Filled with anticipation!

Oh, I know I shouldn't be sitting here at the keyboard when it's nearly time to pick up Linda from the airport, but felt compelled to jot a few lines this a.m. I was quite concerned that she wouldn't be able to fly out of Green Bay since the area was clobbered again with another thick blanket of snow--more like a quilt or comforter of snow. If you read my "Comments", you'll see my nephew reporting as much as 20-24" of snow clogging the roads, leaving folks stranded along the freeways. And while they are going through all that, I am enjoying an overcast sky and watching a blue heron fishing in the water below my window. What can I say? Sometimes we have hurricanes blow through here turning our worlds upside down, so it all evens out. You know it's bad when Jill looks forward to mowing the lawn!!!!

Here is a view on my building from the sky! I am on the 3rd floor, to the left of the awnings, with the palm tree in front of the windows.....if you look really close, you can see the heron in the water-----not!

What a fun day it turned out to be!

You know how much I enjoy playing with color and such, but some of my readers can more easily make out the darker lettering against the white background; hence, the less flamboyant inks...

What started out a rather subdued, ordinary day turned into quite the interesting one for me. Earlier this a.m. I couldn't see much further than the breakwater as the fog was terribly dense. By mid-morning, the fog was burned off when the sun broke through, warming my neck and shoulders. Not that I really needed it (what am I saying????) as the temperatures rose toward the low 80's today--outdoors. It wasn't all that warm indoors so my little heater kept me comfortable. It probably wasn't warmer than the low-70's in the house, which for me is just a tad chilly. Oh, just give me a break, will you?

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Much of my computer time was spent researching air fares and hotels for the trip to NYC with Justin. I found many options to choose from-- this air fare, that hotel room--but just couldn't get myself to commit to the package. Ever since I stayed at The Paramount last summer, I find myself a bit gun-shy about any hotels, sight unseen. That particular room was positively minuscule, laughably so. But, I've had quite enough laughs about NYC hotel rooms and wish to avoid a repeat of that experience!

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Enough about the surfing and research....this afternoon I got a call from a gentleman who Justin refers to as my "Turkish friend". Saban had been here last fall to move Justin's furniture (he owns a moving company, having relocated my household more than a dozen times!) and grimaced at the site of a Greek flag being displayed. He lamented there was no Turkish "Ay Yıldız" as prominently displayed in my home. I explained that I hadn't found a flag when in Turkey last summer, so Saban insisted he was going to get me one. Couldn't stand the thought of my having only "that" flag in my home! Sure enough, he called to find out if I was home so he could deliver my long awaited Turkish flag.

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We chatted a nice while as he filled me in on the travails of having a house built. Seems he has a bit of trouble with the contractor, and can't get anyone to help him handle the situation. Perhaps just talking about it helped but that would be a bit optomistic. He'd called me awhile back to come look at his property but it never worked out. So, anyway, now I have my very own, hand delivered "ay yidiz" to go with my Greek flag!

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The evening was topped off by a wonderful celebration with our "family" at the Olive Garden for Robbie's 21st birthday. It was such an honor for us to be included for his special occasion, with his siblings, aunts, uncles and grandpa. Robbie's girlfriend is a maniacal "Phantom of the Opera" fan, like someone else in this room...what fun to compare notes on the Broadway show vs. the movie, our favorite songs, our collection of memorabalia. Great fun! We had a private room in the restaurant with our own wait staff, one of whom recognized me from a different restaurant where she used to work. How funny! Twila, Jean, Judy, and I had lunch after church one day and this young lady took care of us there. How in the world did she remember me?????

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Today I was able to order the movie "Across the Universe" for my Justin. We enjoyed it at the theater, Justin twice, and both loved it, already owning the soundtrack. One of the reasons he thought I'd like this movie is because of the Janis-style character, complete with a replica of her Porsche! He cautioned me going in about a certain scene that would affect me as he admitted it had him........and he was correct. I just buried my face in his shoulder to sob and then when it was over, could watch again.

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Well, I'm tired and ready for bed so will wish all my readers a good night. I will give thanks, however, before sleep, for the blessings I have in my life, not the least of which are dear, thoughtful friends and my precious boy!

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"Good night, Seattle, we love you!" (a little Frasier-lingo....)

A remembrance and later, a party

It's Super Bowl Sunday! Sadly, we won't be watching the Packers pummel the Patriots but the party goes on anyway. Hopefully my house will be shoulder to shoulder with the church family here to enjoy a snack, share some laughs, and even watch a bit of football!

