The snow has finally stopped!

Saturday was a cold, wintery day here in WI, including blowing snow and grey skies. Almost too unbelievable to be true, but nevertheless, I had sharp flakes bombarding me between the shops and the car when shopping. Will it never end??

Judy J. let me know that my houseguests have left the condo and are heading back to MI. She washed the sheets and dried them on the clothesline, and then re-made the beds for me. Wow, that is a service I wasn’t expecting. I am just glad that someone could make use of my place while vacant, and didn’t mind running the stairs a couple times each day. She said her son did mention the stairs being rough on him, and he works out six times a week! Guess he has a football knee that bothers him periodically, aggravated by my stairs.

My sisters, Mom and I have had a good time: shopping, dining, and hanging out. Last night we celebrated Jill’s birthday by going to Sheboygan for dinner at the Highland House restaurant on the river. Lovely setting, and great company. Lisa had to work all day Saturday, getting the tax season out of the way for another year, and is looking forward to easing off her hours at the office. Of course, the boys were darling and ate a good supper for their parents. I gave them a fun ball that was sort of a balloon and sort of a playball with fringes, and it kept them busy wwaayy too late for them last night. Oops! Who knew?

Kerry was here this weekend and that was fun, too. Alayna, Kerry, and I watched “Under the Tuscan Sun” last night, and they loved it, except that Kerry fell asleep right at the end. She caught up with the ending this afternoon. We had a regular dormitory here on the weekends that I am here with Kerry, Alayna, and Mom—people sleeping all over the place. I leapt from bed this a.m. thinking it was Eastern time, got mixed up yet, and thought I had only 15 minutes to get dressed for church. What a relief to know I had an hour plus to get ready.

It was Good Shepherd Sunday and the school children treated us with a song on the tone chimes before worship began, and then the older grade school kids sang an anthem in front of church. Very nice, and so talented with those tone chimes! I found the director after church and complimented him on the work he does with the kids. No Good Shepherd Sunday is complete without singing “I Am Jesus’ Little Lamb” and no one in our row had a dry eye or could squeak out the verses. One of the funeral hymns again, a perfect message, but others have to sing it for us, for me at least. Jill said she sings it to her grandsons which is the most wonderful blessing she can give to them. Let them know that Jesus loves them, even calls them by their names!

Plans are yet being made for the rest of the week, as my time here winds down. I am seriously reconsidering venturing back to Lori’s and then driving back to MKE for my flight home. I just don’t know if time and such will allow. Once I hear from the Prange’s I’ll make a final decision on this trip.

This afternoon, after Lisa left with the boys, I went out to my father-in-law’s house to help go through some boxes and such in the basement. Not my most favorite place to be, as that basement only lets me think about mice, my top-most phobia, but I held up nicely, even though Harvey saw fit to tease me with curious looking boxes and such. The worst thing we found, I believe, was a barrel of corn cobs that Arno had put away to feed the squirrels. Oh, the potential for vermin was high! Fortunately nothing moved in the barrel and with some persuasion Arno agreed that the boys could take it out of the basement. He was reluctant, though, to throw it out. I can’t say for sure what happened to it once it left the basement, so don’t call me to testify in court!!!

Time to go rest and watch TV with Mom the balance of the evening. My back is tired from working over the makeshift table in the basement, and being tense with anxiety about perhaps seeing a mouse! What a big baby I am!

....and more steps yet!!!

Today is wash day at Grandma K’s house. I woke to the sound of thunder bouncing off the walls of my hometown. What crazy weather we’ve been having! Good thing I don’t hang my clothes on the wash line to dry because it might be late August before I’d get them back! Rain, slushy rain, cold temps, pale skies….yes, I can really see the appeal of living here! Like Seattle, only colder.

Mom’s laundry facility is on the second level of her apartment building, only about 8 or 9 steps up, but I am still hiking up and down stairs on this vacation. How funny is that? Lori’s house is a split-level so that was nothing but up and down, down and up to get anywhere. I can’t help but chuckle about this situation. Certainly I am better off being here than in Florida because of all the great folks and fun, other than the weather, that is.

