A few photos from my trips

Pete Prange and Baby Grace sitting on sofa in Morton Grove, IL

Dustin and Lori Schipper, my Holmen, WI sister and son, having morning coffee

This would be me, standing with "Starry Night". Taken withut a flash, which makes me quite yellow!

Manny and Gabe sitting on a chair at Mom's house in Manitowoc

Lori on the bus as we prepare for our trip to the Twin Cities (love that jacket!!!)

My Justin's "before" picture.....

My Justin's "after" picture... taken with camera phone, light from window gives him "holy" appearance!

I am ruined, ruined this morning....

...and it's my own doing. I knew it was going to be this way but I did nothing to prevent it!

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It all started last evening, first attending "Bible Bites" class at 6:30 pm, seeing some folks again after several weeks of being away, which is lovely, of course. That flowed immediately into choir rehearsal, which I've missed greatly. We had a couple songs to practice, one for this Sunday, a rousing rendition of The Doxology including viola and piano refrains. Very nice, and not too difficult with only one rehearsal for me.

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But, then, pulling out the next piece, which we are singing Mother's Day with the preschool and Sunday school children--brace yourselves--"I Am Jesus' Little Lamb"!!! All I could say was, "You're killing me here, killing me!" I can imagine that some of you may released an audible "oh, no!" or something when you read that, knowing that we just sang that song at First German on Good Shepherd Sunday, when all in our pew wept. Can you believe it? First, "Jerusalem, the Golden", and now this! The first time through, we were sitting, and Kristi was in front of me. I just sort of lost it when singing the lines "and when my short life is ended...." and she reached back and held my hand. Our newest member, Kathy B., must think I'm a loon, boo hooing all the time....

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It got better the second time through, with that last verse, which is particularly touching to me, sung with the congregation. No one will even notice if I drop out. That is our finale for the season, and what a finish!

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The hymns we chose for Timmy's funeral were important, certainly not random selections, as they convey the message of faith, hope, trust, and the love our Savior has for us. I wouldn't change a one, but that doesn't make them any easier to sing now. Justin commented on the way home from the airport the other night that now would be the age when Timmy became "cool". Twelve is cool? Okay...if he thinks so. I guess what Justin was going for was he'd be leaving childhood and going into teenage years, starting confirmation class, and so on. Believe me, he's much, much better off in the Lord's arms than here on earth being cool, but my heart still hurts, you know?

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Oh, but wait, I'm not finished yet! I decided to not go back to work after getting home but instead turned on the TV in the family room. As soon as I did, the DVR reported it was full and that I needed to watch some of those shows first. Bossy little thing! Scanning the programs saved, I found several episodes of "NYPD Blue" to watch. My mistake...ended up watching four in rapid succession, spending the next four hours boo hooing again! These were some that I'd never seen before so it was all new to me.

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The first one has Bobbie and Diane married and expecting a baby. Suddenly she felt sick and went home, and Bobbie found her on the bed much later, sobbing, that she'd lost the baby. She kept apologizing to him for losing the baby, and was inconsolable. He didn't know what to do and she asked him to leave her by herself awhile. Bobbie had to go back to the squad and tell Andy that the baby was lost. Andy had a son, a recruit cop, that was killed in the line of duty recently so could identify.

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The next three covered the progression of a breathing problem Bobbie had been having, getting worse and worse. He'd been to the dentist and his gum was knicked a bit, plus later got cut with a knife making an arrest. They never did say exactly how these events played in, but he had an infection around his heart and he was gasping for every breath. Well, I was a goner myself by this time, seeing someone gasping for air just makes me think of.......

Bobbie did receive a heart transplant from a brain-dead cop, a dedicated donor, it was called. But, it didn't work and the rest of the last episode was him dying and his loved ones and partner standing by him. Andy leaned over and kissed Bobbie's forehead, promising that he'll take care of Diane for him. Oh, man....

