Have you ever typed with latex gloves your hands?

This is kind of cool....I feel like a surgeon or a criminal here, wearing these gloves while doing "my work"! The gloves are skin tight except for the fact that there are little bags at the end of the fingers because mine don't reach all the way to the tips. They make little whisper sounds, or more like shuffling sounds when I tap the keys. Since we aren't attending worship or Sunday school this a.m., this was a good time to remove the silver from my hair, hence, the fancy gloves. Prior to applying the remover to my hair, my face was lathered with baby oil to prevent the yet inevitable tattooing that follows. I am getting to be soooo cool, now even sporting tats just like the others in "society"!

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On Fox and Friends this a.m. the team on duty were laughing, or not so much, about how they know when something is cool and when it is not cool any longer. They were of the opinion that something loses its coolness when your mom also finds it cool! Like text messaging or listening to the same music as yours! This amused me big time because Justin is often quick to show me the "latest, greatest", trying to interest me but often to deaf ears. He has own musical tastes now except for those we've shared such as Mannheim Steamroller at CHRISTmas, TSO again at CHRISTmas, and our love of Italian arias. Plus the hymns, of course. One time our friend, Paul, in order to 'shame' Justin into getting his license asked Justin mockingly, "Are you going to ride with your mother and listen to show tunes the rest of your life??!!??". Show tunes? Just what did he mean by that? I hardly call the soundtrack from "The Phantom of the Opera" a show tune! Humph!

*

Justin recently showed me a website where I can watch older programs as well as newer ones, called hulu.com. Since I mostly listen anyway, it's cool for me to access this way and not waste downtime sitting in front of the TV. If I need to see a scene or facial expression, like on Seinfeld, I merely click and do a little rewind to watch what I wish. He and I text message each other as needed, not as the primary method of communication, of course, and we both enjoy our google talk chats when he can't be on the telephone. When he finds a lovely piece of music, he will send me the link so I can hear it, or send me the lyrics when he knows it suit my heart. He is the one who introduced me to a Lynyrd Skynyrd song, re-done, called "Simple Man" because he said it sounded like what I was about. So there!!!, Fox and Friends!!!!!

*

Well, after washing the excess silver remover from my hair, I am showered and dressed in what will pass as Jaguar gear. Joanne insisted I wear a turtle neck under my shirt so I won't be too chilly but the only color I had was a minty blue one, since the three red ones I have won't work as well. On the other hand, I am wearing a red scarf and red gloves so perhaps it is back to the closet for the more typical red color.......back in a flash.........

*

I am in red and much more satisfied with my outfit. Red is trademark for me, sort of, and since I don't have anything Packer in my wardrobe, I have to use my stock items. The "What Not to Wear" folks would not be upset with this either, my not having the sports paraphernalia in my closet. It just so happens that I had a few animal prints in stock, the WNTW folks would not approve!, plus my animal print shoes from Las Vegas, circa 2001. Who knew I'd need them to order to be the height of fashion?!? These "expensive" shoes, costing me $45 back in those days, were absolutely necessary to save my feet after all the walking we did. I think I started a bunion on my left foot from walking so much in not the right kind of shoe. I understand this also can happen in younger people, not only older, heavy women. Who knew???

*

Boy, I wish the sun were out, I'd feel better about the whole sitting outside in the stadium scenario. But I did vow not to complain about the weather because of the rotten stuff they are getting up north. I haven't heard about the CHRISTmas 4 Kids event yesterday at church but I trust it was a marvelous success. I pray it was so, such a wonderful outreach tool to our community and preschool families, as well as serving our own members. We can thank the Pates for getting this program underway at Good Shepherd, they are our spark plugs for kids' events!

*

Go, Pack, Go!!!! Go, Jags, Go!!! I will have a win/win day today!

Is the moon ever going to show itself?

