Another full day of people-time!

In a few minutes I will be heading to church for worship, staying home earlier to brown my hamburger for the taco salad. Since I have communion clean-up after church I knew time would be tight for getting it done and chilled sufficiently before putting the salad together. Justin is coming over when he is done worshipping at his church and will complete his chores, hopefully, of vacuuming and cleaning my black iron doors. They look wretched, covered with dust, dirt and pollen. He thought he was getting off easy but figured out Friday, not so much!

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Once he is finished, I am leaving for Middleburg to see the Woodruff family, with the required taco salad in tow. I must get there as early as possible to avoid missing Brenda as she is returning to church in the late afternoon/evening for Bible study or worship. Christine, who lives in the next home over from them, said she is giving Jimmie and me some alone time before coming over but she insists she will come at some point, at least to have some salad! I cannot get over people going ga-ga for my food! Brenda N. has such a full schedule today with church events, etc. that she cannot go with me. She has never been out there and I know she would like to go, just not this time. I would like to be home in time to watch the shuttle launch, on the hopes that it does go and it is clear enough for us to view it!

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Last evening, I met Kathy B. at Ruby Tuesday for a quick dinner before we headed to Grace Episcopal for Kristi's concert. Their long-time director is retiring from the Orange Park Chorale so this concert series is momentous. We were greeted warmly by Kristi at the door when we came in, she called us the "contingent" from Good Shepherd. We found seats behind Dee and Blair and very much enjoyed the variety of music the Chorale performed. The version of the 23rd psalm was glorious, but some of the choices I do not care if I ever hear again. Like I said, it was a variety of musical offerings, something for every taste. Having been such a long, full day, and freezing half to death in the church, we parted company and I dashed the three blocks (in my car, of course!) home to the warmth and comfort of my bed! What a grand, glorious day with members of my church family and my Synod!!!

Turquoise --- it's not just for denim anymore!

Beware the Ides of March! Nine years ago today I had my LASIK surgery which allows me to walk about my home without requiring eye wear. I thank God for this surgery because it truly changed my life. Or, my life changed after I had it, whether or not I had the procedure! Last year at this time Justin and I were in New York on his spring break, visiting museums and riding the double-decker tour bus in the rain. At least the rain stopped so we could watch the St. Patrick's Day Parade, only freezing our noses off. Make no mistake, we had a marvelous time and he got to watch "American Idol" twice, in my presence. Looking back, he regrets being gone so long because he missed work, and then later, the money he could have earned. I had left the itinerary up to him so sadly, we did not get to see every museum in NYC, but enough to sate. Obviously, no trips planned for this break, our high times are at rest!

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As I dressed for church today, I chose my beige slacks with a shell and overshirt. I call it my "What Not to Wear" outfit because it looks like something they would help their victims select, except the pants have an elastic waist....Ooops! If I have one necklace, I have thirty-one hanging on a former towel bar in my bathroom. The one which I liked the best is the turquoise set Linda J. gave me a couple years ago. It seems this color works with everything, or at least, much of what is in my closet! Thanks, Linda!

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Yesterday was simply an awesome, exhausting day! I set my cell phone alarm for 6:00 a.m. so I would be ready when Judy came to pick me up at 7:00. And I was ready! Just as I was shutting my computer down so I could head out the door, the doorbell rang. Here was Judy on my porch, wondering if I was ready to go. I was, but had to grab my blanket for in the car, my purse, etc. and wake Joanne. Judy said she told me 6:45 a.m. for pick-up but Suzanne confirmed that I was told 7:00 a.m. Judy has no cell phone or she could have just called from the car instead of coming upstairs to gather me.

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It was still dark as we made our way to Lake Asbury for Janet and Suzanne, and were only a few minutes later than planned. I had taken two cans of soda along, plus Judy had a cooler with soda in it. Janet, being a high-maintenance passenger (te he he) needs to stop about halfway there and back again at McDonald's to go potty, so we got drinks there, too. And once more on our way home!

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Janet is such a hoot and took great great delight in a fence along the way, along State Road 218, which had decorated posts all along the road. Decorated, you ask? Oh, yes! Nearly every post had some household or garage item on top of it including bicycles, wheel barrows, farm implements, and yes, even a grille! I missed it the first time through so Judy took special effort to slow down for me to see the next time. It was then that Janet spotted the grille, not a Weber-brand, placed on top of the fence post----and she lost it!! I asked her if she wanted to sit on my blanket but Judy warned, "Not in MY car!". Great times, great laughs. On the other hand, Suzanne rather liked the display and did not see the humor in it. It might be artful in some circles, and I defended the home owners/tenants by guessing they simply did not have a garage for storage so had to use their fence instead!

