Things are quiet, "heron" the river!

Get it? There is a great blue heron perched on the concrete 'flower pot' which supports the palm trees in the basin, standing first on one leg, and then the other. It appears as though he is casing the joint, looking into the water for the best, the juiciest fish to nab for breakfast. Joanne was telling us at dinner the other night how the herons eat their catch head first. She has much more patience bird watching than I would because I have never seen the herons eat their catch!

A great blue sitting on the rocks outside my condo

*

This early morning I woke up abruptly from a dream and at just the right time. Yes, another dream story to start your day! In my life and living, I am pretty much surrounded by people in the building and real estate businesses, which naturally affords itself of talking shop. I did have quite the conversation around the pool late afternoon Saturday with some of my neighbors, one of whom has his condo for sale and the other, Miss Chardonnay, who is a Realtor.

*

In my dream, I somehow got the key for a house for sale in Manitowoc, on N. 8th Street, a two-story older home with a basement. It was evening when I let myself in and decided this was the house for me! There was no Realtor with me, just let myself in. But that vinyl floor in the kitchen just had to go, and I pulled out my trusty razor knife and starting cutting away. About half of it got pulled up when I decided to mark the walls for where I wanted the cabinets installed. I think this came from looking at the Money Pages coupon magazine at the display for the people who make-over garages with spongy floors and organize tools, etc. By the time I got done with my make-over of the house, I found myself in the front room of the house. Much to my surprise, there was an office set-up with people working at desks, the real owners of the house!!!

*

I explained that I had gotten a key and wanted to buy the house, but I did not know how much it was (sounds just like me!). They put their heads together and came up with a price. It was not out of line, probably more than a house like that in Manitowoc usually cost, and I pulled out my check-book.

*

BUT, here's the turn of the plot, it was time for me to be at work!!!! I had to get going and nothing, nothing, would allow me to get to work on time! Oh, that level of frustration runs rampant through my dreams, running in quick sand. My impulse was to write these people a check for the full amount of the house but then reason kicked in, telling me to give only a downpayment. At this point, they did not know I had begun renovations already. My wallpaper man was busy in the kitchen trying to install a border but the wall was so out of square that the border ran up and down instead of across....

*

Meanwhile, I was digging through my purse trying to find the key card to let myself into work ( I was trying to get to Shady Lane using my Sprint key card!). At one point in my dream, I wanted the Sellers to notice the crooked walls without my telling them so I put two dead roaches in the corner to draw their attention to it. Certainly it would have been rude of me to point out the flaws directly....So, I woke up in full-frustration mode, ready for the day!

*

I hear the A/C running which means the temperature in my home must be about 79 degrees, which is a good sign for what the day brings. Justin is going to church with me but will not be staying for the meeting afterward. He is taking advantage of staying at his father's house further down the river, entertaining his friends, cooking out, jet skiing, watching TV....I hope he remembered to bring church clothes along with him. I have to chuckle about him as he has become a huge fan of Kohl's! Many many years ago, our friend, Pete, said there is no other place to shop than Kohl's, and that was before the chain moved to Florida! Justin is quite the sales shopper and since he has lost about 60 pounds, has become the clothes horse. Or pony, as the case might be!

*

On Fox and Friends, the very first thing I heard when regaining consciousness this a.m. was a breaking news story about how long it takes women to get ready for the day. What? That is what passes as news today? I heard this yesterday already, warmed over non-news, ugh! But wait, it gets worse----supposedly a study somewhere, probably from the streets of New Jersey (sorry readers from NJ!), "proves" that cursing and swearing are helpful in dealing with situations and with pain. Really? Supposedly, again, if you burn your hand, curse, and thrust it into ice water, you will get relief quicker than the person who does not stoop to cursing or filthy words. Next these words will be showing up on spelling tests or on the FCATs, changing the entire meaning of the acronym!

*

Hopefully the space shuttle will launch this evening, and Joanne will miss it! She is now staying at the beach house more than here with me, but will be in Bible study during the launch. I will have to watch it for her!

Kim is in the house!!!