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He sort of goes in and out, talking to his old mentor, a boxer named Patsy (no wonder he fought!), who supposedly was in heaven waiting for him. Toward the end Bobbie was talking with Patsy, who was sort of introducing him to others already there. Now, here's the clincher--Bobbie asks if he can see his son for a little while, and a little guy, about 5 years old and cute as a button, walks up and takes Bobbie's hand. Then the scene shows Bobbie in the hospital bed, smiling, and he tells Diane that he saw their little boy....Forget it, no sleep for me, not one single wink all night long. I can repeat everything that came on TV from when I went to bed to when my phone alarm went off at 6:45 a.m. My eyes look like heck, I feel like heck, and now I'm off to the dentist......I hope I don't get knicked!

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p.s. I remembered a bit later that after Bobbie received the last rites from the priest, he whispers that he loves God, loves Jesus....I love the witness, enough if no one else took heed. After all, it is only a TV show, but maybe, just maybe.....

Oh, it's great to be home again!

Even though the elevator is still out, home is awesome! Justin picked me up at the airport last night and it was quite wonderful to see him! He looked different with his hair cut, but not terribly so. As the plane was coming into Jacksonville, I could see the lovely moon, orange in color, making me wonder how it would look reflected in the river. Of course, the moon was gorgeous from my balcony, although it had become more white than orange by the time we got home.

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We had to lug the luggage (is that where the name came from??) up the stairs, with Justin doing a better job of lugging than I did! But, we made it, hopefully without waking the entire complex in the process. Immediately the cheese was unloaded and what didn't go with Justin went into my empty fridge. He was glad to get the Havarti cheese, claiming he needs to make some hamburgers soon to use the cheese on. Doesn't that sound delicious?

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Justin and I sat and chatted for a long while after getting things settled here. He had lots to say and I fought my exhaustion as long as I could, not wanting to interrupt him. Even though we spoke often during my absence, there was still so much to talk about. He's quite excited about the plans at Victory to open a VPK program and their attempts to pay down the mortgage. I asked him if he considered transferring his membership over there so that he'd get a pack of envelopes. I love his enthusiasm! This was a great move for him in many ways!

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Just now I heard a heron honking outside, the sound coming in loud and clear through the opened patio doors. There is no prediction of rain forecast so it's safe to sleep with the doors open. Just like in MN or WI where they keep windows open in the winter (or April!), I can keep mine open at night now. It was a lovely day today, temps around mid-70's and sunny.

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Everyone is asking me about my trip, what the weather was like, what I did to pass the time. It's hard to remember all the things I did while gone, but the highlights would be spending time with the family, especially the boys; the LWMS Rally; visiting the Prange's; and later, the Schrimpfs. I have to re-read my own blog to remember all that I did----oops! My other big things were spending time with Judy R. in MN; going to Mini-apples with Lori, Lynn and the church ladies; cropping and having dinner with Linda (and 3 lunches!!)....I could go on and on, all of the events special in their own ways. Hanging out with my sisters and Mama, visiting with Dolly and watching a movie with her, plus climbing up and down steps in my spare time.........

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My report also includes the crazy weather I experienced, starting with the "freezing fog" that I encountered upon my arrival, the sharp snowflakes that hurt my eye and ear, the freezing temperatures, thunder storms, and finally, to top it all off, an earthquake!!!! There was so much fun and enjoyment to be had, whether running the stores, dining, or simply sitting around the house. It would be so very non-productive to do that at my own home, but as a guest in someone else's, it's cool once in awhile!

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Today I ventured down the stairs to see my friends at Great Hang Ups, off to the beauty shop, pick up some groceries, and then to dinner with some church friends before heading over to Bible study. I carried up only a few items for tonight, knowing that Justin will be here tomorrow to bring up the rest for me. His reward will be a case of Diet Coke if he wants it. That's why it's called "Coke Rewards"!

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Trying to resume to "normal" sleep pattern and adjust to the time change, I will be heading to bed soon. I thought perhaps I'd see the moon come up but so far there's no sight of it. I keep banging my head as I crane to see if it's peeking at me. Who'd have thought that watching for the moon could prove so painful? Or that I'd be so slow to learn???

