Saturday's Rally

Well, it's about time I write about the Lutheran Womens Mission Society (LWMS) Rally in Ocala. I told about the laughs on the way there and back but not about the content of the theme. "Special Ministries" was the full theme, and we heard a report from the pastor in charge of this regarding the ministry to prisons, campuses, visually/hearing impaired, among others. The focus that day was ministry to the military, and in particular, those in the war zones.

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Our speaker, Pastor Ziemer, was cute little guy with a heart for the warriors, both here in the USA as well as those deployed. More than once he got teared up when talking about what the soldiers and sailors endure, the separation from their families, their hunger for the Word. He told stories about plans being made for special worship for his WELS guys and them bringing their friends, only to have to abbreviate the worship or cancel all together because of a mission. A different, opposite mission than his.

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Pastor Ziemer has to keep top secret his locations, his travel plans, when he has been "over there" or when he plans to return. It is considered a "black operation" and must be kept so for safety and military reasons. When he takes a photo, it cannot be panoramic or show any type of identification of a camp, location, or country. He stays usually in Kuwait City and has been escorted out of the country by our government (soldiers) for his own safety, but not willingly, because he still had some souls to serve. My eyes were red-rimmed by the time he was finished. His passion for the military and those he serves was evident, and he begged for our prayers for all in harm's way.

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The work he does is not funded by the Synod, and each trip costs approximately $6000. Where does the money come from? One major source is donations from the OWLS!!! My mom is part of this group, as were my in-laws, the Organization of WELS Lutheran Seniors, with their offerings dedicated to support our ministry to the WELS and others serving in the war zone and elsewhere. Another major contributor is the LWMS, and his bosses felt it so valuable for him to come speak to our Rally that a man from Synod came down to cover for him at his home congregation in Fayetteville, NC.

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One of those with whom Pastor Z. works closely is Mark Vance, who is a former member of Good Shepherd and was my Elder for several years---poor guy! I really put that guy through the ringer with my troubles. His wife, Dawn, and daughter, who is my friend, Tarren were also supportive during the loss of Timmy and then my marriage. Tarren married my friend, Pete, and so the circle widens. Mark's mom was at the Rally and it was absolutely delightful to see her again, as she is recovering after breast cancer. Ruth is now a blond, quite a different look from her normally red hair. We write to each other now and again via e-mail but it was wonderful to actually give a real live hug instead of only wishing her one!

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At the beginning of the Rally was a devotion by Pastor Lemke, who serves at Living Hope, Ocala. He was originally from Morrison, in Manitowoc County, WI. He had been on a cruise with some friends who joined a fun group out of Winona, MN, last summer-----none other than Judy and JerBear!!!! What a small, small world! He is a great speaker and I wish his devotion would have lasted longer, but we had business to attend to before the Guest Speaker.

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The devotional hymn we sang was selected stanzas from "Abide with Me" including the one which provokes tears: "Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes, shine through the gloom and point me to the skies. Heaven's morning breaks and earth's vain shadows flee; in life, in death, O Lord, abide with me." Janet glanced to her left and saw my tears so she held my hand as she sang. These types of songs simply prompt the tears, as I so long to see what those gone ahead of us get to see in the presence of the Lord....

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I digress: During the break for lunch, Pastor Lemke was dashing about setting up chairs and pouring water and being the perfect host, etc. I did manage to corner him for a moment to speak to him about the Ruserts and the trip to Alaska last year. I told him about Judy's cancer and her successful surgery and he was relieved to hear the news. Then, he said he wished he had more time to spend with Jerry and talk about engines. What? Talk about engines?? I guess Jerry and he connected over the subject of some type of engine in the design or thought-phase, and Pastor liked what Jerry had to say about it. I am blown away by my friend, Judy, and he is interested in talking about engines------well, I guess.......

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Oh, I am just chuckling here about the talk about Barney and His Friends in Washington DC, all in a lather about the AIG bonuses and such. The guys doing the imitations are just a hoot, and I am certain his party is so proud to have him be their spokesman to the nation. Yikes! This is truly a 'what is this world coming to?' time in our history, with slobbering Barney at the mike!

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Sunday I spoke at church with a visiting professor from Martin Luther College who brought me greetings from Alice, a member at my home church, First German. When the prof. was a practice teacher many moons ago, he lived with Alice and her hubby, and has remained close to her over the years. He is also a friend of Judy R.'s and I told him about the breast cancer. John told me he went to see her when he was up in Winona recently but that was the weekend she was away with her kids at the Dells, at the indoor waterpark in the middle of winter!!! He said he left her a gift or a card and hoped she would get it. John served as her principal when Judy still taught. It's a small world in the WELS.....