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Justin is picking up my special-ordered cake from my friend in Mandarin, on his way over here. It's the same flavor cake that was given me for my birthday by the scrap booking ladies, and this is the perfect excuse to enjoy another of Dena's wonderful creations.

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I've met and made so many friends through scrap booking, even a cake maker!! Cindy recently re-started her crops and card-making events which is great for helping us to catch up with each other again. Really miss seeing some of the ladies that came over from Mandarin.

This is the cake the ladies got me for my birthday in December

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Since Justin and I worshiped and communed at Victory last night, I only stayed at church long enough this morning to record attendance. I'd pretty much decided this before leaving for Bible study, but was sure of it once I saw that our closing hymn was "I'm But A Stranger Here". Those who were there remember how beautifully Pete Prange sang this hymn, every stanza, at Timmy's gravesite. The words, the melody, the remembrance........

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Lisa included the verses of this hymn on the back of the gorgeous cross-stitching work she made for me a couple years ago. The picture is an image of Jesus holding a young, mop-haired child in His arms, with a white dove framing them. The project was truly one of great love, and when finished Lisa announced, "I don't care if I ever see blue thread again!" She presented this work to me when visiting Florida. The first wrapped package she handed me was a box of tissues.....a pretty good sign that something was going to move me! Then I unwrapped the framed needlework and had to grab for the first box. I realize how difficult yet healing it was for her to stitch that for me, then to have her include: "I'm but a stranger here, heaven is my home"----

Stanza three talks about someday being at our Savior's side where we'll be glorified; there, with the good and blessed we'll again see our loved ones who've gone ahead of us, and find rest. Yes, heaven is my home!

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The river is nice and clear today, I find myself searching the water for signs of stingrays. It might be too cold for them yet but I see a turtle sunning himself on a rock by the breakwater. There seems to be lots of boat traffic today, some of which appear to be fishing and others just cruising along. A large bird is swooping about rather high, but I can't tell if it's an eagle or an osprey. Someone with a better trained eye than mine would certainly know the difference, but I don't. Maybe if it landed on my railing I could tell........

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We had dinner with Linda and Frieda last night after church at The Times Grille on Baymeadows. We introduced them to fried dill pickles which they found "interesting". The rest came home with me, although I can't say they'll re-heat nicely. Frieda just can't believe Mom didn't come down this year, telling me how terribly cold it is for her in MN. She said she likes the hamburgers at Wendy's but it's been so cold walking over there. As Linda says, you can't tell these ladies much!

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Well, it's time to start getting some things ready for the party. David says that the Patriot fans are better customers for promotional items for their team so "GO PATS!"......

A laughing day, sort of.....

I just plucked my cat from the chandelier--she leapt up there when I burst out laughing at an episode of "Frasier". Lynx is so skittish, at the slightest movement or outburst of laughter, zoom!, off she goes. That's almost as comical as the program itself! She then looks back at me as if to ask, "Must you?!?" Often I'll tell folks that I love not having to answer to anyone in my life except the Lord, but should perhaps amend that to include my wide-eyed cat.

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Last night after dinner at Koko's, Justin and I picked up the new Sarah CD. We each have a copy, mine spinning as I write. In my opinion, and, I may be spoiled, it's too "pop", with only half the songs sung, "in a foreign tongue", (a little "Phantom" lingo there) which is my preference. I don't need to know what she is singing about, simply enjoy the lilt of Italian in her voice like "butta".
It's not spoiling really, it's simply personal taste. Three of the tunes are duets with Italian or Mexican gentleman, plus the one which she's lowered herself to sing, in English, with some guy from the "old" group of KISS, believe it if you will, for the next "Pokemon" movie!!!! The end of civilization as I know it!

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It's difficult to consider the name "Pokemon" without remembering the time our neighbors on Misty Lake Drive ended up taking a van load of kids to see the long-awaited Pokemon movie. The plan was for Lynn to have the 'hard duty' of taking the kids, but was suddenly called into work (her good luck!). Therefore, Dan ended up with the job, escorting about 8 children, including my two boys. Their foreign exchange student, Philipe, studying aerospace engineering, also found himself sitting in a theater surrounded by a zillion enthralled kids, who were absolutely riveted to the movie!

