Back from the meeting....

....with no bloodshed! Tonight's Palace Annual Owners' meeting went along famously, with little or no arguments, and in fact, one of the pot stirrers even begged for no more controversies! And here I had prepared my special speech just for the meeting, with no need for me to deliver it. But I did anyway, in a greatly modified form, turning into praise for our Board, thanks for their efforts, and for that of the committees. I told the assembly that I had been approached by more than one Board member to serve but I respectfully, repeatedly declined, because "my heart is like a tiny china doll" and I could not take "the heat in the kitchen" which is where the Board finds itself. My remarks were well received and the newsletter complimented, which was quite nice to hear, of course!

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We are still going to have at least one more major assessment, which I am prepared for, that being the caulking, repairing of stucco, and painting of the building. A huge undertaking, much involved, but will hopefully put to rest many more of the leaking problems remaining. Somehow I avoided being on the Team making the color selections as I just finished that job at church. One of the non-resident owners is taking the job with help of Maureen, a woman with most excellent decorating sense. We will have three color choices to vote on, majority wins. The north end bulkhead needs to be repaired/replaced after the damage from TS Faye last August and they would like this done before the season starts again, for fear of additional erosion of our property.

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So, the good news is I got out of there with the same jobs I went in with, editor of the newsletter and on the social team---yippee!!!

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Saturday on my way to the Tupperware party at Wendy's house, I saw a sign for the Urgent Care facility in Oakleaf. Urgent Care----makes one think of cuts needing stitches, an ear infection, or a broken arm, right? Oh, no! This sign, under the name Urgent Care Center listed several items including Botox injections, laser hair removal, dermabrasion, and other seriously non-emergency health problems. What in the world??? I just had to laugh at the prospect of making a quick trip to the Urgent Care Center for a necessary laser hair removal!!!

"You mean these guys really lived?"

In the movie, "Secondhand Lion", a pre-teen boy is sent to live with his elderly great-uncles, uninvited, for a summer and hears the most amazing and fantastic stories about their lives. The stories were so "huge" that it was difficult for the young man to believe. At the end of the movie, an ancestor of one of the characters in the assumed "tall tales" shows up with his young son, who asked, "You mean these guys great-grandfather talked about really lived???" His dad turned to the now grown great-nephew who confirmed, both sadly and proudly, "they really did LIVE!", to the fullest.

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I took the movie to church with me to return to Suzanne, but when Cliff saw me with it, we began discussing the story. One thing led to another and I very nicely let Cliff borrow Suzanne's movie from me! Hopefully they get a chance to watch it and return it to the rightful owner promptly. And I also hope they enjoy it as much as Joanne and I did!

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My kitchen is smelling so good right now with my roaster back in the oven with last night's supper cooking once more. The last time I did this, I ended up the pork in my hair when it spit mightily at me. A good clean shot, too! That is not it for re-runs, however; I am also being entertained by "Godfather II" again this afternoon on AMC network. As much as I enjoy watching these two movies, the ads for upcoming "network" programming is getting on my nerves. I feel as though I have seen the entire show already through the trailers and promotions.

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Last night when getting my bedtime Diet Coke, I realized it was the only can in the box. My pantry showed no more cases in there, when I was certain more existed. It is heck to get old, and worse to know there was no more soda! Joanne offered to go get some but I told her thanks, but no, I would get some in the a.m. The final can lasted until this a.m. when I finished it off before my shower. On the way to church I stopped at Sonic and got my Route 44 Diet Coke. Ahhh! Tasted soooo good!

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I posted the new photos on the Flock Board to help fill in where the blanks were but one new family's photo just could not be made small enough for the Board without cutting off their heads or faces. After church I asked this family to pose once more for me in an attempt to squeeze them onto a four by four piece of paper! Brian also asked me to retake his photo because he sports a new, modern look and wants the Flock Board to reflect this.