My departure day has arrived

"All my bags are packed, they're ready to go; I'm standing here outside the door, I hate to wake you up to say good-bye..." You know the song, I'm leaving on a jet plane, or whatever vessel they substitute to get me back to Florida tonight.

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Thank you to those who have kept up with me through the blog, and I do apologize for not being able to post everyday, I missed it, too! Mom's computer is on a dial-up system which uses her home telephone, her only phone, so it wasn't always convenient to spend time on the computer--for her or for me!

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At first we'd arranged for Judy J. to collect me from the airport but in speaking with Justin this a.m., he's decided to come for me after all, since my bags need to be taken upstairs. It's not convenient for him to come Tuesday, as he has classes. He'll have to carry the stuff up the stairs...oh, brother!

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I'll give Judy a call later to say thanks but no thanks for the lift. She's a doll for offering to come out so late at night like that! Justin is re-stocking the soda supply and is getting some milk for me, too. He pretty well cleaned out the pantry and kitchen cabinets, half-starved with his "meal-ticket" gone for a month! He said he left my cereal so I'll have that much to eat, plus some popcorn. I am certain the Ming Moon man does not need the elevator so that's another meal option.

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I can't tell you how excited I am to see my Justin again, hoping I recognize him without all his hair. He had a busy weekend, I heard, so am anxious to hear how that all went for him. This a.m. I am dropping off a nice, big piece of poppyseed torte for my sister-in-law, Sharon, who stays in a group home. I hope I find her in, but chances are, she's at work. I'll leave it for her dinner and the staff will be sure to tell her who its from. Then its off to the cheese factory to stock up on string cheese and curds for myself and others in Florida. Justin, of course, has his mouth all set for some curds, which I've been enjoying since arriving here. Cheese curds will be my donation to the special meal at church on Sunday, as we celebrate our 30th anniversary as a congregation. I hope everyone knows what it is, and won't just walk away from that dish of fresh curds! Exotic, ethnic foods....

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I have a video tape taken as the former classroom building was going up. It is my plan to have that made into a continual loop so it can play during the meal portion of the celebration. Many of the people working on the original building are now working on the new building, so that's pretty neat! Sadly, some of the more prominent ones are no longer part of the congregation..

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If I can't get that editing accomplished, I'll simply show the video the way it is, but must warn people they might get woozy as the man doing the filming was not adept with the zoom and even carried the camera around as he walked, not turning it off in between. Lots of sidewalk and shoe footage!

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Sunday we'll also be opening the Time Capsule found in the wall of the "old" building, which is why I wish to show the video tape. I am excited to see what's in the box, built by former members, the Koren's. We are putting a new box in the wall and stuff is being gathered to put into that Time Capsule, for posterity. An emotional time for me, happy, but yet, reflective, thinking about all that's happened since 1991. Wow!

My newest great-nephew!

Finally! I got to meet the newest member of my family--Bryson David Schrimpf. Is he the sweetest thing or what??? I got to hold him on my lap yesterday afternoon but he was not crazy about that idea at all! He liked me much better from a safe distance, and on his father's lap instead of mine!

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Our directions from mapquest were printed in reverse order for some reason, so Lynn tried to navigate us to their house trying to remember that everything would be backwards. We did fine until it came to splitting off at the freeway, when we went right rather than left. Oops! We had to turn around and head back south, retracing some of our steps, even going so far as to drive on a section of road marked "closed"--we had nothing to lose! We'd gotten a map before turning around which Lynn ably used to get us "on the right track", as Timmy used to say. Jamie also helped us as we got closer to his house. Thank heaven for cell phones!

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Jamie shares a house with his fiance, Hannah, her son, Hunter, and their child, Bryson. Both of the boys were baptized at First German last fall, praise be to God! Hannah and Jamie both work handling TTY calls at a Center nearby, with family members watching the children for them. Jamie just had three wisdom teeth removed and was a bit tender yet, but managed to enjoy some French onion soup and mashed pototoes when we all went to lunch. Poor thing! But, Jamie always was a soup eater, from little boy on.

