Rekindling friendships

What an awesome day today! No lingering under the covers watching the news this morning, as I had places to go and people to meet--or meet again!

*******

The Friday Musicale program to which Christine introduced me was featuring a harpiscord concert at 11:00 a.m. This was a bit earlier than the previous recital and since I sort of found the music hall by mistake, thought I'd better leave enough time to find it on purpose this time. Jen would like to have gone but wasn't sure we'd be out in time for her to collect Memrie from school. Martie was going to visit our friend, Chris, who had knee surgery, so I was on my own. Never even thought to call Christine about it, just found myself on a mission!

******

Proudly I arrived in the parking lot of the Musicale early enough, allowing time to put the finishing touches on my face. Another layer here, another scoop of foundation there---voilà, a masterpiece, bound to crack at the slightest provocation. Walking up to the Hall, a couple ladies complimented me on my outfit which consisted of the lovely ruby blouse from Mom, red shoes, red purse, red sweater on the arm, and blue jeans. So what?!? The lady minding the door welcomed me as 'the Valentine', which was very nice. She said she liked my red shoes, saying, "you can't have enough of those". Seems as though I told Mom that a time or two. She chuckled when I told her that even my car is red!

*******

While waiting in the parking lot I'd noticed a woman getting out of a car with something on her head and I couldn't quite make out if it was a hat or hair. It turns out she was right in front of me in the doorway to the Hall, when it occurred to me who this was---my author friend from the First Coast Writer's Conference several years ago! Wearing a hat is her trademark, so I should have recognized her. DH wrote the book "The Osceola Community Club", and was a speaker at the Conference in 2004. Christine and I had spent some time with her between seminars, finding DH absolutely delightful.

Here is a photo taken at the Writer's Conference, 2004 (that's me on the right)
***************

When Mom and Lynn were here visiting that year, we attended her book signing event at Barnes and Noble. I'd previously purchased two editions, one for me and one for Lynn, both personally autographed. DH was serving cookies which were made using a recipe featured in her book and was again, delightful. Justin was with us that day, as well, and we went to the marble slab creamery for a treat afterward. First meeting DH, then cookies, then ice cream....a perfect day.

*******

Later that year DH had a publishing party at her home where guests were served hot dogs, moon pies, root beer and so on, a sort of sock-hop theme. It was great fun, and as many people as could gathered 'round their backyard pool and in the house. I considered it a privilege to be included in this bash, met many wonderful folks, and have a lasting memory of the night, including having her husband, Wally, sing some of his Classics IV hits for us.

********

When Justin and I moved into our house on the lake in 2004, DH was invited to the housewarming party but had to decline. Instead she sent a lovely gift, a tea pot that housed a kitchen timer in its base. And she followed up with a phone call to find out how the party went. Of course I told her it paled next to her publishing party, and she encouraged me that MY publishing party would be just as grand!

********

Back in the Hall, I chose a seat directly behind DH and Ginger, who was later introduced to me as her editor. Cool! I tapped DH on the shoulder and was about to re-introduce myself when she turned and said, "Oh, Kim! How nice to see you again!" She introduced me to Ginger as being a writer, gulp! (Now I'd better get going, huh?). And then DH asked about Justin, which simply blew me away. He is evidently a memorable young man, which pleases me.

*******

It was great to re-connect, and after an interesting chat, I let them enjoy the wonderful harpsicord presentation. Following the concert, I slipped DH a piece of paper on which I'd written my blogsite info, at her request, if you please. I did title it "shameless self-promotion" and she admitted being the queen of that herself. Ginger asked her to forward the information so she "can read what she writes". Another gulp!

*******

And, upon leaving the Hall I realized that Jen would have gotten out in plenty of time to collect Memrie, even allowing enough time to grab a bite somewhere. Now we'll know for upcoming concerts. I've made a sign-up sheet for the next presentation on the 15th, in case anyone from church would be interested in coming along. We are always looking for activities to do in the light of day when folks can see for driving purposes. And it being a "free" event doesn't hurt one bit, either.

*******

In 2004, DH wrote in my edition of her book--"write uniquely"! I pray I am up to it!!!!!

Breaking into the "emergency" boxes....

