Now that things are settled down some.....

…..I can replay a few events from before I left Orange Park. Wednesday night was Advent worship so Lynn and I arrived at church about 15 minutes early, although not as early as I normally would have been there. It’s always different when one has company, the changes in schedules or the lack thereof, in my case. Those who knew Lynn greeted her warmly and she distributed the hugs sent down by my mom to her lady friends at Good Shepherd. Gretchen is always so tickled to see Lynn, and Ethel as well since they got to know each other on the Alaska trip in 2007. A few of the attendees thought I was already gone to WI and gave me grief for thinking I’d left without good-byes! That’s what they get for not having Internet service and following the blog!!!
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The Pioneer group was just finishing their project and meeting when we got there so I got to see some of the folks there who don’t usually attend the Advent services. Earlier in the day Lynn and I had gone to Cracker Barrel where I had a plate-cleaner meal of meatloaf again. I told her I had a couple little fellas at church I’d like to get something for so after lunch we went in to the store of C.B. where I found some cute little stocking stuffer things for Colby and Caleb. I particularly am fond of Caleb because he reminds me a great deal of Timmy, but, he, of course, is charming without being a look-alike! A couple weeks ago he showed me a Webkins toy in the form of a cardinal which was much more attractive than the bat he showed me at Halloween! I wrapped up their little gifts and expected to simply put them in the mailbox for another time, but there they were, in person!
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I got to say special good-byes to the Pioneer peoples then, including Jennifer, who runs the show (sorry, Rick!). When it was time for church to begin we went in and got Lynn settled while I went in back to take attendance. Robbie and Brian were singing a duet, our opening gathering rite, and it was just beautiful. We had a good number of people at worship which brought me joy, all of us, joy.
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The biggest blessing was having my dear friend, Leanne, become a member of Good Shepherd. She had her friend from work and now church, Linda, stand beside her as well our other two new members, the Harris’s. Carolyn is an avid scrap booker so she’s welcome in that circle, too! All those folks plus Judy J. and me were at Leanne’s little birthday party last week at Cracker Barrel. As soon as they went up, my tears were flowing. Twice we went through Bible Information Class together, and we’ve spent countless hours discussing the Word, answering questions and such that she just didn’t comprehend, due to her previous religious background. And now, there she stood and made her public confirmation! After church Pastor said he looked back at me and then he got tears in his eyes also! He said, “You should have been standing up there, too, with Leanne,” but I assured him that would NOT have been a good thing, to have me blubbering all over the place. It will be such a privilege to be able to attend the Lord’s Supper with her after all this time where she abstained. Praise be to God!
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At the Fellowship portion of our evening, the hugs and farewells began in earnest. Lynn was greeted once more, had conversations with many people who knew Mom and/or Lynn while I hustled around. First, I had to hand over the giant box of battery-operated candles to Suzanne who needs them for the children’s worship service on CHRISTmas Eve. Then, Cliff chased me down with a ceramic tile and caulk samples of which I made quick work of choosing a color for our new classroom building. Earlier in the day I’d worked with Mike Kelley on the wall and trim colors, which I thought was already “cut” and dried decisions. In the hustle and bustle, Judy C. approached me about whether or not I’d still be supplying the flowers on Sundays when no one signs up, which has been my custom. I take the bouquets to the cemetery to dress Timmy’s marker, but if I have to cut my expenses, that purchase might be one I’ll have to let go. I told her to go ahead for January because two of the Sunday would be mine already, Timmy’s death anniversary and his birthday/funeral. February would be one of mine also because of his baptism birthday. As we spoke, almost nose to nose, the tears welled again and she apologized for causing me to weep. I explained that I’d already started without her, so she shouldn’t feel badly. It’s emotional to say good-bye to loved ones, you know?
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As Lynn and I were heading out the door, all business taken care of, I had two more guys to wish a Merry CHRISTmas to, being Joe and Gordy. I told them I’d see them at the end of the year, as we have worship on New Year’s Eve, and Gordy said, “I don’t know why you have to go in the first place!” I told him I have to go see my people and he said, “Your people are here!”. And, he was not wrong………….
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I’d gotten and given hugs all night, but then Kathy gave me a wonderful present to send me on my way----a bottle of Firefly Tea-flavored vodka, dressed in a knit keeper. She hand-made the card, poured her love into it. Such a special gift, so unexpected, but will be greatly enjoyed. In fact, later that evening I had a glass with lemonade and Firefly mixed in it! The choir had begun their rehearsal when I stuck my nose in, and The Maestro gave permission to anyone who hadn’t said good-bye yet to do so. Talk about a disruption! Thanks, Maestro! And bye church family!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
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Yesterday’s e-mail, opened here at Mom’s, brought a lovely note from Ed, my new best friend from Publix, who was the guy who got me the tickets for the Packer/Jaguar game. He said he knew where we were sitting on Sunday and when the Champion’s Club was introduced and walked on the field pre-game, he waved our direction, in case we could see him. Ed said, “I was thinking of you when I walked out on the field” which I find just delightful, and I did mention to Lynn and Justin that Ed was part of that group on the field, so, yes, I was thinking about him, too!

