I was wrong as rain

Or, I was right as rain, as it continues to fall. Joanne was in need of some medication and I ventured out to pick it up for her. At Walgreens, they have a drive-up window into which I placed the paperwork. Joanne has a pre-paid service for scrips so the lady just told me to come back in 30 minutes. Sweet!

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Getting to Walgreens was a piece of cake but then to go the Mall to get the tickets for tonight took ages! The cars just crept along Blanding, inch by inch. Those with an alternate route in mind kept turning off into parking lots in search of another "avenue" in lieu of this boulevard! It was not until I made the turn alongside the Mall that I saw a wrecker doing something at another of the driveways into the parking lot, which must have been the cause for the delays, besides the rain, that is. Seems as though rain seriously affects traffic flow, which might mean that folks are using extra caution---maybe???

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In speaking with Kathy B. on the phone this a.m., we discussed the location of the Customer Service desk at the Mall. It used to be in the same passageway as the movie theater but it had been so very long since I was in the Mall that I could not be sure. I parked outside of Dillard's (yes, Mom, Dillard's!!) in hopes that CS desk was still there. Nope! The signs directed me toward the Food Court, or rather, toward Belk's wing of the Mall. And, in walking through that mass of, it's a stretch to say "humanity", it suddenly came back to me just why I don't go to the Mall anymore-----Oh, my, the sights and exhibits strolling the walkways was incredible. If I had a little child in there with me, I'd have slapped my hand over their eyes at some of the attire and, as my mom would say, "get ups" these creatures wore! I wondered if I was supposed to pay admission to see a freak show such as this! Well, after all, it is a special holiday, maybe that is why these people were all dressed up---or not dressed up. Yikes!

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Eventually I got to the CS desk and got my tickets, having to initial this, sign that, show two kinds of ID, and leave a thumb print. For heaven sake, it's a theatrical performance, I am not buying a rifle!!! Traffic was heavy going up Wells Road, too, so I cut through the business park and came down the side road which took me back to Walgreens.

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I pulled up to the window and over the speaker a voice asked me if I was dropping off or picking up, and I said "picking up for Joanne S**********." In a couple minutes the same lady appeared and asked me to verify the address. I asked her if she wanted my address or Joanne's 'other' address, because I had already explained that she was staying with me. She asked, "Wagon Road?" and I said, "Oh, yes" and the shoot opened, out came the medications and off I went. A far cry less red tape required to pick up these scrips than to pick up "Riverdance" tickets!!!!!

Happy St. Valentine's Day

Well, at least it has stopped raining, but the sky is less than forgiving. No sun has peeked and the clouds remain in place as far as the eye can see. Nuts! I must rely on the heat pad for my warmth today! My day began quite early, the result of going to bed too early last night. Rain was coming down and should have lulled me back to sleep but not so this a.m. Sometimes I can talk myself into falling asleep again but today I talked myself into getting up and writing. Over 20 e-mails awaited me, some immediately to the Trash but some worth a reply.

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One of my childhood friends from up the road wrote me a nice, long letter, recollecting how one day she came running down to our house to deliver a St. Valentine's Day card to me. What a sweet note to read first thing in the morning! Janet also wrote me an e-mail asking me to lunch tomorrow after church and then coming up here to show their friend, Bob, my home. Absolutely, without even thinking, the answer is "yes"! When talking with Kathy a bit later, I have asked her to join the fun and she said she would. Yippee! I sense a party! Or simply a great deal of laughing---more towels, please!

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Tomorrow will prove to be quite full with a special speaker coming from one of our Synod schools to lead the Bible study and perhaps preach. The choir is on board to sing several different things, and we are quite short-handed, or voiced, as the case might be. Suzanne is away camping and Judy is watching their kids, so can't sing and watch kids at the same time. Somehow I managed it but oh, well........Of course, you already know what is happening after church.

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Joanne is feeling somewhat better after her bout with what we thought was food poisoning, but now her daughter, who returned to OH, has it. Food poisoning is not contagious so the illness might be other than from food! Joanne asked me to pick up some scrips for her so I will be heading to Walgreens in a few minutes. Justin and I are going to church tonight at Victory before going to "Riverdance". He is hoping we have time to grab a bite at Times Grille but I have my doubts about the time. We shall see, but I fear the bistros will be busy with the holiday and all that. I was just glad to get tickets for the show at the last minute!

