Oh, if I were young again....

.....I would go to the Winter Wonderland festival in St. Augustine! There is ice skating, snow fall on a scheduled basis, jump house (yes!), caroling, music, all sorts of fun, winter stuff. No shoveling or window scraping involved, no spray needed for defrosting the locks on the car....but perhaps sun screen in case the sun beats down too hard. Not really this weekend, though, as it remains gloomy and quite chilly through Sunday. Our temp at the moment is 42 above zero, quite a drop from the 80+ we had earlier this week.

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As was posted on Facebook this morning, my tummy was grumbling when I woke up. Thinking back, yes, I did have some supper before the movies last night, as Justin and I enjoyed a meal at TGIF. Normally my choice is the Sesame chicken strips with a berry/Jack Daniels dip but I could only eat about half the portion. Justin had some pasta dish and ate a few of my chicken nuggets. There was no line or any seating problem for the replay of the live show shown last week. Neither of us could make it last week so were glad to have a do-over. Justin made sure I had napkins for my tears because I surely needed them. Glenn Beck acts out the story of "The Christmas Sweater', about an ungrateful boy whose mom knits him a lovely red sweater when what he really wanted was a bike. Instead, because of their dire financial circumstances, this was the best she could do and he hurt her feelings so badly. Through a dream sequence, the 12 year old child, Eddie, is led through a stream of events that show him for the jerk he is, sort of a religious change of heart and mind. When he awakens, like Ebenezer Scrooge, he has an entirely revamped attitude about what matters in life and it is NOT a bike! Powerful, acted out as a one-man-show with no props, only a female singer who filled in some spots where needed, and screens with still-pictures as background. At the end of the play, Glenn comes out and introduces people and their stories of having "come through the storm", as Eddie had in the play, and how they thank the Lord for saving them. More about earthly saving than saving faith emphasized, but that does not mean this did not happen for these folks. Excellent time and money spent, with my boy!

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We got the lease information completed after Bible study, having to redo the entire lease after the property changed ownership since last year. Justin is signed up there until August of next year which means I am on the hook for his rent. Justin has registered for three classes, as I encouraged him to please show me he is dedicated student. Sadly, if he does get into the one class on which he is wait-listed, he will not be able to attend Bible study on Thursdays. Rats! He claims to have ended the semester this time with a B average which delights me greatly.

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He had to go to work after the lease was signed, but came back later on to put up the tree and drag out the ornaments and decorations for me. First thing, after this, I am going to the store for a few things needed for tomorrow's event at church plus lay in some soda supplies. Walgreens has a good deal this week to take advantage of. Later I hope to hear from Kerry about her work schedule as she found out yesterday that there was a change in plans. She evidently now must work on the 24th, the day she is supposed to fly down here. Of course, I am crushed but yet hopeful that she can come, but she sort of hopes I can exchange the ticket for a voucher for future travel or whatever. Not worth it to her for only just more than 48 hours to make the trip. Rats! Alayna already has her ticket purchased and the Schippers are traveling by car so no one else can use the ticket, especially since it was issued with her name on it. TSA frowns on that type of thing!

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Wednesday night at church, Suzanne gave me a 'thank you' letter written by her 7 year old daughter, thanking me for the Advent calendar card I sent to her brother and to her. They each get their own, something I like to do each year in an attempt to remind the little ones of the 'reason for the season'. It is a pleasure to do this, and I know the kids love getting mail with their names on it. And I love getting this letter from Hanna! Some of the other kids thanked me in person but her letter was extra special.

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So, it is time for me to get out of this bed and dressed for the day. Today it will be acceptable to wear layers! As Justin was putting up the tree last night, he kept teasing me by saying, "It looks perfect!!" even when it was half assembled. When I was married yet, my spouse would be under the tree, cranking the stand to make the tree look straight, asking me, "How does it look?" I always thought and said it looked perfect, although, a builder's eye would see it was dramatically listing one way or the other. We all have ideas of what perfection is and evidently my standards are lower than most!

Sitting in the quiet

Except for the washer swishing away down the hall, it is quiet in here for the moment. I had to shut off the TV for a while this early morning because all the news shows had the same thing on and I did not wish to start my nice day on that note. Evidently the laptop will not be able to play back TV shows on hulu.com or tbs.com, unless I was simply impatient with it, so I will wait until the "apology tour" in Norway is over and then resume watching the news before I get ready for my day.

