You light up my life!

That's what I told the nice electrician who installed my light kit and repaired my foyer light for me.....He is a real sweetheart, worked on my projects at the lake house. I didn't catch his name but can easily find out. Felt badly that I didn't recall his name since he knows me from way back when....remembers me being on the job sites with my kids, cleaning up the houses. In all honesty, I don't know that he'd remember Timmy since at that point we had some people who came through and cleaned the sites. Unless it was at our Preserve house....Regardless, it was nice to talk with him and reminisce at bit.

*

Justin and I met Jen plus a mess of other people at Longhorn for lunch to say "farewell" to our friend, Mai-ly. She is packing up her household and three kids, heading back home to Seattle. It saddens me to lose her children from my life but she has to do what she has to do. After Leone's closed, she found a job working in a private Christian school off Blanding, and her co-workers were there to say their good-byes also. Jen was the one who invited Mai-ly and me to lunch, and then it blossomed into 12 people. Justin and I were the only ones to garner a hug from her, she sort of flew out of the restaurant in order to avoid tearful good-byes. At this writing, they are two hours into GA, with a really long ride in front of them. Godspeed, Mai-ly! I hope you find what you're looking for!!

*

I just came back inside from attending a wedding! Every weekend there are weddings taking place on the grounds of The Club and if timed just right, can watch as the bridesmaids, flower girls, and bride make their way to the "front" of the patio, facing the river. This evening, however, I heard the bridal march play through three times before the bride made her way out of the hall....seems the mini-brides needed to be coaxed along, a nice lady taking one by the hand, more or less, pulled her to the front. Kids! I wondered, without basis, if one or both of the girls belonged to the bride, this after seeing her march in a beige or yellowish gown instead of sparkling white. Merely an observation on my part.

*

Tomorrow it's my opportunity to clean at church, which I'll get out of the way early---unless I get a call to have breakfast! All I have to do is be back home by 2:00 pm as Martie is coming over right from the office and we're going to sit poolside. We can get hamburgers or whatever in the cabana, perhaps an adult beverage. But not too much, as we are heading out at 6:00 pm for major scrap booking adventure out in Hibernia!!! Talk about excited! We'd wanted to go to the beach but knew we couldn't get down there and back in time to crop so opting for the pool instead. A whole lot less gas expense just walking out to the pool. It is starting to matter about wasted miles--for everyone.

*

Oh, it's a glorious evening for a wedding, though. It was nice and warm all day, with the sun still shining at this moment. Maybe, just maybe, I'll get to see some manatees in the basin. Justin came by after work and took care of a few things for his "too short on one end" Mama. Justin tottered on the top step on my stool and still had to stretch in order to add the chain to my hanging lanterns. The ceiling in my river room is about twelve feet high, a stretch for anyone without pulling out the ladder. Justin also helped me figure out how to cut/paste some pictures from a map page on the computer to a picture file. I won't even try to explain all that but now I know how to do it in the future. One of my neighbors liked the shot I used in The Palace Press and asked me how I got that. It was fun to be able to share my new found information!

*

I had some pretzels and dip ready to go out on the shelf tonight but no one came out to play. It's easy enough to check for activity, simply peer over the side for heads. If I'd have checked my e-mail, I'd have seen that we weren't meeting tonight but instead I watched a movie. My stuff will keep but tonight would have been a good one for me, no running off to play. Last night we spent some time together before I had to dash off to paint with Dee. I love my picture from last night, playing with watercolor pencils. Next time I go, Kris is going to allow me to use her "spray" paints, watercolor paint in a spray bottle. Far out, man!

*

The movie I mentioned was "The Lake House" which I'd seen before, I think in the theater. Wow, it is soooo good, a romantic story with Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock. She has a lot of drama in her face, it speaks volumes. I also had a lake house but nothing overly romantic took place there! Of course, it wasn't made of glass like this one was....no throwing stones! As part of the movie, the couple, who live two years apart, reference a Jane Austin book, Persuasion. I'm not familiar but am interested. Not much progress is being made in "Pride and Prejudice", I have to keep starting over to keep track of who's who. Much like Lord of the Rings, only without the sword fights and battles!

Judy R. recommended watching the PBS movie first, which she found quite helpful in getting through the printed version. I can do that!

