Love my neighbors!

This very early morning, with me seeing only Jackson, the young man of the group, they were off for a day at DisneyWorld. Yesterday when at the pool, I strongly encouraged them to lather up with sunscreen so their time at Disney would not be ruined with sunburns on their first day. Two of the girls had a bit of a tan already but the less tanned needed extra protection. They did well with the sun.

Lunch was ordered from The Club and they enjoyed it very much. We stayed outside until about 2:00 and then came upstairs to chill until it was time for them to be picked up. Mike came by for the kids to take them over to church to begin their VBS work of calling on former attendees and invite them for next week. 

                                            

Justin got to meet them and likes the fact that Jackson is a 'nerd', having brought along a small collection of electronics, not unlike those Justin would take with him on such a trip! 

I was awake early with Justin's alarm stirring me at 5:30 a.m., the sound of chimes or church bells emanating from his phone. The young folk had to be ready by 6:00 and they were, with Justin out the door behind them. While I do usually wake about the same time, it felt too early for some reason. Mid-morning I accidentally fell asleep for a bit and put myself in a goofy fog. Would have been better off without the cat nap!

                          

Stephanie had a couple days off this week and we planned to meet for lunch today at noon. She started her day with yard work which is really her daughter, Erica's, job, but neglects the finer touches lawns need. Stephanie burned up one edger already this week so had to buy a new one to finish her job. 

A nice lunch dining on the porch at Bahama Breeze was just what she needed after all that! And I didn't mind one bit, either. I just love their buttermilk chicken sliders with a lovely dip, citrus aioli, plus rice with black beans. I want to get in the car right now and head back over there for more!!

Our visit was enjoyable, wonderful to catch up, especially since we don't see each other at Trivia on Tuesdays any more. We had words leftover, well, almost, when we parted company two hours later. Not many people wished to dine alfresco yesterday as folks were waiting for tables for inside dining. But us, we loved the breeze from the fans and the feeling of being on vacation for a couple hours!

Martie was coming over for dinner poolside tonight, right after work. At shortly after 6:00 she let me know she was leaving the office, but did not arrive these few blocks away until almost 7:00 pm. It had begun to thunder and I feared getting caught in a downpour so took our meals upstairs. We arrived at the elevator about the same time. The burgers were delicious, of course!

Prior to her arrival, I sat out at the pool and enjoyed Happy Hour with my friends. Julius, the young man who now cooks for me, told me about his brother who was recently wounded in Afghanistan. On July 4th, a local news station featured his brother who is being treated at Walter Reed. Around the table last night, I shared his story with the others. One of the guys has connections at the Base and thinks they might be able to arrange a hopper flight for Julius to get to Walter Reed to see his brother. He contacted me last night via e-mail to get his information, what I had, in order to get the ball rolling.

And that's what I love about my neighbors!

Doing some catch-up...

...while I await the arrival of my house guests. There was an overnight change in plans, as the travelers from CO were not able to fly out of Chicago and had to spend the night in a hotel instead of coming the rest of the way to FL. Since I was supposed to have Bible study this a.m., Mike C. would not bring them over until after class but now, as there is actually no class today, I expect them momentarily!

Yesterday was spent first with a trip to the grocery store to stock up on some supplies for the young folks, in order for them to pack lunches for their trip to Orlando tomorrow. And to have some things for them to snack on during the day today as well as tonight after doing VBS calls. Anything more than that can be picked up tomorrow or anytime. Got enough to get us started!

                         

When I left about 9:30, Justin was on his bed watching something on his computer, probably HOUSE episodes.  He did come down to help carry the bags upstairs but had not addressed the chores. His list, written out last Saturday, was yet incomplete with promises that all would be taken care of on the 4th. When I mentioned it, he said, "It will get done---they won't be here for 36 hours..." Far be it for me to question, as I don't care about the number of hours in between, I simply want it done!

Justin was told the kids would arrive after I got home from Bible study so all things needed to ready. (He later said, once the work was done, that he thought Thursday night's class, not the morning one. No reason whatsoever to not do this on one's day off rather than after working all day long doing yard work!!!) 

The original plan was the guests would be spending the night at Chappell's due to the lateness of the hour they arrived (wee hours). In the morning, Mike would make them breakfast and they would lounge for a bit. By the time they had eaten, etc. I would be home from Victory to greet them. Now, a new plan is in place...So glad I chased him around the house with a broom to get things taken care of. Oooh, I was hoppin' mad!

While I was dashing about with my dusting wand in hand, I heard the doorbell ringing. There stood my neighbor, Cathy, with two pina coladas in hand. One for me and one for Justin. She gave me a big hug, when I explained how disappointed I was in my man-servant, and I told her I was drinking them both! Cathy knew he was supposed to be getting my house ready. I did keep the second one for another time!

In the meantime, a huge thunderstorm roared in, causing the staff at The Club to scamper madly to clear away the tables and such set up outside for the dinner buffet. It is a big event, where folks come to eat and then stay to watch the fireworks. The whole works was a wash out! I am not sure if those who came to eat went indoors or what they did, but the lightning was fierce. And some hotel guests decided the lightning was not a problem and stayed in the pool throughout the entire storm! Young football players are immune, it seems from electrocution. 


