It's heck to get old.......

...let me tell ya'.....

*

Recently I'd noticed a fluttering sensation in my eyes, mostly the left, which feels like its pulsing or moving or something. Mostly it's annoying but I'm also certain that people in cars alongside me can see it. This is not reasonable, of course, but it seems as though they might. It was time to "see" the eye doctor.

*

I'd not had an eye exam since my final "tweaking" on my right eye back in 2001, so it was time I did. The assistant performed all the exams she could, me trying to read tiny writing on the wall while holding a spoon over one eye. I also had my head examined by a machine which looks inside my head (actually inside my eye ball) to see if there's anything amiss. I was clean! Finally, I was put in the actual exam chair to await the doctor.

*

"Ed", for whom we'd built a home many years ago, is a nice man, who greets me with a great big hug when he sees me. He frequents the same frame shop I do---ahem, ahem....so I see his wife, Janet, and he with some regularity. One time he gave me a stern scolding for not wearing sunglasses, saying even though I've had Lasik, I should still wear them. Really, it's been such a relief to not have to wear glasses at all. On a cruise in 2000, I bought a great pair of sunglasses in the Amsterdam airport, gold glitter. I either lost or broke them, never did find a pair that compared!

*

Well, those days of glory are over, my friends....my once 20/20 vision has deteriorated wwaayy down to 20/25 and 20/50. Oh, like that's so bad...really? One eye is more "correct" than the other due to the monovision correction with the Lasik, intended to stave off needing reading glasses sooner--so far, so good) What I DO require, however, is AccuVision eyewear (not called glasses anymore, did you notice?) to wear when I am driving at night. They can be worn any time I need to see something at a distance but they are intended for night driving. Just what I need as designated driver of the church ladies!

*

Talk about expensive! I know that its been many years since I've had an eye exam and purchased glasses---excuse me--eyewear, but holy cow! The frames, red, of course, were certainly not the most expensive ones, although the nice lady tried to direct me toward the designer ones by Armani. Please! I am using them at night, who gives a hoot if they are designer or what? When I was in 2nd grade and got my first glasses, replacement bows cost $14.00 a piece. I know this because my parents had to make that purchase on more than one occasion in my grade school days. Now, $14.00 buys nothin', Jerry, nothin'!!!

*

So, in about a week or so, I'm back to sporting glasses, after all these years glasses-free. You know, it never occurred to me to ask for contacts but I'll bet this AccuVision product line doesn't come in contact lenses. I just knew it would come to this eventually--I could stave off aging only so long before it caught up with me. At least I got a few compliments out of it: "you have beautiful eyeballs", "I like your hair", and "you have such nice skin". That's what happens when you're eye to eye with people, these things are noticed.

*

On the lighter side, Ed had to use this machine with the multiple lenses in it, and told me to rest my chin on the white plastic piece and my forehead against the top. There's one not-so-small problem----there's no way I can get myself close enough to this machine to rest my chin. I can rest all sorts of things, but not the chin---at least, not without expending some effort. I was hoping to pull that machine close enough without him having to push, pull, or manipulate something.....and I did it! I grabbed hold of sides of it and held on for dear life. Hurry, hurry, I'm losing my grip.......Ed certainly couldn't say too much as his wife looks similar to me!

*

The main reason I went to the eye doctor in the first place was the fluttering. Ed asked me if I had any cramps or such in my legs (good thing he didn't ask me if I had swelling in my legs!!!) (I love that joke!) and when I told him I didn't, he said not to worry about it, not a problem. I explained about other drivers staring at me--not really--and he said some folks who drink a lot of coffee have the fluttering of the eyelids.....oh, I see, again with the caffeine business! I like the idea of not worrying about it, my kinda doctor!

*

On another note: Once I had a dentist named Buddy who had administered nitrous oxide to me during a treatment. As they were trying to bring me back down afterward, he had the audacity to ask me, "Do your legs feel heavy?"......................................................

If you're not already blogged out.....

Here is Lisa's site, complete with photos of the boys, and even one of her and me together!

lisamellison.blogspot.com

Have fun!

Early morning jogging...

...and if you believe that........

As I lay watching re-runs of JAG, somewhere around 7:00 a.m., I heard my doorbell ringing. What? Off went the covers (no sunshine this a.m. to warm me!!) and on goes the caftan for my dash to the door. Could it be the Fuller Brush Man? Company!!! I love that!!! Actually, it was neighbor, Hugh, asking me to move my car so the roofers can do their work. I was under the impression I wasn't going to have to relocate, but being a team player, I grabbed my keys and flew downstairs with Hugh to move my car. Several of the workers were stirring around in the parking lot including "doorman" Dave plus one of the tenants that rents on the 5th floor. Many car movers this a.m.

