I am too tired to write tonight

It is thundering and lightning and raining, which makes me want to just go to sleep. Especially since I did not get a rest today with my busy afternoon. First to the doctor where I got to listen to the staff enjoying their lunch break in the front office when I was in the waiting area. They sounded like a fun bunch to me! I met my new doctor, named Betsy, who was more like a kid than a doctor. But, boy, she knew her stuff and checked me over from head to toe. Very thorough but also very fun. But what is in store for me down the road? Yes, Jill, I am following your good example (and Mom and Lynn's) of getting the *gulp* dreaded colonoscopy done. My Little Marine, Judy J., will be so proud of me and might even insist on taking me and picking me up again. Instead, though, I think I will ask Justin to be my caretaker for this, in case I need to lean on someone "durable".

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One of the fun things from the doctor visit was presenting my sheet of paper from Life Line Screening which detailed the results of all the tests they ran, which were highlighted colorfully on the page, in columns. Right down the line the readings indicated "normal, normal, normal,..." as Betsy followed them down. When she got to the one that read, "Desirable", I told her, "Yes, I tested positive for desirable..." and how the three of us laughed. Her MA was in the room, too, getting a kick out of us. I also told the doctor how I am the new "normal" and she got a kick out of that, too.

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She is all about skin health and breast health, too, and wants me to come back again so she can remove a mess of my skin tags and beauty marks. She also soon figured out that I spend time poolside as she could see the residual affects of my tan line. She asked me if I had anyone at home who could help apply sunscreen and I sadly told her I did not....She said I should ask my neighbors to do that for me. Okay, I have that handsome Navy pilot just down the corridor from me I could ask....or the baby doctor up on the 5th floor i could ask...I am so glad that she can do that in her office rather than have to go see another doctor for that. Too bad she cannot do the 'other' test in her office, too, but instead she is sending me to a female gastroenterologist just down the street from here.

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After I left the doctor's office with all my paperwork in my hand, I headed over to see the ladies at Great Hang Ups, after getting a soda and some yogurt parfait from McDonald's. My framed piece turned out wonderfully, as expected, and I will take it over to the classroom building tomorrow. I might not hang it up tomorrow but must get it out of my car before I wreck it. We got caught up on the past weekend's events which included two art shows, the Sunday one being the show I had to miss due to the fashion duties at Bealls. Rats! Mike was fortunate to have about one half of his inventory sell on Saturday at the Town Hall event. Julia and I compared notes about how filthy our feet were after being on those grounds. She fears her sneakers may be ruined but is going to try Oxyclean on them before giving up. Dee received a gift certificate to eat at Koko's which she intends to share with me, and Julia, of course!

*

I went to Wal*Mart to get my scrips filled, wishing the doctor's office had called them in for me so I would not go shopping. I did well, though, because I did actually need a few items including a padded envelope for mailing a DVD called "Road to Emmaus" given to me for Linda J. by Bonnie at Victory. Also picked up a box of silver remover to fix the peeking through problem in my hair. I must say that the ladies that work in the pharmacy at Wal*Mart are so very nice, always recognize me even though I sometimes do not have to come in for several months. Somehow, though, they never remember my birthdate---they ask me every single time, starting when I drop off the prescription paperwork to when I pay for it later!

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Funny thing about this spell checker---it does not recognize 'colonoscopy'! It offers the word kaleidoscope as an alternative..........very interesting!!

Thank goodness for the FeedJit Counter....

...........and that is all I will say about that!

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Oh, I have to make my bed tonight. I just looked over my shoulder and saw my bed is yet undressed. Tonight, hopefully, I will sleep on fresh sheets, still warm from the dryer. Even though they were not hung on the wash lines, they will still be fresh and clean from the dryer. It is just a 'difficult' task to make the bed, running around from side to side, tugging and pulling, throwing the heavy comforter across, etc. Falling into the bed will feel good once it's made up.

