I did not finish my thought....

...on the previous posting! Wednesday night is busy with worship, fellowship and the choir rehearsal. Last night's worship had several visitors including one family visited on Tuesday night on our Outreach calls. The choir introduced an anthem, "What Grace is This!" from the CWS with the congregation joining in for later verses. Our closing hymn was "Now The Light Has Gone Away" and I made it to the third stanza before my pages got wet. "Let my near and dear ones be, safe with you eternally. Oh, bring me and all I love to your happy home above....." Can you ever wish anything better for those you care about???

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Backing up some---Justin came in the afternoon with soda cases for me plus my "old" card table and chairs, but no Chinese food. The table and chairs were a gift on our 5th wedding anniversary, so are almost 30 years old!!! He had used it when living in the condo but now has no need of it. Justin and I opted to have some reheated chicken from Publix for dinner, purchased the night before. He begged off the vacuuming because he was bone-weary from mowing three and a half lawns, and looked it. I gave him a pass, but he did quickly vacuum the area around the cat box after he cleaned it out. That litter is so darn messy! With company coming in the morning, it had to be cleaned up.

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We had a chat, and made some arrangements to attend a rally at The Landing together on the 11th of April in support of the Fair Tax. I imagine my downstairs neighbors will be going, too, if Jeff isn't flying that weekend. We might be able to share a ride and save parking costs and troubles. It is hard to park at The Landing, especially when there is a major event. We would also like to attend another event at UNF but it falls on Good Friday night so that is out. Before long he had to leave to get cleaned up for church, his feet filthy because he wore flip flops while mowing lawns---a big no-no as far as I am concerned. I cautioned him to keep shoes in the car in case he has need of them, like on grass cutting day!!

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Joanne called me as I headed to church to tell me the space shuttle launch was postponed but she decided to take her dad out anyway and enjoy a ride. Now we have to wait until Sunday night to see it go. In the afternoon, once my toes were done, I went to see the ladies at Great Hang Ups, stopping first to get a drink at McDonald's. In line in front of me was Jimmie!!! I pulled up alongside of him and told him I was coming over on Sunday. He is such a terrible homebody that it takes dynamite to move him out so I have to go there if I want to see him. Well, not quite THAT bad, but almost!

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Justin asked me to go to church with him on Saturday night but I have a full day Saturday. This brings me up to what I started yesterday: Friday night is scrapbooking which I am hosting here at home instead of at church. It does not pay for me to haul all my stuff to church and have the same couple ladies show up who come to my house during the week. Let us just do it up here and not have to mess with setting up tables and such. More comfortable in some one's home anyway, in my opinion. Saturday I am being collected at 7:00 a.m. by Judy C. for the LWMS Rally, and we will head to Lake Asbury to pick up Janet and Suzanne. Oh, we are going to have a riot!!!! And hear some wonderful mission news in the process.

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Judy expects us to be back in town by 5:00 p.m. and with a quick turn-around time I will meet another group of church friends for dinner at Ruby Tuesday before going to Grace Episcopal to hear one of our members, Kristi, sing with the Orange Park Chorale. Whew! I expect to be home and in bed by 10:00 pm. Another whew!! Gotta love days like this, the entire day spent with my church family.....but not going to church with Justin....ooops!

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The choir is singing several times on Sunday, including a psalm from the CWS. I am also on for preparing for Holy Communion and clean-up. In the afternoon I will head out to Middleburg with a taco salad in tow, a very popular dish my Middleburg family enjoys. It is a meal in itself, that is for sure. I have some of the ingredients already and will only need to get the lettuce and nacho chips. Justin said he wants to go along but I will not hold my breath, as he gets involved with his buddies and changes his mind. He loves Jimmie and Brenda so I hope he decides to stick to the plan.

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This morning I tried to get my desk mess cleaned up some before my ladies arrived but they got here earlier than I expected. It will have to do! Diane, who is Judy R.'s sister, and Chrissie, Diane's daughter who lives in Mandarin, came over to see my place. Diane was blown away by the view and my decor, and even Chrissie said it looked different in the day time, so much more vivid color-wise. We sat around here a bit before hopping into my car to head to Fleming Island for a late breakfast. It actually became lunch when they saw the menu at Honey B's!

