"Thank God for Luther"

What am I doing up at this ungodly hour? Of course, no hour is really ungodly, but the way I feel right now is very very close to that. My chime clock in the dining room told me it was an hour later than it actually is so I got up and turned on the computer as well as "Fox and Friends"----or so I thought! Normally I wake to "The Beltway Boys" but instead the annoying Greta was on, interviewing the Palin family. By this time I've about come to and remembered the time change from overnight. But that doesn't alter the fact that I'm up and at my machine in the near middle of the night!

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At this moment an ad is playing for Travis, featuring Jessica and him, and later the entire family, filmed on the property here at The Club. Some of the still shots are of Travis as he served as Mayor and on the Town Council, and his voice-over tells about growing up in Orange Park, graduating from OP High, meeting his wife, and so on. It's a lovely ad and I hope those opposing Travis see what "family' actually means to Jessica and him, since their main issue against him was his support of the Dog Track and Poker Room. Mainly the opponents are folks who live on the road which runs behind the Track who fear traffic and noise problems. Since its inception, I don't believe it's been a problem and I'd be more concerned, if I lived over there, about the resulting traffic and such from the added multi-unit housing being built on Moosehaven property. Talk about a gamble!

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After my tender massage yesterday I headed up to Office Max to get a few supplies. In order to attempt at cleaning off this desk and table, I needed to get an additional file basket to be dedicated only to church papers. Even after having invoices and receipts filed away, I still have piles and heaps of "homeless" church papers. Not Bible study pages but rather information and such from Outreach or other projects in the works. I have some hanging files which are shaped like pockets to hold stuff like this. My commitment this week is to deal with much of the junque on my desk and table prior to Judy's arrival. And, yes, I had this same commitment prior to Lisa and Lynn's visit in August. The spirit is willing but the flesh wants to run the other way!

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Being in an office supply store is very dangerous for me with my love of paper and pens and accoutrement's but I exercised amazing restraint. Found my wire basket, which matches the others I already use, some legal-sized paper plus white cardstock for sign-up sheets and notices. Since I'd already decided to do a CHRISTmas newsletter this year, I saw some lovely pre-printed papers so grabbed a pack of that as well. Yes, I could have designed my own and spent time hand-stamping the images and so on, but opted for the stationery store paper and will personalize it with my words instead.

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In yesterday's mail I found an invitation for my niece, Tina's, baby shower in late November. It's the day before the Ladies' Advent Service so I will need to think long and hard about going down there for the shower. Marian, my sister-in-law from South Florida, is planning to be there for ThanksLiving anyway so the timing was perfect for the shower. I haven't seen Marian since her mom's funeral in August of 2007 so I really must be organized enough to go down there and spend some time with her, and Tina, of course.

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After I sent off the Flock Talk newsletter yesterday afternoon, I took to my bed to watch "The Piano" and become one with my heating pad. Even after the massage my shoulders were achy and besides that, it just feels so darn good to lay with that warm pad under my shoulders on a "chilly" afternoon! Jennifer had called earlier to see if I wanted to meet them for dinner after they got their oil changed and, of course, I did! They were going to O'Charleys because kids eat free, and every penny counts these days. I had the most delicious pretzel-coated chicken tenders appetizer as my meal, with enough leftover for another meal. That's the good thing about dining out, I get two meals for the price of one! Oh, oh, oh, plus I ran into an old friend of mine from Johnny Carino's, Janet, who used to take care of me and Martie, or whomever was with me on their patio, for our afternoon refreshment on hot summer days! Since they closed up, Janet's been around at various restaurants, settling now at O'Charleys. Can't wait to tell Martie I ran into Janet! I told Janet I haven't had an Italian Margarita since Johnny's closed! "Oh, Johnny, we hardly knew ye!"

