Waiting for the debate to begin

Once more the GOP contenders are meeting to debate the issues, or field the challenges of the moderators, as the case might be. This time the event is being held in Las Vegas, and I thought it was going to begin at 8:00 pm. So far it has not gotten underway, with a show about Herman Cain being aired. Go Herman!! Justin and I are well familiar with Herman, having listened to his radio show in the past and hearing him speak at tax rallies. This is very exciting!

Justin and I just got home after having dinner at Koko’s. As we were leaving my house for the restaurant, we rode the elevator with the new neighbor who owns the Bubba Burgers. I introduced them to each other and Justin asked Jeff if he could arrange to have Justin’s row called at the Jaguar game for free Bubba Burger t-shirts. Jeff asked which row he was in and Justin told him, but then Jeff offered him a couple t-shirts from this past week. Nice! He will be get them from the office and by-pass the contest all together---go directly to the source for the free shirts! I also introduced Jeff to Gus who was out walking his daughter’s dog, and then Justin and I went to the car. Justin laughed about me introducing the neighbors to each other, saying, “My mama…….” That’s just what I do, what can I say?

We were the only ones in Koko’s and were warmly greeted. After the young man took our drink orders, he said we were the first customers since morning. Yikes! Just then two guys came in, one a good sized fellow who looked quite familiar, and the other more slight. The owners of Koko’s gave the one guy a Jaguar print apron and I realized that it was Kyle Brady. Just to be sure, I asked him who he was and he said, “Washed up football player” but then he gave his name. Excited, I said, “I have money invested with your company!” as my friend, Diane, is a partner with him at the financial place. We talked more about Diane and what a good job she does than about football.

Another fellow joined them and we all chatted while having our meals prepared in front of us. One of the guys is going to participate in a triathlon soon and I offered my support by eating carbs for him. The chef does a thing where he flips pieces of cut up shrimp toward people’s mouths and they have to catch it in the air. The one fellow caught his piece easily, and when Kyle tried, it sort of missed. He teased the chef that he didn’t throw like Aaron Rodgers (we had discussed the Packers and our being fans earlier). Everyone chuckled about that and I said, “If Aaron had thrown that, it would have gone in your mouth and come out the other end!” and the crowd went wild! Then Kyle said, “Yeah, you throw more like Blaine Gabbert…” the new Jaguar quarterback.

Justin told Kyle how Don Davey used to live next door to us in Manitowoc. We marveled at what a small world it is, and he told us Don does investment work at Neptune Beach, which I think I already knew. And, he has five daughters, none close to Justin’s age, unfortunately. One of the fellows is a finish carpenter and gave Justin a few of his cards, in case some trim work can be thrown his way. It’s all about networking. Also saw my old friend, Rich, who works with Joanne at RE/MAX. He said he gets so hungry for a good Koko’s dinner sometimes and tonight was the night! Nice guys, and a very nice dinner.

Justin carried my soda cases upstairs for me and then, just as he was about to leave, dropped a bomb on me. He said he would tell me something, now that nothing’s come of it….WHAT??? Very casually he told me that his friend, Jesse, had a wreck on Friday night, going too fast on a curve near their house and hitting a tree. The car, not worth much to begin with, was totaled as the radiator cracked.

Justin told me the yard where it happened needed some repair and I said, “Well, you guys work in landscape…” It was then he told me that he was a passenger in said wreck. Oh my! The tears flowed, which is what he was trying to avoid. He did not want me upset but knew I would be if I found out from someone else that this happened. You are darn right I would be upset!!!

I was upset enough hearing it from him and put tears all over his shirt front as he hugged me. Justin assured me that he always wears his seatbelt and was wearing it that night. I told him I went through this once before and he knew exactly where that was going. He said he knows that…

Here I was worried about Jesse and his situation and now, I am cross that he was a reckless driver. I told Justin I would offer prayers of thanksgiving that he was okay and he said he did the same already. This being a mom thing is tough some days!

P.S. I have tortured myself with watching CNN for no reason tonight, as the debate is actually on Tuesday night! Ugh!

Oh, I am stuffed!

I had a nice lunch from McDonald’s today so I could get home quickly for the start of the football game. It seems the drive-through was not running as smoothly as it should, with the line quite long after the order was placed. Two people in front of me had to pull over to wait for their orders to come out but mine was ready for me when I got to the window. I sure do love the Dollar Menu, it really does the trick for me!

