I smell lemon!

Monday was one of busyness, yes, that is a word in my dictionary. Right after 7:00 am, when I was already awake, I got a text message from Anne H. to call her when I woke up. Immediately I called her, curious for the early morning summons. She was surprised I called so quickly and I explained that I was awake since right around 6:00 for no apparent reason. Anne was delighted to have someone to talk to for a change for her morning commute! I did send her the address information for Stephanie’s parent’s home in WI, but after our lovely phone visit!

It would have been nice to spend more time under the covers while using the laptop but Marlena was coming to do the dusting today. As I do with Justin, a list was prepared detailing what was expected, establishing priority. My formal rooms were primary, of course, but I also let her know when I would get home after Bible study and lunch, so my room could be ready for me to sit in there, out of her way. Marlena had come last week to size up the project and told me how much she loved my pretties.

When I came home from lunch she met me at the door and asked, “Remember how much I loved your tchotchkes???” I laughed and suggested she hated them now and she said, “Yes, I do!” Then she said, “Not really, but they sure take a lot of time and they are so delicate…” I am glad we bid the job not on an hourly scale! One thing she did say, though, was she found everything to be quite special and inspirational, which is a good thing. "Every time I turn around, I see the words "Be Still..." so I took a break!", she joked. She also got choked up reading some of the things in memory of Timmy around the house.

Marlena did not get done today but will come back tomorrow to finish up. She needed to leave in time to stop somewhere to catch up a past-due bill so of course I was sure to get her on her way in plenty of time. This lady is such an ambitious worker and I really hate to see her struggle. Her mom lives with her, Marlena is retired military, and works circles around the other staff at The Club. As I said last week, if I still had a business, I would want a roomful of Marlenas! She used lemon scented cleaners, which is how come my home smells this way.

At Bible study, Ethel shared some lemons from their tree which last year bore none, and this year has 500! I took one to cut up in the water pitcher to serve for ThanksLiving---yum! Class was full as Betty brought her three granddaughters, grade 5 and older, who used to come to church with her before they moved away. Every chair was full and Judy C., who arrived late, had to squeeze in on the corner.

We are still in Nehemiah, with today’s subject matter being how the Israelites rededicated themselves to the Lord’s ordinances, after they remembered all the times He delivered them from tribulation when they turned their backs on Him. Joseph, our guest participant, remarked about how these people keep doing the same things over and over again, and never learn. I told him, as he sat closely next to me, that this book could have my name on it, and Donna said it could have all our names on it. “…for I daily sin much and indeed deserve nothing but punishment…”(Luther) Our advantage is that no one on earth is writing it down and sharing it with the world, as is happening with the children of Israel!

We had a large group for lunch since the three girls were with us, but Judy did not come since her two grands were at her house with Uncle Mike, waiting for her. Clay County schools is out all week for the holiday (yikes!) so she has her hands full, at least until Wednesday night! Jason, our waiter, took good care of us, anticipated my drink order and even knew I was having potato soup for my meal---somehow. Kristi came with us today, too, only her second time since joining the Bible study. Nice!

My phone battery had quit so when I got to the car, I listened to a phone message from Carol, who is in NC right now. She was wondering if there was any news on the missing banners, and since I had none, she was going to call Pastor to let him know. This has been going on since last week Thursday with probably about a half dozen people involved in the dilemma. When she called him, Pastor had only a moment before been informed by the secretary that the banners were missing. He told Carol he was perplexed by the situation, as we all were, but agreed we should use the ‘old’ purple colors, formerly used for Advent.

Later, when I had taken occupancy of my desk again, my phone rang with a call from Carol. It was a blessed day!!!! She excitedly told me the dilemma was solved---there are NO blue banners. WHAT???? If the police came to me and asked me about them, I would absolutely swear we had blue Advent banners, but, it seems, we do not! No wonder neither Judy nor I could remember what was on them. Carol said she had a senior moment and then it came to her that we actually use the cross-stitched banners for Advent and only had the blue paraments and superfurnal(sp) for the altar. What a relief and what a laugh on us all! And Carol had thought about checking area pawn shops to see if anyone had tried pawning these banners…um, no.

