Enough already

This junk I have, as diagnosed by the doctor yesterday, is wearing on me. I am incredibly tired and wish to do little but sleep. Thankfully little was required of me this past week as far as projects or the like. The majority of my shopping for Justin is done with Jessica picking up one last thing for me yesterday when she was out. Nice! Last night he called me to see how I was feeling and we mutually decided to delay our CHRISTmas present exchange until after I return in January, which works for me. Not sure I would have been able to do the wrapping and such to make things ready. This also means he will not stay the night here tonight but will come for me in the morning, load my suitcase and take me to church.

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Right now, that whole idea is daunting to me....traveling, that is. A few moments ago I looked at airfares leaving on later dates and they are decent enough if I decide to change my plans. Otherwise, once I get to WI, I will simply sleep the days away and not be any fun at all for my family and friends. What to do? What to do? I just wish I knew what to do to help me feel stronger again. Last night Justin quizzed me about fruit juice and such, and I told him that I had some V8 Fusion and some old apple juice in the fridge. At his urging I drank the rest of the Fusion and will have some apple juice in a bit. I have been drinking water as much as possible when I am awake to keep things flowing, and have been successful with the flowing part...if you know what I mean!

*

Now you know I'm sick----I am watching a wonky Christmas movie on TV as I write this. Not normally a viewer of such fare, there is just simply nothing else to watch from my sick bed, at least, not until 6:00 pm tonight when the "House" marathon begins. Facebook is alive with reports of others suffering with this same malady or similar, including Anne H. from Victory. Oh, I hate leaving Rachel in the lurch for tomorrow, not being able to sing in the Advent Song Service. At least, I am guessing not, but that is just less than 24 away. I could feel better in a snap, right? I had one and a half slices of toast with peanut butter on it for breakfast, thinking that would build me up...just couldn't finish the last bit of it. The most I have eaten was a McDonald's hamburger purchased on the way home after the doctor's appointment. It went down nicely and easily which might be the way to go, but I sure don't want to go anywhere.

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My original plan was to take the Christmas bags over to church for the ladies to assemble on Sunday. I have reconsidered that and will take it with me to Victory and do a hand-off there to Carol or someone else who will be part of the decorating etal. I wonder who is in charge of the chili supper, I have not heard a word about it since I wrote it in the newsletter. Tomorrow is a full day between the churches, the Advent Song Service at Victory, a congregational/voter's meeting at GS, and then the decorating/caroling/chili supper. Man, I hope someone is taking care of things....We have no Fellowship Elder so things happen by guess and by gosh sometimes. I do hope the folks who are at Victory from GS will make sure they get back over there for the meeting as important matters are being discussed and voted upon.

*

I will ask Justin to take Timmy's little evergreen tree to the cemetery for me and that way, I won't have to go outside at all today. I hate not getting over there myself (gulp!) but in this situation, it will have to do. I am ready to lie down again...now, where's that heat pad?

Still feeling poorly...

....but am just delighted that my upstairs neighbor, Jessica, just called, asking if I needed anything from the stores as she was going off shopping this late afternoon. She was going to either Target or Wal*Mart and knows my time is short before I have to leave for WI. Jessica offered to get me anything I needed, stocking-stuffers, whatever, because she knows I have been housebound. Isn't that nice? She also told me she is going to BabiesRUs tomorrow and will stop by Bed, Bath, and Beyond while she is over there to get what I wanted from that store for Justin. NICE!!! All my strength has been sapped, cannot even imagine at this moment pulling my suitcase out. Later I am making myself a cup of hot tea and adding the lemon, agava sweetener and some rum to it, my own version of a hot toddy. Jessica made me one back in October when I was sick and I sure slept well. She asked me if I had a lemon and I told her that I have a Real Lemon squeeze thingy, that I use in my water. That just won't do so she is going to bring a slice of a fresh lemon. Am I spoiled or what??

*

Our water was off much of the day, well, several hours today, as Gus was having his valve changed out. He was quite apprehensive yesterday when he came by to let me know, and I wonder how he did with that whole situation. Earlier, my doorbell rang and there stood Butch! He asked if he could come in to shut off the valve in my bathroom, the one that was replaced, so that no water would flow down into the Gus's pipes. Sure! I looked and felt like heck, so told Butch he should just let himself back in when he was ready to turn it back on. It was off much longer than the two hours expected, and he told me that the plumber had a problem with the existing valve...oh, no! The plumber had the brainstorm of doing an 'override' of the existing valve, putting a brand new one above the old one which they could not get to operate. Yikes! Butch wished me a merry CHRISTmas and I told him that I would like to give him a hug but would not because of my cold. I know Gus will sleep better knowing that is taken care of, at least one of them is taken care of....

