A tiny computer on a bigger desk

I keep messing up, trying to use the disconnected keyboard in my slide-out to type on this little laptop, as the other one is yet in the shop. It seems the repair/exorcism is taking longer than expected. I guess this was not Priority One for them, like it is for me. But, when I called today, the nice lady told me the diagnostic was run, and yes, multiple infections were found and now need to be scrubbed. This jargon, at least some of it, is above me, but I do understand treating something with an antibiotic which is what the scrubbing will do. I should have used the SpyBot like I was supposed to be doing periodically to corral and eliminate the spy ware. It is greatly unsettling knowing someone somewhere could actually be tracking my keystrokes and thereby being able to access my accounts and such. If they would do that and pay a bill or two, I wouldn't be upset. But if they invade and pilfer from me, I will lose my mind!

                     

Steven was going to need my copy of Microsoft Office which I had bought since New Year, I think, in order to reload it, so I took it up there late morning. His dad, the business owner, with whom I have done business a long time, was there when I walked in. I showed him what I brought in, and referred to it as the Kindergarten version. He laughed and I told him how mortified Justin was to be installing it. He wanted to know why I installed it, since the 'Pro' version was already loaded. I explained about getting the warning that the program was expiring in so many days, etc. but he said, "Oh, it would have kept on going anyway..." Ugh! I told him I didn't know that and he agreed that I likely would not, but if I'd called him, he could have saved me the money. No worries, though, he is going to reload the top notch program and I will be good to go once more with the professional program. Nice! And that's why I keep going back there!

As long as I was out and about, I stopped at Publix to get some soda and a bottle of Arnold Palmer Tea/Lemonade. It's a tasty drink and not too sugary, as I got the 'lite' version. Even I like it so might get some to have at Mom's next week. It also comes in cans but I bought the gallon size for the gathering here Sunday. It seems like the number will be fewer than Amber expected but that's fine, I just want to make sure the day is memorable for her. 

We are having Honey Baked Ham, rolls, a veggie tray, a 'lite' dessert, and some chips 'n dip. Amber, Judy, and one other guest are diabetic so I am using restraint on what I serve. Judy told me last night that she was asked to get a cake for Sunday after the service, to commemorate the baptism. Amber does not do well in large groups, (remember my Super Bowl party? She was able to come only because there were 4 people!), and is bashful so that might be a bit stressful for her. 

Yesterday I took care of some business which had been idling on my desk, including scheduling an appointment for having my car fixed. State Farm has a list of approved collision shops so I got those names from a nice lady at SF. This a.m. a guy from the shop called to let me know he had my paperwork so I am going there after lunch on Monday, since it's in the neighborhood.

I also scheduled my shuttle ride from the airport to my mom's house. It puzzled me a bit because I got receipts from two different places with different names. It turned out they are the same place, just using both names. As long as I have a ride, I am good! Mom and Lynn will be out that night at Lynn's retirement bash so Jill or her son will have to buzz me into the building. Making a mental note now to talk to Jill about that, in case she is not home. 

I mailed the tickets for the play we are seeing on Friday night to my mom, in case something would happen to delay me from getting there for some reason. I have the receipt here so I can use that in case anything would happen to the tickets in the mail. You just never know! Mom, Lynn, Jill, Tommy, Linda, and I are all together in the row, cheering for Christin, who is playing "Maria". Oh, and for Marty, also from church!

Online I checked around for available dining venues to have a nice dinner on Mother's Day. Several got back to me, reporting they stop serving around 3:00 pm that day. Lori and David won't get to Manty until late afternoon or early evening so we cannot plan differently. One place will accept my reservation but I must actually call them on the phone! Imagine that!?! It was my first choice place anyway so I will give them a call to make the reservation. Lisa and family will be coming up for that dinner so once more, I am excited!!!

The mail brought a reminder that I am due for my LifeLine Screening again so that is now scheduled for when I return from Manty. I get many of my blood tests done there, which means it will cost me less when I get the extra ones the doctor wants because of my medications. It's cheaper to do this with LifeLine than from a lab. 

