Emotional roller coaster

Yup, it was one of those days today. First of all, this morning, Terri T. had invited me to join her sister, Gayle, and friend, OJ, for breakfast at Grumpy's. I am all about it!  As I drove over, I could hear a hissing sound from the back of my car. I had a bunch of Diet Cokes back there so expected to have a mess. I did!

When I got to Grumpy's, I popped open the back of the car to find the offending bottle or can to dispose of it. I found instead that a couple of the bottles which had tipped over, were leaking. I stood them up and began moving the cardboard cases aside so they wouldn't get soaked. Terri and Gayle parked next to me and came to help. Terri grabbed one of the cases and the whole bottom gave way. Soda cans everywhere!!

A couple broke open when they hit the ground and sprayed Terri and me, but Gayle jumped away in time. The spray fortunately only got our legs and not our hair, since Terri and Gayle had just come from the salon. Cans were rolling and we scurried to scoop them up while Gayle looked for napkins to mop up the mess in the car. We were laughing and upset at the same time, crying over spilled soda. Gayle had a plastic shopping bag in her car into which we put the loose cans and we cleaned our hands off with the wipes she had. Terri took the trash to the dumpster at the back of the parking lot. I had a bag of trash in the car which we used to put the ruined cans and the napkins from wiping up. So glad it was only two, but what a mess it was.

As we turned around to go into the restaurant, the hostess threw the door open and in a grand gesture assured us that certainly no one on the parking lot side of the restaurant saw what happened....Oh, how we laughed! What a show we must have put on for the diners. I so enjoyed my breakfast with the ladies, and our visit. This trio was going to church to get things ready for our Ladies' Group summer event. Neither Gayle or OJ are presently members but they really do come through for stuff like this. Terri thinks of all the details and the other two ladies enjoy the decorating and flourishes. What a good team they are!

As soon as we were done with breakfast, I had to head back to The Club for the memorial event for the young manager who had died suddenly on Memorial Day. I was expecting a 'service' for her but it was more of a gathering opportunity. My understanding was that her family had had a private service a couple weeks ago and this event was for her friends and co-workers. 

The Owner of The Club came forward to read a lovely poem called The Dash. Courtney's daughter, aged 15, spoke for a bit about her mom until she couldn't anymore. An uncle read a poem and then there were uncomfortable breaks before others came forward to speak. No one seemed to be in charge of the format. A member of the Board came up to speak, and later, a co-worker. After more uncomfortable silence, Courtney's mom came to the mic and said we should eat. I was disappointed, but probably should not have been, that there was no service of which to speak. The rest of memorial was very nice, the food, Courtney's favorites, sensational, and the staff donated their time to cook and serve it. Nice to see so many people in attendance for this memorial. I couldn't help but think that if Courtney were there, it would have been better organized!  I guess that is worthy testament to her life.

From the memorial I made my way over to church for the Ladies' Group event. I knew I wouldn't make it for the food portion but hoped to play some Bunco with the ladies. Sadly, there were only 9 people total. When I arrived, Terri gave me her seat and I finished her game. It was a blast, and fortunately the others knew how to score, etc. As it turned out, between Terri and me, we won 2nd place. Besides my prize I took home some leftovers from the buffet table. Those leftovers made a nice dinner for Justin and me tonight. 

When I got home from church, I went out to the pool for a bit. I needed to wind down after my interesting and tearful day. The memorial, for what it was, touched me. I was glad to offer my sympathies to her co-workers and friends, to offer God's blessings to her daughter. Those at the pool who were not at the memorial had heard from others already what it entailed so they didn't really need to hear from me. Most, if not all, were surprised there was no 'service' format to it, I think it would have helped those who mourn this loss, in fact, I know that is true. I do know this, The Club won't be the same without her, or won't be for a very long time. What takes a 36 year old in her sleep? I pray the answers are soon found and that the most horrible speculations are just that, speculation. I am sure her family wants to know as well. 

Time for me to rest...it's been quite a day!

Bible study envy!

