us ready for Kindergarten! No wonder I'm in the mess I'm in--started right in with Kindergarten!

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Another fantastic day, looking forward to nice long sleep. I miss my Justin terribly! 'Nite all!!

The snow has finally stopped!

Saturday was a cold, wintery day here in WI, including blowing snow and grey skies. Almost too unbelievable to be true, but nevertheless, I had sharp flakes bombarding me between the shops and the car when shopping. Will it never end??

Judy J. let me know that my houseguests have left the condo and are heading back to MI. She washed the sheets and dried them on the clothesline, and then re-made the beds for me. Wow, that is a service I wasn’t expecting. I am just glad that someone could make use of my place while vacant, and didn’t mind running the stairs a couple times each day. She said her son did mention the stairs being rough on him, and he works out six times a week! Guess he has a football knee that bothers him periodically, aggravated by my stairs.

My sisters, Mom and I have had a good time: shopping, dining, and hanging out. Last night we celebrated Jill’s birthday by going to Sheboygan for dinner at the Highland House restaurant on the river. Lovely setting, and great company. Lisa had to work all day Saturday, getting the tax season out of the way for another year, and is looking forward to easing off her hours at the office. Of course, the boys were darling and ate a good supper for their parents. I gave them a fun ball that was sort of a balloon and sort of a playball with fringes, and it kept them busy wwaayy too late for them last night. Oops! Who knew?

Kerry was here this weekend and that was fun, too. Alayna, Kerry, and I watched “Under the Tuscan Sun” last night, and they loved it, except that Kerry fell asleep right at the end. She caught up with the ending this afternoon. We had a regular dormitory here on the weekends that I am here with Kerry, Alayna, and Mom—people sleeping all over the place. I leapt from bed this a.m. thinking it was Eastern time, got mixed up yet, and thought I had only 15 minutes to get dressed for church. What a relief to know I had an hour plus to get ready.

It was Good Shepherd Sunday and the school children treated us with a song on the tone chimes before worship began, and then the older grade school kids sang an anthem in front of church. Very nice, and so talented with those tone chimes! I found the director after church and complimented him on the work he does with the kids. No Good Shepherd Sunday is complete without singing “I Am Jesus’ Little Lamb” and no one in our row had a dry eye or could squeak out the verses. One of the funeral hymns again, a perfect message, but others have to sing it for us, for me at least. Jill said she sings it to her grandsons which is the most wonderful blessing she can give to them. Let them know that Jesus loves them, even calls them by their names!

Plans are yet being made for the rest of the week, as my time here winds down. I am seriously reconsidering venturing back to Lori’s and then driving back to MKE for my flight home. I just don’t know if time and such will allow. Once I hear from the Prange’s I’ll make a final decision on this trip.

This afternoon, after Lisa left with the boys, I went out to my father-in-law’s house to help go through some boxes and such in the basement. Not my most favorite place to be, as that basement only lets me think about mice, my top-most phobia, but I held up nicely, even though Harvey saw fit to tease me with curious looking boxes and such. The worst thing we found, I believe, was a barrel of corn cobs that Arno had put away to feed the squirrels. Oh, the potential for vermin was high! Fortunately nothing moved in the barrel and with some persuasion Arno agreed that the boys could take it out of the basement. He was reluctant, though, to throw it out. I can’t say for sure what happened to it once it left the basement, so don’t call me to testify in court!!!

Time to go rest and watch TV with Mom the balance of the evening. My back is tired from working over the makeshift table in the basement, and being tense with anxiety about perhaps seeing a mouse! What a big baby I am!

....and more steps yet!!!

Today is wash day at Grandma K’s house. I woke to the sound of thunder bouncing off the walls of my hometown. What crazy weather we’ve been having! Good thing I don’t hang my clothes on the wash line to dry because it might be late August before I’d get them back! Rain, slushy rain, cold temps, pale skies….yes, I can really see the appeal of living here! Like Seattle, only colder.

Mom’s laundry facility is on the second level of her apartment building, only about 8 or 9 steps up, but I am still hiking up and down stairs on this vacation. How funny is that? Lori’s house is a split-level so that was nothing but up and down, down and up to get anywhere. I can’t help but chuckle about this situation. Certainly I am better off being here than in Florida because of all the great folks and fun, other than the weather, that is.

Since Mom isn’t the only tenant in the building, we sort of take turns accessing the washing machines and dryers, a roll of the dice to find them not in use. I struck out on my first attempt this a.m., finding only one machine available, but when returning to move the clothes to the dryer, found two open for washing. Victory! Life’s small pleasures, right?

Yesterday morning, Mom took me to Perkins’s for potato pancakes and then we went off delivering service folders and other mailbox materials. Mom is on the committee at church that is reaching out to those seldom seen, making personal connection with folks by delivering the contents of their overloaded boxes. We were fortunate to find one person at home but had to leave the other two deliveries at their door, as no one was home. Mission accomplished, though, as all her deliveries were made!

The afternoon was spent with my dear friend, Linda, as we had a wonderful lunch at the Court House Pub just down from church. Tom, her hubby, joined us there but then had to return to work while the two of us went to her house to crop. I am working on a heritage album for my mother-in-law, Lucile, who died in August last year, and Linda just returned from a cruise so she has projects waiting for her as well. All of sudden we had to fly back up her steps from the craft room and off to Two Rivers for a manicure appointment she had! Again, more stairs..te, he, he! The lady who does the nails works from her basement salon so we had to climb down and then back up outdoor steps in the rain. I can’t help but chuckle about this, guys!

Once we got back to Linda’s house, we went back downstairs to work some more until Tom came home to bbq some brats and burgers—in the rain! Poor guy! Oh, what a delicious treat it was to have a home-cooked brat, and to be with my good friends while doing so! After supper we went down again to the craft room to “work”, making great strides in our projects. Linda complimented me by saying she was “influenced” by my pages, found them to be interesting and enlightening. It’s often helpful to work with someone else, have another person to bounce ideas off of and so on. We two did a lot of bouncing last night, let me tell you!