Justin kindly stopped at the store on his way home from work and brought me a 12-pack of Diet Coke so I would not have to venture out immediately tomorrow morning. He stayed to visit, which I liked, with plans to come back tomorrow before Trivia to do the vacuuming. We might have a skeleton team since several of our players are traveling for funerals or family visits. Anne and Pastor might be joining us, depending upon his schedule, about which Justin is excited. We shall see.

My day ended the way it began, with church friends on the telephone. One friend and I talked for over three hours tonight, until my phone battery was exhausted for the second time in one day. Lots of words and I hope good counsel was shared, and I also hope, a good sleep for us both!

Hurray for the sunshine

Now, that’s more like it! The sun returned today, very little fog that I noticed, but plenty of moisture on the car windows from the heavy air. The temperature got up to 79 which was nice, but hardly seemed like November football watching weather.

I had the challenge this afternoon of switching between games as the Jaguars and the Packers were playing at the same time and were aired here. The Jags, sadly, lost by four points but it easily could have gone the other way. The Packers fought a mighty battle and came out victorious in the end. I was “watching” with my sister, Kerry, who is in Oshkosh, and she was having a fit from the closeness of the game. I won’t get to see the Packers play again until Thursday!!!

When I sat down here at this desk’s computer, I started to watch my Internet show which required more of my attention than I was able to give at this moment. There was a man being interviewed, a graduate of Penn State who works as a reporter with the Defense Department. He is a graduate student in Chicago but I sure had a tough time listening to him. At the first question, he began his answer with, “So, blah blah blah…” This is such a terrible habit people have, beginning sentences with the word “so”. I see it on Facebook and hear it in conversation often, and I have even done it myself!

Another bugga-boo I have is “I mean” and “you know”. This same fellow being interviewed used both of those expressions regularly as well, as does one of the guys on the radio program I watch. Ugh! Those are space fillers, I realize, but how much space does a reporter or radio personality need? Saying “I mean” is nothing new, as there was a woman at FG a very long time ago who used that in nearly every sentence. By the way, there is an ‘n’, or even two of them in the word “sentence”. If you listen to people use that word, the first ‘n’ is often omitted. I must sound like “Frasier” now, you know???

I am having a pounding head ache, the kind one gets after crying. It is Christ the King Sunday, the last Sunday of the church year. For Bible class we studied Advent, had a sort of worksheet, testing our Advent knowledge. Our table team did well, especially since I had only spent the night before writing about Advent for the newsletter! The questions were some false/trues about the history of it, the order of lighting the candles on the wreath, what type of services does our church body use (reflective, meditative, etc.).

After class we recessed to church to practice singing some of the parts of the Compline we are using the first midweek service. We had practiced some of the portions at choir and have two Sundays to go through it ahead of time. Robbie is such a good leader for this! Since it was a special Sunday, he had the choir wear the robes when we sang our anthem. It went well, no mess ups, even though we sang part of the refrain in the form of a round.

The Sunday school kids were set to sing last week but only two of them showed up. Today they had a good number of kids although a couple do not sing due to being too shy. They were incorporated into the service as well and did a nice job singing their anthem. The sermon hymn today was “Jerusalem the Golden”, which explains the head ache I have now, but I did plow through with only a couple of sobs breaking free. Any time the readings or hymn texts discuss the glory waiting for us, and what others are already enjoying, my cheeks get wet. Today was a rough one in that regard!

It was sweet that two different people, one on each side of the church gave me ‘the look’ before we sang “Jerusalem….”, the knowing look, as they both appreciate the value of the message therein as well as how moving it is. Not only for me, as I noticed that Jayne was dabbing a bit, too. Mike K. sort of heaved a great sigh as he heard the opening chords playing and Terri T.’s face spoke for her. After church she came in search of me to give me a hug, saying, “Rough one today…” Say no more!

Another ‘sweet’ thing was a bake sale sponsored by the Ladies’ Group. Before the sale began, as Betty was bringing her baked goods in, I nabbed a plate of frosted sugar cookies! They never even saw the sales table! Have no fear, I paid for them, dearly, but they had my name all over them! When Judy saw the sugar cookies she said, “Oh, Kim’s favorite!” Nearly I got a pie but realized it was sweet potato and not pumpkin. This means I will have to go shopping to get a pie or two for ThanksLiving day.