It is not as exciting as when Elvis is in the house, however. Once more, the cloudy, rainy weather prevents my being able to play outside, although, I just noticed that at this moment, it is not pouring. Wait a minute----that is my signal to go outside!

*

Here I am, back from my brief time outside at the mostly sunny pool. Several of my neighbors were out there, soaking up the sun after days without it. How great it felt to be out and about again, although only a week ago I was down there. I had my usual hot dog with pasta salad side dish. Marlena, the lady who works with the cook in the cabana had already defrosted a hot dog for me, half expecting "Miss Kim" to be coming down for one. The wonderful aroma of hamburgers being fried makes its way to my front doors, making me think of being on a cruise! Mmmmm! Those that went into the water found it quite chilly because of all the recent rains, including the shower that took place late morning.

*

Sheila and I, and her little granddaughter, went to clean up at church this morning. When we pulled up at church, Carol D. was busy with the loppers, trimming the Mexican sunflowers along the front of the building. She wanted the church to look nice for Vacation Bible School next week, starting Monday. It is so nice to have a partner for church cleaning again because it was hard on my back the days that I had to clean. Sheila grabs the vacuum cleaner, and me, the Pledge, and away we go!

*

We went to have a little brunch afterward, because I try to spoil Sheila a little bit since she has a rough go of it, especially since she is older than me, raising a three-year-old girl! Believe it if you will, I had a BLT for my lunch! Tomatoes are not really my favorite but they have their place, and today, it was in my sandwich! My fries went home with Akelia as did half of Sheila's breakfast, which means at least one more meal for them. Every little bit helps in their case. After I got them dropped off again, I came back home, in the pouring rain. Timing was everything and we timed that just right.

*

On the way over to pick up Sheila today, I saw something on the street in front of The Club, and noticed a car parked the wrong way with the driver's door opened. Two ladies were bending over a woman who was lying on the sidewalk. I turned around and came back, asking them if they needed an ambulance. The ladies said they already called for one, so as I turned around once more, I met the squad and a fire truck coming. I am not sure what happened but the lady seemed to be in walking clothes and shoes, perhaps she tripped or just pooped out. I hope she will be okay, and I am thankful the other two ladies stopped to lend her a hand and call for help.

*

Presently there is no rain and boats are dashing about on the river while the sun shines. The space shuttle launch scheduled for this evening has been postponed until at least tomorrow, pending the discovery of any damage from the recent lightning strikes. We have had more than a normal share of lightning this past week and as long as the shuttle has been rolled out on the launch pad, it was vulnerable, to be sure. I simply love those night time launches and do hope it will go tomorrow evening!

Listening to music as the sun shines

Yes, the sun is shining, for now, anyway! The soothing hymns from the CW Supplement waft as I write in the warmth. Warmth from inside and out! Last night during our dinner, actually, just as ladies were arriving, the heavens opened once more and lightning flashed outside the windows. Martie's granddaughter was with her, Allissa's first visit here. She was impressed with the view, between rains drops, and said it would be a great place from which to take pictures. Yes, truly it is!

This is a sunrise shot taken in November of 2008

*

We had a lesser numbered group last night for various and sundry reasons but just as much fun as we would with a tableful. I am most happy when the table is crowded with faces but intimate gatherings are nice as well. A couple of the ladies were not feeling well, another had been in a car accident the day before and besides everything else, had to be driven around like Miss Daisy, and I think Miss Betty is still with her son in MI. Anyway, our menu was complete nonetheless with chicken, hot dogs, baked beans, my German potato salad, watermelon, and peach pie for dessert. Picnic perfect!

*

The sun is shining at present but clouds are moving in, as the weather map showed continued storms through the weekend. This forecast changed since earlier in the week because originally both Saturday and Sunday were clear. Our low temps, which are other people's high temperatures, are frighteningly chilly, around 72, right now during this stormy week. Remember, those who scoff about that being chilly--that is a long way from 95 degrees. That is why I quit picking on those of you who find 72 to be warm, because 72 above zero is a long way from -20! I am sorry!