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.......which brings me to the little song we sang in the afternoon session at the Rally. Someone wrote a song to the tune of "It's a Small World" from Disney, but the lyrics are about the WELS. You can't swing a cat without making some kind of connection in our Synod and the song goes on to point that out. I am not sure I can repeat it verbatim but part of it goes on this order: "and the organists son is at the sem, the pastor's wife's father was in school your father's kid brother....". You get the picture. It turns into a "who beget whom" session, like it did with John Minch and Pastor Lemke!

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Oh, I almost forgot to mention how Pastor Z. has men training to serve as lay leaders in the war zone, to conduct a modified worship when the civilian chaplains are not available. Because the men have enough to carry and do not wish to haul a hymnal with them, many have taken to memorizing some hymns so they can sing during their makeshift worship. Imagine that! And we are sometimes told our Sunday school kids cannot memorize hymns. I will bet many of these soldiers are glad they did! When he travels to the stationary camps, he has a mess of hymnals that he takes with him, donated by a church in none other than Manitowoc, WI! He pointed right at me when he said that! His uncle, Augie, was wounded 17 times during WWII and kept in the fight. After the war he worked the rest of his life at Dick Brothers Bakery in Manitowoc, WI!!! You can't swing a cat..........

Early morning chuckles

Joanne has just left for the day, with her co-workers and staff having prompted her to do so already this morning. She was sort of complaining about how easy it is to just sit around here instead of hitting the floor running. Such is life on the river!

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She popped into my room once more before leaving as I was about ready to shower and dress. Her sister is an obsessive shopper and Jo was telling about how she hesitates to even mention something as simple as how much she likes a certain hand cream because it will show up in the mailbox in a few days! And Toni is really big on brand names and designer recognition which means so very little to me, with the exception of Murano, of course. Toni bought Joanne a pair of cute black shoes, a big designer name, because, well, they had a designer name! No one but Joanne knows the difference, and even she doesn't!

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Yesterday's mail finally brought my results from the Lifeline Screening process I went through in February. I had already gotten the blood work results which showed elevated cholesterol overall and high LDL, but the rest was normal. Kim and normal in the same sentence---hmmmm.....! Anyway, I read her the summary of the report which showed all the other readings they did for me, including the bone density test, to be in the Normal range, which I think may have bothered her a bit. Not that she wishes evil on me, but I think she fully expects me to crumble into pieces any day now, as compared to her and the "clean" living she tries to do. Remember the unrecognizable foods in the fridge? There ya' go...

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I did remind her that the higher chol. readings were taken when I was off of my lowering medication so now it should probably be within normal ranges, etc. She then said I should change my eating habits, blah, blah, blah, so I do not have to take the medication, but the medication allows for the habits I already have....I know, I know, I know, but it is so fun to toy with Joanne! Well, we finished that conversation and she went to get ready for the day. In a few moments she called to me, asking me if I tried any of the chocolate sauce that she had left out for me last night when I got home from Bible study. I told her I had not taken any ice cream so I put the sauce away. Here's the punchline: I told her I did not take any chocolate topping because it was bad for my cholesterol!!!!! She was so busted!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Even she could not help but chuckle at her own pot calling the kettle black! She bought two containers of ice cream the other night, but I had already bought sherbet. Is this funny or what???

I am so ready for bed!

As I yawned during Bible study, I realized just how tired I was today! No nap time or even resting for me as I was busy, busy, busy. My mammogram appointment provided me an opportunity to catch up with a former neighbor, Linda. The last time we had a chat was on the subway in Atlanta's airport, which is so darn funny. Justin was blown away that I knew someone so far from home! She asked about Justin and then filled me in on her son and daughter. The son is just out of the service after 6 years, for which I thanked her for his service to our country. Her daughter graduated from UF and is trying to get into veterinary school, perhaps close by. Linda lived across the street from us when Timmy was born so we always have that "little" shared connection....

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Our study tonight, intimate though our gathering, was from Matthew, the sermon on the mount. We reviewed The Lord's Prayer and went through the chapter about being careful about the things we do supposedly in Jesus' name, when our motives might not be as pure we like folks to believe. This really could use some more discussion but with only two of us, it was not going to happen. Maybe next week when we review it will garner some more insights. Good stuff!