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After Dan brought the brood home, Philipe announced in his inimitable English/French fashion, "That was the stupidest movie I've ever seen." No exclamation needed, it was as flat a statement as one could make. Nearly brought me to tears, both of appreciation AND amusement. What a picture that had to be--these two men herding the kidlings into the theater, getting the snacks, and then watching them watch the movie. If the walls had crashed down around them, not one would have noticed. Wonder if "Pokemon" won any Awards that year???

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We used to have so much fun with Dan, Lynn and family, being very close neighbors, in more than one way. Our yards abutted, nearly our driveway approaches, we liked each other and our kids enjoyed playing together. Lovely! Not many folks can say this anymore. Dan can be credited, I don't know how appropriately, with introducing me to the "fruit of the vine" or blender, as the case might be. He'd host periodic game nights for the neighbors, whip up something frothy in his blender, and we'd play games like "Catch Phrase". Even my mom got involved in that one!

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It wasn't very long after the famous movie outing that we moved away from Waterford, while waiting for our house in The Preserve to be completed. We stayed in contact with our dear friends, however, as would be expected. In fact, the first Saturday in our new home, their family was invited for one of our famous pancake breakfasts.

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Timmy was excited to help dress the table for our friends and proudly placed a package of individually wrapped snacks at each seat (not a menu item, rather, a lunchbox item). When Dan came in, Timmy went immediately to the fridge and grabbed a can of beer for him. I didn't see this happening but Dan came to me and declared, "Well, Tim's got me fixed up!" Such a good laugh that was. You can't explain to a five year old why beer is not for breakfast, but Timmy was simply being an excellent host! Dan loved to grab Timmy and toss him in the air, or flip him around upside down, just to make him laugh. Dan loved to play with Timmy, and Timmy loved being tossed about like a rag doll!

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Less than a month later, Dan was one of the six men that carried Timmy's coffin...........

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Sorry, time to go, I'm not laughing any longer.

Rekindling friendships

What an awesome day today! No lingering under the covers watching the news this morning, as I had places to go and people to meet--or meet again!

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The Friday Musicale program to which Christine introduced me was featuring a harpiscord concert at 11:00 a.m. This was a bit earlier than the previous recital and since I sort of found the music hall by mistake, thought I'd better leave enough time to find it on purpose this time. Jen would like to have gone but wasn't sure we'd be out in time for her to collect Memrie from school. Martie was going to visit our friend, Chris, who had knee surgery, so I was on my own. Never even thought to call Christine about it, just found myself on a mission!

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Proudly I arrived in the parking lot of the Musicale early enough, allowing time to put the finishing touches on my face. Another layer here, another scoop of foundation there---voilà, a masterpiece, bound to crack at the slightest provocation. Walking up to the Hall, a couple ladies complimented me on my outfit which consisted of the lovely ruby blouse from Mom, red shoes, red purse, red sweater on the arm, and blue jeans. So what?!? The lady minding the door welcomed me as 'the Valentine', which was very nice. She said she liked my red shoes, saying, "you can't have enough of those". Seems as though I told Mom that a time or two. She chuckled when I told her that even my car is red!

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While waiting in the parking lot I'd noticed a woman getting out of a car with something on her head and I couldn't quite make out if it was a hat or hair. It turns out she was right in front of me in the doorway to the Hall, when it occurred to me who this was---my author friend from the First Coast Writer's Conference several years ago! Wearing a hat is her trademark, so I should have recognized her. DH wrote the book "The Osceola Community Club", and was a speaker at the Conference in 2004. Christine and I had spent some time with her between seminars, finding DH absolutely delightful.

Here is a photo taken at the Writer's Conference, 2004 (that's me on the right)
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When Mom and Lynn were here visiting that year, we attended her book signing event at Barnes and Noble. I'd previously purchased two editions, one for me and one for Lynn, both personally autographed. DH was serving cookies which were made using a recipe featured in her book and was again, delightful. Justin was with us that day, as well, and we went to the marble slab creamery for a treat afterward. First meeting DH, then cookies, then ice cream....a perfect day.

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Later that year DH had a publishing party at her home where guests were served hot dogs, moon pies, root beer and so on, a sort of sock-hop theme. It was great fun, and as many people as could gathered 'round their backyard pool and in the house. I considered it a privilege to be included in this bash, met many wonderful folks, and have a lasting memory of the night, including having her husband, Wally, sing some of his Classics IV hits for us.

