Some musings before the day begins

My Turkish flag is moving in the breeze, an artificially created one from the A/C running to cool the house before my "writers" arrive. That thing can really pump out the air, makes my feet cold.

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Andrea Bocelli is singing to me as I write since I had to turn off Neal on the radio. It was impossible for me to listen to his rant about the homosexual unions taking place in CA. He is Libertarian in his ideology and when he gets like this, I exercise my privilege of listening to something else! So there! That's the most exercise I'll get today most likely.

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Have I mentioned that the seedling grown from a previous lemon is really starting to take off? I can't remember if I did or not. It pleases me greatly to see the shoots coming off the bottom of the stalk as well as new growth near the top leaves. Yippee! I am not without hope....The other seeds I planted last week are too new to be sprouting yet so am not expecting to see much from that cup until at least two weeks.

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The moon was gorgeous last night (the moon I share with Judy R. in MN!!!!) lighting my room like a lamp. It was about 9:30 pm when I got home from my dinner with Betty, and I drove home by moonlight....oh, wait, those were spotlights for the workers on the bridge. Talk about blinding light!!! It was nearly as bright as daytime for the workers but for us drivers facing into it, wow, brilliant! Mix in the red and blue lights of the police cars and it was hard to know where to look. I DO have those new glasses to wear for night driving but haven't tried them out yet! What a rummy!

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Once again Blu Grotto was graced with my presence, but on the patio last night. Rick didn't want to dine alfresco Saturday so I relented to sitting inside--sigh! Anyway, I ordered the caprese salad, eating only the mozzarella cheese which had way tooooo much garlic on it--whew! I scraped off the clumps onto the tomatoes which were left on the plate.

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After I had my adult beverage I switched to Diet Coke, which went down pretty quickly. I waited patiently for the waitress to come back out to do my refill but then went in search of her. I'm certain she thought we'd left already since we paid our bills and all that. Anyway, inside I saw some builder friends and was warmly greeted. It was great to see them, good Christian folks. He said they were getting along okay since they didn't have lot inventory or specs sitting, waiting for sale. His words: I am not having nightmares. I told them that I often wonder if God gets tired of talking with me about real estate......

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Speaking of which, the very next booth held one of the agents from E. H. and her husband, enjoying a pizza. It was great to see them as well. I used to see Nick at the Y, sometimes with their daughter. Bev asked if Justin was with me and I said no, he had class tonight. She wanted to know if he ever learned to drive and was surprised to hear that he's been at it for nearly two years already! It was Bev, Nick and another person that cleaned up the food and kitchen the night Timmy drowned. We came home and it was as though nothing had happened.

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I got my permanent filling and repair to the tooth yesterday morning, as often happens with my goofy teeth, needed more than expected. Apparently when the first dentist drilled through the porcelain tooth, part of it chipped off so she had to rebuild it besides putting the perm. filling in. Good thing she had me come in earlier in the day, so they could work around me. Peggy reminded to do my big biting on the opposite side from now as this tooth is not as strong anymore with the repairs done. Great! Mozzarella cheese it is!

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Better news about my friend, Joan, in the hospital in VA---she is being moved from ICU to a regular room finally. The doctors are still looking at some tests to see where the clots are forming and why, so she is having some sort of barium test today of her abdomen and legs. Poor Joan! Certainly she'd rather be in her Montana home enjoying the scenery there instead of listening to beeps and blips on her machinery in the hospital! We are just glad this happened before getting out into the middle of nowhere with no other family than Paul around.

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The basin is already busy with the dredging and roofers are scrambling about overhead. My upstairs neighbors have nearly finished their remodeling which will be one less commotion to hear. It was not annoying at all, in fact, I like the sound and smell of wood being worked. Saturday she had a painting crew (i.e. family) at work and I saw Travis sitting down by the pool under the guise of doing a food run....I think he got one of everything on the menu for his team of workers! There was not one spot of paint on his clothing!

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That evening after dinner, I heard voices on the sundeck so grabbed a soda and went down to join the fun. My Turkish neighbor had a young friend spending the day with his family and that added to the delight. We had about 10 of us enjoying the evening together, with lots of car talk going on. Some of the guys are fans of the older Mercedes Benz autos, bragging about how they had some with over 200,000 miles and still counting. Diesel vs. gasoline, those type of conversations. Lively and great enjoyable. I could listen to that Turkish accent all night....