*

As I was lying here, rotting in my bed for hours on end, I decided that perhaps I should see the doctor just to make sure I do not have strep throat or something other than a cold. It would make for a wretched trip to WI, and certainly many fellow travelers would give me hateful looks for hacking and coughing in their vicinity. Today is a day the doctors keep later hours but still I have to wait until tomorrow to see Betsy. She is going to be so sick (ha, ha, ha!) of seeing me, twice this month already. I only go to the doctor when I absolutely have to, for prescription refills or athlete's foot, and now this back-to-back visit. Ugh! I hope I feel better tomorrow so I do not have to go, and the nice lady told me it would be okay to cancel if I did feel better. She probably thinks I am crackers for wanting to come today and then expecting to be better in the morning!

*

My strength is so sapped that I cannot even muster the energy to address my CHRISTmas cards and therefore I will take the unfinished ones with me to WI. Hopefully everyone will give me a pass if their card is late or is missed...please? I only hope that I remember to pack everything I wish to take along with me. My head feels like it is separated from my body, if you know what I mean, sort of fuzzy and woozy, and all I wish to do is sleep. Some of my spirit is renewed though by Jessica's wonderful offer to do my shopping for me....can you believe it? She even offered to get me a stromboli from Aron's but I respectfully declined, since I have no appetite. A can of chicken dumpling soup in my cabinet will serve as my dinner, if I 'can' muster the strength to open it and heat it up!

'Kathrine, I have a sick girlie here...'

My grandma Sickles would call my mom to report when one of us kids showed up at her door, feeling poorly or what have you. Grandma lived around the corner from church/school, easily a hop, skip, or jump to her house. She would get the sick girlie situated on her daybed, slipping our dresses off and have us lie down in our petticoat. Today I am a sick girlie, starting late afternoon yesterday. This bed has been my home since about 7:00 pm last night, not always fast asleep but dozing and coughing. When I finally went to bed, I was burning up, so had thrown the covers over and hung my leg out, even popped the bedroom door open to let the room air out. At some point, perhaps 4:00 am or so, I woke up and was shaking wildly. No way could I get warm, even though I had my heat pad, three blankets over my comforter, and heater on. Finally I got up and took a steamy hot shower until I nearly exhausted my supply. Then I put on my slippers and climbed back under the covers, now warmed up. That was so awful a feeling, almost like I was outside in the cold!

Justin was coming over here today to clean and do a few things for me so I asked him to bring me some Dayquil, which he did. But, he had to leave again going to help his father survey a lot, being picked up here by his father. He is coming back to take care of the chores after doing the surveying. Justin also brought me a cherry pie, knowing it is my favorite, reporting he could not find any dark chocolate covered cherries. No problem because I happened to find some at Wal*Mart yesterday when I was shopping. Sadly, because I am not feeling well, my appetite is gone although I am hungry. I had one molasses cookie, made for me by Sherri, which has tided me over.

This morning I also had the privilege of having Gus come upstairs to ask me to send out an e-mail regarding the plan to shut off the water tomorrow while his valves are being replaced, or are being examined to be replaced. He was obviously upset about it, nervous, and I fully understand his sentiment. Gus said he has a licensed and insured plumber coming to do the work but not the same guy who did my water heater. He looked so sad---I would have loved to give him a hug, but not when I am sick.

Tonight at church we are having The Compline Service, a meditative service but I am afraid I will be staying in. Not a good idea to venture out and get everyone else sick. I am wondering if I got this bug from Shane on Sunday because he reported to me that he was coming down with a bug and was worried about his voice, etc. Yikes! I hope I can sing on Sunday and feel well enough to travel!

Lynn has troubles at her apartment, recently sold and now owner occupied, but he is no help when it comes to snow removal. Monday she fell down the stairs in front of the building because they were so full of snow, she could not see them. She was unhurt, but mad as a wet hen! Jill had to come with Mom's car to pick up Lynn, go back to Mom's and Jill's apartment building, drop off Jill and then Lynn went on her way to work. Two days in a row, because the snow was not handled yet. Not sure if it was removed yesterday or not, but Mom got phone numbers over the radio of guys who would come and blow the snow. I think Lynn needs to get out of that apartment, this happens to her every single year, almost, and she has been there over 30 years! Just my opinion.....I just cannot bear the thought of Lynn falling down, I don't know why it bothers me so much!