For those not facebook readers...

.....my apologies for posting this only now.....My dear friend, Judy R., called me from the comfort of her own chair at home last night about 7:30 pm her time. Yippee! While she was a bit difficult to understand due to what she described as having cotton in her mouth and the noise of the deck at Whitey's where I had dinner, the news was good, a successful surgery! They only had to remove the lump itself and I am sure I will get more information about what happens next. I just wish to make sure all know that our prayers to the Lord on Judy's behalf were answered, this time with a "YES!", and she was home, eating soup her daughter, Amy, had made for their supper. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for watching over Jusy!!!!

I cannot tell you how great this sun feels!

The morning started with a bit of a fog over the river but has cleared quickly and dramatically. Of course, as soon as I began typing this post the sun went behind the clouds but still, the sun, when it peeks, feels awesome!

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I am currently listening to replay of The Daily Show, a program I have NEVER watched or listened to, because of a battle between the host and a TV money guy, Jim Cramer. The host of this show, which, by the way, is on the "comedy" channel, is pretending to be knowledgeable about many things. Many folks have fallen for it, and use this program to get their "news" of the day. Yikes! It would be like considering Jay Leno's monologue as being the real deal of news. I say this about Stewart based upon what I have heard from others rather than personal observation, my own disclaimer. At least he (Stewart) admits to being a snake-oil salesman. As I opened the video, there was a warning that it is unedited---what? I wonder if it is necessary to get "rough" when having such a discussion...These type of shows serve as a diversion from the actual matters of the day, taking the focus from where it needs to be.

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Since Debbie and I did not make all the stops on our Outreach calls the other night, I am going to finish them today. There are also Ladies' Group Minutes to be typed up and reports to be filed in the binder...which I just love doing...filing...ugh!!! I am also supposed to meet with Louise from Art Guild regarding our mentoring new members. This is so no one falls through the cracks on our roster and misses our meetings. We want them all to feel welcome, new and existing members!

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Now the sky is full of clouds and looks like it might rain. Joanne thought it might do that today and this would be better since tomorrow is the River Run Race in Jacksonville. Some of our newer members are in the race, the ones we went to lunch with on Sunday and we are hoping they have decent weather for the Run. Sometimes a former member, Ed, from Winston-Salem, comes down for the Race and I am wondering if we will see him on Sunday. It is always such a wonderful treat to see his family and him when they come for the Run!

I did not finish my thought....

...on the previous posting! Wednesday night is busy with worship, fellowship and the choir rehearsal. Last night's worship had several visitors including one family visited on Tuesday night on our Outreach calls. The choir introduced an anthem, "What Grace is This!" from the CWS with the congregation joining in for later verses. Our closing hymn was "Now The Light Has Gone Away" and I made it to the third stanza before my pages got wet. "Let my near and dear ones be, safe with you eternally. Oh, bring me and all I love to your happy home above....." Can you ever wish anything better for those you care about???

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Backing up some---Justin came in the afternoon with soda cases for me plus my "old" card table and chairs, but no Chinese food. The table and chairs were a gift on our 5th wedding anniversary, so are almost 30 years old!!! He had used it when living in the condo but now has no need of it. Justin and I opted to have some reheated chicken from Publix for dinner, purchased the night before. He begged off the vacuuming because he was bone-weary from mowing three and a half lawns, and looked it. I gave him a pass, but he did quickly vacuum the area around the cat box after he cleaned it out. That litter is so darn messy! With company coming in the morning, it had to be cleaned up.

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We had a chat, and made some arrangements to attend a rally at The Landing together on the 11th of April in support of the Fair Tax. I imagine my downstairs neighbors will be going, too, if Jeff isn't flying that weekend. We might be able to share a ride and save parking costs and troubles. It is hard to park at The Landing, especially when there is a major event. We would also like to attend another event at UNF but it falls on Good Friday night so that is out. Before long he had to leave to get cleaned up for church, his feet filthy because he wore flip flops while mowing lawns---a big no-no as far as I am concerned. I cautioned him to keep shoes in the car in case he has need of them, like on grass cutting day!!

