Photos from the weekend

Our guests enjoyed seeing Justin again. Some of the ladies had not seen him in ages, and he was glad to see them again, too. He is wearing his Packer shirt for which Hal mocked him---Hal's a Cowboy's fan!

Our Sunday began with Bible study, where Hal opted to sit with Carol and Cliff. Rosalie sat at the table with me

After church we greeted guests at my house, where Justin was waiting for us. He had a few minutes to visit with Hal and Rosalie alone before getting busy putting the snacks and beverages out for our other guests.

Linda O., on the right, is chatting with Louise B.

Rosalie is leaning in to better hear the conversation

Judy C. and Louise chat at the table while Joe Z. and Rosalie catch up with each other

My dear friend, Rosalie!

Louise is making a point in her conversation, as Hal listens in. Fred, Louise's spouse, had been there earlier and had a chance to catch up with Hal. They had worked together at Cecil Field years ago when it was an active base

Linda O. and Judy J. visiting in the river room. More folks had been there but I was tardy grabbing the camera. Others were not able to come but did see the Brazee's at church for a bit.

The Sunday recap

It felt almost like normal around here for me, more than normal, having a houseful of people, smiling and laughing and talking and munching. It was a wonderful feeling. Let's begin before church, though. I left home around 8:00 a.m., riding down in the elevator with Jeff as he was already hard at it, moving stuff between the unit they were renting from our neighbor, Donna, on the 5th floor, and their own condo. He said he was tired since they had been unpacking and getting settled until midnight and were up again at 6:00 a.m. Jeff will look forward to going to work to rest, flying his freight around the USA or around the world!

The reason I left home so early was I needed to stop at the store, wanting Publix hot dog buns, plus some plastic cups for serving the refreshments. The preschool at church likes to have Apple Jax or Cheerios for their snacks and I was delighted to find a Buy One/Get One offer on this cereal, right as I came in the door. As I told the check-out lady, I am glad I don't have to buy cereal and milk every week like families with kids must do, because the box of cereal was over $4. I cannot even tell you how much a gallon of milk costs, I have no clue, but know it is not cheap. Once checked out, I headed over to church where Judy C. was the only one on the site besides Pastor. It was Fellowship Sunday so she was busily setting up her trays of sandwiches for after church. I kept running to the door to look out to see if Hal and Rosalie were there yet. Finally, I saw their red truck coming down Argyle Forest and was waving like nuts as Rosalie waved back. The Douglas's got to them first as they were getting out of their van just as Hal pulled in. Rosalie came walking up toward the church, then, where I was chatting with Ethel and we just hugged and hugged, and one of us cried, I know for sure one of us did. Of course, Hal got hugged, too, but it's not the same as my friend and me.

We went inside where I introduced them to Pastor K. and got settled for the opening devotion. Only 7 kids were there for Sunday school yesterday, sad to report. The adults went to the Fellowship Hall for Bible study, a cursory look at Acts, with the use of a slide-show done sort of cartoon-style, with a smattering of satellite images of the Mediterranean region and scenes of blue water with cliffs. That really made me smile, to see the blue sea, especially since talking with Sabin about his condo in Turkey the day before. Anyway, after class Hal and Rosalie got a chance to visit with many of the folks they knew and even with some who knew them but Rosalie did not remember! Some had come to GS after Brazee's had left so were not at all familiar. As always, they sat in the back pew, saving me a seat for when I was ready to sit down after singing with the choir. Our little choir sang a song from the Supplement, an African spiritual called "I Will Sing", which tied in with the theme about the Lord being our light. At rehearsal Wednesday night, I offered to wear my caftan for Sunday's service.....But, 'we' can't complain because it IS in the Supplement and that is what we want to use. It was well sung and well received, telling everyone that the Lord is our light!