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When I digress, like just occurred, I think of the first time "The Maestro", Robbie, read my blog. He told me, "You write just like you talk!" Ya got that right! Back to "The Piano"......not sure what to say about it, besides "that was weird". Talk about dark! If any of you have seen it and have something to say to me about it, please do so. I can't really tell you what I feel. Some of the scenes were more than a little questionable and hardly fitting for the period, I'd say, but added the potential for more drama I guess. Not being all that sophisticated a person, sorry, but it was just okay to me. I can chalk it up to having seen it and can also chalk up could have lived without it. Not so "The Bucket List!"

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Speaking of The Maestro, today is our big, big day worship-wise!!! We are celebrating Reformation Day with two services, the first being at my own church and the afternoon song and devotional service at Victory, across the river. I simply cannot wait to sing "In Christ Alone" in the echo chamber of Victory. We have three anthems we are singing with combined choirs plus Victory has a hand bell choir, Suzanne playing her viola, and of course, their organ and grand piano. Let the heavens rejoice! And, as our now-deceased member used to say: "Thank God for Luther!"

A highly "complimentary" massage

Ahhh, I feel so wonderful right now, sitting here in my window, not in the sun, but still in the window. Like the mother in the Bates Hotel! Hopefully not so daunting but still, in the window.

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The reason I feel so perfectly relaxed is that I've been thoroughly massaged already this a.m. My neck and shoulders were aching something fierce, due in part to the two newsletters coming out this past week but also from the unexpected drama experienced since last week's phone call. I've met with all the appropriate people, at least as far as I need to go for now, and am waiting to hear how this will be resolved, etc. The "complimentary massage" has been waiting for me for many months and today was the perfect choice for cashing in. For every three people I refer to Carol, I get a free massage. I want my friends to know the blessed experience of having their bones and muscles relieved, so keep referring them. If I hear of anyone having back troubles or similar ache or pain, I give them a card to go see Carol.

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Other than being a free Orthobionomy treatment, I got more sweet, heartfelt compliments from my dear friend, Carol, as she worked on my sore lower back. I was telling her about my friend, Judy, coming next weekend, and mentioned Linda who has been treated to a therapeutic massage by Carol. As I am writing this, I have to chuckle about Linda's time with Carol, because she didn't know if she could talk or not during the treatment so was quiet. I yak the whole time and Carol says it's okay with her because "I am interesting." Wow! So, anyway, as Carol was manipulating my massive thighs and such, she said to me, "You know, since I've met you, I have begun nurturing my female friendships. You taught me that." Another wow! She went on to tell how she sought and reconnected with a friend from 30 years ago, renew their friendship and stay close from now on. Yippee, another success story! If my head isn't sufficiently swelled by now, once she told me that since she treated me for the sciatica a year ago, she's decided to pursue her education and training, going further into the study of orthobionomy and associated classes of massage. If it hadn't been for the sciatica, I most likely would not have ever had a massage, thinking it would be too painful an event. Silly Mama!

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Last night was delightful, because my neighbors invited me down to their river room for cocktails and snacks just as I was about to settle in for the evening. Not totally settled, but thinking about what to have for supper and sitting back to watch the movie from the library. At 6:30 p.m. I went to Hugh and Maureen's, being the first to arrive and enjoyed some time with them before the rest came. It was wonderful to sit riverside and enjoy the company of my interesting and fun neighbors. I love it plus I got a recipe for some delicious curried chicken salad for on crackers. Yes, I got a recipe, Miss Kimmie Homemaker!

Another "Seinfeld" moment....

Well, I did it....I did my early voting. Now all we can do is pray and wait. Our times are in God's hands and no matter the decision on Tuesday, we must have confidence that the Lord continues to watch over us, and our nation.

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My wait in line, while chilly, was not terribly long, as I'd heard reports of three hours and all that. Less than an hour for in and out, thanks in part to having my "cheat sheet" along, the Sample Ballot. Of course, I voted for Travis, who I believe is a shoo-in. Can't wait to spend Election Night at the Holiday Inn Campaign Appreciation Event, watching the outcomes of all the elections, his of course, as well as Presidential. It will be good to be with like-minded people through this instead of at home by myself, in case it goes bad. Rosalie, I'll be thinking about you!