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Immediately following worship was a congregational/voters meeting with much to discuss including a sharing of ministry and duties with an area congregation whose pastor, already part-time, is taking full retirement. There is a proposed plan for one of our members who has been trained in our Synod schools and served as a principal at a Lutheran grade school to become certified as a Staff Minister and work with our pastor and others in serving this congregation in some ways, and ours in other ways. Whew! A Greek sentence.....run on.....

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(Editor's Note: I deleted the portion here which would have connected this next paragraph)

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I am glad Justin came out of our family mess minimally scathed. In our household, having lost his brother in the midst of the foolishness sort of outweighed the rest of the junque going on. I should not say this definitively, only Justin really can answer that question and perhaps only time will tell. I rejoice that he remains in the faith and enjoys worshipping at Victory, where they make him feel welcome. Even "fighting" over who gets to sit with him when he goes to have supper before mid-week services! He is still quite the ladies' man, even if they are old enough to be his grandmothers! (So no one worries or wonders, what transpired at our congregational meeting in no way affects or reflects anything regarding Justin, but another young man going through similar things Justin did years ago....)

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And now, some Tylenol and pork roast!

Thinking about my friends tonight....

............after hanging up with Linda J., who just returned from visiting her new granddaughter, Amanda this weekend. It's really quite simple---we love and care about each other!! And just so she does not get jealous, she already knows about my other friends, a few I will mention here. Please do not feel slighted if you are not mentioned, okay? I love and care about many other peoples, too. (A Timmy expression: peoples) Linda has the joy of hosting a WELS singer and her family at her home when Wendy Sue comes to Manty next month. Mom, Justin, and I saw and heard Wendy Sue perform here in Florida several years ago and I believe Mom has her CD, autographed, mind you. I wonder if Mom will remember her....

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Today our choir sang a psalm called "Hiding Place", based on Psalm 17, and boy, we could have used just one more run through before worship! No one complained but we knew a rehearsal would have helped get the bugs out of it. There is one section where Brian sang alone as the female voices did "oh's and ah's", and I do not know how close we came to hitting the right notes. No babies were crying so it could not have been THAT bad....We sang the final stanza or refrain acapella and I think that went well, except that Brian was our leader and I looked toward Kathy instead....ooops! I even knew better but...

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Anyway, Kathy is such a sweetheart, spending time with me on Friday at the Wine Tasting Party and having a great conversation. We could have skipped the party and just talked but then would have missed meeting those other fine folks. Ever widening the circle........We met a lady recovering from a cancer similar to Judy R.'s, so that was inspiring, hearing the success story from another survivor.

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A couple weeks ago, Suzanne sent me the link to listen to "Hiding Place" any time I needed it, and seemed to already sense it was rattling in my brain and heart before she sent it over. It was the right medicine needed before going through all my court preparations and meetings. Awesome! "I will search in the silence for your hiding place. In the quiet, Lord, I seek your face...." My heart is warmer just from knowing this!

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A member of church who is presently worshipping elsewhere for awhile reported to me that her little boy "misses Miss Kim", mentioning me specifically. Wow again! Little Caleb, son of Rick and Jen at church, who seldom speaks or acknowledges me (probably because I stare at him so much, because he reminds me of somebody....) wished me a "good morning' today! He is so somber but still he said it as he flew past me. Little Daniel, Suzanne's son, came and showed me his wrapped up arm, which will be put in a full cast tomorrow.....I cannot imagine the job they had trying to keep him settled this weekend, the way he flew around at church. He sure did not mind having a sore arm! Best wishes tomorrow, John, as you take him in for the cast! I want to sign it on Wednesday night!

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Linda told me about a wonderful book she is reading, a devotion a day book, that she said made her think of me and is going to send me a copy. She is too much! Between Judy R. and Linda, they are going to make a reader out of me yet! Judy sent me a reference the other day from a hymn that was included in a card she received, and wanted to share it with me. Those hymns and Bible treasures go a long way in healing the hurting, and putting joy in our hearts and on our lips!