Joe snapped up the cherry cheesecake, also made by Betty, as we knew he would. He is a huge fan of cheesecake! I asked if he had plans for ThanksLiving as his family was either gone or spoken for, and he reported he is going to an area ‘retirement’ home he had checked out, for dinner. He told me they ‘interviewed him’ but I bet he is the one who did the quizzing! They called and invited him so off he goes! At least Robbie is coming here to share our feast with us even if Grandpa is not.

Brenda had a bad day Saturday, ended up having to sit down right on the floor in Kohl’s after suffering a dizzy spell. Her son, aged 35, had to drive them home, although he is not licensed to drive. Yikes! They live only a very short way, but what else could they do? Because of those episodes, she usually does not drive and I feel so badly for her with this never ending business. Her condition has something to do with crystals in her brain which will require on-going treatment that is nearly as awful as the episodes. I hate this for her!

If anyone remembers, I had made a fast friend of a visitor to our church during the summer. Her husband was my pastor’s mission counselor in the VA area years ago and now they live in Texas. Ellen was doing the flowers for her friends’ daughter’s wedding at The Club. After we met each other at church, Dick and Ellen came to my house in the afternoon for a quick visit before heading back to TX. They had decided to make Jacksonville their retirement area which I am thrilled about! We keep up with each other and she let me know that after the holidays, they will be coming to Jax to house-hunt. Joanne is on the job, and I think Christine, with whom I used attend the Writer’s Conferences years ago, is helping too. Yay! A new friend!

Resting my brain a bit

Much of the day, which was grey and overcast, was spent at this computer, working on the church newsletter, among other things. It seems so very odd to be writing about Christmas and Epiphany already, with ThanksLiving just a few days away. It also occurred to me today that I will be in WI when the next newsletter is due out so I will have to work ahead and then remember to e-mail it to myself so I can work on it at my mom’s house. While my telephone works well for checking e-mail and Facebook updates, I cannot really use it to write newsletters. Don’t tell Justin this or he will insist I upgrade! Mom's computer is on dial-up service so instead of logging on and tying up her phone line, I simply can use my Android!

Today would NOT be a good day to discuss upgrading!!! My trips to the mailbox have been without fruit this month thus far, but with some hope, midweek next week I will have something more for which to be thankful. Sadly, my table will be missing a few faces that I had been looking forward to seeing there. My friend, Stephanie, lost her father this week. On Thursday, when it was time to turn over and hit the alarm button, Dale was already gone home to the Lord, his heart now healed. Stephanie and daughter, Erica (my Trivia buddy!) are with Grandma Jean and other family. Erica, a student at WLC, had just spent last weekend with her grandparents and auntie. Several months ago, Dale and Jean had joined us for Trivia when they were in town visiting. I am so sorry for the family but glad that Dale is forever with the Lord!

Erica’s boyfriend, Justin S., was also going to join us at the table for the feast but now there is some question as to whether he will come without Stephanie being there. I let him know that I have a place planned for him and since he already knows my Justin and me, well, he should come! Tomorrow at church there is a bake sale and hopefully I can buy a pie or two there. Stephanie was making us two pies, one pumpkin and one raisin, I think, or was it sour cream apple???

While catching up on my Internet show, I addressed envelopes for the Advent cards I send to the kids of the congregation. Since I bought 25 last year, which came with envelopes, I simply repeated the order for this year. When the shipment arrived, no envelopes were included. I wrote to them immediately and expressed my concern. A lady wrote back and said they no longer include the envelopes since many people did not use them. For nine cents apiece she would send them to me, but I declined. Instead I used some too large for the cards, but a good way to use them up. And, I no longer need 25 cards for our congregation. The leftover ones I sent to some of the kids who have left GS, plus yesterday, I mailed some to my nephews in Sheboygan, before I even knew I would have extras!

Friday morning was a busy one for me as I had the opportunity to drive my friend, Brenda, to work. Not only Brenda, though, but our shared friend, Edda, needed a ride as well. I loved having a bus route for my lady friends, who live very close to each other in Eagle Harbor. Edda’s office is near my home and we dropped her off first, then took Brenda. Both ladies are having a balance problem, with Edda’s being new since she took a spill in her kitchen.