Linda and Tommy were without electricity last weekend, not sure how long, and were still not reconnected to the Internet as of Monday. They have a fireplace and were able to cook some on their gas stove. I probably would have gone to a hotel but they are tougher stock than am I. Poor Kerry was without heat on Monday and Tuesday in her apartment building, and described shivering the same way I was last night. Her fellow tenants include families with little ones, and after countless phone calls to the landlord finally resulted in the furnace man coming. Kerry said she watched over his shoulder to see what he was doing to the boiler, and he said it needs replacing. Hope it lasts through the winter. My poor people up there in snow country and I am going there on purpose!

This is just plain nasty!

Tonight our low temperature is expected to be 19 above zero, and it is important for me to mention the above zero part of that. It could be worse, right? Poor north Florida is suffering! The winds were similar to what was experienced up north, so much so that it blew the water the wrong way in the river, exposing some very ugly areas normally covered by water. Ewww!

This morning I urged myself from bed and got ready for the day, dressing in layers in order to make an attempt at warmth. It was only 34 degrees when I left the house, leaving my red coat behind because I was being stupid...sure could have used a coat today! And gloves! As I reminded the ladies today, not that long ago we complained (well, not me but others...) about having to grab hot steering wheels when we left Longhorn. Today, not so much! But first we did Bible class, where we are looking at the Kingdom of God study. Joseph arrived a bit late, with us wondering if it was too cold for him to walk over. He came bearing gifts, each got a card from him, plus he made brownies, which no one really knew were there. He put them by the coffee maker and he was the only one drinking coffee! After class he exclaimed that no one ate the brownies and then apologized for burning them...I got one that was not well done and wrapped it in a napkin, to go. He took off across the lawn but not before I gave him a church newsletter which has the special service times and dates printed in it.

*

Only 5 of us went down to Longhorn today and man, did we freeze in there! The poor waitress said she could do nothing about the A/C being on because the restaurant temps are 'controlled by corporate'....what???? How can that be true!?? When Mark used to be the manager there, he would climb up and down on chairs or in the booths to adjust the temperature (one of us liked to comment about the cold temps....) but now that he's gone, someone at the corporate office off-site adjusts it??? Really??? Poor, delicate Jackie was eating with her collar turned up, clutched to her neck, handling her cheeseburger with her free hand. It actually felt good to be outside, and better yet, back in the car!

*

At first I had sort of thought to go shopping after lunch but remembered that Sherri was coming back this afternoon to touch-up some of the areas which were missed on her previous visit. She had told me to let her know if I found something not exactly right, so I did let her know! Don't usually do this but felt it was important that she know what was overlooked. The primary reason for her cleaning was to remove the dirt from the remodeling/repairs, and to have sawdust remain in the original damaged bathroom was unacceptable. She even used my Pampered Chef scrubbing tool to clean behind the toilet....Sherri was looking for an SOS pad or similar for cleaning back there. No worries, I put it in the dishwasher and ran the cycle on full tilt to clean it off. Not like there was actually any 'potty' back there, I think she just could not reach it. Regardless of the fact that there was a toilet brush along side the potty....Anyway, she got that as clean as she could, cleaned up the sawdust left behind the door, plus tackled the French doors to the dining room. I had shown her the dirt on the frame but she did the glass and blinds and dividers...which kicked her butt because she could not get the smears off. But she brought me a wonderful plate of molasses cookies, because "I love you so much"! Nice!!!

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Sherri enjoyed sitting by my computer and looking at my family photos with me, but then had to get going. I think she liked being so close to my heater...Before she left, Sherri asked me if I could help find the address for her cousin in Vail, CO and in two seconds, I had the address for her. She complimented me on my computer skills but really none were required for that search. She also took a copy of The Palace Press, wanting to try the Mexican Dip recipe I included this month. She asked if it was good, and I told her I had no idea, I never tried it! Someone else gave me the recipe, from Kewaunee, and said it was good, so............

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Worked on the CHRISTmas cards some more this afternoon/evening plus watched my radio show. I feel like I was busy but accomplished little, if that makes sense. Tomorrow, in the bitter cold, I will venture out to shop since I am not sure when Justin will be ready to exchange gifts or anything before I leave for WI. He loves to beg for stuff at CHRISTmas and this year is no different----except that he asked for new toilet for his bungalow! Oh, that guy!