After church for the Fellowship time, my friends were able to reacquaint themselves with folks, with Hal wandering over to the piano to speak with Robbie, who was our musician of the day. Hal and Rosalie were impressed with his playing, how he has grown up!, and Hal asked Robbie to play a hymn for him. Hal calls it "Isaiah" but I am not sure of the whole title, with the 'surely it is God who saves me, I will trust in Him and not be afraid..." running through it. We toured the classroom building before heading for home where Justin was already waiting for us. Rosalie rode over with me and Hal followed with the truck. Justin had a little while to greet and chat with them before folks began arrive. Then, my guests enjoyed the view while Justin and I got the refreshments ready. Justin was a big help in the kitchen, wanting to make everything look nice. He located the maroon dinner napkins his grandma had made years ago when he was into napkin folding, and he used them in the chip baskets and as a placemat for the beverages.

Gradually folks began to come and it was absolutely wonderful! When Linda O. came in, she carried a bouquet of flowers for me, as the hostess, and I was just delighted! Later, as I walked through the rooms, Linda said to Judy J., "Look at her face! Even her eyes are shining!" because I was so happy to have my friends in the rooms again. Louise and Fred came, former members, and Fred worked with Hal at Cecil Field years ago. Louise housed Rosalie during the funeral week as they lived in the same community we did. She goes to St. Peter LCMS now and said she seldom sees anyone out and about, even though Twila and Judy J. live on the Island. And me, right here in The Palace, where she comes to play bridge with Rosemary, my upstairs neighbor!! Now she will pop in when around here, I made her promise! The Phillips were a no-show unfortunately and I was unable to reach the Gould's. Rosalie gave me a phone number for them, and when I called, left a long message extending my invitation. Later, I did a reverse phone number check and found that number belongs to someone else now, who lives on Fleming Island, so I expected some strangers to show up at my door. But, whoever it was I called, they didn't come either. At first I was afraid I didn't have enough snacks but it worked out perfectly and was glad Justin suggested making the sugar cookies. As the three of us sat at the dinner table last night, my two houseguests polished off the cookies, after enjoying their bowl of beef vegetable soup! We sat and talked until 10:00 pm, at least Rosalie and I did, as Hal fell asleep in the chair after a certain point. What an AWESOME day it was!

This a.m. we are going to have breakfast at Grumpy's before I head to Bible study and they to see their former neighbor on Red Oak. Hal wants to ride out past the former base where he was stationed from, Cecil Field, and then head for home. He is the Head Elder for his church, and is training some men for service in the church. Just like old times, just like old times......

Lovin' my Saturday afternoon

When dusting the frames today, I decided to scan this photo into the computer for sharing purposes. Timmy was 2 1/2 when this photo was taken...he is posing with giant crayons which I cropped out of this photo.

The morning began early, awake before 6:00 but I had a good night's sleep. Immediately I wanted to find out what was happening in Egypt since they are so many hours ahead of us. One of my FB friends had heard or read that the Museum of the Antiquities had been looted and this was so upsetting. In searching on-line I could find nothing indicating they had been able to breech the security, and in one article, it said young men had formed a human barrier to prevent folks from taking over the museum. It was just over 10 years ago that I was there and saw such amazing things, including some of King Tut's belongings and Ramses II, who looked pretty good for his age! It would make me sick to think of hoodlums making off with ancient artifacts and treasures. Like my friend said in his posting, thinking that the museum had been violated already, Ken reported he felt less badly about stuff from Egypt and its treasures being spread around to other countries. At least some of it will be safe, at least for now. Let's pray the unrest will settle out soon so the oil and other trade can continue without skyrocketing prices. A week ago, who was concerned about the security of the Suez Canal?

On with my day---I got busy in my kitchen, cooking up a kettle of vegetable beef soup, using the recipe obtained years ago from a Realtor at Eagle Harbor. She had brought a giant tub of this soup to our house for consumption during the funeral week, and those that had some simply raved about it. She shared the recipe with us and I am using it today, in fact, last night already, as I made a batch of vegetable beef soup without beef for my downstairs neighbors. The recipe suggests letting the soup sit overnight so I took it down to them around noon today for their dinner tonight. The hamburger for my portion of the batch was already browned so this a.m. I got it from the fridge, and began pouring the ingredients into the kettle. It will also sit overnight for serving tomorrow if anyone wants some. Justin discovered my electric soup pot in the pantry yesterday when putting something away (out of sight, out of mind!) so I might get that out...I don't know yet.