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The ladies declared this restaurant to be a wise choice and I am glad about that. Diane treated Chrissie and me, which was extremely gracious of her. My meal was a meatloaf sandwich on "marble rye" with homemade fries as the side dish. For dessert we ordered bread pudding for me, and chocolate peanut butter pie for the other two ladies. Christine S. had cautioned me once, because I never had that type of pie before, do not start!!!! I do enjoy my bread pudding so I won't even miss the pie!

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We spent the rest of our time driving through Eagle Harbor and looking at the lovely homes, many of which I was involved in building. Diane expressed a desire to see some pretty homes and her wish was granted. I wish we had more time but they are expecting guests from out-of-town today for Chrissie's wedding on Saturday so wanted to get home to clean real quick before guests arrived. I am excited and pleased for Chrissie and Jerry, because they will have so many family members around for the big day. I am sad I cannot make it, but asked them to please, go ahead without me!

The rest of the week

As I am sitting here, I was at first startled to see someone looking back at me---me! Normally I keep my doors closed in order to hold in the heat, but with the improved weather, all the doors now stand open so fresh air can circulate freely. But, there, across the river room, is a reflection of me in the French doors! I'm over it now...

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Since I was unable to get my toes taken care of Saturday, today might be the day. Helen called yesterday to see if I was coming in but I put it off until today since Christine was coming Tuesday afternoon. After the toes, I will go up to Great Hang Ups to see the ladies and have a chat. Sometimes Facebook visits are not enough, you know?? Again the river is smooth with only a few boats on the water, right now a couple barges are making their way southbound. I am wondering how long it will be before the manatee show up again. My pastor's daughter wants to see one so when I spot their return, will be sure to let her know so she can see them at their finest!

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Justin is buying me dinner again tonight and is coming to do his cleaning for me. He asked me for some new shorts because since he has been working on the jobsites, he is losing weight and his shorts fall down. He made a joke of it: says he lost his *** during the recession! Yes, I laughed, but wondered how come my pants are not falling down!!! When he is here, he likes to sit on my exercise bike but only after moving the seat back as far as it will go. I simply cannot get the seat back into place for my own use. I can reach the pedals now, but must fully extend my tippy toes to make them go around. He told me over the phone what to do to move it up but no dice. I have wiggled, wrestled, jerked, pushed, pulled, got my work out another way than on the bike!

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Judy J. has a lady friend in town so does not have time to play with us. This worked out great anyway as last night we did Outreach visits rather than have Bible study. We went off in two teams, Debbie with me, as she is in training. Given four places to visit, we only made two of them. I simply do not like going to people's doors after dark, knowing they are likely getting kids off to bed, etc. or hesitant about opening the door to "strangers" after 8:30 at night. The two we did reach though were good visits and I will try to see the other two today sometime. Boy, where did the morning go already??

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Well, I am back--finally! I kept my appointment with Helen and came away with groomed, polished toes. In the midst of my pedicure, my sister-in-law, Mona, called and since it could have been news about Arno, I answered it. She had other stuff to discuss, however, and I realized later we never even discussed him! She had some other matters to discuss with me which seemed to take precedence. It pleases me that she would consider bouncing things off of me, and I must get back to her later on.

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Joanne just blew in and out, as she is taking her dad down the coast to watch the space shuttle launch. We pray the skies stay clean and no mechanical problems interfere. Her dad worked for much of his career as a NASA scientist, choosing the chimps as well as the first team who were trained, i.e., "The Right Stuff". Cool, eh? I hope he enjoys himself, but at least they will get a nice ride out of it!

Who needs Seinfeld???

I cannot believe I just "said" that! The past couple days I have found myself laughing right out loud, in my house, all by myself....Are the white coats coming soon?? My friend, Suzanne, has posted some hysterical stories which caused the outbursts, including one which was simply a reply to my comment: I had questioned the placing of a can of worms (which should never be opened....) in the refrigerator on their recent camping trip. Somehow the worms escaped from the container inside the fridge and were running wildly through the camper....as only worms can run. When I asked her about having worms in the fridge, she replied, "worms in the fridge are like bats in a coffee maker!", and the laughing began....Very very funny, Suzanne, you made my day!