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So, it's time for the writing people to arrive so bye for now. My mama is feeling poorly up in WI so if you talk to God today, ask Him about helping her to feel better, please? Thanks!

I'm freaking out here!

I was in the middle of researching some patio finishing materials for the condo association when this warning flashed across my screen about a virus being detected and that some system was going to battle against it.....I am not sure if its legit or not, afraid of downloading some product or whatever that I will be compelled to buy. I've sent a text message to Justin but think he's still busy with his father. Have I totally compromised my system by not accepting the offer to purge the viruses???? If so, I will miss you all terribly!!!

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I don't know if I am compromised or not, but in speaking with Justin, he said he didn't load any virus protection when switching machines and loading new software. Perhaps I only assumed that the Norton from other computer would move with this one, not too savvy on my part. I was having unprotected surfing! Researching a product to use on our second floor sundeck after the ceramic tile is taken up.....wham!

Believe you me---I am going to find the best, cheapest method for treating the sundeck available, as we are being killed with assessments this year....more on that later.....

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I have since purchased Norton and have it in place, hopefully it will corral anything that slipped in last night and I won't have any further problems. I bought more expensive package which allows me to backup some of my files, primarily photos and e-mails. I hoard those e-mails! You never know when you won't get anymore and have to re-read the old ones just to stay alive!!!!

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Time to go to the dentist to be patched up after last week's root canal. I had the appointment moved from 2:00 pm to 1:30 pm...and this a.m. they called to see if I can come at 10:00 a.m. I am nothing if not flexible!

Such news today!

Terrible, terrible weather and flooding in my motherland and surrounding states! Kerry sent me some photos yesterday taken in her area, Oshkosh, featuring some of her favorite shops underwater, showing only tops or windshields of cars visible above the water. Wow! With all the disasters in the world right now--natural and otherwise--Judy R. thought it reminded her of the weather being affected as Jonah resisted the Lord's commands...hmmmm....ya' think???? Twila and I talked about this last night and both agree to make sure to have oil in your lamps and be ready to go! My nephew's soon to be in-laws are struggling to save their belongings in Montello as the waters get closer and closer to their home. Prays are needed for all!

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My friend, Joan, whose husband is probably the man some have thought to be my boyfriend (please hold the giggles!), was traveling to visit family in VA, and then on to their home in Montana. Well, she was having leg pains and then shortness of breath so Paul took her to the hospital in Virginia Beach. It's been determined she has serious pulmonary emboli, with one large clot so close to the heart that they didn't want to move her to another hospital. Her kids and spouses have traveled up to VA now to be with her, with Paul, as the medicine hopefully does its thing and safely breaks up the clots. Prayers for her as well, please! I saw her last week Wednesday at the sales meeting at Island Realty, and said our good-byes from there.

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Prayers of thanks also for the safe travels of Judy R. as hubby and she traveled to the funeral of her brother-in-law this past week. They encountered no bad weather either direction. Linda is making a good recovery, thanks to the helping hands of Tommy, who helps her do the therapy exercises. My new friend, Jami, in TX, underwent surgery on Thursday, hopefully being relieved of some painful female troubles. I just checked her blog and Jami's hubby has posted updated reports of her recovery. Seems she enjoys the button on the pain medication pump! Wore one out already, so they resorted to injections...ahhh, that's better....good night!

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The news, other than the flooding mess up north, is about Tim Russert passing away suddenly Friday. I used to like him more a few years ago, probably prior to the 2004 mid-term elections. We used to tape "Meet the Depressed" (a play on words there) to watch after church, but eventually we quit watching altogether. His recent handling of some of the candidates' at the debates was a bit heavy-handed, which no one should be surprised about, given his work history prior to "Meet the ......." Anyway, I did get a chance to hear him speak last year at a fund raising event downtown, I think Martie went with me. We saw him outside first, on crutches, and walking with his sister and little niece. We said "hi" and he said "hi" right back to us, like a regular guy. The consensus of those being interviewed and offering their remarks all say the same thing: "He was a genuine guy!" I truly enjoyed his book, "Big Russ and Me", where he tells the story of his rough and tumble dad whom he greatly admired. Now Big Russ has to bury his son.......speaking figuratively, of course, as he's quite elderly.

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Having the levee breach in Des Moines is a terrible thing. Some liken it to the Hurricane Katrina aftermath. Now, let's watch to see how this plays out, how the people will react to the disaster. God's going to busy answering all these prayers today!

