My million dollar smile...

...just got even more expensive. Boo hiss! I had an appointment today for a cleaning, which I had expected to go quite smoothly, having no problems of which to speak. All was going well until Peggy came in to do the actual check-up. As she poked around, she wondered why my gums were all purple up top. Now, the hygienist had just complimented me on nice, pink gums, so why are they being described as purple?

                             

Only the one area, which was the area where I had the work done earlier this year, the oral surgery, etc. was in question. An x-ray exposed what we dreaded---infection and a dark spot beyond the tip of the same tooth. NUTS!!! All that money and such, my gold post!!! Peggy determined the tooth is a lost cause, it has to go. She is going to fashion a bridge for me, securing it to neighboring teeth, already having root canals. I will have to surrender the two, make that three, crowns already in place on the teeth, including the brand-new one from this year. NUTS!!!

The worst part of this situation will be the cost, of course. My dear friend, Peggy, has said she will 'round the numbers' for me, knowing how upset and disappointed I am about this turn of events. She is really a gem to help me this way. Taking an antibiotic to knock down the infection (no pain or discomfort at all!) and then next week I have to go in to be prepped for the bridge, have the offending tooth extracted, and a temporary bridge put in place. NUTS!!!

Talkin' trash!

When I got home from Bible study and lunch, I had to take care of making some signs for Connie, plus sending out an e-mail to the Owners and residents, about the proper handling and storage of trash. This was just addressed in the newsletter but she thinks the 'new people' in one of the units being rented don't know the proper protocol for throwing trash away. One must tie the bags before tossing them into the garbage bin. Seems simple enough but I made non-harsh signs for her to post. 

I fully understand her revulsion of having to handle our household garbage when the bags are not secured. She wheels the cart to the big dumpster and transfers the bags for us. If 'we' continue to mess up, so to speak, 'we' might end up having to walk down to the big dumpster and toss it in ourselves. Don't want to do that! 

So, upon completing that task, making the nice signs to post, I went out to the pool. Already the shadows were long across the water, making for much of the surface to be shady. Before long, I climbed out to sit in the sun to get warmed up. My upstairs neighbor, Dick, was out there reading his e-book. We had a great visit, he catching me up on their week-long trip to the Minneapolis area for a golf outing. He said they even ventured in "WesCONsin" (I am trying to write it the way he says it, with a lilt in his voice).
                                     

Dick did not have any cheese curds while in MN but did have his favorite sandwich several times---peanut butter with braunschweiger. Ewwww! I had brought back some braunschweiger for Dick, from my trip to WI in June, and it was the same brand they found up there in MN. Cool!

*

This a.m. was Bible study, continuing our look at fellowship. Some of the ladies are finding it a bit confusing, especially after the section we went over today. It is a good thing our class is covering this topic, as the more people talked, the more I am convinced! It is a tough deal, that's for sure, especially in our politically correct world.

Betty brought her friend with her to class and to lunch, a very nice lady. So good to have her! I am not sure what the deal was with the sodas today for those who ordered from the children's menu, no one mentioned it. Gretchen came with us, driving herself across the bridge and to the church, since her usual driver is on a trip. She ordered the new menu item of Brussel sprouts au gratin, as did Betty. Both licked their dishes clean!

*

Last night ended up far differently than I expected. First of all, I very much enjoyed the Packer game, even though they lost after a nail-biter performance. Justin had come home in the meanwhile and filled me in on the dreadful and embarrassing Jaguar game. Oh, it's hard to be a fan sometimes...

                     

Instead of having my Chili's leftovers and brats, we had pizza. Justin had a coupon which expired Sunday so he stopped on the way home for two pies---one with me in mind, and one his way. I had my two slices and he will eat the rest during the week. He liked cold pizza for breakfast so this is a good investment for him. 

Terri T. had asked me for prayers as she was facing a follow-up mammogram and possible ultrasound after her first one showed something suspicious. I offered to go with her to the center, but her sister was already on deck to do so. This late afternoon she let me know it was all clear, nothing was amiss after all. This is the 2nd time she's been through it, and it is getting old for her---all this drama! We thanked God together at Ladies' Group. Happy dance for these favors and His mercies!!!

Are you ready for some football?

YES!!!  Oh this is so exciting!!!

Today is the official return of football, though a game has already been played on Thursday night. Peyton Manning threw 7 touchdowns in that game. I saw a comic that said "So, Peyton Manning threw 7 touchdown passes. Well, he is not God, and he is not Aaron Rodgers!" I got a kick out of that one!

The Gator fans were quite dejected yesterday as they trickled out to the pool before the game was over, hanging their heads. At least the Gators scored some legitimate points, which is more than the Jaguars can say. Two whole points in the entire game, scored by the special teams, by blocking a kick. Ugh! I went to the pool instead of watching the rest of that fiasco.

