All warmed up

The sun is out, although not beaming brightly just yet, which makes it seem warmer than yesterdays's dark and rainy skies. If there is any doubt that it is cold here, the thermometer proves it, showing 45 above zero at this moment. Of course, that will 'warm' by 20 degrees as the day progresses, which is yet chilly by most standards. Only a week or so ago we still had high 80's which makes this quite dramatic a change.

Wednesday night I went over to The Club for Happy Hour and met up with my sweetheart ladies, older ladies for whom I am quite fond, including Mary Lew from water aerobics. Janet, who lives in the condos just north of The Club on the property plus Betty, who lives in The Palace. Betty's daughters and son often accompany her on Wednesdays, not all at once, and it is fun to get to know them as well. Cindy, a daughter I had not yet met, knew about me somehow, and asked me, sort of on the sly, if I could encourage her mom to get her paints out again. Her other sister, Kathy, must have said something about me liking to paint. Betty also used to write poetry and such so they are encouraging her in that direction as well. Betty is a recent widow, and it is taking some time for her to get back into the swing of things. It is less than a year, and coming to Happy Hour plus other socializing is a great re-start for her.

Hugh and Maureen came over to HH a bit later so she joined our table while Hugh chummed with some males standing at the bar. Karrie, the owner of The Club, visited all over the room and eventually lit at our table. Poor Mary Lew was trying to move from one chair to another, when she put her hand on the chair to scoot in, it slid out from her and bang!!!, down she and the chair went. Maureen screamed and made it sound worse than the metal-framed chair hitting the ceramic-tiled floor. The men rushed over, since they were standing up already, some of the ladies, to help get her back up again. Mary Lew (in her late 70-s, early 80's) was unhurt, except for her pride, but I gave her a call yesterday to see how she was doing. As Karrie said, "She's only drinking ice water..." so it was not a booze related accident at all. Janet was wearing a medical device which monitors her blood pressure and heart rate, and I told her she had better sit quietly for a few moments after this event or the folks looking at it will really be alarmed when they review it! Maureen, Hugh, Miss Chardonnay and I all left for home at once, and already one could feel how cool it was getting. It was sprinkling when I walked over but not when going home.

At HH, the appetizers were okay, buffalo chicken tenders which were too spicy for my taste, and the brie with crackers and fruit. Good thing that was not my dinner that night! Last week the chicken was not buffalo and could make that my dinner, with the brie and crackers. Next week, I believe, is the mini-buffet but I am not sure if I will be there or not. Rachel had approached me after the Reformation Service to encourage me to sing with the joint choir for Advent. She offered to get me the sheet music and CDs so I can review it for content, etc. I told her I would love to look at it and would participate, which might, just might, affect my departure date for WI. Must check both church's calendars to see what is when! But choir rehearsal is on Wednesday nights which would interfere with my HH schedule....

So, Thursday was Bible study with the Victory family and Justin, although he came here to shower before we drove together to Victory. He is staying for a few weeks at his father's new house, until he can move back to the beach. I comfort myself with the fact that my house is torn apart yet with the repairs being made or in pending. But anyway, we left from my house for Bible study which continues it look at why trials and tribulations come into our lives and how we deal with them. This is Justin's first time in this study since he was absent last week when we started it, and when he looked at the cover of the booklet, he said, "Oh, boy....", knowing what delicate subjects we will be discussing.

The sanctuary, where we meet, was lined with tables stacked high with donated items for their yard sale. At one point in the discussion, we talked about the Israelites getting their manna flakes from heaven every day and how they were to only get a day's worth at a time, as a test. The example was the way people 'worry' about things like clothing, shoes, a roof, food, stuff, and I pointed out the tables laden with the extra stuff from people's homes. Even some of the 'stuff' from my own home was out there, Timmy's toys that I had donated. I had told Liz in the pre-k that if they could not use it in the classroom, they could sell it in the yard sale. I should not just say Timmy's toys, since some of them were Justin's as well. We truly live in a land of plenty!