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On a lighter note: I just heard that Jon Voight is going to be on "24" as Jack Bauer's nemesis. I can't help but chuckle because at one time, before it burned up outside the flower shop, George Costanza drove a car formerly owned by Jon Voight. There are serious doubts it was THE Jon Voight, but he never hesitated telling people that it was!!!! Justin simply adores "24" and is counting the minutes (or hours!!! as the case might be!) until it returns to TV. Much of our cruise in 2006 was spent watching season after season of "24" on his computer, and he'd come up on deck all strung out with, oh, say, anxiety or similar, from the intensity of that program. He'd sit by me and unwind, take a break from the drama.....Justin knows where to go when he needs to calm down!

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Dave, the condo "doorman" has volunteered to help me re-pot Timmy's lemon tree after its trimmed. He's lending me the loppers so I can selectively remove the non-producing branches and will try fresh soil to see it that makes a difference. The lemon that was hanging for dear life was actually not growing anymore, other than growing black on one side, so I took it off and removed the tiny seeds. I planted them in a cup and have it on my window sill by the desk so I can keep an eye out for growth. My sapling from a previous lemon is sprouting new growth from both the top and the bottom, so my spirit isn't completely crushed tree-wise!

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There's nothing so esteem-building than to hit the "Spell Check" button and get the pronouncement: No Spelling Errors Detected!!! An Editor's nightmare, the spell checker button! I am going to watch for the space shuttle to come home, hope the clouds break enough for me to see/hear it come in. It was perfectly cloudless about an hour ago.....Twila and her sister are going down to the beach house next week, I am so jealous! Twila looked at my mother-in-law's heritage album last night and thinks the family will just love it....hope so! Wish I had more photos, though, but can always add pages if more pictures are located.

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Some friends are coming to sit poolside today and tonight am going to dinner with the Rosses at Blu Grotto, at least, that's the plan right now. Rick's been doing much traveling these past weeks so haven't seen much of him since Chris's birthday party. Will be good to share a meal and conversation again!!!

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Wear your boots and take your umbrellas everyone!

A few photos

Manny and Gabe resting on their beds. Manny is on the bed used by Justin and Timmy

Manny strolling on the beach along Lake Michigan

Olivia and me at the Debutante' event (I'm the shorter one......)

Esther, me, and Pat at the Deb event

Justin and Olivia at Koko's after the Big Event!
Where've I seen that smile before??????? He'd hate me mentioning that fact.....maybe not

"Have you found joy in your life.....?"

My shirt is now soaked, thank you very much, and my head is pounding...No, I was not in the rain, nor did I bump my head. I merely watched my new movie today, "The Bucket List". Linda, I'd have given almost anything to be watching this again with you---your place or mine!

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I won't recount the entire movie to you, I already did it once for my mom, when she wondered what about that movie made me cry.

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Here's a replay of what I wrote February 11:

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Two terminally ill men meet in the hospital, make up a list of things to achieve or experience before they 'kick the bucket'. I think we'll never forget that movie or its message. Justin may not have the same appreciation for the prospect of facing ones' demise, but for us "older" women of faith, oh yeah.....we were hysterical at times, both with laughter and tears, while being filled with contemplation.

Jack Nicholson's character was a wealthy man with no room in his vast intellect or bank account for faith in the Lord, and expressed envy for those of us that do. The other man was a believer in God and an honorable family man of modest means who had to make many compromises due to his circumstances. The wealthy man helped him realize his dreams, while being influenced by the "faithfulness" of the poorer man.....I am trying not to give it away!!!

As I am writing this, a finger of the sun's reflection is stretching across the water toward me, like an arrow. It's lining up directly at my window, moving closer, inch by inch. Majestic! In last night's movie, one of the wishes of Morgan Freeman's character was to view something "majestic" before he died. I get to enjoy something of majesty every single day, particularly on days when the sun isn't dimmed by fog or clouds. The river is majestic on its own; therefore, I can cross 'see something majestic' from my Bucket List!!

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One thing I'd like to go on record about though.....I'd have to really, really think twice before undergoing chemotherapy, after seeing what those poor guys went through. I'm sure it's no exaggeration, perhaps even downplayed so the audience wouldn't leave the theater.

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I got an e-mail from Tommy this afternoon, in reply to something I sent to him, as seen in the newest Hammecher-Schlemmer catalog. Get this: a ride-on cooler! Those of you who know him and the cooler story will truly appreciate the humor in this. He thanked me for cheering him up in "his time of tribulation"---nursing Linda back to health after her knee surgery. He remarked that it's harder on him than on her, but not in the way you'd think. He hurts for her! Tommy is such a dear, dear man!

