Watching movies in the rain

What a gloomy day it is today! It was raining almost from the break of day and has been off and on. I was trying to use my laptop as I normally do from my bed but the stupid mouse was uncooperative, only working sporadically. I have the other kind of mouse built into the keyboard but I like the external one better, as I lack the coordination of using the thumb-driven flat one. I decided I needed to go to Office Max and get a new one, where I ended up coming home with a bit more than intended but---no paper!

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Before I went to the store though I needed to finish watching a movie called "Unfaithful" with Alayna's look-alike, Diane Lane, and Richard Gere. She cheats on her perfectly good husband with a man she basically met on the street. He gets suspicious and hires a private detective to find out. Photos don't lie and the husband is quite upset but does not allow his wife to know he knows. Meanwhile she is trying to end the affair with the stranger but the husband went to see the guy for some reason. He gets all upset when visiting the young man and ends up killing him. Now to dispose of the body.....It is complicated and involved, but one of the wife's friends, when speaking of herself, made the comment over coffee, "Affairs always end badly, everyone gets hurt..." And that is so true, and came true in the movie...I have seen this movie before but it is so good, I can't pass it up. Love those two actors together, as they regrouped for "Nights at Rodanthe" a couple years ago.

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After the quick trip to the store, I got comfy again to install my new mouse, a wireless one this time, but I cannot get it to work. Prior to hooking it up, though, I read through my Facebook notices and saw that Suzanne sent me a message, suggesting that the batteries might be dead in my other mouse. What? Batteries??? Oh, man! I guess I should check this out as my new one is giving me a fit too! It will not sync even though I seemed to have followed the directions. I wish Justin was here!!!

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While at the store, I snooped in the discount DVD bin and found a movie I had never seen before but heard much about. "The Bridges of Madison County", yet another story based on forbidden love and broken covenants. At least I think it is, the movie is just getting started. So far nothing has happened between the couple, Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood.

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Speaking of Justin, he just sent me a message saying he will not be available for dinner tonight before the show. That is really fine, I might eat by myself or get something at the concession stand like a hot dog. Or get a hot dog at 5 Guys! Linda J. is having a gathering at her home tonight with the staff and faculty from church/school and I am so wishing I was there. What a hoot it will be, although the 'star' of the party will be absent. Tommy is traveling on business, something with cranes, so will miss the fun. This party is considered their "Christmas" gathering, waiting until all the hubbub is over before getting together. A wise idea! Her son called it a Groundhog Day Party....wonder if he will see his shadow! In fact, I think Tommy might be in PA, and we hope he does not see his shadow because that would mean a longer winter, right?

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While I watch the movie, I will be affixing labels to envelopes for the fund raiser for the mower. Luann is going to have a colorful receptacle for the envelopes in the morning and I offered my extra John Deere paper plates if she wants to incorporate them onto her can. The next big project for me will be the scholarship poster needed for the son of our congregation, Christ Lutheran, who is a freshman at Luther Prep. We are trying to help the family raise money for his tuition for the coming years, yes, years, throughout our circuit. The boy is already on the honor roll and tutors other kids, so he is a natural. Also I have the newsletter for The Palace to do but that is a quick job usually. But, for now, watching romantic movies about unfaithfulness and labeling envelopes!

Kinda late at night for this....

...and I am writing with tears in my eyes! Only a few minutes ago I watched the final Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien and it was an awesome show! Not only was it funny, it was, of course, bittersweet. He gave a closing monologue thanking NBC for allowing him to work for them over 20 years, more than half of his adult life! Quite sweet and humble, and especially grateful to those who have supported him over the years, and these past few weeks. The final segment was Will Ferrell dressed up to look like the lead singer for Lynyrd Skynyrd, with the Tonight Show band and a few others making up a group, with Conan joining in on guitar. They played and sang "Freebird", the trademark finale song of Skynyrd's with a melancholy theme: "...if I leave here tomorrow, will you still remember me....." Will Farrell did a fabulous job and it was hard to tell the difference between him and the 'real thing'. This made me think of Ellen, my friend and neighbor, who lost her hubby, Billy, just a year ago right now. She had written to me earlier asking if I wanted to go to a play with her and some of our mutual friends but I have plans already with Justin. Nuts!!! Otherwise I would drop everything to go with them tomorrow, but I need to be with Justin at the "Bold, Fresh Tour"!! Tough one!

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After Conan's show was done (I watched it on hulu.com) I went to youtube.com to listen to a live version of "Freebird" and watched a 1975-era Billy, etal, sing and play. Yes, in answer to the question, I will remember you and do, Billy, this being your first anniversary of being called home. From his testimony to me, I am sure he is with the Lord and pray that Ellen could be comforted knowing this.