*

For some reason, this brought to mind when Justin was a little boy, planning his career in hotel and restaurant management. He had jobs in mind for all of his family members, including Lynn. Lynn's job was to work in the kitchen for breakfast (after I had gotten up early to turn on the ovens.....) but she had to stand behind the plates, according to Justin, because "she doesn't look so good in the morning".....what? His words, his imagination. Always thinking.

*

No one was missed in his planning, either. He even had a job for his Grandma K: she was going to operate the elevator, wearing safari gear! Other than my job of turning on the ovens in the morning, his father and I were to do the airport runs with a van---his dad driving, me handing out drinks and giving a talk............His partner in the restaurant business was supposed to be a classmate, Nick. The name of the place? "Justin the Nick of Time"!!! How's that for an imagination?

*

This planning took place prior to his brother being born, which would have made him about 8 years old or so. Once Timmy was born, Justin added a ball pit and a slide from our 3rd floor suite (He was also prophetic!!!) for his brother to play in. The hotel could only be 3 floors high because his father's contractor license limited the height of structures he could build. Oh, yes, Justin thinks of everything, and in depth, I dare say!

*

Prior to his plans for a hotel, he was determined to sell flowers along Hwy. 17 by Pace Island, like the vegetable man did at that time. He was going to sell them for $1.00 each. First, he wanted us to get him a cash register and brief case to carry the money home. He had seen them at Sam's Club. We said he might not sell many sunflowers for a dollar, that was too much money, and he said, "That's okay. I'll just bring the rest home for my mama!"

*

And I thought of this just because I had to run outside in my caftan very early in the morning and give the poor working guys a fit!

p.s. Christine: if you're out there, call me, please? I miss you!!

This was posted at Jami's blog as of yesterday......she mentions me!! These youtube.com links are amazing, brought me to tears!

Sunday, May 25, 2008

What's your cardboard testimony?
My mom sent all of us (family) an e-mail recently, titled: I wanted to share this with you.

"Recently our pastor, Tommy Politz, preached a series of sermons on the 'Generosity Revolution: Next.' It was outstanding. The thing I wanted to show you was something called Cardboard Testimonies, which was done at the end of one of the services. It blew us away and had a profound affect on our congregation. The video of it was so highly requested that they put it on You Tube. Enjoy! The first and last person up is our Pastor, Tommy."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvDDc5RB6FQ

This was followed the next week by this:

http://www.youtube.com/user/hillsidewired Mom"

Now from Jami:

So ... do me a quick favor and view those videos. Let me just say this:

Everyone has a story to tell. Everyone has a story they are living. Everyone has a life full of pain that can be overcome. And everyone has the opportunity to turn that pain, that turmoil, those really poor decisions you made (yeah, I raise my hand on that one), into something for which you can give God glory.

What's your cardboard testimony?

Regarding the second video, I want to challenge all of us to follow suit. Reach out and give to someone. Make an impact. Make it a positive one.And if you don't have money to give, give your time, or give your smile. Give your kind words or your encouragement.

This life is so full of pain and hardship; you may be the only person in an individual's life today to offer hope, love and encouragement.

Generosity Revolution Let the light of Jesus shine in you.

(Kim Day, I know you will appreciate this one!)

Happy Memorial Day everyone!

When I select this font-style, Georgia, I always think of Linda's sister....and when I think of Linda's sister, I think of Linda...and when I think of Linda.....I think about how much I miss her! Especially since having dinner with Rosses' the other night at Koko's; they invited me to join them in Savannah in June. It just seems so wrong to go to Savannah without Linda! I can never look at the tram again without roaring my head off, remembering the time when I told the nice tram operator that we needed six seats for the three of us--Linda, Georgia, and me!!! We had that whole tram rolling with laughter!!!!! In more ways than one!
*

The river is alive with activity and wildlife today. Justin and I rotated my desk a quarter turn so now I face directly toward Mandarin and the river. Right off the bat I spotted a couple of manatees dancing in the basin. At this moment I don't see any which is not to say they aren't out there, but the sun went behind a cloud which prevents me from seeing the shiny backs and fins of the frolickers. (Is that a word???) Besides these odd creatures of the river, I see many water fowl and even a crow which stands in the palm tree outside my window, staring at me. Maybe I should go get dressed or something. Crows have purple eyes, probably from eating the berries which are growing in the palms. Since my windows have been washed, no more birds have crashed against them, at least not when I am sitting here. The nice fireman who washed them used my vacuum cleaner to remove all the stuff accumulated in the tracks of the windows.