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I am feeling a bit lightheaded at this moment since I had my haircut this afternoon. What a relief! I was looking quite wild and thankfully now I am back on schedule with my haircuts being on the full moon. What I really wanted was a nap but I sat in the booty shop a long while as Barb was backed up with clients lined up out the door--well, not quite THAT dramatic, but backed up nonetheless. Guess I had better get a box of silver remover for my hair as Barb remarked at how pretty it looked with the silver peeking through....oops!

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It was a glorious day today all around, and weather-wise, with the temps in the mid-80's and a light breeze. Fortunately I took my 'dinner jacket' in to Bible study with me as the A/C was on. Our discussion continues about the millenialists and their beliefs regarding the end of days. We, as a whole, are really getting lots from the study, much to chew on, and such a picture painted for us in the Word regarding our heavenly reward. Why hang around on earth when that bliss awaits us???? We enjoyed our lunch at Longhorn, all but one of the class around the table. You know that makes me so happy! We celebrated, in a low-key fashion, Gretchen's birthday, complete with hands clapping and a song by the staff and nice dish of ice cream with chocolate syrup on top! Gretchen was not totally horrified at the attention and enjoyed her special treat.

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An osprey just drifted passed my window carrying a nice fish for its dinner. I wonder if they are like cats who like to bring their catch to the door or at their owner's feet as a gift. The birds like to bring it to my windows to show me what they caught. Not very appetizing but I am not a fish eater, except for lake perch. I would carry it around if I had some perch 'on hand'!!! The river is busy with boat traffic, or at least it was earlier this evening. Now that is getting dark, it has quieted. One considerably large barge (hey, that rhymes!) went through and the sun reflected off of its windows. Very nice!

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It has been a busy afternoon, after my rest, with e-mails going out to various folks as I try to get things rolling along on the 10th anniversary celebration. A week has gone by since I sent the first e-mail out with only Jen P. replying so I sent out a follow-up 'request' for input. I also made a proposal to the powers that be to present the movie "Road to Emmaus" in a larger venue than my living room. Jim B., our President, suggested we use a side-room at the place formerly known as Buzzy's, where I used to hang out quite a lot. We can use the room and have dinner with fellowship besides. I will make the calls to see if that will work and then come up with a date. EVERYTHING takes time....so much time!

*

My sleep was interrupted or rather, cut short, when the Comcast signal dropped off just before 6:00 a.m. and I was immediately awake. See? I need the TV on in order to sleep! Basically I got 'only' about six hours of sleep when I wanted so much more!! Blast that signal cutting in and out! My neighbor said the other night that he thinks that bugs are still being worked out of the digital system which is why the stations come and go. But, it is so hard on my sleeping to have it quit in the midst of my dreams. Makes me feel owlie!

Two funerals today

When I got to church today, Pastor had already begun the opening for Sunday school. Their lesson was the story of Ruth and Boaz, a love story. I will always remember the time Pete was reading from this book in our Bible study and got choked up while reading the final chapter. Such love, and Ruth would be an ancestor of the Savior!

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This morning our Bible study course is one we have covered in the past on various occasions, the most recent time being a year ago at Monday morning's class. We never finished because when the offices were moved, the Bible study got misplaced. Fortunately Pastor borrowed "Come Worship Christ" from the other church, this time using the version marked "Catechism" which means my previous worksheets will not match. Rats! Right off the bat we had the privilege of hearing our former pastor's voice ring out as the video was played. Very nice to hear that again!

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After the class I went to get the bulletin board set up on the easel in the breezeway. I noticed the greeters were not in place so I went to stand in until they got there. Had a great chat with Linda H. whom I have not seen in some time as they normally attend at Christ Lutheran. I got to greet Paul's mom and step-dad who are visiting from Saginaw, it had been awhile since I saw Sue. She was going with us ladies to try on clothes at Bealls after worship.