Enjoying a relatively quiet day

Justin has just left my house after stopping at the store to pick up soda for me. My arms are going to be full with scrapbooking supplies and I knew I'd never get it all upstairs again later on. At least not in one trip! He is badly in need of a shave and a haircut but doubt he will manage both before our "date" tomorrow night. We are going to see "Riverdance" at the Times-Union Center. I was trying not to buy any event tickets but realizing this is the end of their tour, I bit the bullet and got us seats. We are going to church first, then grabbing a bite at the Times Grille, which I truly love, and then off we go to the show!

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Earlier today I was in the kitchen and caught a whiff of something foul, sour, yukky water smell. I checked under the sink, pulled on the basket which holds my household supplies like Pledge, Soft Scrub, dishsoap, etc. and it was so full of water that some swished out onto the floor. Not good! Peewww! This must be what stinks...ya' think? I pulled it out more carefully and put the basket in the sink on an angle so the water all ran out. Under the basket was a pool of smelly browish water which forced me to get down on my knees to mop up. Yuk! I scrubbed my hands raw after that, being all Monkish and such about touching the smelly water....Guess I will need to call the plumber again and get a new garbage disposal. Justin determined the source of the dripping, which took place only when the disposal was on. So much for my self-healing disposal!

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I was excited because my old and new friends were coming by today to see my home and enjoy the view but Janet called just before 11:00 to report that they were heading straight to The Landing today instead so asked for a raincheck. Of course, I was sad, because, after all, I'd made up my bed and re-stacked my papers so it would like nicer in my room. They will be coming some time before Tuesday which means I cannot mess it up again until Karen and Bob have been here and gone!

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This left me with the free time I needed to print pictures and work on a couple other things for church. When Justin and I went to Staples for my printer cartridges, I bought the assortment pack because it cost less and am so happy I did. Today I not only replaced the yellow one which I knew was empty but also ended up replacing black and cyan as the printing progressed. The freedom to print photos at home must be weighed against the cost of the cartridges. Many of my friends send their photos off via e-mail to be developed but I like the ability to adjust on my photos as I go. It is just one of those things that I like to keep in-house, and must bear the consequences of replacing inks and paper.

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Kelly T. offered to help re-do the Flock Board at church so I was printing off people pictures too today, not only scenery from my trips. This week is also my turn to prepare the Lords' table so am going over to church ahead of time to get that set up before ladies arrive to crop. Where does that time go?

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Joanne came home a couple hours ago and is in her jammies already. It seems that while she was staying in the lap of luxury at Amelia Island with her daughter, Joanne ate some bad scallops (see???) and got so violently ill with food poisoning that she had to be transported to the hospital. I only found that out this afternoon when she called to say she was coming home to sleep. The last time she was at Amelia Island her sister fell over on a bicycle and broke her ankle so I am going to put Joanne on restriction about going up there any more. Heather has flown back to OH to await the birth of her baby. She had to fend for herself yesterday as Joanne was quite doped up after being in the hospital and such. At least the weather cooperated for Heather! And that is why I do not eat seafood!

"It is well, it is well with my soul....."

Who ever thought that when I left home this morning I would be gone until 4:00 pm?!? My first stop was at Grumpy's to pick up my fresh baked rolls which were expected to be ready for me at 9:00. Sadly, the regular rolls took second place to the fresh baked garlic rolls for their spaghetti special on the menu today so I ended up waiting until nearly 9:30 for them. Talk about fresh! The waitress cautioned me to not close the lid because the rolls were so hot, they would sweat inside the container. Oh, if only I'd had some butter-----they might be gone before I got to Bible study, but oh, the stomach ache which would follow!
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We had a full house for Bible study, the subject matter which was again inspiring and frightening at the same time. Making the comparisons with the past and the present, watching the same mistakes being made, power and arrogance before the fall.....good stuff! Pastor Hoyer told us about the funeral he was conducting this afternoon for a former boyfriend of his daughter's who died of a drug overdose. He asked for prayers for the family and friends, and that the Holy Spirit would work in the hearts of those attending, to lead them to the saving faith. I decided I would stay for the funeral................

