A non-pool day

Sundays, it seems, are often non-pool days this summer, and this was one of those. At one point, from my desk, I did see an area of blue sky, but the rest of the day was a yukky greyness. The wind was blowing most of the day, more than the usual breezy weather we are accustomed to on the river. At one point I suggested opening the doors and letting the wind in but Justin felt it was too warm out for that. Once he is gone, those doors go open, but I am in no real hurry to see him leave.

We had about six or seven people in Bible study this a.m. which had a different set-up. We were in the Fellowship Hall for the first time since early January, for the class. Pastor started it out and then switched teachers to Michael for the second half. It was Sunday school kick-off day so they had refreshments and such set up back in the classroom building for the parents and kids.

A new member was there for class, too. His name is Corey, who I believe is from MN. He serves in the Navy, stationed at the base in GA, and knows our member, Sterling. They were stationed together in Honolulu. His wife and two daughters are living in MN during his stint at Kings' Bay because he will be on deployment for long periods of time. A month or so ago we met the family, and one of the young ladies thanked Joe Z. for his service during 'the War'. I hugged her!

Since it was the kick-off for Sunday school, the service was themed on Christian education. The staff was installed for the coming school year and there was a full front pew for the 'children's sermon'. Two of the kids are from a family who visits us sporadically. I hope they come to Sunday school when it begins in two weeks.

Justin and I went to lunch with Terri T., with Judy being gone for the weekend. I switched up my order and got the sliders with onion strings, and tried the new appetizer of pretzel sticks. Oh my goodness, are they ever delicious!!! Like freshly baked bread delicious...A new favorite! 3 of my sliders came home with me because of enjoying the pretzel sticks.

                                                         

Last week Sunday my little laptop began acting up, did an emergency hard reset or something like that, entirely out of the blue. In fact, the screen went blue with strange-fonted text telling about this happening. My ever-patient in-house IT guy told me I must have done something (I HATE when he does that!) because, as I explained to him, I was in the midst of writing an e-mail when it happened. I touched nothing! Justin further explained that there might have been a virus hiding in the machine and it came out of hibernation to attack. Rats!

Ever since then, though, we (Justin and I) have not been able to make use of Google Chrome on this machine, my program of choice. I am using Internet Explorer now, which is less flexible and more exposed than Chrome. When I type, the words take a long time to catch up with me, and other sorts of similar 'problems' are happening.

My friend, Linda J., recently got herself an iPad primarily for downloading books but has more purposes than only reading. Knowing this machine is not long for this world, it seems, I began looking for a replacement.

iPads are twice as much as this netbook but I do not download books on this machine. Justin is always about the newest and best, but wondered if I would like the different style of keyboard. He reminded me of what Tatiana would tell Timmy, in her eastern European accent, 'curve fingers, curve fingers', during his piano lessons. To type on the iPad, one needs to have the tips only on the 'keys', like playing the piano. I couldn't resist telling Justin, "I type it the way I want it!", like his brother would tell his piano teacher. He told me I would have to resist making on-the-spot corrections in my typing, knowing full well that would make me even wackier. In the morning, when I wake up, I thank God for allowing men to create word processors so we don't have to use the old upright typewriters any more!

 That point is moot, though, because I got a wonderful offer via GroupOn today. While not immanently in need of a new computer, I bought one! This is SOOO not like me at all, but the price was fantastic! It was 53% off the price, larger monitor than the one I have, long-life on the battery, and the best thing of all, I would have Internet connectivity built into it. By some amazing fashion, I would be able to write e-mails and my blog when visiting my mother, from this new laptop! For less than half the price of an iPad, with tax and shipping, and less than this sized laptop in front of me, I have a new little laptop coming. Another plus---it will work on my lap desk, which the iPad may not have. Nice!

That was not all I bought today though, as Justin and I stopped at Winn Dixie on the way home from church/lunch. We were out of laundry soap so got that on a buy one/get one deal. We got two different scents because Justin thinks if one uses the same scent all the time, the nose gets used to it. I love shopping with him---he's a stitch! We also got some Drano as I had two drains needing some cleaning out, plus a few other things.

Justin had seen a recipe for raspberry pie so we bought the ingredients for making it. One of the items listed was orange liqueur which he felt I could get simply by posting on Facebook my need to borrow a tablespoonful of orange liqueur. Oh my!