This morning I enjoyed Breakfast Club with Carol, Mary Lew, and a young mom, Tina, with her daughter, Grace. We see them regularly at breakfast plus at the pool last summer, and since we had empty chairs, why not? It was nice! Last winter I had told Tina about the tea house where she went to get her hubby a tea strainer she'd been looking for, instead of having to drive to The Avenues. Just another service I offer....

After breakfast, Carol gave me a good-bye hug and wished me a nice trip, and we parted. As we went out our respective doors, it occurred to me that I was riding with them to a graduation party tonight! Randy and she will pick me up about 7:15 for the ride to Fleming Island. This is for the young lady who will be attending The Citadel and I am honored she asked me to come to her 'dessert party' tonight!

Justin and I went to Carrabba's for dinner on Monday...I forgot to mention that. The rest of the nights this week he has been with Jesse and now house sitting. I hope to see him at some point on Sunday, especially since the big party is now at Jesse's instead of at his father's house. No need to clean up..well, yes, they do, but it's not the same as for an open house.

                                  

Tuesday night was my Mary Kay make-over event here, with only Judy C. showing up. Donna was supposed to be there but somehow could not find my house. She was on the property, saw the tennis courts and pools, but couldn't find my house. She has been here before but as a passenger. I sent Belinda the same directions and she drove right up to the place. Hmmm....Donna said her phone would not work either so she just went back home. Judy and I were made over all by ourselves and were visions!!! We can possibly win $2500 if enough people vote for our remarkable improvements. If one of us wins, Belinda gets $500 donated to her favorite charity. I hope my winnings come directly to me, as I am my favorite charity!!!

Things don't always work out

My family in WI is experiencing some severe weather, first yesterday and again today. My sister in Oshkosh informed me about having her power out over night and when the power came back up, she discovered rain water coming into her apartment around the A/C unit and under her patio doors. Yikes! Not only that, but her bucket of minnows stored on the patio had overflowed from the heavy rain, leaving her bait to flip around on the concrete, like fish out of water. As I chatted with her via Facebook this a.m., I wondered if birds would come along to take care of the minnows and sure enough, a robin showed up. It seems, though, that robins don't care for fish, so I suggested to Kerry that she hold out for a crow, as they are not too fussy about what they pick at.

Further, the area streets were flooded, with some closings and she was concerned about how to get to work, using her spouse's truck as her friends' VW Beetle would not make it down her street. Some reports indicated that the highway she would take to work was also under water, so I am not sure how things worked out for her. 

                       

My niece, Lisa, reported to me that the storms shook their home in Sheboygan so hard, it felt like it was moving. The lightning was almost non-stop with the same being true of the thunder. This afternoon, the storms were brewing again, with Mom reporting black skies and a darkening apartment in Manty. OH and IN had tornadoes overnight which makes me wonder if these storms are related somehow.

Kerry also told me about the cherry crop in Door County being seriously damaged by early blooming and then freezing temperatures last month. This would be a blow to part of their tourist business this season, to say nothing of sales of cherries and their products. Oh, how I would love a pie from the stand along Hwy. 42 in Door County. The name started with a "K", I think. Koepsel's! Oh, my! I see they have an on-line store, which means I could actually order a couple jars of jelly/jam, including one I just mentioned the other day, Amaretto Cherry! Yummy!

                       

What didn't work out according to plan was Justin's party for this Saturday. His Cinco de Mayo event has been thwarted, as his father didn't want there to be a party at his home while they are away. When Justin came home last night, he was obviously bummed because of it, while I was under the impression that all were aware of these plans already. It seems not! He is going to ask Jesse if they can have it at his mom's house instead, with my offer of letting him host it here declined out of hand. Guess they would have to be too quiet to have it here. Whew!, I dodged that bullet!

My sister, Lori and her hubby, David, will be coming to Manty on Mother's Day, arriving in time to have dinner. I am going to call around to find a place that can serve a large numbered group. It might be somewhat out of town but on the outskirts will be fine with me. I am really looking forward to this! The church will be having an adults only dinner at The Charcoal Grille, too, while I am up there and I look forward to attending that, as well. I wonder if anyone else from my family wants to go, too....

