Flying Noodles final get-together

Today was our end of off season luncheon for the Flying Noodles at The Club. We expect that next month the water in the pool might just be warm enough for some to get in and start the water exercises again. We had a great turn out this month!

 Debbie, Joyce, Lynn, Susie (our surprise guest!), Ollavan, Pat A, and me  

  Nancy, her friend Toni, Jeanne, Maggie, Debbie, Joyce

 Susie, Ollavan, Pat A, Marlena taking orders, Nancy waving, Toni, Jeanne, Maggie, Pat G, Kay 

Nancy, Toni, Kay, Debbie, Joyce, Lynn, Susie, Ollavan 

  Jeanne, Maggie, Pat G, Kay, and Debbie 

 Kim, Nancy, Toni, Jeanne, Maggie, Pat G

Kay, Debbie, Joyce, Lynn, Susie, Ollavan, Pat A, Pat G 

Remembering the people

Linda has a very good friend, Angie, whom I've adopted as well and look forward to seeing when I am in WI next month. She is a doll, and reminds me very much of my friend, Terri, a person who never stops! Right now Angie and another lady friend are on a tour of Italy and Greece for 12 days. Angie is posting photos already, wonderful about how that works in this day and time!

Of course, this prompts memories for me and forces me to look back at my photos from my wonderful opportunities to travel to the Mediterranean. I am remembering the nice people I've met (trip in 2000 included) and those with whom I am still in contact. One lady I had the privilege of recently reconnecting with in person at the LWMS Spring Rally in Merritt Island. I am thankful that last 'big trip' for me was with this group. A month after my Retracing St. Paul's 2nd Missionary Trip I did go on an Alaskan cruise, which I regret in some way, because I was still 'hungover' from that Mediterranean trip. This means I didn't have a full appreciation for what was to be experienced, like the rest of the group (church and family) did. 

Justin joined me in 2004 and again 2006. We took the same cruise line, same ship, and discovered some same staff the 2nd time. At one point on the 2006 trip I recognized one of the waiters, and he us. The guy came up to me and said, "You wear your hair the same?!" in his accent. Yes, yes, I do! Just think of all the thousands and thousands of people this fellow had seen pass through this vessel in two years' time, and yet he remembered Justin and me, and my hair!

Just look at the way this little guy is looking at me....

On the cruise in 2006, Justin and I were thrilled to have two families seated next to us for our meals. They were the absolute highlight of our time on the ship---we'd watch the doors to the dining room expectantly for them to come in. This little guy and I formed a friendship beyond the language and age barrier, and I weep now even writing about Rafi. This photo was taken the night before we had to disembark in Rome. Saying good-bye was difficult but I did okay, better than right this minute!!!

One mealtime Rafi came and stood at our table with his tablet and was drawing a picture. His parents, Rafa and Angie, were concerned he was bothering us but it was truly quite the opposite. As I watched him, I asked what he was drawing, and he kept answering me, emphatically at times, "Tu! Tu!" Justin looked at it and he said, "Ooooh, he is saying "you' in Spanish!!!"  Yes, Rafi drew a picture of me! See my hair, my eyes, my smile, and my big earrings???  Justin took the picture of Rafi's picture with his cell phone, I think, was able to share it with me. I wonder if Rafa still has Rafi's tablet from that trip? I can ask him on Facebook!

You can see why I fell in love with him! I have to stop now because I am sobbing like a big, fat idiot. 

We did see and enjoy and cherish great day trips, excursions on the shore outings. Justin and I particularly loved our time in Florence, the Amalfi coast, and mostly, for me anyway, the Greek Islands. I would have stayed if I could! But it just didn't make good sense logistically or financially. Glad I decided to stay here in FL, but again, so enjoyed my times away. Thinking now of the fun Angie and her friend are having, the memories being made and looking forward to following her on FB and talking with her when I'm in Manty!

Bible study is back!