*

It's nearly to the point where I have to make use of my brand-new light on the ceiling fan! Somehow or another, my desk is piled full of papers etc., and when I go somewhere and return, the mess is still there!! What gives?

What an interesting day.......

....and it's not over yet. Morning came at the usual time today, with Becker being the one to whom I awakened. I think I liked Ted Danson better as a bartender than a surly doctor. When Jerry and George were meeting with the NBC people to peddle their pilot, George kept insisting that NBC meet Ted Danson's salary for them!!! Not anymore, Ted's pretty much dropped off the TV radar!

*

Usually I watch "Fox and Friends" in the a.m. but sometimes I'll just watch whatever is on after Becker. I've taken a liking to JAG, a show about military attorneys who represent service members. Today they were at NAS-JAX which I thought was really cool! They showed the gate and landing areas, just like I see whenever driving past the base.

*

Friday early the electricians are coming to install a new ceiling fan light for over my desk. These are the same people who did the electric for the home building business and have done some for me my past two homes. The current fixture is a school-house style and fails to illuminate my desk area which is important for late day work at the desk. I went to Home Depot to get the light kit, plus bulbs and pulls for the fans. I have to jump to grab some of the chains so adding the extra length will be just dandy--plus they are pretty glass-style. Perfect!

*

After my shopping, Justin and I met for lunch at Ruby Tuesday. I just love their triple prime burger and the mashed cauliflower. The bun goes to waste though as I leave that behind. Mom would have loved the tomatoes, as they also went to waste. Neither Justin nor I like to eat a tomato straight up! Justin liked his turkey burger, using his bun the way it should be and even ate his fries. The mashed cauliflower tastes so much better than their fries do, in my opinion.

*

A dear lady at church can no longer attend due to an illness so I took a nice ride out to one of the neighborhoods where we used to live. It's the same one where we found the "snake" floating in the swimming pool way back when Justin was a baby. In case you don't remember, one of the two babies' diapers let loose their stuffings which looked like a snake to us. Anyway, it was a nice afternoon visit to Fireside, spending time this lovely lady. At one time, three of our church members lived out there but now it's down to two. It's become such a "mature" looking neighborhood, the trees all grown, and apparently the entire community is built out. After such a rocky beginning, wonderful to see how far its come!

*

Last night after getting home from Bible Bites, it was still light. As I sat at the computer, I spotted a couple manatees frolicking in the basin. I wish it stayed light later so I could see more, but then night fell! It seems they must stay away when the machinery is working in the basin, but once the work stops, here come the couples!

*

This evening I am meeting with Dee, Kris, and some other "artists" for an "invitation only" painting session--ahem, ahem! One of the ladies works in a school and we are using her classroom for our workshop. This is really exciting for me, to be "influenced" by these notable, genuine artists. Dee wants to be the only one I learn from, as if it is possible for me to be taught! Jill, no need to scold, I know, I know..........By the way, Jill, I am sorry that you spit your food out last night!!!!!

It's heck to get old.......

...let me tell ya'.....

*

Recently I'd noticed a fluttering sensation in my eyes, mostly the left, which feels like its pulsing or moving or something. Mostly it's annoying but I'm also certain that people in cars alongside me can see it. This is not reasonable, of course, but it seems as though they might. It was time to "see" the eye doctor.

*

I'd not had an eye exam since my final "tweaking" on my right eye back in 2001, so it was time I did. The assistant performed all the exams she could, me trying to read tiny writing on the wall while holding a spoon over one eye. I also had my head examined by a machine which looks inside my head (actually inside my eye ball) to see if there's anything amiss. I was clean! Finally, I was put in the actual exam chair to await the doctor.

*

"Ed", for whom we'd built a home many years ago, is a nice man, who greets me with a great big hug when he sees me. He frequents the same frame shop I do---ahem, ahem....so I see his wife, Janet, and he with some regularity. One time he gave me a stern scolding for not wearing sunglasses, saying even though I've had Lasik, I should still wear them. Really, it's been such a relief to not have to wear glasses at all. On a cruise in 2000, I bought a great pair of sunglasses in the Amsterdam airport, gold glitter. I either lost or broke them, never did find a pair that compared!

