Gorgeous morning greeting

My neighbor, Sharon, took this photo of the morning sky earlier today. It looks as though it's on fire!

Justin and I are having an at-home day today, only because we have no other plans. I am so cool with it. He stays in his room and me in mine, with periodic meeting in the middle, the kitchen! Justin pokes his nose in here occasionally, too, when he has something to show me or tell me. Saturdays are favorites of mine, sadly, because of the TV! Yes, I've said it, the television is my friend on Saturdays. From when I wake up until 10:00 a.m., weekend hours, I watch Fox and Friends, switching between it and Law & Order on another channel. The rest of the forenoon is spent watching reruns of L & O on a couple of channels. Love that!

Space Shuttle Discovery launch, as seen from my river room, July 26, 2005

Probably because of the anniversary of the explosion of Space Shuttle Challenger a couple days ago, the movie "Apollo 13" was shown this afternoon. Three hours worth. At first I wasn't going to commit to this movie, but given there was little else I wanted to watch (no L & O in the afternoon), I did it. I have seen it before, more than once, and I had to laugh at myself. Caught myself holding my breath or hands clenched during portions of the movie. Even though I knew they made it back safely to Earth, it was nerve wracking. THAT is a good movie!

Milking my birthday

When my sister, Lori, and her family were here to help celebrate my birthday, I took Lori and Dusty to eat at Saigon-Tokyo for dinner on Sunday night. This was the day after my party, mind you. Justin stayed home because his stomach was upset, thinking he overdid it on the birthday cake which had come home with us. Anyway, Tracy, one of the owners of "Koko's", is a friend of mine on Facebook and had offered me her good wishes on my actual birthday. Very nice!  

Well, after we had finished our meals, Tracy and her staff came over to the table to serenade me with a birthday song, complete with drums and tambourine! We were treated to fried apple pie and it was wonderful. Lori there accused me of milking my birthday, and I told her I had nothing to do with this celebration, nor did I influence the one which took place at lunch earlier in the day! 

Dee won First Place in the art show, the theme was about the performing arts. 

At my party, when I was 'roasted' by neighbor, Debbie, she promised to take me to eat as my gift from Dick and her. Tonight, she made good on that promise and took me where I chose to go, Saigon-Tokyo. Still milking the birthday at this late date. Our original plans were to visit the art gallery at Thrasher Horne Center to see our friends' entries, including the artist whose piece Debbie bought before Christmas. I passed on the Opening Reception last night because Debbie and I were going tonight, only to find out the gallery would not be open. That didn't stop us from having dinner, though. Dick is gone on a golf trip so we ladies went by ourselves. We talked and talked and talked, and then some more!

When we got back to The Palace, Debbie parked the car, and walked across the lot with our neighbor, Kay. She was just returning from an away trip for PACE and was excited about what she'd learned, etc. We tried to make plans to talk about it, but her schedule was full. We made plans to get together during the week, then, when her schedule cleared. She is one busy little bee!

A bit after the fact (i.e. the beginning of the year) I started to write in my journal titled "364 Day of Thanksgiving". I'd gotten a copy for Linda, Pastor Hoyer, and me. It is part book and part journal, written by a WELS pastor in TX. I gave a copy to Pastor H. because I occasionally reference what I've read in that other pastor's blog, when in class, and thought he might appreciate reading this book. A few years ago Linda and I did a thing where we wrote our blessings on little slips of paper and kept them in a jar or elsewhere. When I was in WI at ThanksLiving time, she read me a few of hers. I should pull mine out, too, to see what I wrote. Now we can write in our journals about the things for which we are thankful. I had such a good day today, I have lots about which to write!  

A day of memories

Today marked the anniversary, the 30th, of when the space shuttle Challenger exploded. At the time of this event, we lived in our 'big house' in Manty, with floor to ceiling windows in the dining room. The day the drapes were installed, Leon, the shop owner who made them, was the man on site. He described them as being theater drapes. It was quite the job to get them hung. 

Our office was in the basement in this home, a very nice room designed to serve as our office, complete with wall heater to help warm it/me. I had a tiny TV on my desk and was watching this historic launch. A grade school teacher was going into space, imagine that! Her students were watching as she boarded the shuttle with the astronauts. They were also watching when those infamous words were spoken: "Go with throttle up". The Challenger exploded, most not sure of what they were seeing. 