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Okay, Kim, shake it off.....I had a bit of excitement today. First order of business was to go to church to put up the fund raiser display and other items for the bulletin boards. Just when I thought I was done, I checked my mailbox and found two mailings from the Synod schools to put up. The boards are pretty full already so I had to take down a couple 'aged' pieces. My friend, Pete, appointed me the unofficial Synod school cheerleader a couple years ago so that is how I get the job of putting up the posters for the schools.

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Very easily I did the vacuum cleaning and did not wear myself out the tiniest bit. Judy R. advised me to pace, pace, pace and that is exactly what I did. The hymnals and Bibles were already neat and orderly in the pews so that saved me some work. In no time at all, I was on my way toward the Island to visit my friends at Great Hang Ups. I stopped to get myself a Route 44 Diet Coke and an unsweet tea for Julia. As I got onto the access road to the shop, my phone went off so I had to put my soda down to answer. It was Justin's voice asking me if that big cup had water in it....Busted!!!! He was on the property at our 'old' office building making a repair on the building, at our dentist's office, and spotted me going through. I told him it was soda but that I was hot from vacuuming....blah, blah, blah....

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As I was getting out of the car, phone to my ear, and two soda cups in my hands, and thinking my keys were in my pocket................................................Rats again! As the door slammed shut, I realized I had just locked my keys in the car, in my purse on the seat next to where I was sitting. Immediately I called Justin back again and asked him to swing by with his AAA card so I could call for help. He did bring it over to me and the ladies were so very happy to see him. I was told the service man would be there in 45 minutes so I was prepared to visit with my friends for that long. It was longer than that it seems but I got busy dusting while I waited and got caught up on news. We talked about being stuck in our homes (except for them working!) during the cold spell and how high the electric bills were getting this year. I hope that is over by the way! Usually the AAA guy calls to let me know where he is and to pinpoint my location but I got no such call. Instead, as I was dusting and chatting, a handsome young man came into the shop. We greeted him as though he was a client but then he asked if someone had called for a locksmith. Wow, no call from AAA and no noisy AAA truck to announce him! In about two seconds he had my door unlocked and I had my purse in my hand, complete with keys! He did not even ask me for ID or my card but I showed it to him anyway, as is protocol for AAA.

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I left very shortly after being freed, but not before Julia and Dee told me the good news about their missing cousin/nephew from a couple weeks ago. It seems, with the limited information given by the immediate family, that Camden had gone on a 'walk-about' of some sort and had finally gotten in touch with his family to let them know he was alright. After that phone call to home, the parents left immediately to get him, 5 hours each way, and dragged his sorry butt home...their words! But, our prayers were answered that Camden was found safe and well, and returned home!

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Justin was here at home waiting for me, watching Fox News with his feet up. Nice! His job was to vacuum, repair/tighten my dining room chairs and place them around the table, make the beds, and ready the rooms for the guests. He did all that and then some as we talked some more. We were not quite done yesterday, I guess. We have more time tomorrow evening, if he is not too late getting over there. He is going to a gun and knife show in the morning with his buddies (so redneck, if you ask me!) and then to use some coupons from Dave and Busters before they expire on Sunday. What a great life he has! Justin hopes to get to the theater in plenty of time, hopefully leaving some space to grab a bite at 5 Guys beforehand. I can always get something from concessions if Grove and he run late.

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Well, time for bed so I will say good night to everyone. I will be sleeping by moonlight, and I hope you all are able to do the same!

A quiet night at home

The moon is sparkling on the river tonight and the sky is busy busy busy with helicopter traffic up and down the river. My guess is that a squadron came in or another group is doing practice runs. What a perfect night for it, too! As I sit here, I am laughing my head off at "Seinfeld", even though I know the episodes so well already. It is still funny to me! "The Pez Dispenser"....'I can't have an intervention here....my furniture is very non-confrontational!" Ha!

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Justin and I went to Bible study at Victory today, and we had a great class. Much discussion including conversation about the Tim Tebow controversy. This University of Florida football player is expected to be in an advertisement during the Super Bowl regarding his stance against abortion. Many have been quite upset with CBS for allowing this discussion but now, more is being talked about it NOT being allowed. The message is getting out whether proponents of abortion like it or not. If Tebow was endorsing saving animals or sending money to Haiti, all kinds of positive support would be thrown behind him, but certainly NOT for speaking on behalf of the unborn. I made that statement on my Facebook status before class this a.m. and made the point again in the Bible study. Pastor thinks that football is the last bastion of maleness and is glad when the players make a positive, Christian stance. Hopefully influencing the lives of those watching the games. I don't know about that, but I do admire this young man for sticking by his principles and belief. And I am not even a fan of college ball!