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My feet are cold! There seems to be a breeze moving through here although the doors are all sealed up due to the windy conditions. Again, no rain today but threats all day long. Upon leaving the mammogram clinic I took a ride through the neighborhood where the clinic is located and who did I meet but Justin! I was so surprised, since this is Tuesday and he should be in school....Oh, yes, it is Spring Break and he is a workin' boy! He was done for the day and heading over to pick up his friend with whom he carpools. Justin asked me to get some people together to go have lunch on Sunday and I will do my best, but we do have a congregational meeting that day. Hopefully, he can wait for us!

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Today I spoke with Diane, Judy R.'s sister, who is leaving our fair city and heading back home to Arkansas. She is so excited about getting back to her own environ and catching up with her friends. We talked about seeing each other again some time and she is sure that will happen! Me, too!

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Since I was out on the island already, I decided to finally do it! I changed banks! After going in to my regular bank last week and asking three questions and getting three "No's"....I decided it was time. Kathy B. had told me how happy she was with VyStar and others said they had good experiences with them, so after thinking about it for a couple weeks, decided to make the change. Watch Bank of America's stock price drop tomorrow, all because of me! The manager at the new place used to work at the other bank and remembered me----in fact, attended Timmy's funeral. Oh, yeah, this is going to be a good experience....

A much more relaxed schedule today

Sitting here in the warming sun is absolutely divine! Morning sort of got away from Joanne and me as we sat and gabbed in the family room before she left for work. I wanted her to see the local news report where my friend, Twila's, granddaughter was featured, having help catch a police impersonator Sunday. Justin sent me a text message last night to tell me about it but I missed it at 10:00 pm when he saw it. Later, on the 11:00 pm news, something I rarely watch, there she was, arms waving as she told the story of her close encounter. Fortunately she had the presence of mind to call 911 to report this suspicious man, and they caught him!

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Well, so much for sitting in the sunshine! Clouds have rolled in and it looks like rain to the south. I just had to chuckle to myself as I heated up my leftovers from Longhorn---the ladies scold me about re-heating using the foam box the remainder comes home in. This news caused quite the uproar when it was made known that I ingest bad things from my foam box! Well, as I removed the box from the microwave oven just now, lo and behold, there was a hole melted through the box and onto the turntable in the 'wave. Oops! Now I am dining on that nasty Styrofoam box!! Is it not the charm of the "to-go box" to be able to save on dishes the next day??? Guess my food is hot!

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Soon I must ready myself for a trip to the Island (and I mean Fleming Island---not the Bahamas!!!) for my mammogram appointment. My instructions were to arrive 30 minutes prior to the scheduled time, so, my question would be, why not just make it 30 minutes sooner right up front? Realizing, of course, there will be the inevitable paperwork to complete and the questions asked and answered, so just tell me that when I get there instead of telling my appointment is at 2:40??!!??

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Some jet skis just scooted past my place, hopefully heading for home before the heavens open on them. Boy, it hurts to get hit in the face with rain drops when flying along on the jet ski or, I suppose, a motorcycle. Linda, do you remember when Justin thought I should buy Tommy's motorcycle when he sold it? Can you just imagine that??? No thanks, not my game--I am not in the competition!

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This evening is my time with the church family, going to have a bite to eat before heading to church for Bible study. We are looking at the book of Matthew, covering right now the Sermon on the Mount. There is so much "meat" in that book, and I really appreciate the time we are taking going through it. No need to rush, particularly since some of the ladies are new to Bible study.

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When the windows were washed in January, I took down my lanterns and sun catchers to wash them, get the dust and cobwebs off of them. Already they have webs connecting the strands, only obvious when the sun shines on them. Maybe if they blew a bit from the wind the webs would not stay but little wind comes through here. Joanne asked me about the A/C and such when she is here in the summer. It seems she wants the A/C on for some reason. I told her we can probably do that once she gets home and Justin can close the vents in my room so it won't come in by me. During the day when she is at work, I will have the doors open so the breeze will waft, but she certainly will like having the cool air instead of warm breezes on her. We shall see, but I am a good hostess, so will allow the A/C machine to work for her comfort!

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Wow! As I got to the end of this posting, I hit the Spell Check and for the first time, came up with No Misspellings!!!! Yippee!!!

Whew! What a day it has been!

This is really the first time today that I could sit down here and put thoughts together. Facebook quips do not count, really, as organized thoughts, which is, I believe, the charm.