We made it!

Lynn and I arrived safely, soundly, and not the least bit warm in WI, right on time. Although we left Jacksonville nearly an hour behind schedule, we still managed to make our connection in Atlanta via a great deal of huffing and puffing. On the first leg of our journey, Lynn had the entire row to herself while I shared a three-seat row with one man. I told him he could lie down if he wanted to and he found that quite amusing. He introduced himself formally as we landed and we wished one another CHRISTmas blessings before parting company. “Ron” graciously offered to retrieve my bag from the overhead bin, not even knowing if I had one up there! Gotta love it-----and him!
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My friend, Judy J. took us to the airport this a.m. because I’d asked her before asking Joanne to do the honors. She was Johnny on the spot with picking us up at the appointed hour and we had a great visit on the way to the airport. I made sure Lynn ate something before leaving to avoid motion sickness or anything else during our trip. I also ate an English muffin rather early in the day which is not a good idea since then I become hungry, as though the muffin begins the process of feeding. Normally I don’t have anything until closer to 10:00 a.m. or so, unless I have lunch plans. So, I was hungry as we waited for our delayed flight!
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Oh, and of course, I set off all the bells and whistles AGAIN while going through security because although I remembered to remove my stainless steel bracelet and put it in my purse, I forgot the one thing that trips the alarm every time--------my cell phone! Darn it! I was sure I put it in my purse but nope, back through the line I had to go, fish my phone out and drop it into the plastic bin and then try again. The man behind me was chuckling because he saw where I kept it and I joked to him that I should put it in my purse like other people do. He said, “I don’t!!!” to which I replied, “Good point!” Later I saw him in the concourse and he winked at me, because we shared a laugh.
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Lynn wanted to get a coffee at the Starbucks and I went in search of a bottle of water---------nah! Gotcha! I went in search of a bottle of Diet Coke for on the plane. Bottles are simpler to handle than is a cup with lid, as far as I’m concerned. While waiting for Lynn I spotted my downstairs neighbor, Jeff, also getting a coffee. He is off to Ohio to drive his parents back to Florida to their “winter” place. What a good boy he is! He says its been a couple years since they enjoyed their place in Florida and he is making it possible for them in 2008. We wished each other well and parted company. (I didn’t mention this the other night but his wife, Tracy, came upstairs to very cordially twist my arm about serving on the Board of Directors for The Palace. Of course, my answer is ‘no’ but a soft ‘no’. I’d hate to compromise my status of being the 'peace maker' in my little Palace community instead of being a rabbel rouser!)
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Back to the traveling: Lynn and I found our luggage down stairs in the airport and made our way to the parking garage to find her car parked there oh so many days ago (7). All the cars have the same grey matter spattered all over them, making the car colors all the same. It was cold in the car but she had some blankets to cover my legs with and her heater took care of warming us both. Without much ado we headed toward “home” and arrived at Mom’s, being greeted with the aroma of baking meat loaf. Mmmmm! We stopped at the Kwik-Trip before heading to Mom’s so I could pick up a couple 12-packs of water------nah, soda, again in case we are truly homebound by the snowstorm tomorrow. So, I am all set to wrap presents tomorrow and play a couple games of Scrabble with Mom, enjoying my time in extremely cold Manitowoc! Bring it on!

A little food for thought to hold you over....

.....until I get on-line at my mom's!

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My now roommate and long-time friend, Joanne, sends a newsletter to her clients on a monthly basis. This month's was of particular interest to me and thought I'd share a few thoughts with my readers. The subject matter is more like New Year resolutions than CHRISTmas wishes but here's a sampling of what it suggested:

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The first suggestion is to take a pro-active approach to life and work, not waiting for things to happen to or around you, take responsibility for yourself.