Since Mom isn’t the only tenant in the building, we sort of take turns accessing the washing machines and dryers, a roll of the dice to find them not in use. I struck out on my first attempt this a.m., finding only one machine available, but when returning to move the clothes to the dryer, found two open for washing. Victory! Life’s small pleasures, right?

Yesterday morning, Mom took me to Perkins’s for potato pancakes and then we went off delivering service folders and other mailbox materials. Mom is on the committee at church that is reaching out to those seldom seen, making personal connection with folks by delivering the contents of their overloaded boxes. We were fortunate to find one person at home but had to leave the other two deliveries at their door, as no one was home. Mission accomplished, though, as all her deliveries were made!

The afternoon was spent with my dear friend, Linda, as we had a wonderful lunch at the Court House Pub just down from church. Tom, her hubby, joined us there but then had to return to work while the two of us went to her house to crop. I am working on a heritage album for my mother-in-law, Lucile, who died in August last year, and Linda just returned from a cruise so she has projects waiting for her as well. All of sudden we had to fly back up her steps from the craft room and off to Two Rivers for a manicure appointment she had! Again, more stairs..te, he, he! The lady who does the nails works from her basement salon so we had to climb down and then back up outdoor steps in the rain. I can’t help but chuckle about this, guys!

Once we got back to Linda’s house, we went back downstairs to work some more until Tom came home to bbq some brats and burgers—in the rain! Poor guy! Oh, what a delicious treat it was to have a home-cooked brat, and to be with my good friends while doing so! After supper we went down again to the craft room to “work”, making great strides in our projects. Linda complimented me by saying she was “influenced” by my pages, found them to be interesting and enlightening. It’s often helpful to work with someone else, have another person to bounce ideas off of and so on. We two did a lot of bouncing last night, let me tell you!

Warm friends, lasting embraces

This morning I woke up in the guest room of my dear friend, Judy's, home.  It was warm and snuggly under the covers on the futon, made up with a Company Store couch potato as the mattress pad.  Mmmmm, nice and comfy.  Judy set up a clock radio that I listened to while drifting off to sleep, to the sounds of NPR, because I didn't want to change the station and mess it up for her.  It was okay, soothing music, operatic in nature.  Judy has lived in the north all her life and finds 61 degrees to be quite comfortable for sleeping...ahem, ahem....So glad she made a nice warm nest for me to snuggle into for my "big nap", as Timmy used to call it. Peaceful rest was much appreciated after a fun day with Judy!

I arrived only a half hour late as I once again got turned around trying to find Winona...Judy was patiently waiting for me at the YMCA, and it was AWESOME to see her. I followed her back to their house where we chatted, looked at photos, just talked and talked in her sun room, with the fireplace going.  Bliss, absolute bliss!  She'd made an alpaca wrap which she put on me to help with the chills (it's only 40 here!).  Oh, what a fantastic day we spent, eating lunch at Benos and shopping in the attached gift shop. Earlier that morning I had dreamed about being in a glass shop and found myself livin' a dream as I purchased some lovely glass pieces at Magnolia's!  

Judy had some rather interesting news to share:  her son-in-law, Ben, has received a Call to serve as Principal/Teacher and Parish Music Leader at St. Johns, Two Rivers!  Of course, it's too soon to have their decision, and she knows they MUST accept that Call. It's perfect for them and all that, but hates the thought of putting three more hours between them, as they are presently only an hour apart.  It's everything they want, since they are close friends with the J. Hahm's at F. G. and have extended family already in the area. This would be ideal when I go to visit Mom and get to see Judy at the same time, if we plan properly!  Prayers are appreciated to help Ben,Trisha and the Holy Spirit make the right decision!

Judy had to go about her day today so I returned to Lori's this morning, finding only Lynn and the cats at home.  Lori was at work and Lynn saw me coming on the big road so was ready for me.  For some reason, I've been so sleepy today and the girls think its because of the weather being gloomy and dreary.  Good nap skies and temps!  We went to meet Lori for lunch at Features Restaurant, near Festival Foods.  Oh, it was yummy!  I had a cheeseburger and onion tangles followed by a slice of sour cream raisin pie.  Of course, I couldn't finish the sandwich or the pie, but Lori rescued the pie from being dumped in the garbage disposal!  Couldn't help but think of Fran, having sour cream pie!

