VBS Week at church

It's been a busy one already this week and it's only Tuesday! I am the greeter, registrar and official photographer for the event. On Thursday I am in charge of the dinner, and if our numbers stay up, I'll be ordering pizza for 40 people! Wow! Paul suggested getting the Pizza Mia pizzas which are only $5.00 each, and serve 8. This should work.

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I am a bit stiff and achy from water aerobics, as strange as this may seem. It would be expected with impact-type exercises but not when we are bobbing about in the water. Today we used foam bar bells and did a number of different maneuvers to strength our arms and backs. Last time they used only the noodles (I stayed away that morning because it was too cold for me to join them!) and today only the bar bells. Nice people and not too difficult.

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This morning in the e-mail I received a wonderful compliment---my new friend, Sharon, who was in the car accident last week, asked me to pen a letter to the Editor of the St. Augustine Record from her. She wanted to extend her gratitude to the unknown Good Samaritans who stopped to lend aid and rescue them from their upside-down vehicle. She approved my first draft, saying I wrote it as though I was a witness to the accident! I only wrote what I remember her saying about it on Sunday at the pool.

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My friend, Linda J., got some wonderful news on Saturday while visiting their son near Chicago. Matthew gave her a package with a web cam in it and said, "Here's so you can keep an eye on all three of your grandchildren." Well, so far, there are only two grands, but that was Matt's way of saying, "We're pregnant!!!!!" Tears flowed all around, even down here in Florida for this most excellent and long-awaited news!

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Martie and I went shopping and lunching on Monday, starting out at the Dollar Tree store in Argyle. I was told I could find bandannas there, but unfortunately, there were none to be had. We went down a few stores to Michael's and asked the young lady if they had any. She answered, almost apologetically, that they did have some bandannas in the $1.00 baskets. Oh, that's okay, I can manage with these! The colors were vibrant and we took all but two of them from the bin. What a great find and saved us from going to yet another store in search of these scarves. They are to be used for a game Lynn Kuske is running for VBS. Can't wait to see the bright colors on the playground!

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After Michael's, we rode together toward 5 Points in historic Jacksonville in search of the Bloomer's store. I was on a mission to have a professional bra fitting. (Sorry if I offend anyone with this story!) When we got there, I told the nice lady I was there for a front-end alignment. She thought that was the funniest thing, and shared that with her co-workers just before we left. We had a couple more funnies before leaving with our purchases, mine worn right out of the store. I thought about just wearing the bra and walking down the street but was afraid I'd cause a traffic accident or something. (Seinfeld reference again!) Martie got an undergarment for herself, too, but didn't wear hers out of the store. The nice lady ordered a couple more of the same style and size bra for me and will call when they come in. It wasn't as expensive as I expected it to be, since one of the ladies Sunday said it could run as high as $60! So, when I saw how much mine was, it didn't seem so expensive. And the fit is terrific, the What Not To Wear people would be pleased.

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This morning, after I got back upstairs from the pool, I saw Justin had called. He asked if I would take him for a haircut today sometime and would go where ever I wanted him to go. I called my regular ladies and one of them could take him if he came immediately, so off he went. I met him down at the salon and he was already in the chair. What a pile of hair on the floor!!! He looks so handsome now, even shaved off his little beard. He is self-conscious about his chins yet, so might grow the beard back in. Justin doesn't want to get that chicken-looking neck some get when losing lots of weight. I believe he's young enough yet that his skin will adjust, especially if his loss is gradual. I am proud of his weight loss and new grooming habits......he said he wanted to "look spiffy" for his birthday, using Gabe's expression.

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I went to see my lady friends after leaving the beauty shop, since Justin used his lunch hour to get his haircut. After leaving their shop, I headed for home to work on printing off some photos taken last night at VBS for the craft lady. She needs prints of all the kids to put in a frame they are assembling. I only hope I get photos of all the children and not miss anyone. After VBS tonight I stopped at Office Max to buy more paper and an ink cartridge so I can print some more. She needs 4 x 6 sized photos, so I can only get one per page, the way my program is set up.

