From my friend, Linda M.

These are attributed to Andy Rooney, and while I am not sure he said them all, most are delicious morsels upon which to chew!

I've learned.... That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.

I've learned.... That when you're in love, it shows.

I've learned.... That just one person saying to me, "You've made my day!" makes my day.

I've learned.... That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one ofthe most peaceful feelings in the world.

I've learned.... That being kind is more important than being right.

I've learned.... That you should never say no to a gift from a child.

I've learned.... That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.

I've learned.... That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.

I've learned.... That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.

I've learned.... That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.

I've learned.... That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.

I've learned.... That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.

I've learned.... That money doesn't buy class.

I've learned.... That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.

I've learned.... That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.

I've learned.... That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

I 've learned.... That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.

I've learned.... That love, not time, heals all wounds.

I've learned.... That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.

I've learned.... That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

I've learned.... That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.

I've learned... That life is tough, but I'm tougher.

I've learned.... That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.

I've learned.... That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.

I've learned.... That I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her one more time before she passed away.

I've learned.... That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.

I've learned..... That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

I've learned..... That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life.

I've learned.... That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.

I've learned.... That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.

"God bless you, you smell good!"

My perfume smells good to others, apparently, as several people in recent days remarked about it. I wear “Obsession”, by Calvin Klein, and have done so since 2000 when I discovered it when on a cruise in the Mediterranean with my former spouse. The gift shop on the ship offered samples. I loved the spiciness of it, light and not at all flowery. Yes, it is slightly more expensive than most pay, but a little bit goes a long way. I was in the elevator once with a policeman who had dropped off paperwork of Travis, my neighbor, who is a public servant. The policeman was in already when he stopped for me on my floor and after a second, he said to me, “God bless you, you smell good!”

When I was leaving the other day, I rode down in the elevator with Travis and he complimented me, saying I smelled nice. Well, thank you, Travis! When I got outside and passed Connie on the walkway, she said, “Boy, you smell good today!” I thanked her as well but then replied it was the same scent I wear every day. I don’t think I over did it at all, as I like to use it sparingly to make it last. Usually, though, I don’t go immediately from shower, to being dressed, to being out the door which is how my day was on Friday.

Monday I watched half of the Packer/Viking game with my neighbor and he asked me, “Is that Shalimar?” I said, “Is who Shalimar?” since I thought he was talking about football! No, it was a perfume, but he said mine was nice, light. Thank you again. I had not reapplied any since getting ready for the day and this was nearly 12 hours later.

Today again someone said to me that I always smell so good and I thanked them for the compliment. And Judy A. said that people from the Midwest have a hard time taking a compliment. Well, I accept!

A week of ThanksLiving and ThanksLoving!!!

I used that expression, ThanksLiving, when talking about it with my upstairs neighbor, Randy, and he attempted to correct me. He is a student of history and wanted to defend the celebration of Thanksgiving in our nation. In my own defense, I explained the reason why I like ‘my’ term better, to live a life in thanks every day rather than one day a year. It takes nothing away from the historical first Thanksgiving with the Pilgrims and Indians, but carries out the giving thanks for daily use and appreciation. Yesterday, I had much to celebrate for ThanksLiving:

My sister, Kerry, going through some tough times following her spouse’s heart surgery, was blessed with a bounty of meat and fish. Her friend from work was cleaning out her freezer and brought the meat for Kerry to take home. She has to cook ‘heart healthy’ for her spouse, which is costly enough, but Kerry can eat whatever she wishes, and will, now that her freezer is filled!

My niece, Lisa, reported that between her two churches, the one where they are members and the one where the boys attend school, have put them on an Angel of Hope list again this year. Being on this list allows them some extra blessings from the community, if I remember correctly. Last year they also received a gift of diapers, right after Angelo was born, as one of the church members works for a paper company which manufactures them. The diapers came in large plastic bags, if memory serves, and Lisa was so happy to have them.

My longtime friend reported her husband had recently found a new job after his plant was closing in their hometown. She had been stressing, spent sleepless nights spent reciting memorized hymns of trust to rock herself to sleep. Monday I was telling the folks at Bible study how my little nephews were memorizing the first stanza of “Wake, Awake For Night is Flying” as their memory treasure at school, and what a treasure it is! My friend was making use of those same hymns learned in grade school and high school as her comfort and prayers. A friend from their church was able to connect her hubby with a job, doing similar work to what he has been doing all these years.

Now that the prayers are answered in the affirmative, she is irritated with herself for not having more trust. I think we all do this, and in my case, the First Commandment violation is primary. Knowing better doesn’t seem to change the reaction, thinking the solution or the relief from a problem is from or through ourselves. She apologized for not letting me know sooner that they had problems but said she could not discuss it without breaking down in tears. Yes, I am familiar….I told her how I imagine the Lord thinking:“Tsk, tsk, tsk…Don’t you remember I promised to be with you to the very end of the age?” I should and would pray,“Lord, I believe; help thou my unbelief.” Her reaction after this blessing is to be a blessing to others, as their cup now runneth over. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life…”

We make our own trouble sometimes

Really? Do you think so? I am yet a bit tremulous after making the travel arrangements for Justin and me in December. He was unsure of what his work schedule would be and in order for me to go ahead with the reservations, had to make a decision. Hopefully he will not miss a day of work with William, but it might work that the lawn jobs are scheduled around Justin’s traveling!