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While I was laughing, my friend, Linda J. was doing the opposite. One of the male teachers from my grade school, F. G., has accepted a Call to serve the area Lutheran high school. While the comfort is that the family remains in the area and as members of F. G., he will no longer be part of the heart at school. Linda might need some counseling time in Florida and is welcome to bring anyone else who needs it with her!!!

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I am on a commercial kick this week, I guess. On the radio, an ad plays where a dad is trying to discuss drugs with his teen aged son. Every time the father issues a caution, the boy replies, flatly, "I know, Dad, I know", over and over. At the end of the ad, the voice-over suggests that when kids are teenagers, they already know everything, so talk with your kids about drugs before they know everything. I like this ad, at least the first 400 times it plays!

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Rosalie, my friend in Houston, wrote a lovely comment on a posting from earlier this week and gave me a warm, fuzzy feeling. She was the secretary at G. S. when we moved to Florida and was one of our very first contacts here. Before moving, we checked for availability of WELS churches and found the one of which I am still a member! Her hubby and she were extremely dedicated members and did much to maintain the appearance of our grounds and property. She uses her abilities yet in many capacities at her church in Houston, even though she is laid up with a bad foot. Rosalie was extremely helpful when Timmy died, as she drove from Houston to Florida to be with us, helped assemble the service folders, drove Mom around on errands and kept her mind busy, and took folks to the airport and picked up, too. Thanks, Rosalie!

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Tomorrow is the day my friend, Judy R., has her procedure and the prayers of those who know her, and of those who do not, are appreciated. They will hopefully have prayers of thanksgiving as the surgeon finds it a simple fix, for his skilled hands as he performs her surgery, and strength for JerBear as he waits outside. She said he is being a trouper, a solid support for her at this time. I expected nothing less!

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Jusy (not a misspelling): I will be thinking about you tonight when the space shuttle launches! We saw it together in November from my river room!!!!

I know I have been a slacker

A couple folks have prompted me to write more postings, and now that the paperwork and Court situation is sort of over for awhile, I can dedicate more time to this. I am behind in my reading of others blogs and do apologize for this, my friends, and will get caught up shortly----the only way I can! Ha ha ha....

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Over the weekend and on Monday, the F & F folks were replaying a fake commercial they made, poking fun of the Snuggies, supposedly low budget advertisement on TV. Linda J. ordered a couple but I never heard how they were working out. Even Justin mocked those ads, claiming the family wearing them in the stands at a sporting event look like "cult members". Well, the F & F team all sported their Snuggies for their version of the ad, doing the weather report, wrestling with the cell phone while using a regular blanket, adjusting the thermostat, etc. Evidently the Oprah Show caught wind of the mockery and mentioned it on her program. Funny! Apparently the man who marketed this product has made millions from his blanket with arms, and what can I say but, "Good for him!"

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As I waited for the sun to come up this a.m. I read my "Grandma" book and it was again loaded with wisdom. Let me just say this---if I cannot have my friend, Judy R., under my roof in person, she is certainly here in this book! When I picked up the already opened book, which was face down on my bed, the first passage that reached me was "and we know all things work together for the good of those who love God, those who are called according to His purpose." What more did I need to read? Truthfully, about three more chapters, but it just kept getting better, more 'right on' for the circumstances surrounding me.

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Suzanne wrote the other day about how she thought of me during a reading from Isaiah in our Lenten bulletin (sorry, I simply cannot find my service folder to reference it..). She remarked about how it seems that every time we hear or read the Word, it is exactly perfect for what we are experiencing, or someone else's woes or joys. The hymns work the same way and offer great comfort and support to His children. Another passage on the same page is from my future funeral chapter, Philippians 4: "I have learned to be content in all things." I hope that is so!

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Is there a worse smell than a stinky dish cloth? NO, I say, NO! Well, except perhaps rotten potatoes or a meat package in the wastebasket too long. But the potato and meat smell is not normally on one's hands like the dish cloth is. Whew! I have washed them a couple times and yet the stink remains. This must mean it is getting to be spring or even summer! My house thermometer reads 77 above zero but is warmer here in the window with the sun shining on me. Outside temp is in low 80's. Both doors are open to allow the fresh air to flow through but my slippers keep my feet toasty. Cannot stand cold feet!

