A trip down memory lane

The other day, I think it was Saturday, as I was about to post something to my blog, I noticed an unposted comment waiting for approval. Normally the comments, when they come, are seen in my e-mail first, perhaps because they are done as Anonymous postings. When I clicked the comment, I found out it was from my long-lost friend, who had served as my matron of honor 100 years ago! Kathy found me somehow, perhaps Googled me, read my blog, and left a comment. Since then we have reached out to each other via e-mail to get a bit caught up.

Immediately upon hearing from her, I sent Dolly, my other friend from grade school and high school, a message to tell her about Kathy finding me. Dolly could not at first remember her so I sent a picture of the wedding party to refresh her memory. Later, she wrote back to say that she did indeed remember her and then commented that everyone looks so young, expected since it WAS 37 years ago, and remarked that I look exactly the same. I thanked her for the compliment and was glad she remembered Kathy.

Yesterday afternoon when Justin came by, I was telling him about Kathy finding me and so on. He wanted to see who I was talking about so I showed him the photo sent to Dolly. Justin said, “Oh, wow, hippies!” “Look at those pants!” Just because we ladies had the long hair and we had a flower crown on our heads…So anyway, he looked at the photo some more and said, “You look exactly the same…” I laughed and scrolled down the picture to Dolly’s remark and he laughed about that.

Click photo to enlarge

My wedding party: Nancy Kaye Erickson, Kathy Raleigh Schmidt, me, Roger, Biff (bro-in-law), and Gary Alan Welsch. The three not related to us were my high school friends. Mom made our dresses and the guys wore suits instead of tuxes. I am hoping that the guys were just not ready for the photograph because they are sober as judges standing there! What a lovely church--glad I gave in to Mom about not being married outdoors!

Justin was telling me how Mac computers have a tool to do facial recognition and he wished I had a Mac so he could do that for my photos. All pictures with me in them would line up next to each other, I guess, like a photo array. I told him that was fine, except don’t look too closely!

I am not sure if I mentioned that Justin’s boss lost a major lawn care job so his hours were going to be cut. It was going to enable Justin to maneuver the time he works for his father, then, so he could attend Bible study on Thursday. It seems since last week, though, William has gotten another contract which is great for him and the guys. It would be great if Justin could return to class but also great for him to have the work. He did tell me that on Friday, he will work a 12 hour day so they don’t have to work on Saturdays twice a month any longer. The work will be done all at once on Friday so no Saturdays. Oh, to be young!

The markets tanked yesterday as the EU and primarily Greece is freaking out again. I was so glad to see the DOW get above 12000 last week, which in my mind was a good number to shoot for, and hopefully above, even though I don’t really own many stocks. If the DOW is up generally the bond market is up as well. I realize the markets are being propped up by devalued dollars but still, I am hopeful. Clark Howard, the Consumer Warrior, often urges people to look away from the stock market numbers but my eyes stray that direction often.

Here is my advice to Herman Cain---stop talking!

Amen!

I am back in church

As I write, the strains of “A Mighty Fortress” are being sung during a Reformation service far north of where I live, but south of where I used to live. Does my heart good to listen to the singing, though I am personally all sung out until Wednesday night!

The sun feels delicious on my back and shoulders. My patio and kitchen doors are opened, but the bedroom doors are closed. It is a bit nippy out there this a.m.; only in the low 60’s to get us started. The house is getting a breath of fresh air and my feet are snuggled in the fuzzy slippers.

The washer is busily taking care of the dirty laundry even though both my baskets overflow with the already cleaned loads. I wish someone would fold those towels and put them away! The nightgowns and my dainties are grabbed out when they come to the top of the heap, shoved into the drawer. But the folded stuff requires more of me. We just make our own trouble sometimes by setting these unreasonable standards for folding things! Guess I can still do that---someday!

Last night for dinner I ate some of the leftover spaghetti from Friday’s Dinner and Movie. It occurred to me that I did not care for the sauce, or something. I just don’t like it and will toss the balance of the meal. Did I even mention the Dinner and Movie on Friday? I could go back to check…hang on….Nope, I did not.

Judy C. and my pool friend, Mary, came for Dinner and a Movie at which I served the aforementioned spaghetti. I even had a salad which Mary was quite impressed by ("Oh, you made a salad!"). Actually I tore open the bag and dumped it in the bowl. Even my newer friends are aware of my quirks! The movie we watched was “Brideshead Revisited”, a theatrical version from a few years ago. Mary had seen the PBS version which is over 10 hours long. My upstairs neighbor reported he owns that series, which follows the book nearly verbatim and offered to lend it to me. Since this shorter version left us a bit unsettled, some time passing before watching the televised version might be appreciated!