Lynn and I are home Saturday night, laying low for a change. We went to Victory for worship only to be met at the door by a handsome man in a tuxedo! Earlier Lynn had asked if what she had on was okay for church and I told her it was because Saturday's worship is more relaxed than is Sunday worship. So much for the relaxed atmosphere, being met by Pastor in a tux!

*

It turned out they (Pastor and wife, Anne, had her work party tonight) as did Bonnie and her hubby, the same party. Bonnie's hubby is Anne's boss, but Anne's hubby is Bonnie's boss----cool!! If Victory doesn't have enough people (10) for a worship service, Pastor conducts the group as a small Bible study using the readings from the service folder, and the opening portion of the liturgy. It's a service, but isn't. Which is what we had tonight with 8 of us, including the pastor. There were 2 men there, visitors, not like Lynn and me, who are in town for the Packer/Jaguar game tomorrow. One man, the dad, was here from Minoqua, WI, visiting his son who is a pharmacist in Lakeland, FL, whose wife is from here. It was nice to meet them and share this worship/Bible time. Bonnie played the piano and we sang "Prepare the Royal Highway" which is in the Supplement, copied into the service folder. Lynn and I were familiar with the hymn, as our congregations sing it every Sunday in Advent.

*

Justin left us at Victory, heading home to wait for Jesse to get back from Tallahassee after attending his friend's college graduation. Justin was concerned his friend wouldn't make it in time for them to get to their show at the Coliseum. I hope he does because Justin would be so upset if they didn't get to see Jeff Dunham. Not sure whether he'd go without Jesse or not, I would, but Justin may not be as comfortable going alone. I haven't heard otherwise so will assume they found each other and are about to enjoy the show.

*

Lynn and I drove home along the river hoping to see the moon rising but nothing so far. We are afraid it might be too cloudy tonight but perhaps shortly we'll spot it out there. I made a batch of bean soup using a ham bone but when we got home after church, it wasn't soup yet. The beans were still hard, not cooked enough, probably not hard enough in a rolling boil. We opted to have ham sandwiches instead on this goofy whole grain bread I bought at Walmart yesterday, and it was just delicious! Surprise, surprise!

*

This afternoon we went to the movies, opting to pay the extra $3.00 for the IMAX theater. I wish I hadn't but Lynn suffered no ill effects for being in the big screen room. We could have gone up higher in the rows but we were already on the second level, thinking it was far enough away. I ordered nachos for during the movie and Lynn got pop corn, which we gobbled up prior to the movie beginning, since we arrived quite early. The movie itself, well, it was okay. Yesterday's older version had a better plot but older setting. The movie today had the underlying theme that Earthlings are killing the planet, and it's not theirs (ours) to start with, so the aliens are coming to reclaim the universe's territory....Wall-E revisited! Only this time 'not' animated characters, but the 'other' type----partly live action, partly computer-generated. Like I said, it was okay, but it did leave me a bit nauseous!

The day after the party

This morning is a wonderful, bright sun shining day, the tide back up, covering the horrible looking sand and brush which normally is hidden under the water. Not since the tropical storm have we had low water levels like this, and I will confess, I like the higher water level. It just looks "cleaner"!

*

It took me a little while to wake up this a.m. because Lynn and I were out late last night, partying at Janet's. Yes, we really tore up Green Cove Springs! There were six guests plus Jim and Janet, all church family. We played a rousing game of Apples to Apples, which Lynn won handily, plus a CHRISTmas version of Trivial Pursuit, boys against the girls. Since we outnumbered the guys, the woman's team was victorious, spelling CHRISTMAS first on our scorecard. Janet had such good food snacks for us to enjoy, with Jim serving as "the drink master". Anywhere Janet is is a party and by the time poor Kathy left, she was complaining her cheeks hurt from laughing! That is such a gooooooood hurt to have! Love it!