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Speaking of that, my bro-in-law, David, who is also a friend, gave a sermon at his church in WI as part of a testimonial event they had going on. He sent me the link so I could read it, and I was impressed. He stopped short of mentioning me in it, except when he talked about where Lori and he were married (in my family room!), but that's okay, maybe he will get another turn!!! He spoke about his "calling" to serve the Lord, and is now a musician singing and leading in church after being away from church for a long time. Bravo, David, and thanks for the testimony! "Lead me in your footsteps along your ancient way, let me walk in the love of the Lord....." Hiding Place, Psalm 17.

"...you're my brother, and I love you....."

.......but don't ever take sides against the family again.....ever!!!" From Michael Corleone to Fredo, the turn-coat older brother, who defended a hotel and casino owner from a takeover by the "family". Michael would have none of that! In one scene Michael grabs Fredo's face, gives him a huge smooch (it is New Year's Eve) and tells him he knew it was him all along who betrayed the family. "I know it was you, Fredo. You broke my heart, you broke my heart!" Eventually it will be curtains for Fredo, who finds himself on the outside of "the family" looking in, at least as long Mama is alive. Once she is dead, good-bye Fredo..........great drama! But I don't want to give it all away......

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Joanne and I ate dinner at home tonight, enjoying some ribs baked with golden mushroom soup with roasted carrots and potatoes. I made it, so, naturally, our meal was delicious! While dining in the family room, we watched a movie Suzanne let me borrow called "Secondhand Lion" which was really, really good! Thank you, Suzanne! It was such a wonderful movie, complete with unexpected turns of events, my favorite being the bar fight! Two old guys still full of character, among other things! And then the end when the helicopter lands....Rent it, or get it from the library, it is worth the viewing! Almost as good as "The Godfather" series!!!!

"The Social Contract"

There seems to be so much anger these days, all around us. Even inside of us. It seems I have written or thought enough about grumpy stuff these past couple days. The Board Meeting started this ball rolling, where I had to fend-off being pressured to serve but agreed to speak on behalf of the Board at the Annual Meeting next week. Yikes!

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I am now listening to a House episode called "The Social Contract" where a man suffers from some brain malady which "forces" him to say exactly what he is thinking, removing his inhibitions and politeness. He says hurtful things to those he supposedly loves, criticizes others around him, including their physique, or praises their physique if he is not related to them. Quite crass and vulgar things. How come never truly praiseworthy? Is everything ugly that is left unsaid??? One of the doctors was told by the patient that his nose was too large and another doctor had a false bedside manner. When discussing it later, the two doctors reinforced each other, playing down the large nose and friendly nature each other has, according to "the social contract". We just do not do those things which are deliberately hurtful or cruel----right?

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This was sort of like what my dad experienced when he was manic during his bipolar episodes. The psychiatrist claimed this was the real "Bob" coming out, and at the time, we felt like the doctor was out of his mind. In hindsight, what the doctor was saying was most likely true, but fortunately our "balanced" nature is to mind our manners, keep inappropriate thoughts out of our mouths and heads, and pray that the Lord will make that happen in us. Something chemical or physical can remove the "brakes" on our nature which keep us within the "social contract" of decency, morality, and not saying the first thing which comes into our heads.

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The Lord has worked in us, helped us to keep impure thoughts and actions away from our lives, and gave us the strength we need to battle against the old evil foe. It seems nowhere is safe, nowhere or nothing we can do to avoid hard, hurtful feelings, sometimes even from people whom you would not expect to dish it out. Whether in our homes, at church, out in public, in courtrooms, on the street, on the news, endless doses of acrimony and dissension. Just wait until the Congregational Meeting and Annual Owners Meeting this coming week......

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Once this patient is cured, fixed with brain surgery, Dr. House remarks that now this man can return to his normal "happy hypocrite" state, which means not saying the first thing that comes to his mind, keeping his snide and hurtful comments to himself. Why does this sound so negative instead of positive??

Judy has more good news!