Saturday morning I had to be at church by 9:00 a.m. for our joint choir rehearsal. It was marvelous to be with both church choirs and do our run-throughs. Anne H. was talking with me afterward and said how much she has appreciated watching Robbie’s ‘earnestness’ increase as the big day approached. Usually she only saw him as “The Maestro” on the day of the service, since Rachel would accompany and direct at Victory. This time he served the two churches as both accompanist and director. She wondered if she should mention this to him and my reply was ‘absolutely’! Robbie greatly appreciates feed- back and reinforcement. Only 24 years old and he wears so many hats already. The other morning he was showing me all the different hymnals and books he needed for the service. He said, “I love planning this stuff out…”I love that he loves it!

For the special Reformation service, he was bouncing back and forth between the organ and the piano. At one point, when I was in back of the church, I whispered to his dad, Cliff, “Next he’s going to grab that bassoon and play it!” Sterling had the bassoon parked between the organ and piano, and could easily have been knocked over in the shuffle.

The service itself was very nice, with the three pastors (two Kuske’s and a Hoyer) presenting brief remarks in regard to the readings from the Small Catechism and Smalcald Articles. Our anthems were interwoven with the responsive readings. It was great reading through these parts of our confessions, and I remember fondly a Bible study done years ago on the Smalcald Articles. We were well fed!

When it was time for the congregation to sing “In Christ Alone”, I moved away from the rest of choir sitting in the pews to join Terri T., alone in hers. She scooted over but just enough so we could lean on each other a bit. This hymn, with its rich text, was sung at Gordy’s funeral, and somehow I sang it without sobbing that day, and again on Sunday. She was not so fortunate but I sang it in her stead. She helps me out on Easter and I help her out on Reformation…that’s what friends do! When I got back to my seat, the lady in front of me, from Christ Lutheran, turned around and smiled at me, as she also wept!

There was a funny thing that happened as well. I found it so, anyway. First of all, Robbie told me ahead of time that Sterling and he were playing “Jerusalem…”during the offertory, plus “In Christ Alone” in the service. I told the ladies that since we had Psalm 46 during the service and in the a.m. service, Pastor K. mentioned some of Psalm 31, all we needed was Rice Krispie Treats and we’d have my funeral! Carol said that was fine only she would want to change her clothes first. I told Carol she looked nice and she said, “No. I need to wear my brightest colors for your funeral!” Love that!

So, here comes the funny part---if you can stand any more funny parts---Sterling and Robbie were playing the pre-service music, waiting for the three pastors to come around the building and in the front doors. They were playing “Behold, a Host Arrayed in White”, another of my funeral hymns. Anne loves it too and I told her it was for my funeral. When we looked up, we saw through the opened breezeway door, three men--in white robes. I turned and looked at Anne, and she got the irony, as well.... Coincidence? I think not!

Photos from Reformation celebration

Our pre-service rehearsal had The Maestro sporting a gag idea for directing us and playing at the same time. Since he was behind the piano, it was difficult for some to see when to come in so he applied an antennae to his face. When he removed it, some of his eyebrows came with it!

The order of these photos is a bit confused, my apologies. Pastor Kuske speaking at the afternoon Reformation service, his dad seated in the front row.

Prof. Kuske led the morning Bible study based on Romans, "By Faith Alone"

Robbie, "The Maestro", and our fabulous soprano, Kerra, who attends UNF with Robbie, rehearsing Saturday. Kerra sang the 2 descants for which I personally was most thankful. She is a member at Victory, as is her boyfriend, Daniel, both from King of Kings, Maitland.

Setting up the chairs for our joint choir rehearsal on Saturday morning. Carol, in the blue top, now walks without benefit of a cane following her knee surgery. Bravo!

Here we are, ready to enjoy our Reformation Feast as prepared by chefs Mike 'n Mike. In the foreground is Joseph, with the white hair, next to Ellen C., Twila, and Jean. Across is Donna W.

Mike C., one of the chefs, in line to eat

Here is a group shot from my seat. In the foreground you can see the youngest attendee, a three-week old baby in arms, with her parents from Christ, Keystone Heights. That's the 'Buz', anyway!

Janet is dishing up some of that awesome feast, with Michelle across from her. Behind Janet is Rich, from Victory and WI (he used to own a restaurant along I-43, near Mequon!). Cary, my Trivia partner, is following Rich, Suzanne is across from them both.

Here is a close-up of the grape salad that I loved so well. Jayne made it, and Judy J. brought me a plate of salad, as I hollered to her across the room to do so. Funny! As I ate the grapes I thought I tasted peanut butter but those with me suggested I was imagining things. Jayne told me later that there was crushed Butterfingers in it. Do I know my grape salad or what???

The tables begin to fill......

“On earth is not His equal….”