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From less than two weeks old, (I was his mom's labor coach!) my husband and I had the great pleasure of his company much of the time. I had no children of my own yet so truly enjoyed this opportunity. Jill worked as a waitress during the day and also served in the Army Reserve, which kept her quite, quite busy. Her husband worked construction and wasn't too keen on taking care of a little one by himself. We worked from home so it was convenient to keep Jamie during the days, and the nights that we got him. He even had his own room in our house, and would spend endless hours playing with a ball, any kind of ball. He still is a baseball nut! Yesterday, little Bryson entertained himself with a ball of every size, too. Had a bit of trouble with the handling thereof, but still wanted a ball! He is barely six months old, so has an excuse yet.

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I could go on and on about our lives and times with Jamie, some of the best in my life, and I hope, his, too. Until I had a little one myself, it wouldn't have been possible to love him any more than we did. The sun rose and set....Lisa had been our only niece/nephew for 12 years before Jamie came along and I think she was cool with having some of the fawning diverted to him for a change. Now we fawn over her little guys, Gabe and Manny. That's another story!

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Lynn and I spent a few hours with Jamie and his family before deciding to head back home. Jamie gave us some written directions for the way home (about three hours or so) which proved to be quite wonderful for us. All in all, it was a whole lot of driving, some extra of course, but still great to meet Bryson and make his acquaintance, as well Hunter, who is two. Busy, busy, busy! That is why children are given to the young!!!

The party is over--well, nearly

This afternoon I opened my e-mail to see a lovely update from my neighbor, the fella stuck with the job of "overseeing" the elevator replacement. While I appreciate greatly the responsibility he's taken on, I feel very badly for him having to deal with us second-story and above folks! According to Jeff, the work should be completed by Tuesday or Wednesday, inspected on Thursday, and fully operational by Friday...I knew it, I just knew it!!! Justin will have to be certain my fridge is amply stocked, and yes, maybe even put some food in there for me. If memory serves there were a couple twelve packs of diet Coke in the fridge when I left...I hope there still are!

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Having no elevator might be just what I need to keep me at my computer, getting the FlockTalk ready for press, instead of going around visiting people. Thursday night I am expected to join some friends for dinner at Koko's (I hope they're still open with me being gone so long!!).

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Judy J. is collecting me from the airport late Monday night and I'll only carry my smaller bag upstairs so I can get the cheese and such refrigerated as soon as possible. Also bring my toiletries and the things absolutely necessary for overnight, and worry about the large suitcase the next day. I hope my glass pieces make it home okay, or they will end up as "glass pieces"!! Wouldn't that be tragic!?!

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My dear friend and massage therapist, Carol, has sent me note, thanking me for referring more of my friends to her; therefore, my next treatment is on the house. Lovely! This is truly something to look forward to!

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Well, it's a sad day for me, having to say "farewell" to my loved ones here in Manty. Hugs were shared with both dear pastors after worship and Bible study, plus good wishes "until we meet again". Many of my family went to eat lunch at the China Buffet, including Linda J., Mom's "adopted" daughter. Mom treated us all which was a very nice thing for her to do. Of course, the boys were absolutely adorable, both well behaved in church and the restaurant. I only got to see Noah once, though, but I'll take what I can get. He'll have his fill of me in August when they come down to stay with me. Something else for me to get excited about!

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Jill is coming over in a bit to play a game of Scrabble with Mom and me, so this posting will be abbreviated. Sorry 'bout that, but different words are luring me!

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Later!

There is that crazy moon!

The moon was struggling to break free of the clouds on my way back from Green Bay tonight, finally showing its full face to me as I drove down Washington Street. Oh, how I wish I was looking at it on my river, but, alas....a few more days until I get home and then it will no longer be full. The lake simply doesn't offer the reflection that the smooth river does!

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Dinner with Harv, Barb and Kevin was delightful as I once again was able to enjoy a perch plate, wishing I'd ordered the full portion rather than the half! Mmm, delicious! They wanted to take me to a new place rather than re-visit my usual favorite, Mackinaw's. Now I'll have a new favorite place when I return to Green Bay!