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A nasty storm blew through here right after lunch, left as quickly as it came. I hope the roofers were able to come back to work after the storm, as we don't want to prolong the replacement process if it can be helped. Kerry wrote to me that Oshkosh and surrounding areas were having more rain, the flooding continues, and houses are dropping into the sea (or lake, as the case might be). She asked for prayers for those experiencing the great loss of life and property. Please do so.

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I had lunch with Martie and Man-Man, now known as Little Mark, to celebrate her birthday a day late. I gave Martie a book called "Ronald Reagan's Diaries" and a cookie cake with her name on it. It was about the size of a pizza and literally stopped traffic at Cracker Barrel! I told one of the waitresses who came by to look at it that Martie was on a diet and could only have one cookie, so.....................she about died laughing! After she left my table and went into the kitchen, I could hear them laughing as she told them what I said. "Have you brought joy to someone elses' life.....?" Well, I brought them something today!

Little Mark, growing some new front teeth.

He still has gorgeous eye lashes and loves his MeeMaw!

"I Choose Not to Run"

One of the most comical "Seinfeld" episodes was just on, with so many layers of what's funny taking place, I can barely separate them! Jerry re-running a foot race with an old school mate; Kramer working as a department store Marxist Santa; Jerry's girlfriend named "Lois" (he's a HUGE Superman fan, so absolutely loves the name Lois); Elaine 'blacklisted' at the Chinese take-out place (not to mention being banned from having soup for one year!). She has the worst restaurant luck, poor girl!

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We had only three in the memoir writing workshop today, but expect a couple more next week. Those who were here really enjoyed it, we shared our "samples" and I encouraged them to fill in any blanks they wish to make their story more complete. My scrapbook/painting ladies weren't able to come this noon, as it's Martie's birthday and her family snatched her away from me!

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Chris and I would have feted her appropriately but to keep family peace, we let her go. Chris and her hubby were planning a day at the beach but I think the sky had other ideas, opening just as the writing crew was leaving my house. Being suddenly available for lunch, we decided to go to Longhorn on the Island which suits me perfectly, as I was longing for my Monday chicken fingers. Creature of habit, I am! And also know what I like!

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My memoir writers enjoyed the view and atmosphere while here, even had the doors open until it began to rain. One mentioned that she would never have to go anywhere because it feels so good here. I asked her, "But what would you do about eating??"....for a moment she was stunned and then remembered who she's talking to. Some can't imagine not having to prepare meals daily for people who don't really appreciate their efforts or for those who recognize the non-effort put into meal-making. My former spouse was an amazing cook and I am not, but those in the area bistros do a fine job making me and who's ever with me, happy!

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As often happens when we are together, my friends have a problem they wish to discuss, personal relationships usually at home or work. One of these friends has a reoccurring situation with a husband who is no longer 'among the living', rather, he sits at home watching sports or news on TV and reading the paper. This rattles her no end and after a certain point there's little anyone can add to comfort her wounded feelings. Today I was compelled to invoke the name of a great, wise man...and NOT Dr. Phil.

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I shared with the group how Pete, as our pastor, gave me the 'special hug' and 'calming reminder' so desperately needed as my marriage was raveling. That hug? The Words of our Lord. The reminder? There is one thing and one thing only we can depend upon for eternity--Jesus' love for us never fails! His love never waivers, is unconditional, does not judge, and so on.

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After a certain point, one has to just let God do His thing for and in us, and we should not dwell on what's NOT happening. Instead, focus on what is!!! Pete's reminder, God's actually, is that love is what we can do for others, give others, and IS NOT about getting or deserving. Give not get! Okay, see? Now, let's talk about something else--global warming anyone? Animal cruelty perhaps? How about the floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, and other natural disasters for table talk?

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I took advantage of the electrical storm later this afternoon, keeping my computer shut off and safe, by watching a documentary movie about singer and songwriter, Leonard Cohen. I've been a fan of some of his music for many years, mostly because Judy Collins and Baez sang some of his poems on their albums. We listened to some of Cohen's music when playing Name That Tune at Lori and David's in April. I am humbled by his writing. I looked on the computer for recording of his and discovered that he'd been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year! Rock 'n roll? Okay, I guess. Leonard Cohen was, although seemingly unlikely, a love interest of Janis Joplin, sharing shelter at the Chelsea Hotel in NYC. This I knew, but it still amazes me how these poet/musicians move about in each other's lives.