After the class Justin and I went to have lunch at Panda Express which was probably not the best idea since we had two hours between finishing lunch and the movie beginning. Silly us! To pass the time, we went to Barnes and Noble where I bought two more movies, actually more than two, since one is a series in a box. We wanted to watch "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" with Jimmie Stewart as the lead actor, and I bought "Founding Brothers" about our nation's founders, a multi-disc set. As a member of this 'club', I got discounts on my purchases so it wasn't as much money spent on 'stuff' as it could have been. Justin needed a coffee and I got a soda with a ginger cookie which we shared in the little cafe. Then headed to the movie theater at Tinseltown. Man, it was cold in there! I had not been that cold since the weekend before at the Worship Conference!!! And I am still laughing about hearing the water dripping from the ceiling over the sound of the movie.

When we got home again, in the drizzling rain, Justin helped carry up the balance of my purchases from Publix bought the day before, and put them away. Then he grabbed his dirty clothes from earlier in the morning, and told me he was going to his father's house to take a nap. Immediately I climbed onto the bed and snuggled under my fleece throw to get warm, sporting slippers. You would think it was 30 below, the way we were acting! No sooner had I settled in with my laptop and was getting caught up on things, than did Judy J. call to see if I wanted to go to dinner. At first I refused, not wanting to leave the warmth of my blankie, but she insisted the car would be nicely warmed for me and the fireplace roaring at Cracker Barrel. Well, she was right about the car being warmed up but no fire at Cracker Barrel. In fact, Seth, our usual server, was sweating as he dashed about the dining room. It seems, we heard later, that there were problems in the kitchen last night, and we overheard one man report to his wife that their meal was no charge because it was so bad. Mine was grand, although Judy complained her piece of meat loaf was smaller than mine!! She even measured it with her knife....yup, mine was bigger!

Okay, so now I'm cold

Baby, it is cold outside! First the rain came and now the cool front is moving through, making for a very chilly Kim. It rained this afternoon when Justin and I were in the movies and when we came out, after freezing half to pieces in the theater, it was cold outside. Justin was driving and turned on the heater and the seat warmers to get the chill from our bones. He was kicking himself for not grabbing his sweatshirt from the car before we left my house. Fortunately, I had my 'dinner jacket' in the car which he had gone back outside to get for me before the movie began.

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We saw "Waiting for Superman", a documentary about the public school system which was really interesting. When it was raining outside, I could hear it on the ceiling of the building. AND, I could hear drips!!!! I am not crazy----I could hear drips coming from the front left side of the theater and even Justin, with one ear, could hear it once I pointed it out. He had to chuckle because I could hear the sound of water dripping over the sound of the movie!

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Our lunch was eaten indoors at Panda Express and since I was still full from there did not order any pop corn or snacks at the theater, just a drink, which we shared. It was too cold to eat! I will write more about today's events tomorrow but for now, am snuggling under my covers to keep warm! Merry Christmas!

Whoo hoo! What a night!

At some point last night my laptop quit talking to me, and this a.m. I found out they went off the air at 1:00 a.m. So, I missed about an hour of the live program watching all the races around the nation, keeping track of the seats won or lost, gubernatorial victories or losses, and such. The TV stayed on all night, as always, but I had switched over to my mindles

s viewing around midnight. My guess is that sleep came not too long after that, with the sound of rain on my windows. This a.m. brought news that the governor's race in FL was not yet determined (surprise surprise) and as of this writing, is still in the works. (As of 10:36 a.m. Scott is the winner!!!)

Yesterday morning I went to vote, was #135 after being in line

a short time. Love standing in line to vote!! When it was time to sign my name with the magnetic pen, I complained to the poll worker that I did not like how it came out so he let me do it again. He still had my license in his hand when I expressed to him how particular I am about my writing, and he said he could tell from my license. Filling in the dots on the ballot was not as neatly done since folks were waiting to vote so h

opefully there was no grade for that!

Originally I had planned to go to the store after voting but went straight home instead. Soda was already purchased and on the floor in my car and the fridge held enough nourishment to hold me for the day. So, once in, I stayed in.

