Weather or not....

...we are talking about it! Today is a bright, bright sunshiny day, like the song goes. But it seems our area also broke a record overnight for the lowest temperature on this date. The high today will add 30 more degrees to the record low of 47 above zero from when we woke up. I only know this because I read it on the radio website, as I was snug and warm in my house.

The weatherman pronounced this as being a picture-perfect day and I have to agree. Other than the cooler than usual temperatures, the cloudless sky and soft breezes make for a very pleasant day. In fact, as I waited in my car at the restaurant for my friend, Brenda, to arrive, I got warm!

Let me back up a bit---I wrote yesterday about what happens when the TV goes off, for some reason, when I am sleeping. Well, sure enough, something happened with the cable connection at 3:17 a.m. and my room got quiet. The banner on the screen indicated I should check my connections or call a certain number...

In a few moments it came back on, and back to sleep I went. This brought on some wild dreams involving my attempts to take pictures of the kids at the preschool. My subconscious was busy, as this is exactly what I was doing today! The actual project was flawless, contrary to the episode in my dream!

While I was at church, I was going to make copies of the Alzheimer's seminar materials as several had asked to see the handouts, etc. It is like launching a missile to operate the copier these days, though, so eventually Lisa, from the preschool, who knew the launch sequence needed to operate the machine, helped me out. I like the old copier so much better, this old fashioned girl.

At 10:00 a.m. we took the kids into the adjacent classroom to pose them in front of a black sheet of paper. Lisa had ordered one cap and gown, in green, so each of them took a turn putting on the cap 'n gown. I hope the pictures turn out good enough for their purposes. Will work on that later...

Upon getting my copies made, I went to Steak 'n Shake to meet my friend, Brenda, for lunch. I was a bit early so listened to the radio in the car until I got too warm to do so. The restaurant was cold, ironically,  after I was so warm in the car where the sun was shining on my legs! There is no pleasing me, it seems.

Brenda and I sat in our booth, tearing coupons out of the flyer we use when we get together. I know as soon as it comes in the mail, Kim and Brenda are having lunch! We shared the buy one/get one milk shake coupon, which we took to-go, as they are incredibly filling. She told me how she must sneak her Diet Coke at work as one of her co-workers is a militant health food nut who harasses her about what she eats and drinks. He is, otherwise, a nice man, she claims.

                                     

Once home, an e-mail came announcing that tomorrow and the next day will be a stinky one around here. The undercoating/water-proofing of the sundeck is being applied, and apparently quite pungent. Hugh suggested we keep our doors and windows closed (that would be me!) and run the A/C to freshen the air in our homes. We shall see about that, as I am guessing I will be okay here. 

                          

Those on the 2nd floor have to either vacate the premises or be prepared to remain in the house for 18 hours. Maureen already told me they are going to use the ladder again to get in and out of their home. Those rascals!

Needing VIP treatment

A few years ago we experienced a serious electrical storm which caused some problems on this property in regard to cable TV. Due to the number of emergency calls the cable people were dealing with, our particular situation was low priority, it seems. 

I have a degree in patience but that comes to an end after the point when I am unable to get a good night's sleep. You see, I NEED to have the TV on while I sleep. If the TV shuts off for some reason, I am awake. For a day or two during the outage I tried using DVDs to lull me to sleep set on continual play from episode to episode, but those only lasted long enough for a few hours at a time. It was taking its toll on me.

My friend's husband worked for the cable company and she read my laments on Facebook. In her compassion, she made arrangements through her hubby for me to be moved to the top of the repair list, instead of my having to wait four more days like the rest were having to do. Even MamMa, my neighbors' elderly grandma who lived on the property, had to wait until the next Thursday. 

Gayle kept up with me through the day, checking to see if my service was repaired or not. Finally, my doorbell rang and the repair guys came in. Strangely I had service in the family room but not in my bedroom (I had nearly dragged a mattres to the family room in order to sleep at night!). 

When I went downstairs later that day, Connie told me that the cable guys said to her, "I don't know who this lady is---she must be some kind of VIP..." Since Gayle's hubby was in charge of this whole process, he got to say who went where and when. He is the VIP and I simply reaped the rewards of his position. So very thankful for friends in high places and for a good night's sleep. I am forever now a VIP to Connie, though, which makes us laugh.