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After class Justin and I went to lunch, this time at Mimi's where he got his usual jumbalaya (another Seinfeld reference...) and I had the meatloaf sandwich, of which I ate half. We shared some fried dill pickles but ate only half of that order. Justin took the leftovers home with him because he had to brush his teeth after having his spicy lunch. I used to beg him to brush his teeth when he was younger and now he says, somewhat sadly, that he brushes his teeth three times a day! Before he went home though, we went to Publix for a few things, including water. Yes, indeed, I bought water, soda, and a bag of apples! What's happening to me???!!! Justin chose fruit in cans, but mine is fresh, hmmmm.....

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He finished a house for closing so might be coming over here earlier in the day tomorrow after he checks in with his boss. He has a few jobs to take care of here to get ready for the company coming next Wednesday including vacuuming, bed making, and putting the chairs back around the table. I took two of them for Chris and me yesterday but he can do the rest. Some of them need tightening up but I am not sure I will get him long enough for that. Saturday evening Justin and I are going to the AMC Theater to see "The Bold, Fresh Tour" being simulcast, O'Reilly and Beck as the 'stars'. I guess PresBO wanted to use the theater in Tampa from where they will broadcast, but it was already reserved for Bold, Fresh! How funny is that?!

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Next Thursday is the themed dinner based on recipes from Julia Child. A whole slew of people have been invited and I hope most of them come, I hope all of them come. Somehow or another folks are asked to make a dish although that might be a problem for those who work during the day. I hope they can be creative or innovative coming up with something to bring, even if it is a dessert! We can never have too many desserts or breads, and Julia says to never apologize for a messed up recipe, thankfully!

Ending the day

....and ready to get back into my sleeping clothes! It turned cold here rather abruptly, only in the 40's tonight. The moon was splashed across the floor in my room when I came in from choir rehearsal----it seemed like it should be warm in here! Earlier in the day I enjoyed the sun shining on me but sadly the moon does not have the same effect. I am thinking of my friends in WI and MN with whom I share this moon....

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Chris came this afternoon and we shared a pizza, tackling nearly the entire thing between us. One slice remains and I put it in a baggie for Justin in case he came by after work. Silly me, though, I forgot he has a class/lab on Wednesdays. Chris worked on watercolors, using a type where she had to grind ink in order to mix with water and apply. Reading the directions alone was time consuming and then actually getting some mixed up came much later. It was good for us to be together and plan to do so again in two weeks, since next week I will be at the airport collecting my sis and friend!!!

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The news today told that there will likely be a shuttle launch on the 7th of February and hopefully it will be later in the day or even at night for a more dramatic display. In the morning we will be at church for our "Sisters in Christ" event, a breakfast meeting and kitchen shower. If time allows we could possibly drive down the coast some to watch the shuttle more closely, perhaps to Twila's beach house. Weather permitting, that is!

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After Chris went home I came back in my room to take a rest before meeting Suzanne for dinner. While I was resting, I was listening to the radio over the Internet on my laptop as I worked on my computer. My eyes were getting so heavy that I set the computer off to the side so I could close my eyes, waking up at 5:00 pm! Just in time to head to Panera Bread to meet Suzanne, although I did arrive a bit earlier than she did. When I pulled into the parking lot, I noticed a man and woman arguing between two cars, so I waited before getting out. They were screaming and hollering, calling each other horrible names and things, played some tug-of-war with a cell phone, some pushing and shoving. Finally, the man got into his SUV and started backing away, but the woman ran up to his window, still yelling that she didn't want him anymore. I saw the man reach down beside him and I thought, "Oh, oh......" but he grabbed a jug of water and threw some in her face. And then he drove off. I went inside the restaurant to wait for Suzanne, and the lady came in a bit later, calm as can be, chatting on her phone, drinking a cup of coffee. I was the one shook up!

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Yesterday I made my travel arrangements for my trip to MN and WI in March, booking with Travelocity. For some reason, the reservation flagged me that I could not make my seat selections until after I had received my confirmation via e-mail, and then I had to call the airline. I looked up the number for the airline, AirTran, and finally got through to a live person to make the seat assignments. He told me I could make them for free 24 hours prior to the travel date or pay $6 each way to do them on-line now. Because I prefer window seats and wanted to secure them, I paid the $12 for the sure thing. The last situation I would want is to end up in a middle seat in a row of three! So, whether there are three seats across or not, I don't know, but did not want to take a chance. A woman of size needs her room, you know? Is there a bag fee on top of that? I am only guessing.....

