Good to be back in Manty!

Today I got to participate in worship and Bible study again at First German, true highlights of a visit to Manitowoc. There is nothing like the pipe organ accompanying the hymns and hearing a powerful sermon from the raised pulpit. Love seeing even more people I know (after seeing many folks at the Conference!) and being welcomed back to their midst yet again. I hadn't been there since March, when I came up for the Pathways to Christ retreat.

Mom, Lynn, and I went to Perkins for breakfast which was a treat for me. The waitress was surprised to hear that I didn't live here because she said she seems me there so often. It must just seem like often. I told her the closest Perkin's to us used to be an hour away but it closed, too, so now my potato pancake fix has to wait for Manitowoc!  I bought us a pie at the check out, a wild berry pie which looks fantastic. Can't wait to have a slice for dessert tonight!  

It's my boy's birthday!

Justin and I are celebrating his birthday 1200 miles apart. This a.m. I went with Mom and Lynn to have coffee, or soda, as the case might be, at Manitowoc Coffee while Justin was taking care of the church property. They didn't get to it during the week and had one more property to catch in Oakleaf so off he went by himself. So thankful he attends our church property twice a month on his own dime and today, on his own time. Often Mike S. meets up with Justin and Raymond to conquer the yard but I am not sure that happened today. 

Not only was Justin working today but was also going to help/observe his boss, Will, doing some welding on the equipment, sort of hanging out with him. He declared himself not a diva on his birthday by going to work and hanging out with the boss. Tonight is a big one for Jacksonville and the Jags as the new giant-sized screens at the stadium are revealed. Part of the night includes a concert by Carrie Underwood which is preceded by a soccer game involving a team owned by the Jags owner, Shad Kahn. Quite a show they put on for my birthday boy! Sadly, the rain dampened the guys plans for tailgating so they ended up at Mojo's BBQ. Justin paid for his own meal there, too. No diva he!          

                       My boy and I at Victory a couple years ago

Back in WI, we 3 ladies had some baked goods at the coffee shop and checked out the new gift shop which opened adjacent to it. Mom and I picked up sympathy cards to send our friend, Gretchen, who recently lost two of her dear cousins which were almost like siblings to her. Two in a week's time or at least within 10 days is quite hard to take. The gift shop is great and I can't wait for Linda to see it, especially the corner dedicated to items of sentimental nature. The proprietor told me she placed a box of tissues nearby for people like me!

Bought us each a brat at the stand outside of Festival. A lady walked up while I was there and said, "Well, hello, Florida!" She used to be a teacher at FG and her husband taught me in high school. That's what I love about small towns!

After the two shops we ladies went next to Festival where I stocked up on a few items I need when in town like puff caramel corn and the fresh sliced ham. We will have that for dinner tonight with the free rolls which come with it. I thought that was only available on Sunday but now it's ready on Saturdays as well. Also picked up some ingredients for making meals when at Mom's. Let the fun begin!

Photographic wrap-up of Conference

Judy and I arrived safely and without delay in Kenosha, WI for the WELS Worship Conference July 22nd. The part I enjoy most is seeing people I know and meeting those I did not know before. The music and special worship are also huge draws, and for me, I get much from the seminars. But, I really love seeing the people!

The single thing that made my time there on the campus of Carthage College doable was the ready access to the golf carts which would take us (me) from Point A to Point B. It was the same couple doing the escorting as served us at St. Olaf, which was wonderful. Their phone numbers were posted at the registration desk and I made note of them immediately. All I had to do was text or call, and a chariot would be waiting for us in the morning, or outside a building to take us to the next destination. God bless the Committee and Barb 'n Don for providing this service!!

Right off the bat Judy and I ran into Mary Prange in the dining area. The guy who hosts the Facebook page "Mary Prange Fan Club" had sent out his e-mail address for people to submit their 'Mary sighting' photos, and mine was the first one submitted and posted on her fan club page!

While Judy and I were seated and waiting for the beginning of the opening concert, Mary came over to tell me that someone at the end of our pew wanted to see me---Anna and Vic Prange, her brother. Oh, it was so good to see them, and, of course, Anna and I wept together. I would be able to see them several more times this past week, much to my delight, but this first night was extra special. 

We also met on our first night a friend we'd made at the previous Conference, Diana Widdefield. She and I are in contact at least weekly since 2011 when we met, but Judy hadn't seen or heard from her. They reconnected before the service got underway. We would spend time together the next few days and have several more picture opportunities. So great to see her in the flesh instead of only on-line!

 

On the left is Marlene Bruss, the wife of my classmate, Dean. I had met her at the Conference in 2011 and saw her again at the LWMS Convention in 2013 and at Pathways to Christ this year. She is with her pastor's wife, Natosha Cole, who also taught at First German this past year and with whom I became acquainted when visiting there. Tosha was the first one to greet us as Judy and I arrived at registration, and right behind her was Paul Prange!! Such great fun making all these connections! If Judy said it once she said it 25 times that she wished she could remember people like I do...Good thing I was there to help her out!