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Only a few moments ago I came upstairs after attending the monthly Board meeting for the condo association, held to prepare for the Annual Meeting next week. If it is going to be anything like tonight's----oh, I can barely wait! Once more I respectfully declined the "offer" to serve on the Board but did accept the opportunity to address the Owners at the meeting next week regarding the behavior of some toward the sitting Board in the past months. Such shameful, boorish conduct from otherwise civilized adults! No need to pull out the thesaurus as the words and descriptions flow freely. The reason I accepted the role of speaker was because I would keep it clean and inoffensive, and I am honored that they know this about me.....I offer classes on this if anyone is interested!

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Justin and I spent the afternoon together complete with going to get his haircut, shopping for soda and dark chocolate coconut eggs available only at Easter, before coming here prior to dinner. Even though he was here Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, we still had much to talk about so that is what we did this afternoon and over dinner. The weather was so nice we wished we could dine el fresco but upon arriving at Carrabba's, it had cooled off some. The two of us figured out that the last time we were there was for my birthday, so, yes, last year!!!!! No wonder Carrabba's sounded so good!

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Today I began my day with Bible study which was incredibly interesting. We discussed traditions in Lutheran and/or Christian worship, how they sometimes vary and how they sometimes stay the same, going back for hundreds or even thousands of years. We studied the church year and why we follow it, and how. So interesting!! Afterward, of course, we were at Longhorn with two new faces joining us, Donna and Bonnie. Just as I placed my order, even though Patty already knew my order, Jen called to see if I wanted to have lunch. I invited her to Longhorn and even placed the order with Patty so it was ready when Jen arrived. Most everyone knew her already except Bonnie and Donna so it was fun. A couple weeks ago she joined us, too, plus the scrapbooking ladies know her from there as well.

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Immediately after lunch I had an appointment for an oil change, tire rotation, and wiper replacement at Griffin Jeep. When I pulled into the lot, something seemed strange----scarcely a car in the lot! Once the service rep came outside finally, I asked him where all the cars were and he nonchalantly replied that they are no longer selling new cars, dealing only in used cars and service work now. Wow! It wasn't long and my car was ready, but another man who was there before me was still waiting for his oil changed car. He asked about it, saying he was there over an hour and half, not happy that I was taken care of quickly. Not upset with me, of course, but with the service department. Oops!

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That is the end of Monday, but now, Sunday!!!! I had the greatest time with my friends, no, my family, in Middleburg last night!!! We got to watch the space shuttle go up with me thinking of those who witnessed it with me last time from my river room. Never did I expect to have such an amazing view from the countryside, but it was spectacular. The sun reflected off the shuttle itself as well as lighting the boosters as they fell away, and illuminated the vapor trail in its red and orange and white colors. Words can barely express the delight and when I told Justin I was jumping up and down, he scolded, "Mom, you've got to watch your knee!" I did not leap THAT high into the air but I could hardly contain my joy at seeing this sight with my dear friends beside me!

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My taco salad bowl came home licked clean, with Brenda's dad getting the very last of it before he hopped into his souped-up golf cart and went home. When Brenda brought it out as we prepared to eat, I thought the contents looked diminished but it probably would settle some after being prepared in the early afternoon. When Jason and Lisa (my toe nail lady!) came home from fishing, she commented that she took a dish along to the pier with them. Now I knew why it looked like less in the bowl!

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I got to see JD and the girls again as they stopped by to pick up Faith and Hope on their home from the Gator Nationals, a racing event. They are such cute little girls, and really quite well behaved. They are also the apples of their grandpa Jimmie's eyes, naturally. I had not seen JD and family since August when Lisa and Lynn,etc. were here. Greg and Christine came over to have dinner with us, which for some might constitute a midnight snack since it was well after 8:00 pm when we finally ate! Even Brenda's parents came down to see the visitor out on Longhorn Road!

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Earlier in the day, Justin was busy cleaning at my house when I got home from church, as he got out before I did. He finished his vacuuming and moved on to cleaning the decorative doors on my home. They look nice and fresh right now, I hope the pollen lets up sooner rather than later so they stay nice and fresh looking! Everything outside is absolutely coated with yellow dust/dirt from the trees, and some are praying for rain to wash the pollen away, to relieve their allergy symptoms! Possible rain tonight so we will see. I like having my doors clean, my floors vacuumed and my furniture dusted---as long as it lasts!

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!