The football game is on and already the Jaguars are behind. They are up against the Steelers but it might be okay. The punter has been replaced since last week---he was the oldest NFL player at the ripe age of 43. We shall see what happens today with a new guy doing the kicking. If they capitalized on the possessions instead of having to give it away, the punter wouldn’t get so much ‘service’, as it were. Easy to say from the arm chair, this I know.

The cough has quieted substantially even since yesterday for which I am most thankful. In fact, I felt so spritely that when I saw on Facebook Saturday a.m. that my friend Stephanie was up and about, made plans to meet her for lunch! It was a great day for dining al fresco at Bahama Breeze and as we sat, chatting, we also were able to watch the Badger game. That is a first for me, I think, or perhaps a second because I think I did watch part or most of the Rose Bowl game at my Mom’s with Lynn at one time. Last year, perhaps??? Basically speaking, it is rare for me to watch. Not for Stephanie who is a faithful fan of the ‘home team’, since she is a Janesville girl.

She told me that Erica was in town for a ‘surprise’ visit, spending the majority of her time with her young man friend, named Justin. Since Erica wanted to surprise everyone at church, she told Stephanie not to tell anyone she was coming. She asked Stephanie if I would be at Victory this week but since I was there last week, I had to be at GS this Sunday. Rats! I would have so loved to see her before she goes back to WLC.

Stephanie told me a little story, too, as we ate. She had attended a ‘small group’ Bible study on Wednesday and somehow, my name came up! The leader of the group, Dan, was trying to figure out who they were talking about since I am not there very often (Victory). One of the young ladies, Elissa, piped up, “You know who that is! She’s the short lady with the bright colored tops who is always so joyful…” Wow, Elissa, you have laid out quite a description for me to live up to. I can do the bright tops without thinking about it, but the joyful part, sometimes needs work! But I love it! What Stephanie did not say, though, was if that description helped or not…

No sooner did I get home from our lunch when I heard the doorbell ringing. As I scampered to the door, I heard my neighbors’ voice through the open kitchen door, “It’s the boogey man!” Randy had come downstairs to personally invite me to a function at his church Sunday night. He claimed that I blew him off when he sent me an invitation but I was sure I sent it back with a ‘NO’ answer. Randy assured me it would be a spiritually uplifting experience and I would go away filled with the Holy Spirit…Yes, at the Assembly of God church, I am sure I would!

And he told me I could leave at half time if I wanted to. Repeatedly I explained to him I am a Lutheran girl and don’t usually go to other people’s churches. But, when he said, “We’re going to sing some fabulous songs, some you probably know…” I said, “You’re going to sing?” Somewhat defensively he said, “Yes, I am going to sing”, okay, now, I’m intrigued! Also, I asked him, “No happy-clappy, right?” and he assured me there would not be any of that. I bet! I also asked him if there was food afterward and he didn’t think so. I told him Lutherans like to have food after church, or even before. Randy is my Marine neighbor who does not talk like a choir boy all the time. It surprised me to receive this invitation in the first place and then to know he is a singer as well…I think I’ll go! Report to follow….

Now that the cough is quieted mostly, I can safely go to visit folks at the hospital. Right now two ladies from church are there, one recently out of ICU and the other recovering after cancer surgery. She had lost her son, age 37, suddenly early last month and now discovered colon cancer. My new book of prayers recommended by Judy R. will go with me to the hospital. Love it! I can stop at the hospital before going over to the Assembly of God church for my uplifting experience!

It’s a waiting game for me

My little laptop is plugged in with the old power cord attempting to charge the new battery which arrived via the mail yesterday. Justin installed it for me and said it should have about a 10 hour lifespan when fully charged. We shall see! Twice now I have had to go restart the computer because for some reason it shuts down, even when the battery has some power in it. Hopefully that is not a really bad sign…am I falsely accusing my power cord of failing when in fact it could be something else? Wouldn’t that just figure?

Once charged and will hopefully stay in the ON position for me, I can then recline on my bed with the little laptop for my evening TV viewing. Justin told me about a new Roku, in purple, coming out in December for ‘only’ $50 which would then enable me to watch my Internet programs over the TV. Another feature, a subscription thing, would allow me to watch movies and such offered but I do not think I want that…I have plenty of stuff to watch, thanks!