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The service folder used, folded by another lady and me, was originally purchased by the church secretary for her own funeral sometime down the road, had the words from the hymn "When Peace Like a River" printed on the front. It was lovely, and hopefully healing for the mourners. I was thinking about my nephew, Tommy, whose funeral was also today, wondering if the church where his service was held was as full as this one. Sadly, I will guess not. "It is well, it is well with my soul."

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I only got home a few minutes ago from a lovely dinner and visit with Kathy B. She came here after school and we left together to stop at Great Hang Ups to say 'hi' to Dee and Julia. Kathy met Dee this past weekend at a women's retreat. After spending some time chatting, Julia excused herself to go down to see Carol, the massage therapist. Carol told me yesterday that business has really picked up since CHRISTmas, and we speculated that people have the results of stress affecting their bones and muscles these days. I hope that Julia feels the healing hands, as Judy R. mentioned to me today in facebook!

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Kathy and I had dinner at Koko's, her first visit, and Hung cooked for us. It was great having our "lady time" and just as we were about to leave, I noticed someone I knew coming in. Sure enough----it was Lonnie and Renee from church! I've seen them at Koko's before so it was not totally surprising but who was with them? It was Janet! And Karen!!! I had just posted an "old" posting about these two ladies today before leaving for Koko's and here they were! I finally got to meet Karen's husband, Bob, plus another couple who are friends of Lonnie and Renee's. It is Lonnie's 65th birthday, hence, the group outing!

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Karen was just beside herself seeing me, saying she has been pestering Janet ever since they arrived in town today about when she would see me. I mean it, and Kathy heard it, too, she is President of my fan club or something. Karen said she has told so many people in MI about me, about my house, and such. My head is just huge after spending 30 minutes with these ladies, and tomorrow the fun continues! They are coming over so Bob can see my home and the view, and then we are going to lunch. The group asked me to join them for an outing at The Landing but I had to decline as I've been gone so much the past couple days that I am behind in a bunch of things. Tomorrow night is cropping at church so I really need to not be tearing up Jacksonville with this rowdy group! What an incredible, emotional day it was!

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Wish I could have seen Justin in between Bible study and the funeral, but he was working on a rough draft of a paper for literature class. As Pastor admonished us, remember to not leave people with harsh words or actions that you will regret, because you never know if those are the last ones you get to say to your loved ones....Remember to tell people you love them, too, so "I LOVE YOU", and you know who you are!

Changing the name of this posting

Greetings to my newest readers! I am absolutely delighted to have you stopping by to spend A "Day" in the life...........of Kim! By reading through the listings of where readers are from, I have noticed some visitors from as far away as China and I cannot even begin to imagine what they must think of me!?!? Such drivel she writes about (oh, that came out kind of Wisconsin-ish, did it not?)

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So, for the sake of new readers and for those who came in after the curtain went up on this show, I will reprint my first postings, from January, 2008. Please note that after many of the postings from this one forward, there are sometimes "Comments" left by readers. Please click to read the comments and feel free to add your own as you see fit. On the left side of this page you will find a place to click for archives which will also allow you to go all the way back to earliest postings, right around the anniversary time of Timmy's death. Thanks for reading and come back again and again and again!

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Welcome to my first blog! Thanks to Justin, who helped me find a template, I can write to many people at one time and perhaps avoid repeating myself or missing someone with news or information! Also, I love a captive audience!
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This photo of me was taken while standing on the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, Italy, when Justin and I visited there in 2006. The garish jewelry was made for me by Lisa, my niece. It's a pleasure to wear the jewelry made by my family and friends. Today I am wearing the necklace and earrings made by Lori, my sister---red with gold and black swirls, sort of blown-glass looking. Looks wonderful with the lovely ruby red blouse which Mom gave me for CHRISTmas.
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I'm still wearing my church clothes as this evening Justin and I are joining the Hilchey family for dinner at The Capital Grille at the Town Center Mall. We managed to get the first available opening they had for today.
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This is going to be funky week for me (and perhaps my readers as well) as tomorrow marks the 7th anniversary of Timmy's death. I could call it something else but choose to refer to it exactly what it is--death. He left earth, having completed his life's work in the Lord, and now circles the Throne of the Most High singing "Holy, holy, holy" with the saints and angels. Hard to get upset about that, isn't it? What glory he now experiences, while we are left here to carry on the work, to help extend the Kingdom, sharing the Good News of salvation with those who haven't heard yet!
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Timmy's story has a happy ending, and I pray that everyone that reads my blog will have that same happy ending on their last day! Later!