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Butch, the handyman who is coming to make the plumbing corrections and re-install came this a.m. to get the pick-up ticket for Lowe's. He is going to unload another person's purchases first, then go get mine and plans to start here midweek next week. I must tell Joanne so she has her belongings moved, although Butch assured me he is "discreet" with people's things. I wonder what that means??? Just before he left Butch made a note to pick up the new valve and pipe he needs, and said he did not want to forget those things. Especially NOT since that is the major reason for tearing the whole works apart in the first place! When the plumbing was done originally in our Units, I wonder if the plans did not take into account the fact that some day we would have to access those valves.....???

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This afternoon my friend, Christine S., part of my Middleburg family, is coming over for a chat. She has an appointment nearby and the timing was perfect for a "pop-by". We were together last Thursday but with a group around, it is more difficult to just visit. Joanne and I were talking about doing some cleaning, but I expect Justin to be coming this week to take care of a few things. I like to do the dusting but have so many little things to mess with, making avoiding it easier than actually doing it. How in the world does it get so dusty up here in the first place? Really. How does dust get up here to the third floor, seemingly overnight? It will be worse now with the doors open. Perhaps it is pollen and not actual dust....since my car is always coated with it.

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On Thursday, another Christine (Chrissie) and her mom, Diane, who is Judy R.'s sister, are coming over to see my place and have breakfast. This is also the same day as Judy's procedure so I am glad we three will be together during the time that Judy is in surgery. We will distract and focus each other as needed! Chrissie is getting married on Saturday and sadly, I have other plans that day. Our LWMS Rally is in Ocala and I will be gone all day for that. In the evening our member, Kristi, is in a concert at Grace Episcopal right around the corner from me, and Kathy B. wants to meet for dinner before the concert. I might not be back here until 5:00 pm so it might be tight schedule-wise. Like I said the other day, it stinks to be me. But not like the dish cloth!

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Ladies' Group last night was fantastic, with 11 people there instead of our usual 5-6. Yippee! Even some of the young ladies came, those with ambition and good ideas. Our calendar of events became quite full and my job as promoter or marketer must begin soon so we can get lots of involvement for these things. Again, yippee!!! Just prior to the meeting, Joanne called from her office and insisted we go to Cracker Barrel for comfort food, because she knew I was upset after the hearing. Even though I had a roll with summer sausage on it not too long ago, I agreed to go. It is that "turning off the stove and go" attitude.....She nicely treated me to my favorite meal, which I am only this minute finishing, of meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans, and corn. Half came home with me, or with her, as the case might be, for me to enjoy for lunch today!

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Last night, after getting done with our meeting in record breaking time, I returned a call from my sister, which had come during the meeting. She was wondering how I was and all that, rehashing the events of the hearing yet once more. Lori said she had prayed for me, and for Justin, which is heart-warming. In talking with folks, there is scarcely anyone is untouched by this economic meltdown, whether they are business owners or grocery baggers. We had a great visit on the phone, so we do not forget the sound of each other's voices, as Tommy cautioned might happen with e-mail. They had a house concert Sunday night featuring Celtic music this time, and had a wonderful time in spite of inclement weather. Lori also told about how they sort of redecorated their family room with three colors of paint, one which has stones in it! Hmmm, I wonder if David would come down here and do that for me...........

Expectations, sometimes dashed

This was a most excellent morning, although sleeping and waking have been disrupted, in no small part due to the time change. Wow! And I hear it is not just Joanne and me having troubles. I want to stay all day in bed and then I realize it really is time to get up! Joanne was sitting and watching the news when I went out in the family room to chat. All of a sudden she had to fly, realizing it was time for her to get to work for a meeting. No shower for her today!

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Sunday at church, I was talking with my friend, Jennifer, about her family's trip to the zoo Saturday. Her hubby was excited to see the komodo dragon which I think is a new exhibit and was hyped to their kids. When the little guy, Caleb, actually saw the dragon which his dad was so excited about, he was greatly disappointed, because Caleb expected something bigger, greater, scarier, or whatever, other than what he saw. Hmmmm.....expectations.