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Tomorrow brings some friends to crop for a bit in the afternoon. I love having them come! I can work on cutting the photos apart and get them ready for VBS tomorrow night, plus I can also work on more bags for Travis. I missed out on a luncheon for my lady financial advisor who is running for an at-large seat on the Board of Supervisors. Thursday both Travis and Diane invited me to a debate but alas, I am occupied in the evenings this week....I really enjoyed the last debate I attended, met some nice folks there and heard everyone's stump speech.

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I am quite sleepy so will put myself to bed now. Last night I had to get up to turn off my family room light, which comes on by remote control, operated by Travis' remote! When I came back to bed, I noticed the moon was out, but was a dark orangish red color, very neat. We'd had nasty weather in the evening but this moon broke through the clouds enough to look absolutely eerie!

I've made a huge mistake this morning

I watched a movie which always "gets" me--"Pay it Forward". The little boy initiates the concept of doing favors for folks and then asking in return that the recipients do favors for three other people and so on. His teacher describes it as "utopian", but I call it God's Plan. "...for when I was naked, you gave me clothes; when I was hungry, you fed me; when I was sick, you took me in"....a paraphrase of the text from Matthew, but you get the picture. "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets."

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What gets me in this movie is how this intense child works so hard to "fix" things in peoples lives, and ends up dying of a stab wound at the end. His theory or project of Pay It Forward has gone out all over the country due to a story done by a reporter who heard about it in L.A., and he wouldn't rest until he determined the "source" of this miraculous event. A child? Really? The reporter was just blown away. Sometimes we try to fix things in our lives, using our own tools instead of the ones God gave us, and more often than not, end up getting 'stabbed', too!

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A friend of mine from long ago was talking with me once about the charitable groups she supports and raises money for, etc. She told me not only did it make her "feel good" to be helping people, but it was also good publicity, and, on top of that, a tax write-off. Well, no good deed ever goes unpunished, I've heard. Someone else told me once that a "deed isn't good if anyone else knows about it". I like that, really do.

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I woke up tired again this morning, probably because I was so busy at work in my dreams again. Once more I was working in the nursing home back in Manty, playing 'beat the clock' with setting the tables and washing the dishes, trying to remember whose turn it was to load the dish washing machine, take off or clear tables. We rotated every month. I've been out of there for 20 years now and still can't remember whose turn it is! At one point in my dream I left my position to run outside and greet Martie's sister, June, who was coming across the lawn with my sister, Lori, and her hubby, David!!! And the fireman were outside on the street collecting money for Jerry's Kids............Joseph, where are you when I need a dream interpreted????? For years and years, I've had this dream of being back at work at Shady Lane, struggling to get the trays upstairs under the most trying of circumstances, as though everyone is doing what they can to prevent my getting the people fed up there.........hidden frustration? Someone elses' fault???

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After one of these nights of frustrating dreaming, I told my then husband that I was so tired yet in the morning. He said, "Of course you are! You were up all night working!"

A full, full day

Besides my time spent on-line exploring cruises this a.m., I also watched part of a "What Not to Wear" episode while waiting to hear from Joan and Haley about the movie plans. Originally we were going to the theater first for the earliest showing of the day, and then to lunch. Joan did call to report that Haley was hungry so we were having lunch first and then going to a later movie, which was fine with me. We met Haley up at Honey B's, their first visit. We each had a piece of pie for dessert, cutting off a portion to share with the others. Mine was sour cream and berry with a meringue top. Ymmmmm!

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Martie had called last evening to invite me to join her family in celebrating Ernie's birthday tonight. Instead of her cooking a meal, after working all day, we are going to eat at the China Buffet. I'd not been to a China Buffet since leaving Manty and now I'll be going twice in a month's time, the previous time being with Twila before Ladies' Group. Ernie is not much for socializing so this is a huge deal to have him go out to eat. We are punishing him on his birthday!

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Jen had called also last night, after their week in Orlando, to see if I could meet them for dinner. Nuts! I'd already accepted an invitation to attend a function at The Club for the debutantes, going as Olivia's "person". She didn't want to call me her 'date', so 'person' works for me. It's nice to be a person once in awhile!! We had a marvelous evening, all dressed up, Owen in his tuxedo and looking quite handsome. Olivia was drop-dead gorgeous in her mocha-colored dress, and Sandy spiffy in a two-piece black suit with a lovely broach to set it off. (Sounds like a fashion writer----I could write for J. Peterman's catalog!!!) The party theme was James Bond so there were gaming tables set up and some folks came dressed in Bond movie attire. Justin asked me if I was going to wear something backless...........Silly Justin! I wore the ruby blouse Mom gave me for my birthday and looked just fine fully dressed!