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After voting at the library, I went in and applied for a library card. Yes, Judy R., I did it! The lady entered my info in the computer and asked me if I'd ever lived on Misty Lake Drive, which I had. I used to take Timmy and Justin to the library after school or on special occasions for the children's events, readings, etc. The reason I was still in the system, here's my "Seinfeld" moment, was I had a fine outstanding!!!! I had to cough up for the past due fine before they'd issue me a new card. Reaching into my purse, I pulled out my wallet, ready to part with a huge sum of money to settle my account. The amount due? One nickle! She was embarrassed to even ask me about it. I joked with her about the "Seinfeld" episode and she laughed with me, knowing the show where the library cop came after Jerry for having a book past due for 25 years. He even testified against Jerry in the Finale trial. The so-called cop was like Joe Friday, a strictly business, no-nonsense type of guy. I gave the lady a dime, asking if she could make change and we laughed again. I now had a clear name and a new card in my wallet.

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She checked the computer to see if they have the McLeod Daughters series for Judy and me to watch when she's here but no dice. I did take out "The Piano" on DVD and the same lady took care of me for that as well. When I told her I'd never seen it, she said she'll be anxious to hear what I think about it. Then we started talking about "The English Patient", another "Seinfeld" reference which engaged another clerk in our conversation. The other clerk said she saw the episode on "Seinfeld" so never went to see the movie! I suggested we get it and watch together which they thought was a great idea. No such thing as a stranger, is there? Not in this household!

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Diane and I had a great chat this morning, even though my portfolio looks "ugly", in her words. She is, however, optimistic that the market is going to recover and showed me numerous indicators of such, using history as the measuring stick. I felt much better after the meeting, not only because of her presentation, but more because of our conversation. For nearly two hours we discussed the happenings in my life, recent and coming, especially how my financial future will be affected, if at all. She is most complimentary about my attitude and sense of responsibility, but I simply see much of it as being who and what I am. Not to say I don't crumble once in awhile but someone told me once, "It's not how hard you fall----it's how high you bounce!" Love it! Yes, we will fall, that's a given, but something is going to raise us up again, over and over and over. What is that something? Our gracious Lord in heaven!

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Speaking our Lord, we also talked about faith and forgiveness, through which I learned a great deal from Diane. Her father had been murdered, had given a lift to some hitchhikers and ended up being shot, left on the side of the road. She has worked through the horror of this and has come to grips with her feelings regarding the shooter. Her thinking evolved into not being able to receive forgiveness or deserve it from God if she didn't forgive the shooter, as though it blocked her view or reception of God's forgiveness. So, through prayer, she reached a faith point where she could approach him at sentencing, telling him she forgave him and would pray for his soul. Those who served him as chaplains or advocates report to Diane that he has professed his faith in God and she is prepared to see him in heaven. I assured her there are no tears in heaven so she won't have to "worry" about bumping into him and having the hard feelings return. We are going to be so surprised, I'm sure, when we get to heaven and see people there that we would not expect. "Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart." I told Diane I am glad I don't have make those decisions, I really am, because I just don't have enough information! She is going to read "The Shack" after our discussion about the book, the walk in forgiveness I've been on with Jami and in Bible study. Our conversation today was another step in that direction, a great "investment" of my time this morning!

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I gave her a good laugh, too, by telling her that even though I am a writer, I am not a good reader, so it's odd to have me recommending a book to someone. I told her my standard line: I can dish it out, but I can't take it! Christine sent me a link to another book she recommends to me, written by Michael Tucker and Jill Eikenberry, of LA Law fame. They write about taking up residence in Italy, "Living in a Foreign Language". Read the synposis on-line and you'll see why this is going to be a great book for me, especially if I am curtailing my travels to the Mediterranean. Boy, I wish Justin could have gone with me on that trip---not knowing it might be the last trip!

