Bojangles breakfast

This morning the young folks had to get up early (9:30!) to have our breakfast provided by the Orange Park Bojangles Restaurant. My young friend from Victory, Brett, is manager of the stores in this area and arranged for this donated breakfast for us. Delicious!!! 

 There were sandwiches, hash browns, and even some sort of frosted pastry.

All done!!!

All filled up!

This morning I had to get dressed right off the bat and in fact, was out the door before the young folks today. Their transportation was arriving as I came off the elevator so I chatted with Mike and Kari as they waited for the kids to come down. We arranged for them (Mike and Kari) to join the rest of us pool side tomorrow. All set!

Due to the longer ride to Victory, I had to excuse myself and hit the road. I called Mom en route and we talked until I was parked in the lot. Just as we were saying good-bye I had another call come in. It was Trevor, a step-son to our member, Jayne, asking if the CO kids had been picked up yet. I assured him they were on the way to meet him at their appointed location for the ride to St. Augustine to the beach house. Sent a text message to Kari to let her know Trevor and Travis were waiting for them, and gave her Trevor's phone number to speak to him herself. Later, she let me know they found each other and all was well. Whew!

The Bible study was great---a deep and troubling subject dealing with forgiveness. Wow, that opens lots of cans of worms, with more than one person dabbing at their eyes. One man struggles with some in his family who chose not to attend their mother's funeral. Strangely, a couple weeks ago it was another man whose family member did the same thing. 

As the lesson stressed, the ones we have the toughest time forgiving are the ones to whom we are related. Or were related to, as the case might be. "Forgiveness is not ours to withhold" was one truth taken away from this lesson today. We are Gods' children, part of His family, and He forgives us all day, every day, even giving His Son for the forgiveness of sins. Yet, we struggle so!

At the end of the class, Pastor H. was critiquing the rather reckless folding skills of one man, a regular problem. He emphasized how important it is that everything be just so, our very best, as the service folder represents the congregation to visitors, etc. He mentioned something from the introductory notes in the folder and one man jokingly asked, "Are we supposed to read that?"

This launched a whole 'nother discussion regarding church manners and behavior. It seems that last week the organist got so frustrated during the pre-service music that she simply quit playing. It was so noisy in the sanctuary that even those not visiting could hardly hear the music. The accoustics in this room do make for an echo, great for singing but not when it's supposed to be quiet.

Pastor said he was using his Bible study people to be ambassadors of quiet and to encourage others to end the chatter once entering the sanctuary. Ed mentioned when worshiping last week in WI, the church was so quiet and more reverent, "more like church used to be". I made the observation that 'church' has gotten so casual and relaxed, with some people not even dressing up for it any longer. This might be a Southern thing, I hope so, but I bet not. As a child, we girls had 'church clothes' which were removed and hung up again upon getting home. Now some folks come in the clothes they wear for working in the yard, or so it seems. It was good to have this reminder about our church manners and attire.

On the ride home, I called Mom back to finish our phone chat. With the battery starting to fail on her cordless phone, we have about 25-30 minutes before it begins to click at us, giving us a warning. From the parking lot at Victory to my own, we made it without clicking, until I put my car in PARK. Timed perfectly! 

I had less than hour before my next Bible study began so I went upstairs to have a sandwich. While I ate my summer sausage sandwich, I sent Mom an obituary she was unable to locate from her home newspaper. She reads them on-line and for some reason this particular one eluded her. I had sent her the link to click yesterday but she did not see the link and deleted the e-mail. This time I made the link the largest sized text plus did a cut/paste of the obituary and included it in the e-mail. It is amazing what can be done long distance and via computer!

                         

Amber had a make-up class to attend at GS, having missed last time when her road was washed out during TS Debby. She is nearly done so Pastor K. wanted to get her caught up to us. Instead of her going alone, I went with her. 

                           

Since she is brand new to the Bible and its stories, I was looking on-line for a good Bible history book for her, like we had as kids in school. I don't mean a childish one, but one rather comprehensive without being heavy reading for her. Wonder if Justin still has any Bible story books in his collection...GS used to have Bible history classes for the kids to take prior to starting their catechism classes but am not sure which book was used. When Pastor references certain Bible stories when going over the lessons, it is apparent that Amber does not know what he is referring to, and this leaves her at a great disadvantage. The search continues!

                      

For dinner, I made a modified pasta dish using Barilla Sauce, the sweet pepper flavor, which was cooked with browned hamburger. Oh my, was it delicious!!! Justin cooked the pasta and by the time all was said and done, there were no leftovers. Both of us regretted having seconds, something I usually do not do, but man, that was so good. 

