Cindy to the rescue!

This morning was good news/not so good news day for me. Not so good news first is that I must have the housekeepers return and finish the job started yesterday. I figured I'd use them one more time before my funds are reduced (so far so good in that department) and wanted a nice, clean environ for when Judy arrives. In the afternoon when Joanne was here I noticed chair marks yet in the rug in the river room which normally would have been removed by the vacuum cleaner. Oh well, no biggie, I guess.

Well. last evening when Jacqueline was up here, I noticed the dining room floor must have been missed also because there were schnibbles (sorry for the rough language, Lisa!) from scrapbooking on the floor. Okay, the first rug was an oops, but the other rug and the hardwood, not so much. And the sun shines directly into the kitchen and onto the face of my stove, my new best friend, and it looked wretched. I called their office and apologized right off the bat for being a complainer BUT this, not good.

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The manager is having my usual cleaner, Angela, come by as soon as she comes in to make the corrections. I am glad it's her because then she can see and report that I was not being too fussy or anything. I had Angela's former partner and a new girl yesterday since Angela has a new team. In my room around my desk and such, no problem, because I make this mess prohibitive to cleaning but not those wide open spaces, as I said, should be a breeze, for them! Since it's my turn to clean at church this week, I decided to spare my back and use it at church instead of here. Wonder how much they'd charge me to clean at church??????????????????????

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The good news, the great news, is that Cindy wants to try to save the lemon tree. She has a green thumb and good chemicals, good mojo, to give it a shot. Gotta love that can do spirit!!!! Now I must find a way to haul it to her house for rehab. Cindy is opening a rehab facility for sick and dying trees! Bless you!

The lemon tree is.............

...........nothing but a stub. I am pretty sure it's dead and now I feel that way, too. A little bit anyway. One last ditch effort is to totally re-pot it and stir a systemic into the soil in hope of killing the beasties that killed my precious precious tree!

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Not being totally without hope, in my freezer, I do have two of the lemons produced by the tree which I could cut open to salvage seeds to try planting. I would risk only one of the two lemons in order to at least have something as a remembrance. Nuts! His father has a seedling I grew from a seed but only one, which I couldn't take back, that wouldn't be nice.

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Here is some good news! My friend, Joanne, is back in town!!! She's been gone over 5 months taking care of her dad and getting his house ready for sale in MI. She came over for a bit this afternoon and it was grand to have her back.

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Joanne has some properties she's trying to market about an hour south of here and is going to stay on the property there as a true site agent. She'll be there 'round the clock for a month or so to try to move some properties. I don't know what kind of Realtor she thinks she is because Joanne is NOT in favor of selling my place!!!! Joanne is of the opinion that this condo speaks my name and that I need to stick it out here until I absolutely cannot any longer. Okay then! Dee is of the same opinion, in her words, "I want you in this condo!". Not one down the street or in the next county or in WI---here!!

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This afternoon after she left, I got busy opening the huge boxes which held the purchases people made at the Southern Living party I had. Many of them would be at Pat's party tonight so I waited for today to open them. Such a mess of boxes and packing paper! At least I was able to rid myself of one box because I filled it back up with peoples' purchases to haul down to Pat's. Now Pat has to deal with it instead! Justin could probably use the box in his move in a couple weeks but that's okay, since there are two more in my family room!

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At the party I got to see many of our mutual friends, including Sharon who did Lynn's facial which was her birthday gift from me. Tracy came a bit late but it was great to see her. She lives below me but I hadn't seen or heard (hardly) from her since the last Board meeting. She asked me to breakfast on Saturday and I accepted. Justin is coming either Friday afternoon or sometime Saturday to help me with a couple things but I'll be done with breakfast before he'd get here anyway.