Today I am washing my sheets which means I had to clean off my bed. On the 'passenger' side of the bed, among other things, lay a stack of Bible study sheets accumulated from my time in WI. In looking back at the calendar, I was able to take part in at least 8 Bible studies. I missed a couple opportunities when my sisters came to town so it could have been more. One day my sister, Lynn, and I even went twice! 

Lynn was the leader of one of the newly begun small group classes which started meeting weekly at people's homes. The host of the group is not necessarily the leader. The pastor who preaches on the Sunday gives the leader a sheet of discussion points from the sermon which the gathered group go over. Then the leader reads what the pastor has provided as the 'answer' to assure everyone is on track. When I first heard about this I made a face, being a bit gun-shy about lay-led small groups. They can go off on tangents and become "Well, I think the passage means..." type of stuff. This particular class is not like that, not really room to do so. 

The day of Lynn's class, she came to pick me up from Mom's where I had just been dropped off by a friend, Debbie, who had taken me for coffee earlier that morning. Whew! Whirlwind! The session was held at the home of Joyce, and there were four of us all together. At first I was quiet in the session, waiting for the other ladies to take the discussion where it should go, but then Lynn asked me to add my thought. She said, "That's why I wanted you to be here..." Give me an inch and I'll take a mile. I sure don't mind participating in discussion and I think we all benefited from the gathering. 

The other classes included a Saturday morning class lead by a former LES teacher; two Sunday sessions following worship; a Tuesday afternoon class lead by the wife of a former missionary (she is well thought of by the Synod and students); two Wednesday nights we had a class lead by a teacher from the Lutheran high school about the mysteries of Genesis; and on a Friday, we had a pastor-led class about the book of Acts. Besides the Bible studies I was able to attend a sacred concert about the church year and my nephew's performance of a musical at their school in Howard's Grove. 

Mom, Jill, and Angelo at the boy's school play

When I got back from WI, I was able to attend Bible study at Victory and did NOT miss our study of Isaiah 53, which had been my fear. Love that chapter and its discussion.  At my own church we missed having Bible study on Sunday because of a meeting taking place, and none was held on Monday either. Glad I got to class again yesterday at Victory which has to hold me for a while. I am having withdrawal. In chatting with Linda this a.m. she was saying how her nail technician knew someone looking for daytime Bible studies in the area. Linda is the right one to ask about that. What a blessing it is for them to have so many opportunities. She is so thankful, as are Mom and Lynn who are attending Bible study right this minute alongside of Linda. Blessings galore!!

Lunch with Rita

As many may know already, this area of North Florida has a great deal of traffic, not always flowing along smoothly. We are getting to the time of year where we experience daily rain showers, more often than not during the evening rush periods. I won't say rush hour because it's much longer than only an hour. My sympathy goes out to those who have to make their way home under such conditions. I've heard more than once that people are in far more of a hurry to get home after work than they are going to work, which might account for more accidents during those hours. 

We hear about overturned semis losing their loads, including log trucks, beer trucks, salsa trucks, and, yesterday, it was a load of sharks. Yes, sharks, the real thing. South of here on a rain-slicked section of highway, a truck hauling five live sharks from FL to an aquarium in the northeast turned over. One shark was seriously damaged in the accident and later died. The driver of the truck was okay as were the remaining sharks. Imagine what it was like for the police and fire department personal responding to such a scene!

I was thinking of a truckfull of sharks as I drove over to Victory this a.m. for Bible study. I so look forward to this class and am glad there were no accidents for me or anyone else on my ride to the Southside. Our class was a bit sparsely attended, one couple missing due to illness, and some others are traveling for the summer. Due to this, plus the fact that three others will be absent for the entire month of July, it was decided to take a recess until August when we'll all be back. This makes me sad, but I will live. 

I was lamenting the fact that I would have only about 45 minutes of Bible study classes each week. At least the organized type anyway, on Sunday morning. Pastor H. gave me an assignment and requested a book report when we come back---he gave me a set of books titled "The Story". I had not wished to get into this at all for a couple of reasons, but I accepted the books, perhaps not the challenge. We shall see....

