The value of friends

Nancy W. and I had an impromptu dinner at The Club tonight, casual grille night. That means we don't need to put on our church clothes for dinner. For just over $20 we are served a dinner complete with bread, appetizer, salad, and entree of steak, fish, or chicken. She and I generally get the Delmonico steak, getting a second or third meal from what we take home with us. Already my mouth waters in anticipation of my remaining steak and baked potato, and I only got home about two hours ago. It will make a good dinner for me tomorrow night. Oh, yum! Nancy generally takes my salad home with her---they simply box it up right away. Tonight I even ate the appetizer which I often give to her if it's fish or shrimp or something I don't like. This evening's presentation was ham based and I enjoyed it.

This afternoon we were in her pool, very early in the season for me. She lured me over with the declaration of the water being 85. Who could resist an offer like that? Actually the temp was more like 82 but I got in anyway, twice! Some of Nancy's other neighbors came over as well, ladies I know, and we had a nice time talking and paddling about. It was then we decided to go have dinner at The Club. 

So, while we were enjoying our meal, I brought up a subject I'd been pondering of late. I mentioned a few ladies I know who don't have any female pals with whom they go running around, and Nancy remarked, emphatically, "I don't know what I would do without my girl friends!". (It's kind of funny to call them 'girls' at this age, but that's okay). I could not agree more. The ladies referenced earlier either have friends through their spouse or just spend all their time with family members. That might work for them, and work nicely for them. Neither Nancy nor I have family down here so we make up for that by having friends from the neighborhood (both of us), church (in my case), school friends (her case), and work (my case). And then there's Facebook for friendship. That doesn't help people with the hanging out part but at least having regular virtual interaction with friends is a blessing. I speak from first-hand experience and blessing. 

Nancy and me at a fashion show at The Club

What is our role in these people's lives? Do we 'fix' those people, help them break out of their shell, find out more about them to see if they are content in their situation? Or, simply mind our business? Not all personalities are the same, of this I am well aware, but I would imagine that just about everyone would like to have someone with whom to talk and depend upon, or to schnudder with. When counting blessings, I count my friends twice!

I must be getting old

Many years ago my sister and I had taken my grandmother, Lily, to Copp's, a store which is the predecessor of today's superstores. Grandma always wore hairnets, as was the custom for her age group, and told us that she needed some more. Lori went to grab a package and returned to find us moving down another aisle. 

When she handed them to Grandma, Lily asked how much they were. Lori told her they were 33 cents for a pack of three. SCREECH!!!  She slammed on the brakes and asked incredulously, "Wwhhaatt?" Oh, it was hysterical! This story would be so much better if you could hear me say the 'wwhhaatt?'. Talk about highway robbery! She could not believe how much they had gone up in price since the last time she bought them. Now, granted, it might have been a very long time if my mom or auntie picked them up for her and Lily never knew how much they cost. Still, it makes me chuckle yet, to picture her slamming those brakes on in the aisle in shock. Eleven cents a piece for a white hairnet---unbelievable!

I had this similar experience recently at Publix. I went on Friday to get a prescription called in by my dentist because a couple of my teeth were giving me threats and I wanted to be ready in case it was an abscess. Anyway, the script wasn't available yet so I wandered around the store for a bit. Got soda which was on special and then went looking for some lotion. Normally I have a bottle from Justin from Christmas or Mother's Day to last me, but my legs still suffer from winter dryness so I wanted to get something to hold me over. 

Well, I searched the shelves to find the 'discount' stuff, even thinking some Vaseline Intensive Care would be good enough. Holy cow! These bottles, generous in size, were upwards of $8. SCREECH!!!  Wwhhaatt??? I decided to forego my purchase and make due with a bottle of stuff I got for Christmas at the Ladies' Group party, Tea Rose scent. Not my favorite scent, but, hey, if it does the trick, good! 

After I got my free prescription, I headed toward the check-out, passing the end cap where sale items were displayed. Yay for me---a bottle of lotion, not quite as large as the others but just fine, for $6. I felt like this was quite the coup, a score, finding this better priced product, name brand at that. I wonder if Publix doesn't market a no-name brand of its own for stuff like this. I am so good with generic products, not so good with dry skin!

Back to Lily's white hair nets---more than once when I worked at Shady Lane, I needed to go to her room (427) and borrow one of hers when I forgot my own. In my department hair nets were required for our tied up hair. Oh, I looked so cute with my dark brown hair sporting a white halo. And believe me, when I was done with it, I gave Lily back her expensive hair net, with interest!