While watching and listening to the radio, TV, and Internet, I also worked on the condo newsletter and got that e-mailed off. For those who cannot open it or have no Internet (poor Gus!), I do print off some hard copies. For an hour and a half I was on the phone with my sis-in-law in Manitowoc, catching up on family news and such. Her son, JR, is heading to Afghanistan at some point, but had just been ‘ho

me’ for a couple weeks on leave.

Also spent some time on the phone with my friend, Carol, as she drove to her doctor appointment. We are kicking around the thought of attending the National WELS Worship Conference next summer in

MN but there are so many other things to consider as well. IF I did go to that Conference, (family, it is a big IF) it would put me in the right area to help my sister celebrate her 60^th birthday. I am just sayin’…..Lori had mentioned perhaps going to a Shakespeare play where my friend, Judy R., serves as an usher. Hmmm….seems like things are falling somewhat into place for that! So, this put me on the telephone for a length of time, in b

etween which I washed my sheets and dried them, plus another load washed and dried. I even made my bed without any problem, in less than 5 minutes, because I had something in the ‘wave for that length of time and finished the bed making before the ‘ding ding ding’ went off! Last time I changed my bed, I wrenched my back transferring the sheets from the washer to the dryer but this time, all went well.

Starting at 7:00 pm then I tuned into my Internet radio show to ‘watch’ the return tracking while having Fox News on TV. It was difficult to read the results across the bottom of the screen from my desk, though, so eventually I moved over to the bed so I could more successfully view it all. Which brings me to where I began this posting….Sadly, I still find myself in Corrinne Brown’s district, which snakes it way up one side of the river and down the other, all ‘blue’ voters. I have not heard how the redistrict

ing referendum went so if it happens, I might be moved at some point to a district more representative. At one point, Mike C. called to say it looked like she had lost but when I checked on it, she was a

head by nearly 50%. Rats!

Here is the most recent photo of Angelo, getting ready to go see the doctor this morning. It is hard to remember how cold it is up there….

Justin and I are planning to have lunch together today as he is working not too far from the Island and I have errands to run up that way. I am sure he is about ready to bust after the elections. My time will have to be well spent these next few days in putting together the program for the Ladies’ Advent Service, choosing the hymns, and making other arrangements. Janet has kindly agreed to play the keyboard for us and I must get her the list of hymns so she can practice ahead of time. Carol asked me to help work on something requiring editorial skills but this comes first. Then I must order my Advent card calendars for the Sunday school kids that I send every year. Only need about 25 this year, sad to report, that is only how many we have from infant to 8^th grade. The kids look forward to getting the calendars and I enjoy sending them, Win-Win, again!

Please forgive my jumping around words, something happened with the cut/paste thing and inserting Angelo's photo. Still working out the bugs with this!

A new baby picture

Can you stand it??? I mean, really, how cute is this baby??!!?? Here is Angelo at two weeks old, now home with his mama, papa, Gabe and Manny. He had a bit of troubles getting used to the quiet in his house, after all the commotion he had grown accustomed to in the NICU. Lisa today ordered a white noise machine similar to the one he heard in the NICU in her attempts to help him get more comfortable. Last night she used his swing which makes lovely noise like a rain forest even when he is not swinging. I think that is the sound which Carol plays during my massages....ahhh.....Welcome Home, Angelo!!!

Election Eve

Is today nearly over? It seems I was just waking up and much too early at that. Linda contacted me via Facebook chat, wondering what I was doing up so early. It just happened and I opted to not fight it. At first I had some troubles going to sleep after some of the conversation that took place later in the evening on the sundeck, regarding more troubles resulting from the water leak over a month ago. I should know better than to have these conversations, especially in the evening, because it just gets me upset. Nothing I can say or do could have or will change it, the incident happened due to no one’s fault and that’s it! But, there is still much to be done in order to set people’s homes back to rights, there is no getting around that. So, slow to getting to sleep and early to wake up, that’s me!