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Yesterday afternoon Lynn and I spent time watching TV together while I worked on my CHRISTmas cards. "The Day the Earth Stood Still" was on AMC, the 1950's version, which was oh so primitive! Today we are going to the theater to see the new and improved version of "The Day......" on the I-MAX. We will be out of the movie in plenty of time to make church at Victory at 5:00 p.m. Not a problem time-wise. Justin has plans for after church so am not sure what Lynn and I will do for dinner. I might go and put my bean soup on to cook while we are gone today. We will come home to a good smelling dinner and a quiet evening.

*

Justin is going to see his favorite comedian, Jeff Dunham, tonight which reminds me of Jim, who did fabulous imitations of Jeff as the "terrorist" character he has. "Silence!!! I keel you!!", he shrieks, and by he I mean both Jim and Jeff! Funny stuff, and I am excited that Justin gets to attend with his friend. Last night he attended an office party with his former roommate, Jesse, and fortunately I had a bottle of vodka on hand for him to take as his exchange gift. It was the bottle Chrissie sent home with me after scrapbooking last week Friday. He was a re-gifter!!!

We're heading out!

Lynn arrived safely, but not so soundly! She said it was the most bumpy of rides from Detroit to Jacksonville. Lynn wished she'd have taken a Dramamine to help with relaxing a bit, or at least sleeping once she arrived. Her flight was delayed about a half hour which I was able to track from my computer. Justin and I dropped his car at Panera Bread and he rode with me to the airport. Just like in the "old days", he regaled me with stories about his latest favorite movie, "Dark Knight" about Batman. He used to go on and on and on about "Star Wars". At one point, it got so much that I had to make a rule where he could not talk about Star Wars once we got to the Doctors Lake bridge. And, don't you know it, he was silent all the rest of the way to school. All the way to the airport, while waiting for the flight to come in, and up to the baggage claim area.........maybe not THAT much, but still, it reminded me of his Star Wars period.

*

I dropped Lynn and Justin off at Panera where they went in to enjoy a nice little meal while I dashed up to church for my meeting. There was really nothing too exciting to talk about other than getting our perm. financing in place, having had the closing with my old "friends" at Head, Moss, etal. That loan cost less for more money being borrowed than for the construction financing at a local bank, which they soaked us a huge sum in closing costs. Those costs were the only money used from the construction loan! Thrivent did this next loan which is permanent and will include the work to remodel/repair the Fellowship Hall. Now, how do we repay it???????

*

Lynn and I spent some time this a.m., after she had coffee with Joanne, listening to some of the hymns from the Supplement. Tears were flowing as we listened to "Jerusalem, the Golden", both from the lyrics as well as the melody, plus "In Christ Alone". Justin said Victory doesn't have the Supplement yet but they will include a hymn every now again, re-printed in the service folder. We will be worshiping there this weekend before the football game!! She'll get to see the lovely decorating Bonnie has done. I assume she did it alone, or with her hubby, the way Pastor Hoyer described it as being "her doing".

*

Lynn and I are off to Walmart this a.m. and then lunch with my boy, hence, we are heading out! I knew there was reason for that title!!!

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Yesterday I talked with the members at Bible study about the adult baptisms Sunday of the two full-dressed Navy men who were washed with the new life from the Father. Bonnie said that even her hubby, Tim, 6'7" tall (as thought that makes a difference!), had tears running down his face. I'd have probably embarrassed Justin by my carrying on, but he still said he wishes I were there to see that! Pastor said both men stood at attention and didn't really look at him, something he didn't think he'd have to address normally, but it was their habit to do so. Bonnie mentioned when it was time for them to bend over for the washing with water, they both bent the same distance at the same time, as though they'd rehearsed it. So very moving and inspiring! Pastor told about how the one man's fiance brought them to Information class and when they talked about heaven, the fiance said to her beau, "See? This is what I wanted you to know about!" and then it was Pastor's turn to have tears in HIS eyes! Me, too!

*

.....what radiancy of glory, what bliss beyond compare........"