During the Building Committee meeting last night, my phone was going nuts with one friend calling twice just to make sure I got the message. My friend, Jen, was wondering if I still had my left-handed golf clubs and if so, could her son use them? Yesterday afternoon when Justin and I were getting the roosters and hens down from the shelf, I saw my clubs in the corner and had the passing thought that they probably would never see the light of day again. I really enjoyed the golfing, mostly at the driving range, but not enough to want to go out and do it again. In fact, my clubs had crossed my mind Wednesday night, when I was thinking of things to send to Joanne's yard sale. Thursday, on the way to Victory, I drove past a lighted driving range and thought about my clubs....and then Jen called. Hmmmm, what would you call that?????

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One of the other calls was not about golfing at all---in fact, it was more like a singing telegram, telling me "God is so good"!!! Judy had gotten an excellent report from the oncologist indicating no spreading of her cancer or further involvement. Leave it to Judy to write a song about it, with the refrain asking for more "thank you" prayers to the Lord for His mercy on her. Please, ladies of age, make sure you get your diagnostic tests done so you can avoid an unpleasant or life-ending experience! Judy is now, and already was, a champion of the breast cancer survivors. She volunteers in an area mammo clinic and so has first-hand knowledge and contact with the ladies who come in. Go Judy! And thank you, Lord Jesus, for sparing my friend!!!!

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I guess I should not worry too much about not being a good golfer because I am a better bowler than PresBO, but I shouldn't feel too proud because after all, well, he told a bad joke about his skills on Leno last night..............Tennis lessons were fun, too. Andy, the pro at Eagle Harbor, really liked me, but made me promise not to tell my then spouse that I had better hand/eye coordination than did he! Both of us were taking lessons at the time, him first and then me. Justin, Timmy, and I would go to the tennis courts and use the ball machine to shoot balls at us. Once, Timmy was standing at the "receiving end" of the court, trying to pick up the balls, when, WHAM!!, I hit him smack in the forehead with a ball! He was such a trouper, that kid, it bothered me far more than it bothered him!

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The recent death of the actress who died after falling on the skiing practice hill brought back to mind my brush with learning to ski. And I did! Once I learned how to ski, I went to the lodge to wait for the hot doggers to come back. But, while we were learning how to ski, four of us from our company, I was the only one who never fell down. In fact, my former spouse was taken over on the side for some private instruction while I continued skiing in circles and around where the instructors told us to go.

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Even getting on and off the gizmo which takes people up the mountain involved training and somehow I managed to get on and off without falling. Mostly my goal was to not fall, because heaven only knows how in the world I would get back up again! I felt like a champ because I stayed upright, which is truly the intent of skiing. Sometime later on this trip, my already estranged spouse critically announced that only someone who has fallen is considered "a real skier". Oh, don't worry, I was not robbed of my pride! I was not the one taken off on the side for remedial training! And I did not fall and bump my head, like the actress did. Was that not the weirdest thing?

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Today brings a phone meeting with my attorney to discuss a few matters yet unsettled, as we await the Judges' signature on his recent decision from the hearing. After this phone call, I am available until 1:00 pm when I have a lunch meeting with Louise from Art Guild, my "boss" regarding new members and their mentoring. We are blazing new territory as there is no established plan for "assimilating" people into the group. I have some knowledge of assimilation (I used to be a Borg!) so we can get a plan in place to help folks in the Art Guild. The Guild has grown by nearly three times its former size and this was not usually a problem. Everyone knew everyone, but now, not so much. I feel like Kramer, wanting to put up photos and names of everyone to help identify newcomers (re: The Kiss Hello episode). Funny!!!!!

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This evening my time is being spent with some church family as we are invited to a Wine Tasting party in Mandarin. The hostess, Tamara, told me to invite "my girls" so I have two friends joining me in the fun. Tomorrow is a Tupperware party at Wendy's house, to help her friend kick off her business. Truly there must be some other way to make extra money than Tupperware but Jennifer and I are going to go to show our support. Lisa, get ready for more Tupperware!!!!