Rita asked me to join her for lunch at Maggiano's and I readily accepted. We were able to dine on the outdoor patio, at first alone, then joined by some others. Her son was at the Town Center, hanging out with some friends from grade school, and he spotted us seated out there. He came in to say "hello", which is pretty cool for a kid his age, and asked his mom for help with his credit card. Apparently it was unsigned and he had no ID to prove it was his, or something. She got him up and running so he was good to go. He is getting quite handsome and will be hit with the girls in high school!

Rita had never had the onion strings from Maggiano's which I ordered for an appetizer. Oh, my, they are wonderful and she loved them with me. We each took a portion of our meals home, and I look forward to enjoying the leftovers another time. That is, if I get to them before Justin does!

Back in the swim of things

Here is a rainbow over the river which formed yesterday during a rain shower. I took this photo with Linda in mind as we were chatting when the rainbow formed. There was no sunshine, it was pouring rain, and yet, there it was!

When Marlena started up the water exercise class again for the season, it was scheduled for only Tuesday and Thursday. The Chef seems to think two classes a week are all that are needed. Marlena prefers to lead the class our regular three days a week. It would work better for me personally since I'd only have Tuesday for class, having Bible study on Thursdays. Chef wants to see steady attendance the other two days before freeing up Marlena for a Wednesday class. 

That being the case, I had to play by myself, unless some others came out to enjoy the fun. People come and go all afternoon, even some coming out late morning. It seems the moms like to take care of business at home first and then bring their little ones over to the pool to wear off some of their enthusiasm. This is why I like having the two separate pools, so those us less enthusiastic can puddle around without bothering anyone. 

Tonight is Happy Hour but even though Kathy H. wanted me to go, I opted to stay home. I would have had to get dressed and fix myself up. My nightie was quite comfortable for me to stay in and have dinner with Justin. Lovin' the life of leftovers and Jeopardy! with my boy!

Summer is boring

Not boring in the usual sense, but there is plenty of sameness. The skies start out colorful and bright, and then end up raining on us later in the day, often during the evening commute. I feel badly for those who have to drive home in the heavy downpours. 

Today I enjoyed water exercise class with the ladies and two gentlemen. Our class has grown with several new faces which makes for even more fun. The Flying Noodles have enough now to make a casserole! Names like Maggie, Laurie, Pam, Fran, and Debbie among the newer ones, which makes for two Maggies, two Pats, and two Kims this season. There are hopes that another lady named Kay would join us, and then we'd have two of those as well!

Maggie O. and Pat G. were talking about going to have lunch at Grumpy's and invited me to join them. I would be delighted!!  And was!! I had looked very forward to having a cheeseburger and fries again from Grumpy's and today, that happened. Maggie likes their quiche very much and Pat had another salad plate from the menu. Loved the food and the company, for sure!

Being able to meet these two ladies for lunch off of the property does break up the day (makes me get dressed!) and makes the day not quite the same as the one before! I am so blessed to have such friends as these.

At long last!

Justin and I went to dinner tonight at Koko's (Saigon Tokyo), my first time since getting back from WI. Oh, how I missed their fried rice and teriyaki chicken!  It was like a hero's welcome when we showed up there, warmly greeted and well-fed, with leftovers for a couple more meals. 

Today in my hometown it was graduation day at the government high school. My two nieces graduated from this school one year apart and both times we witnessed the ceremony from indoors their gymnasium due to rain. Today, however, the pageantry of the event was able to take place. Back in 1941 my mom served as one of those 'flower girls' seen in the photo with the baskets in front of them. In 1942 my mom was one of those graduates descending the stairways into the bowl in front of Lincoln High School. While the graduation services at our Lutheran High School are lovely in their way, this public school one is quite dramatic in its own rite. 

A grumpy old lady!

Yes, that was me! Today I confessed to my pool friends that I felt like such a Grumpy Gus yesterday, a day which should have been the most delightful one, being back at the pool with my friends. Upon reflection, though, last night, it occurred to me just how I felt and must have sounded. Did you ever have such a day when nothing was right? Well, welcome to our pool!