*

It is a good thing that I am not in a room on the "front" of the building because the workers are busy out there, grinding and tapping the stucco and such, to prep for painting. Joanne said she heard them out there very early this a.m., chipping away at the windows of her room. She stayed here last night because of the dinner and such but plans to stay at the beach house tonight. I told her I would not wait up for her and she laughed! The elevator is also down for maintenence until about 10:30 a.m. so we know I won't be going anywhere until then!

*

Actually, I am not expected at Great Hang Ups until about 11:00 a.m. as I am going up there to help dust. Julia hates to dust and I like to do it, in the shop, at least. Justin is coming over early afternoon to spend time with me for a couple hours today so I will slip away in order to hang out with him. He is also going to church with me on Sunday as he is staying on the Island until his father gets back from WI. Oh, that reminds me, I had better send an e-mail....I will be right back!

*

My sis-in-law, Nancy, with her two kids and their friends, are coming down for a visit some time next week. She is planning to drive, and being the only driver, thinks it will take a couple days to make the trip. Not something I would look forward to, that is for sure, not with 4 teens along! Hopefully we will have some time to spend together but mostly they are going to be at her brother's and doing the tourist thing. My nephew, Kevin, has written to me about coming down here in November with his two friends and wonders if I would take them in, if they decide to stay with me vs. his uncle. Of course, I will, I have a vacancy at Day's Inn, just so long as it does not interfere with Linda's visit! My feelings will not be hurt if they stay at his uncle's house though, there is so much more "young adult entertainment" to be had there than here, that is for sure! Something tells me these 30+ aged guys are not scrapbookers! "Are you a scrapper?"

Crying over spilled marsala sauce!

If I didn't have ants before, I surely will now! While I was preparing my potatoes for boiling, making them into German potato salad later, I reheated my leftovers from dinner at Carrabba's last Friday night. It appalls my friends that I use the actual container to re-heat and I guess I can understand their dismay---it melts! When I got to my desk with the foam container, I realized there was a small hole in the bottom. Wisely, I flipped the box end for end, so the food would be in the cover portion of the container. WHAT A MESS! The juice from the meat as well as the marsala sauce splashed all over my desk, on my papers and in between them. Ugh! Such a good smelling desk, though......I transferred, more carefully this time, the whole works to a glass plate which allowed me to cut the steak with a knife and not make more mess! Got floss???

*

It is just pouring out there, I cannot view Mandarin from this post. This a.m. should have been water aerobics but when I looked out the door, I did not spot anyone bobbing in the pool. Whether or not it was officially cancelled or if no one showed up, I do not know, but the weather was sooo iffy, I vote "no"! If the sun is not out there first, I am not out there, and with the rain showers coming and going most of the day, I opted to get showered and dressed instead. Joanne called me to report she walked a mile on the beach, as she stayed at her new digs last night. She asked if I was jealous and I said I was not jealous about walking but would not mind sitting on the beach watching her walk! She will be here tonight for the dinner and I am going to put her beans into the oven so they are ready when people come.

*

Justin and I had lunch yesterday, as I noted earlier, and he is such a character! He can do an imitation of the famous interview of Michael Jackson a few years ago, where the singer tells of sitting on the bed with little boys, eating milk and cookies in front of the fire, "it's so sweet...". Justin did his imitation before the chef came to the table and I was just laughing my head off! The others at the table wanted a sip of whatever I was drinking....only soda, I promise!

*

Then, out of the blue, Justin brought up the subject of the book I am writing. He asked me if I was willing to change the book. I asked, cautiously, just how I could change it, as he has not read it. (Only one other person on this earth has done so....) His suggestion is that I write a book about myself, and when I looked questioning, he added, "because you have done so much." He went on to say I could incorporate Timmy's story into mine, which, of course, would happen anyway. Justin thought I could write about what happened before and after in our family. Really? Well, I did not totally discount what he suggested but I think I will continue with the book the way it is for now. He thinks I should be a writer like Francis Mayes, that is what he told me yesterday, anyway. Maybe HE should be a writer and tell my story from his perspective---wait, NOOOO!!!!!!!