The other morning, Sunday, I woke the first time at 6:30 a.m., went for a little walk, and then went back to bed until just after 8:00 a.m. During that sleep, I had a dream where I got to see Timmy again. This time I was helping him to get ready for school, and putting shorts on him, but he was already wearing about four pairs. He was quite gleeful about the whole thing, found it amusing that he was wearing so many pairs. Michael, who used to work for us, and remains my friend, was in the dream, and seemed to be the guy in charge of Timmy’s care. I asked Michael when Timmy had last had a bath (or change of clothes!) and he did not know, so I found a bathroom to run a tub of water for a bath. Of course, water was leaking out of a vent in the ceiling, so I yelled for help and went in search of the source. Whatever happened to Timmy and his bath, I do not know. But, I was sort of exploring what I took to be my own house, and yet, unfamiliar. The rooms were clean and I never did discover the source of the leak. That part was frustrating, but seeing my happy-go-lucky Timmy again was great.

The other great thing is that Lisa was able to take Angelo home to Sheboygan today, stopping first at Grandma K’s. Mom said he is a keeper but she did not handle him or anything for fear of getting germs on him. Angelo is still rather delicate, as you might expect for only 2 weeks old. It is just good news that he was doing well enough to be released and that their family will all be together under one roof again. The boys will sure welcome the settling back into routine after two weeks of being cared for by others while Mom and Dad tended to Angelo. They were planning to go trick or treating in Manty last night but do not know if that happened or not.

Today was Bible study, finishing our study of worldviews, the ‘isms’ folks believe in. Next week we are delving into Jonah, a less in-depth study than this one. For lunch, Judy C. and I shared the prime rib sandwich at Longhorn, using a coupon provided by Jackie. Many of the ladies changed up their orders today, somewhat throwing the waitress a curve-ball, since she knows pretty much what we order! In the afternoon, I took a bit of a rest but missed part of my radio program. Guess I needed the nap more! Not too long, though, so my night’s rest will not be affected. On the way to Ladies’ Group I stopped at the gas station to fill up. Hoping there was an ATM inside, I went snooping but did not see one. Later I remembered it was outside on the front of the building instead of inside. But, since I was there, I bought some soda, which the nice clerk carried to the car for me, without my even asking! I carried my little bag of individual sodas while she did the heavy lifting. Love good customer service!

Since I did not get any cash, though, I had nothing to put in the offering baskets at Ladies’ Group. Guess I can catch up next time. This weekend and its offering opportunities took my cash, plus I bought a CD at the Conference. Usually I get my cash at the grocery store but I have not been there in some time. Must be due for another trip soon, perhaps after voting tomorrow. Cannot wait to go and cast my ballot. The day will be spent monitoring the radio, TV, and Internet for returns and reports, etc. I have been invited to attend a Tea Party function downtown but am not sure I want to do that, might wish to watch the returns from home. We shall see!

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

Angelo on Reformation Day

Lisa sent this photo tonight---Angelo without any tubes, wires, or monitors. This is the second time Angelo has been freed of his medical equipment so our hopes and prayers are that he can stay free of them. He looks downright gleeful, does he not? Lisa is staying overnight with him and will try feeding him 'her way' tonight. I pray that goes well for her, and for him!

What a weekend!

Does Friday count as the weekend? I would say it does, or it should, anyway. When I got home last night, I went immediately to bed because I was so tired, which is why I did not post to the blog before going to sleep. We did not come straight home after leaving Palm Coast, we had to stop at church as all of us had something to take care of there. Carol was changing the banners and altar paraments, Judy set up the Fellowship Hall for refreshments, and I had to vacuum. It got a lick and a promise cleaning because I was so tired and did not want anyone to have to wait for me. Carol was the last one done but I waited for her to finish in the chancel area before vacuuming up there. It sure felt good to get home and reclining on my bed, since I had had a short night's sleep on Friday. I woke this a.m. the first time at 6:30 but opted to stay asleep until just after 8:00. Not late for church, either!