Surely someone in my building would have this liqueur, or over at The Club. I reminded him that I had a strange bottle in my fridge (from Randy!) and we should look at that first. Sure enough, we had orange liqueur on hand! The pie, made in a graham cracker crust, was sort of like a cheese cake consistency, topped with a raspberry sauce he had to cook on the stove. Have I mentioned recently how much I will miss him when he moves out????

One for the books

The day began horrendously early because I, of course, heard something. But what? After I determined nothing was leaking, I listened more intently, and realized it was coming from outside. Because it was dark outside, my flashlight was required but did little to expose what was making the noise. It could have been something like a cooler banging against the rocks, or against the bulkhead below my window, or simply a different wave pattern caused by the storm at work to the south of us. I know not because when light came, I could not see a thing which would make noise. But it was enough to wake me up!

 

Justin had to go to work for a couple hours before we went to the movie. It was expected to be a four hour job but in fact it was about an hour. He was frustrated that he had to get up so early for a short job, after having gotten home after 2:00 a.m. He had taken his Xbox to his friends' house to watch The Avengers and a second movie which I cannot recall right now. Extra sleep would have a blessing to him this morning.

 

We left early for the movie, with me thinking there would be a line for the showing and because Justin wanted to buy some jeans at Old Navy. He dropped me at the door and then went back to park the car. I bought our tickets, went in and stood in line at the concession stand and was barely getting settled in my seat when Justin found me in the theater. (I am picturing a couple Seinfeld episodes right now...)

 

The movie was good but I did myself a disservice by not taking the Dramamine beforehand, because there was hand-held or extra camera movement. Justin didn't think I would need it because of it being a documentary but there were scenes of riding trains or open vehicles through Kenya, Indonesia, and India. I only got a bit urpy, not enough to cause a problem.

 

Following the show, Justin and I walked down a bit on the exterior of the Mall to Five Guys to have lunch. Justin had the small burger (which is still generously sized) while I had the grilled hot dog. Yum! We shared a small fry and ended up throwing the rest of them away. The charm of 5 Guys fries!

 

Not being sure of what the weather is going to change to, as soon as we got home again, I got 'suited up' and went to to the pool. Justin was getting himself ready for a nap! When I got up the stairs to the pool, I saw my friend's son at the teen pool. He told me his mom was at the other end so immediately I sent Justin a message, asking him to bring me a book and movie from the kitchen counter. I knew he wasn't asleep yet. What a nice boy he is for doing that!

 

He got to meet a few of my friends (Lee, Maureen, Gigi, Susie, and her hubby) plus some obnoxious females who have been known in the past to be escorted from the premises, not always under their own power. I am so glad they had not appeared when Mom and Lynn were here! Later he told me those girls (females) sort of weirded him out. He has heard my stories of their behavior so sort of knew what the scoop was there. Maureen's daughter took the book and movie along home for her.

                                            

We ladies and gentleman had a very nice visit in today's slightly warmer water, and I did not get upstairs again until after 5:00 pm. Justin was still snoozing or was at least quiet in his room. Later he did tell me that he did not sleep that entire time. We finished the rest of the taco salad for dinner and decided to watch "Julie and Julia" on DVD since it was showing on commercial TV. That was so nice!

 

I remember seeing it with him at the theater where he elbowed me every now and again when something reminded him of me! Not necessarily the cooking but the blogging part and some of the more outrageous traits of Julia. Especially the scene where she meets her sister at the train station---such screaming and carrying on. My family and friends can be so glad they no longer have to travel by train and have to be greeted by me!!!!

A gorgeous Friday

When Mom and Lynn were here, I made every effort to introduce them to people with whom I associate. Those folks include my church friends, pool friends, and those from Victory whose names show up in my blog or Facebook. I did fairly well, even arranging to meet Anne H. for breakfast so Mom could see her, and having Stephanie and Erica join us. Now Mom and Lynn can put faces and personalities to the names!

They got to meet almost all my pool friends, and when they were getting ready to leave, I said, "The only one I wanted you to meet yet was Lee..." Mom said, "Lee? I can't say I recall your mentioning a Lee." Well, I have, and we recently 'celebrated' our one year anniversary, as I met her on the same day she was closing the deal on her house, which is nearby. Mom said there are too many people for her to meet but I like her to meet the folks who mean something to me.