*

Tuesday after Kathy's mother's funeral service, I came home and was pondering a few things, naturally. A couple ladies I want to hear/see the video tape of Timmy's funeral service have refused, saying they could not bear it, but I so want them to hear the wonderful message delivered that day in the sermon. The music and singing were one part, the sermon the other. So, I sat down and sent a request to my friend, Pete Prange, to see if he still had the text in his computer files, and if so, would he mind sharing it with me. Within the hour, it was in my computer! As soon as I opened it, the tears began and I was an emotional mess, but a good mess. Not like the one on my desk at the moment.

*

p.s. Friday now, and what smelled so good yesterday when splattered on my papers and desk does NOT smell as good the second day-----guess I will need to take care of some paperwork soon!

Now that is more like it!

Nearly my entire day was spent in the company of friends/family on Wednesday, from sunrise to almost 11:00 pm!!! Love it!

*

The morning began with bacon being fried and a recipe for baked beans pressed into service, using beans which I do not recognize. I am sure it will be delicious and I probably would have been better off not seeing what Joanne was putting in her kettle! It does taste good so I can get past the funky beans she used. Now that I think about it, I wonder what kind of beans are used in the canned stuff I buy??

*

All of a sudden, Joanne had to fly out of here for a conference call at her office so I assured her that I would take care of the cleaning up of the kitchen which she had already begun. After all, she was cooking bacon for my recipe as well. It did not take me long to get things polished up and I was back to my computer. Justin contacted me via IM to let me know he was stuck inside due to the pouring rain so we agreed to meet for lunch at Koko's. He got there first and I found him in by the ladies' at Great Hang Ups. Dee had been on vacation and ours did an overlap thing, if you recall, so it was wonderful to see her again.

*

Justin and I enjoyed our lunch, and of course, I have a nice box with at least two more meals leftover which I brought home with me. He was going back to work, to clean out one of the offices in the lower level of the building, since he could not cut grass or pull weeds. I spent some time after lunch with the ladies and then stopped for groceries at Publix. The soda deal was still going on so I stocked up on the 12-packs as well as other things I needed, forgetting to buy butter. Nuts! At least I have soda! Publix was carrying Diet Coke, 5 12-packs for $12---a real steal! Makes for a very difficult pushing of the cart, though!

*

Justin is house sitting/dog sitting at his father's house for about a week. He is going to squeeze in some time to spend with me on Friday so I will have to come up with a plan for us. I cannot compete with the Taj Mahal's bells and whistles that he is enjoying this week so will have to come up with something exciting for us to do---I know! "Seinfeld" episodes!!! Nah, we really do not need all that much to stimulate conversation between, as George Costanza would say, "We communicate with long, soulful silences....". I just saw that episode on TV the other night and that really makes me laugh!!! Trust me, there is little silence when Justin and I are in the room!

*

Pastor called me as I was unloading my groceries, telling me the weather would prevent our going canvassing Wednesday night, but wondered if I would be available to come before choir rehearsal for a Companions meeting. I explained that I had already made plans with Kathy B. for dinner. I was excused, then. Kathy and I met at our Longhorn near church where the Monday Bible study ladies dine when class is in session. We enjoyed our meal and gave us a chance to just chat now that her mom's funeral is completed, the body being shipped to her hometown in MS.

*

We arrived for choir a few minutes early as Pastor and Debbie were finishing up their Companions visit. We had a nice group of ladies (Brian is in NJ for the summer) present to do a run-through of one of our new liturgies and practice a hymn which we are going to sing a capella at some point down the road. We are getting sooo brave!!!

*

Once choir was over, Suzanne, Kathy and I went to get an ice cream treat from the Dairy Queen on Blanding. I pursuaded the ladies into sitting at the tables outside---they were concerned it would be too hot out there. This proved to not be the case and even Suzanne admitted to being a little chilly. It was "only" 75 degrees when I finally went home, which, Linda, is NOT tank-top weather! We talked and laughed and talked some more, watching the race-track traffic on Blanding until well after 10:00 pm.