Mmmm....just got home from having my therapeutic massage, feeling and smelling awesome. Carol uses whatever scent of oil the client wants, and I pick patchouli. It reminds of when I was a girl using that oil as my perfume. She put in on my clavicles so that I can smell it all day. Ahhh, Carol really helps aches and pains to go away, or at least at ease for awhile. Dee is the one who introduced me to her, so I'd better include both those ladies in my Will---what the heck, I'll even add Julia since she's the first one I knew who went to Carol!

*

It was such a blessing when Dee got me an appointment for a massage when I was suffering from sciatica back in October. Carol knew just how to manipulate my arms and legs in order to ease the searing pain. I could actually walk when I got done with my first treatment, and made appointments to return for more. She uses a procedure called "orthobionomy" which really did the trick for me. Anyone who has a hitch in their get-along should really seek out a massage therapist who uses this technique. In Orange Park, Carol is located at Salon 2000, Fleming Island. Tell her Kim sent you!

*

Okay, so what about the "emergency boxes"? I will tell......(my best European accent..) You know how there are fire extinguishers in metal boxes with glass doors and a little hammer attached? There is a sign that says "In case of emergency, break the glass to get the extingisher out" or something like that. For my birthday, I received from Dee and Julia a pyramid of 7 hexigon-shaped boxes, secured largest to smallest with a lovely ribbon. Each box contains a different, delicious treat of some sort, from peppermint candies to Ghirardelli dark chocolate with caramel filling. Need I say more? I broke into the boxes today (after exercising amazing restraint!) and removed a piece or two of the contents to enjoy as I write. Don't wish to make a habit of that, wanting to keep the special treat boxes "in case of emergency". No hammer required. What an awesome day so far----massage and chocolate!

*

I am sad that my family is having such a rough winter this season. Yesterday the western shore peoples were house-bound due to snow drifts and icy roads. Mom assured me she had sufficient supplies so she wouldn't starve. Maybe she'll rethink this "not traveling anymore" mindset, given the fact that the winter is quite harsh thus far. Just the day before, my friend, Judy in Winona, MN, reported that the schools were closed due to weather, which probably means that Lori and family had a snowday as well. The Mississippi River peoples got clobbered on Tuesday and the Lake Michiganders the next day.

*

Sometimes I think I might be Greek! Pastor was reading a Scripture passage the other day, and it was one long sentence. When finished, Pastor remarked that this a characteristic of Greek writing, the run-on sentence structure. According to Gus in 'My Big, Fat Greek Wedding', everything is Greek or comes from the Greek, including run-on sentences!

*

Jen and I really enjoyed the opera last night, much more than I would have expected. Subtitles! On a screen across the top of the curtain, the words were translated into English for us non-Italian listeners. This was a first for me, and certainly garnered more story having the subtitles (can they be 'sub' if they are overhead??) for us to follow along.

*

Oops, got a bit carried away with this today so will let you guys go. And gals, too. A quick rundown of the rest of the week includes Art Guild meeting this evening, a harpsicord recital downtown tomorrow, worship Sunday, and Super Bowl party later that day. Monday is my first day with a new art teacher, Bob, who is going to try his hand with teaching someone who is un-trainable!

*

Please have a wonderful afternoon and don't forget to write! Break into your emergency boxes and live it up!

*

p.s. I forgot to tell you about something: when doing massage Carol commented about my "happy hips" and "happy lymphs". I chuckled when she said that and told her I was going to write about it...so, say hello to Happy Hips!

The music of the night

Jennifer called me the other day to tell me about a sign along the road to her parent's house. I'd seen it myself when going there for Memrie's birthday-----Convert Your Vinyls to CD's--now isn't that a wonderful service to offer the world? Must be the latest in the "work from home" gambit. As I discussed with Jen, my albums, though I'd love to hear them again, are in such wretched condition that not even the finest machinery would be able to capture the sound faithfully. I got so accustomed to hearing the music with skips and scratches, it's possible I wouldn't even like the "new" version!

*

That conversation is what got me thinking about the music from the "old days", the songs I listened to when getting dressed for school, carried with me in my back pack (trend setter in the early 70's!!), and sang me to sleep at night. Who knows? If there had been iPods when I was a girl, I'd be more brain dead than I am now. But, in those days, people had to actually speak to each other, using words rather than symbols.