Justin left to attend his celebratory function for Independence Day while I debated going up to Nancy's for her party and fireworks viewing. It was still pouring rain which made me wonder what, if anything, would go on. Meanwhile, I was regularly checking the wall in the river room to see if it was dry, and, thank the Lord, it was! And remained so through the entire storm. Perhaps the repair did the trick??!!?? Because the rain was not wind driven, it might not be the best test, but since I am wildly hopeful, I say it's fixed!


On the veranda at Nancy's, which stretches the width of the building, we enjoyed the variety of appetizers people brought to share (my chips 'n dip would have fallen far short if I took them!). Justin was supposed to pick up a meat 'n cheese tray for me from Wal*Mart when he went, but he forgot...Not a good "Justin Day" in my book! 


Nancy provided the drinks and the spectacular view of the pyrotechnic display, once it began. Hugh played his CD of patriotic music almost in time to the rocket's red glare and I was not alone when a tear sneaked down my cheek at one point. It was thrilling to sing along to the popular America-based songs with my neighbors, even those who are French knew the words!! I am so glad I went and got over my mad. Now, I am enjoying my cleaned up house for a while before the guests arrive. Love that!!!

Happy birthday, America!!!

Another good church day!

It's nearly 10:00 pm and my eyes are weary but I must write this down before I explode. We had such a marvelous Bible Information Class again tonight at Victory. I think I figured out what makes it so special---it's personal! Yes, it is personal between Pastor and each of the "students". He knows us, and even those taking such a class for the first time and finding much of this new, he knows. Or is getting to know. He allows personal application to the subject we are discussing, which tonight was baptism. Allow me to say that more than once, tears flowed, and even Pastor's eyes appeared red-rimmed as the class ended. 

He conducts the class in a circular style so we all get a chance to answer and read. This way no one has to jump to answer and also no one can sit out and not participate. In the BIC at GS, if no one else answers, I do, which is not ideal for those who are new to it all. Pastor H. encourages questions and encourages personal application. We are learning so much about each other, with me mainly listening, unless Pastor draws me in. I don't mind, believe me. A couple weeks ago we learned about a young man's siblings being adopted from China and how one had physical problems. Pastor got the name and information from him to share with another family at Victory. Love it!

                              

When we were leaving, he said to me, "Thanks so much for being here..." and I was touched by that. We talked about how this is such a good way to get to know each other better (though he's been through SO much with me already...) and allows others to get to know each other as well, all within the scope of the lesson we are studying. 

What a good week I am having!

Never a moment's peace around here!

Finally, I get to lie down in my bed! Tonight was a busy one, besides having dinner with the church ladies. Going back to this later afternoon, I had a phone call from Hugh, on the 2nd floor, having just returned from a long weekend away. When I answered I said, "Welcome home!" and he replied, "What a welcome home it is..." I didn't get that but let it go by. He said he figured I would be the one to talk to find out what was going on, and I thought he meant the problem with the A/C on Saturday night. Nope, he had no A/C at this moment. Oh, no! 
                        

I told him that 40 minutes earlier I had been in the maintenance office with Connie where she showed me the switch and panel for the A/C pumps, with all up and running. This information was shared with Hugh, as was the word of how the pumps were down overnight on Saturday. Oh oh, again. He called his repair guy and then called me back to report that he shut off his system, waited a few minutes, and restarted it. Ta da! Cancel the repair guy...chilled air once again! Just like a computer, it needed to reboot!

So, tonight about 10:30, I got an e-mail from Herve on the 5th floor. He reported that once again the elevator was stuck with the door half way open, grinding and screeching in its efforts to move. He had also sent the notice to the BOD president and Hugh, and the maintenance chairman who is off flying. I had called Hugh, since he had not seen the e-mail at that late hour. Since I knew where the switch was, I was going down to the maintenance office with Hugh to check it out. 

As I had thrown my caftan on, I grabbed the trash bag to take down with me, not thinking that the elevator was out. Rats! Justin asked me where I was going with that garbage...oops! He said, "Just leave it until tomorrow..." 

Hugh had a flashlight to light our way, as some of the lights were out, too. Fortunately the lights in the little office worked and I could show him the switch. However, the switch was in the ON position. Hmmm....Hugh pushed a switch in the control box which seemed tripped and the pump for the A/C started up again. He tried flipping another one from OFF to On and sparks flew out. Not good! I think we will need an electrician!

Herve had come down to see what he could do to help. 5 flights up and down, poor guy! Miss Chardonnay, who is on the BOD, was serving in an advisory capacity, and she authorized Hugh to call the repair man. I believe that was the right thing to do, as the screeching and grinding going on would not be good to allow to continue overnight. We'd have to pay overtime, though. 

I climbed back up the stairs, leaving the menfolk and Miss C. to handle the situation. Once back up, I told Justin it was okay to turn the A/C back on again, as we had shut it down when the pumps quit working. Not sure why they are connected...might have been a coincidence. 