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I took attendance and then sat down behind Twila and Jean. But before that, the congregation sang the first hymn for Good Shepherd Sunday, which was "I Am Jesus' Little Lamb".....oh, oh, a funeral hymn!! My timing was just right for checking attendance in the nursery so I did not hear them sing the part "....and when my short life is ended.....He shall fold me to His breast, there within His arms to rest." Oh, my goodness, what a memory-filled weekend this became! We are following readings from Revelation with today's being the ones telling about the saints wearing the white robes and circling around the throne, singing God's praises. We are told that we will never hunger or thirst again and 'He will wipe every tear from our eye...", which is repeated in the liturgy used in the Order of Funeral Service. It gets me every time and today was no exception. Pastor's sermon was based on this reading and several times he referenced tragedies and even mentioned the sudden, tragic loss of child, which made me move in my seat. After church Cliff came up to me and said he was sorry that this happened, that he felt for me. I thanked him for that, but really, the comfort and hope expressed in these verses are what help me, us, to go on. Not only when an old person dies, but young people and little children, too. All of us can look forward to being in that choir around the throne wearing the white robes.

*

The sermon hymn was introduced by The Maestro, Robbie, singing the first three stanzas before the congregation joined in, "The King of Love My Shepherd Is" , which he did masterfully. More like, powerfully. Our closing hymn was "For All the Saints Who From Their Labors Rest", but only the first three stanzas. I wanted to keep going but I guess will settle for the three. I turned around to look at my friend, Carol, but she was busily dabbing at her eyes. A couple weeks ago Robbie had played both "In Christ Alone" and "Jerusalem the Golden" for our post-service music and I thanked him for that. I told him those were two of the 19 hymns I had chosen for my funeral and asked him to play for my service if he outlived me. He agreed and asked me to send him the list of hymns so he can practice! Well, today he found out that our closing hymn is in my Top Ten of the funeral hymns, so he can start rehearsing now! So, those of us in Bible study heard Pete singing, we revisited a portion of Timmy's funeral, got a picture of heaven, and then sang one of my funeral hymns. It was a good day!

Feeling funky this morning

Here is a photo of Timmy Day, taken when he was probably three years old or so, outside the ChildTime Day Care next to our offices in Eagle Harbor. We were waiting for Justin's bus when I took this picture. You can see his scar near the eyebrow where he had stitches after a fall at church. Love that hair! It looks like mine does now, only his is lighter! If you click on the photo, it will get larger....

This morning I woke up from one of my extremely real dreams, which we talked about last night at craft night. I told the ladies how much I liked them because sometimes I got to spend time with Timmy again and in other dreams, remember the good times, etc. But this very early morning's dream left me feeling rather, undone, because it was not neat and orderly at all.

*

The scene opens in a foreign place, like perhaps a hotel or a shared home. None of our clothing was put away properly, sort of like dressing out of a box or suitcase, but not quite. I was telling the boys to get ready for school but it was hard without knowing where things were, although they seemed already established in their school and routine. Maybe I was the stranger there....

*

Connie, who is our maintenance person here at The Palace, was around, perhaps got Timmy his breakfast in a common room. She asked me if a necklace, bracelet and earrings set was mine. It was not, although it should have been, since it was quite funky, so she took it to a desk and said, "No, it's not hers..." as though they knew me well. I had Timmy on my lap as he ate his breakfast which Connie had cut up for him. We had troubles finding outfits and when we did, his shirt had spots on it. I sent him into a bathroom to get ready and interrupted his going potty by calling his name, so I sent him back into the stall to finish. Then, at the sink to brush teeth using a brush and toothpaste I did not recognize. It was when I pulled the shirt over his head that I realized I do not even know his teacher and his shirt had spots.....

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Last night at Victory, we had a brief devotion about friends and how some last longer than others do, etc. We were encouraged to share stories of how particular friends were there for us and how some were not (seasonal). Of course, I jumped right on that, especially since Martie was sitting right there with me. And somehow or another, go figure this one, Linda's name came up! Many there had met Linda, most of them at the Pampered Chef Intervention at Rachel's last fall. While my stories were more of the uplifting nature, one lady shared that she has really one friend, a co-worker, besides the church friends. Another lady bemoaned the fact that when she moved to Florida, the lady she considered her best friend did not send her a Christmas card which basically marked the end of their 'acquaintance", rather than friendship. It was interesting to be discussing this in the evening, because just prior to going over there, I had a nice conversation with my genuine friend, Jimmie. He used to work with me, was one of Timmy's pall bearers, and has remained my friend through thick and thin. Rarely thin, ha ha! Last weekend I spent time with Brenda, another friend made through the building business, a friend for a lifetime, and not just a season.