*

Well, those days of glory are over, my friends....my once 20/20 vision has deteriorated wwaayy down to 20/25 and 20/50. Oh, like that's so bad...really? One eye is more "correct" than the other due to the monovision correction with the Lasik, intended to stave off needing reading glasses sooner--so far, so good) What I DO require, however, is AccuVision eyewear (not called glasses anymore, did you notice?) to wear when I am driving at night. They can be worn any time I need to see something at a distance but they are intended for night driving. Just what I need as designated driver of the church ladies!

*

Talk about expensive! I know that its been many years since I've had an eye exam and purchased glasses---excuse me--eyewear, but holy cow! The frames, red, of course, were certainly not the most expensive ones, although the nice lady tried to direct me toward the designer ones by Armani. Please! I am using them at night, who gives a hoot if they are designer or what? When I was in 2nd grade and got my first glasses, replacement bows cost $14.00 a piece. I know this because my parents had to make that purchase on more than one occasion in my grade school days. Now, $14.00 buys nothin', Jerry, nothin'!!!

*

So, in about a week or so, I'm back to sporting glasses, after all these years glasses-free. You know, it never occurred to me to ask for contacts but I'll bet this AccuVision product line doesn't come in contact lenses. I just knew it would come to this eventually--I could stave off aging only so long before it caught up with me. At least I got a few compliments out of it: "you have beautiful eyeballs", "I like your hair", and "you have such nice skin". That's what happens when you're eye to eye with people, these things are noticed.

*

On the lighter side, Ed had to use this machine with the multiple lenses in it, and told me to rest my chin on the white plastic piece and my forehead against the top. There's one not-so-small problem----there's no way I can get myself close enough to this machine to rest my chin. I can rest all sorts of things, but not the chin---at least, not without expending some effort. I was hoping to pull that machine close enough without him having to push, pull, or manipulate something.....and I did it! I grabbed hold of sides of it and held on for dear life. Hurry, hurry, I'm losing my grip.......Ed certainly couldn't say too much as his wife looks similar to me!

*

The main reason I went to the eye doctor in the first place was the fluttering. Ed asked me if I had any cramps or such in my legs (good thing he didn't ask me if I had swelling in my legs!!!) (I love that joke!) and when I told him I didn't, he said not to worry about it, not a problem. I explained about other drivers staring at me--not really--and he said some folks who drink a lot of coffee have the fluttering of the eyelids.....oh, I see, again with the caffeine business! I like the idea of not worrying about it, my kinda doctor!

*

On another note: Once I had a dentist named Buddy who had administered nitrous oxide to me during a treatment. As they were trying to bring me back down afterward, he had the audacity to ask me, "Do your legs feel heavy?"......................................................

If you're not already blogged out.....

Here is Lisa's site, complete with photos of the boys, and even one of her and me together!

lisamellison.blogspot.com

Have fun!

Early morning jogging...

...and if you believe that........

As I lay watching re-runs of JAG, somewhere around 7:00 a.m., I heard my doorbell ringing. What? Off went the covers (no sunshine this a.m. to warm me!!) and on goes the caftan for my dash to the door. Could it be the Fuller Brush Man? Company!!! I love that!!! Actually, it was neighbor, Hugh, asking me to move my car so the roofers can do their work. I was under the impression I wasn't going to have to relocate, but being a team player, I grabbed my keys and flew downstairs with Hugh to move my car. Several of the workers were stirring around in the parking lot including "doorman" Dave plus one of the tenants that rents on the 5th floor. Many car movers this a.m.

*

For some reason, this brought to mind when Justin was a little boy, planning his career in hotel and restaurant management. He had jobs in mind for all of his family members, including Lynn. Lynn's job was to work in the kitchen for breakfast (after I had gotten up early to turn on the ovens.....) but she had to stand behind the plates, according to Justin, because "she doesn't look so good in the morning".....what? His words, his imagination. Always thinking.

*

No one was missed in his planning, either. He even had a job for his Grandma K: she was going to operate the elevator, wearing safari gear! Other than my job of turning on the ovens in the morning, his father and I were to do the airport runs with a van---his dad driving, me handing out drinks and giving a talk............His partner in the restaurant business was supposed to be a classmate, Nick. The name of the place? "Justin the Nick of Time"!!! How's that for an imagination?

*

This planning took place prior to his brother being born, which would have made him about 8 years old or so. Once Timmy was born, Justin added a ball pit and a slide from our 3rd floor suite (He was also prophetic!!!) for his brother to play in. The hotel could only be 3 floors high because his father's contractor license limited the height of structures he could build. Oh, yes, Justin thinks of everything, and in depth, I dare say!