I rejoice that the Monday Bible study has resumed!  My little joke is that we have to give up Bible study for Lent, as the pastor doesn't have time with the extra service during the week to lead the class. Now that Easter is over, we are back at it. The topic today was about the relationship between David and Jonathan, dear friends to one another at great risk to their own existence. Devoted friends. Our discussion was about where do our own 'real' friends come from and what do we do to foster those friendships and make more (i.e. at our church).  It was moving for me when I think of the friends I have and have had, many of whom are 'church connected". 

Linda and I go back to her first days as being the church secretary at FG. At one point my former spouse, Linda, and I traveled to Milwaukee to purchase a computer and components, and do some training on software which Linda and my former spouse would use to catch FG up to the 20th century. This would have been before Justin was born!!

At one time in my life I had a bunch of friends unconnected to church, and some things were taking place which were not comfortable for me. I made the decision to narrow my circle and direct my attentions on those other relationships with the same focus as mine. It was not easy or comfortable to do this, but I don't regret it either. 

Okay, so anyway, our group of ladies went to Grumpy's to have lunch after class. I was so glad about this because I was hungry for a cheeseburger and fries, and know how good it is from Grumpy's. Only two of us had the same thing, the rest chose something different, which is cool, in my mind. Such a varied menu they offer at Grumpy's, but I am quite fond of the burger 'n fries there. Always bring half home with me, as I did again today. It's more about the social aspects of us sharing a meal together than anything else, for me, anyway. 

This a.m. I entertained two people at my door, while yet in my nightgown!  First of all, my neighbor, Kay, stopped in on her way to a meeting at PACE to pick up a donation envelope our other neighbor had dropped off at my door last week after the luncheon. Then, Connie came by to collect my empty soda cans and household garbage from the weekend. That is customer service, if you ask me! I don't mind them seeing me in my gown since they have also had to see me in my swimsuit. Ha ha!

When I got home after lunch, I found a lovely gift bag hanging on my door which Kay had dropped off after her meeting. It was a thank you present from the girls of PACE with a framed picture made with their fingerprints, forming a tree. This was a gift for the table hostesses from the luncheon last week, and I am honored to have been able to do it. They also included a card which many of the girls signed, some adding doodles to personalize it even more. I cherish it, and the privilege of being able to do this small thing for the girls. 

"I'm a little selfish"

There for a while I was having a terrible time with my knee, dragging my gimpy leg around behind me. It was unpredictable when it would act up, sometimes when I was walking. Not good. I chose not to go running around in BJ's Club with Nancy when we stopped there before going to the movie just to save my leg for our trek to the movie theater from the parking lot. Thankfully it was a good leg day for me that day so I was not a burden on my friends.

The other day I was walking down the hall to the kitchen and my poor, sick boy noticed I was favoring my leg. He asked me if I was okay and I told him my leg had been giving me a fit all week already. He said to me, sadly, "I've been a little selfish...." because he was feeling so miserable himself with his flu bug that he not even been aware of my 'inconvenience'. I was touched by his expression of regret but I was not holding it against him, certainly, the poor guy. 

One day he also said he wished I wasn't there. How nice! What he meant was if I was not there, he could moan and groan to his heart's content. With me there, he kept it to himself because he didn't want to upset me even more. Sweet guy! Mamas do get upset about things like this, especially when we are limited with the help we can provide. I can run to the store, or limp, as the case might be, and get the TheraFlu and other things to help battle the flu bug but that's it. Good thing our rooms are so far apart---he can moan and groan a bit without my hearing him, and go limping to see if I can help.

PACE Luncheon

Today was the 1st annual PACE Believing in Girls Luncheon, at the Thrasher Horne. As a table hostess I had to get there by 11:15. Nancy W. and Judy rode with me. The luncheon was actually at noon with socializing in the hallway beforehand. I was pleased all my guests showed up and were interested in what this program is all about---the girls!! Loved seeing so many people I know today but wish I had more time to converse and work the room. Oh well...