Good Shepherd had a flash mob event today!

There is presently playing a wonderful commercial on Fox of assorted folks singing "This Little Light of Mine"....not sure what was being promoted, but I enjoyed hearing and watching it. It has been a goofy day weather-wise in north Florida, starting with sunshine and plenty of wind. While at church, it began to rain and feel incredibly chilly. That feeling and wetness stayed until just before kick-off when it appeared that the sun was attempting to make a come back. On the ride home, I got a phone call from my friend, Gretchen, reporting that she made it safely across the Buckmann Bridge in spite of the rain. She was pretty freaked out about driving in the rain but she was victorious! Unfortunately, in her haste to get home, she missed out on the Cookie and Candy sale after worship...

I, however, did not miss out on the sale, and managed to make myself nearly ill on the ride home, eating some of my purchased goods! Folks brought festive baked goods or seasonal treats which were bought by the pound by people like me. Two frosted sugar cookies and two Special K green wreaths were simply delicious and took the place of breakfast and part of my lunch. Some of the kids had reindeer made with marshmallows which were dipped in chocolate, with mini-pretzels making up the antlers. On a stick! And very cute!

The day began as it normally does on the Lord's Day with preparations for Bible study and worship, only today Good Shepherd was hosting a special song service for worship. The joint choirs of Victory and GS, plus the bell choir from Victory were participating in the service, bringing Advent anthems to the congregation. Before we had our rehearsal, the Bible study folks gathered in the Fellowship Hall to run through a service called The Compline which we will be using on our next midweek Advent service, to help those who have never heard or done it, become familiar. (Some of us who stayed later on Friday at the School of Worship Enrichment participated in this more contemplative close of day worship.) Before long though, it was time to head over to church to rehearse with the other choir members, once the bell choir was done with their run-through.

As quickly as we could, Rachel put us through our paces, practiced the processional and recessional hymns, plus portions of each of the anthems for the service. We had people coming in and out during the practice, not unusual at all but one of our newer members had her rather unruly son sitting in the church with her the entire time. She got fed up and tried to take him out, but he got a grip on Rachel's pants leg as his mom dragged him away....nearly took Rachel with them! Rachel never missed a beat!

At service time the two choirs gathered in the back of the church for our processional and were ready to go, only waiting on Pastor so we could begin. I head the exterior door from the sacristy slam and knew he was on his way. Guess we were just anxious to get underway! The service was lovely with few glitches, the musicians performed admirably including Suzanne and our new member, Sterling, who plays in the Navy band. For one choir number, he played the bassoon, and it was well done. Robbie was our accompanist this week, and next week it will be Rachel's mom, Esther. She has not rehearsed with us so this could prove interesting for all involved.

Normally nothing gets done in the sanctuary until all the members are ushered out, but since it was raining outdoors, more folks clustered in the doorways and entry. The bell choir got busy almost immediately in taking down their tables and pads and packing things away while the live musicians were still playing the post-service music. At one point when folks were just mingling, Robbie and Suzanne began playing "In Christ Alone", and I was singing. Anne H. heard me singing and said, "Let's go and sing...should we?" and off we went. Poor Suzanne and Robbie ended up playing the hymn all the way through yet another time as more and more of the choir members made their way over to the piano, grabbed music and began to sing with us. A flash mob, Good Shepherd-style!!! Carol told me she wanted so badly to come over and sing but was on the opposite side of the church and in conversation with someone, and she did not think it was 'appropriate' to leave that person and come sing with us. BUT, she was singing in her head, and talking, in Carol's words, "multi-tasking", something she never does!

Next Sunday we do this service again at Victory with their wonderful accoustics making our offerings sound so much more full. Justin is staying the night here with me, driving me to Victory, and then from there, to the airport! "In Christ Alone"!!

That's a wrap!

A little movie lingo there, as I describe the end of my full day. By wrap, I am referring also to my being all bundled under my covers, my fresh sheets which were put on last night before bed. Earlier I was thinking I might have some Bugles for a bedtime snack but thought better of it, since I was already under the covers and did not want those crumbs on my clean sheets. Not yet, anyway. It used to appall one of my co-workers at Shady Lane when I told about how my then-spouse and I would have a snack when we went to bed. And they certainly would NOT have a TV in their bedroom, either!