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When Justin and I moved into our house on the lake in 2004, DH was invited to the housewarming party but had to decline. Instead she sent a lovely gift, a tea pot that housed a kitchen timer in its base. And she followed up with a phone call to find out how the party went. Of course I told her it paled next to her publishing party, and she encouraged me that MY publishing party would be just as grand!

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Back in the Hall, I chose a seat directly behind DH and Ginger, who was later introduced to me as her editor. Cool! I tapped DH on the shoulder and was about to re-introduce myself when she turned and said, "Oh, Kim! How nice to see you again!" She introduced me to Ginger as being a writer, gulp! (Now I'd better get going, huh?). And then DH asked about Justin, which simply blew me away. He is evidently a memorable young man, which pleases me.

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It was great to re-connect, and after an interesting chat, I let them enjoy the wonderful harpsicord presentation. Following the concert, I slipped DH a piece of paper on which I'd written my blogsite info, at her request, if you please. I did title it "shameless self-promotion" and she admitted being the queen of that herself. Ginger asked her to forward the information so she "can read what she writes". Another gulp!

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And, upon leaving the Hall I realized that Jen would have gotten out in plenty of time to collect Memrie, even allowing enough time to grab a bite somewhere. Now we'll know for upcoming concerts. I've made a sign-up sheet for the next presentation on the 15th, in case anyone from church would be interested in coming along. We are always looking for activities to do in the light of day when folks can see for driving purposes. And it being a "free" event doesn't hurt one bit, either.

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In 2004, DH wrote in my edition of her book--"write uniquely"! I pray I am up to it!!!!!

Breaking into the "emergency" boxes....

Mmmm....just got home from having my therapeutic massage, feeling and smelling awesome. Carol uses whatever scent of oil the client wants, and I pick patchouli. It reminds of when I was a girl using that oil as my perfume. She put in on my clavicles so that I can smell it all day. Ahhh, Carol really helps aches and pains to go away, or at least at ease for awhile. Dee is the one who introduced me to her, so I'd better include both those ladies in my Will---what the heck, I'll even add Julia since she's the first one I knew who went to Carol!

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It was such a blessing when Dee got me an appointment for a massage when I was suffering from sciatica back in October. Carol knew just how to manipulate my arms and legs in order to ease the searing pain. I could actually walk when I got done with my first treatment, and made appointments to return for more. She uses a procedure called "orthobionomy" which really did the trick for me. Anyone who has a hitch in their get-along should really seek out a massage therapist who uses this technique. In Orange Park, Carol is located at Salon 2000, Fleming Island. Tell her Kim sent you!

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Okay, so what about the "emergency boxes"? I will tell......(my best European accent..) You know how there are fire extinguishers in metal boxes with glass doors and a little hammer attached? There is a sign that says "In case of emergency, break the glass to get the extingisher out" or something like that. For my birthday, I received from Dee and Julia a pyramid of 7 hexigon-shaped boxes, secured largest to smallest with a lovely ribbon. Each box contains a different, delicious treat of some sort, from peppermint candies to Ghirardelli dark chocolate with caramel filling. Need I say more? I broke into the boxes today (after exercising amazing restraint!) and removed a piece or two of the contents to enjoy as I write. Don't wish to make a habit of that, wanting to keep the special treat boxes "in case of emergency". No hammer required. What an awesome day so far----massage and chocolate!

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I am sad that my family is having such a rough winter this season. Yesterday the western shore peoples were house-bound due to snow drifts and icy roads. Mom assured me she had sufficient supplies so she wouldn't starve. Maybe she'll rethink this "not traveling anymore" mindset, given the fact that the winter is quite harsh thus far. Just the day before, my friend, Judy in Winona, MN, reported that the schools were closed due to weather, which probably means that Lori and family had a snowday as well. The Mississippi River peoples got clobbered on Tuesday and the Lake Michiganders the next day.

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Sometimes I think I might be Greek! Pastor was reading a Scripture passage the other day, and it was one long sentence. When finished, Pastor remarked that this a characteristic of Greek writing, the run-on sentence structure. According to Gus in 'My Big, Fat Greek Wedding', everything is Greek or comes from the Greek, including run-on sentences!

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Jen and I really enjoyed the opera last night, much more than I would have expected. Subtitles! On a screen across the top of the curtain, the words were translated into English for us non-Italian listeners. This was a first for me, and certainly garnered more story having the subtitles (can they be 'sub' if they are overhead??) for us to follow along.