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Monday, January 14, 2008

So far, so good today

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Well, the big day is here---Timmy's anniversary. I've received several cards, e-cards, phone calls plus personal greetings so far today and enjoyed a lovely lunch with the Monday Bible study group. In the arms of my church family, a great place to be today and always!

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I had a nice, long chat with Linda last night which was good for my soul, she is so good for my soul and my heart! We can laugh about the dumbest things. She has plans to go on a cruise in late March but that won't work with my trip to MN at the begining of April. Everything has to happen at once sometimes. I'll try to get some time later in the month to do some scrapbooking with her when I'm in Manty.

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When I stopped by the cemetery today after lunch, I saw the guys closing up a grave over in the "babyland" section, which always saddens me, but moreso today. Someone else is going to feel sorrow like mine for the rest of their lives, but the good news is that the sorrow softens a bit as time goes on. We got told that often early on when Timmy died and I personally have found that to be true. What is also true is that memories fade a bit, something which no one could have ever convinced me would happen.

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What a learning and growing experience this has all been, going to the School of Hard Knocks, sort of. Okay, then, does that mean I've graduated or is there more "homework" required before I can be considered "honed by the fire"? Wait, wait, wait, don't answer that! I learned a valuable lesson back in 2003---don't ask questions you don't want the answer to!!!!

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I am also getting quite excited about the pending visit from the Prange family, coming into town next week. As Timmy would say, "I so 'cited!" Their schedule is already packed but they've invited me to share in much of it with them. Maybe I can work ahead on the newsletter and such but can't do much about the meetings and other committments that happen in the evenings. It will be cool to see what a little man Lucas has become and meet Grace for the first time. Last year she was still in utero for Brent's wedding and we didn't go up north for CHRISTmas this year, so missed meeting Baby Grace in person. I have a new nephew born last fall that I haven't met in person yet, either. I'd better get on the ball!

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That Joanne! She is tooo much! She just called me from Jax Beach to tell me about this fantastic store that screamed "Kim Lahaie Day!!!" when she walked into it. She saw the most lovely dishware, some which looked like the Amalfi Coast or Greek Islands that would be perfect for me. Oh, she was so excited about her find! Jo picked up a stack of brochures to bring back for me but I'll have to wait to get them, as she's heading to Orlando for a Buffini meeting for a couple days...nuts! Nothing to stop me from taking a ride to Jax Beach myself for a first-hand look, right? Don't answer that, and besides, I am off of dish restriction for two years already. Maybe Justin would like to go with me, or would he get me into even more trouble??!!??

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The sky is a lovely blue today, not so overcast as it was yesterday. We got buckets of rain during Bible study but it had cleared up by the time church got out. My car needed a washing anyway! Owen has offered to wash my car and put a nice finish coat on it for me. What a sweetheart he is.....and I knew that before he offered to wash my car! Olivia drives my big red car now and I love being able to get a ride in it every so often.

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Anyway, there is a white bird bobbing about on the river, certainly Joanne knows its name but I just recognize it as a white floating bird. I wonder if water fowl ever get sea sickness.........Later today I might be going to the movies to see The Bucket List with some church ladies and perhaps my heart, Martie. We have to see how she feels after her art class gets out. On Wednesday, the 30th, I am going to the opera, Tosca, but no one else from church wants to go. I've approached Christine to see if she'd like to go, I don't spend nearly enough time with her, since she works not far from her home, not venturing into Jacksonville as much as she used to. She really needs to get out more!!!!!

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This Thursday I am having lunch with Janet and her MI friend, Karen, at The Club and then coming over here to enjoy the view and spend some time together. They are going to help keep me busy so that I don't "dwell" too much, and there is no one like Janet who can keep me busy! She is a such a joy, a treasure in my life!