When I let Mom know our dates, she was glad to know he would be there as long as he is planning to be. Last year in spring was the last time Justin was there, for Alayna’s graduation. His time was cut short when his future step-mother flew him home for Father’s Day. This visit will be longer and more activity-packed, including, I hope, a stop at the Green Street Tavern for perch on our way from the airport!

What made me nervous was the actual reservation process, using my flight voucher (it worked!) to help defray some of the cost of his ticket. Since his travel is during one of the busiest travel times of the year, his fare is more than my longer stay fare. Once a person hits the ‘Purchase’ button, it’s a done deal, and too expensive to mess up. My confidence was weak this morning but now, it is taken care of, in keeping with Justin’s requirements.

Since speaking with him this morning, he has called me again and talked all the way to Ponte Vedra where he was going to do some site prep work for a house being built there. It’s a long ride from Fleming Island, that is for sure! He was telling me about a sale at Old Navy with a discount today only (hint hint) and about his upcoming trip to NYC. He is being treated to a Packer/Giants game as someone in his step-mother’s family works for the Giants’ team and gave them tickets. Justin’s role is supposedly to be the tour guide as he knows his way around The City.

He told me how he reported enjoying the more laid-back visits we had done but also is looking forward to the hurried schedule they will have (5 in the party) once they arrive. The other day he sent me an excited text message reporting a Duane Reade drugstore right in the hotel!!! We usually hit the closest drugstore or bodega for soda when we are there, and to have it right in the hotel is great! And dirty water hot dog stand out front as well, nothing better!

He arrives in NYC on Friday afternoon and returns to JAX on Monday, hopefully arriving in time to make it to the Jaguar game that night. I offered to pick him up from the airport but he said, “You wouldn’t want to take me downtown to the Jaguar stadium…” Nope, he needs his buddies for that! Plus, that night I am hosting the Ladies’ Group CHRISTmas party here which means I would have no time for airport runs that day. I am sure a certain amount of angst had to go into that trip planning as well. But how exciting to see the Packers play!

I can see more clearly now…

Not entirely clear yet but the heaviest of the fog has lifted and boats are visible on the water. The helicopters did not seem to mind the fog at all, as I could hear them before I could see them from my windows.

There are ducks floating on the water and yesterday I saw a flock of geese arrowing their way across the skies. Lots of wildlife around lately including pets galore in the building. Our newer tenants all have pets, mainly dogs, so that is a good way to get to know each other, finding them out walking their dogs. Hugh, my neighbor, made that remark last night at the Board meeting, that everyone should have a dog!

I am catching up on my Internet program, today's airing from Nashville and is airing from a restaurant/bar across from where the CMA show will take place. The building viewed out the window is purple with darker purple trim, and makes me want to go to Nashville some day! I think the name painted on the side is called “Tootsies”. I saw Hank Williams Jr., a guy named Brooks, and Art Laffer, an economist, so far. Quite an eclectic mix, with more to come! Now speaking is a man who is of Jewish heritage and now a Christian, discussing the situation of what is going on Israel and the region. Very interesting!

The mail again brought several catalogs which are driving me wild. In the past I would have shopped like a mad woman, as I see items perfect for people in my family, or for my friends. That party is over, but I still want to play! The conversation I have had with friends in recent weeks revolves around reaching a tipping point in our lives. We, they, seem to be stopping or slowing our "taking in" process, and are seeking more to empty out. This happened when folks were getting ready for their church yard sales and began the rooting out process in their homes. Finding stuff you had not seen or used in years, hanging on to for no apparent reason, now becomes someone else’s stuff to hang on to.

My friend, Gretchen, has been at that point for some time, as she is very close to Mom’s age. Every now and again she gives me a present from her storehouse of memories. And always with a special thought attached to it. When someone gives her something, she has to check herself from saying, “I am trying to get rid of stuff…” but she usually knows someone who will enjoy what she received, someday! Gretchen is a regifter!

There is a little contest going on regarding “Seinfeld” on Facebook, featuring episodes which dealt with gifting or regifting. While I do not watch the episodes at the time, the tease will reference the item being focused upon, such as the sweater with the red dot on it; the label maker (first time “regifter” was mentioned in the show); a bobka; the marble rye; the leather recliner; and a big screen TV. At least one of the group was a reluctant participant in contributing or taking a gift (“Someone moves and now we have to buy a gift???”). It’s society, George, that’s the way it is!

Gabe's birthday today

Today is my great-nephew's, Gabriel Adam Timothy, eighth birthday. Lisa had been at our house in Florida the summer before his birth where we hosted a baby shower for her. Over the years she had become quite friendly with many on our staff so they were glad to help celebrate her first baby.