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Keep the end in mind (we Christians already do that!) but, in this case, it means to set a goal and work toward it, don't be a rudderless ship!

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Prioritize! Love this one, but not enough to do it myself yet. This means to avoid wasting time and effort, and prevent less than superb performance. (Please remember I am paraphrasing).

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Listen to others, no matter how lame their argument----this does not mean you have to do what is suggested by them, only give them an ear and hear them out. When they are done with their piece, give yours and expect others to honor your turn at the wheel, as it were.

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Recognize the gifts and blessings other people bring with them, and put them to use if you can. Mainly this would apply to the workplace, as many of these suggestions do, but often in everyday living, people need to have a place to use their special "gift".

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Make sure you take time to recharge your batteries, don't allow yourself to get worn down by life, but rather, be invigorated by it!!!!

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Some suggestions to simplify your existence include setting up as many bills and monthly obligations on automatic payment so less thought is required to manage your household bills and expenses; set aside time to pamper each other, whether it is helping out with kids so the spouse can get her nails done, or the other spouse watch a sporting event on TV with minimal interruption. Remember these are borrowed in part from Joanne's newsletter and in part for me, so if you don't like them, they came from her newsletter!!!!

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I'll be away from the computer for a day or so, having to use my mom's dial-up service in WI so please don't be upset if I am not posting daily. Please pray our traveling safety tomorrow as we fly into the snowy north and for Justin's safe travel on Monday as he comes north for CHRISTmas!

Does anyone see the resemblence in Blogo??

Again the morning the news showed stories about the governor of Illinois, affectionately known as, or not so much, 'Blogo'. I simply cannot get over how much he looks like a former friend of ours in Manitowoc, a real estate developer who used to live in our neighborhood, Indian Bluffs. Every time I see the photos of Blogo, I see our friend, only mucho younger, of course. He, too, had a few rough edges but I don't think he used filthy language like the governor does! We'd built a number of houses in partnership with this fellow and did numerous other type of transactions. I've mentioned him in other postings a while back, I think when talking about how hard it is to get to know some people, but once you do, your life is better because you tried. I wonder if I was as profound when I wrote about it the first time!

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Through the networking tool, facebook.com, I've become re-connected with several of my former classmates from grade and high school, much to my delight. The other day I was contacted by a friend from grade thru high school whom I'd not heard from in many many years. She lives in IL but her dad attends church at First German, my home congregation. I think it would be awesome to catch up with each other when I am up there later this week. Another e-mail friend with whom I attended grade and high school might be able to connect with Dolly and me over the holiday season. Great! Maybe I should have gotten a haircut yesterday after all!

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In reading something the other day, I saw an article talking about taking care of our teeth. Being a big fan of teeth, it was interesting to see what this article had to say. The item I came away with was the recommendation to use only a pea-sized dab of toothpaste vs. the "caterpillar-sized" amount shown in the commercials selling the product. This brought to mind a TV show I saw when still living at home, an expose on advertising, with the story that stuck being the one about shampoos. Since both my mom and I worked in the shampoo and body care manufacturing/bottling business, it struck a cord with us. The news report told about how Japan advertisers had multiplied its sales in shampoos by adding one word to the "Use" portion on their bottles---Repeat. That simple word, this statement, influenced people to use double the shampoo, supposedly, as they normally would have if not prompted by this direction on the bottle! Many many years later my now former spouse would bring it up, "your family" (what? my family???, as though we had this written over our doorposts) always scoffed at 'Repeat'! Funny how things come back to us after all these years, a simple TV program a hundred years ago!

"Everything with you comes down to toilet paper!"

I'm listening to an episode of "Seinfeld" called "The Pitch", where Jerry and George try to come up with ideas for a TV show. The program opens with George speculating on what the soldiers used for toilet paper during the Civil War. Jerry gets frustrated that his friend's major concern in life regards toilet paper or bathrooms!

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Once more during Lynn's visit we dined at home with me doing the meal preparation. I began the process before 5:00 pm but had to leave in order to take Lynn for her hair cut. While we were at the booty shop, Joanne called to say she was coming home for the evening instead of working in her office so would join us for supper. I finished my conglomeration of hamburger, pasta, sauce, and corn, tossed it in the oven and cooked the daylights out of it. Call it a meal!