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After the party, one of the guests, Jacqueline, came upstairs to see my place, because I have many of the pieces from the catalog in my home. Plus she wanted to see my place. The Units are similar in size and layout yet each one has specific differences, uniquenesses. She loved my place, trying to figure out why my rooms don't match Pat's layout. I told her mine was more like the one next door to Pat's but unless you see them all, it's hard to explain. Another of the neighbors, a new lady and her daughter, also came to the Southern Living party, my first time to meet them. The daughter is in 6th grade at St. Johns and has been there since pre-k. I mentioned that I had a son who died while at St. Johns in pre-k, and the mom asked, "The drowning?", and I said, "Yes." She got visibly upset and expressed her sympathy, which I accepted, and then she said her daughter was a year after Timmy. Elaine said, "I love the little angel by the bench." I thanked her and told her the tree there is also planted in his memory, moved from behind the old pre-k building to the new middle school building, in a prominent place. It's been a while since I've been over to school to see the tree, the bench or the little angel. I think that means something, don't you?

Don't be ineffective!

"I want to be around to pick up the pieces when he breaks your heart in two........" Oh, what's the point of moaning and bemoaning what's taken place in our nation? It's a new day and life goes on. The bottom falls out of the market---again---and time marches on.

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At Bible study this morning we talked about the situation a bit, all of us like-minded on more than only our doctrine, and I was able to brag on Justin a bit for his facebook posting Wednesday morning. He wrote that he's looking forward to 2012 and that it's a new day. Of course, as a politically involved young man, he's quite ticked off, being more libertarian than I am. But he didn't go out and flip any cars or riot in the streets like was expected if things went the other way. Anyone else see something interesting in that?

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I had a bunch of stuff written here, much of it quite profound, but I didn't feel like posting it. 'Nuff said............

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Well, today is the day---------------I finished The Shack!!! Finally, worked my way to the end. Wow! Judy, I can't believe it, what a trip! Thank you sooooo much, I can't wait to talk to you in person about it. As soon as I finished, I called my friend, Diane, the financial counselor and absolutely insisted she read this book. While my car was being lubed and tires rotated, I sat at a picnic table in the sun and finished it up, with tears soaking my shirt, again. Wow!

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48 more hours, Judy!!!!

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My sister wrote the other morning to report what she saw on election day at her polling place, the fire station in the neighborhood. Kerry wrote: "There were about 80 people ahead of me at 6:25 a.m. As the time passed, I watched the line increase, with cars parking on both of sides of Snell Road (barely a cow path.) The sun was just coming up over the buildings and all I could see were people walking through a corn field across the street, walking across part of the lawn of the prison, and pushing strollers and/or carrying young children with them. It was almost 7:00 a.m. and people were calling their work places to advise they may be a little late (me included), when a small group of men (firemen) came carrying a little, old man on their crossed arms to the front of the line.

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He was a WWII Veteran and had pushed himself up Jackson Street (I don't know how) in his wheelchair. He is a resident of Nova House which is a residential treatment center for drug and alcohol addiction. He was the first one to vote! I was still in line when he came out and the firemen helped him back to his wheelchair. Several people offered to give him a lift back to the center. He declined.

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When I came out, he was wheeling himself just a little bit ahead of where my car was parked. I stopped and chatted a little while with him. He proceeded to tell me that we were lucky; we still had enough of our senses (vs. others that don't) to be able to cast a vote for the president of the United States of America. He parted with, "God Bless You."

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Need I say anything else? I was sobbing when I got in my car and when I got to work, people asked me if I was okay. I replied, "Never better." I don't have much money, but I have my senses, my faith, my family, my nation and my right to vote. I have never been so moved in my entire life."

Laughing my fool head off!

Just when I thought I'd never laugh again..........

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Okay, that's a bit of a stretch but here I am in my home, laughing my fool head off at "Seinfeld"! Poor George went to get a massage and totally freaks out. Now he thinks he's gay and is really paranoid. The look on the peoples' faces is just priceless. Joe DiMaggio was spotted in doughnut shop and Kramer tries to get his attention by banging and yelping. I can't stand it! Elaine asks him, "Why didn't you just call his name?" and Kramer just looked at her with this 'look' on his face.....

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It's a weird episode because there is some sort of singing or music going on behind parts of the dialog or during his stand-up routine. I never heard that before. I hope it doesn't last, I have no idea what season this is as it's showing on tbs.com. Just looked it up on-line and it's Seaon Three. Man, what a hoot!

