Jerusalem, the Golden

Last night was Lenten worship followed by choir rehearsal. Our director was absent but Robbie was able to lead us, not a small task for such an unruly group as the church choir!

*

We got through several of our anthems with a bit of work and then it was time to pick up the Easter song. Okay, Kim, here it comes, buck up, you can do it.........

*

We are singing "Jerusalem, the Golden", using a symphonic melody and accompanied by Suzanne on the viola. Robbie plays the organ as majestically as it can, and we sing the melody line. The tune is lilting and did I say "majestic"?

*

I was so proud of myself--Suzanne played her intro and then we launched into the hymn itself. We were on the second page of the music before the tears started to flow---oh, that vision of heaven and what awaits us there is simply too much. No matter how often I listen on Pete's website or practice with the choir, the emotion flows. Here are some of the words which trip me up:

*

.....I know not, O I know not, what joys await us there,

What radiancy of glory, what bliss beyond compare.

*

They stand, those halls of Zion, all jubilant with song,

And bright with many an angel, and all the martyr throng;

The Prince is ever in them, the daylight is serene.

The pastures of the blessèd are decked in glorious sheen.

*

It's like I told Emily, any hymn now that is listed in the "End Times" section will get me, as I long to see heaven and join the throng. Besides being face to face with my Savior, I'll (we'll) get to see our loved ones who have been experiencing that "bliss beyond compare". Tarren told me that whenever she sings the part about the pastures, she thinks about Timmy. See, it's not only me!

Fond, frozen remembrances

In December sometime, getting things ready for one of the parties hosted here, I had a little accident when taking a container of cookies from the freezer. The cover sort of let go, spilling some cookies which had the little colorful BBs pressed into them. Talk about a mess! The cats and I cleaned up the floor but some cookies poured out inside the freezer, which is drawer-style. Not having time to take that drawer all apart, I just left the cookies there---until today! Using the longest kitchen tool which would fit back there, out came the remnants of the cookies. The crumbs and BB mess will have to come out some other time. I wasn't up to standing on my head to get at the residue, it would wait until another day.

*

While in the freezer drawer, monkeying around to get the cookies out, I spotted the zip-lock bag which holds two boxes of pancake mix, one container of drinkable "logurt" with dinosaurs on the bottle, and a box of whimsical corn dogs, sporting cowboy hats. Why would someone have such odd things in their freezer? They were Timmy's! When he died, it seemed important to keep as much stuff around as possible to remind us of him, including the pancake mix used on Saturdays when the boys made breakfast with their father. The corn dogs were left from when the refrigerator was stocked while their parents took a cruise in November 2000. It remains important to keep those things, even if they take up valuable space.

*

Today I was searching in my kitchen cupboard for cold medicine, but I think Justin took it all for his drainage troubles. But I did find, rather, found again, the little measuring tube used to dispense liquid medicine to children, a bottle of baby aspirin, Flintstones vitamins, and dissolving grape-flavored cold tablets. Why are they still there? Why not? Every now and again, I'll look in the plastic bin where they are kept, and remember....

*

Some might think it's not "healthy" but I can live with that judgment. I am not paralyzed by my grief, but instead grow with it, or away from it, much more than I'd have expected. There are reminders all over my house that tell about Timmy. And, some day, if I ever get busy on it, I will finish my book. In the meantime, though, in the freezer, near the crumbs and BBs, are remembrances of him, frozen in time.

This photo captures the true essense of Timmy, waiting for Justin's St. Johns bus in front of Childtime. Just look at that hair..........sort of like mine looks now!

Did you miss me? My Internet has returned!

Talk about old-fashioned! Now I am forced to write this as a Word document and will be doing the cut/paste thing in order to get it over to the blog site. I hope this Internet situation is resolved shortly or I’ll simply have a fit! You’ve not lived until witnessing a “Kim Fit”! When we accidently dripped on my downstairs neighbors last year during the remodel, I said something to Andy about being “upset”. He asked me, “You were upset? That’s it?? You need to talk to my wife!” Oops, looks I have to work on that upset thing….

*
While writing I am multi-tasking: listening to Sarah sing for me, printing newsletters for those without Internet (which would be ME today!), and writing for the blog. I catch all kinds of heck for not posting daily but truthfully was holding back to avoid appearing verbose. Apparently verbose must be acceptable and I’ll do my best to post more often.

*
Rick and I spent some time together last night over at The Club so he could stage some of the photos for his sister-in-law’s wedding taking place on Friday. I do hope it warms up for them, would hate to be sitting out there with temps in the 60’s, especially on the shady side of the building. It’s a rather small gathering and even though Bruce said I can sit with them, I won’t crash their party. Joanne, Justin and I are going to hear/see “Movin’ Up” instead, celebrating Jo’s birthday at the same time. Nice! Rick’s developed quite a niche for himself with wedding photography, sharing his hobby with a work partner, Niko. He knows all the ins and outs of his camera where I rely on my “aide” to help me with that—or go ask Julia for help!