Gabe's bedroom theme was Noah's Ark, as his daddy's name is Noah. It was fun to shop for him, and even more fun for Lisa and Lynn to tote all the presents home with them!

I love Gabe like nuts!

Thinking of Florence again

This morning is not nearly as nippy as yesterday’s was, presently 44 above zero just after dawn. My friend, Jennifer, has become a den mother and was camping overnight with her little scouts. Oh, I can hardly imagine anything less enjoyable than sleeping outside or not in the comfort of one’s home on such a cold night.

In watching the news this a.m. I realized that “oops!”, I missed a debate last night. How did that happen? Usually I am on top of these things and really would have liked to have seen this one, based on foreign policy questions. Last week’s was about the economy and folks are discussing that debate even yet.

Before I forget, I have to report my delicious dinner from last night. When at Longhorn with Martie for dinner Thursday, I ordered the smaller cut rib-eye with a sweet potato. About half of each item came home with me for another meal. I had the brainstorm to reheat those leftovers plus a potato baked last weekend in the oven. In my stone baking pan (Pampered Chef product) after putting some olive oil in the bottom, I laid the steak and opened the potatoes. The oven was set for less than 300 degrees and I covered the dish with foil, reheating for about an hour. Perfection!! The meat was tender and needed no steak knife to cut it. When the microwave reheats it, the meat is tougher and loses some of its flavor, it seems. This other way of reheating was just dandy and warmed the house a little bit at the same time!

When Joanne lived with me, her favorite dinner to make, often at 9:30 pm, was to layer raw veggies and fingerling potatoes in a jelly roll pan, bathe them in olive oil and seasoning, and then baking them. Oh my goodness, did that ever smell delicious!?! It would make quite a portion, and while she offered to share, I never accepted. What a meal that made for her!

Monday when I was going to Ladies’ Group, I noticed that Joanne’s car was parked in the same place it had been for several days, appearing to have not moved. Since in the past, it happened that she would end up in the hospital with some strangle malady and not let me know right away. I called and got the answering machine, so I left a message expressing my concern for her and her car. In a few minutes she called back, not yet hearing the message. I told her I was wondering if she was alright, since her car had not moved and she was moved that I cared enough to call. She was in Atlanta visiting her sisters, and was headed to Ohio to spend time with her daughters. She had left the car there in case her daughter, Christine, needed to use it. It did not occur for me to ask why she was down here since Christine lives in Ohio….hmmmm….I need to have an extended conversation with Joanne, not one cut short by Ladies’ Group!

This morning’s e-mail brought an announcement from Amazon informing me of a new book published about Hemingway, letters he had written prior to 1920, I believe. I am half through reading “On Paris” which is a compilation of essays or articles he wrote when living there in the very early 1920’s, after WWI. He tells how cheaply Americans (USA and Canadians) can live there due to the strong dollar, estimating getting by on $1000 a year for a decent existence, as long as they stayed away from the tourist hotels and restaurants. That tickled me as I recall Justin and me sitting at the bistro in Florence, enjoying our $9 Diet Cokes and sharing a treat of strawberries with cream. It cost me $36 but I would not have missed it for the world!

Another reason Florence was on my mind is because Marlena came over yesterday when she was done working at The Club. She is going to do the dusting for me prior to ThanksLiving and my CHRISTmas party for the Ladies’ Group. Her hours have been cut, though that is cutting off one’s nose to spite their face, if you ask me, since she is such a vital employee there. She is quite ambitious and has the best interest of The Club at heart, not like some of the others that work there. If I still was a business owner, I would want a roomful of such people as she!

Anyway, she asked me if I needed any cleaning done and since I am having two events rather close together, I gladly accepted her offer. She came over to size the job, not her first visit here, and again expressed her love for my chandelier. And she really loves the glass flowers and vase that Justin gave me for CHRISTmas that year, too, which he matched to the chandelier. The other day I was admiring the two little amphoras he gave me and he said, “I did all my shopping on e-Bay that year…” It is so great that he knows what will tickle my fancy in that fashion.

Usually he struggles with what to get his father for gifts but Thursday, when Victory was all set up for their yard sale which takes place in the church, he found something right off the bat. Since the items were not yet priced, Judy A. just threw out a price to us, and I paid it. I know it seems odd for me to be buying it, but I know how Justin agonizes over these things otherwise. Having something just right and at a good price, and helping the church, well, it had to be done!

When they were taking in items for the sale, Ed, Judy A.’s hubby, sent me a message via Facebook reporting an “Italianesqe” piece of art someone had donated. He put it on the side for me to look at when there for Bible study. It was perfect and would have gone great in my dining room, but I did not take it. First of all, the size was large and secondly, it very closely mirrored the mural already in the dining room so would have been redundant. I have my own art not yet hung and it didn’t make sense to bring in another piece. It pleased me, though, that he knew what I would like and set it aside for me to view. It was almost like being there, the Italian countryside. For now, my travel will take place through my scrapbooks while sitting in my dining room!