                               

I have my leftovers from Chili's to have for dinner, plus had the cabana guys cook my bratwurst for me. Should be a tasty meal. Justin left home before I did this a.m. as Jesse, Chelsea, and he are tailgating at the stadium with the Bold City Brigade. They sure do start early! I know they are dejected about the game, can't wait to hear Justin tell me all about it.

In a few minutes the Packer game comes on, and then I will see some football played. Go, Pack, go!!!

p.s. I discovered this posting in the pending file, did not post after I hit the Publish button. I hope you didn't think I died or something...Sorry about that!

A day of awesomeness

As I wrote on Facebook, it was awesome at the pool today. While starting out a bit slowly, gradually more and more of my pool peeps showed up, making for great fun. The water was still warm enough to enjoy, though one could tell it had cooled since the day before. 

Lee came out, Mo and Ro plus two of their kids, Jacquie and Mark, the three Nancys I've met this met this summer, with Nancy W. only there to eat. Cindy and her hubby, too, with all of us floating or standing and talking. I just enjoy it so very much.

*

Justin slept late today, telling me he woke up when he heard me go out to the pool. I think he is over the top of the throat and nose malady he had all week. I had eaten lunch at the pool, of course, but by late afternoon when I came in, I mentioned to Justin that I was hungry. As I opened the fridge, he reported that he ate my fried rice from Koko's. What?? He brought it home for me, when he was dining there with his friend, Michael, on Thursday. I have to eat that stuff immediately or it's gone!

To make up for it, Justin suggested we go to have dinner at Koko's, his treat. Yes, I can get dressed again. He is concerned they will close if there is not enough business, so we are doing our part to keep them open. It was nice and busy which made us feel really good. We shared a table with a nice family of mom, dad, young grandma, and two little ones. I complimented them on their lovely family. So rare a sighting these days, and I acknowledge it when I see it. Parents need encouragement, as do couples.

*

Jacquie wants us to have lunch at The Club on Thursday, as it's Fried Chicken buffet again. Linda and I enjoyed it last month when she was here, in the pouring rain. I do hope that scenario does not exist this time. Lee is up in the air about her coming joining us, as her son leaves for Australia the day before, and she will launch into cleaning mode.

*

One of my friends dropped a bomb on me today, though. For months and months now she has been talking with me about either building a house for herself, or checking out standing homes. She has looked in the Ortega area, older but yet safe neighborhoods in JAX, and even as far as St. Johns County. I tried to keep her close to OP, so I wouldn't lose her company (it really is all about me, you know!), etc. I tried to dissuade her from moving to Nocatee, in St. Johns Cty. If I heard of a condo or townhouse close by, she was the first who came to mind for it.

Well, at one point she and I were sort of alone on the edge of the pool, and she said, "I have been dreading telling you this..." I looked up at her and said, "What? Did you find a place?" She told me that now that everyone else knows, she could tell me her plans to move back to CA. NO!! Now Nocatee doesn't sound so bad...  

               

I was alarmed at first that everyone else knew but me, but she explained that she meant she'd talked to her mom, sisters, and her sons first, and then me. She said, "Before you get too upset..." but it was too late, I was gone to my dark place. 

My friend said, "Kim, you know how you feel about your Greek places, how your heart is there? Well, that's how I feel about Napa." Okay, I get it, I understand now how she feels. She had lived in Napa over a decade ago, felt good there, and now that her sons are out of the house and on their own, she can seek her heart's desire.

Wow! I told her I don't let go easily but understood her heart feelings. Her sons on their own, so she is free to go. My friend has no qualms about moving somewhere where she has no established connections. She promises to keep in touch via e-mail, as I uncurled my lip and dried my eyes. She had better!!!!

Thunder abounding

I guess I made too much of a fuss about the lovely weather and comfy water temperatures lately, or something. Today I went to the pool about 11:30, starting out by myself. After a few of my laps around the pool, I sat out a bit to look through a catalog I had brought along for Nancy W., one of my newer friends. She is looking for decorator stuff for her potential new home, and I love to be a helper with such things. More fun with someone else's money!

After a little while, I saw Pat in the cabana, ordering her lunch. Oh good, someone to have lunch with!! Not much later I saw Nancy coming down the path with two ladies in tow. It seemed Pat was meeting these ladies after having completed the home inspection on the home Nancy is purchasing. The two ladies were the owner and her sister, who live just across the drive-way from each other. 

Nancy asked me to join them for lunch, and I accepted the invitation. It was nice to meet my neighbors, strangely only now after the one lady has lived there almost 14 years already. How can that happen? We live on the same property!!! Her area has their own pool and cabana which keeps 'them' over there. Evidently not Club attendees either or I would have seen them in there. Oh well...

While we were dining, I got a phone call from Judy C., asking me to join Michael and her for dinner tonight. Sure! We went to The Pasta Market, one of our regular haunts of late. They greet us by name, which goes a long way. Anyway, at one point, Nancy stood up and I noticed she had stains on her khaki slacks. I thought it was ketchup but it turned out to be blood. It seems the seller of the home has a cat, and the cat jumped on Nancy's leg, and dug its claws in, drawing blood. Nancy is allergic to cats and was not crazy about being clawed, but conducted herself admirably in front of the others.