This morning was Bible study and worship, not unusual for a Sunday. We had a guest study presenter today, as our pastor’s dad, a former professor from the Seminary, lead the class. The subject was “By Faith Alone” from Romans, dissecting a few passages which bring home the point that nothing we can do is enough to earn salvation. I sat with Judy C. and Laurie, no Gretchen today. She does not always make it to Bible study but usually does for worship. Today she missed both, unless she makes it this afternoon for the Reformation service. Terri T. was going to call her and arrange a ride for Gretchen.

Back to the study, though…once the class was wrapped up, we three ladies stayed talking at the table about a few things, as Carol came walking over. Laurie said to Judy and me, “What am I going to do after you ladies are gone.....?” and then added she didn’t mean to sound like we were old. Judy piped up that SHE would take our place and instruct her children in the true, solid Word. Just as Carol got there, Judy told Laurie that she had meant to call her anyway to fuss at her. Laurie said, “Go ahead, fuss at me” so Judy said she was concerned about the boys not getting to Sunday school, having missed a few weeks. Laurie said she knew, she knew, and said to Judy, “Thank you, Shirley”, as this was exactly what her grandma would have said. Carol laughed about Shirley still making an appearance in someone else’s body! Love these ladies!

Once in the church, one of our newer members, Cat, was sporting a shorter haircut. She had about a foot in length removed and she looks so cute. Her hubby and she are the parents of our youngest member, Eli. Cat donated the length to “Locks of Love” and I made the joke that I am growing the hair out on my legs for that foundation, too. “Oh, Kim……” Summer is over now, what can I say? Cat teaches Sunday school, having had a WELS background before they came to Jax. Her hubby, Tyler, went through Bible information class with Judy J., Judy C., and I as his classmates. Tyler was the first one people I know of that was baptized, confirmed, and had the Lord’s Supper all in one service. Very special for some of us in the congregation!

Robbie played the entire service today, using parts of different Orders of Service, including The Gathering Rite for the first time, I think. At least the first time we used it the way it is written or planned, with the organ music playing under the speaking parts, the exchanges between pastor and congregation. Sort of reminded me of the music service I attended at the Assembly of God church a couple weeks ago. (Sometimes I fear my face will stay this way!!!) We did sing the Te Deum after the sermon which was much appreciated by me, and the lady sitting behind me, as I said softly, “One more time!”

After church I headed for home, stopping at McDonald’s for a burger. The car in front of me had a lady I know from the Art Guild at the wheel and she was waving at me. I waved at her, too, and when we pulled around to the window, the passenger door opened and there was my other friend, Kris. She came to my window and asked if I was heading to St. Augustine, too, as they were going to take in art for a show going on down there. I told her I was going home to rest after church and then returning later to church for a special service. How funny it was to see her, to see them. At least I thought it was!

Shortly I will be readying myself to return to church, as half time is nearly upon the game, tied up 7 to 7 with Houston. The Jags might be a bit tired from the game on Monday night OR they might still be on fire after their victory. The announcers just said that the guy who is my favorite player on the team has legs like tree trunks! That is what my name means in Indian---woman with hair like straw and legs like tree trunks! Maurice is having a tough time hanging onto the ball in recent games, dropping it once already today. Hope that’s behind him and he is all tree trunk legs today!

Angelo all dressed up!

Poor Angelo---all dressed up and has no idea why! At least he looks warm in his dragon outfit. I cannot get over how much he resembles Gabe at that age!

Lisa reported last night that Manny came into her room and said, "Thanks for the plans for tomorrow, Mom..." Oh that guy! First they went to Whispering Orchard for breakfast and then Lisa and Noah took the boys Trick or Treating at Festival Foods (that's what she said...) When they got home, Angelo fell asleep for over two hours! All worn out after their day.

I am dog tired!

It happens every time I set my alarm clock---I cannot sleep! It is a matter of trust---I don’t trust my alarm to do the right thing. Justin stayed overnight last night because after he came to do the vacuuming for me, and went to leave, his car battery was dead. As a door nail. Of those in the building I called, none had jumper cables to try giving him a jump and even though we have AAA, decided to just let him stay the night and handle the problem this a.m. He needed some green shirts for work so we went to Wal-Mart and got two for $3 each, and a set of jumper cables! Burger King provided our dinner and we spent the evening watching TV in my room. He sprawled on my bed, with me at my desk. Nice!

I tried and tried to go to sleep but you know how that works---it does not! This morning I had a Meet and Eat and Play event at The Club but had to wait for the wrecker to come. AAA phone person wanted the man to try starting it (which it did with a jump this a.m.) but Justin and I wanted it towed in and not risk having it quit on one of the busiest streets in town, on a Friday morning! We would just hate that!