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I've noticed my windows look pretty yukky again, has it been 6 months already? The reason this came to my attention is yesterday two birds flew dangerouly close to the window, perhaps in search of insects. It might be okay to let them be dirty for a little longer, or maybe we'll have a nice rain to wash them for me.

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Justin and I met to have lunch at Koko's today, as we wanted some comfort food. I love it there, and we get at least four meals from less than $20. He ate all of his meal but I ordered double rice, for which they didn't charge me, and I have at least two more meals leftover!

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I was premature in hitting the Publish button so excuse me for that. Justin came by for a minute or two to open the ceiling registers in my room for me. I'd closed them when my family was here in August because I knew they'd want the A/C running and in order for me not to be frozen out, I simply used the broom handle to close the vents. That system, however, does not work to re-open them. He also bagged up the remains of Timmy's tree and took it to the trash. I don't want to talk about that right now because I am pretty upset it, okay?

Remembering God has everything under control

There is some good news tonight-----Travis won! At least thus far, with all the early voting ballots, absentee, and a few of the precincts coming in, he was ahead by more than half. I left the party after the speeches were given, as my feet were tiring right along with my eyes. Several of my neighbors had been there earlier with only one besides me remaining. Not that I didn't have enough people to talk to, not a problem, but other than Travis' good news, there wasn't much of a celebratory spirit left.

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Justin had originally planned to be with me at first but we went to Chili's for a bite to eat and then he had to rush off to meet his friends at Dave and Buster's. For every political sign he brought in, he could earn points for playing the games, so he was going to grab some up along the way to D & B. I think this is genius, a great way to clear the rights of way of the signs now that the elections are over. Travis' dad, Rusty, is the 'sign man' for the campaign and had the endless job of putting up the signs all over and now has to gather them back up. One of the Realtors that lives in my building might be able to take some of the larger ones off his hands to use when advertising larger parcels. They were still discussing that arrangement when I left.

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Justin called me earlier this afternoon when he should have been in class. He was sort of whispering, telling he'd stepped out into the hallway to report he'd gotten an 87% on his recent exam, one which he'd not even been able to finish because he ran out of time! I loved it that he felt it important enough to leave class to call me, not even just texting me with the great news.

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We had a good chat this afternoon when he came over after voting, as he worked on a project for me. I had him going through the drawers in my TV stand, sorting out the VHS tapes, DVDs, and CDs, making sure they all have boxes, and removing the ones for which he has no emotional or sentimental attachment. He is even letting go of the Disney movie "El Dorado" which Timmy and he watched on the TV in our bedroom at The Preserve house on New Year's Eve during my birthday party. Two weeks later his brother was gone. I find it interesting that he remembers such detail about things like that. Of course, I told him if there was anything at all in that drawer he wanted to keep, no problem, but he only kept a few of his favorites, BeastWars and similar.

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I now have a plastic bin full to the rim with tapes for Jen and Rick to go through, because they don't have cable TV and often are looking for movies or such for Memrie to watch. Justin thought it was okay to let them all go because by the time Lucas or "my" two boys come again, they'll have their own DVDs to watch. Lucas, I'm sorry about Buzz Lightyear having left the building!!!

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Even though we were going to have "heavy hors d'oeuvres" Justin had a gift card we'd only used part of after his birthday party so off we went to Chili's. Justin has a favorite salad there he really likes so that's what he ordered while the waitress allowed me to order the children's portion of chicken crispers. Just right! We are trying to figure out a suitable date for him to move from the condo and into the student suites because the day he had in mind won't work for me. Saturday, the 15th, is the day Judy departs for home and I'll be tied up at an Outreach seminar in Tallahassee with a team from church. I don't mind being the only girl! Anyway, I can talk with my Turkish friends to see if there's a way he can move without me being around to settle up, and then he can go ahead and move. On Saturday he wouldn't be missing any work so that's why it works best for him.