*

If you've read the Profile about me, you'll see where my musical tastes presently lie. My desire these days is to keep my soul in a happy place, to feel joy in my heart. Oh, I don't care how it sounds to you...so, I'm a drip! With modern technology (or would it be electronics?) my car boasts six slots for playing cd's, and moves between discs without my coaxing. My steering wheel holds buttons and switches that allow me to skip the songs I don't wish to hear and crank up the ones that rattle the windows. That Sarah Brightman sure loves her bass!!!

*

Without much climbing around, Joni's Blue was located in the family room cabinet and now stored in my computer's iTunes library. It's playing as I write and am surprised that I'm not typing the lyrics instead of these words. How come I remember them as clearly as ever, yet still stumble around on "The Phantom" sound track? It's heck to get old. I need to add some more gigs or "erase" some things from my brain's memory banks, to make room for the music of the night. "Turn this crazy bird around, shouldn't have gone on this flight tonight"........

*

What's funny, to me at least, is that the first five slots in CD player are dedicated to Sarah and Andrea, soul soothing, inspirational tunes. But Number Six is special--"Cheap Thrills" circa 1968 gets played when the mood is right. Janis is unleashed and bounces about the walls of my car as I drive down memory lane. What were other kids my age listening to in 1968? Perhaps you guys remember the music back in the day.....

*

Lori and I liked folk music, which is how I grew to love Joni, Judy, Joan, Bob Dylan, and Buffy St. Marie. Her college friend, Bonnie, played the guitar and we all sang "House of the Rising Sun" around the campfire. It seems like it was every weekend during the summer, but again, that memory of mine might be playing games with me. Lori and I used to sing a song by Judy Collins about whale boats and Greenland--"no more, no more Greenland for you, brave boys."

*

Our combined collection included Simon and Garfunkel, The Allman Brothers, Steppenwolf, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Black Sabboth (yes, I used to listen to Black Sabbath!), Pink Floyd (Umma Gumma)---we were all over the place in our tastes. Lynn was more the collector of the pop music, and she did love her Elvis! If I'm not mistaken, I believe she listens to "Oldies" music to this day. Must hold some wonderful memories for her as well.

*

David, my brother-in-law, told me that it's wiser to purchase re-mixed, or whatever they are called, CD's rather than attempt to record the old vinyls. This is good advice and have done that on several occasions. Justin told me about the newest release from Sarah, came out yesterday, and we went back and forth about the best way to "purchase" it. Who knew there'd be so many avenues for obtaining this music? Oh, you did? Silly me!

*

Time to get ready to go pick up Jen as we are heading to the opera this evening. Tonight, it's Tosca, at the Times-Union Center. We have to leave plenty of driving time and hope to get a spot in the handicapped area if we get there early enough. We have seating in the handicap area which should be comfortable for both of us. Can't think about the opera without remembering "Pretty Woman" when she goes to the opera for the first time, and tells the old lady next to her that she loved it so much, she nearly wet her pants! I pray that doesn't happen to either of us tonight!

*

Have a pleasant evening everyone!

Quiet times on the river

It's noiseless here tonight, not a welcome quiet at all. My company is gone as of this morning. The warm embraces will have to last us awhile, until I get to Morton Grove and visit them. The time went by so quickly, but I appreciate every bit of it. Poor little Grace had a goofy ear on Saturday night so Tarren took her to Solantic to be checked out for infection. The doctor found some fluid build-up but no infection, which made all of us feel better. It would have been a very long car ride with and for a baby with an ear infection!
*
Boots Day has a new address everybody---under Paul and Emily's bed! As soon as Paul put him down in the house, zoom!, away from the girls to the safety of the bedroom. Oh, you should have heard the loud meowing all the way over there, so pathetic. He beat the daylights out of the floral bouquet I had in the back of the car, as he tried to climb over the seat. Oops! Didn't see that comin'! I was able to sort of repair it before leaving the bouquet at the cemetery this afternoon.

Lynx has been sort of mopey today, all by herself in the quiet house. Justin isn't staying here right now so it's safe for her to come out. She hid pretty much when Justin was staying here, as well as when Lucas was up and about. Last night she was quite friendly to Tarren, almost acted as though she'd hop into her lap. She's been hanging around my space heater, sort of curled around it the way I would if I could get back up again! Good thing it's not so cold tonight, but it could be warmer. The forecast is all over the place, highs near 70's some days, and near freezing for the low temps other days. Hang on, it's going to be wild ride! And dress warmly......
*
I'd meant to write about this a few days back but got off on another tangent....Lori and I used to play a game with our albums many moons ago, where we'd drop the record player arm, play a few notes, then see if the other could guess the song. We were not bad at that game! Usually we could 'name that tune' in just a few notes. Those were the days! Even yet, I'll chant a few lines from a song to Lori to see if she remembers the rest, usually a Joni Mitchell song. She's still got it, most of the time, anyway. For some reason I was singing "River" by Joni between Sunday school and church yesterday. Now, I need to hear the entire thing to satisfy my mind. It is just quite possible that I have "Blue" on CD in the family room, but will search in the light of day rather than crawl around tonight.
*