Last night’s sleep was a short one for me, although, unlike my mom the night before, I did not go to bed angry. I think I dropped off before 11:00 pm but found myself awake with a very dry mouth (snoring??) and coughing before 4:00 am. Not good. Even though I tried, I was not able to fall back to sleep, so then got up to use this desktop computer. Poor me! Later, I went back to bed and slept about another couple hours, not soundly, but at least my eyes were closed. My mom had a bad night Wednesday because her favorite TV program, a syndicated one, was preempted by a baseball game. This happened twice in a week’s time and is really pushing her buttons!

Today I went errand running, my first stop being the bank to deposit my check. Then I went to Sonic to get my Happy Hour diet Coke for half price and then stopped in at Great Hang Ups. Helen, Julia’s sister, had made a red glass slump vase for me and left it at the shop for pick up.

As we talked, I mentioned my friend, Lee, and the ladies’ got excited. It seems that Lee won the drawing for receiving one of Dee’s paintings. They were going to have me do the drawing but Dee’s hubby did it instead, and pulled my friend’s name! Julia had me call Lee to let her know she was the winner. At first I got the answering machine and left her the news. Less than 10 minutes later she called back, and Julia let me answer the call. Instead of saying ‘hello’, Lee asked, “Are you teasing me???” By this time Kris had come into the shop and they all heard Lee ask this question, and laughed. No, it’s not a joke, you win, girlfriend! What great fun that was!

From Hang Ups I went to Publix as I needed soda and a few other items, and then headed out to Brenda N.’s house in Eagle Harbor to deliver her chili. When I pulled into the driveway, I could hear her wild beasts inside the house throwing themselves against the door and sidelights. Talk about scary! She has a houseful of dogs, all shapes and sizes. I left the chili on a table next to the door and was about to call her, when she pulled into the driveway. She was driving!!! Otherwise she does not drive but her son with her and they took back streets to Winn Dixie and her daughter’s house. Glad I caught her and the chili didn’t have to sit out too long.

My soda is restocked at least for a few days and I have plenty of food, since I have a diminished appetite with this stupid cough/cold situation going on. And those sugar cookies purchased at the bakery yesterday---just okay. Definitely NOT as good as Copp’s, which means I still need to go north for my favorite cookies!

Noah and Lisa's Anniversary today

Lisa's wedding 11 years ago today. On the left is Timmy, then Dustin, Alayna, Danny, Jamie, and Justin. The princess is on the floor, looking a bit like Cinderella! This was taken at First German, in the front of the church, but off to the side.

There’s the moon!`

Just as I sat down at my desk, I saw a glimmer of the moon rising. Two seconds later, or so, it is in full bloom! So bright it should almost make noise. Last night when I was in choir rehearsal, Lynnie left me a phone message from the lake shore in Manitowoc, reporting the amazing moon on the water there, wondering if I could see our ‘shared moon’. I did, once I got home and the clouds moved out of the way. We both had choir and we both had a full moon, nice!

Justin was here for dinner tonight for which I made a kettle of my chili. I am the biggest fan of my chili and Justin liked it too. He said if he had his way, he would make it thicker with more pasta so it would be more like spaghetti than soup. I held back on the pasta in order for it to be soupier, better for dipping the dinner rolls. By tomorrow, it will be quite thick, enough so that I could serve it over baked potatoes, like my friend, Brenda does. I think I will see if she wishes to come for dinner tomorrow!

She called tonight when Justin was here, giving her a chance to talk with him about a computer question. He installed my new battery which I ordered for the mini-laptop and it weighs more than the laptop itself! Not specifically designed for my machine, it works great and serves as a sort of kick-stand, holding the laptop up a bit in the back so it can breathe. He believes it will have a longer life when charged than did my original battery but I must remember to let it totally die before I recharge it, and unplug the laptop and actually use the battery to run the computer. Otherwise the battery quits charging and dies young, like mine did. Perhaps tomorrow my new power cord will arrive and I will be entirely good to go again from my bed! Got the new long-life battery and the power cord for less than $60 when Justin thought the new battery alone would be $100! I did it myself, too!