From there we went to Lori's work to see her church and office, and meet some of her co-workers.  We had some good laughs as we met up with some of the gang that were on the bus trip this weekend.  She had some great resources in her office and I poured over a few things that looked interesting.  I am not above "borrowing" ideas from other churches to incorporate at my church, always harvesting new and fresh ideas to help extend the Kingdom!

I spoke with Julia today, calling her just as she was about to dial my number!  That is tooooo cool, love when that happens!  She was going to tell me that Mike, her spouse, dropped off my entry for the 3-D show at Village Gallery for me today, and since I hadn't named the piece, she did it for me.  She aptly called it "A New Day" which is appropriate since it's my first "relief" piece as well as it being done in acrylic.  I only hope I make the show, and not get juried out...I am braced in case that happens--gulp!  Julia also asked about Justin, wondering how he's getting along without his mama--a.k.a. "meal ticket"! He told me he's doing fine, helping himself to some goodies from the pantry, stuff I didn't even realize I had!  Recycling at its best!

I am missing my friends and church family, hoping all is going along nicely in my absence. Talked to Paul briefly on Sunday but didn't discuss the special meeting held to decide about our mortgage size and gather opinions about the color pallets for the building and classrooms.  Perhaps Sue was there to "influence" folks toward the color pallets we liked the best!  You know, folks, it's all about me!

  

 

   

On the road again....

Have you missed me?  I've been incommunicado for a couple days visiting my sister, Lori, across the state, with my other sister, Lynn.  We drove over on Friday morning, meeting Lori at the Blue Cup Cafe for, as they say in WI, "a little lunch".  For dinner we joined her son, Dustin, and his girlfriend, Hannah, at a lovely Italian restaurant. David came with us, too.  Yummmm!  

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Bright and early Saturday morning we were off to meet the bus which was taking a load of church ladies and their friends to Mini-apples for  The Jersey Boys show and shopping.  After the relatively short bus ride, about 2 1/2 hours, we dropped our luggage off at the hotel and proceeded to catch the light rail transit to visit the Mall of America.  We managed to figure out where we were going and arrived there safely. 

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Wow, what a place! It's a shopping/eating/playground/amusement park experience...and not for the weak or weary!  That place requires a great deal of walking and I was plenty worn out.  We did succeed in saving hundreds of dollars at CJ Banks where they offered additional 40% off.  I've added a few pieces to my wardrobe, but not too many as I have to be able to get them all back to Florida, right?

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We were there approximately 5 hours and needed to be back to the hotel, dressed, and ready to see the show by 8:00 p.m.  We did all that plus  got a chance to rest before heading out. Our sumptuous late lunch negated the need for dinner but we made up for it afterward with a couple small pizzas in the hotel bar. Just the right cap for the evening.  

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Now--about the show--as we stood in line to be scanned and admitted to the theater, we saw a sign indicating that this program contained "language typical of that used in New Jersey in that era, including profanity", and worse yet, "smoking would take place"...really? Profanity and smoking on the same sign?  I didn't like the sounds of that, not expecting to hear foul language in this venue, and yet, it's probably my fault for being so naive in my expectations.  But, that doesn't mean I had to like it or laugh about it!!!  Guess I haven't achieved that level of 'sophistication' yet....The music portion and the story as a whole was quite good, but the language was more than a little over the top and I didn't need to hear/see it.  You've been warned now, folks, if it comes to our area, I am not putting together a group to go see it!  Once was great plenty!

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All the ladies were quite nice, each sharing their stories of sales and purchases with some glee.  One of the highlights for me was finding the Archivers Store, a virtual wonderland of scrap book supplies and equipment.  In this case, there was too much choice so I only took several 12 x 12's and some adhesive to use next week at Linda's when we work on our albums together.  At Barnes and  Noble , I replaced the book I'd left at home, "A Year in the World" so I can finish that and start something else.  I've never read or seen "Pride and Prejudice" and Judy's told me how much she loves the story, so I have to see what the fuss is all about.  And  I'm so 'cited because I am seeing her tomorrow!

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An e-mail came for me reporting progress on the elevator replacement is coming right along and should be completed by the expected date of April 17th. Perfect timing for my return!  Yippee!  The same e-mail reported an increase in the condo dues so all the news was not welcome!