*

When we walked to our cars, Suzanne wanted us to hear a song she had on a CD from a member at Keystone Heights church. The artist is Tressa Jordon and has a radio show and local TV show in Nashville. She plays bluegrass-style music and her daddy, who is a member at this same church, is encouraging Suzanne to take up the violin/fiddle so they can have a hoe-down together. Kathy came up with the big idea of having a bonfire gathering at some point and have the musicians from both congregations provide the musical entertainment. Sounds like an amazing idea to me--let's make it so!

Part of Jenny's blog challenge

I am following the lead of Suzanne, who is, in turn, following the lead of her blogging friend and neighbor, Jenny. The challenge was to go to my photo page, choosing the sixth file in, and click on the sixth photo in the file, and write something about it! Thank goodness that the sixth picture was so wonderful a source for material!!!

This is a photo taken on the last day that Lynn, Lisa, Noah, Gabe and Manny were with us in Orange Park, after spending a week enjoying the liquid sunshine Tropical Storm Fay brought with it. Noah's first visit to my home and this is what he gets! I have assured Noah that the miserable weather at CHRISTmas last year more than makes up for the storm we had during his visit here, August, 2008.

Manny is such a sweet talker and he appears to be doing just that as he holds his mom's attention while she reclines on the loveseat. The partner photographs show Justin sitting alongside of Lisa, and Gabe, on the floor right in front of them.

Okay, this is enough already!

No, I am done lamenting about the abominable adoration of a child-molester---I am lamenting there is no sunshine again today! When there is nothing else to talk about, we can always discuss the weather, right? Weather matters here in Florida, at least for me it does, but I am not a farmer, or a fisherman, or a landscaper, or a framer, or a roofer. Let me think: who would consider three days of rain and gloomy skies to be a blessing? Fire fighters perhaps, since some areas are in high fire danger? Umbrella salesmen? Boots and rainwear purveyors? Certainly not the fellows attempting to seal and paint my building!

*

On the "bright" side, my house smells awesome because Joanne is busy in the kitchen, frying bacon for her special baked bean recipe. Tomorrow is our monthly dinner, postponed from last week due to many having previous commitments. Our theme is "Picnic" for which I am making German potato salad with hot bacon dressing. As long as she is cooking bacon, she is going to make enough for me, too! Only one mess to clean up that way, and ooohhh, my---does it smell good in here! When Noah was here last August, he made bacon and it was the first time, I think, that smell was in my house! I told Mona I wanted a candle that smelled like bacon frying and she said that smell all the time would make her gag. Her claim was that it smells good at first but if it lingers, it just smells like hot fat! I am familiar with THAT smell!!!

*

Years ago when I attended a Writer's Conference, one of the speakers in a class was an editor for one of the houses in New York. She reported that the worst invention ever was the "tool" on a computer called "Spell Check"! For an editor, it is a nightmare because writers will rely on hitting Spell Check for catching spelling errors, which it will, but it does not catch usage errors (as an example: knot, not) that will totally change the piece. (Piece, peace). It makes writers lazy and editors crazy! The reason this came to mind was it seems that my Spell Check is on the fritz, marking as "misspelled" words which are not. On this computer, the error is highlighted in yellow, and as one moves the cursor over the error, the correct word choices drop down for the writer to pick from. Lately, when it highlights something and I go to look at it, the word is actually correct the way it is. Hmmm, what is up with that? I hate to be argued with in the first place, and mostly, when I am NOT wrong. Really, who does?

*

My sister, Kerry, gave me my laugh of the morning, writing me very early from Oshkosh. It seems she had enjoyed a lovely, quiet evening at home last night and was sleeping peacefully when someone in her apartment building saw fit to pull the fire alarm! She had to stand in the parking lot while firemen and police searched the building for a problem, fortunately having the presence of mind to grab a blanket on the way out the door. It is quite a bit colder in Oshkosh than in O. P., you know, about 20 degrees cooler there than where I live, and especially at 1:30 a.m.! I would have been upset, too! Less than 30 minutes later she was allowed back inside but then it was not possible for her to find sleep again. The thing which made me laugh is when she reported being very crabby this a.m., even her feet were crabby! Must be hard to get shoes on "crabby" feet!!!!