I was a sleepy head this morning!

I got up at one point to use the bathroom this a.m., it was still quite dark outside. When getting back into bed, I just rolled over and went back to sleep. I woke up in the middle of a repeat of "The Starter Wife" after 8:00 a.m. Wow, I must have been really tired or was enjoying my dreams so much.

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Not the last one, though. I was dreaming about the Ladies' Advent Service which, for some reason, was being held in the basement room of the house I grew up in Manitowoc. The only lights were on pull-strings, which is probably not the worst thing when trying to have a church function in the yukky basement. Only three people came, one of which was Brian, who is NOT a lady. As I handed out the "programs" there was no Order of Service or Advent story in it, more like Sunday school papers or something stapled together. I told the three people to read through it while I ran upstairs to download something quickly from the Internet. Not sure how that worked out, but does make me want to be extremely thorough on the Ladies' Advent Service at Good Shepherd!

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More later, since I must get ready for the day. I have an appointment with one of my financial counselors, Diane, with whom I have a personal connection. I took her a copy of Timmy's funeral service in January when meeting with her, the week of Timmy's funeral. She's a great Christian lady and a pleasure to spend time with, although I don't know what she's going to tell me today.................

Let the meowing begin!

My meat is cooking on the stove right now and the onion smell is amazing. As I stood there chopping onions and stirring the meat, Lynx gazed up at me with 'that' look on her face, meowing at the top of her lungs, as if to say, "Step away from the stove!" Someone said she does that at me when in the kitchen because she expects a treat, something dropped from the counter or stove. I don't know about that since it was so rare an event. She'd better get used to it now because I plan to make meals at home more, entertain more here, and make more use of my beautiful kitchen.

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Martie is coming for supper tonight, finally, so we can catch up on all the news we've missed out on. I haven't heard word One yet about her time spent in PA with her sister, June, who is a member of my church. Either she's working or spending time with her hubby or Little Mark. Whatever it is, something gets in the way of our visits! She is definitely coming tonight to enjoy some of my famous chili, which is literally and figuratively speaking, brewing. My secret ingredient, which will no longer be secret, is to add a can of beer to the base to make it taste and smell fantastic.

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The first part of the day was spent with some of my favorite peoples (a 'Timmy' word), starting with my Justin. We met for our little breakfast at Panera Bread before heading over to Victory for Bible study. Again, a fantastic class, today discussing the Israelites' crossing of the Red Sea, how it demonstrated great faith. Before they crossed over, as it were, the people began to murmur when they saw the Egyptians approaching, wondering if there weren't enough graves in Egypt that they had to traipse wwaayy out here to die.....Can't you just hear that? Justin said to me that he could just hear Jerry Seinfeld's parents talking like that. Funny thought! Pastor H. made the observation that this event, the Exodus, when the children of Israel begin their new life as being rescued from the darkness of captivity, as taking place 1500 BC. Our own Lutheran Reformation, which we celebrate tomorrow and again Sunday with our special services, took place in the 1500's after Christ came to rescue us from the darkness of tainted teachings. Justin had much to offer today as his knowledge of Egypt and its culture proved insightful, which, in turn, brings me great joy. I love it that he even initiated our Thursday outings and follows through on it.

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After Bible study we had to go in search of a gas station, as once again, my little gas pump on the dash board illuminated. Aaaahhh! I can't stand it! When I left home my gauge didn't indicate any danger of running low on gas, although it was less than a quarter full. Just as we left the parking lot, DING, on goes the light. He pumped it for me so I didn't freeze my fingers, then off we went to UNF for his class.