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On Friday night I touched on some of the highlights of the School of Worship Enrichment, which was an absolutely fantastic event. WELS presenters introduced some music outside of our normal comfort zone but somehow it seemed to be okay. In the right time, place, and setting, and with proper instruction and excellence, it might be okay. After the opening service of Morning Praise, we were asked to offer our critique or comments regarding how some of the pieces were performed or presented. The "Come, Oh Come" was accompanied on the piano with the addition of soft bongos and a bit of tamborine, I think. Personally, I did not find it offensive, and could 'tolerate' the additional instruments but did mention to the moderator that I have sung this at my own church and at my home church without the added instruments, and found it equally edifying. He acknowledged that, the other instruments add punctuation to an already sound proclamation of faith.

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Friday night we closed with The Compline, I believe my first time experiencing this end-of-the-day vesper service and that was also lovely. The pianists really had no mercy on the keyboard of the baby grand piano, and I made the comment later that I felt sorry for the keys, but glad for me! Man, those guys really made the keys sing, changing up the dynamics, adding interesting preludes to the hymns and sometimes, letting us a sing all or part of a stanza without them playing at all!

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The lectures were valuable, our favorite being a study on the liturgical year and how to best recognize special Sundays and such. The pastor, Christie, offered many suggestions and resources to use, how to select the appropriate choral music and pre/post service music, use of banners and paraments. Always the focus on things being the very best we can offer. Later in the day we had break-out sessions where we could kick things around a bit, with a member of the SoWE team coming to talk with us. It was a bit complicated since it seems that the organizers or whoever were not aware our congregation was coming so allowances for us were not available. At times there were six of us representing GS, but always, at least the three of us. Suzanne had to leave early, much to her chagrin, to take her kids to a party at Rachel's house. Her hubby had had the kids most of the day on Friday and the same on Saturday so she had to take them to this party. John was busy watching the Gator/Bull Dog football game anyway, with Michael, his brother. She really missed alot in the afternoon, not the least of which was the closing Reformation service, complete with procession, where Pastor Huebner carried in the brass cross during the 3rd stanza of "A Mighty Fortress". They explained that traditionally this stanza is read by the congregation instead of singing it, to contemplate the words. The pianist, Pastor Christie, played a dramatic dirge-style variation of the hymn, but with excitement, as Carol tried to explain to someone else today. An exciting dirge, go figure! But that nailed it. The effect was significant, dramatic but completely in keeping with excellence and decency in worship. We can do this!

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Another thing we discussed ad nauseum (I am so good at that!) was the value of education and instruction, particularly when introducing something new or variant to the service. Much of what we studied in "Come Worship Christ" was referenced in the sessions, including this study by name, for those who have not seen it. Years ago, when Pete was still at our church, I did the Bible study from start to finish but so far at GS since then, I have yet to get through the entire thing. The Monday study was interrupted by the move from trailer to building and losing the videos thereof, and now again, using the 'student version' of this same study, in an abbreviated format. Now we are moving on to studying Luther and the Confessions which will be good, solid theology. At least it was today.

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The Greeters were not in place today so I stood in, as is my custom. Saw my old friend, Larry Reiter, dropped off by his wife. He had come to GS a couple years ago for the first time, having sailed his boat to Green Cove from VA, with his nephew as his first mate. It turned out his family and he spent time in Manitowoc County where his dad served as pastor. At MLHS, I went to school with his sisters, Carol, my class, and Connie, a few years younger than me. I had sent Carol a birthday greeting today before going to church so how cool is that?!? Anna NM came to church today after having to say farewell to family who had been visiting from Australia for two weeks. On Facebook she mentioned how sad she was so I gave an extra hug to her because I know how she feels. Anna told me she studied up on her Luther history for today, as a refresher. What a grand idea!

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After last night's closing service, a hard act to follow, I am soon heading to Victory for our joint service with Gainesville, Keystone Heights, GS, and our host congregation. I am looking forward to seeing Jennifer Lee and her mom, as Jen is newly returned from serving as a nurse in Africa for one of our missions. How I do love seeing my Facebook friends in the flesh now and again!