I flew up the stairs and called to Leon to come watch on the family room TV. Together we watched, along with the nation, the horror of the shuttle blowing to bits. Mission Control was just that, controlled, finding out later that the shuttle had exploded. They had no TVs or screens in their room other than the ones they used to monitor the equipment, being in Houston. It took a bit before they determined that there had been a 'major malfunction'. Quite the understatement, but, again, understandable, given they had no visual of the explosion. Still makes me feel sick thinking about it. Can it be 30 years already??? 

Here is Billy modeling my new coat in 2007, holding a fancy cane, much like Kramer's (Seinfeld) in "The Wig Master". Behind him you can see some of his gold records. 

This is a day of nostalgia for another reason. 7 years ago today my neighbor, Bill Powell, passed away at home. Somehow I missed all the excitement during the night when the rescue squad came, having been called by Billy before he passed away. Ellen was at their beach place but a niece was staying with them, and heard the EMTs pounding on the door, finding Billy was already gone. I still can't believe this-he was so young-in his early 50's. The Lynyrd Skynyrd folks have sure had a rough time of it. Billy was a survivor of the plane crash in 1977 that took out their lead singer, a guitarist and his sister who sang back up, plus the pilot. 

Billy had a love of life and knew his Savior, which is a great comfort to me. There used to be a plaque in the elevator with a quote from Billy, but it has disappeared, and no one knows what became of it. Such a shame what folks will do.  

Mom's birthday

Today is my mom's birthday, turning 91 years old. Oh, my goodness! Her mother before her lived to be 99 3/4 years old, and might have made it to or past 100 if she hadn't broken her hip. Mom's doctor says she is in excellent shape, has really few ailments other than her 'goofy' back which requires her to now use her walker even in the house. The back is weak, doesn't hurt her actually, but gives her the feeling of giving way if she walks around without it. But, as I mentioned, she is doing great for 91. In fact, when Justin and I called to sing for her, she was gone out, probably with one or both of my in-town sisters. We left our birthday anthem on her answering machine so she can enjoy it forever!

Mom at Christmas this past year

My sister, Kerry, let me know that she called Mom and sang to her earlier this a.m. and informed Mom that some flowers would be delivered today from Kerry and her daughter. Mom said she wasn't sure where she was going to put them. Oh, that mama of ours! Jill, my sister who lives in the building with Mom, said she would make sure there is room for the bouquet. Kerry is a flower and plant person, absolutely loves having the color and scent in the rooms, and outside as weather permits. Jill is planning to take Mom out to eat and is getting her a box of chocolates. Mumsy will love both those things! 

This afternoon I had a luncheon with the Republican Women's group at The Club. Our speaker was an author who has done a series of books about the government and its characters, using the theme of children's books. Very cute and most accurate! They look almost like Dr. Seuss books. Anyway, he was extremely interesting to listen to, a man whose background is in economics and finance, spelling out the dangers we are facing in this next year if 'we' don't get things turned around. He really knew his stuff, is considered an expert in his field regarding the dangers of Keynesian economics. The woman who books for the speakers was seated next to me and I let her know how much I appreciated the speakers we've had. Not a dud in the bunch!

Tour of restaurants

Today was a bustle of activity for this group of church folks. Judy C. picked me up and we headed over to pick up Betty who was waiting at church. Judy was driving these two Miss Daisies to meet the Over 50 Lunch Bunch at The Village Inn. As far as my memory serves me, this is my first time eating there, reminding me very much of a Shoney's-style of dining. There were 15 of us and I still can't believe how quickly and efficiently our meals came out.  

Decisions, decisions!

I had one of my favorite meals---meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and green beans. I ate all the meatloaf and potatoes, and brought the beans home with me. They were fresh---like out of the garden. I think everyone enjoyed their meals, some having food from the breakfast menu and some, like me, from the dinner menu. The meatloaf came out like a football shaped meatball, but it tasted wonderful. The waitress had to help to get ketchup from the squeeze bottle, which made me feel foolish. But two of us tried before asking for help. Guess I just had to get rough with it first!