Anna, Beth, and Vic Prange pre-service

An unexpected pleasure I had was spending time with my friend/former pastor's sister, Beth. She is Pete's older sister and I had last chatted with her at Pete and Tarren's wedding in 2003. Beth and I got to visit a little bit during pre-service opportunities but got a better chat in when seated in the dining hall one afternoon. I so enjoyed our time together, and the kind things she had to say to me will stay with me for a long time. 

Pete with his aunts and uncle: Paul Sr., May, and Ann Lyon

During the Conference and its concerts and services, I would look around expectantly for Pete and/or Tarren. Somehow I missed them, even though I knew they were there. I guess 1700 people makes it hard sometimes for folks to connect. Well, when Judy and I were in our seats for a seminar, I turned around to see Pete come into the room. Up I dashed from my seat to hug and kiss him. That was the extent of our visit, since the session was about to begin. He was seated with his family members which made for the great photo op. 

More photos to come, as you might imagine...

Packing day!

Yes, it's time to get out the suitcase and start throwing stuff into it! Jacquie, has a hubby who travels for business and is quite particular about how his bag is packed. He uses a carry-on sized bag while mine is as large as can be purchased, a bit of a difference there. As I told Jacquie this a.m., I pack from across the room, basically throwing things into my bag. Shameful, I know, especially for an ordinarily particular person. About packing I am not particular!

Before I got too involved in the packing process, I did enjoy a nice breakfast with Nancy W. at Grumpy's this a.m. She swung by to pick me up and away we went. It was great to spend the time, swift though it was, before I leave for WI. And enjoy a delicious breakfast in the process!

I did have myself in a state, though, today because I could not lay my hands on the bag I use for carrying my laptop. Looking in the closets in my room and the guest room, the front hall, checking door knobs, and my bed posts but not finding it. I keep similar bags as this in my closet holding somewhat important papers, more or less portable, if need be. Oh, so frustrating to not find it! 

Since I had my laptop here, I knew I had to have the bag with me when I came back last March after my trip to WI. But, I called Mom just in case to see if I'd left it there for some reason. She looked around but could not find it either. Her words of wisdom to me were that I would find it in the most unlikely place. Hmmm....

When Justin came home from work, I told him of my dilemma and expressed my frustration to him. Being the good boy that he is, he brought me a travel bag made for laptops with pockets and flaps and all sorts of things on it. This bag would do the trick, but it was not as pretty as my other one. Where is that stupid bag???  

I made bbq'd ribs with baked potatoes and creamed corn for our last dinner together for awhile. While at the table, I once more lamented the fact that I could not locate that perfect bag for hauling my laptop. It had a black tapestry pattern on the exterior and nice leather handles for putting on my shoulder. Justin asked me, "Did you look in the car?"  Did I look in the car? Why would it be in the car? Excitedly I said, "NO! I did not check the car..." and he offered to run down to check. Sure enough, there it was, just as I had explained to him as having important papers in it. Not the papers I was thinking but then I remembered using it for the worship committee meeting in June. It got put in the back of the car when the CO kids were here, and now, the mystery is solved!!!!  I feel so much better, and am thankful to my boy for thinking of it, and fetching the bag for me!

Being lost in nostalgia about my cruises, I neglected mentioning the wonderful time I spent with my friend, Jacquie, at the pool on Friday. We enjoyed the time together, bobbing about in the water and chatting around the table. It was good unwinding after a long week for her, and our last time together until I return from WI. So glad the weather held for us!

"To all the Kims out there, but especially to my Diet-Coke loving friend, 

Kim Lahaie Day!"  

This was posted by my young friend, Erica, who found the soda bottle with my name on it! She knows me so well....

One of those days

Forty years ago today I got married. Only a bit longer than a month out of high school and down the aisle I went. Mom made my dress for me, plus those of the two girls from my class who were my bridesmaids. Yes, I had a whole bunch of sisters to pick from and, at the time, I was trying to not cost my parents too much money so asked my friends instead. My mistake and a long-time regret on my part. How could I decide, though, on which of the five to ask--or, all of them? My intent was to keep it small and understated, originally wanting a garden wedding at my parent's home, but that got vetoed. It all turned out okay, wedding-wise, and one man told me it was the most fun he'd had a wedding in a long time. This would be the reception he was referring to, not the wedding ceremony itself. And, he had a pile of kids himself, several of whom were already married!! That is quite a compliment!

Here are all lined up...How could I pick???

So, then, 30 years later, Justin and I were enjoying a wonderful cruise together on this date. It was probably not the way I'd expected to be celebrating it, but it was most certainly memorable for us. We met many nice people, had marvelous experiences, and really whet my appetite to go again, and again. Justin and I went two years later on the same ship, same itinerary and ports of call, for his graduation.  One of the waiters from the Galaxy remembered us. He came up and greeted us with, "You wear your hair the same!"  Wow! After two years and thousands upon thousands of people through their doors, he remembered Justin and me, and my hair!

On one of our trips over I bought a blown glass pendant light fixture from a shop in Santorini. Justin and I chatted at some length with the woman running the shop, Jeannie, who was originally from CA, and had lived there 7 years. When I went back there another time without Justin, she remembered me, asking immediately if my son was with me. She was actually working in the bar which just across the path (I knew she worked both places) and again she asked about my son. What a memory!