Starting the day...

....but yet in my nightie! Every couple minutes I am checking my phone, trying to reach Mom to sing 'happy birthday' to her. The line is busy, so I must be in queue for getting hold of her! I sent her an e-mail greeting already which she will hopefully get. She reads the newspaper on-line which ties up the telephone line so I just keep trying. Guess I could get dressed in the meantime. It feels wonderful here in the sun, at the 'big computer' now, as I have some work on the newsletter to complete plus want to print off something for my church project. Martie had to cancel as she forgot all about her son leaving the country tomorrow. She is going to spend time with him today before he goes to London to pack up their household for the move. They are moving to AZ where his next duty station will be. His wife was already here in Jax, having to travel before she was in her 7th month, the rules for international travel. Her folks live here so they stayed with them. Their baby is now two weeks old, daughter Marilyn, to go with their little boys! Tammy will certainly have her hands full for many years to come!

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More later!

I have been busy this morning....

.....and have not even gotten out of bed! Besides chatting on Facebook with WI friends, and the telephone, I have been reaching out and touching people! Or been touched! Or am touched!!! There was a "Seinfeld" episode where Elaine broke up with her perfect guy because he did not put an exclamation mark after what should have been an exciting phone message he took for her. She then went on a rampage as an editor, using exclamation marks at every opportunity. It seems I do that as well!

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Today I am helping in the kindergarten classroom to give the teacher a little break over lunch and recess, and she called to let me know that two of the kids are out with the stomach flu. Laurie thought I might not want to be exposed to the germs which may or may not be in the air but I told her I will go into battle! Using good hand washing procedures and plenty of Clorox wipes (love those things!) will certainly be my defense.

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After I am done in the classroom I will go in to the church office next door to review the Policy and Procedure book in case I am ever called upon to work in the church office again, as I did last fall when Lynne went to Hawaii. It was really last minute when she asked me and the retraining I had was cursory at best. Things were handled adequately although likely not as in the same military order as Lynne was accustomed. She is going on a cruise at some point in the summer so I am on board to grab the reins once more. Her hours were reduced in order to save money on the budget and since I have the time to donate, well, there must be something in the office that I can do. Even if it is folding or making copies or organizing....maybe even dusting!

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My sister, Jill, called me this morning on her way to work. She said Danny, her son, had mentioned something to her as she drove him to school and she needed my help in remembering. It seems he was thinking about them coming down here for Timmy's funeral and he remembers seeing a wall or balls with people's names written on them. Jill asked me what he could be thinking of, saying he thought it was next to a building somewhere. He was eight when they were here for that. In my vague recollection of those days, I asked Jill if he was at the funeral home at all and she said he did come at first. One of the assistants from Eagle Harbor Realty then took him back to my house to babysit him. I think what he saw, then, when outside walking around with his mama, were the crypts in the mausoleum next door to the funeral home. I think they are black with people's names engraved or plaques on the marble, behind which are the urns of the deceased. He also mentioned the creek behind the funeral home and the pond at the cemetery. Jill does not remember seeing these things but, as I told her, her mind was elsewhere under those circumstances. Hmmm......what things kids notice! And what made him think about it today?

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Pastor also called to see if I was still coming in today and might have some busy-work for me to take care of. If not now, he will in the future when it gets busy mid-month in February when Lent begins. I want to stop at Publix on the way through to get myself a sandwich to enjoy with the children and a gift card for Mike C.'s birthday today. My friend, Suzanne, and her family will be having dinner at Judy C.'s house for the birthday celebration tonight. Yummy! Ssshhh, they are having a beef roast as his special dinner and I think that sounds so good, I am going to get myself a roast, too! Love the smell of roast roasting!

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On the way to Bible study yesterday, I swung by the cemetery to put the flower vases back up after the storms in the wee hours. Sure enough, everything was a mess down there, but neither glass vases were broken. The Thomas balloon was deflated and wind-whipped so I took it away. In the afternoon, it got quite windy yet again so I might have to go check the vases once more as I head toward the church this a.m. The radio reported Monday that power was out in certain areas of Orange Park and the Westside due to the terrible storm and in fact, radio reports had it that we were under a tornado warning when I pulled the covers back over my head! Oh well.....