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You have all probably gotten the e-mail which circulates every so often about how people come into our lives for a Reason, A Season, or A Lifetime. I never want to let go of people, which sometimes adds to my heartache because I CAN'T or WON'T let go, but simply have to believe that people come into my life, personally, at exactly the right time, either for me, or for them! I love the power of the Lord, His mighty, guiding hands!

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Speaking of hands, mine are getting cold, so will close this chapter for now. I don't know what to tell you about the "comments" problem, not sure just what has to be done to leave a comment. Linda's came through just fine last night. I'll have to ask her to walk me through it so those of you who have tried can give it a shot. Thanks for trying, though!

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...serve the Lord with gladness!

What an awesome day it turned out to be!

On the way to choir rehearsal I gave my mom a call to let her know that the "other" Hahm's were moving to Milwaukee, as James accepted his Call to Wisconsin Lutheran High School. This information came through facebook, which I attempted to explain to Mom. Since it was too complicated for over the phone, she is going to ask Alayna to show her on the weekend. I also told Mom about the schoolmates who have reached out to me through facebook already and about Jami going to Las Vegas to reconnect with her classmates for their 40th birthdays. Cool!

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She asked me how my neck, shoulder, and other aches were after the massage and I told her I felt better because Carol said such nice things to me. Mom said she would say nice things to me too so I would feel better, and proceeded to tell me how sweet I am and that she loved me.....I love you, too, Mom!

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Last night at Bible study Leanne was telling me about recently looking through a book of velum quotes that Caroline had in her scrapbook supplies and found one that made her think of me. That is sweet enough, but then she told me what it said: "You make God smile". Wow! Those are mighty big shoes to fill. Today, during my massage treatment, Carol again brought up how much she admires me and my friendships with people. The woman at the registration desk thanked me for referring 10 people to Carol since October of 2007, either my friends or my family, technically they fall into both categories! You are welcome! Carol described me as being the kind of person who, like a boat with a motor, propels through the water, leaving a wake. I have no idea, according to Carol, how my "wake" affects or rubs off on other people. I got quite choked up when she said that because this is not the first time she has offered me such high praise.

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I just LOVE it that the Lord has seen fit to incorporate such wonderful people into my life, now more than ever, and that my friends are able to get to know each other and interact, like Kathy B. and Dee did this past weekend. Dee, Julia, and I spent about an hour this afternoon looking up passages both in the Bible and using the on-line reference I introduced them to, biblegateway.com. This past week I had a great gathering of friends around my table to enjoy comfort foods and company with Linda. All those attending gave rave reviews and are looking forward to the next time. "'Til we meet again...."

Back already!

Jen picked me up at about 7:30 and off we went downtown to Baptist Heart Center. We allowed extra time for the normally heavier traffic but until we got to I-10, it was smooth sailing. Where I-10 merges with I-95 there was a bottleneck but we could remain calm as we had nearly a half hour before her appointment. More like 45 minutes which allowed for the missing of our turn and doing a go-around to get into the parking garage, etc. Once we found the registration desk and got all the info put into the computer, we sat for only a few moments before being called in----20 minutes early!!! We were prepared to sit there and wait our turn since we arrived so far ahead but in we went!

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The test went well and quickly, with the staff being most kind and gracious. I did help Jen get her shirt and bra off and the gown on, and then reversed the process afterward. It was helpful for me to be there with Jen because it was a complicated task with her limited arm movement, it was better to have extra hands. They said the results might be available already today so now we simply wait to hear what the cardiologist has to say. The techs don't say anything about what they see, liability issues and all that stuff.

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Coming back was a breeze and we arrived at Grumpy's in no time at all. Rather than having breakfast, I ordered the meat loaf from the special menu and was sorely disappointed! It was not nearly as good as the meatloaf Sandy made for our comfort foods dinner last week. Might even have been a frozen or pre-packaged entree, but the potatoes and green beans were yummy. And the dinner roll----oh, my goodness! I made arrangements to pick up a half dozen homemade dinner rolls tomorrow morning before I head to Victory for Bible study. Cannot wait!

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So, now I am just waiting until it is time for my massage appointment and the rest of the day is mine to "marinate", what Carol, the massage therapist, says to do after her treatment. I can do that easily and eagerly!