After Judy dropped us off again, I got busy working on the newsletter before taking a little rest. A nap was needed because some of our group, actually our Sunday group, was reconvening at 6:30 at The Outback, to surprise Michael for his birthday. I had gotten a gift card for him yesterday, not for a restaurant! I was able to pay for my meal, plus the Bloomin' Onion and a 'skinny' strawberry margarita using a gift card gotten for my birthday. Justin was my driver so I did enjoy my skinny drink. Terri and OJ had one also, and because the bartender got carried away, the waitress brought an extra one to the table for us to share, but when we left, it was still there. No to-go cup for that one! We did surprise Michael as Judy dragged him in the door. Guess he didn't think to look for our cars in the parking lot. I brought home most of my sirloin marsala which will go perfectly with my green beans!

My neighbor, Ellen, captured this full moon this evening. So lovely!

Making up for missed time

Because our pastor is away at a conference, we did not have Bible study today. Not to worry, though---alternative plans were made! One of our members, Trish, who works in retail, came to church yesterday after having had to work most Sundays up until now. Yay for us, and for her!  I told her we wouldn't be having Bible study today so we made plans to have lunch together. Can't let the moment slip away, you know?

I let Judy know we were going and asked her to join us. The three of us met at Metro Diner at 11:30, hoping to beat the rush. After I checked in on Facebook (indicating my whereabouts), Terri texted me wondering if there was room for one more. Of course, there was! Even though we'd ordered already, all of us ordering the same thing, I was able to order for Terri so the food was almost ready when she arrived. We had a great visit, fun catching up with Trish and sharing our 'news'. Our waitress was so attentive and kind to us schnuddering ladies. 

And Trish treated our whole group!  Terri tried to pay for hers but Trish wouldn't hear of it, but she presented Trish with a 10% discount coupon to use, which was applied to the bill. I was being treated for my birthday but the rest were 'just because'. Trish also gave me a lovely book, "Shine On, Beautiful Soul", a devotional, plus a very nice birthday card. She was invited to my party but sadly, had to miss it due to working. What a nice time we ladies had over our lunch!

This afternoon, late, I had an appointment with the groomer, Barb, her last of the day. I couldn't wait another moment to get my ears lowered. Normally it's about 4 weeks between visits but I'm at 6 weeks right now. I was losing the ability to manage it properly. Thanks to Barb for getting me in! From there I stopped at Publix for a few things, which ended up being more than a few but I made good use of bargains and bo/go purchases. Justin and I were planning on leftovers for dinner so I wasn't really shopping with a meal in mind. I did get a gift card for a birthday party we are attending tomorrow evening. Paid full price for that!

Brown Bag Auction

Today as I pulled up to the church property, I was thinking to myself, "Oh, no, not again...there's no Bible study??" but then I saw Betty's car. We were both parked in the shade (ha ha) on this very cold day, only 31 as I drove to church. Our children's Sunday school was restarted as of today but not until 9:30. I hoped that didn't keep people away, thinking our adult Bible study didn't begin until then. As it turned out, we had 7 people total, including one dad who had brought his sons for Sunday school. 

After worship we convened in the Fellowship Hall for a potluck and Brown Bag Auction. Members were asked to bring in unusual or 'white elephant' items concealed in a brown bag, marked with a three-word clue as to contents. Brad served as our auctioneer whose task was to entice the bidders. He did a a marvelous job with his hints as to what was in the bag or who would appreciate it, etc.  

Sometimes bidding wars broke out, one time ending up with one man paying $10 for a baggy of red hots candies!!  That's what I call a good auctioneer!  Even the kids had stuff to bid on, with some of us ladies giving them money so they could play along. One of the top prizes was a box of new baseballs which one of the boys bought. All four of the brothers play ball so this was a perfect purchase for them. Lots of fun and good food enjoyed today! 

Kristi got the bag marked "Cinco d Mayo" which was a jar of salsa, some chips, and lovely chip bowl with a stand. I would have loved that, but was outbid. 

 

When the event was over and clean up was underway, one of the boys got busy with the vacuum cleaner, much to my amazement. Such nice kids they are!