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Much joy is in my heart as I have some "tenants" staying at my personal "Days Inn"--Judy J.'s son and daughter-in-law are making use of my vacant quarters while they are in town.  Her house overflows with guests and mine is the perfect place for them to lay their heads.  Justin reports that he has finally gotten a haircut (do I hear a raising of thanks to God for this??) and looks quite different now.  He is still getting used to it himself and I can't wait to see him when I get home!  Hope that I recognize him!  

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Good Friend, Well Met

Finally, I got to catch up with my friend, Dolly! We’ve been friends since grade school, when she came to F. G. in 4th grade, driving all the way from Mishicot every morning. One of her neighbors worked at the Court House kitty corner from the school and that’s how her brother and she got to school every day. A few years later her folks transferred them to Emmanual but we remained in touch. As she recalls it, during the summer we stayed at each other’s houses alternate weekends, including some time spent at their cottage at Little Sturgeon in Door County. Excellent memories, excellent!

Of course, we remained friends through high school, culminated by singing together for our Senior Class Night presentation. Dolly played the guitar and we sang “Take Me Home, Country Road”. We’d often talked about moving to San Francisco and opening a craft shop, but my sister, Lori, sort of pointed out that we’d need a whole lot of inventory to sell in our shop…talk about raining on our parade! Good thing she did, too, or we’d have really messed up!

After getting married and me moving to Milwaukee, we sort of drifted apart but talked on the phone occasionally and saw each other at class reunions and such. Since moving to Florida, I think I’ve seen her more than I did when we lived up here! Again, that not seeing what’s under your nose….I have a photo taken at her house when Timmy was about 2 ½ years old, and he’s attempting to pedal her exercise bike in the breezeway. Justin was born one day after Dolly’s daughter, Kristin, and they had a chance to meet up with each other a couple years ago at WELS Youth Rally in CO. That is so cool, and I’d hoped for a second generation of friendship, but it was not to be. Too different and too far apart, unfortunately.

What was such a blessing for our friendship was having Dolly call me last summer when I was in Alaska on the cruise ship, to tell me she heard “our song” on the radio and was simply compelled to call! We used to lie on the roof of the utility shed in her backyard, with a radio and Teen Magazine, and sing along to the radio. Our favorite was “Those Were the Days”, which is what forced her to dial my number (or, push my number, as the case might be!). Whenever we talked or saw each other, no matter how much time had passed, we never missed a beat. I love that!

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Her niece is serving with the Friends of China and became my source for information which was used by our Sunday school kids’ mission project for the first half of the year. Again, that 'small Synod, small world' thing!

We had lunch together at Luigi’s in ‘TRivers and then went shopping at Honey Pot. I found some beautiful glass pieces there, and will have them ship it to my home for me, in a couple weeks. I sure don’t want a box to arrive and me not be there to secure it. Honey Pot is owned by another schoolmate of ours MLHS and I love being able to aid her business, plus add to my glass collection at the same time!

Next week when I come back from Lori’s I’m going to take a DVD copy of “Under the Tuscan Sky” to Dolly’s, plus some pretzels and honey mustard dip so I can take her on a vacation without having to leave the house! She has no desire at all to travel, doesn’t have that gene, I guess, so by us watching and sharing “Tuscan Sun” it might be as close to Italy as she’ll ever get! We saw those good chips at Honey Pot but I’ll have to search for the dip….I used to get it at Cook’s Corner but they are no more, so……………………

A full day spent with a dear friend, that’s another reason I am here!

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p.s. My poor sister, Kerry, has been sick for over a week with this horrendous cough that comes all the way up from her feet. Monday she coughed so hard that she felt something go "pop!" inside, by the belly button and start to hurt. She told her co-workers what happened they guessed right--she has a hernia from coughing!!! Now she needs to see a surgeon and figure out when to have it repaired, hopefully NOT under emergency conditions, if it becomes constricted or strangulated. I wish I could be here when she has the procedure, to help take care of her, but anticipate the surgery won't take place until after I'm gone. What next?????

All Those Stairs!