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Joanne called me as I headed to church to tell me the space shuttle launch was postponed but she decided to take her dad out anyway and enjoy a ride. Now we have to wait until Sunday night to see it go. In the afternoon, once my toes were done, I went to see the ladies at Great Hang Ups, stopping first to get a drink at McDonald's. In line in front of me was Jimmie!!! I pulled up alongside of him and told him I was coming over on Sunday. He is such a terrible homebody that it takes dynamite to move him out so I have to go there if I want to see him. Well, not quite THAT bad, but almost!

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Justin asked me to go to church with him on Saturday night but I have a full day Saturday. This brings me up to what I started yesterday: Friday night is scrapbooking which I am hosting here at home instead of at church. It does not pay for me to haul all my stuff to church and have the same couple ladies show up who come to my house during the week. Let us just do it up here and not have to mess with setting up tables and such. More comfortable in some one's home anyway, in my opinion. Saturday I am being collected at 7:00 a.m. by Judy C. for the LWMS Rally, and we will head to Lake Asbury to pick up Janet and Suzanne. Oh, we are going to have a riot!!!! And hear some wonderful mission news in the process.

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Judy expects us to be back in town by 5:00 p.m. and with a quick turn-around time I will meet another group of church friends for dinner at Ruby Tuesday before going to Grace Episcopal to hear one of our members, Kristi, sing with the Orange Park Chorale. Whew! I expect to be home and in bed by 10:00 pm. Another whew!! Gotta love days like this, the entire day spent with my church family.....but not going to church with Justin....ooops!

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The choir is singing several times on Sunday, including a psalm from the CWS. I am also on for preparing for Holy Communion and clean-up. In the afternoon I will head out to Middleburg with a taco salad in tow, a very popular dish my Middleburg family enjoys. It is a meal in itself, that is for sure. I have some of the ingredients already and will only need to get the lettuce and nacho chips. Justin said he wants to go along but I will not hold my breath, as he gets involved with his buddies and changes his mind. He loves Jimmie and Brenda so I hope he decides to stick to the plan.

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This morning I tried to get my desk mess cleaned up some before my ladies arrived but they got here earlier than I expected. It will have to do! Diane, who is Judy R.'s sister, and Chrissie, Diane's daughter who lives in Mandarin, came over to see my place. Diane was blown away by the view and my decor, and even Chrissie said it looked different in the day time, so much more vivid color-wise. We sat around here a bit before hopping into my car to head to Fleming Island for a late breakfast. It actually became lunch when they saw the menu at Honey B's!

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The ladies declared this restaurant to be a wise choice and I am glad about that. Diane treated Chrissie and me, which was extremely gracious of her. My meal was a meatloaf sandwich on "marble rye" with homemade fries as the side dish. For dessert we ordered bread pudding for me, and chocolate peanut butter pie for the other two ladies. Christine S. had cautioned me once, because I never had that type of pie before, do not start!!!! I do enjoy my bread pudding so I won't even miss the pie!

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We spent the rest of our time driving through Eagle Harbor and looking at the lovely homes, many of which I was involved in building. Diane expressed a desire to see some pretty homes and her wish was granted. I wish we had more time but they are expecting guests from out-of-town today for Chrissie's wedding on Saturday so wanted to get home to clean real quick before guests arrived. I am excited and pleased for Chrissie and Jerry, because they will have so many family members around for the big day. I am sad I cannot make it, but asked them to please, go ahead without me!

The rest of the week

As I am sitting here, I was at first startled to see someone looking back at me---me! Normally I keep my doors closed in order to hold in the heat, but with the improved weather, all the doors now stand open so fresh air can circulate freely. But, there, across the river room, is a reflection of me in the French doors! I'm over it now...

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Since I was unable to get my toes taken care of Saturday, today might be the day. Helen called yesterday to see if I was coming in but I put it off until today since Christine was coming Tuesday afternoon. After the toes, I will go up to Great Hang Ups to see the ladies and have a chat. Sometimes Facebook visits are not enough, you know?? Again the river is smooth with only a few boats on the water, right now a couple barges are making their way southbound. I am wondering how long it will be before the manatee show up again. My pastor's daughter wants to see one so when I spot their return, will be sure to let her know so she can see them at their finest!