Jeanne in 2007

Today after church our group went to Chili's as usual. I had been collecting first aid type items to take along to the Worship Conference. At the Conference I will find my FB friend, Pat's, pastor, who will take the items back to Pat for her to use on her mission trip to Cambodia. Several of our members donated such items but one lady didn't have hers along. Her husband asked me how we could connect but we had trouble coming up with a plan. While we were dining, Justin looked up and there came Mike with the bag of stuff from Cindy. He knew where to find us! How fun is that!? I am sure these items will be put to good use by the nurse missionaries on their trip.

Upon getting home from church, I immediately changed clothes and got out to the pool. I got to spend some time with my friends and even get an ice cream treat with Burnie, who said he only came over to get his "Kim fix" before I left. It wasn't a long stay poolside today though when the sky darkened for our afternoon storm. Good-bye pool and friends!

More about that trip

I learned some more lessons on that first trip Justin and I took in 2004 besides getting the money changed prior to sailing.  Another lesson was that a person should let their bank know they are traveling out of country or even in country. Justin and I were shopping in Santorini, walking on the stepped streets and visiting the shops, etc. He liked to tease me about being a magpie, attracted to shiny things as we window shopped along these ancient streets. Every third store sold jewelry and at one place I noticed they had displayed necklaces like one I'd had my sister fashion for me from a belt I had gotten at Chico. No one else had such a lovely piece, at least not until I saw some displayed in this shop window. The store clerk came out and complimented me on my beautiful smile and invited us into the shop. We went in!

This is the necklace fashioned by Lori from a belt I'd found. I was simply ahead of my time!

I got Justin a nice ring with the Greek key featured on it and, for myself---a lovely necklace and bracelet which I wear everyday. However, when it was time to pay for it, my card wouldn't go through. What in the world??? The credit card security had intervened and determined it was not me making these purchases even though the trip had been paid for using this same card. Hmmm...No problem! The merchant, who had locked the door to the shop when we came in, interestingly enough, accepted a personal check from me. How about that? I could have stopped payment on that check and they'd have been out the value of the jewelry if I was a bad guy. Now who is the trusting one, Justin?

Fortunately, the ship offered Internet service and had computers sent up in one area, which was a blessing. When we got back to the ship, I was able to contact my friend, Joanne, to whom I had given power of attorney in case a real estate offer came in for my house in The Preserve. She was able to contact the bank for me and get things straightened out, freeing me up to continue my trip without concern. Note to self (and others)---always let the credit card people know when you are traveling! 

Thinking back a few years ago,...

....on this date in 2004, Justin and I were on our first Mediterranean cruise, by ourselves. "By ourselves" I mean just the two of us, planned and executed by me. We had a marvelous time, made many good memories, and experienced much. Justin also enjoyed our trip, which was pretty cool for a young man his age, 16 at the time, to be walking the ruins of Pompeii like he did. We did manage to locate an address in those ruins mentioned in one of the books he had read in Latin class, which was the goal in the first place. 

One thing I learned was I should have pre-arranged our first shore excursion because those planned were full and we could not get on the first one to Pompeii. I was absolutely determined to get that boy to those ruins, so I ventured out to the parking area where the taxis were all parked, waiting to take others from the ship on outings. One man swore on his son that he would get us to Pompeii and back again (his son was not even there!). Justin was extremely reluctant to do this, saying it was okay to not go, etc. but I insisted we were going to do this. "Mom, you trust everybody!" and I did trust this man. 

He even took me to an ATM and showed me how it worked because I had also failed to get currency to use for paying for taxis! Yes, he could have robbed me blind, but he did not. In fact, he got us to Pompeii and back again, waiting for us the entire time we were walking the ruins and touring the sites. I did not pay him until we were back to the ship so it wouldn't have benefited him to ditch us! I gave him a tip besides because I was quite appreciative of his coming through for me where I had dropped the ball. Believe me, for that time on, I made sure we were pre-booked on our excursions.

It was on this cruise, also, where Justin and I were introduced to Sarah Brightman and her singing of "Con Te Partiro", or "A Time to Say Good-Bye" which played as we sailed from the ancient port of Dubrovnik. Normally we sailed at dinner time so we would miss this, that at every sail away this song was played. It was afternoon as I was standing on the deck and watching the city go by while this lovely song played. 

I was entirely mesmerized by the sights and sounds, and wished that Justin had not gone down to the cabin to watch '24' on his computer. I wanted him to hear this and see what I was seeing. Just then the automatic doors opened and there came Justin with a look on his face. "Mom, do you hear the music that's playing?" I did, I did! We asked in the gift shop if they knew who sang the song and if they sold it there. The clerk said many people ask about it but no, they didn't know the singer or carry the CD. 

At the dinner table, we asked our tablemates, a Jewish family plus a Jewish couple, if they knew the singer or the song. They did! The dad, Yehuda, told us all about Sarah, how she was married to Andrew Lloyd Webber and starred in "The Phantom of the Opera", etc. Justin and I determined to get her CD when we returned home. At this writing, 4 of my 6 slots in the car CD player are hers! Like I said, great memories made....