Listening to old music with old ears

Some of the time spent at Lori's at Holmen was once again playing with the old vinyls. David and Lori still have a usable turntable and had great fun digging through the archives of albums-bins and bins worth-carefully sorted and catagorized. Lori wanted to surprise me with the albums, not letting me peek ahead of time, to see if I could guess the artist and song in "record" time, like we used to do when younger. To my surprise, I did fairly well, not always remembering the titles but most often the lyrics.

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The reason this came to mind today is that I was lying in bed, watching a strange movie with Hugh Grant, and the lyrics to "Free Man in Paris" suddenly passed through my mind. I got myself a bowl of cereal and then located my copy of "Court and Spark" by Joni Mitchell. We'd listened to some of that album at Lori's which was extremely cool to do again. Such huge contrasts in my musical tastes, Joni and Janis and Sarah! Unfortunately, the Schipper collection has no Janis in it, those were all mine, but David did manage to find the Buffy Ste. Marie albums to play, none of which had the "Must I Go Bound" song I needed to hear! I'll have to research that on-line or something to find it.

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"Must I go bound and you so free? Must I love one who doesn't love me? Must I be born with so little art as to love the one who would break my heart?" Can't you just hear Buffy's quivering voice launching that question? Perhaps not, if you've never heard her sing...I hear it often in my head, that, and "Free Man in Paris".

David the Troubadour, playing his guitar at Justin's graduation, entertaining our Goddaughter, Sarah

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One last thing about Buffy: I became a fan of hers many moons ago (a little Indian lingo there) when I babysat for my cousin's daughter, Cheryl Lynn. David and Rochelle lived in Newton, a suburb of Manitowoc, and I'd often stay overnight due to the late hour and long ride. TV used to go off the air just after midnight back in the day, so I'd listen to their albums on the console record player. That's also when I discovered Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Dolly Parton, what's his name Waggoner...did I mention David was a truck driver??? This must have been 1972 or 73, I think.

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I told Rochelle one day how much I enjoyed listening to Buffy and she told me to take it along home with me, that they didn't really like her singing after all. Great! That started it for me, and Lori as well, since we were into folk-style music at the time. I loved Buffy until she got all nuts with the politics and anti-war stuff. We did get to see her up close and personal in Milwaukee at a fund-raiser for the Indians that took over the novitiate---in support for Wounded Knee, I think. That was back in 1974 or 75, can't remember, only wanted to see Buffy! Lori drove down from Manty and the three of us went to UW-Milwaukee to hear her sing. I was still a newlywed at that time....back in the day.....

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Okay, so I am ashamed of myself for whimpering about climbing the stairs these days! Yesterday, as I was leaving to have dinner with the Rosses, I met my 5th floor neighbor, Michelle, on the 2nd level, heading up the stairs, pushing a bike. The poodle rode in the basket...I asked what she was doing and she said they've had to do this every day in order to get the bike up and down. I was astounded!!! I didn't ask why she needed the bike down stairs everyday but she said the dog loves to ride in the basket...okay.......what? You'd think there was a place it could have been secured downstairs, even on someone's patio, rather than moving it on the stairs....oh my! And I fuss about carrying my purse down and up again!!!

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Kerry sent me a video tape of the terrible storms that passed through their area (Oshkosh) last evening. I can even hear the storm sirens howling above the pounding rain. She said she's such a goober for standing there with her camera, but I'd do the same thing if I were her! I'll have to check the TV stations in her area to see what the reports show, as far as touchdown or anything.

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The river is calm today and I'd love like anything to jump in the car and head for the beach! It's supposed to be 81 above zero today and I have nothing pressing until the Symphony tonight...I really should unpack my suitcases though and put that stuff away once and for all. It looks like such a wretched mess in here, could do that instead of going to the beach. I could also sit by the pool, if I want to.....it's great to be home!

A much better morning!