"Hot as a Pancake"

The above expression was used at the Building Committee meeting I attended tonight and really made us all laugh. The Chair, Mike, was telling about a client he has right now, waiting to get his sun room installed, and it is not happening fast enough. He said the guy was "hot as a pancake" about it, which just tickled our funny bone. Oh, good! We found a reason to laugh during a Building Committee meeting!!!!

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My handyman, Butch, arrived this a.m. only moments before I had to leave for Bible study so I could only get him started before heading out the door. He is the cutest little fella, on his second or third career, and is even shorter than I am! He can do it all, though: he can do the plumbing, electrical, drywall, painting, and carpentry work plus do all the hauling up and down the elevator. And Butch calls me "sweetheart" which I really like. Justin said I call people that, too, and I call him "Sweets"....no wonder I like it!

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My drive over to Victory was a bit delayed because I stopped to let the maintenance lady, Connie, know about my renovation in case there was an interruption in water service when Butch shut the water off or, God forbid, another leak situation!!!

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The church doors were all locked but Pastor heard me at the door and came running to let me in. Although the video had already started, I was not the last one to come in. We are following a program from the "Focus on the Family" group, discussing today, "Who Is God?", from "The Truth" series. It is sooooooooooo good, interesting but quite deep, but still "learnable" for us lay people. The professor who serves as instructor is an excellent teacher and I feel like I am a college student on Thursday mornings!

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On the way over to Victory, I got a phone call from Ellen, my neighbor whose husband died suddenly in late January. She is trying to recover and re-gain her footing after his death and we were going to perhaps get together today for lunch, her first time out. I like it that she reaches out to me, since no one else in the building has been able to speak with her. She is living away from The Palace right now as it is hard on her to be around his belongings and such. Unfortunately, she had a doctor appointment which was going to interfere today but she plans to keep next week open for us. And she wants to have some poolside time as soon as the weather improves, and I am also up for that!

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The afternoon found me busy on the computer working ahead on the church newsletter and downloading photos from my memory card. I had over 350 photos stored on it so they needed to be removed to the computer. When I got home, Butch showed me the make-shift plumbing he discovered when taking the wall apart. One pipe in the wall was secured with a hose clamp!! The water supply for the hot water was so brittle that it nearly snapped off in his fingers. He said it would not have been long before it let go and then we'd really have trouble!!! I am so glad I decided to go ahead with this project and get that creaky plumbing taken care of before it affects my downstairs neighbors!!!

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When Justin came over after work, he was totally bummed out because his co-worker/friend was told that tomorrow is his last day. He felt the guy should have been given a bit more notice than one day. I hope the fella comes in tomorrow so Justin can at least give him a proper send-off. Now Justin is the lone go-fer guy left and will have to do all the grunt work. Today they moved a mess of furniture from a model home which was sold. Oh, good, a sale!!

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He helped me to get a bunch of my rooster and chicken collection together as Joanne is having a yard sale at her church, the perfect place to donate them. I had made up my mind to not collect them any longer and to free myself of some of the things taking up space. I did keep some which had special memories for me especially the ones given to me by Joe, our trim man. He gave me many gifts and I still have them all, including two stuffed roosters and a ceramic one with measuring spoons as the tail! Justin had given me a stained glass lamp rooster which I wished to keep and perhaps even find a place out here in the rooms to plug it in.

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The deal we made was for him to clean my black doors which he thought would be much easier than it was, and for that work, I would get him some new shorts and a pair of shoes. I probably did end up with the "raw" end of the deal but I am more satisfied with having clean doors than he is with new shoes, I think....We placed the order this afternoon before he went over to pick up his carpool buddy. The purchases are being delivered here because it is better than at his student housing place, and I am cool with that. Just brings him back to his mama one more time! We had planned on having lunch with some church friends on Sunday but he doesn't want to wait until after our congregational meeting. Nuts! He said we will try again for a week where less is going on------like, when exactly??????