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It is 55 above zero with ten more to go until we reach the high predicted for today. My friend in Tulsa said they are in store for more serious winter weather with ice and snow accumulating, so I can tolerate the 65 degree mostly sunny weather. Last night we had our annual Owner's meeting at The Club and it had its moments. Some of the more contentious issues discussed included the budget for the coming year which adds 2% to our monthly fees. Yikes! I told the people at my table that I will only eat every other day now to make up the difference. They did not believe me.....The good news is that we had enough people step forward to serve on the Board for the next two years, I think, and I am not one of them! There are always some who make waves and listen with their mouths open instead of closed, so miss half of what is being discussed. Others demand presentation of past year's Minutes to either prove or disprove that some matter was voted on and discussed. I felt badly for the newest couple to the building, although the husband had lived here before with his previous wife. Bob and his then-wife, Jan, were quite gracious to us after Timmy died, invited us to their home and such. That is when I first saw The Palace and it never left my memory. As they took us on a tour of their home, I couldn't believe how it just went on and on....and now, I live here! When I saw a place was available in the building, I snapped it up!

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Last week I heard from an old friend, Jim, who was our draftsman and became a superintendent later in his career with my company. He is mentioned in one of the repeat postings I made, the guy who called Timmy "Hurricane Hank". He is now a married man and quite happily so. I told him I did not feel bad about not being invited to their Keys wedding since it was only his wife and he, plus the minister, their dog, and a homeless man who wandered through during their vows! That figures! Jim did my home inspection before I moved in here, arriving before I did. He was wandering aimlessly, claiming he got all turned around inside my condo! It can be intimidating at first, as Mom will attest. She got turned around herself when she stayed with me here after we moved in. Jim said he got into a closet and ended up in the bathroom, which is true! I changed that situation after moving in, so my guests can enter their bathroom without going through the closet.

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Whenever I travel, I think of Jim---he told the story about his mom who, when he was flying somewhere, would ask him, "Do you have your tickets?". In those days, we had paper tickets to use, not e-tickets. Frustrated, he would say, "Yes, I do!", except once, he did not!!! What a great lesson he learned! Good for you, mom! So, as I approach the bag check area at the curbside, I think to myself, "Kim, do you have your tickets??"

Oh, I hate having those kind of dreams!

We all have them, just some folks do not recall their dreams. Me? Unfortunately, often I do remember mine and today was no exception. The dream took place after being awakened by the thunderstorm which moved through here in the early hours of the morning. I went back to sleep, of course. Dreams seem like they last for hours but according to experts, are only moments long. Mine went on far too long and got more frustrating as it went. Frustration is often the theme of people's dreams, running to catch your ride to work, racing against time to get something done, and so on. I was getting ready for a party (go figure!) and running out of time!

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Mom likes to mention helping us get ready for a party many years ago in WI when we (former spouse and I) had moved into a new house in Indian Bluffs, not quite finished, but were having our contractor party anyway. While Mom ironed the curtains for the family room, I think, others were scurrying about to make things ready, including mounting the bar top in the kitchen. It was just too much for Mom, all the hustle and bustle, thinking we would not make the deadline for the party, that she had to go home! And guess what----we made it! We had our party and it was wonderful!

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My dream this early morning ended before the guests started arriving but was pretty much the same scenario---getting a house ready for a party. After I woke up and was thinking about it, no mention was even made of food and drinks at all. Just everywhere I turned there was dust, layers and layers of it, my nemesis. My former spouse was in the dream as was Justin, who was not the least bit helpful in conquering the mess. There were piles of clothes around, with no hope of getting the piles removed, it seemed. I spent most of the sequence in my nightie, and even though it was nearly time for the guests to start showing up. I am like the bride who gets married with her hair in curlers so she looks nice for the reception!

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At one point my former spouse said he was going outside to tidy some things up and I insisted we get the inside ready first because you can't see outside at night! In one hallway in this house which I did not recognize, Justin had taken my painted canvases and stood them on end along the wall. And the dishwasher tray for silverware strangely enough was on the outside of the door, where obviously they could not be washed. But the tray was packed tightly with plastic ware with what appeared to be icing on them, and looked gross. Just before I woke up, it was time for the party, I was in my nightie, battling to get the forks washed for the party! Whew! My heart is pounding and I am still tired!

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These days when I have a gathering, it is much less stressful because, I believe, I am the one in charge. If I want to prepare things ahead, I will and do. Even the feasts for holiday dinners, I make as much ahead of time as possible to avoid the chaos. No one ever complains or is critical, to my knowledge, and it makes for an easier time for me. This I love to do---having the feasts in my dining room. Which brings to mind Linda and Lynn's upcoming visit! We have plans to hold a dinner, a "Julie and Julia" dinner where the guests bring menu items from Julia Childs' cookbook! This was Twila's idea and I hope it will fly...I had better get busy putting a bug in people's ears so they can make their plans ahead of time. My idea was to make the raspberry creme dessert as seen in the movie but I might have to tackle the meat dish so Twila won't have to try to transport it. No worries, I can do it!