Somehow or another our lovely blue Advent banners have disappeared from the sacristy. Carol called me Thursday to let me know and I was filled with disbelief. They just HAD to be there somewhere, so after dropping off Brenda, I went over to church to check for myself. Nope, no M & M blue banners to be found. How could they disappear like that? Michael C. had also gone in search of them after Carol had looked three times. I wondered if perhaps they were at the cleaners for a year, so I called the one Carol uses for church stuff. Nope, they did not have them either. This Advent, sadly, will not have our very special banners but hopefully, with the help of insurance money, we can have new ones for next year. Unless, somehow they turn up…

After the search I headed to The Club with my Scrabble board in arms, arriving in time to order my breakfast. I felt like having home fries so the nice chef made me an order, and Margie gave me one of her French toast slices (such a big order!). You will never guess who won the Scrabble game---before it was entirely over but due to time constraints, me!

Edda had a doctor appointment in the afternoon for which her daughter would drive, so I only had Brenda for my afternoon bus run. Stopping first at Papa Murphy’s for a pizza and cookie dough, I headed toward Wells Road, which was crawling along due to construction. When I got to her workplace, my dear friend, Jimmie, was standing outside by his truck. I loved seeing him and getting a series of hugs and a couple smooches!

Friday night was Dinner and a Movie, with Judy C. and Martie coming to watch and eat pizza. We watched “Water For Elephants” which was an extraordinary movie! For dessert, we had a special treat---Judy was experimenting with a brownie recipe where she dropped batter into muffin papers, added a teeny tiny candy bar, and then more batter over the top. And that’s exactly what they were---over the top!!!

From my friend, Linda M.

These are attributed to Andy Rooney, and while I am not sure he said them all, most are delicious morsels upon which to chew!

I've learned.... That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.

I've learned.... That when you're in love, it shows.

I've learned.... That just one person saying to me, "You've made my day!" makes my day.

I've learned.... That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one ofthe most peaceful feelings in the world.

I've learned.... That being kind is more important than being right.

I've learned.... That you should never say no to a gift from a child.

I've learned.... That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.

I've learned.... That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.

I've learned.... That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.

I've learned.... That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.

I've learned.... That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.

I've learned.... That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.

I've learned.... That money doesn't buy class.

I've learned.... That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.

I've learned.... That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.

I've learned.... That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

I 've learned.... That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.

I've learned.... That love, not time, heals all wounds.

I've learned.... That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.

I've learned.... That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

I've learned.... That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.

I've learned... That life is tough, but I'm tougher.

I've learned.... That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.

I've learned.... That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.

I've learned.... That I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her one more time before she passed away.

I've learned.... That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.

I've learned..... That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

I've learned..... That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life.

I've learned.... That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.

I've learned.... That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.

"God bless you, you smell good!"

My perfume smells good to others, apparently, as several people in recent days remarked about it. I wear “Obsession”, by Calvin Klein, and have done so since 2000 when I discovered it when on a cruise in the Mediterranean with my former spouse. The gift shop on the ship offered samples. I loved the spiciness of it, light and not at all flowery. Yes, it is slightly more expensive than most pay, but a little bit goes a long way. I was in the elevator once with a policeman who had dropped off paperwork of Travis, my neighbor, who is a public servant. The policeman was in already when he stopped for me on my floor and after a second, he said to me, “God bless you, you smell good!”

When I was leaving the other day, I rode down in the elevator with Travis and he complimented me, saying I smelled nice. Well, thank you, Travis! When I got outside and passed Connie on the walkway, she said, “Boy, you smell good today!” I thanked her as well but then replied it was the same scent I wear every day. I don’t think I over did it at all, as I like to use it sparingly to make it last. Usually, though, I don’t go immediately from shower, to being dressed, to being out the door which is how my day was on Friday.

Monday I watched half of the Packer/Viking game with my neighbor and he asked me, “Is that Shalimar?” I said, “Is who Shalimar?” since I thought he was talking about football! No, it was a perfume, but he said mine was nice, light. Thank you again. I had not reapplied any since getting ready for the day and this was nearly 12 hours later.

Today again someone said to me that I always smell so good and I thanked them for the compliment. And Judy A. said that people from the Midwest have a hard time taking a compliment. Well, I accept!

A week of ThanksLiving and ThanksLoving!!!