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Kevin and I enjoyed a lively conversation about "Across the Universe" and other music topics, trying not to exclude H and B from the discussion. He said he took my advice about it, and now owns the extended version of "Across...". You're welcome! I asked him if he cried during the part where the little boy is lying in a coffin, and he said he didn't. Of course he'd say that--what big man wants to admit this sort of thing? Justin didn't mind sharing with his mama but wouldn't tell another guy it choked him up, right?

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Our visit continued back at their house for some time before Harvey had to go to bed. He has to get up well before dawn to deliver bread in the area, so it's still warm when it hits the shelves--well, almost.

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Yesterday was a fantastic one, too! Mom and I drove down to see the Prange's in Morton Grove, IL. Known for my skills at map following, I suddenly second-guessed myself and thought I went the wrong way at one point. We exited and I found a restaurant, a diner-style, in which to ask for help. Here I was "on the right track" all along, we were nearly there! Mom was getting quite nervous but I felt as though I could trust the directions given me by the waitress (totally disregarding the info from the three gentlemen that tried to help!) and we found our way to Morton Grove. When we drove past the hotel we'd all stayed in when visiting King Tut and Prange's, I knew we were okay!

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Pete was leaving the back door open for us, as they were in Bible study. Mom and I let ourselves in and relaxed until they came "home". Lucas came running right up to me and hugged me, remembering my name this time! Even gave a squeeze to Grandma K, whom he's not seen in over a year. Such a sweetheart! Baby Grace is getting so big, too, pulling herself up to standing and sporting a couple teeth on the bottom front which weren't there in January! Of course, Pete and Tarren were wonderful, too, but one always thinks of the kids first!

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Today is Pete's birthday and I surprised him with a bag of his favorite mints, the kind given out at Olive Garden. Tarren's birthday is earlier in the month and I took her a lovely necklace made by Lori, perfect for her fine features. We went to lunch at an Italian eatery and then back to their house to chat.

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While there, the mailman came so Pete scampered out to retrieve the mail. Sure enough, he got a couple birthday cards, including one from a member of Good Shepherd who never forgets his birthday! I heard from another member today that this other lady had been in the hospital so I called to find out how she was. The hospital visit was more ER in nature, researching a mysterious pain in her hip. She's home now, waiting for the medicine to make her better. I pray this happens soon!

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Let's see--what happened on Wednesday? Can't think right now, but must have done something fantastic. Oh, I know!!! I spent the first part of the day with Lisa and Manny, meeting them for breakfast at the wonderful bakery in Sheboygan. Mom wanted some of their 6 grain bread and I got some extra treats for our car ride to Morton Grove, too. Manny is so darn precious, I can barely take my eyes off of him! Gabe was in pre-pre-school and we were going to pick him up at 2:30. After breakfast we went shopping and then to lunch at Chili's. Guess what--I ran into someone I knew, down in Sheboygan! Love it! Also, at the bakery, a lady came up to me and said she remembered me from the Rally the day before...go figure!

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Mom and I had supper at Lynn's and then came back home for a quiet evening. Since we had to get up early it was wise to just hang out before our big car ride to Prange's!

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This a.m. I spoke with Julia from Great Hang Ups (man, I miss them!!) and she told that my acrylic creation was juried into the 3-D show at Village Gallery. This just blows me away! Although it did not win a cash prize, the fact that it made it past the Judge is payment enough! The next best thing will be to have a buyer for it! Wouldn't that just be the icing on the cake?!?!?!

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My mail has been forwarded to Mom's, and, to her dismay, much of the mail in her box is mine! One day this past week I received a card from Carol, the massage therapist, thanking me for sending some more of my friends her way. My next therapy treatment is "complimentary". Nice! On the downside, my neighbor told me the elevator is expected to be finished by Wednesday or so...what???? I am coming back on Monday, if you don't mind. Can you believe it? Jeff said the Contractor ran into some problems, and I told him I understood about contractors, can't be helped. I even convinced myself that it was okay!