 

 Lynn and I in deep discussion. You can see my food plate in front of me. Each plate exactly the same.

 Here's Nancy W., Judy C. and my neighbor, Rosemary

 Ollavan, Debbie, and Lynn 

 My neighbor, Rose, Peggy my dentist/friend, and Ollavan 

My friends Terreca and Nancy W.

The Mistress of Ceremonies, Vera Jones, was a wonderful speaker and had a remarkable voice. I could have listened to her all afternoon. She is a motivational speaker and an author besides being on ESPN. The guest speaker, Melinda, was a local attorney who graduated from PACE Jacksonville, went to college and then law school, and started her own practice. She just returned last night after attending a meeting at the White House---pretty impressive for a PACE girl. Glad some of the girls were in the room to hear her amazing story. 

After the event, I dropped Judy off at home and then Nancy and I went to Winn Dixie to get Justin some more medication and other food items to help him feel better. I picked up some TheraFlu both for daytime and nighttime, plus got a new thermometer. The last time Justin was sick, after Christmas of 2014, the old thermometer broke in his mouth! This one is digital, less likely to break than the old fashioned one. I got him a strawberry rhubarb pie which he loves, plus Nancy directed me to the deli where they sell Panera brand soups. Justin loves broccoli cheddar and since he's not eating much thought he might like some. Got three containers for him, plus some ready-made Jell-O.  

I got my stuff carried upstairs and put away, giving Justin the items he needed, and then to my desk for a while. It's newsletter time for The Palace, having sent out the church newsletter yesterday. Judy and I are planning to attend the choir concert at Victory tonight, the WI Lutheran Seminary Chorus. This is a huge treat for us and hope the turnout is good. I sent out a reminder to our members to make sure they remember to go. Looking forward to it!

What a nice day I had!

My day began with a stripping of the bed, right down to the bare mattress. Yes, today is the day my mattress set was being delivered! I put my comforter in the dryer on fluff to set if I could get the dust out of it, or at least, some of it. The sheets, pillow cases and my extra blankets went into the machine to be washed. My window for delivery was between 9 and noon, with the salesman saying it could even come at 11:50 and still be within the parameters. I was going to be ready!

It was only a few minutes after 9:00 when the phone went off, the delivery man calling that they'd be here in a just a few minutes. Wow!  And the two fellows very graciously put my dust ruffle back on for me before placing the mattress in place. I was so glad to be first on the list because Nancy W. had invited me to breakfast and then to a movie today. I feared I'd be here waiting for the mattress while Toni and she were off having fun without me. As it turned out, the two ladies came for me just as the delivery guys were leaving. Perfect timing! 

We went to Pengree's for breakfast, just delicious, and then stopped in at Ross because Toni needed to pick up some pillows. I managed to find a new swimsuit and a cover up so I am now ready for pool season! It was Senior discount day so on top of our discounts we got an additional 10% off. That never hurts! From there the two ladies had to make a quick stop at BJ's as Toni needed coffee and Nancy got toilet paper. I waited in the car since my knee was bothering me, like a true senior citizen! 

Here's Nancy holding my new swimsuit

We got to the theater just in time for the previews. Tuesday was the discount day at Carmike, too, getting Sr. pricing for the tickets and concessions. I did buy the $2 popcorn but barely made a dent in the bag. I brought it home but wonder if I'll even try eating it. If we hadn't just had that sumptuous feast for breakfast, I might have done better on it. The soda lasted me through the movie, too. We saw My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2, which was cute enough. I even shed a few tears, of course. It was nice to see all the characters reprise their roles again, some of them hardly aging at all from the original. Cute movie!