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Justin's and my plans have been altered for today since he is running behind on getting a house ready for closing. He was being called off the job yesterday to go to his father's house to finish pressure washing before the holiday party there and I just had to chuckle. Justin remarked about there being so much to do in the house yet for the party but he was going to be cleaning outside. That was often the case when, in my married years, we were planning an event or party at our home, our garage or basement would get all cleaned up, the unknown stuff carried upstairs or into the laundry room, while there was other things that should have been done instead. It was always a mystery and now Justin is the frustrated one. His being called off the job, then, complicates our plans today as the walk-through is tomorrow. He will attend Bible study and then the two of us will have to sign papers for his lease renewal at the student housing (picture my face with a snarl!). I wish I could get out of signing this, after all, he is over 22 years old, but I guess it is required by the complex. Then he will come here with me, haul out the CHRISTmas stuff or what have you, and then go finish his work.

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Tomorrow he will go in early and vacuum behind the workers who were still finishing up today and work a couple hours, and then he is mine the rest of the day. Justin and Grove will still be able to go to the movies tonight, so that part of the day is undisturbed. I resent being "bumped" but admire Justin's ambition, at long last, to get a job done, particularly one he is being paid for! He assured me, also, that if we do not finish up Friday with my list of things to do, he can come back Saturday but wants to watch the Army/Navy Game on TV. Justin remembered watching the same game last year as we put up the tree and decorated the house, as JR attended West Point Academy and we felt loyal in watching the game. It told him it can be our tradition, to decorate for CHRISTmas when the Army/Navy Game is on! Navy beat Army last year, however the power lifting team from Army (i.e. JR!!) beat Navy. Not as much press but just as much pride!

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Saturday morning is full for me, as I have mentioned, but if he comes in the afternoon, I will miss Daniel's birthday party. Since I might have people over here after church and the meeting, I want to be sure all things are in place and ready to go the big event. Choir rehearsal last night was once more chaotic as we ran through the anthems which will be sung Sunday as part of our Advent Song Service with Victory. As usual, I lack confidence in some of them, others I can skate through just fine. Kathy said she cannot really hear us from her vantage point as the piano is behind us and she is behind the piano. She depends on us to report if there was something which did not sound right or if we have a problem...yikes! We only hope Victory is better prepared and will support our small number of seven regular choir members. Rachel is a great director and will certainly make us sound amazing, that, and the bell choir on Sunday. We will make a joyful noise unto the Lord!

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There, the news is back on, but it is a recap of the event.

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I have not seen Joanne since I got home from WI although she has called me once or twice. She is busier than a one-armed paper hanger but hopefully we will get together one of these days to catch our breath---or she catch hers---before she goes up to Ohio to see her family. She has a new grandbaby to see as well as the two toddlers and the other grands. Glad she is going up there since usually she goes to Amelia Island for the holidays and enjoys spa treatments, etc. instead of traveling.

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Last night I was dressed way too warmly for the weather since it was in the low 70's yet when I got home. The neighbors were having happy hour on the sundeck when I left for church, which tells you how nice it was outside. It rained as I drove on Wells Road and I figured it would cool off some, but not so much. Even the wind was warm! Presently it is 55 above zero and that might be as warm as it gets today...but should warm up through the weekend again. No more happy hours this year I bet, at least, not on the sundeck!

It's beginning to look alot like CHRISTmas....

......except, here, it does not feel like it. Further north, where my family and some friends live, they find themselves buried with snow. My nephew, Jamie, reported 12" of snow already in the southern portion of the state and reports from the Oshkosh area showed 9"+ overnight. Lisa sent a photo of what they are getting in Sheboygan, when earlier they had only rainfall. This means ice will form under the snow and then, treachery!!! Since the schools are closed, many are home making cookies, wrapping presents, cooking comfort foods, and shoveling snow, or watching its removal from afar. Enjoy your snow day(s), make the most of them, and do not take foolish chances, okay?

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This is what Lisa can see from her windows....looks icy already!

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My morning was lazy once again, with no place to be until church and choir tonight, although I am incredibly hungry for some Cracker Barrel meat loaf! Our temperatures here are hovering near 80 right now but are expected to drop dramatically later today as a front moves through, bringing thunderstorms and cooler temperatures. What a wild ride this weather gives us! Welcome to Florida! Regardless of the rain and winds, at least I do not have to use my library card to scrape my windows! That is what Lisa used when at Lori's to remove the ice from the car windows, much to the horror of Alayna, who works at the library.