Fast forward to the present---same family, different service. This time I had a discrepancy on my Internet bill and was driving myself wacko trying to get it resolved. I did a LIVE chat with a person named Sunny who assured me I would have a $30 credit to my bill despite having exceeded my usage limits. I figured that was a mistake because Justin was already moved out so my usage should be in normal ranges.

Well, when I viewed the bill again a week later, no changes had occurred. Hmmm...So, I went back into the account and tried to initiate another chat, but somehow that feature was not available to me. Shoot! What happened?? I was shown a phone number to call, but after being on hold for 25 minutes, I gave up. It was now time to let my friend know what was going on! This time is was Terri to the rescue...

                                             

She let me know that she put in an escalation report which did not mean a whole lot to me until someone called me from the 'president's office'. Oh yes she did! The lady, Lisa, accessed my account and told me I had a $10 credit on my bill. I told her that Sunny said it was $30 and I read her the chat, which I had saved in my computer. 

Lisa made the adjustment of the additional $20 credit, but indicated that I actually was over my usage, and that it was during the period when Justin was still here. It doesn't show that on the bill, only the billing period. Seems strange those days don't match. Anyway, Lisa took care of it and said I won't likely see it on my online bill but gave me the amount I would owe. Good! She also gave me a link to keep track of my daily usage so this won't happen again. She was extremely nice and professional with me, and I let Terri know this.

Later, another person from the same office called me to check that Lisa had taken care of me and gave me inside phone numbers to call in case I have future problems. Ahem, ahem....VIP service again!  It's not what you know, it's who you know!! So thankful to have friends looking out for me...

Remembering Moms today

I am of the opinion that everyday is mother's day but this one day a year 'we' are celebrated as a whole. Now that Justin is older and less trouble, I enjoy the celebration. But when he was little...

He was likely a normal toddler and perhaps my expectations were set a bit higher than they should be. When caring for my nephew, Jamie, who was a dream for us (my former spouse and me), I was sure my child would be just the same. What a surprise we had!

Years ago our church, GS, had the nursery located in the adjacent building and was served by having the sound piped into the room for those attending the little ones. The pastor that day focused his entire sermon on the joys of being a mother and all that, a type of service I had not experienced in church in WI. Not so much focus on the secular celebration of motherhood, you know? Anyway, Justin and I were in the nursery for a reason, as my boy was a wildman. While the sounds of the sermon were lauding my role as mother, I was pulling my hair out trying to manage this child, crying because I was seemingly falling so short.

After church that day we went to Ryan's Steak House, my favorite place to eat, and then home. I don't remember the gifts that year, but do remember feeling such great relief when Justin took a nap---a long nap. Whew! NOW, I could enjoy being a mother...

My spouse and I read the newspaper and watched the Sunday shows, just hanging out while Justin napped, and I was content. When he woke up, we joined my bro-in-law and his family at the swimming pool located in the backyard of our new model in The Village of Fireside. It was not really swimming temperature but we were new enough to FL to think it was! We had a good laugh when we saw what we thought were snakes in the pool, but upon further examination realized the boys' diapers were coming apart in the water!! I never knew what was inside a diaper to make it absorbent, but I do now!

*****

Today's celebration brought tears for another reason, as our closing hymn was "Children of the Heavenly Father". Justin extended his arm to me (how could I have ever been upset with him for being so naughty?) and we linked arms as tears rolled down the cheeks. As my friend, Carol, mentioned after church, "...today was a listening day..." Those type of hymns remind us of what our loved ones enjoy and remind us of what waits for us as He 'safely in His bosom gathers...'

The first reading today was from Proverbs 31, which I whispered to Justin was about Linda. It turned out the card he bought me used the same portion of readings on the front of it! The card is now a treasure to me for the lovely message it extends to me. Certainly not generic in any way...

Once collected after that hymn, Justin and I headed to Fleming Island for lunch at the former Koko's. As soon as I walked in the door, the waiter handed me a mimosa, compliments of the restaurant. Nice! We had a great meal, even though it was not prepared by our friend, Jimmy. He was busy at another table, lighting things on fire. 

One of the former waitresses from years ago, AJ, recognized us and came over to say hi. She has come back after 5 years (and two children!) being away. The draw of being able to work with several of her old friends was so appealing! We were glad to see her again.