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Again I saw many of Justin's classmates as well as his friend, Ryan, resplendent in his tuxedo. His girlfriend remarked that not many guys his age own their tuxedos, but I know Ryan has gotten much use from his through high school and into college. Justin had seen of the guys at the movies the previous night, going to the midnight presentation of "The Dark Knight", a Batman movie. He was out so late that night, he overslept and was an hour late getting to work on Friday morning. I gave him the look and a tiny lecture about this sort of irresponsible behavior. I wonder if I'll lose any clout with him after he turns 21 next weekend.........

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Anyway, back to Jennifer----she called back today while I was in the car with Joan to ask me to join her parents at La Napolera for dinner. Rosses wouldn't be there but her folks, who like Justin and me, wanted me to come with them. I had to turn them down, too, since I'm already invited to the China Buffet, but accepted the offer to join them at their home for games and such after dinner. Rosses will be there in time for the "games to begin"! I'll do that when we're finished at the Buffet, since certainly Ernie won't want to hang around long afterward. Whew! What a breakneck pace to keep.....

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While waiting for my ride this a.m. my neighbor, Rose, asked me if I was going out to the pool today, because the rest of our "gang" was planning to be there. Our mutual friend, the skin care lady, Sharon, had been in a roll-over accident Monday on the way back from St. Augustine. Her friends' car was totalled but the two ladies sustained "only" patchable injuries, the kind requiring stitches and such. Thank the Lord no one was more seriously hurt! I told Rose my day was spoken for but will make sure to get out to the pool after church tomorrow. I missed everyone last week when they were gone or taking care of family, but I managed nicely by myself.

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My usual cake baker, Dena, is going to be on vacation next week so won't be able to make Justin's birthday cake. I asked Jen if Ricky would be around and interested in making a cake for Justin. They must check his schedule and such before committing to it, but I'll have Publix on stand-by to make the cake for him. I just love Dena's cakes, and am sorry it didn't work out. For my sake as well as hers, to help her business grow.

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It has begun to rain and lightning, just in time for me to head out. Travis had invited me to join in a bbq for the candidates over on Doctors Lake today but my schedule didn't allow. I'd gotten an entire box of stuffed bags ready for him to hand out as his team of walkers were hitting the neighborhoods off Moody Road before the bbq. I ran out of pens so had to quit stuffing yesterday. It's the least I can do, since I am not taking on the task of going door to door. I talk too much!

"There will be questions........"

I just got home from seeing "Mamma Mia", still reveling in the moment.....

The actors did a fantastic job of it, but were seriously paled by the scenery. Half way through the movie I was all set to come home and pack my bags for a lengthy stay in Greece. Oh, the longing is making my head spin!! I remember Konstantine, our guide on St. Paul's 2nd Missionary tour, described it as a "Greek state of mind", this similar "state of mind" for Italy, as well. Should all my decisions be so difficult!!!!

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Of course, I do not want to give away the plot of the movie except to say---besides a little dose of 'suggestive' subject matter---it was an almost 'get up on your feet and dance' experience. It brought tears a little bit in places, perhaps not to everyone; to someone who has had to say "good-bye" to a loved one, yeah, it brought tears, but few.

How odd to be so taken away by this movie, since the early hours this a.m. were spent scouting cruises and destinations for the trip planned in 2009 with a couple lady friends. We want to get as much bang for our buck and I'd just love to take them to Alexandria to see the pyramids and sphinx at Giza, and the museum of the antiquities, and the beautiful coastline cities in Croatia, and Thira on the mountain-top in the Greek Isles..............That's alot of bang!!!

Just look at that face! Who wouldn't be delighted to have a cafe named after themselves????? And that blue, blue water........

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There is a part in the movie where these "unwanted" gentlemen arrive on the island and the proprietess of the villa wants to remove them, shall we say, permanently. One of her lady friends dissuade her from causing the men bodily harm, because "there will be questions". This threw me into controlled hysterics, just tickled my funny bone. "There will be questions".........