Nancy and Toni dropped me off at home following the movie. My first task once upstairs was to put the new mattress protector on my bed, and then make it up the rest of the way. What a work out, especially with a sore knee. Now I am settled in and ready to go to sleep on my new mattress. It is so firm, quite the opposite of my squishy pillow topped one bought in 2004. This new set has a 10 year warranty and I hope it lasts that long, as I really don't like to spend money on such things as this! Good night, all!

He is risen, He is risen indeed!

Christos anesti!  Christ is risen! My neighbor, Gus, taught me to say this at Easter. I can say it to him now but it would be premature, as Greek Orthodox do not celebrate Easter for a week or so yet. Different calendar for them, I guess. Anyway, he taught me and I love it!

The day began with sunrise worship at 7:00 and I left with plenty of time to spare. I took my egg souffle which was baked last night along and the chocolate crosses for the kids at church. My souffle was placed in the oven to hold it until breakfast.The chairs were still being set up when I arrived so I went into the church to put the crosses in the mailboxes. When I came out, my friend, Maggie O. was coming up the sidewalk. Yay! She brought her sister, Mary, and friend, Shirley with her. A few years ago Maggie and her daughter had joined us for sunrise worship so she knew what to expect.  It was 'warm' out, low 70's and quite humid, didn't need our sweaters at all!

We had a baptism at the sunrise service and I was glad of it especially for our visitors. This young couple are our newest members having been confirmed and accepted into membership a couple of weeks ago. They waited to baptize their son until family could come down. 

Next we had Easter breakfast which was wonderful. My favorite was the sausage gravy and biscuits, made by Judy C. I sat with Maggie, Mary, and Shirley and had a wonderful visit. At one point, Shirley asked me who the lady was at the buffet line, she looked so familiar. When I told her, Shirley realized LuAnn was her cousin!!! They had a great reunion and spent the rest of the time catching up with each other. They hadn't seen one another since about 2001 or 02, at least it was in this century. Funny how that happens, living in the same town and all that.

Centerpieces made by the preschool kids and staff

I had to excuse myself from our visit to go rehearse with our little choir. We had grown from three ladies on Thursday to 8 people plus my goddaughter, Sarah. Adding a male voice, Paul's, was great, as he is a strong singer. I sang solo on the first stanza of "In Christ Alone", being nervous in rehearsal but sang more confidently in the service. I had given Terri the head's up that we were singing this hymn in the service because it is special to her, used in her dad's funeral. It helped calm me to sing out in her direction plus praying for courage. It worked, the solo and hymn went nicely. 

We had 30 non-members in worship for the Festival Service, not all of them first time visitors. I couldn't keep up with greeting everyone between the choir rehearsal and recording attendance. Before the procession of the cross, the choir sang "Were You There?" so I had to be in position about 5 minutes before the service. Busy busy morning!

Justin was not able to join us for worship, still feeling the effects of the flu. I texted him at one point and he was awake, reported that the sweats had stopped but he was still quite weak. This would certainly mean no Easter buffet for him, so it was only Nancy M. and Nancy W. with me at the table. We got royal treatment and enjoyed our meals. The other two ladies liked the accompaniments very much while I went to the carving stations to get prime rib and ham, plus a roll and mashed potatoes. I did have a giant carrot chunk but none of the other sides were really for me. Seafood is not my thing, but I certainly did not leave there hungry! For dessert I took a slice of French silk pie which I simply could not finish. The best part of the meal was the time with my friends and seeing so many people I knew, including my "fiance", Bob, and his family. 

Haley, our waitress, took this photo for us. In the background, beyond the man in the brown suit is Bob. Every time I talk with him he claims to be quitting The Club, but he keeps showing up! 

It was a busy and full day, in more ways than one, for me. Justin was starting to recover, but still felt feverish a bit, and weak. He found that having caffeine helped with his headache, and did eat some of the beef and broccoli I got him the night before. He would have none of the chicken and rice soup I ordered for him, though. He wanted egg drop soup but I figured the chicken soup was the way to go for a sick guy. No worries---I'll eat it!