Here is what was bothering me: while I was in WI, I was contacted by my friend, Jacquie, on Memorial Day weekend, the official opening of the pool. She was dismayed because the cabana renovations were yet incomplete. Neither she nor I could believe it. How could this happen on what normally proves to be one of the biggest of the summer season??  Was winter too short for getting this project completed? EVERYTHING the management and their staff did to update this cabana took far too long, or was begun too late to accommodate the schedule. Timing is absolutely everything on projects like this and cutting corners by using in-house workers rather than hiring professionals has shown once again how foolhardy an effort this is. 

I do understand that some of the work was done by pros and yes, there are inspections which need to take place and must be passed. I get that, very well do I get that. But once the members quit using the pool around October, that would have been the right time to tackle these projects. The new kool decking looks marvelous and the blue painting inside the big pool makes it looks nice 'n fresh. This painting was done by the gardener, more or less free-hand so the lines are a bit wiggly. I know I am particular about things like this. At the member's meeting earlier this year we were told that the broken tiles would be replaced but that did not happen. I wondered why the pool was being painted prior to the tile work being done. Now I know!

The steps leading down in the water are slick and several people have slipped and fallen when getting into the water, including Nancy W. early in April when we were out there. That is not good! I was told that last weekend a paper sign was posted on the handrail warning folks that the steps were slippery. This sign was posted by the management which means it now becomes even more of a liability for them should someone fall and get hurt. The solution for this is being discussed with some thought being the pool will need to be closed for a period of time to allow for this correction to take place. Others don't really think so, that it shouldn't take the whole pool being emptied to access the steps nor should it take a week to take care of. 

Believe me, I am not the only one frustrated by all these delays. Those who were making use of the pool in my absences have gotten it out of their systems a bit by now, but it was fresh for me yet. The new lifeguard, a seemingly unpleasant young lady, didn't spend much time at the kids' pool while I was out there, but was seated in the cabana much of the time. There were at least a dozen kids on the other end and she was no where near where they were. I was puzzled by that, thinking she was on a really long break. In the past the teens would sit on the elevated seat on that end of the pools with the flotation device on their laps or in arm's reach. Must be a training issue.

Food could be ordered, still be served from the kitchen inside the main building which was fine with us. Pizzas were added by the chef thinking that the kids would love them. They do, as do some of the grown ups! When the cabana is ready and they can cook for us again, the pizzas will disappear as they have no way to make them in there. People will be disappointed about that, I fear. My meal was good, I like the pasta salad with the hot dog served with sour cream 'n onion chips. Not a bad price either. We expected higher prices due to the renovations. I'm okay if they don't jack them up.

When the kool decking was done, all the steps and flat areas, and round areas, were painted in the same color. Now as people approach the steps down to the pool from the parking lot, they can't see the steps as clearly since they match right in. I watched a couple people carrying pool paraphenalia nearly take a header by not seeing the steps in front of them. Not good! By the baby pool there are mounded areas, not sure what they are for, that people are catching their feet on. Those are now beautifully marked with silver duct tape, which didn't quite do the trick. My suggestion is a brighter color paint for the humps, a reflective paint for the stairs and along the edge of the raised area so no one falls over the edge. That's where attention to detail to comes in. I used to be pretty good at that back in the day!

My neighbor sent me this photo he took of the lovely new ducting for the cabana which covers the metal scroll work of the doors. This cabana was part of the original property and it's a dirty shame that 'they' had to install this expensive system just to make our hamburgers and hot dogs. I think something else could have been done, but was not consulted on this. Sad looking, is it not?

Anyway, once I was inside and cleaned up after being out at the pool, grumbling, I felt badly about it. Normally I am the cheerleader in the group but Saturday I didn't do too much of that. I just had some catching up to do as the others got it out of their systems (well, some of them did, anyway) the previous weeks. Today, I tried to be more positive and encouraging, hopeful that all things would be made right, perhaps even before the Independence Day celebrations!