*

As I write this a.m. I am also gettin' down here with a video I ordered from Amazon, a two-movie set, about Lynard Skynard. It's sort of fun to play catch up, as I am doing with my Frasier and Seinfeld videos (excuse me--my son would correct me--DVD's). Unfortunately, it's not really my type of music, which is probably why it didn't appeal to me back in the day. My neighbor told me once that it was refreshing to find someone who wasn't a fan! Some of the tunes are familiar after being used in movies and advertisements, but what's fun is seeing what my neighbor used to look like! Unfortunately the video doesn't show a whole lot of his performing. Some of the video footage shown, the interviews, are taped on Doctors Lake and Middleburg of olde, so that's cool, too!

*

Last night when Justin and I got back here from Dave & Busters, a huge party was going on at The Club, to celebrate Memorial Day, and the music was blaring across the parking lot. We opened our car doors to the strains of a fairly good version of "Me and Bobby McGee". Justin thought at first they were singing karaoke but then realized it was a live band. As we walked past the pool, he said it seemed like more than a wedding, and then I told him it was just a big party. One of my neighbors, Nancy, also a writer, was sad that this event was taking place at the same time as the Concert on the Green, as she'd already signed up for the Club party. I knew about the D & B thing so didn't plan on the other Concert. Last year Sarah stole the show at the C.O.G., dancing in perfect rhythm to the orchestra. People even came up to us and complimented her on the natural style she has! She wasn't even 3 yet! Paul has video of her performance which I've yet to see, maybe I'll ask him about it today at the family picnic....boy, it doesn't seem like an entire year has gone by already!

*

Aside from the live action outside and the "live" recording on my computer screen (Justin showed me how to play a DVD while using my computer, a picture-in-a-picture thing). This will allow me to "watch" a postage stamp-sized image as I work here at the machine, and perhaps still catch the nuances of peoples' facial expressions (i.e. Seinfeld, Frasier) and not be held up. ....the ultimate in multi-tasking! So, where was I? Oh, yes, the activities outside with a heartbeat and some with gas-powered engines or no engines at all---boats! Sailboats up and down the river, speeding jet skis flying by, fishing boats anchored, waiting for a bite---seems like every one is ready for the day except me!

*

The rest of the world seems quiet this morning, no pounding from the roof or the unit above mine. It may be more silent since my patio doors are shut yet. I didn't know if it would rain overnight or not, and haven't pulled them open this a.m. Often I hear my downstairs neighbors outside on their patio having coffee but I'll bet Tommy has his boat out on the water on such a lovely day.

There, now, the doors are opened and the breeze is fine. As soon as I pulled open the sliding doors my kitchen door slammed shut, as usual, which means I will be treated to a symphony from my wind chimes. If I open the foyer door, the breeze through the house is so delightful and fresh (to me it is!!) and allows for movement in the river room, stirring the chimes and suncatchers into action. Love it!

*

Another thing which spurred my interest in listening to this music is several months ago Justin sent me a link to a group who recorded (in music lingo, this other band "covered" the original song) "Simple Man", and he also sent me the lyrics. Justin said I'd like this song because of its message--not to climb over people to get to the top, to be satisfied with what we have and remember where it came from, references to heaven and remembering what's in your soul....Yeah, he knows me pretty well, which buttons to push on his mama's heart!

*

Oh, of course, most of those band members went to Robert E. Lee High School. Go figure! I always remember how my friend/former co-worker/former church member, Rebecca, insisted her son was NOT going to attend a high school by THAT name! They were in that school district and she wasn't about to have her son go to such a "rebel" school. Now, this same son is graduating from high school in Onalaska, WI, the same area where Rebecca grew up.

*

It's a bird! It's a plane! No, Lois, it's a cigarette boat cruising down the river, sounding more like a semi-truck than a water craft. It's stirring up quite a spray behind it, which might disturb the poor guys trying to fish. Fortunately it seems he's going all the way down so they can start again with their fishing attempts.

*

I was thinking about Mark, another of Justin's friends from school, who is a muscian and student. He absolutely LOVES the music of The Band, and one of his favorite movies/CDs is "The Last Waltz", the final tour of The Band. When I was in WI, David reminded me of the time before we moved to Florida, Lori, David, me and my former spouse went to the movies to see "The Last Waltz" when it came out, and only the three of us stayed awake for it! (An aside: Wow, part of the movie playing on my computer shows my neighbor leading Skynyrd in prayer before the set!!). Mark really plays accustic and electric guitar well, but don't know if he has time now between college, working at UPS, and such to play anymore. Last 4th of July he entertained me at Twila's with his "Band" renditions and of course, gave me a little taste of my former favorite "Paranoid"!