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After having several conversations with people at and from church Tuesday, I am rockin' and rollin' here with preparations for several upcoming events, starting with Saturday's CHRISTmas 4 Kids program. I am making up bags for which to take their papers home (remind me to grab my rubber stamps before church tonight!) and some handouts to send home for mom and dad. We are also having joint rehearsal with Victory's choir at our church that same morning, yikes! Later that same day is a party at my friend's house for her son's 5th birthday and I have a special place in my heart for this young man. His mama was Timmy's Sunday school teacher and she remarks often how much her son reminds one of Timmy. Even the smell of syrup on Sunday mornings! Last week we were chatting on-line, Suzanne and I, and she remarked having a candle named "Angel Scent". She asked, "Do we even know what angels smell like....?? to which I replied, "Syrup!".

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Back to church business---the President called to ask me to do a few things on his behalf prior to Sunday worship since Janet and he are taking a couple days of R & R before the Congregational Voters' Meeting this weekend. That too! He will be presenting the proposed budget, which all members received copies via e-mail yesterday. Necessary cuts were made, painful ones, and I am quite sad about it all. But as was said at First German last weekend, we must not allow our dire financial situation overshadow our mission, to spread the Word and to feed the sheep. But, man, that is hard not to do!

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On Facebook this a.m. I took some teasing for the temperature at which I like to live, inside and outside. Just coming back from the kitchen, which might be about 73 above zero, the warmth in my room might be about 10 degrees higher than the other rooms. It makes no sense to heat the other rooms, much to the delight of my pending guests (only 16 more days!) but they will have to brace themselves if they venture into my room! David told me they like a warm bathroom so I might have to put my other electric space heater in their bathroom. They may not find my house temperature low enough to require additional heat as they keep their home, normally, in the 60's. One can see their breath even after brushing in the morning!

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For the life of me, I cannot locate my address book so am resorting to using whitepages.com and other resources to find some addresses. My desk is starting to look like it did "pre-Linda" but this is only temporary until the cards are completed and other things find a home. My phone has not even gone off once today, which is somewhat scary---yes, it is turned on and battery charged. What is going on???? Martie was going tile shopping with Ernie today or she would have been here to help with the goodie bag assembly. Kathy B. and I had talked about having a gathering here Sunday afternoon but did not solidify the plans--yet. I would LOVE to have the Victory people here, too, since they will be on this side of town but we have the big meeting after church, soooooooooo...Rats!

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Justin and I will be together all day tomorrow, beginning with Bible study at Victory. After that we are coming here to get things ready for the holidays, getting as much done as possible before heading off to the movie theater that evening to see "The CHRISTmas Sweater", Glenn Beck's story, an encore presentation of the live show last week simulcast to the theaters. Grove is going with us and I look forward to seeing him again. Perhaps if we make good progress around here, we will have time to catch a bite of supper beforehand. I must go to Joann's yet to look for the clip-on ornaments since Michael's did not have any. Also need some paper plates and lace paper doilies for Saturday's event. Should I be writing this down?

Shared with me from Rosalie

Letter from Jesus about Christmas:

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking my name out of the season.

How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate my birth, LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

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Now, having said, that let me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of santas and snowmen and put a small nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all believers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.

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Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree "a holiday tree", instead of a Christmas tree. It was me who made all trees. You can remember me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.

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If you want to give me a present in remembrance of my birth, here is my wish list. Choose something from it:

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1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way my birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell me all the time.

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2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.

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3. Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up... It will be nice hearing from you again.

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4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of my birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.

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5 Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.

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6.. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.

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7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.

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8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary-- especially one who takes my love and Good News to those who have never heard my name.

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9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to your church or a charity which believes in me and they will make the delivery for you.

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10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in my presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.

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Don't forget; I am God and can take care of myself. Just love me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember: I LOVE YOU!

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JESUS

Hey, the sun was just here a second ago!

When I came back from the "other" room, it was gone again! I really need the sun, you see, to recharge my batteries, as I am solar powered. Justin told me once that I was a sunflower, I grow toward the sun. If that were the case, I would be substantially taller, I would think. But I still love the premise! Hopefully the sun will reappear at some point, and soon!

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One of my Facebook friends posted a funny status update yesterday, reporting that he had troubles pressure washing at Victory, getting no pressure from his machinery. The problem turned out to not be the machinery at all but rather the hose being plugged with some refuge-seeking lizards who found themselves trapped in the hose. Two the three extricated from the hose did not survive the struggle but after a brief service, Ed was able to commence his project. Makes me wonder if I sold a salvageable pressure washer at the church yard sale....

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Some of my time Monday was spent working on my cards though I was not going to mail them just yet. I like folks to get them closer to the actual holiday but my mail brought a couple already yesterday. One couple wrote that they sent theirs early to let folks know their new address since they moved in September. Okay, they get a pass. I have been checking the mailbox daily, as I usually do the first week of the month as I watch for my check to come but have promised to continue being vigilant as the mailman struggles to load the mail into the seemingly tiny box. Again he had to use the parcel box for me as I had a package arrive from Northwestern Publishing House, bringing me two of the three items I had ordered. The very week I ordered something for my mom as a CHRISTmas gift for her, it arrived in her apartment within days! Surprise! I got her the large print edition of the Meditations book and NPH wasted no time in getting it to her.