*

Kelly T. and Martie rode over to Victory with me and we gathered at one table off to the side as the other ladies had pretty much spread their stuff over the two tables. So when we had the devotion, I had a friend on each side of me, with Martie being the long-timer one. Later we were talking about how I have a room in my house reserved for Martie but now she cannot do sleep-overs any longer because of her equipment used for sleeping. With some sleep apnea problems, she wears a CPAP mask plus a mouth guard so she does not grind her teeth. She claims she looks quite sexy when ready for bed. I am spared that vision....One of the ladies asked me how many bedrooms I had because so many people have been offered a room!

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So, this morning I am headed back to that side of town, three days in a row, for another Intervention at Anne's house, as she booked a Pampered Chef party off of Rachel's. I will be thinking of Linda, of course, Queen of the Kitchen Tools! There is an art fair at OP Town Hall where my friend, Julia, and her hubby will have a booth selling their ceramics. Hopefully the weather holds, supposed to be absolutely lovely today, so perhaps I might get some time poolside later. Not yet warm enough for swimming, though, at least, not for Floridians!

I want some pancakes too!

This morning's news program, Fox and Friends, is hosting Huddle House outside their studios, complete with carpeted sidewalks, tables and chairs, grilles and griddles, with even Geraldo running about with coffee for refills. The camera man showed the plates and descriptions were made of what was served, making my tummy grumble. Who wants to go for breakfast today????? As usually happens when they have much of their program outside, a person can hear lots of horns blowing, either because the passersby know what is going on or the cabs are just telling folks, "Look out! I'm coming through!!!"

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The other night when Peggy drove us downtown for the tax rally, she told me to hang on for dear life as "I drive like a New York cab driver", spoken like a true New Yorker, in every sense. The South has done little to dilute her accent. She was blessed and thankful that neither of her two brothers were hurt or involved in the terror attacks on 9/11/01, although both are NYFD members.

*

It was New York-themed night last night for me, much to my amusement. First of all I watched a couple episodes of "Cash Cab" which takes place in Manhattan on streets where I have been (sigh...). After that came an episode of "Seinfeld", the one where George decides to see a holistic healer (ahem, ahem) in lieu of having his tonsils removed. $4000 for the surgery versus $38 for his first visit to the healer, oh, that George!!! The healer tells George not to use hot water in his showers any longer and to cut out all dairy products.....as Jerry sat there, rolling his eyes in disgust for this faux man of medicine. George drank a funky tea made by the healer and his skin turned purple, as only his would!

*

I went outside to see if anyone was on the sundeck and there was a nice group, including the Prince in our Palace, Beckham. He is about 6 weeks old now and as cute as a button. The ladies took turns holding him, but only after they cleaned their hands with sanitizer. I can just hear Bill Cosby now making a joke about that! He had a bit where with the first baby you boiled everything; with the 2nd baby, you washed everything; the 3rd child you rinsed everything; and the next ones, you just wiped it on your pants and moved on!

*

As we sat there enjoying the last of the day's heat, I heard noise from upstairs and spotted Aaron and his team finishing up the work in Ellen's home. He had come by my house on Wednesday to introduce me to his new partner, Glen, who is also a handy-man, and brought me a bottle of spot remover as a Thank You present for referring him to Ellen. He stripped the ceramic tile and applied a sealer to her floors, and removed her 'old' area rugs. Aaron asked me to come up to see the finished project so I did, leaving dirty foot prints on the yet wet floor. He was still in the mopping process so he removed the mess when I left. Ellen was holed up in her room so I gave her a phone call to let her know he was done and needed to talk to her, as he had not yet seen her that day. Worked there nearly all day but did not greet the lady of the house---huh. She did not answer the phone so I knocked on the bedroom door where her friend, Michelle, stayed while recuperating from a broken leg. Her daughter came out and said the ladies were in the other bedroom, and since I did not want to venture further onto the floor, got her to go fetch Ellen for Aaron. Time to pay the piper!