*

Prior to his plans for a hotel, he was determined to sell flowers along Hwy. 17 by Pace Island, like the vegetable man did at that time. He was going to sell them for $1.00 each. First, he wanted us to get him a cash register and brief case to carry the money home. He had seen them at Sam's Club. We said he might not sell many sunflowers for a dollar, that was too much money, and he said, "That's okay. I'll just bring the rest home for my mama!"

*

And I thought of this just because I had to run outside in my caftan very early in the morning and give the poor working guys a fit!

p.s. Christine: if you're out there, call me, please? I miss you!!

This was posted at Jami's blog as of yesterday......she mentions me!! These youtube.com links are amazing, brought me to tears!

Sunday, May 25, 2008

What's your cardboard testimony?
My mom sent all of us (family) an e-mail recently, titled: I wanted to share this with you.

"Recently our pastor, Tommy Politz, preached a series of sermons on the 'Generosity Revolution: Next.' It was outstanding. The thing I wanted to show you was something called Cardboard Testimonies, which was done at the end of one of the services. It blew us away and had a profound affect on our congregation. The video of it was so highly requested that they put it on You Tube. Enjoy! The first and last person up is our Pastor, Tommy."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvDDc5RB6FQ

This was followed the next week by this:

http://www.youtube.com/user/hillsidewired Mom"

Now from Jami:

So ... do me a quick favor and view those videos. Let me just say this:

Everyone has a story to tell. Everyone has a story they are living. Everyone has a life full of pain that can be overcome. And everyone has the opportunity to turn that pain, that turmoil, those really poor decisions you made (yeah, I raise my hand on that one), into something for which you can give God glory.

What's your cardboard testimony?

Regarding the second video, I want to challenge all of us to follow suit. Reach out and give to someone. Make an impact. Make it a positive one.And if you don't have money to give, give your time, or give your smile. Give your kind words or your encouragement.

This life is so full of pain and hardship; you may be the only person in an individual's life today to offer hope, love and encouragement.

Generosity Revolution Let the light of Jesus shine in you.

(Kim Day, I know you will appreciate this one!)

Happy Memorial Day everyone!

When I select this font-style, Georgia, I always think of Linda's sister....and when I think of Linda's sister, I think of Linda...and when I think of Linda.....I think about how much I miss her! Especially since having dinner with Rosses' the other night at Koko's; they invited me to join them in Savannah in June. It just seems so wrong to go to Savannah without Linda! I can never look at the tram again without roaring my head off, remembering the time when I told the nice tram operator that we needed six seats for the three of us--Linda, Georgia, and me!!! We had that whole tram rolling with laughter!!!!! In more ways than one!
*

The river is alive with activity and wildlife today. Justin and I rotated my desk a quarter turn so now I face directly toward Mandarin and the river. Right off the bat I spotted a couple of manatees dancing in the basin. At this moment I don't see any which is not to say they aren't out there, but the sun went behind a cloud which prevents me from seeing the shiny backs and fins of the frolickers. (Is that a word???) Besides these odd creatures of the river, I see many water fowl and even a crow which stands in the palm tree outside my window, staring at me. Maybe I should go get dressed or something. Crows have purple eyes, probably from eating the berries which are growing in the palms. Since my windows have been washed, no more birds have crashed against them, at least not when I am sitting here. The nice fireman who washed them used my vacuum cleaner to remove all the stuff accumulated in the tracks of the windows.

*

As I write this a.m. I am also gettin' down here with a video I ordered from Amazon, a two-movie set, about Lynard Skynard. It's sort of fun to play catch up, as I am doing with my Frasier and Seinfeld videos (excuse me--my son would correct me--DVD's). Unfortunately, it's not really my type of music, which is probably why it didn't appeal to me back in the day. My neighbor told me once that it was refreshing to find someone who wasn't a fan! Some of the tunes are familiar after being used in movies and advertisements, but what's fun is seeing what my neighbor used to look like! Unfortunately the video doesn't show a whole lot of his performing. Some of the video footage shown, the interviews, are taped on Doctors Lake and Middleburg of olde, so that's cool, too!