*

The day began early as Suzanne and I met in my parking lot, moved her music supplies to my car, and then drove to Victory for rehearsal. Rachel is such an amazing director, leading first the bell choir run-through and then the choir. Robbie, the Maestro, was the accompanist for us, and will be tomorrow, but next week, Rachel's mom is playing for us. One of the new members at GS, Sterling, who plays with the Navy band, brought his bassoon along to play on one of our anthems, plus one of the bells is played during "My Soul in Stillness Waits". It will be lovely and she makes sure of that!

*

It was nearly noon by the time we got back to my house and transferred her supplies into her car again. I headed straight to Great Hang Ups where I was serving as hostess for the Open House. The artist who makes wrapped cameos and such was there, doing her craft, which was fascinating to watch, and there was steady traffic throughout the afternoon. People came in for framing, and sales were made for the lovely fused and blown glass ornaments, plus several ceramic items. One big sale was a cut-paper lion art piece a client bought for her hubby for CHRISTmas but is coming back next week to pick up. Many folks stopped to look at it, and we had to keep reporting it was sold. Kris had better get busy and do some more!

*

How fun it was to see so many people I knew, some from Eagle Harbor, several who were teachers at St. Johns, and folks I knew from Art Guild. It was an absolutely grand day but it sure felt wonderful to get home and off my feet! My phone was busy accepting e-mails most of the day, most of them about Facebook items, and I had one voice mail from my dear friend, Rosalie, in Houston. She is going to try again to reach me by phone, when her schedule allows. Man, she is a busy busy lady! Today's mail brought many CHRISTmas cards and invitations to parties, whoo hoo! Tomorrow during the football game, I will work on my cards as well. Just love doing them!!!!

Still snuggled in

Have I ever mentioned how much I like my 'bosom top' computer? Oh, if only I had word processing on this tiny computer...I could stay snug and warm all day. Only a few moments ago I went to the kitchen for a soda and I must say, it was bitter cold in those rooms, the hallway and the kitchen. The thermostat is set at 68 and I have not heard the heat running. My room is independent, both sets of doors closed and the little space heater working through the night. This a.m. I took my heat pad into the bed with me, resting under my back, making me quite content right where I am. At various times I have looked at bedside tables similar to those found in hospital rooms but have not seen one which would likely serve me as well as the system used right now---a pillow on my stomach balancing the machinery. Justin frowns on this method as the dust from the pillow and such is bad for the fans inside the laptop. I did see a nice lap desk at Barnes and Noble that would work but I will wait until after CHRISTmas in case I receive one as a gift.

As I am writing, I am also listening to a lecture over the Internet, being given is a rather dry style, regarding the Constitution. The subscribers/listeners have an avenue to give our input regarding this series and I am going to vote NO on this particular 'instructor', as I remember him from last semester's lectures as being as dry and uninspiring as a bone. One cannot learn as much when one is falling asleep!

Well, let's see...what happened yesterday besides my posting the news about my mystery lump. Justin and I met for Bible study at Victory, a VERY good class discussing further our trials and tribulations in life. The 'chapter' we covered was taken almost entirely from "Luther Works" about this very subject. It was incredibly interesting and at times, funny, because at one point, 'Marty' talks about how some people may have to deal with a 'vexatious wife', which the man reading at the time stumbled all over. It made me giggle, and Pastor Hoyer said that Luther was certainly not talking about his Katie! The readings we covered in class were extremely interesting and makes me feel like I want to read more of the Luther Works books. Now THAT would be a project!

After class and in separate cars, Justin and I drove to Fleming Island to dine at the newly opened 5 Guys, which was quite busy. I love to see that for a restaurant, hope it lasts. We ate inside as it was so cold outdoors but it is difficult for Justin because the restaurants echo badly. This is the second 5 Guys at which we have eaten and the echo was true with both. The furnishings and decor is not sound absorbing, giving the sense of chaos, and with his bad ear, makes it hard for him to hear. Of course, I did not finish my hot dog and we had half an order of the wonderful fries leftover which I took home with me. Justin made the comment that he has never seen me finish the entire hot dog, but it is a quarter pound dog! It will be good reheated later but the fries lose something in translation from fresh to leftover.