*

Ellen called me back after I was down on the sundeck again so I encouraged her to inspect their work, etc. It seems she has injured her ankle and is using a walker to get around, and that is not good on slippery floors. I saw her Monday night at the Board of Directors meeting and she was using her cane so I wonder if the problem began then already.

*

The others at the table wondered what was being done upstairs and I told them about the tile being steam-cleaned, stripped, and then sealed. Miss Chardonnay decided she wanted her floors looked at, too, so Aaron went into her unit to check it out. He was handing out his business cards to some of those on the sundeck but I told him not to bring me any more spot remover, I'm good.

*

So, when the party broke up about 8:45 and folks went in to eat and watch the NFL draft news, I came back upstairs and put myself in the family room again. I had napped in the afternoon and did not want to go to bed too early. Since I was in the family room, I could watch "Selling New York" , which I cannot get on my bedroom TV, and was soooo excited! One particular Realtor had a guy who would come in and perform an 'energy check' of the apartment, involving incense and some sort of chanting. For real???? I wonder if this guy showers with hot water and eats dairy products.....It was just a New York-themed night between Cash Cab, Seinfeld, and then Selling New York. I did feel all "New York-ish", as Suzanne would say!

I forgot what I was going to say!

When I got myself set up here, I had some thing truly profound to say, but now it has totally left my mind. No worries, it might come back again. Mom, do not feel badly when this happens to you, because forgetfulness is not limited to the elderly...Oh, oh, oh, I remember now---the stock market eventually closed UP today with slight gains to the Dow and more to NASDAQ. As I once more changed the batteries in my wireless mouse for the laptop, it occurred to me that I should certainly be an investor in Rayovac batteries, a WI company. It seems that the batteries last only about a week or so, even though the 'mouse' goes to sleep when it is not being used, which should conserve their life, you'd think.

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Today I had a number of wonderful things happen, not the least of which was getting a couple copies of the movie "Road to Emmaus" from Bonnie at Victory. Not only did she give one to Justin and to me, but also sent one along for Linda J.! Bonnie and her hubby bought the bulk order of DVDs and handed them out following worship last Sunday. After she gave us ours, I commented that only last night had Linda and I discussed ordering it from NPH, so Bonnie grabbed one more out of the box to send to Linda. All I have to do is get a padded envelope and off it goes northward.

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On Easter morning when Justin surprised me at GS, he sat with me and watched as I dug fruitlessly through my purse in search of my pen. I had used earlier but somehow it disappeared. When we got home to make our feast, he saw a green pen on the counter and stuck it in my purse as a favor to me. Right after Easter was a plane ride to WI and back again which can have an adverse affect on some of the gel pens---including the one I pulled out at Bible study and made a huge mess with! Marilyn, seated next to me, noticed it first that I had ink on my hands, both of them, as well as on my leather covered Bible, my straw in the cup. Her hubby ran for a paper towel as Marilyn produced a tissue from her purse (I said, "You are a good mama....") and began the clean up. The good news was that I did not touch my face or anyone else, and it wiped off the Bible without a trace. Such excitement to start the day! Justin ran off to throw the pen in the trash, it was unsalvageable. Yikes!

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We began a new study today using again the periodical, if that is the correct term, I think a CPH product. They evidently finished the previous study last week, the one about The Lord's Prayer. This new one is about the adoption of sons which is an excellent topic. After the class I mentioned watching the devotions from the Synod convention last year where Paul Prange did one based on the adoption of sons. It was a great devotion, all the more significant to me since I know the family and such. Needless to say, it was an excellent class. Justin did a fair share of the reading and answered several of the questions. I could die tonight knowing this....