Last night I baked a store-bought 5 cheese lasagna which I took down for their dinner. After I dropped it off, I went upstairs and was busy in the kitchen, cleaning up the mess from my cooking, while reheating some leftovers for my dinner. Not long after getting up there, Jeff came to knock on my door, wondering if I was not going to join them. I have a rule about that---if you get another invitation, take it! Not really expecting Jeff and Tracy to be up to company on the first of their moving days (finished it up today), it turned out to be a nice time. Cassidy went to dinner with her friends but we grown-ups enjoyed the lasagna and some mushroom hors d-oeurves Jeff made. Tracy had run to Mandarin to visit MamMa before dinner so we waited for her to get back before eating. I brought my own soda down with me and some raspberry rum to have with my dinner since I do not drink wine. I must be the only one in my building, besides Ellen, who is not a wine drinker as a rule. I am the first one in the building to get a look at the finished project, sort of a bittersweet tour since this happened from my pipe breaking! You know? They made some other changes as long as the place was torn apart, adding closets, moving walls, enlarging the laundry room, adding a shower in the master bathroom, and the best part, in my opinion, a motorized retractable screen for their open patio. It can be used almost year round now, since they have a fire pit for warmth. Not sure I would be warm enough but they might be!

I digressed! Go figure! My former waitress friend from Longhorn, Patty, was able to come today to do the dusting and polishing, getting things ready for tomorrow. Hopefully the clean will last two weeks, and even longer. Sherry had come to do it November but has gotten a full time job in home care so was unable to come. Good thing Patty was available though she usually does not clean on Saturdays. It was so good to see her again, I even took a picture to show the other Bible study ladies. Patty always has a story to tell, her latest beau, planned trips to Italy where her extended family lives, and so on. She is a good worker and 'swept' through the formal rooms, river room, and mine in about three hours. She told me the family room was the dustiest of them all, which so surprised me since I find my bedroom to be the worst! Of course, I spend all my time in here which would make it seem that much dustier. When she was dusting off my shelves and such, I did the shelf along my desk, where my hymnal lies. No sooner did I dust the cover, it was white again! This time I am blaming the construction going on downstairs but when it's over, then what will I blame for the dust???

The day was bright and sunshiny, not cold at all, nearing 70 above! I am so glad it is nice for Hal and Rosalie's visit, would hate to have nasty weather while they are here. At one point I stepped outside and had a chat with Sabin, my Turkish friend. He told me that he spoke with his brother, Osman, who is retired and living back in Turkey, telling him that he saw me yesterday. Osman moved us several times over the years, both household and office, and asked Sabin if I still had my Turkish flag. How funny is that??!! All those miles and all those years and Osman wonders about me. Sabin told him I did have the flag hanging up in my room. When I saw him last fall when moving Jeff 'n Tracy out, Sabin told me that if I want to go back to Turkey for a visit, I can use his condo. Today he told me this again, telling me that the train and bus stations are within walking distance from the condo, only 30 minute ride from Istanbul. Hmmmm.....maybe someday, but right now, things are not favorable or safe for international travel.

Last night, I had to chuckle a bit, because Jeff was so excited about being back in their house. He missed his ovens, he said, telling me that the kitchen is his domain. Jeff is a pilot for FedEx and is gone sometimes weeks at a time, and then home weeks at a time. When he is home, he cooks and cooks. I told him about buying the house on the lake, which was pitched as having a gourmet kitchen. I asked, "Does it have an ice maker and a microwave? If so, we're good!" Who needs a five-burner gas stove and all that---not me?! At least I got to practice my cooking skills in making the kettles of vegetable soup. And again, when I make my breakfast casserole to serve Monday for breakfast. I have to make it on Sunday as the recipe, again, suggests it sit in the fridge overnight before baking. Justin suggested I bake some of my sugar cookies which I bought before CHRISTmas but was too sick to bake. He thinks they will make the house smell good....but he is also hungry for some sugar cookies. Let's go make the house smell good!

I’m hot!