I have a virus!

Yes, I have contracted a nasty virus somehow or another on my desk lap top. (Is that right?? A desk top lap top? Well, it is!) I was just typing away and clicked a link for a website I visit on a daily basis. All of a sudden alarms, bells, and whistles were going off, warning me of a security breech. IF I did not wish to crash my computer, I was to press a series of buttons, etc. 

Being too fearful to do that, I sent Justin a text message asking for his help. He was not able to answer me because he was driving his father around today, so I did the next best thing---asked for help on Facebook!

                                        

Most of the replies were to run a virus scan really quickly, which I had already done. The scan showed nothing was found but when I tried to close the page, I got warnings from the system. Some people thought it might be a trick or a false warning, but others were of the opinion it might be legit. That would include my computer repair guy, also known as The Computer Guy! He was wondering if it was the 'Big One', meaning the Alienware but I reminded him that I replaced that one a year ago. Whew!

                                  

I disconnected the cords 'n wires in order to take it in to the shop. Hopefully I can hook it back up or Justin will do it for me. Likely the latter will take place, if I bat my eyes at him. Randy, my former neighbor, called me this afternoon and he said he could have talked me through the process of removing the supposed virus but it's too late now, it's in the shop.

I forgot to mention...

...something Justin did on Saturday. Early in the day, he took the time to go over to Winn Dixie to get me some beans to use in my "Barb's Baked Beans" which I made for the picnic. He was also busy getting his stuff together for going to the beach, celebrating Ron's birthday. He had to get his grille out of our storage cubby, his swimwear together, and a few other things ready to go. I asked him if he needed my beach chair and he said rather gruffly, "No!"  I asked him to put it in my car. My beach chair is hot pink with big yellow flowers on it. I was really sure he'd want it along at the beach, but I guess not! 


He reminded me he would be coming home from the birthday celebration in time to clean up for the Spring Fling held at St. Johns. He had told me about his plans to go but had not said anything more about it. So glad he decided to attend, despite the fact the other two guys were not interested. I asked him if he needed anything washed or ironed  but he said he was wearing a polo shirt. I would have thought more dressy clothes but stayed out of it. The Fling would begin before I got home from Lake Asbury so I wished him a good time with all his events for the day. 


When I got home later that evening, I immediately jumped into the shower to wash the day away and got ready for bed. I had been awake since just after 5:00 that a.m. so was ready to sleep. About 10:00 or so, I heard the door open and Justin came tip toeing toward my room. He whispered, "Are you awake?" and I sort of muttered, "A little..." He came in and just overflowed about how marvelous his time was at the school. I sat up on the edge on the bed and just let him fly.


This event was held to fete the teachers and alumni, several of the teachers retiring after decades of service to the school. Justin wished to recognize some of his favorite teachers (I was under the impression these teachers were the worst---at least, that's what he used to say!) and say 'good-bye' to them. He was blown away that they knew him right away, without his name tag which had fallen off almost immediately. 


He said the meal served was fantastic, claiming that even I would have liked it. Since neither of his other two friends went along, he found someone else to sit with, from a year or two ahead of him. Most of the attendees were older folks  but there were a few younger ones who took the time to come to wish their special teachers farewell. 


His chemistry teacher, in her remarks, said some of her favorite students were there, but they were not necessarily her best ones. That would be Justin and he knows it. He likes to tell how he'd score the highest in the class on the chemistry tests but do badly on the daily work. He would have liked to greet his Latin teacher who instilled in him his love of the ancients but she was not there. Lots of hugs were handed out that night and he was so very glad he went!
                     
Oh, and he said that many of the teachers he spoke with asked about his mother and he told them I am doing fine. I see some of the lady teachers out and about, especially the art teachers and those who live in EH. It was very nice, though, for them to ask after me. 