Later she called me to discuss some of the initial findings of the inspection, asking me my 'professional' opinion. I explained to her that the report is going to be quite involved and detailed, as the inspector has to earn his fee. That, plus covering his tracks in case something comes up later, after the closing. Both the buyer and the seller get a copy of the report, and now it's up to the parties involved to settle the matter of the repairs. They share the same Realtor so the negotiations will volley with her in the midst of all this. Regardless of what is worked out, much of these repairs will need to be taken care of by the seller as any buyer will likely require an inspection.

While we ate and visited, Bob came over to the pool for a quick swim. He no sooner got situated than did we hear the first roll of thunder. Nuts! Nancy M., our newer neighbor and pool friend, walked over from her home, only to be greeted by thunder, and by me. She was so disappointed to hear she could not swim.

The thunder intensity increased and before long the lifeguard came around and urged folks to dissipate before the storm got here. We all said 'good-bye' to each other and headed out. I told Nancy M. I was keeping my suit on, in case it let up, but after a couple hours, I gave in and put my lounge-wear on. Nuts!

                                              

Justin came in about an hour and a half early for a Friday, having had the day called on account of the storm. The rain was not torrential but the electrical portion was dangerous. Justin reported seeing an electrical transformer get struck near the intersection of Blanding and Kingsley, NOT a good place to have non-working traffic lights. He did not indicate any outage, but did see the sparks and arcing as he waited at the light. Good call to quit early, I would say!

Justin chose not to join us for dinner but agreed to eat my leftovers when I got home. He was working on getting his room somewhat in order instead. None of the friends I asked for dinner and a movie night were able to make it so no raspberry pie for me. No worries, he can make it another time, and I get to play outside longer tomorrow!! Hopefully with no thunder storms breaking up the fun...

Let's talk about love

A long time ago (really???) my pastor friend, Pete, talked about the great overuse of the word "love". We just 'love' everything, from pizza to sunrises to new outfits. But do we actually love somethings in the same way as we do people? Or as much as God loves us? I'm going to say 'no' to that last question because I would guess giving my only Son into death for a pizza would never happen. Certainly there are different types of love, but I do so wish there was another word between 'like' and 'love'. 

I am incredibly fond of my friend, Rita, who has only recently been up on two feet after a terrible health situation this summer. It happened while I was gone to WI and she filled me in when I got back. Today, as we left Bible study, we said 'good-bye' across the parking lot. Then I thought better of it and called to her, "I need to hug on you..." and she said, "You better!" Aw, I needed to give her such big hugs after what she has been through, and I was so glad to see her.

As we talked by our cars, she described her illness as the "July I almost died...". She feared she would end up in Hospice and said she was going to ask me to do a ladies' Bible study with Marilyn, Judy, and Suzanne at her home, while she waited...I said, "Yes!" before she finished her statement. I would certainly have done that, and will do that, if she ever needs me. She warmed my heart with this request, and we both had wet cheeks..I love Rita.

My friend, Kathy, who lives in my building, the lady who gave me her tear collection bottle, came over last night when I got back from church. I chose our new format mid-week service over Happy Hour which left Kathy with 'words leftover', as Justin would say. She sent me a text message asking if she could come up when I got home and I said yes. Then I called Justin to let him know she was coming, in case Kathy arrived before I did. 

The other night Justin had the idea, after I got off the phone with someone, that I should put up a stand like Lucy in the Peanuts cartoon. He said I could charge 5 cents for advice...Nah, no charge for talking with me. Besides, I have unlimited talk time on my phone, and somewhat unlimited talk time at my table. 

This late afternoon at the pool, she was talking about this beautifully sentimental song titled "Cinderella" so she sent me the link for it. This singer lost his little daughter in an accident, when the older brother drove down the driveway and hit her. Oh my! 

I watched that link plus several others associated with this story. It blew me away, and touched my heart as I experienced many of those same feelings myself. Later, she sent me a message apologizing for sharing it with me, but I told her it was just fine, I didn't mind at all.  She said, "That is why I thank God for allowing you to come into my life!" Yes, I love Kathy, and told her so.

When at the Racetrack Gas Station this a.m. getting my soda, one of the workers greeted me at the register, but did not wait on me. He said, "I love your hair!" I thanked him for that, and he said, "Now, don't break anyone else's heart today..." as it seems I broke his, somehow or another. Made me chuckle a bit...

                 

Yesterday, out at the pool, I got a text message from Justin, encouraging me to host a dinner and movie night this weekend. He wants to make me a raspberry cream pie and knows I need someone to help me eat it. I love that kind of pie, and the boy who will make it for me! Two different kinds of love there, but you get what I mean.