Can you believe it? I am warm, not quite hot, with the sun shining on my face and shoulders, causing me to squint just a bit and it feels so wonderful! I am wearing a sweater with a turtleneck under it, my fuzzy slippers and jeans. Only a few moments ago I turned off the space heater alongside my desk as it is not needed at this time. I thought Justin would be here already, but let me know he was enroute. I hope he can get the chores done before he has to leave again…. My boy likes to talk as much as I do so that often slows the process of getting things done. Not a multi-tasker unless he is listening to the radio programs while cleaning. But must stop to talk and that is non-productive!

My mistake---he is here and working but does not have to be at his appointed place until 3:00 pm. He is currently making the guest beds up for Hal and Rosalie, but I hear him talking on the phone at the same time. He has a gizmo to wear in his ear, as part of his cell phone earbuds, so he can talk on the phone hands free. When he talks to me on that when he is working, I have a tough time hearing on occasion because of the wind blowing or other background noises the speaker picks up. When he is in the car, it works just fine for both of us.

He has enough time now to go to the store with me so he ‘can do the heavy lifting’, his words. We are being careful not to mess with my back so he offered to do this with and for me. Isn’t that nice of him? Since I need soda, beer, and other heavy items, this will be great and get it all upstairs at one time instead of as needed. All the chores on the list are completed and he is now sitting on my bed with a needle and thread, repairing the rope used for the church pews, to close areas off. He is stitching the loop back together and is wishing for a thimble. I have no thimble and am just glad I had a spool of thread! Fortunately, I had red thread, go figure!

Back again, having finished the shopping and getting it all upstairs. He also got down on hands and knees to wipe out the bottom of my freezer, cleaning up the mess from when my soda can exploded several months ago. We got the ingredients needed for veggie soup which I am making in both meat eater and vegetarian-styles so I can share with my downstairs neighbors who are moving back in this weekend. Earlier today the workmen were still at it, even though the movers were due to arrive about 10:00 a.m. I guess the rain on Tuesday delayed the carpenters who had set up their saws on the open patio. No running electrical tools in the rain and during a lightning storm!

I had asked Jeff what I could make for them to eat that was vegetarian and he said, “Anything-----just leave the meat out…” which seems easy enough. But I have troubles wrapping my brain around that concept. So, the vegetable soup will be good, as well as the four cheese lasagna that I bought at Winn-Dixie. Justin read through the ingredients and saw nothing indicating meat or its by-products so that is what I am making tonight. Half for them, and the other half for me and my guests on Sunday night. It should reheat nicely, I think.

During the night I was awake about three times for no apparent reason, even though I took half a pain pill at bedtime. Guess that was not the best idea. Hence, today finds me a bit weary, besides the shopping. Rosalie called this a.m. to let me know they are still on schedule for Sunday, which is great. So far, besides my time with Justin, I have had at length conversations with Joanne and Gretchen. Gretchen expressed her laughs at being able to laugh in the middle of the day---just another service I offer! Ice pack, here I come!

Happpy birthday, Mom!!!

Today is my mom’s 86th birthday and we thank the Lord for those years! Yes, we really did so after our Bible study today, where Pastor Hoyer asked for blessings on her 86 years. And she was too busy today for me to call her and sing to---had to leave my song on the answering machine!

My mom, Kathy, seated with her older sister, Marie, standing behind her

Such an interesting Bible class we had today, even though we strayed a bit from our lesson. I am trying to recall exactly how we got moved over but one of the ladies brought up a conversation she overheard and then participated in, while taking her son for a haircut. Two young barbers and one elderly barber were at work on heads, with one of them having an 85 year old man in his chair. The customers were discussing where they were going after they died, such as Riverside Cemetery, the National Cemetery, and so on. Rita could not prevent herself from jumping with, “When I die, I am going to sing in the angel choir in heaven!” The older man expressed that he was not going straight to heaven, that he and his family prayed day and night to shorten his stay in purgatory. Wow, just imagine…

Rita said that she tried to ‘witness’ about her confidence but the older barber quickly changed the subject to football, probably wisely so. She was wishing she had a business card from the church to give to the man so he could call Pastor and talk with him. Pastor Hoyer said that would be fine but, “Oh, my! What a wonderful opportunity for you to tell him about the Savior….”and went on to recite some passages from memory to use when such a situation presents. We talked about Jesus’ words from the cross when He declared “It is finished!”. Pastor said this meant something else, a financial term from the Greek but couldn’t immediately come up with the expression. Justin gave me the knee bump of encouragement so I offered, “Tetelestai?”, and he said, “Yes, tetelestai!”