On Sunday he showed me a boo boo on his finger, which I thought he got at work. Nope, he said he felt it when pulling some saplings which had grown up around the base of the Bradford Pear tree, planted outside the lower school building in memory of his brother. He was tending the bed under the tree and got a bite from something. I love how he was paying attention to the tree and such, and suffered a bug bite for the cause.              
                          
This bench and statue are just to the right of the tree where Justin was grooming the saplings away

Family stuff

The news I saw late afternoon Sunday sounded so tragic that my hands flew to my face and I said out loud, "Oh no!" The story was how a vehicle full of family members crashed over a railing and fell into the Bronx Zoo. The report at  the time indicted three children were killed, and no one was sure if they were zoo goers or in the car. Reported now, no one on the ground was hurt or killed when the car went hurtling over the railing---all of the 7 killed were in the vehicle. 

It seems from this a.m.'s reports that a tire blew, causing the car to careen out of control and over the railing. Tragic, there is no other word for it. Even a fireman who responded said he'd never experienced a traffic accident like that in his 30 years of service. The people in the car, mainly females, were heading to a family gathering, a get-together to greet some of those visitors from out of town who were passangers when they crashed. Yikes....

***

Some friends of mine were telling me yesterday about the recurring estrangement in their family between the adult children and the parents. This has happened in varying degrees on and off  for many years, and right now, as I told my friend, they are celebrating "Festivus", also known as the 'airing of grievances'. He knows full well what that means as they celebrate this 'fake' holiday more often than most! 

The mom in this extended family has reached out to me in the past so I was glad to know some of the background and such in case I get a call. Sometimes, it's best to not involve myself, which means ignoring the call, if or when it comes. This makes me sad for the entire family but after a point, enough nonsense is enough!

                 

Lisa calls Manny her little monkey but if that's so, then he is a spider monkey! Look at those skinny arms!

My niece, Lisa, and her family took a weekend trip to visit Noah's grandma 'up north'. They celebrated Manny's 7th birthday with the elderly grandma, which is very nice. The family stayed overnight in a motel where Manny came upon the Bible in the nightstand. Lisa related via Facebook how he sat and read from the Bible for awhile that evening....

In my own home, I will be mostly an empty-nester this week. Justin's friend and he are going to be house-sitting for their respective parents---Jesse early in the week, and Justin, later in the week/weekend. They are using this opportunity to watch their Marvel comic book movies which they are missing at the theater on Thursday. Stretched out for the week, the three guys will then go to the AMC to see the new Avenger movie on the weekend, at some point. A good compromise to missing the marathon event, and cheaper, too!

                                  

After work each day, though, Justin will be stopping in to clean up after work, probably throw in a load of laundry for the next day. Then he will scoot to Fleming Island for the movie du jour. Saturday, he is having a Cinco d' Mayo party for which he is making Mexican food (for real???) so he has been planning menus, etc. Ron owns a Margaritaville machine which will likely be pressed into service. Fun will be had by all...in moderation, I am sure! Except his mama, home, all alone....

Photos from the picnic

On Saturday, our congregation was invited to the home of our members, Jim and Janet B., for a late spring fellowship event. Jim did the cooking of the meat as others provided the side dishes to go with the grilling meats. Not a whole of people made the trip out to Lake Asbury but those of us who did had a wonderful time. It was hot and sunny, which some did not care for, but the covered patio and cabana tent provided shade and well-placed fans moved the air around for those who needed it. Some sought respite from the heat in the house where their TV somehow was showing golf being played. Not the ladies and not the children, and not the younger men...you get the idea....

  A group gathered on the patio: Fausto, Julaine, Lonnie, Jim, Bill, Kristi, Bruce, Suzanne

 Jackie

 Renee and Jackie

 Bocce ball being played by some of the young folks

 Brett amused himself with the ladder ball, or as Justin refers to it, Redneck Horse Shoes!

 Trevor, Tamara, Mark, David, and Jayne (same below except for Trevor!)

None of the kids are in the photos, the little ones, I mean. They kept themselves busy down by the pond, some with fish poles and others sliding around in the mud. When I left, the kids were getting washed down with the garden hose to clean the fun off of them! In the black top with her back to the camera is Judy C.