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I must be tired because I can't remember what else I was going to mention before heading to bed. Watching Harry Reid made me lose my train of thought. At the gathering I did meet some very nice people and re-met people who I used to know in Eagle Harbor, one couple who didn't know I had been divorced. Gee, I thought everyone knew that!!! One of the websites today showed the military absentee votes that actually did make it to be counted were about 10-1 in favor of John McCain, supporting his plan to keep the troops in place until the time was right to withdraw. The Iraqis are apprehensive if it goes the other way that they'll be left high and dry, before they are entirely prepared to take over, since democracy will be so new yet for them. Another issue of concern stateside is the Union voting plan, can't think of the name of it, where it will be open vs. secret ballot for voting in favor or against starting a union where they work. Serious repercussions to small business, card check, it's called, very damaging to businesses probably also facing the tax increases promised by the other candidate. A one-two punch for business, that's just great!

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During our recent Sunday services, we sang the psalm Pete used as part of Timmy's funeral sermon, where the Lord exhorts us, in Pete's words, "Be quiet!! I have everything under control, I know what I am doing." The psalmist says it with different words but the same sentiment, "Be still and know that I am God." What a great comfort! After my two lady friends came and watched the funeral service with me and we discussed the sermon, Leeann was moved to purchase for me a wooden plaque with that verse carved into it. A couple years ago Gretchen bought me a small ceramic plaque with the same verse printed on it. They know how important it is to keep in mind that God is in control and will work all things to our good, to those who love God. And isn't it wonderful that He loves us more!! Be still, my dear friends, and know that only He is God!

Some pictures from the photo card.....

The combined choirs of Victory Lutheran and Good Shepherd, with the Maestro on the far left

Bell choir rehearsing for Reformation Day service

The feast is prepared, wonderful breads, meats, potato salad, red cabbage, and just look at that dessert table!!!!

A Red Day, I Hope

The Fox anchors are wearing red, the frame is red around the set, I hope and pray it's a red day for America. And especially a red day for my friend, Travis. The reporter, Brian Wilson, who traveled around to the diners and restaurants in the "make or break" states presented the set anchors on F & F with a coffee mug from the Fox Restaurant, across the street from The Brick in Avondale. Cool beans! It's overcast here and could rain but if the sun comes out, that would be marvelous for voters standing in line at the polls. The temps are expected to be around 72 for the high today, and here's the best news: a high of 76 on Saturday when Judy arrives!!!!

Judy reports this trip could not have come at a better time for her because she's been kept occupied with her parents-in-law, Dad having surgery and Mom not being able to stay alone. Judy's been doing some cooking and attending to Mom plus her everyday routines, coaxing Mom into using the walker more so she's less dependent on Dad's arm when he comes home from the hospital.

We had quite the interesting Ladies' Group meeting last night, better attended and even a new face. Janet made the most wonderful desserts, both of which were dietetic-friendly----you know, sugar-free, low cholesterol ingredients, BUT yummy! Our most recent meetings had four or six people at them which limited our ability to make decisions and no one wants to serve as officers, that type of stuff. With discussion last night, we came up with some ideas to try to spur interest in our group. I have another project in front of me! And happily so!

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My eyes are telling me it's too early to be awake, a common complaint heard at the meeting last night. I like to tell the story about how the cows had to adjust to the time change too, having to produce their milk sooner in the mornings than they did a couple days ago. Maybe it's not so bad for us to just have tired eyes then!

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Justin is studying for an Italian Renaissance exam he has this early afternoon. When he's done with class, he is coming over here to vote and then to my house to hang out before we head to the Holiday Inn for Travis' party. Speaking of Travis, the other morning when I stopped at Office Max, I just couldn't believe how Blanding Blvd. sounded like being in New York City. What's with all the horn blowing? No taxi cabs dashing in and out of traffic, no wrecks in the road, just regular activity. It was then I realized that there were sign wavers at the intersection of Kingsley and Blanding for McCain/Palin and other Republican candidates and that is why folks were tooting and waving. I just had to chuckle at myself, as I longed for the noise of NYC!