For those who feel the same way I do about these things...........

"Given that his speech may resemble a scene from “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” with retro Greek architecture as a backdrop, it may be more difficult for Obama to persuade Americans he is ready to be president than if he were to climb the steep hill to the Acropolis." Cal Thomas, 8-24-08

(Reuters) - Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama's big speech on Thursday night will be delivered from an elaborate columned stage resembling a miniature Greek temple. 8-27-08 ABC News

"... a light will shine through that window, a beam of light will come down upon you, you will experience an epiphany ... and you will suddenly realize that you must go to the polls and vote for Obama" - Barack Obama
Lebanon, New Hampshire January 7, 2008

"This was the moment when the rise of the oceans began to slow and our planet began to heal."
-- Barack Obama

"We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek."- Barack Obama, Super Tuesday

"This is bigger than Kennedy. . . . This is the New Testament." "I felt this thrill going up my leg. I mean, I don't have that too often. No, seriously. It's a dramatic event."
-- Chris Matthews MSNBC
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Cue the theme music from "My Big, Fat Greek Wedding". I laughed my head off when I heard it yesterday!!!!

In that movie, Father Gus is upset because his naive daughter wants to go to city college....where? Chicago!! Go figure!! Gus says about his daughter, whom he thinks is too easily led: "Someone is going to give her a package and tells her to take it to the bus station......And she'll do it!!!!" Good for Tula for not being so swayed by those around her, swept up in the moment.

This is soooooooo cool!

In re-reading my most recent postings (I am my biggest fan!!!), I discovered that I now have two people named Ed who are my new best friends!!!!! One with a grille and tea-flavored vodka and the other with Packer tickets! I could do worse!!!!!

I have to leave the A/C running

Upon returning from the kitchen on a soda run, I saw and heard the A/C running, for some reason. The fact that it's 79 degrees in the house didn't occur to me....oh, of course it did. As I reached up to set the temp higher, I instead withdrew because yesterday morning it took both hands and one foot to try to open my kitchen door! It was swollen so badly from the humidity built up in the house, and I realize running the air conditioner will help to resolve the problem. I see some frolicking going on in the basin already this morning, too. No modesty, those manatees!

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I figured something out----every now and again I see this flat-bottomed boat with two guys just sort of drifting around slowly in the basin area, with one guy steering while the other peers at something in front of him. They got close enough today for me to see they are apparently measuring depth, and the instrument in front of the one fella must record the readings. And I thought they were just fiddling around out there! An 8th Commandment issue on my part!

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The most MARVELOUS thing happened to me after the meeting yesterday. I decided to stop at Publix (the one we refer to as Robbie's Publix, and used to call it Laurie's and Andy's Publix, since the Douglas kids all worked there!) to buy some soda and toilet bowl cleaner. Some seem to think it's the same thing! Anyway, more stuff made it into my cart so the nice bagger man insisted on taking it to my car for me. Originally I'd said I could take it but he wrestled it from my hands, so off we went. As he loaded my car he asked me how big a Packer fan I am. Not to miss a beat, I replied, "They don't come much bigger than me!" gesturing at my physique. He asked if I had tickets for the game and I knew he meant the Packer/Jaguar Game in December. I told him I was trying to get some from my neighbor but it was up in the air yet. He reached into his wallet and handed me his business card, which has a Jaguar logo on it. "Ed" works in the office of the Jags and promised to help me get tickets for the December 14th game!!!! He said to call him at home after 5:30 pm and he'd get in touch with sales to see what he could do. WOW! It's not what you know, it's who you know!!!!

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Immediately I phoned Lynn at work to report our upcoming blessing and she's going to put in for her vacation at this time. I asked what her price limit was for tickets, in case we get Club Seats, and she said it didn't matter, she wants to see this game!!!! Imagine---going to a Packer game in December and not freezing tight to those metal benches!!!!!

*

Ed and I played a bit of ping pong back and forth with phone calls, as it seems the front office had switched their phones already, even though they were in the office last night. He called me back bright and early this a.m. and said he was sorry, but all the "cheap seats" were scattered ones, not grouped together. I told him Club Seats were a go, and he excitedly told me he'd found some just released and would secure them for us! Once accomplished I gave my credit card info to him and it was a done deal!

*

Ed called back once more and told me I'd better sit down, he had some news for me. I was sitting already so told him to go ahead with the "bad" news, assuming the worst, of course. Ed reported that "unfortunately" the only seats he could get for us were on the Packer side of the field, 8 rows up from the bench, in an excellent section. Oh, that rascal really had me going there for a minute.....can't wait to tell Lynn and Justin about our seats. I am going to call Mike Sholes at church to see if he'd like to go, too, as I have one unclaimed seat yet.