I've been double-booked!

Today was a good desk day with the only people I've seen are those who live or work in my building. And I saw plenty of people! Don't need to leave my address to interact with anyone. Connie, the maintenance lady, uses my bathroom ever since the work has been underway at the pool area on The Club property. She comes and goes (ha, ha) most times without us seeing each other, since I am holed up in my room. But, today, she called for me to come out as she'd brought in Justin's new stand mixer which had been delivered by UPS. Somehow she knew that mixer was Justin's and not mine---how'd that happen?

I might have failed to mention the manatees returning to the basin and river. I'm sure every year I say this but it seems too early in the season for them to be back. This afternoon Connie called me to report a large manatee up close and personal in the basin. My goodness, that bull sea cow was as big as an island! He must be the boss of the manatess---wow! 

As the afternoon went on, I got a notice on Facebook that Ellen, my neighbor, had a present for me. She had traveled to San Francisco  for the Christmas holidays to visit her daughter and brought back a book for me. Only now is she getting around to unpacking, just like me she hates to do it, and came upon the book. 

Ashley Rose had found the book and thought of me so sent it back with her mom. "How to Talk Minnesotan", a mock tour book. According to Ellen, MN and WI are all the same, and I greatly appreciate the thought and will appreciate the humor included in this book. A sticker in the front indicates the book originated in WI, which is cool. The picture on the cover shows a 'rural' looking couple enjoying 'a little lunch'. Ellen came by with it on her way out. So thoughtful! 

After Linda and I watched The Five together, I grabbed a soda and went outside to sit on the sundeck with my neighbors. It was a beautiful day for it. We truly miss the giant tree that was taken down on The Club property as it provided relief from the sun on our deck. It was THAT large a tree. Today it was a non-issue, relatively cool for those that prefer it that way. Low 70's is tolerable, even for me. Anyway, after most of the group left the table to go in to have dinner only a lady from the building next door, Kathy, and Pat, remained. 

We three chatted together for a while and then it occurred to me to ask Pat if she still had my movie, "Midnight in Paris". She said she did and went inside to get it. I didn't mean I wanted it immediately but off she ambled, her back giving her a fit. Her unit is immediately adjacent to where we were sitting so she was right back. She gave me the DVD which I promptly loaned to Kathy, since she'd never seen it. As I explained to Kathy, I only asked about the movie as I like to keep track of those which I lend out. 

Pat also brought out a book with her, a brand-new one, titled "A Joy-Filled Life". She had picked it up at a seminar she attended in Orlando and thought of me. The author had spoken at the gathering her sister and she attended and got herself an autographed copy, and one to give me. She said, "It's spiritual, like you are..." and I did not choose to argue with her. Pat waited until it was only Kathy and me left sitting there to give it to me. Not sure the others would feel badly about not getting a book but it was considerate of Pat just the same. 

So, I got double-booked today! I have the best neighbors which sure helps one to have A Joy-Filled Life!

What a fun day

Yesterday was a wonderful one, complete with two worship services, a lovely breakfast, and time spent with my in-laws before and after church. Justin and I had to run off for our lunch reservation but Harv and Barb made plans with me for lunch today. 

Taken yesterday at church. Harv is Justin's godfather.

So, this morning, Harv and Barb joined me for an early lunch at Grumpy's. Nothing but the finest of dining for my in-laws!  We enjoyed our lunch by arriving right after the breakfast rush and prior to the lunch busy time. While we were waiting for our food Harv got a phone from a friend in Manty reporting that one of their mutual friends was very ill and wouldn't likely live much longer. This was terrible news and Harv hoped that she would hang on until they back to WI. This might be much to ask given her condition. 

I was so glad that Harv asked if we could go to the cemetery, I can't even tell you. Since we didn't have any Easter lilies this year for me to take to the site, I stopped at Winn Dixie before Grumpy's to get a bouquet. I chose the assorted colored daisies because they looked so springish. Harv and Barb  followed me to the cemetery, an easy ride down Blanding. We spent about 20 minutes at the gravesite, with some of the guys even stopping by to greet me. They are just the best. They agreed to raise Timmy's bench a bit because it seems to be sinking. Nice!

From the cemetery H & B followed me back to my place. I told them as we drove down the driveway to the parking lot that when I swerve, they swerve, so as to avoid the enormous pot holes. I would hate for them to wreck their axle before the long ride back to WI. They did well following directions and got parked. We spent the rest of the afternoon chatting until it was time for them to go back to his brother's. 