And now, all filled up with back-to-back Bible studies and pasta dishes!

Breakfast, anyone???

Jackson and Erin are getting their breakfast together. It seems they are using the leftovers brought home from VBS last night, used to demonstrate eating manna. Tortillas, peanut butter, jelly, and marshmallow fluff for breakfast? Now you're talkin'!!!!! Oh, and fresh fruit as well.

Katie and Erin are enjoying their breakfast in the river room, in the blinding sunlight. Sadly, I caught Katie with her eyes a bit squinted but I will try again for a more clear picture of her. Today's adventure takes them to St. Augustine for the day, walking the streets of the Ancient City. It was news to them that this is considered the nation's oldest city. Tomorrow they are going to a beach house near St. Augustine which will be fabulous, weather-permitting, of course.

Let's try this again

Yay! This time it worked---got my new tires and my car 'tuned-up'. Or is it??? There is no such thing as a tune up any longer with the modern engines but there are tests to be run on a vehicle to ensure all things are operating at peak performance. I am, however, suspect of what they actually did to my car. Getting my foil hat on again....

After my false start on Monday, I was glad to get there today to find the tires ready to install. Alex, the guy who took my reservation last Friday for Monday, checked me in at Sun Tire, went over the list of work for my car, and I left. I walked over to Aron's with my Bible study booklet and Bible, ready to settle in for what was estimated to be an hour and a half appointment. At one point during my lunch, I looked up from the table and saw my car still sitting where I parked it, which concerned me. A minute or two later, it had been moved.

When I came back, my car was parked behind the building, not in a regular spot. A different young man was in the service check-in and I asked him about the status of the car. He pulled out the 'chart' and mentioned four tires...as he read aloud. I said, "Wait! I only needed two tires!" and he said four were delivered. In checking with the technician (i.e. guy who changes tires), only two were installed on my car. Whew!

Alex had priced tires which were supposedly $3 more than the tires I had last time, an 'off-brand', and I agreed to the BF Goodrich ones. However, when he showed the price for two, it seemed far more than $3 more per tire. I had my paperwork with me from the tires purchased in March after the 'rod in the tire' incident which showed more like a $50 increase in price per tire. 

                             

This other young man took the paperwork and was searching prices, etc., and thinks that Alex must have 'fat fingered' something when keying the info in (ahem, ahem) and now I had a better price. Good thing I noticed that!! 

Then, I asked him about the service work and he said they found only two items with recommendations. Odd, but these are the same two items they sold me in March!!!!  It makes we wonder if they needed changing back then at all. He claimed he needed to retrain or whatever his technician (i.e. filter salesman!!) so this wouldn't happen again. They have to do a better review of people's work orders before they try to sell them something not done in the last 6 months. Rascals!!! "Let's see what we can sell that lady today...." I am more than just a pretty face, I think they realize that now!

When I paid the bill, nearly 3 hours later, the total cost for the service and tires was the original price quoted for the tire purchase. No more fat fingering in my direction, because I carry my service papers with me. This car is starting to cost me money, realizing it is 5+ years old and on its 3rd set of tires already. And the repairs from hitting the steel rod in the road...

But, I did get my homework done for class tonight and enjoyed half a small Stromboli in the process, so it's good!

A false start

This morning I was scheduled to take my car to Sun Tire for two new tires and some service work. The young people were going to be picked up around 9:30 to first go to church to ready their assignments and then off to Oakleaf to enjoy the public pool in Pastor's neighborhood. They had to pack a lunch and Jackson said he was going to pack for all of them. That is very kind of him but I thought they should all be in on it to make sure nothing is missed. The day could be long if the lunch is insufficient. Certainly I did have 'stuff' to put into the bags!

Once they were out the door, I went up to the tire place, having made the arrangement on Friday morning. The plan was to enjoy a nice lunch at Aron's while my car was being worked on, but when I got there, the tires were not available. What? The young man at the desk, Alex, with whom I spoke Friday, talked me into getting a different brand of tires, a name-brand versus the off-brand, which were less expensive. I'll bite! Tomorrow I will go back, as they have to import the tires from Mandarin, after water aerobics class, and still have my nice lunch!

                                            

As I left the store, I said to Alex, "Well, my whole afternoon just opened up!" so off I went to Publix. There I stocked up more food items to have on hand for the young folks, as I am a bit rusty when it comes to feeding teens. Last year the kids were not big eaters, nor are these kids, only there is one more than last year. The snack pack I bought will be greatly appreciated, for filling in the empty spot between their daily activity and the VBS dinner provided.