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On the way back to Orange Park, I decided to head to Great Hang Ups to see my lady friends. I hadn't seen either of them since having dinner last week at Mediterraneana with Dee. I met some nice people in the shop on this visit, including a man who came in sporting a Packer ball cap. Of course, I initiated a conversation with him about the team and such, and told him I had one ticket yet available for the game on December 14th. He said he might need an extra one or two because he had so many people coming into town for that game. We exchanged phone numbers and such so he can get back to me if needed. Great! I sent e-mails off to both churches yesterday to offer it to the first taker but so far, no one has come forward. It's not too late to turn it back in to the Jaguars' ticket office for them to sell to someone else---I hope....

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My heat is running for a bit to get the chill out of the air before Martie arrives. I don't make my chili overly spicy so can't expect the soup to make up for the cool rooms. Okay, laugh if you will, but it was down to 74 in here before I turned it back on. I could get my area heater out of the spare room for my purposes in here, but that doesn't heat the entire house like the A/C does. My dryer is also running which should help some. Oh, it smells so marvelous in here with the soup brewing. No match for the bacon frying aroma Noah created when they were here in August, however!

Warming myself with the laptop

My new secret weapon for keeping warm---the laptop computer! It throws off a great deal of heat which sometimes isn't all that comfortable, but today, oh yeah, it's wonderful!

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I just got back from meeting with the CPA making it necessary for me to brave the elements. Otherwise, my room stayed nice and warm today, holding the heat from the morning/early afternoon sun for some time. The part of my house not getting sun felt quite chilly. My slippers kept me comfy and snug, even when I had to go down and meet Justin by the elevator. He was cleaning out our little house in Brookstone (no longer mine) for some new renters and asked me if I wanted my little gnomes and pitcher/bowl sets that were left there. I used to collect those type items but wasn't sure if I really wanted them back. They had been gifts way back when I lived in WI so that will tell you how old they are. Will I put them out anywhere for display? Not likely. Now they are up here in my house, but will they stay? We'll see....Victory is having a Yard Sale in a couple weeks so perhaps I'll donate this small collection to their sale...I am truly torn!

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I've discovered another new feature on the computer---USA Network has full episodes of several of their programs available for my listening and dancing pleasure. I can't help but be interested in "The Starter Wife", not so much for its quality but more because it's based on a true story of a Hollywood ex-wife who is starting a career in writing. Sort of fun to see how she is going from a journal keeper to perhaps a mini-series writer, based upon her day to day life. Gotta love it!

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Once I get all warmed up from my laptop I'll have to venture out once more for choir rehearsal in a little while. I did accomplish something this a.m. by getting my church newsletter sent off to the secretary for printing. The majority of members get it on the Internet but for those who don't, a hard copy is made available. It sure saves on paper costs to use the air waves or whatever it is that moves my words around instead of everyone getting a printed copy. I just have the condo newsletter to get out this month, also done on e-mail except for one!

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This afternoon I spent nearly two hours on the phone with my sister-in-law, Mona, as she filled me in on the health status of Arno. He's getting his strength back but is not even close to being back to what he was before going in for the surgery, now sporting a catheter to help handle the excess output from taking water pills. He was brought home by therapists on Monday to see how he could manage the home environment such as getting out of chair on his own, in and out of the bathtub, basic things. They felt he did okay, but Mona was quite distressed at how sadly he did. There is no way he was doing well, and she would recognize that since she has the baseline measurement, as it were, where the "pros" did not. That sort of freaked her out, because seeing the way he shuffled along and such could hardly imagine being able to leave him alone even the short while it would be to take her daughter to school. Nope, not a good plan. They live right across the road from the Health Care Center where he can stay during rehab which would be incredibly convenient. We'll have to see what happens now, what the Social Worker from the hospital is able to determine. Changing the catheter collection bag and such would not be in Mona's job description.

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I am watching the Cash Cab as I write, loving to see the streets of New York going by. It is nerve wracking for me for those folks struggling to answer the questions before getting to their destinations. If they get three wrong, the Cab stops and the passengers have to get out. What is also fun is to see what kind of folks he picks up, how they interact with each other, what their relationships are, etc. Today I even saw a child for the first time, but she was a total dud, didn't react to the action at all.