Once more, waiting for the doorbell to ring!

Using my Georgia font again today and thinking about Linda---counting the days until we see each other again!!!

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This time the doorbell will ring for a great reason---my boy is on his way over here to clean and we ordered food from Ming Moon, for old times' sake. It is beginning to feel like CHRISTmas! His is my indentured servant, working off his debt of my not having him move back home in order to save money. Believe thou me, he is going to earn his "keep", so he can keep the other address. He doesn't want to sacrifice his freedom and fun, the price for his sacrifice is for him to be my "house boy"! Like Michael used to be, at The Preserve house....We had a young man who did our landscape work for the company and he was busily trying to get our yard ship-shape prior to Justin's confirmation party. My aunt, visiting from Manitowoc, had no idea what his role was in our lives so she described him as being our "house boy"! The title stuck and I often think of Auntie Marie when I think about Michael! Odd, but true! He is one of the last folks let go from my former company, after many years of service. There is a lot of that going around.

*

Justin called from the road to report that he thinks he aced his final exam in Art History Renaissance, feeling like he might earn at least a 90. I hope he is correct on this. He really studied for his exams this past week, so I pray he has positive results. Justin is making some plans for things to do when his Auntie Lynn is here, coming up with lunch arrangements for tomorrow. I want to go shopping too so this will work out great! Saturday he is going to see his favorite comic at the Jax Coliseum, I think sitting in his father's reserved "box seats" in order to see Jeff Dunham live. Two comedians in a month's time, wow! First Jerry Seinfeld and now Dunham!

*

While we were in Bible study, the winds kicked up and over went the plants in pots out by the benches. We knew it was coming but still are surprised when it lets loose the way it did. (It's been reported a tornado struck in Baker County but as of yet, unconfirmed.) One man commented that if the bell tower tips over, we've got problems!

*

This class is just so fabulous, as Pastor always compares the O. T. stories/lessons with what is taking place in our lives today. He is quite politically aware and makes for a very interactive class with much participation. We discussed how no one knows the day or the hour when Jesus returns, we should be vigilant, watchful, and ready. And my favorite part: once everyone has heard the name of Jesus, we can go home! This is referenced in my Profile, in case you are interested....

*

One of the things that provoked discussion this a.m. was the mess in IL. Some of the members at Victory are from IL and are quite upset with this, but not at all surprised. The denials are just flying about involvement with this man and his wife, both with filthy mouths. It seems this governor, a puppet for the Daley's, refused to even move into the mansion in Springfield, opting instead to remain in Chicago. That burned a lot of peoples' biscuits right off the bat, as though he was too good to live in the state's capital. Oh, it is going to be soooo interesting watching how things play out. Interesting, yet tragic, as greed rears its ugly head once more.

*

On another note, we also discussed the fact that many people are losing their jobs, in particular those at Victory who work at Anheuser-Busch. The former family-owned and family run business was bought by a foreign-owned firm, and already heads are rolling. One of their former members who was presently working in CO, aged 54, was let go as plant manager, and those in Jax who are now employed are wondering when and if they will be let go also. Pastor said it was interesting that it was people in their 50's being shown the door and I said it was because they are the more expensive employees, most likely. He and the rest agreed this was the case, as is also happening at AT&T. One lady took early retirement from AT&T in April and is rejoicing that she did it at that time instead of having it forced upon her. My comment was that it is happening at major firms in our country as well as at building companies in small towns. The big picture and the smaller picture, it is the same effect.

*

Victory is all dressed and ready for CHRISTmas, with trees up, poinsettias all over the place, garlands draped, angel suspended from the rafters. It looks absolutely glorious and festive. I can't wait for Lynn to see it when we worship there before the football game! Justin brought me a Packer Santa hat to wear at the airport when we pick up Lynn, as I always like to have something weird on my head so people can find me. That started in the days when we still went inside the airport to collect people---but with heightened security, we can only pull up, barely stopping to collect our passengers! She'll still get a kick out of it, though, in our Packer attire!