                          

Justin's gifts to me, three in number, were so fantastic. He wanted me to open them in the restaurant 'because of the laughing', wishing our friends were with us to share in the laugh. He got me moisture detectors!!! Like a smoke detector, the first whiff or drip will set this thing off with a piercing shreik to the tune of S0S. I absolutely LOVE them. We tested one in the river room, as he poured water down the wall, setting off the alarm. Yup, it works! 

Another special gift he gave me was working in his bedroom, getting it into such a condition that I can see the floor! He has resorted to loading stuff into contractor bags and hauling it out that way in lieu of careful packing into plastic bins or boxes. 

            

The end is near and I might soon have the rooms back again! The drop-dead date is May 21st since I have housekeepers scheduled to come and clean. I bought the housekeeping certificate from GroupOn last year, never expecting it to take this long to get the room back again. I think he might make it.

An artsy day!

This morning was a bit of a lazy one as I stayed in bed and watched TV. Fox and Friends goes for four hours on the weekends which messes with my internal clock. All of a sudden it was 10:00 a.m. and I was yet in bed! The anchors' moms were calling in to share stories of their kids, embarrassing them, or trying to, with family secrets. Mostly it was just precious stuff about how cute and sweet they were as kids. I didn't mind it...

My plans for the day revolved around art, which was nice for a change. First I went to Great Hang Ups for a silk scarf painting event conducted by artist/friend, Sonya Cox. She sells the scarves in Hang Ups, plus makes fused glass earrings and other types of jewelry. Linda J. picked up a scarf and two pair of earrings to go with it when she was here this spring. 

Sonya was set up in the parking lot, directly in front of the shop. Inside the store was an art reception going on for young artists who contributed paintings to be used for a calendar. Busy busy place! I only watched the others paint their scarves and loved chatting with Sonya. Justin favorite art teacher from St. Johns stopped by the little tent to sit a spell before braving the crowds inside the store. Some of her students had pieces on display and she was showing them her support. Justin loves Mrs. Petska and she never fails to ask about him!

From Hang Ups I went to Publix for a few things (more than a few!) and then went home. The weather was so lovely it made the outdoor ventures that much more enjoyable. No threats of snow or hail for us today! My poor loved ones in WI are having miserable weather again as winter just won't quit, and we are in the high 80's!

Speaking of their weather up north, one of my sisters called to ask me what is my mom's favorite meal. They had to change their original plans from a cook-out for dinner to an eating-in-the-house meal. I told her liver 'n onions, mashed potatoes, and gravy were Mom's favorites, especially the potato portion, and that lemon meringue pie her favorite dessert. Glad I could help!

Back to balmy FL---once I got my stuff carried upstairs and put away, I went to my room to rest for a bit (not that I really needed a rest!). I was heading out again  shortly to another Art Guild event, this time to Whitey's Fish Camp. Artists had been painting en plein air (in plain air) various scenes captured along Swimming Pen Creek and Doctors Lake. Their finished pieces were displayed in the outdoor bar area called the Tiki Bar. It was under roof and there were fans operating to cool things off for those who needed it. 

It was great to see so many of my friends there, not all of them being artists, but rather, aficionados of art. Randy, the sole man in our aqua exercise class, was there with Carol, his wife. He was bandaged up almost like a mummy, since he took a tumble in the kitchen. Carol was coming back from Indiana when she got the call that he had fallen and a neighbor took him to the doctor a day or so AFTER the fall. 

He has a dislocated shoulder, a broken hand on the other arm, bruised up legs, and knocked out three teeth in the front of his mouth. Oh my! He tripped over a stool and tried to catch himself on the way down...I am so glad the neighbor insisted on taking him to the ER instead of waiting for Carol to come home to find him in untold pain!

Anyway, I was thrilled to see everyone and admire the beautiful creations. Many artists painted the exterior of the fish camp and those paintings and their prints were selling like hot cakes. Love that for Beth, the artist who really captured the flavor of Whitey's. Speaking of flavor, this event took place late afternoon before all the colorful folks came out to enjoy the atmosphere on this bar deck. Julia and I went inside to have a bite to eat, and I so enjoyed our quiet, unbusy time together. 

When I left to come home, it was raining. A gentle rain, which was why we never noticed it when we were eating, not like last weekend! I carefully made my way home, thankful it was still light out. 

Just as I got to my door, my upstairs neighbors came down to ask me to join them for dinner at La Napolera. Shoot! I was so thankful for them asking me, but since I had just eaten (early for me!), I declined their kind offer. I assured them that next time, I am there! My neighbors are the best!