I used that expression, ThanksLiving, when talking about it with my upstairs neighbor, Randy, and he attempted to correct me. He is a student of history and wanted to defend the celebration of Thanksgiving in our nation. In my own defense, I explained the reason why I like ‘my’ term better, to live a life in thanks every day rather than one day a year. It takes nothing away from the historical first Thanksgiving with the Pilgrims and Indians, but carries out the giving thanks for daily use and appreciation. Yesterday, I had much to celebrate for ThanksLiving:

My sister, Kerry, going through some tough times following her spouse’s heart surgery, was blessed with a bounty of meat and fish. Her friend from work was cleaning out her freezer and brought the meat for Kerry to take home. She has to cook ‘heart healthy’ for her spouse, which is costly enough, but Kerry can eat whatever she wishes, and will, now that her freezer is filled!

My niece, Lisa, reported that between her two churches, the one where they are members and the one where the boys attend school, have put them on an Angel of Hope list again this year. Being on this list allows them some extra blessings from the community, if I remember correctly. Last year they also received a gift of diapers, right after Angelo was born, as one of the church members works for a paper company which manufactures them. The diapers came in large plastic bags, if memory serves, and Lisa was so happy to have them.

My longtime friend reported her husband had recently found a new job after his plant was closing in their hometown. She had been stressing, spent sleepless nights spent reciting memorized hymns of trust to rock herself to sleep. Monday I was telling the folks at Bible study how my little nephews were memorizing the first stanza of “Wake, Awake For Night is Flying” as their memory treasure at school, and what a treasure it is! My friend was making use of those same hymns learned in grade school and high school as her comfort and prayers. A friend from their church was able to connect her hubby with a job, doing similar work to what he has been doing all these years.

Now that the prayers are answered in the affirmative, she is irritated with herself for not having more trust. I think we all do this, and in my case, the First Commandment violation is primary. Knowing better doesn’t seem to change the reaction, thinking the solution or the relief from a problem is from or through ourselves. She apologized for not letting me know sooner that they had problems but said she could not discuss it without breaking down in tears. Yes, I am familiar….I told her how I imagine the Lord thinking:“Tsk, tsk, tsk…Don’t you remember I promised to be with you to the very end of the age?” I should and would pray,“Lord, I believe; help thou my unbelief.” Her reaction after this blessing is to be a blessing to others, as their cup now runneth over. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life…”

We make our own trouble sometimes

Really? Do you think so? I am yet a bit tremulous after making the travel arrangements for Justin and me in December. He was unsure of what his work schedule would be and in order for me to go ahead with the reservations, had to make a decision. Hopefully he will not miss a day of work with William, but it might work that the lawn jobs are scheduled around Justin’s traveling!

When I let Mom know our dates, she was glad to know he would be there as long as he is planning to be. Last year in spring was the last time Justin was there, for Alayna’s graduation. His time was cut short when his future step-mother flew him home for Father’s Day. This visit will be longer and more activity-packed, including, I hope, a stop at the Green Street Tavern for perch on our way from the airport!

What made me nervous was the actual reservation process, using my flight voucher (it worked!) to help defray some of the cost of his ticket. Since his travel is during one of the busiest travel times of the year, his fare is more than my longer stay fare. Once a person hits the ‘Purchase’ button, it’s a done deal, and too expensive to mess up. My confidence was weak this morning but now, it is taken care of, in keeping with Justin’s requirements.

Since speaking with him this morning, he has called me again and talked all the way to Ponte Vedra where he was going to do some site prep work for a house being built there. It’s a long ride from Fleming Island, that is for sure! He was telling me about a sale at Old Navy with a discount today only (hint hint) and about his upcoming trip to NYC. He is being treated to a Packer/Giants game as someone in his step-mother’s family works for the Giants’ team and gave them tickets. Justin’s role is supposedly to be the tour guide as he knows his way around The City.

He told me how he reported enjoying the more laid-back visits we had done but also is looking forward to the hurried schedule they will have (5 in the party) once they arrive. The other day he sent me an excited text message reporting a Duane Reade drugstore right in the hotel!!! We usually hit the closest drugstore or bodega for soda when we are there, and to have it right in the hotel is great! And dirty water hot dog stand out front as well, nothing better!

He arrives in NYC on Friday afternoon and returns to JAX on Monday, hopefully arriving in time to make it to the Jaguar game that night. I offered to pick him up from the airport but he said, “You wouldn’t want to take me downtown to the Jaguar stadium…” Nope, he needs his buddies for that! Plus, that night I am hosting the Ladies’ Group CHRISTmas party here which means I would have no time for airport runs that day. I am sure a certain amount of angst had to go into that trip planning as well. But how exciting to see the Packers play!