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Oops, got a bit carried away with this today so will let you guys go. And gals, too. A quick rundown of the rest of the week includes Art Guild meeting this evening, a harpsicord recital downtown tomorrow, worship Sunday, and Super Bowl party later that day. Monday is my first day with a new art teacher, Bob, who is going to try his hand with teaching someone who is un-trainable!

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Please have a wonderful afternoon and don't forget to write! Break into your emergency boxes and live it up!

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p.s. I forgot to tell you about something: when doing massage Carol commented about my "happy hips" and "happy lymphs". I chuckled when she said that and told her I was going to write about it...so, say hello to Happy Hips!

The music of the night

Jennifer called me the other day to tell me about a sign along the road to her parent's house. I'd seen it myself when going there for Memrie's birthday-----Convert Your Vinyls to CD's--now isn't that a wonderful service to offer the world? Must be the latest in the "work from home" gambit. As I discussed with Jen, my albums, though I'd love to hear them again, are in such wretched condition that not even the finest machinery would be able to capture the sound faithfully. I got so accustomed to hearing the music with skips and scratches, it's possible I wouldn't even like the "new" version!

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That conversation is what got me thinking about the music from the "old days", the songs I listened to when getting dressed for school, carried with me in my back pack (trend setter in the early 70's!!), and sang me to sleep at night. Who knows? If there had been iPods when I was a girl, I'd be more brain dead than I am now. But, in those days, people had to actually speak to each other, using words rather than symbols.

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If you've read the Profile about me, you'll see where my musical tastes presently lie. My desire these days is to keep my soul in a happy place, to feel joy in my heart. Oh, I don't care how it sounds to you...so, I'm a drip! With modern technology (or would it be electronics?) my car boasts six slots for playing cd's, and moves between discs without my coaxing. My steering wheel holds buttons and switches that allow me to skip the songs I don't wish to hear and crank up the ones that rattle the windows. That Sarah Brightman sure loves her bass!!!

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Without much climbing around, Joni's Blue was located in the family room cabinet and now stored in my computer's iTunes library. It's playing as I write and am surprised that I'm not typing the lyrics instead of these words. How come I remember them as clearly as ever, yet still stumble around on "The Phantom" sound track? It's heck to get old. I need to add some more gigs or "erase" some things from my brain's memory banks, to make room for the music of the night. "Turn this crazy bird around, shouldn't have gone on this flight tonight"........

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What's funny, to me at least, is that the first five slots in CD player are dedicated to Sarah and Andrea, soul soothing, inspirational tunes. But Number Six is special--"Cheap Thrills" circa 1968 gets played when the mood is right. Janis is unleashed and bounces about the walls of my car as I drive down memory lane. What were other kids my age listening to in 1968? Perhaps you guys remember the music back in the day.....

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Lori and I liked folk music, which is how I grew to love Joni, Judy, Joan, Bob Dylan, and Buffy St. Marie. Her college friend, Bonnie, played the guitar and we all sang "House of the Rising Sun" around the campfire. It seems like it was every weekend during the summer, but again, that memory of mine might be playing games with me. Lori and I used to sing a song by Judy Collins about whale boats and Greenland--"no more, no more Greenland for you, brave boys."

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Our combined collection included Simon and Garfunkel, The Allman Brothers, Steppenwolf, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Black Sabboth (yes, I used to listen to Black Sabbath!), Pink Floyd (Umma Gumma)---we were all over the place in our tastes. Lynn was more the collector of the pop music, and she did love her Elvis! If I'm not mistaken, I believe she listens to "Oldies" music to this day. Must hold some wonderful memories for her as well.

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David, my brother-in-law, told me that it's wiser to purchase re-mixed, or whatever they are called, CD's rather than attempt to record the old vinyls. This is good advice and have done that on several occasions. Justin told me about the newest release from Sarah, came out yesterday, and we went back and forth about the best way to "purchase" it. Who knew there'd be so many avenues for obtaining this music? Oh, you did? Silly me!

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Time to get ready to go pick up Jen as we are heading to the opera this evening. Tonight, it's Tosca, at the Times-Union Center. We have to leave plenty of driving time and hope to get a spot in the handicapped area if we get there early enough. We have seating in the handicap area which should be comfortable for both of us. Can't think about the opera without remembering "Pretty Woman" when she goes to the opera for the first time, and tells the old lady next to her that she loved it so much, she nearly wet her pants! I pray that doesn't happen to either of us tonight!

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Have a pleasant evening everyone!