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Justin is buying me dinner again tonight and is coming to do his cleaning for me. He asked me for some new shorts because since he has been working on the jobsites, he is losing weight and his shorts fall down. He made a joke of it: says he lost his *** during the recession! Yes, I laughed, but wondered how come my pants are not falling down!!! When he is here, he likes to sit on my exercise bike but only after moving the seat back as far as it will go. I simply cannot get the seat back into place for my own use. I can reach the pedals now, but must fully extend my tippy toes to make them go around. He told me over the phone what to do to move it up but no dice. I have wiggled, wrestled, jerked, pushed, pulled, got my work out another way than on the bike!

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Judy J. has a lady friend in town so does not have time to play with us. This worked out great anyway as last night we did Outreach visits rather than have Bible study. We went off in two teams, Debbie with me, as she is in training. Given four places to visit, we only made two of them. I simply do not like going to people's doors after dark, knowing they are likely getting kids off to bed, etc. or hesitant about opening the door to "strangers" after 8:30 at night. The two we did reach though were good visits and I will try to see the other two today sometime. Boy, where did the morning go already??

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Well, I am back--finally! I kept my appointment with Helen and came away with groomed, polished toes. In the midst of my pedicure, my sister-in-law, Mona, called and since it could have been news about Arno, I answered it. She had other stuff to discuss, however, and I realized later we never even discussed him! She had some other matters to discuss with me which seemed to take precedence. It pleases me that she would consider bouncing things off of me, and I must get back to her later on.

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Joanne just blew in and out, as she is taking her dad down the coast to watch the space shuttle launch. We pray the skies stay clean and no mechanical problems interfere. Her dad worked for much of his career as a NASA scientist, choosing the chimps as well as the first team who were trained, i.e., "The Right Stuff". Cool, eh? I hope he enjoys himself, but at least they will get a nice ride out of it!

Who needs Seinfeld???

I cannot believe I just "said" that! The past couple days I have found myself laughing right out loud, in my house, all by myself....Are the white coats coming soon?? My friend, Suzanne, has posted some hysterical stories which caused the outbursts, including one which was simply a reply to my comment: I had questioned the placing of a can of worms (which should never be opened....) in the refrigerator on their recent camping trip. Somehow the worms escaped from the container inside the fridge and were running wildly through the camper....as only worms can run. When I asked her about having worms in the fridge, she replied, "worms in the fridge are like bats in a coffee maker!", and the laughing began....Very very funny, Suzanne, you made my day!

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While I was laughing, my friend, Linda J. was doing the opposite. One of the male teachers from my grade school, F. G., has accepted a Call to serve the area Lutheran high school. While the comfort is that the family remains in the area and as members of F. G., he will no longer be part of the heart at school. Linda might need some counseling time in Florida and is welcome to bring anyone else who needs it with her!!!

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I am on a commercial kick this week, I guess. On the radio, an ad plays where a dad is trying to discuss drugs with his teen aged son. Every time the father issues a caution, the boy replies, flatly, "I know, Dad, I know", over and over. At the end of the ad, the voice-over suggests that when kids are teenagers, they already know everything, so talk with your kids about drugs before they know everything. I like this ad, at least the first 400 times it plays!

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Rosalie, my friend in Houston, wrote a lovely comment on a posting from earlier this week and gave me a warm, fuzzy feeling. She was the secretary at G. S. when we moved to Florida and was one of our very first contacts here. Before moving, we checked for availability of WELS churches and found the one of which I am still a member! Her hubby and she were extremely dedicated members and did much to maintain the appearance of our grounds and property. She uses her abilities yet in many capacities at her church in Houston, even though she is laid up with a bad foot. Rosalie was extremely helpful when Timmy died, as she drove from Houston to Florida to be with us, helped assemble the service folders, drove Mom around on errands and kept her mind busy, and took folks to the airport and picked up, too. Thanks, Rosalie!

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Tomorrow is the day my friend, Judy R., has her procedure and the prayers of those who know her, and of those who do not, are appreciated. They will hopefully have prayers of thanksgiving as the surgeon finds it a simple fix, for his skilled hands as he performs her surgery, and strength for JerBear as he waits outside. She said he is being a trouper, a solid support for her at this time. I expected nothing less!

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Jusy (not a misspelling): I will be thinking about you tonight when the space shuttle launches! We saw it together in November from my river room!!!!