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Lynn and I stopped at Publix after getting her hair cut and I bought some peppermint stick ice cream and chocolate shell to squirt over the top. Joanne had a nasty accident with her peppermint-flavored iced coffee yesterday which brought to mind the ice cream treat. The cover wasn't tight on her cup and right down her front it went as she drove.....yikes! What a sticky mess that made for her!

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We had a nice time yesterday in St. Augustine, as the weather vastly improved for us, getting up into the 70's as the day progressed. We went to the outlet mall first as Lynn wished to shop at Sag Harbor where she'd gotten some great buys in the past. Sag Harbor was a bit more droopy than we'd hoped, offering little for women of generous proportions this time. Later, we drove a bit further down the mall and found a shop with great sales in the women's sizes so we came away with a bag or two each from Dress Barn. Such amazing sales, already marking things down to 70% off, or buy one/get one half off, that sort of thing.

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Without much difficulty, we found our bed and breakfast Inn, got parked and climbed up to our third-floor suite. We had to get a suite in order to have a king-sized bed, because Lynn and I certainly wouldn't fit in one queen! It was no extra money but we appreciated having the extra room to rattle around in. It was so quaint, and perfectly clean. At the appointed time we headed over to The Columbia to meet Justin for dinner. He did have to come down to St. Augustine by himself since his friend couldn't make it. The waitress was quite taken with Justin, having overheard me call him that. She asked what kind of work he did and was otherwise charming toward him. Her name was Angela, from Romania, and she reminded us so much of my friend, Judy R.!!! Probably about the same age, too!

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Our meals were delightful and the Cuban bread to die for! Mmmm! Justin was able to take my leftovers home with him, as well as half the chocolate bread pudding we shared. Lynn had the key lime pie which she enjoyed all by herself. Justin wasn't interested in coming up to see our room at the Inn as he wanted to get back to watch football with his friends. On the way back to our room, I stopped at the front desk to get a Diet Coke or three, but the poor lady was only able to cough up one can! She claimed the delivery man was coming in the morning, but that sure didn't help me now!!! Don't mess with my Diet Coke!!!

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Lynn and I both had trouble sleeping, even though I started out just fine. From the depths of sleep I heard my phone ringing---rather, "The Phantom of the Opera" was playing loudly---Justin was calling me. At 11:45 pm at night, Justin called me. He had gotten the best news, his grades came in just before the midnight deadline, and he'd done so much better than even anticipated, which prompted his great excitement and phone call when I was fast asleep! Good for you, Justin!!! He started telling me about his teacher, how much he liked him, hoped he could have the professor again next semester, and so on, but I had a hard time focusing and trying to be quiet so as not to disturb Lynn. I told Justin I was proud of him and that we'd talk about it in the morning........but I couldn't get back to a sound sleep to save my life!

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We had the most delicious breakfast in the dining room, enjoying Belgian waffles, ham, and assorted other continental breakfast-type foods. And, wonder of wonders, the Diet Coke man had come very early in the morning and brought me my soda!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thoughts assorted in nature

Last night while resting my weary bones, the three of us, Joanne, Lynn, and I, watched a movie called "The Other Boleyn Sister". Well, what a story THAT turned out to be! Not being a student of this era, I shall assume what we saw on the screen was historically accurate, to a point. Joanne has read the book which she says was about 3" thick so the screenwriters had lots of work to do to reduce the book to 2 hours. Like the Harry Potter books Justin is always upset about having been abridged in the movies. The movie was quite good, well done, but such a tragic way these women, and all the people of the time, were forced to live!

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My blogging friend, Jami, in Amarillo, went people watching at the local mall with her husband, which she later wrote about in her blog. The questions she asked were the type you'd think about when viewing what she did: "You DO know you are not at home, right???" So-called people were seen out in the mall on a Sunday afternoon in their pajama pants, tank top-style undershirts, hair every which way, and even sporting fuzzy slippers. I agree, just what is the "point" of looking like you had to run out for a can of formula or diapers in the middle of the night, when it's the middle of the afternoon?????????? As I said to Jami in a comment, "All the world's a stage"---this whole thing is nothing but an act, an attention-getter. Like Pete's dad would do, try saying something to the offenders about their attire, because that is really what they want, to be noticed!