What a ride I've been on this morning!

Linda H. sent me an e-mail this morning. In her opening remarks, she said she thought long and hard before sending it, but felt I would like to read this story. Evidently, she receieved it by mistake, it was meant to be addressed to another Linda in her office. Never has a mistake been so "correct"!

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What Linda sent was a newsletter for First Baptist Church here in my town, with a story about a former member whose 4 year old daughter died earlier this month of meningitis. Both the father and the mother gave amazing testimonies regarding their faith in the Lord and His salvation promises.....so many of their words were reminiscent, their feelings, fears, sense of loss, which is really really quite fresh yet for me. Wow, what a trip I was to go on already today!!!!

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Through this article, I found the link to the family's blogsite and read more and more testimony, especially enjoying the part written by Hope, the mom of the child who died, who says "I long for heaven". Could have been written by me. I also found a link to another site, a youtube.com story about Rick Burgess of the "Rick and Bubba" radio show. His "memorial" given at his 2 year old sons service is titled "A Father's Heart", where he gives praise and thanks to the Lord instead of blaming God for taking his child away. A remarkable testimony. His little boy drowned in the family pool on, of all days, January 19, 2008! So, my fingers have been busy ever since Linda thought long and hard about sending me her mistaken e-mailed newsletter!!!!

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I made sure to tell the parents of the little girl who died to not worry about anyone suggesting they "get over it" and encouraged them to keep talking about the faith and hope in salvation that sustains them. These things happen to God's purpose, for us to use, with the Holy Spirit, to extend His kingdom. It would be most unfortunate to let an opportunity slip by without sharing the Good News with someone!

No ranting tonight

In reading my friend, Jami's, blogsite this morning, she had a whole section which could be deemed "rant", prompting me to write a comment to her about us both being full of vitriol yesterday! How funny! I also noticed on some photos she posted that she and I have another thing in common---Obsession cologne! One thing we formerly had in common was our love for Diet Coke but since her surgery, Jami has kicked the habit pretty much. Good for her, bravo!

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She's been putting her recuperation time to good use, leading her readers on a path about forgiveness, and about how it eludes us. She has referenced the Scriptures, showing where the Lord encourages us to forgive others as we are forgiven, and also where there is "nothing new under the sun". Ain't that the truth!!! This "walk" is helpful for the work she does at the prison. And for all of us on this side of the wall.....

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This afternoon while making up the bags for Travis, I watched back to back "Frasier" episodes, the series ender. It's Martin and Ronnie's (a woman) wedding being planned, Niles and Daphne's baby due any second, Frasier's girlfriend moving to Chicago, just a whole lot of stuff going on. Daphne ended up having the baby while in the vet's office, and Niles came out into the waiting room to find Frasier and the happy couple, while giving a bottle of milk to a monkey. The looks on their faces were priceless!!!! When they went into the vet's operating room and saw the real infant, Ronnie said, "That twin is going to be jealous all his life!!!" and I was hysterically laughing. Without giving away the entire story, and I may have already, the ending is quite sad with all the good-byes and misunderstandings between them all, thinking Frasier is dying instead of simply moving away.......ooops! I gave it away!!!!

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Since I was going to dinner with Julia, I shouldn't have spent the afternoon in tears, but my eyes were back to normal by the time we met. It had been a long while since I ate at Koko's and received a royal welcome when we came in. One of the chefs shook my hand and commented about not seeing me in a long time. He said he thought since Matt left that I left too. This made me feel sad because I certainly wasn't doing it on purpose, it just didn't work out to go there all the time like we used to. The chef who cooked for our table always remembers how much I like onions and made sure I got lots of them, didn't give me the shrimp but let Julia have mine, and put an extra dot of butter on top my rice, all without my asking him. I don't really need the extra butter anymore since I've learned to use the shrimp sauce but didn't want to hurt his feelings. Even the bartender knew to put my rum and diet into a tall glass without being asked----there is nothing like excellent customer service!