What a great night's sleep! Whew! It makes a difference, this is for sure. I woke up in the middle of a strange dream, where Justin and I are standing on the deck of a ship (really?), witnessing some sort of flying vehicle, in the shape of a large paperclip, crash to earth on the shore. We were paralyzed, mesmerized, didn't even seek cover or anything to protect ourselves, but watched as explosive pulses ignited a tree, then knocked over a house built on stilts. We could see people sitting around a table eating dinner. I was screaming to Justin about the people in that house, when it shook first, then collapsed. People were struggling to get out from under the debris.....as dreams go. In a real-life situation, the people would have already been on the floor if something next door exploded like that, wouldn't have continued with their dinner....and then I woke up!

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When the explosion happened, Justin was trying to find the place where we sign up for the soda and adult beverage cards on the ship, the pursor's office. It seems pretty real, especially when I took an "elevator" that ran horizontally instead of vertically!?!? The ship's Cruise Directors always tell the joke about the passenger looking for the elevator that runs from front to back on the ship-- this would be me!

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Dinner last night was lovely, with Matt serving as our personal chef. We had to wait our turn, though, as he was in high demand. Paul, Joan, Pam, Martie, Justin, Jesse, and Raymond ate dinner with me. Matt put on a good show, had the boys laughing pretty good, even Paul was chuckling. Afterwards, Martie and I sat on the bench outside to chat, when who pulled into the parking lot but Dee! She had Caesar Augustus, Julie's Italian greyhound, with her, and had planned on going in to do some work. Instead, we chatted on the bench, which she said was more fun than working!

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Oops, just upset Lynx by throwing my soda can into the trash....sorry, Lynx! Go back and lay down...quit looking so wounded!

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Dee told us about a recent women's retreat she'd been at, about the fun and interesting topics discussed and the great fellowship. Her group, or soon-to-be group, has a tablecloth and 8 napkins, and starting this weekend, they are going to do the "Traveling Pants" theory using the tablecloth and napkins. Isn't that neat? She's starting with a dinner at her house, then the next lady takes the tablecloth and napkins to her house, hosts a group, passes it on, and so forth. Wow! This is so neat. The goal would be to invite some new people to participate, to expand the circle that uses the tablecloth and napkins. Mom gave me a cookie plate that is supposed to be used that way--take cookies somewhere and leave the plate, it gets passed on and might come back to me, might not!

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Oh, the joy! I just heard my wind chimes singing from the river room. The breeze is delightful, at one point noisily closing my kitchen door. I've propped it open with a bag of potting soil so the breeze has no restrictions now. One set of chimes is supposed to play Pachelbell's "Canon in D" but my ear can't pick it out. I guess I love the idea more than I need to hear the melody. Because Timmy wouldn't nap over at the daycare center next door, I'd pick him at noon and take him back to work with me. He was supposed to sleep in his playpen in my darkened office, sometimes needing my persuading, while listening to the strains of "Canon in D" playing over the sounds of birds chirping, water flowing, calming noises. I took a nap every day just listening to it. Why do kids fight that nap so hard???? If we'd ever hear it playing in a store or on the radio, he'd immediately start chanting, "No nap! No nap!" This is why I bought the chimes, to remember his chant.

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I had to chuckle at Justin last night. He rode with Jesse as far as Pam's house (Pam is Jesse's mom) and they all rode together to Koko's. He came up and gave me a big hug when they arrived. I looked at his shorts and asked, "What happened to your shorts?" They looked as though they'd been dragged under a car with him wearing them. He said they were his new American Eagle shorts and were supposed to look this way. Am I getting old or what? I was so surprised he had them on, Number 1, and that I paid "good" money for them, Number 2! Instead of looking fashionable to me, the shorts looked like those an urban outdoorsman with bladder control problems might wear. I should have asked him where his "will work for food" sign was! Of course, overall, he looked nice, I'd just not seen these shorts before, only paid for them!

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Carol D. has asked me to send some photos taken of the construction of the classroom building so must get at this job now. They will be included in the Time Capsule and they want to work on this today. Better get moving. I am also having a room-to-room search here for the videotape of the construction of the classroom building. I can't find it!!! Pastor looked around his office and home for it, as I thought I'd sent it with him for his amusement, but it didn't show up there. Nuts! The search begins--again!

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!!!