We walked to the next store, Sprint, to look at the phones. I was mistaken about the extra charge of $6 for the Internet, the upcharge was actually to have TV sent to my phone. So, nope, no increase in the monthly costs. If I could somehow limit my calls, both incoming and outbound, to landlines, I would qualify for a reduced package, but since this is my primary phone, really do not want to live life with limits, if you know what I mean. It would require me to keep close track of all my calls and such, so for the extra monthly charge, I will keep my unlimited ins and outs, etc. The nice clerk at the store told us that the phone I am looking to buy goes on sale $100 off today so we are going back. The nice young man, Kiel, got a big hug from me for sharing that news with us!!! I will have a GPS for only at one time charge of $50---I hope!

Justin had errands to run as his father's CHRISTmas party was happening last night but he opted to join me at Kohl's. With my 15% discount card, I was able to find two pair of jeans to replace the one pair I ruined with paint when Mike was here doing my work. As I told Mike, that hallway and the doorways are evidently not quite wide enough for me!!! The jeans are the darker indigo which I really like, making them appear less 'denim', allowing for a more dressy look. Between the new jeans and my velour black slacks, I should be good for my traveling to the north. In my drawer are the black tights to wear for extra layering, as Kerry cautioned me that it is not nice up there right now AT ALL! Blizzard conditions abound, and I am hoping all my people get to their jobs and home again safely.

As we roamed the store, he was helping me pick out things, and telling me the style was too old for me (I love him!), I mentioned that I cannot remember when we were shopping for me instead of him! When Justin and I parted company, I believe the first time in ages that he did not get anything bought by me for him, I headed for home. The gas prices had been increasing, getting up to 292.9 recently but I noticed they were 'down' to 289.9 so decided to strike when the iron was hot, so to speak, and gas up. This was the 2nd time in a week for me to fill up, having more than one long trip to areas outside of Orange Park on Sunday, Monday, and Thursday. That bites! Although I saw my dinner rolls were getting green in the fridge, left since ThanksLiving, and had to toss them, I decided not to stop at Winn-Dixie for bread, and just went home.

In the afternoon I addressed the prospect newsletters and now have to stamp and mail them when I leave later to go phone shopping. I was supposed to have lunch at La Nop with my neighbors but they are going tomorrow instead since MamMa is kaput from all her tests and such yesterday. She has done nothing but medical visits this week, in prep for her surgery next week. I am working on my CHRISTmas cards also, and have to write the Minutes from the November Ladies' Group meeting yet. Jean N. was trying to find ladies to serve as officers but was striking out, and I will not do it. That was part of my long-term plan mentioned months ago about backing out of many things I am involved in, with more to come. Part of me wonders what I will do with all that time being freed up....read perhaps?

For my dinner, I made meatballs with golden mushroom soup, baked potatoes, and peas. A real meal! The charm of it was having the oven on and adding some warmth to the house while preparing a dinner for me---multi-tasking! My sister, Jill, made meatloaf and baked potatoes for her dinner---a real baked potato-type of day, it seems! My guess is that Justin and I will have lunch somewhere today but it depends upon how long it takes me to buy the phone. Certainly I will need orientation on how it works, etc. since it will be a touch-screen style, touch and drag features, and apps. I should plan a trip somewhere to check out my GPS.

Mom asked me yesterday if a GPS was really going to help me....Um, yeah, why would it not??? She said that it seemed I was just destined to be lost. This pronouncement was made based upon the time she and I got turned around when leaving the symphony hall one year. Instead of parking in the garage where I normally parked, we parked in the handicap spaces along the building. So when we left, I made my lefthand turn, and ended up on the bridge, I think the Hart, and found myself heading southeast instead of southwest. I circled round and round to find my way back but could not figure it out. So, I called Joanne first, who did not answer, and then Mark, the JSO friend. While he did not know how to direct me, his partner was working it out, but then I saw the sign for Sunbeam Road and knew my way from there. We were delayed in getting home by about 25 minutes, long enough for both of us. Now I am more careful when downtown about not getting into the wrong lane when leaving the TU Center!

Another time Mom brings up was when we were going to visit Rena in the hospital, St. Vincent, which is in Riverside. I did not know exactly where it was, had not gotten specific directions, but knew it was on the river. So, we took Hwy. 17 toward Jacksonville, and in Ortega, started to follow the river as best I could. We did get there, as was the plan, but Mom seemed to think we were horribly lost. It is surely a matter of perspective between the driver and the passenger. As I told Justin yesterday, there is a difference between being lost and not knowing where you are!