Odds 'n Ends

Typical of my Saturday postings, here is a small collection of things which have been rattling about in my head:


A month or so ago, a lady friend asked me what she considered a huge favor. She knows I write and asked if I would help her with some Minutes she has to take as part of her job. I knew she worked for the gov't. and assumed it was a DOD job or something connected with the Navy. She was extremely nervous about this new responsibility and asked me for help. Sure!


She would take her notes and send them to me be reviewed, corrected, or whatever needed to be done in order to make them presentable. Well, 'T' sent them to me and I got busy looking them over. Instead of being official Minutes, they were actually notes, loaded with business abbreviations and jargon known only to those who would get these notes. 


What took me by surprise was the enterprise for which she works--- the EPA!!!! Oh, no! I was helping "T" and, inadvertently, the EPA...I would love to have seen the expression on my face when I realized this. But, I did it...That's what friends do, I guess!
******
The baby shower I attended in Clay Hill Sunday was very nice. Justin told me he didn't want to go for fear of being the only male but of course, that didn't happen. I think he was expecting his friends to want to do something so he kept his options open. When I came home before dark, Justin asked me what was wrong, because I came home so early. Man, we are getting old or something!!!  It used to be he and I had late nights out there, with offers of overnight stays and such, but now, home before dark. 


Anyway, there were lots of men there with their wives, friends of Jason's from work and from church. Plus the guys Justin knew in the "family", our extended family. He really missed out by staying home. JD, one of Timmy's pall bearers was cooking ribs on the grille...mmmm! This home was our 'safe place' during the storms of 2004 and we are comfortable there.


Jimmie, another pall bearer, has quit smoking, and works Sudoku puzzles to keep his hands busy. He is also having some back problems and is seeing doctors through the VA for help. It was hard to see him this way, but I am cool with the not smoking thing. Our standard 'thing' for years was I would not nag Jimmie about smoking and he would  not nag me about being fat. Oh, oh---now what????
*****
After Bible study on Thursday at Victory, one of the ladies, Emily, invited us to her house for lunch. We were served some hot sandwiches bought at Costco, plus some salads. There were leftovers she wanted eaten up from the small group Bible study she hosted the night before. It was nice to be around Emily's table with these ladies! 
                      
Emily is living there with her son, and working yet in JAX, while her son is going to high school here. Her hubby and daughter have moved ahead of them to Charleston where he works now for Boeing. Until their home sells, she is staying here with Timothy. 


Emily surprised us by showing up at Bible study a week or so ago, arriving that morning on the Amtrak from Charleston. The train? Really? It turns out she can leave her car parked in JAX at the station, ride the train up to SC, and then come back a few days later for work (she is a nurse and can manipulate her schedule). It takes about 4 hours with the stops but she can sleep on the commute, or walk around, go potty, read, or whatever, with no wear 'n tear on her, or her car. For less than $50 one way...it works!


Yesterday after Breakfast Club, a couple of us went out to the pool area and chatted with a co-worker friend of Carol's who swims almost daily. Yes, the water is too cold but not for Yvonne! She told us how her daughter has been accepted to the Citadel, which is in Charleston. She talked about how they would travel back and forth during her school year, etc. and I just had to report Emily's choice of travel. Yvonne was thrilled to hear this and thinks she is going to give that a shot when the time comes. Not every time as they will have to haul stuff up to get Rachel settled and such, but for in-between visits and such---perfect! Glad I could help and shorten the distance between mom and daughter!


There I am, supporting yet another gov't. agency! Emily did tell us the other day how she complimented a woman at Amtrak about how surprisingly well they run the business. The lady said the best thing they have going for them is being able to use their own hiring practices and not having to bow to pressure to hire those less than skilled for executing good customer service. 
                     
Carol mentioned how a few years ago her group of ladies from work took the train from Palatka (yes, Palatka has an Amtrak station!!!) to Winter Park, FL. The depot is near shopping, dining, and other entertainment venues. The ladies would go for the day, enjoy a leisurely lunch, do some shopping, sit in a park to visit, and then ride the train home again at 6:00 pm. This sounds like something the gang from church might enjoy. Since I am Social Outing Coordinator (not the Fellowship Lady!), this might be something worth checking out!