I sent out a mass e-mail explaining the elevator was disabled and help was on the way. About 10 minutes later, Herve wrote to say the BOD president forced the door the rest of the way open, and got the elevator running again. Overtime cancelled and sleep for me. One thing after another!!

Still on Cloud Nine

Today we had a 'guest' pastor, Dick S., who is serving as the retirement pastor at Keystone Heights. Between three churches, ours included, the pastors will be serving each others congregations once a month. The day he comes back will be my favorite! 

It is also our anniversary weekend as only one year ago, Pastor S. (Dick) and his wife, Ellen, came to our church for a visit. Coincidentally, Ellen had done the floral arrangements for her friends' wedding at The Club that weekend. I met them at church, became fast friends, and then they came over to my house that afternoon. Today Ellen brought me a beautiful Murano glass bowl which she knew would be perfect for me. I am so touched! But I didn't get her anything....

This bowl weighs about 5 pounds, has a pearlescent look to it. Magnificent and thoughtful!

Joanne and her associate/my friend, Christine, helped them in their house hunt, but they ended up buying in Palm Coast instead of Jax. Proximity to Disney and the beach reigned. Now I have one more reason to visit Palm Coast besides my niece's family and Christ the King Lutheran church!!

As the service began, I knew it was going to be a good one. After I took attendance and walked toward my seat, I stopped to let Cliff know our family of four visitors were WELS folks so they could join us at the Lord's table. They had been with us last week also and said they are members of a church in Fond du Lac. The ushers don't always know who is who and will stop by to ask me, just to make sure. I whispered to Cliff, "I love him!" and Cliff readily agreed. 

The service was themed around Independence Day and keeping God in our lives and in our nation. Wow! The sermon, based in Psalm 106, was quite powerful, evocative, and serves as a great reminder that if we (our nation and as individuals) turn away from God, He might turn away from us. There are so many sinful influences in society affecting  our thinking and actions. 

Pastor S. used the famous description of the frog in the pot of water. Warming it slowly, the frog eventually is boiled to death...but put it in a boiling pot, it jumps out, knowing the risks. We are slowly allowing ourselves to be boiled to death as we get accustomed to the heat. Let us not be boiled frogs! God give us strength and wisdom to know the difference!!

When he said, "Amen", and motioned us to stand, Justin leaned over and whispered, "It's hard not to clap..." At lunch later on, a young man, joining us with his grandma, reported, "I didn't fall asleep during the sermon today..." We had to chuckle because that is quite a statement to make.

The closing hymn was "God Bless Our Native Land" and Pastor invited us to sit. I whispered to Justin that we should stand for this hymn. As we began singing, all around us people were standing back up, so we did too. From where I could see, most were standing by the end of the hymn, and wow, such singing out there was! "...God save the state."

In the sermon, Pastor had mentioned the erection of a cross on the shores at Jamestown where the settlers knelt to pray in thanksgiving for their safe arrival. He also mentioned the movements to remove "In God We Trust" from the currency and "under God" from the Pledge of Allegiance. After the service, one of our members, Bill, presented Pastor and Ellen with their own handcrafted cross to plant in their yard, with "In God We Trust" stenciled on it. 

Outside, folks were going up to Ellen and reporting what a marvelous service it was, also telling Pastor this as he greeted them at the door. My friend, Carol, had tears in her eyes as she spoke with Ellen. It was a wonderful service start to finish. Kept me filled up all day, and will hopefully take this message to heart for the rest of my days!

It's a scorcher!

Today's temperature is expected to soar to 100 above zero. Whew! I am heading to Palm Coast to enjoy some time with family there. Thankfully they have a pool in which I intended to spend the bulk of my time. My two little nieces, Maya and Rayna, so cute, are reportedly looking forward to "Awntie Kim" coming down for a visit. Years ago, when Maya was learning to talk, she called me "Auntie Em" which I thought was so precious. 

                                   

Every time we got together I had presents with me but this time, only a bag of assorted salty snacks to enjoy with our fry out at lunch time. Justin and I bought it at Wal-Mart for use when the VBS kids are here next week. Snack size bags, perfect for little kids, and big ones, too!

Justin was gone last night but came home to sleep rather than staying at his friend's home. He is yet asleep so I will slip out as quietly as I can and not disturb him. When he does get up, he will be greeted by a nice list of things to accomplish before the VBS kids arrive midweek. Let's hope some of the list is tackled before he leaves again this afternoon.

Overhead I hear the racket of movers and moving, as Misty is in the process of leaving The Palace. When they moved in, her two teen-aged daughters and she, it took a couple weeks to complete the process. This time, by hiring movers, it was a more streamlined process. At least, it appears as such. They should be all wrapped up at the end of the day. 

I sure hope we don't have rain before new tenants move in, to catch the leaks, in case that happens! I have every confidence the repairs being made on the 5th floor will rectify the situation once and for all. Or for a couple years, at least, like last time it was fixed!