Taken at Justin's graduation party--Justin watching David and Mark as they played geetars on the porch

My, how I've rambled today! That's what happens when there's no Bible study on Monday mornings! No sense of urgency. Guess I'll get my swim suit on and go visit with my neighbors and maybe my new friends I met the other day at the pool....Just a reminder to everyone that is Memorial Day, when we set aside time to remember our fallen soldiers and thank those who serve today!

It's Sunday morning at nine a.m.....isn't that a song?

God morning all!

*

Again, not a typo, I like to consider it a "God morning", an opportunity to give it another go!

*

Supper was delicious at Koko's, no waiting, although the tables were quite busy. Only 3 chefs cooking so they were hoppin'. Our waiter was---interesting. Jen said we'd had him before but I didn't remember.

*

At first I was going to compliment him on his hair, since it's like mine only much taller. But then I saw the big diamond earrings, arched eyebrows, and a hint of mascara, and decided to keep my compliments to myself. Rick said he thought he noticed some blush, but that might have been from working so hard.

*

After he took our order, we all looked at each other (two ladies sitting with us) and sort of grinned, wondering if he was ??? (Not that there's anything wrong with that-----just saw that episode of "Seinfeld" Saturday afternoon!!!). Which is what made this so comical for me.....My apologies to those who don't recognize the Seinfeld reference....It's better explained live rather than in print.

*

I spent a little time this a.m. looking on-line for a recorded version of the Psalm we are singing next week for Confirmation, but couldn't find it. I thought I'd found it once but somehow it eludes me today. We are singing Psalm 63 and I have the first verse alone. Practice is needed, more to build confidence than anything else, to sing with the confidence that Robbie has! He's come so far these couple years, I couldn't be more proud if he were my son!

*

"Oh, Go, you are my God, for you I long; for you I weep through the night....my body craves for you like a dry, weary land without water...."

That's not all I sing but the first lines of my verse, it's really quite lovely.

"In the morning I will sing, I will sing glad songs to you! I will sing glad songs of praise to you. I will sing glad songs of praise to you!"

*

Now, if you'll excuse me, I am off to do just that!!!

A great weekend thus far

Last night was anther great meal at Blu Grotto, my 3rd visit in two days. Betty and Brenda N., my former co-workers/now friends, joined me for dinner, again dining el fresco. The floor in the lobby is being re-finished so all patrons must come and go through the side door, which put me in the catbird's seat as far as seeing who's there, etc. I saw many folks that I knew plus enjoyed the company of my dear friends. In fact, it was such a nice time that we sat there for over three hours eating and yakking. Brenda and Betty don't see each other as often as I see them separately so they had much to catch up on.

*

Tomorrow Justin is coming over here to help me re-arrange my computer desk and such, so perhaps he can figure out why my keyboard is selecting only certain letters to print when pressed! I did change the batteries!! If there are a mess of errors in this, it's not my fault, okay?

*

Just came in from sitting by the pool, where I found a nice couple to talk to. They are here for a wedding this weekend, having moved from here to Tampa over 2 years ago, formerly living in Country Walk!!! They bought a JA Long home, where Brenda N. and Jimmie now work. It was great fun to catch them up on things. For dinner they met some friends at Whitey's and were a bit distressed to see what it's become (i.e. less family-ish, more party-central) (scuzzy behavior and all that) but enjoyed the food. I mentioned the Blu Grotto and they said I was the 3rd person to tell them about it, so they are going tomorrow for lunch. I should crash their party, I don't think they'd mind!

*

I have slipped from my swim clothes into my nightie but now that I'm cooled off and dry, can get dressed to meet the Rosses' for dinner. Koko's it is tonight, even though my personal chef is gone--boo hoo hoo!Jen's folks are gone to Ft. Meyers so they have to let their dog in for them tonight. Last time the blind dog managed to get out of the fenced area and a neighbor found him wandering around. The road isn't safe of a sighted animal much less a blind one! Now they are extra careful with Freddy.

*

Justin and I had a lovely breakfast this a.m. at IHOP, with him taking the balance of my corn cakes along with his leftovers. He stayed at his father's to watch Mickey (all these dog watches going on!), is going home to clean up, shave, and go to church tonight, and then to his roomies' dad's birthday party. Afterwards it's back to the Island for putting Mickey away again so he doesn't bark. We're riding together to the birthday party on Sunday. He'll come back this far with me and then proceed to let Mickey back in------------such a rigmarole for these pets!

*

Think of me eating my flied lice tonight (not spelling errors, just being funny)! Oh, I almost forgot--Lynn: I finally got the good pretzel dip that I've been looking for at ABC Wine and Spirits this a.m. I also got some raspberry rum to enjoy when sitting on the shelf with my neighbors. Now I can contribute to the fun with my pretzels, dip, and rum!