Earlier the sky was lovely in shades of blue and pink. Who'd think of clouds as being pink, since we usually describe them as being white? Living here, up high like I am, there is such a wonderful perspective on the river and its life. The sound of the trumpeting herons mixing with the roar of the boat motors. Add to that mix the helicopters and Navy planes, but none of it annoying. The beauty of the river makes everything else fade away, at least for me it does! I should be writing songs from my lofty perch here, but instead have some Minutes to type among other things. Off I go!
*
Sleep well, all my friends, sleep well! The Lord is going to make it all okay.......He promised this!

Sweet sounds echoing through my house!

This morning I woke to such sweet, sweet sounds, aside from the rain hitting the window. I could hear children noises and kids' TV programs coming from my family room. The little ones were up! Rather than fly out there in my nightie with my hair standing up (wait, it is always standing up!), I took my shower and brushed my teeth before donning a gaudy caftan to greet my guests.

By this time little Grace had already fallen to sleep and was in their room catching a few more winks. But Pete and Lucas were having some fun watching "Happy Feet" on TV. Evidently it didn't hold Lucas' interest long as eventually the movie was changed to a Veggie Tales show. I'd heard good things about the "Feet" but had never watched it myself. If I remember correctly Twila took her great-grands to the IMAX near St. Augustine to see it more than once. It made me cold looking at the ice bergs, but I think the weather here had more to do with that.

My guests have now left for a day of outings to visit their grandparents, leaving Justin and me here with the cats. Today is Boots' last day in the condo, as he's found himself a loving home to move to---he's moving in with Paul and Emily!!! When they heard I was looking for a home for the two cats, they immediately offered to take Boots as they've grown to love him over the years, and Sarah is particularly fond of him. This was very cool with Justin, as now he'll still be in the family. (I can just see Paul doing his Godfather imitation at the word "family", that chin scratching thing that amuses me!)

Later this morning I am looking forward to hearing Robbie sing with some choral groups at UNF. A mass of singers, I guess you'd call it. It makes me happy to be personally invited and love encouraging him in his music. This makes me think of a Harry Chapin song from way back, "music was his life, but it was not his livelihood"....I pray that's not the case for Robbie. Go Robbie, or "Wobbie" as Timmy used to call him....

Justin and I had a great day yesterday. We had an opportunity to visit the Cummer Museum for an exhibit called "Art from the Ashes". We saw actual stucco frescos taken from villas built near Pompeii. Oh, I felt like I was on vacation, looking at these lovely pieces and having the Professor explain what we were seeing. Dee thinks the world of this art professor and has told Justin how fortunate he is to have her as a teacher. There is nothing better than an enthusiastic instructor!

The museum store is fabulous and guess what! They had a few pieces of Chihuly glass on display. Judging by the size of the bowl in Frasier's apartment and these smaller ones priced at over $5000.00......you do the math! Now I am more concerned as the Cranes go 'flying' past that bowl on their way to the coat hooks.....one of these days, that bowl is going to get broken. Remember now, folks, I haven't seen all the programs yet, so don't tell me if it does or doesn't get broken, okay? Justin came upon a Chihuly desk calendar which was more in my price range plus we picked up a book telling how he created the ceiling masterpiece in the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas. Justin is quite interested in this, as am I. When we're done with it, I'll pass it along to Julia for her enjoyment, too.

Tarren took the kids to Clark Park yesterday morning, meeting the other Good Shepherd moms with little ones, had a picnic and such in what I'd consider the middle of winter. The high was only 50 above zero but the sun was out which made it more tolerable. Lucas told me that Justin's and my God-daughter put sand in his face. He seemed a bit surprised that this happened, but hey, when kids play in sand, things happen. That's the charm of it, getting sand in your hair and between your toes...oh, wait, that might be at the beach, which is my sand box!