All went well with the tow truck coming for Justin’s car, which he successfully had started with a jump start and moved up the hill into more open space. But then, it would not restart. The tow truck driver had a portable charger along with him which he used to start the car and it stayed running after he disconnected the charger. This meant that the alternator was fine, or it would have shut off. He put it on the wrecker and delivered it to Sun Tire. They knew the car was coming, and, in fact, I called them several times today. Surely they grew weary of hearing from me, but loved it when I ordered the new tires. Yes, I bit the bullet and bought him new tires. He badly needed them, even the tow truck operator remarked about their poor condition. Justin had hoped his father would pay for the tires but when he got no answer on that, figured it would not happen. Since it was a safety issue, I decided to go ahead and replace them, and not let him know I did it.

When Justin and I got over there after he was done working, he asked if he should transfer his stuff from my car into his while I paid the bill. He did not notice the new tires but when I was paying the bill, I asked the man if Justin would get the same deal or warranty I got with mine. Oh, the look on Justin’s face….He got a bit misty eyed and was whispering, “Thank you, thank you…” under his breath. I had wept a bit when I gave the man the permission to put them on, because it scared me that the tires were unsafe. They were thread-bare. And the battery was extremely low and begging to be replaced. It’s like a new car for him---almost!

What a slave driver!

The Maestro, Robbie, worked us hard last night at choir, all six of us put through our paces. Our Reformation anthems will be well rehearsed and hopefully, well sung on Sunday. We have a group rehearsal on Saturday morning and then again before the special service the next day. Victory has more people in their choir but Robbie said we have it down pat. They are not accustomed to working as hard as Robbie does it, probably since most of them are music readers. Only half or less of our number do read music and I, for one, benefit greatly from the repetition. One anthem we are singing reminds some of us our former pastor who introduced us to “Gloria” by Haas, many years ago.

Yesterday (Wednesday) was a quiet one---no one came to the door and no place to be until choir time. I did venture to the mailbox in search of my letter from the insurance company and to mail some outreach letters. I had gotten stamps at Winn Dixie after Trivia Tuesday night so I could finish the mailing and restocked my soda for a day or two. The mail brought the sales flier from WD which has Diet Coke on special this week, so I will venture back over to fill my trunk. They also have Pepsi products on sale for a dollar less than the Coke ones, but my tendency is to drink the Pepsi products more quickly. Sweetness, perhaps?

Listening to clips from Paul Ryan’s speech from yesterday, what a powerful one it was! That man has a future, perhaps as someone’s VP choice in 2012? I just ate my leftovers from Monday’s lunch, half a bbq beef sandwich and the fries. Somehow the fries don’t translate well to leftovers so they got dumped out but the sandwich was good. Next week I will switch back to the soup/sandwich option as I like the new baked potato soup they are offering at Longhorn.

Justin is coming over today to do some vacuuming but wants to meet me at the bank where I do my business, actually a credit union, so he can get his coins counted. He is not an account holder there so cannot do it himself. He needs his mama! Since I have to go out again anyway to restock my soda for the weekend, we can take care of it then. He is working on Fleming Island so it’s convenient for us both.

Bible study at Victory was good again today, especially with the give ‘n take that happens. The lesson, about the Keys, was addressed more toward Pastors as they prepare for worship, remembering that the Word is inspired, God-breathed, and not to be messed with. I paraphrase, of course. Another section talked about how people expect to have a certain ‘feeling’ realized either in worship or when reading the Word. If one does not necessarily feel something does not mean that the Word is ineffective, or empty. We can be slaves to our sins, as found in John 8:33, which is also the sermon text Pastor H. is using this week.

We talked about how we carry things around that we don’t need to such as bad memories, grudges, guilt, or cruel talk. As this section was read aloud from the booklet, as we later discussed, many of us could insert our names in the various spots! Funny how it works out that way sometimes---probably far too often! We must live our lives as lights to others and not bring darkness where we go.

*

Since Mom was at her church (FG) this morning working on the newsletter with Linda J., I made prayer chain calls on the way to Victory. One of our elderly members, a charter member I understand, is going to have heart surgery early next week following a cardia cath. procedure yesterday. It sounds like Twila’s case when she was not urgent enough to do the surgery immediately but was too tentative to send home…so she had to wait, just as Arlene does. She is 90 years old but keeps on truckin’ along. One lady I will contact by e-mail as I did not have her correct phone number in my phone and is extremely hard of hearing. It works better for her to do via e-mail.

I did get Mom at home as I drive back to Orange Park and we got talking about the presidents and who served during the Korean War and such. Once I was home, I could look things up to answer our questions about Douglas MacArthur and Harry Trumann and Eisenhower, all brought about by a crossword puzzle stumper she had earlier in the day! So glad to have the Internet to solve these mysteries!