(I know this word, besides being one of the words from the cross, because my friend, Rosalie, uses this expression when she finishes a project or accomplishes something. I heard it last 10 years ago, when Mom and she were in pursuit of just the perfect art piece Rosalie wanted to donate to Precious Lambs in memory of Timmy. She found a Greg Olson piece, not the one she set off to get but one where the child on Jesus’ lap more closely resembled Timmy, and declared, “tetelstai!”. It hangs in the hallway of the classroom building at this time.)

When discussing Bible passages to use when witnessing, my mind went to passages I cherish and have included one here, from Job 19: “Oh, that my words were recorded, that they were written on a scroll, that they were inscribed with an iron tool on lead, or engraved in rock forever! I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes— I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” That last part is my favorite….but I have many favorites.

Before we knew it, class was over and we were heading out. As I picked up my Bible and purse, suddenly I got a gripping pain between my shoulder blades and my breath was caught for a bit. At first I didn’t say anything but asked Justin to please carry my Bible for me, as I talked with Judy J. on the phone. She was meeting us for lunch at Mimi’s Café so I had to tighten up our arrangements. Then I explained to Justin what had just happened with my upper back and expressed my concern that I cannot be laid up this weekend!!! There is too much to be done before and when my company gets here!!! On the ride over to the Mall, I took a couple Ibuprofen, enjoyed my meatloaf and mashed potatoes, at least part of my lunch, and then came home to lie on ice packs most of the afternoon. All is well right now, and I pray it stays that way. I hate it that this came from absolutely nowhere and gives me a feeling of being unsettled. Nothing new for me!

Speaking of being unsettled, while I was with my ice pack and listening to the radio programs, I was also listening to my downstairs neighbors vacuuming. Either they were or the workmen were hard at it, cleaning things up after the construction. Tomorrow the movers are coming to move them back into their home, with hopes of finishing the job on Saturday. It will be so wonderful for them to get back into their home again, being out of it, so to speak, since the Great Flood at the end of September. They asked me to join them at La Napolera for dinner tonight but due to my questionable upper back situation, opted respectfully to decline this time. I do look forward to seeing “my Turkish friends” come tomorrow and Saturday…good thing Justin is coming to put things to right around here Friday morning!

Justin has a busy couple of days coming up, besides coming over here in the morning. He was ‘volunteered’ to work on the Extreme Home Make-Over going on in our county, helping the framer. Justin told us at lunch that he stinks with a hammer and I suggested that perhaps he would be measuring and cutting….not much comfort there either. I am sure he will do well, and who knows? He might be working with other folks he knows, like Jimmie W., who is doing the trim work. He works for the builder in charge of the project, but will be doing the trim work in the dark of night. Brenda N., who called me tonight, said it is quite the production, in more ways than one, very “Hollywood”, everything has to be done just right for the cameras, and then redone again. Nothing just happens on these shows, you know. For one ‘take’, John, her boss, was working in short sleeves, but then put his jacket back on. They came and told him for the next take he had to take the jacket off, for ‘continuity’ purposes, even though it was freezing out there!

Anyway, back to Justin’s weekend---on Saturday he will drive down to Palm Coast to the facility where Marian and Biff’s belongings are stored. He must extricate a day bed, and a few other things, as on Sunday Biff is moving up from South Florida to an assisted-living facility in Palm Coast. I am not sure what the status is for Marian to move up but at least one of them is going to be closer to family. Justin will be here with us on Sunday to hang out with Rosalie, at least for a while anyway. I cannot expect him to sit here the entire time, but at least have a chance to catch up with Hal and Rosalie, and some of the others from Good Shepherd whom he has not seen in a while, like his Grandma Nichols and Aunt Jean! I am so excited about this weekend!!!