Tarren and Laurie got to spend some grown-up time together last night and then came back here to chat. It was a welcome break for Laurie who rarely gets an opportunity to just hang out without her boys (4 of them!) and got to enjoy holding and playing with a baby girl. She was quite amused listening to Lucas as he took his bath, the baby monitor carrying the unending narration from his adventures in the tub. He tells stories, acts out the different voices, and according to his parents, NEVER STOPS TALKING! It really was fun to listen to and it sounded to me like he has the voices in his head with him like I do! I shared the story of the time we put Justin to bed and he kept chatting and chatting away when he should have been asleep. When I went in to tell him to be quiet, he said, "But Mama, I have words left over." Wonder from where he got that characteristic................

It was great to also hear the news that Emily got a job. She was contacted yesterday afternoon and is to start right away. Today she's going out to get a few outfits, suitable for the office. She's been at home with Sarah for a long time and is ready to jump back in there. Sarah will be starting at the preschool on Monday, I think, which makes Justin and me quite proud and excited. Another family from our church finally sold their home after months and months of waiting, allowing me a full day of rejoicing for the church family!!!!

Pete was going to be here last night with the children, Justin and I joined him in some home baked pizzas and even got in a game or two of Scrabble. I do not wish to discuss who won the games, but let me say this---I am a great hostess who allows my guests to run roughshod over me in Scrabble.....Actually, the first game wasn't such a huge loss but the second one--ugh! Humbling, very humbling. It still love to play the game, even if the floor gets mopped with me, so will dive right back in and perhaps come out victorious once. I'll get to play again Sunday at Pizza/Game Night, so will consider these previous games as "training".....didn't I say I wasn't going to discuss it?????

The newsletter is ready to go to press which I'll do this afternoon when I'm up at church. That will be my stop on the way back from Robbie's concert. It's my turn to clean the church and I can run copies at the same time. E-mail now carries the news letter to many member homes, saving paper and my valuable time. Or is it valuable paper and my time? Either way, it's more efficient to do it that way. Those who don't have e-mail get the paper editions with the rest being mailed away. Another deadline loomed and was met!

Have a great day everyone in Manty, celebrating the trio of birthdays at Pizza Hut! Reminds me of the old days when Grandma Sickles wanted to come along to Pizza Hut with us, for Lisa's birthday. Now Lisa's a big girl, has babies of her own, and is still celebrating at Pizza Hut...love it and love you all!

Wishing you sweet sounds today!

The excitement is building!

Hi all!

I stole that title from the catch phrase we are using for our building project at church, but applying it in a different sense tonight. Tomorrow is the day that my company arrives and I am "so 'cited" as Timmy used to say. Mom said tonight that she's sad about missing seeing the Prange's. I do hope that maybe one of the other girls, or even me, can get her to Morton Grove after the snow melts so she can visit them.

*

Tonight I was privileged to share in the celebration of Emily's birthday. It was wonderful to spend time, however brief, with this part of my extended family. On Sarah's baptism day we all went to Cracker Barrel after church. Emily's sister, Maria, told me I'd better get used to being around them all because "you're family now". I like the sounds of that! Justin had school and then was spending some time with his father tonight, so was unable to attend Emily's party.

*

As I was leaving their house, I mentioned I'd tried giving Boots back to JD Saturday night but he'd told me there was a "no return" policy when we took the kitten, about 6 years ago. Nuts! So, when I mentioned this to Paul and Emily, they said they'd take Boots off our hands this weekend......the perfect plan! Justin will still get to visit his favorite cat but I won't have to mess with Boots anymore. Now, to find a home for Lynx.......

*

Maybe I should do something about the mess of papers on my desk, in case Pete wants to check his e-mails when he's here. It really bugs me to have this clutter and such, but apparently not enough to get me to handle it. So many other things I'd rather do instead. The rest of the house is nice and clean, ready for the guests to arrive.

*

Justin and I have been discussing some alternative travel plans for his Spring Break. He's decided not to go to Italy this year with his Art History class, saying they go every year. His shoulder and neck are still giving him a fit and he wants to be sure it's better when he does go. He's also going to have his deaf ear checked again, as he says he can hear some noises in it. This might be good news, or continue to be a problem without a solution. We pray that his hearing will return, but still feel that he has to do something to help that happen, like see an ear specialist. Or an allergist, as it supposedly was caused by an allergy. Been going on since August, enough already! For a young man, he sure is falling apart!