*
Once we had the shots staged, Rick left to pick up Christopher. Since there was time, I met some lady friends at Aron’s Pizza, located where the Fish and Chips used to be on Hwy. 17. They’d finished already but were sitting around chatting so I had a soda with them before we all headed over to church for Bible study. Pete from the car wash was there with his family, and it was great to see them all again. We’d built a home for them many years ago, when our office was still in the Street of Dreams garage. 13 years already? Wow! I see Pete whenever I have my car cleaned but not the entire family--it was heartwarming. He always asks about Justin, which, too, is heartwarming. I didn’t tell him about the hearing problem, didn’t feel it was the time and place to go into all that.

*
When we got to church, the Art Fair was still going on in Precious Lambs and I got to see all my extended "Sarah" family. Even Baby Chloe was there. Paul had called me in the afternoon to report that Sarah is the official greeter at the preschool, calling “hello” to everyone who comes in, no matter who they are. Ms. Deb said Sarah gets that from Ms. Kim, and Paul said, “Well, you know she is Sarah’s godmother!” Funny, funny, funny! Sarah is flourishing in preschool, as one might expect.

Boots' new family: Emily, Sarah, and Paul

Our Bible Information Class was well-attended, even going longer than usual. Our discussion was on the humanity of Christ, paired with His Holiness. Couldn’t help but tear up when Pastor was describing the pain that Jesus bore on the cross for us. The lady across from me was wiping away tears, too, so I don’t feel badly. He painted such a stirring picture for us, and it wasn’t even a sermon. Reminds me of “The Passion of Christ” movie that Steve, our plumber, treated us to a few years back. Mom and Lynn were here for that. Betty and Robin C. were there, too, as Steve’s guests. Where was I going with this---oh, yes, the BIC last night was most excellent, and perfect topic for Lent.
*

Speaking of passion, the song I referenced in this month's newsletters' Editorial is playing right now, a duet with Sarah B. and Fernando Lima. It's called “Pasion”, and is just lovely.

*

In case you didn't notice, the previous posting ended rather abruptly, which was due to the Internet leaving me. Sorry about that, and hope this makes up for it. My tummy is grumbling which means time to grab a bite. I think I'll eat in today as I am printing these newsletters and such. One of the nicest things about this time of year is the reappearance of hot cross buns. Yummmmmy!

*

Lord's blessings on your worship tonight! I feel badly that some of my text disappeared in the original posting...probably some of my best, gone, just like that........

No problem seeing Mandarin today!

It's nice and clear today, and I must confess to being the tiniest bit warm sitting here in my window. A few shore birds are walking about below, looking as though their feet are in molasses. The water level is low, exposing some funky looking sand, colored by the yellow pollen that also covers my car. When Linda was here, I told her my car was the red one with yellow blotches, and she picked it out right away!

*

Last night I had a nice chat with Barb, my sister-in-law from Green Bay, regarding their pending visit. As badly as I want them to come here to see my place, I had to caution about the elevator being out of service when they come. She seems to think they can manage the stairs for that visit, and I'll probably make them a lovely meal so we can eat in, limiting the number of trips up and down. Unfortunately, my other in-laws from South Florida won't be able to see my home because Marian can't make the stairs at all. She missed out coming here for Justin's graduation, as she left the party hall before we took it home, so to speak. My parents-in-law and Marian have never been up here, and now my mother-in-law has gone to heaven. She has a better view than I have!

I know Mandarin is over there somewhere!

The fog is so dense that I can't even see across the harbor area, much less over to Mandarin. There is a heron down below the window straining to spot fish in the water---now, that is some thick fog!

*

I heard that rain showers were expected today, and in one second I can get the weather report--please hold for a moment (a little Sprint lingo there)....it's presently 64 above zero with storms expected this evening. One day this week it's supposed to only reach 55 for the high, which means I'll be housebound. Can't go out when it's below 60...just teasing. It seems that the temps in Manitowoc and area might reach 32 above, which means some of that nasty ice might melt away. Then Jill and Lynn won't have to spend their down time chipping away at glaciers in their driveways!

*

There was a wretched wreck yesterday out near the base. Apparently two young men were drag racing on Roosevelt, with one losing control and shooting across the median into oncoming traffic, striking three cars, one head-on. One of the "innocent" drivers was killed, and his wife was driving another car behind him and not killed. She probably was "killed" in a way, seeing her husband die right before her eyes. Several other people in the other cars were injured, including a young girl, all from Orange Park. This wasn't at night either, mid-morning drag racing on a public, heavily-traveled roadway. The other car in the race took off but believe you me, the police are looking for that blue Mustang and will find him! One minute you can be driving down the road following all the rules, and then someone runs into you who isn't...