This is so funny—the major purpose for my visit to WI is to avoid having to climb the stairs a couple times each day while the elevator in my building is being re-done...and, yet, I’ve been down and up the stairs at church several times now since I arrived. Somehow, it’s not the same as my house, because I am going down there for Bible studies!

Sunday, we went down and then back up, and again yesterday. Let’s see though, what did we do on Monday? Hmm, I know! We ate supper at home, and I made it! For our ladies’ dinner in March I’d made the most wonderful concoction of cabbage, carrots and corned beef for which even Justin paid a compliment. I made it again here and Lynn came over to have some. The rest is in the fridge and Jill is going to eat what's left of it. Mom and I had gone to Wal-Mart to bum around and then over to the newly re-opened Penguin Restaurant for a late lunch.

I don’t remember what we did that night but just know it didn’t require putting on our shoes and coats…probably involved something on TV, which is fine. I’d replaced my reading material at Wal-Mart so had a new book to dive into after Lynn went home. When leaving for the airport on Thursday, I accidentally left my Francis Mayes’ “A Year In the World” in my car! Nuts!! Linda gave me a neat book to read, “Dinner with a Perfect Stranger: An Invitation Worth Considering” which I managed to get through in a couple days. I won’t give away the story, you’ll have to read it yourself! It is highly recommended to read this short “course” of study….

Tuesday was an awesome morning spent in the Word, as Kathy Wedlund led the Women’s Bible study at F. G. She comes from Mishicot to lead this group, studying now Genesis. We didn’t make a whole lot of progress in the lesson however, as some of the ladies had questions regarding the previous weeks’ discussion of angels and Satan. It was an excellent give ‘n take session, just the way I like it! Even I got to throw in my two cents’ worth, probably to my mother’s dismay! That class was over in the blink of an eye. Afterwards I mentioned to Kathy about attending the Women’s Leadership Conference last summer and then going on a cruise with a relative of hers, James Humann, and that group. She commented that Vicki Humann reminds her of Vicki’s mother, who would have been Kathy’s aunt, and another lady told Kathy she is a picture of HER mother. Funny how that happens!

Mom and I went back home for lunch after which we were going to go deliver church bulletins but somehow never got back out. Mid-afternoon I reminded Mom about voting so off we went to cast her ballot and then go shopping at Shop-Ko. Love that store! I managed to find a new purse there, something I’d sort of been looking for but had to be just right. And, strangely enough, it was on the sale shelf! It will get me by until I can replace it with something really special, perhaps in Florence if I go back again! Mom and I went to Jill’s ice cream parlor to have a treat before heading back home. I couldn’t finish mine so took it home for a midnight snack. This parlor has a giant cow standing out front, can’t miss it!

For supper I made spaghetti with meat sauce which was good but really needed some cheese. Mom picked some up this morning on her way back from having blood drawn. She ran into Jill at the store, how fun is that?? We ate at home two nights in a row!

This afternoon I am going to meet my friend, Dolly, in Two Rivers and I am so ‘cited!!!! We are going to have lunch and go to the Honey Pot to look at pretty things and spend some good time together. Awesome! That shop is owned and operated by a young lady we went to high school with so it’s a pleasure to do business there in many ways. Such unique gift items….if you’ve been to my house, you’ll see several pieces that came from the Honey Pot gracing my shelves!
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Last night I had a great chat with Justin as he caught me up what’s going on in his life….love that chatting ability on-line…almost like being there! Another thing that has kept me entertained was watching “The Godfather” marathon on the AMC station over the weekend. “…you’re my brother and I love you—but don’t ever take sides against the family again, ever!!!” That is always good advice!

“It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas…”

…it really does feel like that to me, anyway! The thermometer might read +40° but it feels much, much colder, especially when the wind blows. My poor hands are just freezing and in need of some soothing lotion.

Regardless of the temps, the time spent here is good and already going by too quickly. Saturday began with driving out to Cleveland to meet Lynn for breakfast. The restaurant is located in an apple orchard and serves nothing but fresh-made foods. As often happens, I met someone I knew, this time a woman named Cheryl who was two years ahead of me in high school. Her first time there, and its right down the road! That often happens, can’t see it right under your nose!