A better Friday than last week

This morning I had the distinct pleasure of meeting my friend, Pat, for breakfast at The Club. As I waited for her to arrive, I was greeted warmly by the staff, who made a fuss over me. How flattering! One lady, sort of a housekeeper, said she was worried I was sick and told Marlena to call me. I assured Sondra that she had called me and I told her I was fine, just waiting for Pat's foot to heal. 

Before Pat arrived, the owner of The Club, Karrie, came to sit with me as she ate her quick breakfast. She is always frantic and today was no exception. During the rain storms last weekend, all the lower rooms of the adjacent hotel were flooded, and she is at war with the insurance company at present. Many details and proof of value are required, and I am sure her staff is hustling, as well.

It was marvelous to catch up with Pat, the time flying by. We talked about the value of a Christian funeral (oh, yes, no one escapes my funeral chatter!) as she told about the recent service for her favorite uncle. I think she said there were seven priests officiating at the cathedral in Orlando, many of them family members of the deceased. They are Episcopal, and she, like me, appreciates the 'high church' flavor of such worship. 

As the ladies worked around us, tearing down the breakfast buffet and setting up for a memorial luncheon (more funeral chatter!), Sonda came by the table with a foam box of leftover bacon for me to take home. I'm bbaacckk!!!

As Pat and I parted company, I walked back through the pool area. There I saw Marlena busily working in the cabana, getting things ready for the soft opening which would happen this evening. Serving beverages only until after Memorial Day weekends official opening of the pool. Marlena was quite banged up, bruises and cuts on her arms and one leg. It seems her dogs, rather, her son's dogs which she is keeping for him, got into a fight, and she lost. I would not stand for that! 

She told me it cost $1300 to save their lives, and I hope she realizes I am not the most sympathic person when it comes to animals. She assured me her son paid the bill (Oh, he better have!!!) but I am unsure if she got her owies checked over by a professional. She looked terrible, but was more concerned for the animals. 

Kathy and her mom, Betty

Several of us were talking Wednesday night about going back out on Friday, weather permitting, so I went out. At first I was alone, but eventually Betty and Kathy came out. Marlena, with a little help from me, figured out how to work the popcorn machine so we dined on that instead of burgers and hot dogs. Can't wait for the full-start up of the service!

When I got back in, I watched the complete White House briefing which I had missed earlier in the day, finding it on-line. What a fast dancer that Jay Carney is! Wondering how all this will play out---or will it fade away into obscurity? 

I also e-mailed to Kathy the information I'd received earlier in the week from the man who presented the Alzheimer seminar. I hope she finds it helpful...Two weeks ago at Victory's Bible study, one of the ladies asked me to meet with her and a couple others who missed the seminar. They want me to go over it all with them, since they missed it. I love the opportunity and appreciate their asking me to do this. Must make it so!

"...and in other news..."

The photos posted over the weekend sort of took the place of text for me, as they truly have the worth of a 1000 words. 

Let's see if I can catch myself up a bit:

On Friday we had a break in the rain, enough so it was not unpleasant to meet my friend, Diane, for lunch at The Outback Restaurant. Yes, they are now open at lunch time! 

                            

We so enjoy our time together when it happens, discussing matters of faith and catching up on each other's family news, etc. And yes, we eventually went over my investments which she helps manage. She also presented me with a great calendar from Mercury One which is loaded with American historical information, besides the months and days. She also had one to give to Justin, of whom she is a huge fan. That's my boy!

During the rainy weekend, I called my upstairs neighbor, Debbie, periodically to see how she was doing. We did have a few breaks between downpours which gave her a chance to do other things than vacuum up water from the river room floor. Like unpack her boxes from the move-in! She works in the 'old' courthouse in Green Cove and reports being no stranger to leaking. She had this!!! 

Debbie and I made plans to meet at The Club on Wednesday evening to enjoy Happy Hour with the group which normally gathers there. Hugh and Maureen were finally back from their travels to the Mediterranean, but in their absence, the group said they MUST push two of the round tables together to allow for more folks. Maureen, whom I described to Debbie as being our house-mother, doesn't like that. She also doesn't like people to not sit around one table. The group went over her head on this, and did the two-table set up, and, she got over it.