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Time to leave for choir now so am bracing myself for the cold temperatures out there. Our last rehearsal before the Reformation service on Sunday so I am a bit excited!

Sittin' in the sunshine and it's freezing outside!

I just stepped outside to grab Justin's visor from my plant stand and nearly froze my toes off! In that short time.....the thermometer reads 34 above zero! What is going on around here? Only two weeks ago we were facing record high temps and now my toes are freezing! I am wearing his visor because the sun shines right into my eyes at this time of the day and I had the brainstorm to put it on. In about an hour the sun will have moved around and up a bit more and then it's not a problem. And it's not really a 'problem'---only I can't read when it's in my eyes, can still write (type) but not read what I've written!

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Yesterday I heard from one of the ladies at church, one of the game players who was here to play "Seinfeld" Trivia with me. She has some great ideas for finding a facility for the Ladies' Advent Service other than our classroom building or Fellowship Hall. I love having someone show initiative in these matters, a spirit renewer! Her name is Kathy and is a wonderful pianist and strong alto.

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I got all choked up Tuesday when Lisa sent the invitation to Gabe's birthday party. It's his 5th and that just hit a button with me, as I remembered making the plans for Timmy's 5th birthday party. Instead that day ended up being his funeral day. Timmy wanted to have a pajama party but only those who actually wore pajamas were invited! Since I wore night gowns instead, I was not on the list! Betty from our office was going to be able to come since she wore jammies and Pete Prange was also invited. I wore gowns and his father slept in his undies so NO party for you!!! To circumvent the rules, I went to the store and bought a pair of jammies, and I still have them, never worn.

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I also have the birthday gifts, unwrapped, that I'd bought for his birthday, purchased ahead of time since I knew I'd be home-bound after my surgery. His father was going to take Timmy, Justin, and our employees' little kids to the Ringling Bros. Circus as part of the celebration. Oh well. We also had received birthday presents, wrapped, with the CHRISTmas shipment from family in WI, which I never opened, but sent them to his father's house instead. I "toyed" with opening the presents and seeing if the preschool could use them but opted to leave that decision to his father. Probably trucks or Thomas the Tank Engine stuff.

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Gabe has chosen a dragon theme for his birthday and Lisa made up the cutest invitations. He is getting to be such a big boy, has sung in church twice already this year with his Sunday school and/or preschool class. I am so looking forward to seeing him in the CHRISTmas service at Calvary Lutheran in Sheboygan on the 21st. Lisa told me in e-mail yesterday about Manny asking to pray "Come, Lord Jesus" at bedtime and Gabe saying that was the supper prayer and not bedtime. Lisa cleared it up for them explaining asking Jesus to sleep with us is okay, too, which they accepted. She said Gabe "preaches" to Manny, especially when he's doing something naughty, telling Manny if he doesn't behave, Jesus is going to come and give him back all his sins! That kid needs a pulpit! Talk about a Law Deliverer!!! Lisa straightened out this doctrinal matter, too, but I sure did have a good laugh about that, just imagining Gabe preaching at Manny!

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After the Packer/Jaguar Game, Lynn and I are going to fly together from JAX to MKE attempting to get her back in time for choir rehearsal on Wednesday. That way she'll only have to fly alone one direction. Glad I have my entertainment tickets purchased well in advance because I'll have to cut back on that type of expenditure for the time being.....rats!

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Not too long ago we were talking, Kim and Justin, with someone about Timmy's pj party plans and what a turn of events it was to have his funeral on his birthday. Justin piped up with the profound comment, "Timmy did have a pajama party, only he wasn't there!", because our entire upstairs was made into a dormitory for our houseguests, mattresses all over the place in the media room and game room, and people in their pajamas!