On the way out to Cleveland, I managed to get a photo of syrup buckets hanging from trees near the road. Not the shiny gallon metal buckets you’d imagine, but the 5 gallon white plastic kind. Probably more efficient this way, but by far, less romantic a picture.

Buckets hanging on the trees

Jill and I decided to go to Copp’s after breakfast which turned out to be big fun. As I found a place to park at this very busy grocery store, I mentioned needing to visit Auntie Marie this time, as my last trip here she was gone to the cottage with Barb and Jim.

Copp’s is obliviously Jill’s turf as she knew so many people there, some with whom she’d worked at Sentry and others from her neighborhood or the ice cream parlor. It was just like when I go shopping in my town, always run into somebody I know! We got the good cookies, found my popcorn, another 24 cans of diet Coke, and my wonderful natural-casing hot dogs. Jill got some needed food items and we headed to the checkout.

While waiting there, I greeted the bagger at the next register, Betty, who has worked there for years, and is the mom of a friend from my youth. All of sudden, Jill spotted someone pulling into line behind us---Auntie Marie! WOW, it was so cool to see her and she was blown away finding us there. Her son, Jon, was coming to pick her up from the store so we got to say “hi” to him as well. I just love it when this type of thing happens!!!

For dinner we met Lisa and her family at Timeout and I gave the boys their cute M & M backpack/rolling suitcases puchased in New York, which they adored. Gabe was still feeling a bit poorly but it was so fun to watch Manny chow down on cheese curds and mac ‘n cheese. He is just the cutest little guy! Eats like a thrasher! Gabe did manage to eat some of his food and perked up a bit when they got here to Mom’s. He wanted to play a game of hide ‘n seek, which isn’t too easy to do in Grandma K’s little apartment.

Manny eating his dinner (it's a dark photo because of my camera phone)

This morning, of course, was worship at First German, followed by Bible study in the Heritage Hall downstairs. I love that room, it’s like a museum, features the history of our congregation up to the present. Neat! It was wonderful to see Pastor Hahm and we hugged each other. I told him how much his singing edified Mom’s and the others’ worship and he thanked me and God for allowing him to do it. He sang on Good Friday, accompanying himself on the guitar, joined in voice by his wife and cousin. I understand it was quite lovely.

It was also good to see and greet the many members of FG, those I remember and who remember me. Linda and Tom are gone on a cruise with their son and daughter-in-law so didn’t get to see them today, but will get back in touch after my weekend to the Cities. Lynn, Alayna, Mom and I had a late breakfast at Warren’s Restaurant, a hangout from my grade school days, and it dates older yet than that! As Justin text-messaged me, “You can’t beat a dirty griddle”, which is what I say about the good food at Koko’s!

He sent a couple messages while we waited for our food, one concerning seeing our former Pastor, Richard Hennig, at Victory this a.m. He is the man who baptized Timmy in 1996, and for whom we built the parsonage in 1991. Well, we were building it anyway, they were just the first occupants. Justin said he had to re-introduce himself to pastor because Justin looks quite different now: big, tall, and quite hairy!

This afternoon I brought Subway sandwiches and soup to my father-in-law, Arno and my niece, Allie, giving John and Mona a needed break. They went down the road to have lunch and then to Copp’s (must be THE place to go!). Not much of a break, but a break nonetheless. Arno and I had a nice visit while they were gone with Allie keeping busy shooting baskets (in this cold weather??) and bathing her dog. She modeled a lovely black dress she’s wearing for an end-of-year party—my, what a young lady she’s become! I just love her!

While at Arno's, I got a phone call from the music director at Victory, where Justin worships. Rachel was calling to ask me to sing for a pastor's conference at their church next month but I had to explain I'd be up here at that time. Nuts! I thanked her deeply for the offer, however. She complimented me on what a good son I have, that she can hear him singing in church, and how he's faithful in his attendance. Aw, shucks.....

Mom and I enjoyed some of the wonderful hot dogs for supper, on fresh hard roll buns…..yum! Life is so good! We hope to have a better night’s sleep tonight, the tenants upstairs being quite disruptive last night, making it hard to sleep. I hope that I’m never that noisy to my downstairs neighbors. I have even suspended practicing my clogging practice at nine p.m………………….