*

Last night when Justin and I got back here from Dave & Busters, a huge party was going on at The Club, to celebrate Memorial Day, and the music was blaring across the parking lot. We opened our car doors to the strains of a fairly good version of "Me and Bobby McGee". Justin thought at first they were singing karaoke but then realized it was a live band. As we walked past the pool, he said it seemed like more than a wedding, and then I told him it was just a big party. One of my neighbors, Nancy, also a writer, was sad that this event was taking place at the same time as the Concert on the Green, as she'd already signed up for the Club party. I knew about the D & B thing so didn't plan on the other Concert. Last year Sarah stole the show at the C.O.G., dancing in perfect rhythm to the orchestra. People even came up to us and complimented her on the natural style she has! She wasn't even 3 yet! Paul has video of her performance which I've yet to see, maybe I'll ask him about it today at the family picnic....boy, it doesn't seem like an entire year has gone by already!

*

Aside from the live action outside and the "live" recording on my computer screen (Justin showed me how to play a DVD while using my computer, a picture-in-a-picture thing). This will allow me to "watch" a postage stamp-sized image as I work here at the machine, and perhaps still catch the nuances of peoples' facial expressions (i.e. Seinfeld, Frasier) and not be held up. ....the ultimate in multi-tasking! So, where was I? Oh, yes, the activities outside with a heartbeat and some with gas-powered engines or no engines at all---boats! Sailboats up and down the river, speeding jet skis flying by, fishing boats anchored, waiting for a bite---seems like every one is ready for the day except me!

*

The rest of the world seems quiet this morning, no pounding from the roof or the unit above mine. It may be more silent since my patio doors are shut yet. I didn't know if it would rain overnight or not, and haven't pulled them open this a.m. Often I hear my downstairs neighbors outside on their patio having coffee but I'll bet Tommy has his boat out on the water on such a lovely day.

There, now, the doors are opened and the breeze is fine. As soon as I pulled open the sliding doors my kitchen door slammed shut, as usual, which means I will be treated to a symphony from my wind chimes. If I open the foyer door, the breeze through the house is so delightful and fresh (to me it is!!) and allows for movement in the river room, stirring the chimes and suncatchers into action. Love it!

*

Another thing which spurred my interest in listening to this music is several months ago Justin sent me a link to a group who recorded (in music lingo, this other band "covered" the original song) "Simple Man", and he also sent me the lyrics. Justin said I'd like this song because of its message--not to climb over people to get to the top, to be satisfied with what we have and remember where it came from, references to heaven and remembering what's in your soul....Yeah, he knows me pretty well, which buttons to push on his mama's heart!

*

Oh, of course, most of those band members went to Robert E. Lee High School. Go figure! I always remember how my friend/former co-worker/former church member, Rebecca, insisted her son was NOT going to attend a high school by THAT name! They were in that school district and she wasn't about to have her son go to such a "rebel" school. Now, this same son is graduating from high school in Onalaska, WI, the same area where Rebecca grew up.

*

It's a bird! It's a plane! No, Lois, it's a cigarette boat cruising down the river, sounding more like a semi-truck than a water craft. It's stirring up quite a spray behind it, which might disturb the poor guys trying to fish. Fortunately it seems he's going all the way down so they can start again with their fishing attempts.

*

I was thinking about Mark, another of Justin's friends from school, who is a muscian and student. He absolutely LOVES the music of The Band, and one of his favorite movies/CDs is "The Last Waltz", the final tour of The Band. When I was in WI, David reminded me of the time before we moved to Florida, Lori, David, me and my former spouse went to the movies to see "The Last Waltz" when it came out, and only the three of us stayed awake for it! (An aside: Wow, part of the movie playing on my computer shows my neighbor leading Skynyrd in prayer before the set!!). Mark really plays accustic and electric guitar well, but don't know if he has time now between college, working at UPS, and such to play anymore. Last 4th of July he entertained me at Twila's with his "Band" renditions and of course, gave me a little taste of my former favorite "Paranoid"!

Taken at Justin's graduation party--Justin watching David and Mark as they played geetars on the porch

My, how I've rambled today! That's what happens when there's no Bible study on Monday mornings! No sense of urgency. Guess I'll get my swim suit on and go visit with my neighbors and maybe my new friends I met the other day at the pool....Just a reminder to everyone that is Memorial Day, when we set aside time to remember our fallen soldiers and thank those who serve today!