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Tuesday Judy, Twila and I went to see the movie "The Last Song", my first real exposure to Miley Cyrus. She did fine as far as I could tell since I had never seen her TV show or a concert. Yet in her teens, she is a singer, the daughter of a C/W musician. What I did observe was that her lips appeared inordinately plump for a teenager. The ladies did not know either if she had "work" done or not, because really, how could she? She was still in formation, right? I looked on-line and others had asked the same question regarding her appearance at the Oscars, etc. It seems she had her teeth fixed and lips puffed. She could have skipped the puffing, if you ask me. What happens as it wear off? Is it evenly done or parts at a time? Ew!

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The other night at The Club event, I was the youngster in the group, sitting with people from my building as well as some of their friends. I had heard about women looking this way, usually TV or movie people, and have seen the politicians who had 'work' done, but see it up close was far too strange for me. This one woman who had to be in her seventies had nearly flawless skin, stretched tightly over her chin and cheekbones, but with obviously puffed lips, which were painted pink, to match her outfit. She was with a somewhat slick looking dude, whom I understand is a man of the cloth of some sort, and seemed to be younger than she. Now, what the relationship there was, I do not know, might have only been companions and nothing more, but regardless, she looked ridiculous to me. I believe that others at my table had also been worked on but none as snugly as this lady. Oh, my....It makes me think of Joan Rivers asking in her ads, "Am I smiling? I am trying to smile..." because they have little or no control over their expressions. I need my expressions, thank you very much!

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My fingernails need some serious work and I am not afraid now of using the remover since my infection has calmed down. Not totally gone, but much much less an encumbrance than it was. The finger now bends at the knuckle when a week ago, that would have been impossible. Tomorrow afternoon I am going out to Great Hang Ups to pick up a piece being framed for hanging in the classroom building. From there I will head to get my hair cut, unfortunately later in the afternoon than I like. Maybe I should try for a Monday afternoon appointment for after our lunch...The reason tomorrow is difficult is that I would like to shower afterward, learned my lesson last time!, and am going to Victory for scrapbooking. Decisions, decisions!

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Watching "Cash Cab" as I write, I just learned something I did not know....the clue was about an India herb, from an odd sounding name, that we know as something associated with perfume, incense, and free love. Oh my goodness, my favorite scent to use when Carol is doing my ortho-bionomy massage, patchouli oil! Free love? Really? Oops.....so now what do I do?

Blinded by the light

This a.m. as I wavered between sleep and waking, my dream had me looking into bright light, unable to keep my eyes open, although I was in a restaurant and trying to converse. It took every bit of me to keep my eyes open, in the dream, and when I woke up, it seems it was actually the sun shining into my face and I really could not open my eyes. Not until I turned my head was I fully able to wake up and realize I was not in a restaurant, dining with my former spouse!!!! YIKES!! In the 'dream' we were yet married and the bright lights/inability to open my eyes might have significance. On top of all that, my neck is quite stiff, which means I have a pain in the neck!

*

On my desk is the paperwork I need to complete in order to have a background check and clearance from the FBI, of all things. The most labor/time intensive portion of Precious Lambs Preschool's 10th anniversary celebration is gathering the names and addresses of its alumni. Evidently the law requires one have their documents in order to view the files, so that is what I must do. The staff is too busy between now and the end of June to dedicate time to this entire project so between the church secretary, who has military clearance already, and me, we should be able to access the files and get the information for the invitations. In speaking with Janet last night about another matter, modeling for the Spring Fling, she offered the assistance of herself and other teachers already cleared, who are members of our congregation, one who is the Head Elder, so I can extend this offer of assistance as well. Another of the church ladies, Judy J., offered to get the background check/FBI clearance to help with the names and addresses so this might not need to be the challenge it started out to be!

*

I have stacks of movies around my room which need to be put away again. My friends had borrowed some and returned the movies in two separate returns so I just put them on the table, the gathering place for things, in my room. That table must get cleaned off and put away once and for all. Thinking about it the other day, that particular table was pressed into service when I had to move my computer/office into the river room for the weeks when my bathroom and closet were being remodeled. Three years ago! Somehow that table never went away and while not piled full, still holds some items that I have no idea where I should put them. It seems THAT is where they belong! The bane of my existence, filing! And dealing with stuff.