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Tonight is the CHRISTmas party for the Art Guild and I am so not wanting to go. For starters, it is a costume party which is an immediate turn-off to me, because that flies in the face of what we should be celebrating. Martie is not feeling well and likely won't be able to go plus my heart is just not in it. I had so much fun last night at the Ladies' Group party that tonight's would be too hard an act to follow! So, at this writing, it is unlikely I will be attending the party tonight. Neither Martie nor I bought advanced tickets so it will not be loss for us. The tickets are sold "per couple" and usually she is my date and I, hers!

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Our party at Judy's last night was just a hoot with it really kicking into high gear when Janet arrived. She brought Jackie and Renee with her, let the fun begin. Kathy B. came a bit late, too, as she had another party to attend first. The gift exchange is the most fun with the Chinese fire drill rotation of presents, snitching, getting the present back, grabbing someone else-----chaos! The gloves come off and no more Mr. Nice Guy, with even the older ladies getting into the mix. Such laughter ensued! One mom/daughter team came and when the mom, Sue, opened her present, she oohed and aahed over it a bit before her daughter leaned over to whisper, "That's what you brought...." Cue the towels for us to sit on! Later in the swap, the daughter, Kristin, snitched a gift away from her mom and when Sue realized what happened, she hauled off and smacked her daughter on the arm, which brought down the house. Kristin later lost custody of the gift entirely so neither of them ended up with it. Great fun, great food, great friends, great celebration! "Hark, the herald angels sing glory to our newborn King"!

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While we were partying and having a fun time, the Council and Elders were meeting to discuss the budget and other church matters. Hardly seems fair, does it? Hey, they could have their own party, right? I am going to have one in January when the new people come on Board to thank the old and welcome the new faces serving our members and the Lord. An Epiphany party! What a great idea I just had...wonder what they could bring for gifts???? Gold would be good...

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One comical thing happened at the party when we took a little break for some business discussion. Judy brought up the reception for following the preschool/kindergarten program next week, for which I am Chair, and wondered if "we" should get organized for that. I told them the plans I had made so far and she volunteered tablecloths, plates, napkins, her punch bowl and the contents for it.....and made a plan for us to meet to set up the tables to make them user friendly. Well, good then! Aren't I something? I was going to have a cheesy reception and now it blossomed into a more grand affair! My biggest job is the gift bags I am making up (make a note, Kim---go shopping today!) for the little ones to take home. I had not really considered setting up or dressing up tables at all, but that's fine, the more help, the merrier! I just want the families to be warm and welcome, and this plan will make that so!

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I was hoping Martie could come help me with the bag assembly on Wednesday, as that is our usual day to get together, but now that she is not feeling well, this might not happen. If she is still ailing, she cannot come but if she is feeling better, she may need to work to make up for any she misses. It is not a huge job, but is something we like to do that I was saving for such a day. No more waiting now, I guess, as the deadline approaches.

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Before I went to the party, my cousin from WI called with some follow-up info regarding my sis-in-law, Sharon, for whom she is caregiver. Rochelle is retiring at the end of the year (hey, that's now!) but said she will stay on as Sharon's caregiver and if Rochelle does not mind....Anyway, there had been some question regarding the POA and other official business regarding Sharon's care which needed to be resolved and when I asked Rochelle about it, she said she still waiting to hear from someone. When I hung up with her, I called Harvey in Green Bay, who takes care of all of Arno's business. Evidently Nancy has all the paperwork for Sharon, which is good to know. Now, it just needs to be sent or delivered to the Home, entered into their files and at the doctor's offices. It was great to talk to him since I missed seeing him this visit due to our schedules and his bowling. He assured me that he would contact Nancy about the paperwork before he sat down to to watch the football game. Go Pack Go!

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My family and friends in WI are facing a big snowstorm this week and I pray all get to work/school and home again safely. It was my great pleasure to watch the Packers play last night when I got home from the party and win! Bravo! A few shots of the stands showed a couple guys with their shirts off which Lynn and I learned the hard way is not a good idea....just teasing! The announcing team had good things to say about Green Bay and its state, which made me feel all tingly, as they have a genuine affection for Lambeau Field and its players and fans. Even those without shirts!

No chestnuts roasting here.......