Their plans this week include going to St. Augustine and perhaps the Alligator Farm. There is little chance we'll get together with them when they can spend time with Justin before they go on to their time share further south for the week. Perhaps we can do something when they get back. I hope the weather holds for them and they can fully enjoy Barb's first weeks of retirement. What a good way to kick it off!

"He is risen indeed"

"Christos anesti"!, as taught by my downstairs neighbor, Gus. Of course his name is Gus, as he is Greek. I, however, cannot wish him this just yet as the Greeks do not celebrate the same date for Easter as other Christians. I think he celebrates a week or so later, a different full moon after the spring equinox...But, I like his teaching me this---Christ is risen!

We had a good turnout for sunrise service, just under 50 people, and one newborn baby. One of our members had her granddaughter along, with her newborn (two weeks old) baby. I asked Maggie if the baby was being baptized today but she said no, but soon. I would love to have a baptism on Easter, celebrating both sacraments along with the Word, but that's okay---I can wait!

The inevitable technical difficulties of having outdoor worship prevented us from being able to sing the opening hymn of Psalm 63 and we also sang 4 stanzas of "I Know That My Redeemer Lives" a Capella. Well, I mostly listened even though my help would have been good supporting the hymn from the back row where I was seated. Everyone there knew the hymn and did fine without me. That hymn has become a listening one for me, for the most part.

At last the guys got the system to work so we had accompaniment from the MIDI which was inside the church. In the past we've had a keyboardist who'd play outside where the congregation was assembled but we no longer have that availability. After the service we gathered up the hymnals and got them back into the pew racks while others carried the chairs into the Fellowship Hall. It's nice having doors that open directly onto the area where the service is held. Sadly, my friend, Betty, tripped going in the door carrying her chair, but two strong men got her back up on her feet. I called her tonight and she said her knee is quite sore but she can walk, which is a good thing.

Breakfast was wonderful, Chefs Mike 'n Mike presenting once again their culinary skills. They have decided to discontinue their services, however, but I asked them to reconsider when it's time for my funeral. I am counting on them to make the reception food, all my favorites. It will be quite the feast! Mike S. said he'll be long gone (dead) by that time but he forgets that I am older than he is!  

Justin joined us for breakfast and together he and I were awaiting the arrival of my brother-in-law, Harvey, Justin's godfather  and his wife, Barb. They are in town visiting his brother but wanted to worship with us at a WELS church. We had a chance to visit before going into church, since I was taking attendence. Got them squared away with Pastor for attending the Lord's Supper and then Justin showed them to 'our' pew. 

We had a procession as part of the service, and the acolyte was holding the candle, ready to proceed. All of a sudden Pastor disappeared. I asked the usher where he went and the usher said he went to get the cross. The cross was already in the church, lying on the organ bench alongside of where I was standing. Darwin took off after him to tell him the cross was already there, so we could get started. 

The acolyte was nervous enough because the Paschal candle is so tall, and then to have this delay was rattling his nerves. He did fine though he felt like everyone was looking at him. I thought they were looking at me! The congregation stood and faced the back of the church as the Paschal candle and the brass cross were carried down the aisle. We have done this for many years and it is a lovely procession, while the congregation sings the hymn. 

It was nice to partake of the Lord's Supper with the Days and with Justin on this Easter celebration. When we returned to our pew from the table, I was handed the baby (we only have one baby!), Eloise, while her mom and dad went to the Lord's Supper. She loves fine jewelry so chewed on my necklace, tugged my earring, and sucked on an Easter pin I was wearing. Eloise has three teeth already and is trying to grow some more. I let her chew away so she didn't fuss while her parents were away. Nothing like baby slobber on ones jewelry. Angel and Chad picked her up from me on their way back to the pew.I love it when our communion is timed such that I get to hold the baby for them. 

We chatted with Harv and Barb after church for a bit longer but then had to run because of having noon reservations for the Easter buffet at The Club. They were going back to his brother's house to have a late afternoon feast. I am going to show them the town by going to Grumpy's for lunch tomorrow. Harvey asked if we could go to the cemetery, too, and it just choked me up. Of course we could go, though, sadly, I have no lily to take this year. A change in the florist that supplies our church caused a problem when attempting to get the lilies, so none were to be had. A tough lesson learned there....don't mess with a winning formula!