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So, as time goes by here, my next meeting is about to begin so I have to run---unless, of course, I choose NOT to run!!!!!

Some fun and interesting things yesterday.....

I have only a few moments before needing to dress and such for the day. Some pending writers will be arriving shortly to begin their trip through time, memoir writing. I snitched this concept from Judy R., who wrote the most beautiful memoir of her grandfather and dad and other relatives, using the same format we are using today. I so 'cited!!! It is such a blessing to have friends who are "kindred spirits" AND are teachers!!! An endless resource of ideas!!

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Reading my previous paragraph---I'd be in big trouble at Elaine Benes' publishing company, overuse of !!!!!!. Robbie told me once that I write like I talk, hence, the !!!!!.

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Tuesday morning I went over to Mandarin to pick up my books for today, plus found something for Justin's birthday. Remembering that The Bucket List came out on DVD, I went to see if they had it. A nice lady tried to help me, but she was only filling in while another girl took a break. We searched around, found it, discussed it at length, with me stopping short of giving the entire story away and breaking into tears. Whew! That was close! It cost a whole lot more buying it at B & N than at Wal-Mart but made for one-stop shopping. I also got myself an inexpensive journal to use for my workshop today. For not being a voracious reader, I can sure get into a lot of trouble at Barnes and Noble!!!!

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On the way over and then back from Mandarin (where the land is sold in "segments" instead of lots-----oranges, get it??) I had nice chats with Joanne---finally! She is working on her parents' home in MI, trying to get it cleaned out inside and straightened away outside so they can list it for sale. She has her hands quite full up there and I rejoiced at getting to actually speaking with her versus leaving messages for each other all the time. And twice we spoke, in one day....great! Also, I had a call from Jen wanting to meet for lunch, which was doable if timed just right. Multi-tasking, driving, talking, planning, and doing it all safely.

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I got across the bridge and worked my way to Blanding Blvd. so I could pick up my new glasses. Oh, they do look cute, even though I hate the idea of wearing glasses again. Everything is so crisp when I have them on, but my stubborn side wants me to continue being less sharp. Is that like cutting off ones' nose to spite their face? The technician had to shorten the length of the bows because they stuck out past my ears in the back--I have a small head, contrary to popular opinion. And out the door I go! With the glasses tucked away in my purse, of course. I did take them out to show Jen and she loved them, said they look just like me! Thank God for red frames!

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We had a lovely lunch at Pengree's, where I also met some of the ladies from Art Guild. I think they'd done a change-out at The Cancer Center earlier, if my notes were accurate. Another of our members hangs her art in Pengrees and comes in from Penney Farms to do so. Penney Farms, named after JC himself, was established to serve as a retirement community for pastors way back when. Now, Christian lay workers, pastors, missionaries, and other church-related retirees live and work together on this compound. Sounds perfect for retired church secretaries, too! Endless union meetings.....The man who played the Coroner in the "Wizard of Oz" also lives there. Just a little trivia...

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After lunch I went out to Great Hang Ups to see my lady friends. I hadn't seen them since last week, didn't even go to my painting time with Dee because of my goofy teeth business. We got caught up some and found out we are supposed to meet again on Thursday, which won't work for me because of a Building Committee Meeting. Rats! I'd rather go paint, since we have nothing really to discuss. It's a slow, plodding process to build these classrooms....the Blue Mosque in Istanbul was built in 3 years, and we're going on six years with the planning here!!! Of course, as Pastor Humann reminded me, we aren't using slave labor and the Turks were NOT Lutherans! Keeping in mind that all the workers on this team and involved in this effort are volunteers and have other things going on in their lives than building this building......

Here is a picture of the Blue Mosque, NOT built by a committee of Lutherans!

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I got home just before the heavens opened and got my stuff hauled upstairs without getting it all wet. Good! Brought some more paper into the house to mess up my office and desk. Oh, I really need to address some of this paperwork one of these days. Jen remarked that she likes to do filing, but Rick doesn't. Rebecca, my friend who moved to Onalaska, used to work for us and simply loved doing the filing. I just don't get it. I've mentioned before how I like everything else in my life nice 'n neat but my office mess, forget it! And my car mess, complete with poisonous spiders...............forget that too!

Kim and Olivia at her Debutante' Event Sunday