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Yesterday late afternoon I went to Hang Ups and picked up Justin's birthday present for his father. He'd not done any shopping or preparation for the birthday but never fear, Mom's on top of it! Julia had told about this fantastic aeronautical chart/map that was unclaimed for a long time and she was going to use it in her "garage sale" in the fall. I knew that sounded like a nice gift for his father so I made sure it remained unclaimed until we came to get it. He was going to take it to his father's house tonight before the guys headed off to the movies. Justin came by here to pick it up since it was still in my car, so I got to see him for a couple minutes, just long enough for him to ask me for some cash money to use at the movies! He cleaned me out, plus got a nice present for his father! That guy can sure work the room, can't he?

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After going to Hang Ups Wednesday, I went down to the booty shop to get my hair taken care of, opting to keep the top a bit longer than usual this time. Susan, the proprietor, commented how much she liked my hair BEFORE I had it cut, a Murphy's Law, so in discussing it with Barbara, decided to keep it a tiny bit longer. This might make for more frequent trims, though, so we'll see how that goes. I can't have it touching my ears, you know!

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Judy J. came to meet me after my hair appointment and we shared a basket of fried dill pickles at Whitey's. We each ordered the fish 'n chips, and she took the combined leftovers home to her grandson for him to consume. She says nothing stays long in the fridge since the two boys moved in with her last spring. Judy had some stuff she needed to talk about with me and then the Hilchey's arrived. As soon as Judy finished her meal and we said "good-bye" to each other, I moved over to the Hilchey's table and sat with them. There is only so much of me to go around......moreso since having the fried pickles! It's great to have someone to share the pickles with, as a basket is way too many for one person to eat, and they won't give me a half order.

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On the way home from Whitey's I stopped at Publix to buy some envelopes and stamps to finish a mailing I was working on. There I met my former next door neighbor and got some nice hugs from Mike. He called his wife to report his Kim siting, and Judy wanted to make sure we got together. We made plans to get meet at Shogun. They no longer eat at Koko's three times a week like they used to, but preferring now Shogun. I'll wear three layers of clothing to eat there, because it's so very cold. Maybe their company will warm me up! Heather, the daughter who is the same age as Justin, is presently on a trip to Egypt so I am excited to hear about her trip!

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Another program I watched while stuffing campaign bags was one called "10 Years Younger". Women surrender themselves to a team of "remodelers" who strive to take at least 10 years off their looks. They will get dermabrasion, teeth whitening or reconstructing of their teeth, and some even undergo LASIK eye surgery----at the networks' expense! Wow! They show the women having the eye surgery, which I had performed on myself eight years ago. Then, they see themselves and start to cry, so happy to be without glasses.

I have a problem with that, since I had strict orders to not cry until the healing was complete. Maybe it's changed in the past 8 years but I can't help but remember how difficult it was to avoid weeping back then, with all the junk going on in my life. My final tweaking procedure took place after Timmy died, so man, I had my work cut out for me, to not cry and wreck my eye. The last surgery was postponed until August, I think, in order to allow enough time to go by after his death. Through the magic of TV, these ladies undergo amazing "corrections" in a short period of time, get new outfits to wear, and end up looking "10 Years Younger". I only saw this show because I was too lazy get up and change the channel, being so engrossed in my bag stuffing!

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Lisa called last night to report sitting in the darkened house, making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for supper because their power was out. Apparently some wretched weather came through and knocked down trees and power lines all over the place. The good news was she had enough battery power on her computer to play DVDs for the boys before bed, as they are accustomed to having CDs going when they fall asleep. Manny had a landmark day, actually a week, by using the toilet all by himself. Yippee! Like I told Lisa, their trip down here will be so much nicer if they don't have to concern themselves with diapers and finding places to change him. I have a washer to use if an accident happens, for any of us!!!!!!!

Here's some more photos for you!

Olivia and Justin posing nicely for the camera at the Debutante event on Sunday. He's thrilled with how slim his face is looking due to his weight loss and hair cut! Olivia is wearing the necklace we brought back for her from Mt. Etna, made from polished lava rocks. Really popped against her light skin!

Here's a candid shot of Owen, me and Pat sitting at the table, waiting for the introductions to be completed and having the buffet open. Pat's daughter, Wyndee Lee, is seated directly behind Owen, along with some other girls from St. Johns. Justin was across from me, and was glad that he got to speak with some of his classmates that evening.

Here's Olivia in her lovely party dress and gorgeous necklace!

Justin and Olivia posing once more for the camera, Sunday evening, at the debutante event.