My cough is less active today, hoping it has about run its course. Also, I took a cold remedy, Dayquil tablet, this a.m. which helped quiet it some. At least I did not disrupt Bible study too much. Another really good class as we read further about the Ministry of the Keys. We discussed the qualifications of overseers and deacons (pastors, church leaders) and read what Martin Luther had to say about this matter. Good, interesting study!

Afterward many of us went to eat at Cinatti’s Deli and Bakery since Rita had two certificates to use. Even Pastor Hoyer joined us. I had a hot dog, the others having sandwiches like a BLT or pita-styled sandwich. One man had a Panini. And yes, it is a bakery and yes, six sugar cookies came home with me! Now, whether or not they are as good as Copp’s I will have to report another time as I have not tasted them yet! Such restraint! My tummy was full from my lunch that a cookie did not even appeal to me, and now I have had dinner…The unfortunate thing is---the cookies have a plastic spider adorning them. If I didn’t want the 1” thick frosting, I had to have spiders. I can deal with it…

When Justin was here, he installed my TV again in the family room with a new power strip and got the cable stuff hooked up. Everything seems to work just fine, for which I rejoice. Now, though, in addition to regularly hearing water dripping, I think I smell hot wires. Oh good, I was running short of things to over which to wring my hands!

Just to get you started....

The Word they still shall let remain nor any thanks have for it;
He’s by our side upon the plain with His good gifts and Spirit.
And take they our life, goods, fame, child and wife,
Let these all be gone, they yet have nothing won;
The Kingdom ours remaineth.

Thinking about my grandma this morning

Lily Sickles, or, Silly Lickles as one of our vicars liked to call her, was my grandma. She lived near our church and school as long as I knew her, and she was elderly as long as I knew her. Silly Lickles was in her 70’s when I grew up, and lived to be just three months shy of 100 years old! She was German but I don’t think about her being the stern and stoic–type, at least, not around me. For ten years I worked at the old folks home where she lived so I got to see her daily. Grandma’s birthday was October 9^th, the same day that my niece, Alayna, has a birthday. Lily would have been 125, and Alayna just celebrated being 20.

Grandma has been on my mind for another reason besides her birthday, though. While she was pretty subdued, feeling like she was supposed to be that way, occasionally she would come out with something to make us laugh (we loved to laugh in our house, growing up…so much was funny!). Grandma used to talk about Coffer Dam, I can’t remember the whole thing, except the punch line of ‘cough her damn head off’. I am sure someone else in the family remembers the whole thing. But as I cough here at home, I think of Coffer Dam, and Grandma Sickles!

*

There are some advertisements on TV that really make me chuckle, at least the first 25 times I see it. One is run by the LaQuinta Inn chain, where the guy gets such a great night’s rest at the hotel that he can actually sell ice to an Eskimo! Another guy sleeps so well that he can go to work, kick some butt and take names, as he actually goes down the hall, kicking people and grabbing their name tags! I get it!!! On the other hand, I am tired of Susie’s lemonade machine being empty. Come on, Verizon, time for a new commercial, I grow quite weary of this one!

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It sure is nice to have the sun back on my face at the desk, it seems like a week since the rain and clouds arrived. Yesterday a home inspector came to size up the damage and such from the leaks, in order to determine the source and the fix. Connie told me they think it’s a window in the 5^th floor unit now being rented out. It’s not such a great problem when the leaks are ‘only’ in the river rooms or the now-enclosed porches, but when the water gets into the actual rooms and makes our power strips smoke, hiss, and singe, well, something must be done!

The guy noted the buckling paint on the wall and ceiling, detected moisture remaining, of course, in the floor and wall. I might have some remaining boards from this floor (2005-06), installed before I moved in, but Justin will have to check the storage closet to see if it’s there, and if it’s usable. Repairs, if made, would have to be done quickly now, or after Christmas as I am hostess for the Ladies’ Group Christmas party at the beginning of December.

*

Justin came by after work last night to shower before we headed to Johnny Angels’ Diner for our weekly humiliation and good times. With a quick push of a button or two, he managed to get my blackened laptop monitor to illuminate again. He also showed me how to click and drag my Word document from one monitor to the other so now I have two active monitors in front of me! “Ground Control to Agent Tom….” Or, “Houston, we have a problem…”