Happy birthday, Mom!!! Glad you enjoy the flowers and the haircut!! Thanks, Linda, for being such a dear friend!!!

The sun is back!

Yay! I feel the warmth of sunshine on my face and shoulder, making me squint a bit, but happily so! It is glimmering on the river, there is blue sky, only a bit of clouds layered here and there, and no wind. We woke to wind but that has since ended and it seems quite still. All is right with the world! Afternoon and evening yesterday around here was quite different---often I could not see across the river, or even to the palm trees in the basin. When Emily, my friend, was on her way toward home, she called to ask me if I had seen any water spouts on the river, as she was about to cross on the Buckmann Bridge. Oh my! Because I was listening/watching my radio program, not live feed, I had no idea that there were tornado watches and warnings around the area. Immediately I turned on the TV and gave Emily the reports as she drove along. I also gave her the go-ahead to drive across the bridge, as she suffers from periodic anxiety attacks when it comes to the bridge. She said she was doing fine, but just wanted to make sure---some help I am! She knew more about it than I did and I live right here!

Various areas that often flood did, and folks with rain gauges will have their own measurements, but I did hear reports of up to 2” of rain in places. A house in Mandarin, across the river from me, was reportedly struck by lightning and had slight damage, found only after the firemen chopped through the roof---that is pretty scary, if you ask me. Only smoke at first, but then they found the smoldering fire. I am glad they are trained so well. Further south from my county, a funnel cloud was observed but did not touch down, thank the Lord. The rain was coming down so heavily that I could not, did not, care to venture to the car to get my 12-packs of soda. Instead, I called Ming Moon, ordered some dinner, and oh yes, please bring me Diet Pepsi while you're at it! Mom laughed when I told her about it later, accusing me of making that poor delivery man go out in the rain. That is what delivery people do, and he assured me he did not mind, found it invigorating! He was a Caucasian, so his name likely was not Ping, like on "Seinfeld"!!!

Oooh, I am so excited because Twila just called about lunch!! We are going to The Red Elephant, the same place Emily and Paul took me during “Timmy Week”, where I poured soda down my front! I have my free appetizer card and Twila will get her free elephant ear for dessert for being a first-timer. I hope it is not too busy when we get there, perhaps I shall drive slowly across the river so the noon rush is easing a bit. Twila reported that the lake, the same one I used to live on, was choppy yet after the winds we had earlier today. Quite different than the smoothness of the water here.

When I am out, later on, I must stop at Publix for a few things before Hal and Rosalie arrive. They will be here for breakfast on Monday and I would like to make a casserole to serve them before they head for home. For one thing I need trash can liners. The 20-count box does not seem to last as long as I think it should yet something prevents me from buying the next sized box. We always make our own trouble, doing stuff like that! On Sunday my plans are not to serve an official meal but do want to have some snacks around for folks to enjoy. For drinks I will have some wine and beer, plus soft drinks, tea, and lemonade. Hal is a Michigander, so will enjoy some of the hot dogs that Judy J. brought back for me on her last trip north, natural casing Kogel’s, hence, the need for buns, chopped onions, relish, and other condiments. Since we are meeting here after first attending Fellowship Sunday, where refreshments will be served, plus some time in between for folks to grab a bite before coming over, I think light snacks will be fine. My mouth, though, is watering for one of those hot dogs! Also, my freezer holds some Newton hot dogs which were carried home from WI this last trip as well as the Boar’s Head brand of natural casing dogs which have been in there awhile. Perhaps one of my neighbors with a grille would be so kind as to cook them up for me some day….

Speaking of Newton hot dogs, today PresBO is visiting my hometown of Manitowoc, touring some manufacturing plants on the somewhat outskirts of town. I hope the weather is decent so that the lake is presentable for the press visiting with the dignitaries. It could be like when the blimp comes to a football city, showing the spectacular sites visible from above, like the sky lines or boats sitting on shimmering water. How cool it would be to see the S.S. Badger entering or leaving the port when the press is around to capture!!! Who needs high-speed rail when you have da’ Badger???

A new picture

After bath time, Gabe is hanging out with his baby brother, Angelo. Lisa titled this "He just loves his baby brother!" It's written all over his face, too!