*

Ed and I talked a while longer after his big news, discussing Robbie and his church activities, etc. He knew Robbie had just been to church conference and such. Oh, another thing----I had told Ed that we'd formerly had season tickets for the Jags but don't any longer. He said he knew that because when he called the front office and he gave my name, the person asked, "Is that Kim?" They knew me there, but he doesn't know who he was talking to who recognized my last name!!!! And Ed is my new best friend!!!!

*

I'd explained about not going to the games now because of the time crunch between worship and kick-off time, saying we couldn't get there, park, and walk to the stadium before half time....sort of an exaggeration but not too far off. He said I could buy parking in the garage and walk only two blocks or 5 minutes to the stadium. It's something to consider but I really really like watching from home, too, and hate it when they are blacked out due to low ticket sales. This won't be a problem for us, though, on December 14th, because we'll be there, all do to my letting Ed help me with my three grocery bags and soda cases!!!!

Oh, so now I'm a sad girl!

I just went into the kitchen to get a soda from the fridge, and though it's now remarkably emptier than it was last week when company was here, I saw a few things which made me miss my family. I disposed of the baby carrots leftover from the dinner I made the other night when we still had electricity. And I thought they loved veggies!! The crisper drawer has a bundle of celery (don't know how else to describe it) not even cut into. Justin thought the boys would like peanut butter on celery sticks. There are two containers of six each mixed fruit and pears, not even cracked open. Only one of the dozen cups of "logurt" was eaten, but I can enjoy those even though they say "kid cups" on the outside. I am a kid, my mom's kid!

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There is also a box in the fridge from McAllister's Deli from Sunday night when Justin and I went there before going to his house. I got a gynormous baked potato with cheddar cheese and bacon on it, barely, barely making a dent in it. I did take the liberty of embarrassing my son as well as myself, by spilling my soda when trying to put the straw through the lid! I cried and cried over spilled soda! The waitress had to stack the chairs and get the scrub bucket with mop.....a nice tip was left for her!

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In less than an hour I have a meeting at church regarding the recent presentation by Greg Schmill about starting a Christian Day School. This timing works best for one of the members of the investigating team because she works in the preschool. I gave up scrapbooking and painting today to attend a 1:00 pm meeting.......the bright side is getting to spend time with Janet! Last time Karen and she came for scrapbooking which was a hoot!

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Speaking of church----last night at Travis' victory celebration, his fiancee, Jessica, introduced me to someone as the social lady of the condo. Excuse me? She then went on to explain that although she has the "official title" of Social Team Leader, Kim is really the social person. Oh brother!!! I stomped my foot and declared for all to hear---"I am NOT the Fellowship Lady!!!!" Just kidding, of course. My work is generally behind the scenes, making the phone calls and designing the notices about upcoming events. I'm certainly glad my neighbors took it up themselves to invite us upstairs on our 3rd Thursday Social!

*

Time to mop my tears from the visit to the refrigerator, and get myself ready for the meeting. I trust no tears will be shed at the meeting, unless they are of frustration! By the way, Lynn, speaking of frustration, the cookies we got the other day are not really pecan sandies, your favorite. They have no pecans in them! Liars!!!!!

Travis won!!!!!!!

I just got home from Travis' celebration party at Holiday Inn and it truly was a celebration! He won handily over his Republican opponent and now has to gear up for the November elections. If he thought this battle was tough, well, it's going to get tougher yet! The Democrat running against him is a River Road dweller and most of those folks were rabidly against having the Poker Room added to the dog track, which Travis supported. This could be a problem and I hope "we" can overcome this arguement.

*

In speaking with Jessica, his fiance this evening, I told her if the battle gets ugly and mud starts to fly, or get down and dirty, I was out. She said they'd (the election committee) already decided not to stoop low and lower the standards, that it wasn't worth it. And this is why I love Travis!

Tropical Storm Fay

Here's a view of the river looking south from my river room. I am surprised they left the dredging machinery in the basin area, but removed the much larger barge from the area beyond the basin. You can see the wind whipping the palms furiously, and I can almost hear the sound they make when this happens.

This photo immediately made me think "here's the calm during the storm". Noah is enjoying his book, being able to read two and a half books during his vacation time in Florida. Just like on a cruise! Manny is just lying back on the sofa, watching the storm throw water at my new patio doors. I wish the doors would have been more resistant to water infiltration but this was not to be. I'll call Jack, my window guy and one of my fans, to see what he can tell me about this door situation.

Jack gave me a lovely black and white photograph his friend took of a cross on a mountain top in Switzerland. One day last year, Mom and I came home to find this wrapped present on my kitchen counter---a thank you from Jack. It got a bit wet when the water (during Fay)came down the walls from the unit above me. This picture hangs just behind my TV. The photo is fine, only the black paper on the back was wet.