When I went out at noon yesterday, there she was. She had been away from the area and from the pool for a couple weeks. Lee thought my company was coming in September, so was sad to have missed Mom and Lynn.

She allowed me to photograph her as she lounged in the sun

We had a great time visiting, with another neighbor from the Villas, Bob, joining us. He often calls me The Queen, and likes to tease me. Bob remarked at how my mom sure is spritely for her age, got a kick out of watching enjoy the water. His own mom still lives, too, but has Alzheimers Disease, so he can't really enjoy her much. His mom came for a visit in June but remembers nothing of it. The visit was more for his benefit, I reminded him, and not so much for her. He agreed that this was true. One day when my mom was here, he carried her sandals to the edge of the pool so she wouldn't burn her feet on the hot pavement. He was also impressed that she still does crossword puzzles. His mom can neither go into the pool nor do puzzles so he was pleased about my mom's abilities.

Anyway, the air was nice and warm but the water was not. My, oh my, was the water ever chilly! The recent rains have cooled things substantially and overcast days prevent the water from warming. We were thankful to have the water to cool off in after sitting in the sun, gradually becoming accustomed to the colder water. Lee loves it this way while Fran, Rick, and I do not! Fran would only sit on the edge of the pool, not getting in. Was so glad to see Fran and Rick again, with them asking if my company got home safely, and such.

                        

For a Friday, it was nice to see people coming and going from the pools, and not so many kids due to school being in session again. Saturday might be different, provided the weather holds. Lee and I had lunch together, with Fran and Rick eating later. I surprised Julius by ordering a hot dog because he had anticipated my ordering a burger. It was already on the grille. Lee got a kick out of that, as though I had a standing order. Marlena asked me the other day if I was going to have a hot dog since they got the special ones I like, so I felt obligated to have one. Oh the pressure!!!

Late afternoon, I decided to go back up stairs for a while, and took a shower. Instead of putting my nightie back on, I got dressed. Not my usual modus operandi, but I figured I would go back out later on. Marlena asked me if I would come back out and sing karaoke in the cabana. She wanted to put my name on the marquis. I made no promises and was glad she did not put my name in lights as no one was singing. Instead, we gathered around a table and enjoyed the lovely summer evening. Must have been a dozen of us, with chairs being added and moved around all evening. I did have a burger for my dinner, made to order by Julius. Mmmmm!

Justin and I are going to the movies in the morning, nearly afternoon, for the cheap ticket rate. Rick wished he could go too but has to work this weekend. Shoot! I am to give him a report about it. Judy J. was going to go with us but she went on her own this afternoon, and loved it. We will compare notes once I have seen it. I am anticipating long lines but Justin says people won't stand in line for a documentary. We shall see!

Laughing my head off

As I write I am watching "Seinfeld"---the 'can you spare a square' episode. Kramer and George go rock climbing (in New York City??) with Elaine's boyfriend, on whom George has a man-crush. Jerry suspects that Elaine dates Tony only because he is attractive, and that Tony is a "male bimbo", or a "mimbo" for short. .Jerry finds Tony quite comical, of course, and mocks his cool good looks and hip attitude. Too funny for a Thursday night!

 

Justin and I combined efforts on a taco salad to eat while watching the football game. He nicely went to the store plus got gas in my car, after he got home from work. What WILL I do when he moves away from me? Guess I will get my own gas....It was his idea to make the taco salad so he went to the store. When he buys his gas at Gate, he earns Jaguar bonus bucks so does not mind one little bit getting my car filled up for me.

 

The Jaguar game was a dismal one this time, so we retired to our rooms during the 3rd quarter. I did get to see Michael Oher, though, which was cool. At least the Packers won their game.

 

Earlier in the day I decided to bake the special treat I had planned to make when Mom and Lynn were here. When they arrived, Lynn told me I had to help her stay on her diet so was careful not to put too much temptation in her path. She had recently lost over 20 pounds and wanted to keep it off, which is not easy to do in my house. So, anyway, I made the treats which consisted of chocolate chip cookie dough pressed into a muffin cup, topped with a peanut butter cup, and then covered with brownie mix. I know, right?