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Friday night after work Joanne was at a 'healthy' cosmetic shop which sells 'organic' make-up. The store was quite busy and only one clerk was trying to take care of all these women looking for make-up assistance. Joanne was glad to see a busy store and struck up a conversation with the beautifully adorned person next to her at the counter while they waited their turns. The 'woman' had French manicured nails, long blond hair, lovely skin, high-heeled shoes, nice clothes.......................but it was actually a MAN!!!! Now, Joanne is quite the cosmopolitan person and yet she was totally blown away having this close encounter with cross dresser! 3" inches of organic cosmetics won't change the fact that you, sir, are a man!!!!

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"I hate teenagers!" This profundity came from Justin after he attended an office CHRISTmas party with his friend, Jesse, Friday night. Jesse's brother had a friend at the party, too, a teenager, which is what prompted Justin's declaration. I said something about the 'double lives' teenagers have, making nice for their parents while having secret corners in their existence where they act out. Justin said "No, it's not double lives", of course, but then sort of backed me up with saying, "If a teenager is smiling, they are looking to get into trouble!". These type of flat statements are just the type he dislikes his other roommate for making but it seems Justin can get away with it. "Hate" is a strong word, perhaps substituting "irritate" or "annoy" would be more accurate.

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A new face/voice will be added to the Fox News Channel in January, Glenn Beck. He used to be on, ahem, CNN, but lost his job during the elections because of his conservative attitude. It didn't mesh with the liberal bias of the management. He has a book out right now, a best seller called "The Christmas Sweater" which I'd like to read some day. Unless there is a movie coming out soon..............Anyway, he did a segment on the F&F program this a.m. where he discussed the "sissification" of our society. What does that mean? People have to be so overly careful when dealing with people because no one ever wants to have their feelings hurt, have toes stepped on, stand up for their views, experience failure.......Glenn made the remark about having two kinds of people in the world: failures and losers. We are all failures in one way or another, but keep trying and trying to succeed. Losers are the type of folks who feel like their lot in life is not their fault, not being the ones to take lemons and make lemonade. Interesting food for thought, don't you think? It gives me the picture of the 'humans' floating around in their spineless shapes in the movie "Wall-E". No personality, no drive or ambition, no desire for anything other than what is given to them. Whether today's discussion changes anything or not, it was good to consider and sort of remember the way it used to be!

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My poor friend, Twila, who has been ailing for weeks, ever since our church's yard sale, has heard from the orthopedist that she needs a new hip. This is great news because the old hip is giving her a terrible fit!!! Many many folks have shared their success stories with Twila which gives her confidence that she'll be a new girl after its over. Dates and times are yet to be determined but hopefully it won't be too long because she is some kinda miserable right now. We will rally the troops to help her out, though her son does live in the same home with her. Certainly there will be some therapy and recuperation time at home and no one minds going to help a friend, especially when she lives at the lake!

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Lynn and I are off to St. Augustine, going to see "Nights of Lights" as well as bum around the outlet mall and St. George Street. We found a deal on a bed and breakfast, splitting the costs, so we can each take a turn in the hot tub the room provides. The prospect of soaking away the aches from yesterday's long walks is quite appealing. I only wish the weather were nicer for Lynn's enjoyment, but at least we are not in the "zeroes", as my brother-in-law, David, would say. Maybe Lynn and I will get to hear the song, "Dominic the Donkey" again when we're in The Oldest City!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The river is a mirror this morning

This photo does not properly delineate the reflection from the actual, guess you had to be here!

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While my printer is making more newsletters to include with my CHRISTmas cards, I am gazing across the river at trees, both those on the shore and those reflected in the water. Waking a bit early this morning after some disturbing dreams about getting my paperwork together for Court, I couldn't help but be drawn into the scenery outside my windows. It was a view begging to be painted, or at least, photographed! In order to not wake my household, I tippy-toed out to the river room with camera in hand, slid the doors open quietly and snapped three shots. As I stood there a few moments, my eyes were searching for any signs of life such as raccoons or waterfowl, but it was too early for them to be out and about, I guess. When Joanne got up she saw kingfishers and other shore life but I didn't see that. She was excited about the magnificence of the view this a.m. and I told her I knew it, because I took pictures! It wasn't only me going ga ga over the quiet, reflective river!

It was Linda who pointed at that the palm trees, the trio, are "reflective" of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, ever-present in our lives!