*

We are talking about going up to New York instead and spend some time in the museums and galleries, which will also benefit his education. I was getting some prices together this afternoon, airfare and hotels accommodations. The time frame falls just prior and into Holy Week. I certainly want to be back here for church those nights and on Easter. The two of us have to sit down and hash this all over, so I can make the arrangements, before the fares go up.

*

Justin and I had a lovely dinner at PF Chang the other night. He'd wanted me to go to Pottery Barn with him, thinking I'd really like it. This plan didn't work out, only the dinner therefore making another trip to the Town Center Mall necessary. Nuts! I really wanted to see "those jack-booted thugs" who send out the incessant Pottery Barn catalogs!!! Kramer (Seinfeld) hated getting all those catalogs and went so far as to brick his mail box so as not receive ANY mail. Mom wouldn't like that very much---loves to get her mail!

*

The full moon is quite lovely reflecting on the river. The salon owner told me today she wants to see me again in a month to see how much my hair has grown. This is to prove a point that hair cut during a full moon grows much faster. Unfortunately, I go for a hair cut every three weeks which won't be a decent measurement for her purposes. People think such "interesting" things about the moon, don't they?

*

Wow, where'd the time go? It's bedtime already! Before I go to sleep though, I wanted to mention that I spoke with Marian, my sister-in-law in South Florida this afternoon. She sounded great, her diabetes seems to be controlled and is looking forward to a visit with her granddaughter, Maya. Tina and Maya are coming down for a day or so soon, and Marian wants to take care of Maya while Tina goes shopping or whatever, on her own. Very nice! Biff is still working everyday but has doctor appointments coming up to figure out his lung problems. Prayers would be helpful for them both, that the Lord would bring them renewed health, or at least some answers to their health situations.

*

Counting the hours until my company arrives........good night, all!

No Super Bowl for the Packers.......

I am numb with disbelief! The Packers lost the game in overtime, as though you don't already know this. If I repeat it often enough, I just might believe it!

*

It's hard to imagine that there are worse things than not making it to the Super Bowl, major events in our lives that knock us off our feet. I don't remember the Super Bowl in 2001, although I am sure there was one...okay, I looked it up and yes, there was a Super Bowl played on the 28th of January that year, only a couple weeks after the funeral.

*

A few weeks later we were off to the Builder's Show in Atlanta, as if nothing happened. Well, not really, it was obvious we weren't ourselves but had expended the money and the two people going with us were geared up to go. We felt we could mourn there as well as at home, and the distraction would be welcome. Many there knew our situation and offered comfort and support. We just weren't like other people, I suppose, not the way people expected us to react. Nothing I can do about that, is there? One thing I liked to hold to was "there are no rules when it comes to grieving". Grieving like people who had hope might have served as a light to some of those who knew what we'd been through. I don't know, maybe, I hope so anyway. I DO know I did better with people around me and that worked out nicely.

*

Cindy S. sent me the loveliest note last night which brought me to tears, both sadness and joy weeping. She related what their household was like after Mike told her about what happened to Timmy, the emotions and reactions. Her memories are keen, she remembers Pete singing at the grave site, how Mike helped her to bear up although he was suffering himself. I love, just love hearing these stories from "the witnesses", as there is much that I either forgot or never even knew about. Thanks for that, my dear, dear friend!

*

Today in church we sang the hymn "I Lay My Sins on Jesus", and I returned to my pew after communion in time to sing the last verses of it. I was doing just fine until we sang " I long to be with Jesus, amid the heavenly throng, to sing with saints His praises, to learn the angels’ song." Such a lovely wish to have, and that's what I believe Timmy is doing right now---or as Kerry says, he's telling it on the mountains! The author of that hymn also mentions how Jesus knows all our sorrows, which is comforting alone, as He knows what it takes to ease that grief. He provides.

*

I am much too tired to see clearly any more so will let you off easy tonight. Thanks again for the cards, text messages, comments, e-mails, and other acknowledgements. Now, I'll try to turn toward joy and the coming of the Prange's for their annual visit. The housekeepers haven't been here since just after the family left so it's ready for some cleaning again. I've done a bit of vacuuming in between, especially by the messy cat box and after the tree and stuff was taken down. Styrofoam beads are such a hard thing to corral!

*

Blessings on your coming week, all! Sorry 'bout the Packers---next year????