My neighbor was just getting home from an errand and offered to help me carry my purchases upstairs. Bob carried the box of snacks and a jug of orange juice, and I took the rest of the 'cold' stuff. Justin would grab the remaining non-refrigerator foods when he came home. Love shopping in the BO/GO bins at Publix!

There was time to go out to the pool when I got home but instead I got busy at my desk working on a newsletter. The young folks got home from swimming and had to shower before getting ready for VBS. They did enjoy the snack box with the variety of chips and the sweet tea Justin made on Sunday.

Speaking of Justin, we all went to La Napolera after church on Sunday, joined by Kari, their teacher, plus Terri T., Judy C., and later, Michael. We were seated in the back room, which Justin called "the Tea Party room" since that's where we meet. I fed 6 of us (the kids plus Justin and me) to overflowing for less than $60, including drinks. With boxes to go, hence, the overflow!

Afterward, Justin headed for home ahead of us by a minute or two, saying he'd left a bit of a mess behind before church. The kids and I had gone to church earlier than Justin had this a.m., to attend Bible study. In his apparent haste to get up the stairs, he stumbled on the steps and hit his shin against the ceramic tiled edge. Ouch! There was a gouge in his flesh, to the side of the bone, and later, it puffed up around the boo boo, and ached him something fierce. 

He was taking ibuprophen and putting ice packs on the sore spot, as he needed to be up and running for work in the morning. After a little while, the swelling did go down, and he could walk around again without as much pain. That was a close one! And this is why I always use the elevator!!!

Some Sunday photos

Katie is tickling the ivories as Brittany sang during some down time after set-up and before dinner. I was told that Katie can play anything put in front of her, and she began with "In Christ Alone", of course....

Before the live music began though, the young folks rehearsed some of the arm motions to be used with the songs for VBS. Jacob, a member of our congregation, joined the kids and acted out the motions and ran the projector. Jackson, in the white shirt, was really getting into it!

From left are Jackson, Erin, Katie, and on the ladder, Brittany as they rehearse the songs to teach the little ones this week at VBS. 

Relaxing Saturday

For me, it was a relaxing day but for my house guests, their work was only beginning. They all slept nice and late because of their long day at Disney. Around 10:30 or so I heard movement from down the hall so got a few things ready for breakfast. Justin made a batch of muffins, the type that are made directly from the can they come in. He had to add water, shake it for a period of time, and then pour into the muffin pans. Ta da!!! I had fresh fruit for them and they went wild over the orange juice. Must be a novelty in Colorado!

                                          

Justin had to leave before they got up though as his father called to have him go and check something at one of the houses. Justin does not like to take his car out of the county, his choice, so asked to borrow my car. I had no need for mine and agreed to let him take it, with the condition that he figure out the 3rd seat belt in the back seat. Since my girl charges are so thin, I think I can get all the kids in my car for church in the morning, but need the middle seat belt located. He did just that!

Mike was coming by for them at 12:30 to start getting things in order for VBS. Pastor would be there too, I understand, to offer instruction on teaching the classes, etc. For dinner, they were having a shrimp boil and I was invited to join them for that. I appreciate the offer greatly, but....

Once the kids left, I finished watching a movie while eating my leftovers from Bahama Breeze. Justin got back from his mission and gave me a sample of a steamed sub from FireHouse Subs, which I have never had been before. It was quite good, a tasty morsel. When I have a sub-style sandwich, I choose roast beef and provolone cheese with no veggies so it's most ordinary. This was a variety of meats with shredded lettuce, etc. but no tomatoes, as he doesn't do those. I might try this place sometime, with him!

                                               

I went out to the pool and found my friends, Fran and Rick, already there, as well as the two ladies who live across the parking lot from the cabana. The water felt delicious, no screaming getting in, and my well-trained cabana boy, Julius, brought a nice Diet Coke to the pool edge. Ahhh......

People came and left but I stayed to enjoy the pool and the sunshine. At one point, I got out to warm up (only I get chilly in the water!) and burned my soles walking on the hot pool deck! I was trotting as best I could to the cabana to order the drink of the day, "Heat Wave". Loving those fruity and refreshing drinks. Soon, several people had one which is often all it takes to start a trend. 

Kari, the teacher who escorted the young folks from CO, let me know dinner was at 5:30 or 6:00 if I wanted to come over but I declined, asking for leftovers instead. I can pick out the shrimp and avoid having to get dressed for the ride over there! Got out of the pool for good around 5:00 and came home to do some desk work for a change. Even that was relaxing!