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In one of the 'to be filed' boxes are my worksheets from the "Come, Worship Christ" class we began within the past year but never finished. I can use those on Sunday mornings as we are restarting the class. When the church offices were moved from the temporary trailers to the finished building, somehow the Bible study disappeared. Likely it is still in an unpacked box and has not been exposed yet but fortunately, the church we serve in Keystone Heights had the same Bible study which we can borrow. Just don't put it in a box! Boy, I know that feeling!

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Joanne sent me a couple e-mail messages yesterday and reports that she is getting some relief from her malady via IV bags of medication. One of the meds made her quite agitated so she is also receiving something to calm her nerves, counter-balancing the healing medication. That poor lady, I tell ya'! Yet, she felt good enough to encourage me to eat salads...unrelentingly. Okay, so I am not a salad eater, she is, and is in the hospital yet again with another strange illness. I'm just sayin'............

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Next week Tuesday is my annual check-up with Dr. House, although I have opted for the female doctor to do my exam. In preparation for that check-up, I am practicing keeping my mouth shut as last year I was charged for two office visits because I talked about things other than simply having the check-up. Can you believe it? I had taken in my reports from the Life Line Screening with me for their records, and the over-the-counter supplements I used daily. They always ask me these questions and the time I came prepared, received a double charge. That just burned my biscuits! I told Laurie that I will come on Wednesday next week instead since my appointment would not allow me to be in the classroom.

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Laurie claims the kids have spring fever very badly, as they are having troubles focusing on their work and using their listening ears. Last week I explained to the boys that I have VERY good hearing so it was not necessary to shout to me at our little lunch table.....One of the boys mentioned my acute hearing yesterday before I reminded them about not hollering in the classroom. We can holler on the playground so the cars passing by could hear us, but not at the table.

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For fun I handed out the puffy balls, koosh balls (?), each one getting a different color so there would be no fighting over the colors.....silly me! Thankfully the little girl in the class gladly accepted the pink one. None of the balls came back the color they went out as since it is so dirty on the playground. The kids faces were sweaty and dirty, I will post photos later from the other computer, from running and playing. At the end of recess, I got the little pots out, plus a cup of water. I also used the ice from Laurie's drink brought by her hubby for their lovely lunch, eaten in privacy on the playground before we came out. I had three of each flower, zinnias and marigolds, and the kids got to say which one they wanted. Of course, they were all reaching and grabbing and actually playing a bit of tug-of-war with me over the pots. This amazes me, the competition and the grabbing efforts. "Really? You think you can yank this away from Ms. Kim?" Sitting is a lost concept, the remaining in one's seat is foreign, and the chairs tipping over at the slightest provocation....

*

So, as I distributed the flower pots, removing the exterior cardboard wrapper and pushing hands away, I told them the directions. Before I even finished reading the first step, some of the kids had torn open the seed packet and poured it into the pot. The directions were to soak the dirt pellet for 5 minutes and then crumble the dirt with our fingers. Two seconds and the kids were breaking up the dirt. Okay. Once the dirt pellet is broken up, open the seed packet.....Did it say pour the entire contents into the tiny pot? Nope, it said to remove five seeds from the packet and press them gently, gently, into the soil. Just picture that process, if you would. Remaining perfectly calm and talking as softly as I could, I explained that it was very very likely now that their flowers might not grow because because because they did not listen and follow directions. A life lesson. I asked them watch the plants grow, and see whose will come up, those who followed the directions, and see what happens to those who did not follow directions. It is highly possible that none of them will grow, and also possible that all of the pots will do something at first. The balance of the seeds from the packets was kept in the plastic tray I took in for the pots, which fits perfectly on the window sill. There is little sunshine there since it faces north but I hope the light will be sufficient for the seeds to grow. I am learning more and more each week I spend in the classroom, so at least one of us is coming away with something!