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At lunch that same day, Kathy B. was talking with Lynn and Pastor about going to the big aquarium in Atlanta. They had been there, too, on vacation, and had good memories of the experience. Kathy told about hearing so many wonderful things about the penguin exhibit, how there is place where you stick your head and are surrounded by penguins as you look around. Well, it was not a very large place allowed for viewing and Kathy was so surprised at how short the penguins were! She took some teasing about how TV and movies only make them look taller, and such, but in fact, her expectations about the penguins and their exhibit were not met....expectations again!

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Many years ago a movie came out, "Shrek", and it was wildly touted as being a great movie. Justin and I watched it from the hotel room in Las Vegas on CHRISTmas Day, 2001, while his dad slept the day away, not feeling well. Justin and I found it quite amusing, especially the part about the "gum drop buttons" and "do you know the Muffin Man?" It was hyped so much to Pete that when he finally did see it, the movie did not live up to his expectations. He was, like, "What? I didn't think it was so funny" when others thought it was hysterical. I do not think I would find the entire movie to be so good but those couple of scenes just tear me up. I think it reminds me of the "old" Saturday Night Live character, Mr. Bill. Anyway, the expectation of loving that movie was not met.

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And, such is life!

I like cauliflower!

Okay, get up off the floor, it is not such a shock! Since my appetite is a bit challenged today, my search through the fridge brought nothing of interest except for the leftover cauliflower from Thursday's dinner. My dish of corned beef, cabbage and carrots was scooped into a zip lock bag (I want to shake the hand of the person who invented them!) and is in the freezer. Justin will not turn down anything, because, even if he does not eat something, one of his friends might! This dish, though, is one of his favorite that I make so my guess is he will eat it himself or at least share.

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Last night Joanne went through and purged the fridge of things which were no longer recognizable or good so it is nice and bare again. Justin has money to pick up a 24-pack of soda for me at Publix because they are having a sale. I hope he remembers to grab it on his way over here....Tonight there is a ladies' group meeting, our make-up meeting from last week, and I hope we have a good turnout. Before leaving this a.m. I sent out a reminder notice and hopefully those at Bible study discussed it as well. Strangely enough I would just as soon stay home and reflect some but it is probably best to go off and hang with my buds instead.

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While I was waiting at the Court house on a bench in the hallway, people kept walking up and down the hall, marked "Quiet Zone" but the shoes, both men's and women's, made such racket on the floor, oh my! At one point at the far end of the hall, I heard a door open and a young lady threw herself onto a bench and sobbed her heart out. It took all of me not to go down there to see what was the problem but I kept my seat. Before too long another couple people came out and there were more tears as they spoke with a man who I think is the attorney. From what I gathered, some one was sentenced, possibly a shooting incident, and the family of the shooter was upset. I am glad to not have gone down there to offer consolation, not knowing the entire story. And yes, I know, it was not my business. But seeing and hearing the upset really helps to put things into perspective.

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At church yesterday one of the ladies who regularly substitute taught in the government schools received a phone call from the schools where she worked to inform her that her services were no longer required. Over 400 teachers were "surplussed" last week which resulted in a protest rally over the weekend to bring attention to the problem. Picketers were at Blanding and Kingsley, a high visibility site. Evidently, the plan is when a teacher is out sick or for another reason, the kids from that class are put into another teacher's classroom instead of having a sub. Imagine that! Other teachers I know of are sweating, waiting for the other shoe to fall, at risk of losing their jobs. Stinks!

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It is a gorgeous day today weather-wise, in the 80's and sunshining. Suzanne reports smelling flowers and I observed blooming azaleas all along the streets. The water fowl are out and about but no sign of the lephechaun yet today. The camera is ready, in case I spot it bobbing on the water. I think I will take a nap now.........

Prayers are answered but....

....hearts are aching. As a result of sitting in chambers with the Judge for a more than 30 minute hearing, upon weighing the testimony, he did rule in my favor, but at a substantial reduction in the amount of alimony. I do not want to discuss it right now, my emotions are a bit raw. It was tough seeing and hearing how badly the market and decision making has affected my former business, my friends, my former co-workers, and probably my son....I just can't talk about it right now. But, many thanks for the great support offered and I ask for more prayers that this market comes back sooner rather than later to preserve the jobs and incomes of others in this real estate market........