It meant so much to me having Debbie miss her weekend away in order to keep up with the water. As my thanks, I treated her to a light dinner from the mini-menu offered during Happy Hour. We each had the roast beef sliders which were fantastic. She got to meet many of her neighbors, some for the first time, and they made her feel most welcome. We could have talked for hours as we have much in common. Betty's daughter, Kathy, was part of our conversations as well, having the same ideology as Debbie's and mine. This is going to be a blast!

This morning was Bible study at Victory. As I was getting onto the freeway and talking with Mom, I noticed the traffic at a stand-still on the overpass. Too late to turn back now---I was committed to getting on the interstate. When I got to the top of the ramp, traffic was okay, and I noticed the bottle-neck was caused by an overturned pick-up truck just a bit behind where I was entering. I HATE to see that, especially the underside of a vehicle, blocking the two left lanes. 

It seemed as though no one was seriously hurt, and three young men were walking around, kicking the truck parts which were scattered in the area. A State Patrol car and motorcycle were already on the scene but no rescue vehicles were present yet. As I talked with Mom on my way to church, I saw a child's coaster wagon in the lane to the left of me, upside down, which would make a huge problem for anyone hitting that. Oh, my goodness, people!

Upon my arrival at Victory, I helped with the assembly of the service folders for Sunday, my portion being the insert for Mother's Day. Instead of reading  it, I was simply sliding it between the folded pages Marilyn handed over. At one point I caught up and took a second to glance at it. It was a two-sided page of acknowledgements written by members of the congregation in regard to the influence of their mothers on their lives as Christians. 

Needless to say, tears fell, particularly when I read the one written by my friend, Stephanie, for her mom, Jean. And the one written by Erica, for her mom, Stephanie. Rita told me this was her idea  but never got around to writing anything up about her mom, who went home to the Lord about a year ago. It was so touching and a marvelous idea to include for this coming Sunday. 

                                 

Tonight we have worship for Ascension Day and I have sent out a reminder e-mail so folks remember to come. Hoping for a good turn-out so this service doesn't go away. "...why do you stand and look into the sky? He will come again just the way He left and take us with Him..."

Come quickly, Lord Jesus!

All steamed up

Much of the day today I was attentive to the pending and present testimony on Capital Hill in regard to the killing of our representatives in Benghazi. I did this while also listening to my radio programs, as best I could. The programs also were tracking the hearings and would add outtakes or soundbites from the hearings as part of their show. The testimony was riveting, reinforcing what many already supposed to have happened. 

Then, something occurred which dumbfounded me---Fox News Channel (FNC) which was airing the hearings, switched its coverage to a local news story in AZ. Yes, the Jody Arias trial. Unbelievable! The jury was coming back with a verdict and FNC wanted to be first on the scene or wanted to join the rabble about this gruesome yet tantalizing case. Like the Casey Anthony story here in FL, the eyes of the hungry were on this trial, while no one was watching the other hand, as it were. The media's version of cakes and circuses. Ugh!

The verdict wasn't expected for another couple of hours but coverage went wall to wall, showing old photographs of the young couple, footage recorded in the courtroom, and so on, as 'we' waited with bated breath for the pending miscarriage of justice. (It does seem justice was served but at the time, I was blinded with rage!)

Meanwhile, on the Hill, another miscarriage was taking place. The commitee members questioned the brave folks who came forward to tell their side of the story, the seemingly true side of the story, as to what actually took place "a long time ago" according to Jay Carney, those 8 months ago in Libya. Who knew what and when did they know it? Why was it covered up (as if we didn't know!), and what could have been done differently?

I was able to listen to LIVE coverage on The Blaze radio but found out later that C-SPAN had full coverage. Shoot! I never thought of that, and would not have been subjected to cut-aways for ads or commentary. The whole process might be re-run at a later date to catch what may have been missed. 

When Gregory Hicks, the highest ranking official in Libya, was asked what he thought when he heard Ambassador Rice appearing on "the Sunday shows" a few days later blaming a youtube video for causing this 'spontaneous' protest (complete with rocket propelled grenades!), he said, "I was shocked. My jaw dropped. I was embarrassed." "Have you ever been interviewed about this matter?" "Never." "Never?" "No, sir, never." That the highest ranking official on the ground after Amb. Stevens was killed in Libya was never interviewed by his superiors or anyone else is simply appalling. The poor guy who is blamed for this, the video maker, is the only one in jail, for a lesser offense. This is so telling!