Justin and I were warmly greeted at The Club, guests and even wait staff introducing themselves to Justin if they'd not already met. I was filled up without taking a bite, everyone was so nice. Justin and I were seated adjacent to my friend, Bob, and his family. So glad to see them all, especially Bob, since he suffered a stroke last fall. His daughter helped nurse him back to health and got him back to his own home mid January. Everyone I talked to is looking forward to pool season again, so the workmen better pick up the pace on the cabana renovations. We are getting impatient!

It was a blessed day today and I look forward to good sleep tonight. Justin has a long work week again if the weather holds. This is my prayer for him and his crew. He has helpers most of the week and he will appreciate their strong backs and able bodies doing the sod laying. Justin is so not a fan of side jobs like this, much prefers the maintenance portion after the sod starts to grow!

"How far did you fall?"

It's a gorgeous day today, the sun winning the battle over the clouds. At least part of the morning I had sunshine on me directly and in my room indirectly. I could have gone out to the exercise class but didn't feel like it plus was waiting on a package to be delivered. My neighbor had requested I take a package for them and keep it in my fridge, so I wanted to make sure I was available when it arrived. Besides all that, my legs and hips were unhappy doing the exercises, even when in my seat. I am better off in my desk chair.

After Fox & Friends this a.m., I caught part of a movie seen with Judy R. when she came here for a visit in 2008, a year after we'd met. "The Secret Life of Bees", based on a book which Judy, of course, had read. It was a good story set during a sad time in our nation's history. One portion had the black housekeeper's head bandaged up after a beating. To explain it away her young charge said she'd fallen down the stairs. The lady to whom they told this lie knowingly said, "That had to be a mighty long stairway...". 

It brought to mind an episode in my life when Justin was a little boy. As a builder's son, he had the opportunity to spend many days touring model homes with his parents. At one particular home, we had walked into the back portion of the house to see the laundry room. Justin decided he was going to check out the stairs. Before we realized he'd left our sides we heard a bumpity bump bump coming from the stairwell. As we hurried over to the steps Justin was already getting up, dusting himself off. "Oh, my goodness, Justin! How far did you fall???" I asked him. In typical 'Justin' fashion he answered me, looking at me with that darling little face, "...to the bottom." He was right about that, and I bet I didn't really want to know the full answer anyway! Oh, that guy!

Saints among us

Years ago when I worked in the old folks' home, one of my co-workers, Rita, a devout Roman Catholic, had some interesting ideas and beliefs. One of those beliefs was that if a person smelled something which could not be identified any other way, it meant there was a saint in the room. I am not kidding you! 

Justin and I had a mystery before us---from whence does the smell of bleach emanate? It was in my room, and we noticed mainly around my desk. He said it smelled like I do when I come in from the pool in the summer. But what was causing this?

I checked in my desk storage area in case my compressed air cans had a problem. Nope, they were good. Justin went around my room sniffing everything that could be sniffed---my comforter, blankets on the end of the bed, nothing to make a bleach scent. I changed the trash bag in case it was something in there, like a cotton ball with nail polish remover perhaps. Nope! I even picked up my foot stool from under the desk, a risky item to put to one's nose, but it was not bleachy. 

What in the world? It just started in the past couple of weeks, so it had to be something new to the room. I had recently opened and begun watching some DVDs I'd bought back in 2007 which came in a file cabinet-looking case, but they were odor free. It just had to be a saint! It occurred to me that perhaps it was the air ionizer which Nancy gave me that smelled. Justin had picked it up and sniffed it, pulled out the 'filters', but no scent there either. Hmmm...

Today, Justin told me that he did some research on it and determined the scent was, in fact, from the air purifier. The smell was the purified air! Apparently the way the machine works, changing the chemical make-up of the air, is what causes the air to smell more than clean. It smells downright sterile. 

We were at the table in Chili's with our group when he told me this so I had to relate what we'd been going through. I also shared the story of Rita and her unidentified scent meaning a saint was among us, his first time hearing this premise. Justin jumped in and said, "In your case it's the patron saint of bleach..." and we all laughed. I am normally a friend of bleach, like to purify things. 

I can't tell yet if the amount of dust in here is reduced or not. Perhaps it will be psychological if I notice less dust but the machine MUST be doing what it is supposed to do, right?  I will have to start sleeping with my door opened so the bleachy air doesn't burn my throat when I am sleeping. I could simply turn it off at night, I guess, to keep the saints at bay when I am sleeping!