*

Speaking of attire, my clothes are nearly dried after being soaked going between church and the car, and then again when trying to find the place at the monkey farm to drop off my gifts for the foster child. As much as I hated to do it, I called Directory Assistance to get the phone number to call this place. The nice lady, after listening to the record answering service three times, finally came on the line and was able to tell me exactly where in this complex their office is located. When I got there, she knew I was the one who called, and said, "We like to think we're hidden in here!". Evidently I am not the only person who can't find them! I only hope the little guy I shopped for appreciates his presents.

*

I'd meant to go shopping after that but then decided to go tomorrow instead when Lynn is here. This gives us something to do plus we can meet Justin for the lunch he has in mind. More arms, too, for getting the stuff hauled upstairs, since Dave is gone. Now, we have finished our nice Chinese food, and he is taking a nap on the love seat before getting busy. Lynn's flight is slightly delayed but should not affect our plans for getting her collected, dinner eaten, Lynn home and me to the building meeting tonight.........

*

Last night, I had a nocturnal visitor! On the way home from church and choir, I had orders from Dee to call her when I left so she could meet me at home. The hour didn't matter to her. She arrived carrying a chunk of cheesecake and a bottle of the delicious egg nog adult beverage I'd told her about! Joanne cackled that only Kim would get company at 9:00 at night! Carrying special treats! Dee's hubby made the cheesecake and she wanted me to have some, as my 'comfort food', prepared for the cancelled dinner. Even though she wasn't going to be able to make it, she still was going to bring some comfort food----and she did! I love her!

Okay, my family, this is the new and improved dance style I've adopted. Call it a shimmy but it is definitely NOT a shake! Notice the "rock star" look on my face----who says all my pictures look the same???!!! No bowls on my head and no uncontrolled hip action.....I wish I could remember just what song I was dancing to........

Enough running to the door already!

I am freaking out my cat, Lynx, because three times now I've gone scooting to my door to see who is there, only to find no one banging. Someone must be doing remodeling or moving or something making a sound that makes me think my door is being banged upon. From now on, I will only go and check if I hear the doorbell!

*

Poor Lynn! She is most likely going to arrive in the midst of heavy thunderstorms tomorrow late afternoon. As much as she hates to fly, she hates it worse when it is storming. Oh, there's the banging again, and it's all I can do to stay in my chair........I'm like a puppy that goes running to see who is here. At least I don't tinkle on the floor from the excitement! Years ago when Tarren worked in the church office, she had a puppy she brought to work with her. I came in the door one day and she said, "No tinkling on the floor" to the puppy (I can't remember its name) and I said, "Okay, I won't!" And, I didn't!!

*

The fog has lifted but the sun has failed to show itself thus far. I just checked the radio website and it shows the temperature is at 76 above zero. How do I then explain my fingers being so cold? Maybe I should get my heating pad out again and keep it "handy"---te, he, he...

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Kathy B. wants to know the recipes mentioned in earlier blogs and comments. I can give you all the recipe for Joanne's dish, which made a large batch, filling a 9 x 13" Pampered Chef cake pan to the top. If you know the dish, you know it's deep! Her recipe was layered mashed potatoes, French fried onions (like the ones used in green bean casserole) and shredded cheddar cheese. It was the cheese shredder which kicked her butt yesterday because the cheese was soft and plugged up the holes in the grater I had. It's a Pampered Chef crank grater and we surmised, when conducting the post-mortem, that it must be intended for Parmesan cheese rather than soft cheddar. It broke my heart to tell Joanne that the cheese comes already shredded in a plastic bag........of course, she already knew that and gave me a good smack!