They turned out deliciously, which was an accomplishment, since I did not know how long to bake them. I had three cookies which did not get brownie mix and they dried up nicely. Justin teased me when he tried to eat one, remarking, "My mama made these!" He did try a completed one and enjoyed it greatly, without complaint.

 

When I was leaving for Bible study this a.m., Connie stopped me to tell which spots under roof were available for parking in case the tropical storm comes our way. She is going to have me send out an e-mail to everyone, cautioning folks to clean off their exposed patios to avoid stuff flying off or through windows. She gave me a spot in the detached garage but I told her that Justin should use it because his sunroof leaks.

 

I couldn't stay long to chat with her as I was already a bit behind schedule because Judy J. called me about going to the movies this weekend. Somehow I was able to dress and do everything except brush my teeth while talking with her...the queen of multitasking! Not a good idea to apply lipstick before using the toothbrush, though. She is going to accompany Justin and me on Saturday morning for the cheap show, his favorite time to go. I will start getting ready sooner on Saturday to spare my lipstick getting smeared all over my new toothbrush!

Another day with rain

As you can see, a storm was brewing! Don't those clouds look ferocious?

 Oh shoot! The repairs the 5th floor family attempted as of last week have not worked as water puddles on the floor in Travis' river room. I put down two towels to soak up the water in this empty unit, and used one in mine.

This shot is looking up the wall at the water making its way down, in Travis' river room. Mine made it all the way to the floor but when I took this photo, the streaming had not gotten to the floor yet. The other other puddle came from under their door and they are going to see about getting that caulked when the guy comes back to do Herve's repairs. Let's hope and pray that TS Isaac goes further west and leaves FL alone. In particular it should avoid Tampa and Jacksonville!!!

Photos from the Mystery Dinner

People are pouring over the obscure hints as to what is on the menu, trying to figure out the puzzling clues. After a certain point, one must simply make a decision and have fun with the results. This table features Jayne's family, with her step-son, Trey, at the head. Further down is Julaine, Judy J., and the Douglas's.

Jim was given a bottle of bubbling grape juice in lieu of wine (from Pastor) and he wished to share with us all. Carol got the mini-cups and the communion cup filler to help him share his wine. Debbie, Jean, and Twila watch the process. Miraculously, after we all had a little taste of the 'wine', there was yet a half bottle remaining.

Mom's first course turned out to be chicken, two big pieces, plus deep fried corn 'n rice balls. Oh, and a spoon with which to eat it! A spoon was not needed for this very hot finger food, however. She was able to take home the larger piece of chicken since it was too much to eat in a short period of time between courses.  

Gretchen, Terri T., and I all got a large brownie with a scoop of ice cream and whipped topping for our first course, along with buttered bread. And a spoon. We are not fools---we had dessert first! Gretchen was in her glory, as she loves nothing better than chocolate and bread. She recently told me that she could live on sandwiches, using Publix bread, but knows she should not. That's where the chocolate comes in!

The wrap up

This is the sky that began the day, an hour prior to our departure for the airport. Mom and Lynn were quite ready to go with Mom even coming to my door to check that I had not overslept. It was only 7:20 with our planned departure at 8:00 a.m. Oh yes, I was up but just not at 'em!

When I did dress and come out, Lynn helped me carry down some of the trash, leaving the empty soda cans at Connie's door and throwing my trash into the bin. I got my neighbor's mail to free up space in her box, as this is my job for now. I think I might turn the keys over to the neighbor who held them previous to me, since they have returned from vacation.

I moved the car closer to the lobby area to make it easier to load the luggage. Connie had arrived in the meanwhile and helped us get the suitcases and the walker into the back of the car. We were leaving plenty of time for the commute, being warned the day before by those who do this daily. It is the first day of school in Duval County which complicates things and add to that possible storms. The way things worked out, we got there with about two hours before Mom and Lynn's flight was due to take off which is what they wanted. Perfect!

Hugs and kisses ensued with many thanks for the visit and hospitality...and now, my heart is heavy as I face my mostly empty home. As I Windex the glass table in the living room, my prayers of thanksgiving go up that Lynn was able to escort Mom to see her old friends, and me, as well as asking the Lord to be with them on their travels home. The only thing that comforts me is strawberry pretzel torte....