Oh, it feels so good to sit down

Busy, busy, busy, like many Sundays are. After church I came home for a bit and managed to find some recorded "Frasier" episodes to watch. What a nice treat, since I'm sad about running out of my DVD's that Justin gave me for CHRISTmas.
*

For some reason, my family room TV won't play anything on the Lifetime channel, which is where "Frasier" plays. Maybe Justin put the "fix" in on it, as he used to forbid me to watch Lifetime because of the movies shown on there. Isn't that a bit reversed? The child forbidding the parent...anyway, he felt it wasn't good for my spirit and well-being to watch that type of program. He has my best interest at heart! Therefore, my DVR can't record from that channel any longer. There are some Frasier episodes recorded around New Year which still show, which is why I got to see it today. Whew! The long way around again, right?
*

This afternoon was spent at Great Hang Ups for Kris's art show. It was fun and I got to visit with a couple of Justin's art teachers from St. Johns. There were some sales made although I don't know the overall success of the show, as some folks were still there when I left.

Pizza/Game Night was sort of a bust, although we did have 5 adults and one child. An entire pizza was leftover which the preschool teachers can enjoy tomorrow. Fausto was bit distressed that more people don't come, in fact, he claimed that anyone who had kids should be there! Here's the worst part as far as I'm concerned, no Scrabble for Kim.....we played Mexican dominoes which was quite fun and terrific for a group. Oh well.....

*

And why does it feels so good to sit down? I was on my feet much of the day, except for during worship. Before church and after, I was scooting around talking to people, getting the table set up in the breezeway, taking attendance, etc. At Hang Ups I was workin' the room, on my feet some more. It simply felt wonderful to sit down and relax!
*
There is a heart-breaking movie on TV right now---The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, which is cool because I get to see views of Santorini periodically. But, there is one young lady, Carmen, who is suffering terribly because her dad is remarrying, a surprise to his daughter, and the woman is blond with two blond kids. The natural daughter is Puerto Rican as is her mom, obviously, and she's having a really tough time accepting all this.
*

One scene shows Carmen standing outside the house, looking in at her dad's "new" family, all sitting around the table. It bugged her so much that she threw a rock at the window and ran back home. Just now she called her father and let her grief out, feeling that her dad traded his wife and daughter in for something better. Gut wrenching sorrow, with the dad shown weeping, too, unable to mend this damaged relationship. She told him how her uncle calls every month but only sees dad twice a year. Heart breaking. As I often say, "Oh, the things we do to our children!"

*

Speaking of children, Justin is doing well as far as coping with his news Wednesday. He has a physical therapy appointment in the morning, goes to work, and then home early to cram for a test. He is doing a project for one of the classes tonight, something Roman. I offered to send him some photos but he said he's got everything needed. Justin got to spend some time with Pam and family tonight for Jesse's birthday, now 22 years old, at Carrabba's. Nuts! I missed out...

*

There is much more to say but will leave that for another time. I think of so many things when I'm at church, some of the readings either in Bible study or worship prick my heart, but then when I get home, I've lost my train of thought. Enough thinking for tonight, though, so good night all and consider this from Ephesians: I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints...

The river is like glass.......

...it looks very smooth with jewels floating on top. Quite different from yesterday with the nasty weather we had earlier in the day.

*

Lynx and I were awake a couple times already this morning but I finally had to give in and get up to stay. The sun beckoned me, as did the bathroom! TMI...

*

The newsletter was finished more or less last night, however there still is editing to do in the daylight hours. No matter how many times it's read through, some boo boos sneak onto the pages. What goes on when I'm asleep?

*

Saturday went by quickly, starting with a lovely breakfast with the church ladies at Honey B's. I'd reserved for 12 people for 9:30 a.m. and when I arrived, found a small group already in place---at a table for 6. Well, that wasn't going to work and truthfully speaking, the place was a beehive! Hence, the name....No one could really tell us what was happening or stop long enough to help us out. Finally a table emptied nearby and we corralled a young lady to help us move furniture to accommodate our group. Only one person didn't show, which is a far cry better than the last outing to Mediterrania where more than half that signed-up didn't show....ouch!!!

*

As I said, Honey B's was a veritable beehive and we aren't exactly sure who our waitress was, but we were kept full of drinks for the long wait on our meals. The conversation flowed, never a doubt about that, and if we're going to be stuck in a restaurant, these are the folks to be stuck with. Not to make it sound worse than it was, by 11:00 am we were out the door, which is nice length of time for ladies to socialize. In my opinion, it was the franticness of the staff which cause some to feel frantic---frenzy is catchy, you know. We should have had the de-caf!

*

Oops, I see it is nearly time to leave for church. I'll have to post another later on. This afternoon is an art show for a friend up at Great Hang Ups and later is pizza/game night at church. I am missing Jesse's birthday party because of pizza/game night but at least I'll get to play Scrabble with Paul and Emily again!

*

Blessings on your worship today!