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This morning I accomplished the small task of preparing a handout to given the parents of the children attending CHRISTmas 4 Kids on Saturday. We wanted something to tell about the special worship dates and upcoming events to encourage the non-members to return. I forwarded it to church so the secretary can make the copies, half pages, for distribution Saturday. Normally that would be my role, to hand out the hand outs! But, since Lynn is going to be here and I will be possibly hostessing an event at Great Hang Ups that day, someone else with have to handle the registration table duties.

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Friday night is a cocktail party at Janet's and I am so excited about that. Judy C. is going to make sure she's at church for scrapbooking so no one will be locked out of cropping! Now I hope that the ladies who said they were coming show up! Last weekend I missed two parties by attending the T-H Show with Martie and church family, but one wouldn't have been a good one for me anyway. My friends in Middleburg have a party every year and purposely do not invite me because I'd be "uncomfortable" around their other friends, Bruce's co-workers from the NAS Depot. It's for my safety that I am omitted, and for their being conscious of this, I am thankful. I appreciate the concern, the regard, they have for my sensitivity to filthy talk and foolish behavior. We have plenty of other times to be together when it won't be a problem so this one party each year I don't mind sitting out, especially since I had this wonderful event to attend instead!

What's cooking in the Kremlin, Katie?

Oh, I am so sad this morning! The TV program I like to watch, a first run show, is already doing its season finale on Friday! How did that happen? The show is called "The Starter Wife", and while I realize it has a good deal of trash mixed in, I have been able to glean a few morsels, making it tolerable. I have special glasses to wear when watching it.............Anyway, the 'star' of the show is played by Debra Messing of "Will and Grace" fame, hence there is a gay man playing one of her best friends. Maybe that's the only kind of person she can play off of! (Is that a good sentence?) The other main character is an older woman named Joan. These two have helped "Molly" as she struggles after being dumped by her successful producer husband, a real jerk, who moved on after she'd served his purpose; Molly is dedicated to being a good mom to their child no matter what; she became a published writer, first by accident and then on purpose. Guess which part of this story is something with which I can identify? Even after it is off the air for however long a period, it is still available on the Internet!

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Why am I telling you this? Oh yes, my friend, Suzanne, was making a new recipe called "Sweet and Sour Pork" requiring a trip to the grocery store. I offered my warning: beware of recipes requiring strange ingredients! On a recent episode, Molly took her friend grocery shopping in an attempt to re-ground the friend who'd gotten so caught up in their wealth that she forgot how to buy food and cook. As they walked through the store, Molly put stuff in her friend's cart, telling her how to make certain dishes, and it sounded so simple. Like, Orange Chicken and some dish made with potatoes and tilapia. Wait, I need to get a pen and paper for this! This program is what I thought about when Suzanne mentioned her new recipe, and I figured she is a brave woman!

*

Last night Joanne and I were looking at the moon over the river, and I remarked to her about how beautiful were the twinkling lights in Mandarin. This a.m. the fog is so dense that I don't even believe Mandarin is over there, plus someone took all our palm trees from the basin!!....wait, the basin is gone too!!!! Certainly the fog will burn off before long and the vista return to normal, as the temps are expected to reach 80 degrees above zero. My sister, Kerry, wrote me early today reporting that it was 8 above in Oshkosh so she thought she might dig in her closet for a light sweater "in case there is a chill in the air"..............very funny, very funny! I can scarcely wait to get my turn in the cold. So glad I won't be selling my condo and moving north. Someone said I should divide my time between the two states: summer in WI and winters here. Summer is only two or three weeks at best in Manitowoc so it's hardly worth packing up!

Here is the scenery in Manitowoc yesterday morning, closing the entire city. The only one I heard about making it to work was Linda, the church lady. Is she dedicated or what? The area has gotten over 13" of snow already this year and it's early in the season. Mom, want to reconsider coming down here with me???

Thanks for being such good commenters!!!!! By the way, the title of this posting is a line taken from the movie "The Way We Were" and I often think about it when cooking is mentioned......This movie used to be my all time favorite in the whole world. It's been replaced............