"The sea was angry, my friends" but no golf balls or whales to be seen. This shot is looking down from my river room to the bulkhead below, as the waves are being tossed toward the patio doors of the first floor units. Gus, in one of the lower units, was out of town, so various neighbors kept an eye on things in his house, as well as checking on Mike, next door to Gus. Mike is in a motorized chair and all were concerned about him sitting alone down there. Especially without electricity to charge him up! He did fine, and in fact, became a bit annoyed that everyone kept asking him if he was okay......Is there such a thing as too much love? I think not!

You might possibly be able to see the streaks of water which are running down the wall where my TV usually stands. I'm glad it didn't short out my wiring and such which was behind there. Lisa put a metal cooking pan, also known as a kettle, to catch the drips. When the rain and leaking ceased, we moved everything back into place and I noticed my wall was rippled where water had gotten between the drywall and the paint. That's okay, it's not obvious, and hopefully mold won't be cultivated in there. The blue light which you see hanging there was purchased in Santorini, Greece, from Justin's and my friend, Jeanne, in 2006. It's blown glass, cobalt blue. When I saw it in the shop window, I looked at Justin and said, "That's for me!" Ta-da!!!

This view is looking north toward the Buckmann Bridge. It had to be closed during the height of the storm, not only because of the high winds but also because a sail boat, a sizable one, had broken loose at the marina and was banging against the sides of the bridge supports. Not good, for either the bridge or the boat! Since I don't normally hang off my porch railing, I hadn't noticed my new neighbors had placed a grille on their patio......I told Ed at the "Insteada Dinner" party on the 5th floor that I was going to be his new best friend! He said anytime I want to, I can cook on his grille. What a guy! He doesn't realize (yet) that I come with about 20 people!

This is the tree which stands just outside my patio doors. It's the tallest of all the palms near my windows and faired the best. The shorter two look quite squished down, as though giant birds tried to sit on them. The palms along the basin don't seem any worse for the wear either. I'd hate to lose the palm trees as they add so much to my view and enjoyment of the river. Thanks to all who remembered us in their prayers, asking God to watch over us "weathering" the storm.

Just look at how the waves are splashing over the breakwater! The river isn't at its high point here which is why the flat barrier rocks are still visible. During high tide, no rocks and no grass was showing which made for a creepy look. And now, it's as peaceful and calm as can be, as though nothing's happened. At least it's this way here.....other areas around Jacksonville are still using boats and/or waiting for their power to be restored. I am so blessed!!!

Various and assorted photographs

Gabe and Manny look like cool dudes, waiting for our table at Clark's Fish Camp. We are so glad we went on the very first day they were here as conditions deteriorated quickly starting Sunday!

The boys and Noah really got a kick out of the decor of the fish camp, totally surprised by what they found once inside the doors. Not what you'd expect at all. We were able to enjoy our meal on the open porch (a.k.a. 'fetid' swamp, as Lori called it) and Manny took great pleasure in throwing food to the turtles and alligator. Noah enjoyed his meal, the stuffed flounder, which Mom said is the best meal in a restaurant she's ever had! He didn't care much for my fried dill pickles but did like his alligator nuggets. Some like pickles, some like pencil erasers......

Looking like he's about to go up in the Space Shuttle, Manny is strapped into his car seat, ready to head to the airport. Gabe was on the other side of the car, trying to climb up into his seat, when it tipped and he fell backward from the car. All we adults were busy hugging and kissing good-bye and didn't notice he was on the way up. Gabe was fine but his clothes were wet so Noah and Lisa rapidly stripped him down and changed him just inside the garage, with no one the wiser. Some day he'll appreciate the adage about patience being a virtue.

Here is a great shot of the boys watching the storm from my family room window. Lynn and I put the glass back into place after moving it a couple days earlier--just in case! My left hand window was wiggling in the wind because it's not fully latched and we couldn't get it to lock in. A trusty piece of packing tape prevented it from making the noise of metal against metal. The shelf needed dusting anyway.....We ended up putting one candle holder back on the glass shelf because Lynn would forget it was there and hit her face on it when trying to look out. The candle reminded her head the glass shelf was there!

Gabe looks pensive as he rests his head on my foot stool. I was so proud of how the boys entertained themselves during our basic "lock-down" existence. I'd apologized to Tracy in the house below mine, explaining the boys need to run their little legs every now again. She thought I had a dance machine going up here.....right! Well, I could probably do that dancing now that I have my new bra! Justin's bringing them the Play Doh was absolutely brilliant, and I don't care one little bit if there was a mess on my glass topped table. Having no electricity allowed the boys to play using imagination and crayons, like in the old days when we wrote with chalk on a slate......okay, that's a bit of a stretch, I admit it!

At Gabe's recent VBS, the kids were taught to clap their hands when the talking and noise level got too high. It seems the clapping catches on and the kids realize they are to be quiet and applaud. Lisa and the boys demonstrated this for us Saturday when the noise level got a bit higher than we'd like. It shut Justin right up!!