....but instead, in an attempt to warm my rooms and make the house smell delightful, I am baking some pumpkin bread. I can take the finished product, provided it is successful, to the Ladies' Group CHRISTmas party tonight. Judy C. is hostess again this year, since the parking situation here deterred the ladies from accepting my invitation. Perhaps next year I will win and be allowed to have the party. Since The Club is closed on Mondays, there is plenty of parking available plus if the ladies share a ride, fewer cars are needed. Oh well, no matter where it is held, it will be lovely! And always great great fun!

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Justin called me earlier, describing his face as looking like a Bond villian, sort of a snarling smile, since his lip was numb from the dentist. I did not even know about this visit, he evidently took care of that appointment himself. The previous cleaning appointment was made by me, which exposed the decaying tooth. He said when he tries to smile, the lip stays in the same place and he looks evil. The letter 'p' caused him a problem, too, and he was laughing as he tried to say something to me with a p in the word. We just have the best time!

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Several of my family members in WI have reported snow on the ground with more on the way. I am showing my age as my concerns for their safe travel to school and work flow into my brain. Lisa has a long commute to take her boys and other kids in her car pool to or from school while Lynn has a long commute to her job as well. Kerry must drive from Oshkosh to Appleton for work and with the car not being at the top of its game.....yikes! This seems odd, as even though it is overcast here and less than warm, I am watching two sailboats make their way down the river. Talk about bbbrrrrr!

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Ew!! I just ate a little sandwich made with bread which I left out of the fridge, and as I was nearly finished, I saw a dot of green on the crust of the bread. Ew, again! There truly is something to be said for preservatives, ya' know? I hope that speck was the only mold I consumed today, or nearly consumed! Earlier I had a conversation with Kathy B., trying to come up with a plan for a CHRISTmas gathering for our choir. It was so funny, because as I greeted yesterday, I mulled over ideas of when to have such a gathering and she must have read my mind! This weekend is full already with joint choir rehearsal at our church plus CHRISTmas 4 Kids plus Daniel's birthday party plus a party in my building. Sunday is a flat tire (oh, wait! That was a one-time occurrence yesterday morning!) Bible study, worship, and congregational meeting. We might just NEED a gathering after that meeting!

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Our new congregational president, Jim B., addressed the congregation after worship yesterday and struggled through a prepared statement regarding the serious financial situation in which we find ourselves. More than once he fought back tears, wiped his nose and brow, and choked on emotion as he pressed on regarding our status and how the budget cuts will affect our mission. Salary cuts are called for, which pains us all, and a call for more volunteers to provide funds expenditures cut from the budget. I hope we have enough money to buy a tree for our sanctuary this year....wonder who I must talk to about this??? At the end of his statement, he said, "That was harder than I thought...."

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My friend, Paul, whom I called at home as I left church, reported to me that he has agreed to serve on the Board of Elders again. I cried some more! This delights me so much, as those whom he served before said he was the most attentive Elder they ever had. Paul used to say that he had all the "widow" ladies even though some of them, us, are not actually widows, we just come single to church. I promised to support him in any way I can, at least offer encouragement (read: nagging) periodically if he needs it.

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When the bread is done baking, I will take a break from the computer and its desk, as I have been here the better part of the day already. My CHRISTmas cards are nearly ready to be mailed, but I like to send them a bit closer to the actual "time" rather than too early in the season. This morning I got a call from a man in Two Rivers, WI who was playing detective. He called me to get my sister-in-law's address in Davie, FL. Since I was working on my cards, I merely had to shuffle through them to locate the address info he needed for the MLHS newsletter mailing. Mom had been at the high school Friday to help with the newsletter mailing and I told the man about this. His sole job is to track down the addresses which are not up-to-date. I love it that he called me to find the answer to this mystery! I should have asked him who else he had on his list because maybe I could help him further!

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I don't think I mentioned about my unpacking mess I encountered. When I got home from WI, I needed my cosmetic bag right away to get my prescriptions out and my jewelry put away. I could smell something chemical but was not sure what it was-----until I opened the bag. On the bottom of the bag was my leaking "Friar, Friar, Pants on Fire" nail polish! My favorite! Nothing much was damaged by the polish and the wash machine loosened the dried on mess from the bag bottom. Funny, but little chips of red were stuck to the sides of my washer and dryer.............Up to my old tricks again with the laundry!

Family photo taken at First German

This photo was taken on the incline hallway, or rather, decline hallway, outside the gym the night of the Ladies' Advent by Candlelight Service. Joanie took the picture and told us ahead of time that her hands shake, but under those circumstances, the picture still turned out okay. In the back row is Lynn and Jill with Mom in the middle. Alayna and me are in the front, with me sporting my famous red coat!