"What The (bleep) Just Happened?"

"Before this morning's Supreme Court decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act and calling the individual mandate a "tax", President Obama strenuously insisted it 'absolutely' was not a tax---now that 'tax' takes effect 2012, and the battle over ObamaCare enters a new chapter." FoxNews.com headline

The title of this posting is also the title of a new book out by a commentator I enjoy on the radio. She also appears regularly on various panels on Fox News, often up against her brother-in-law, Alan Colmes (ewww!). Monica Crowley, PhD. can certainly hold her own when it comes to such topics as that opening paragraph in this posting, and am anxious to hear what she has to say about all this. I am glued to the radio and TV the rest of the day to see/hear what all the pundits and reporters have to say. 

Does Costa Rico get hit with hurricanes very often???

Regrouping...

...and a bit ashamed of myself. How can I be so very upset about drips from my ceilings and down my walls when others have no access to their homes or have lost them altogether?? 

My living room is put back together, pans and pots removed, towels folded and put away for pool use only now. I hope. Sadly, the repair made on Tuesday, a temporary fix, did not work so Misty and I continued with the soaking towels and such. Justin and I dried some of her towels, and took them up at Jessica's request to place them appropriately. We brought the soaked ones down to rinse and dry for the next round, but thankfully, we did not need them. Whew!

I feel very badly for the couple who own the penthouse and are having to deal being the 'source' of the leak. It is certainly not their fault and they were desperately trying to find a solution in the midst of the storm. Of course, I give them a break but others in the building are more adamant about getting this solved. I know how badly I felt, and still feel, about leaking on my downstairs neighbors almost two years ago. Not good!

My neighbors are the greatest, offering wet vacs (not needed), dry sleeping if needed, offers to come help dump the pans or dry the towels, etc. "Day or night, just call..." Love that! What we, Justin and I, are borrowing is a dehumidifier from one neighbor which is pulling huge quantities of water from the air. We have dumped probably the equivalent of four gallons thus far, and have gotten the humidity level to 60% already. That is set up in the living room at the moment, and startles me when it turns off and back on again. I am so jumpy!

Justin and I moved the furniture back, he put up the wall hanging again over the loveseat, and plugged the TV back in. I didn't turn it on yet, just letting it do it's thing of drying out. He still has his bedroom fan blowing behind the TV to help dry that faster, as well as Rose's machine for drying the air. Repairs will need to be made, but not until the leak is arrested above me. 

                          

Justin is also in process of moving some of his plastic bins to the foyer, readying them to be relocated to Ellen's unit for safe keeping for when the VBS kids are here. Tomorrow he is taking a bunch of empty cardboard boxes to the dumpster when he gets home from work. He works a long day on Thursday due to catching up from the rain days. In the morning he has to be at the Farm by 6:40 a.m. Yikes!

I hate Debby!

While I might be good at some things, decorating is one thing in which I find joy and pride. THIS, however, is not an example of my abilities. Unless, of course, collecting leaking water from door frames, ceilings and floors is decorating! The kids' towels add much to the decor...TS Debby can just get the heck out of here!!!

 The center one I had to dump twice during the night on Sunday, with over 6" accumulated in the bucket under the blue pendant light. 

The placemats serve the dual role of absorbing the sound of water dripping and reducing the splashing after the water hits the bottom of the receptacle.

This area is behind and above my loveseat. It has not leaked since 2008 with TS Faye and I was not happy to see it return. Justin was roused from his bed to help me move the loveseat out and roll up the carpet. We laid towels behind it and set two collection devices to catch the drips.

Here is the ceiling above my TV. You might recall last fall when this area flooded and shorted out my power strip, singeing the floor. The crown moulding is bubbled up from the water behind it as is the paint along the wall. Very similar to the photos from TS Beryl!

So much water came through this door frame that I could have washed my hair in the flow! Well, this might be an exaggeration....but it did fill those containers nicely.

As if my upstairs neighbor, Misty, didn't have enough trouble keeping up with the water from above her, she came home to smoke. It seems that somehow the electronic dishwasher turned on or at least part of it did, and burned up. The racks and any thing else plastic melted and filled their home with smoke. Another neighbor passing by heard the commotion and came to the rescue, shutting off the power to the appliances. What caused this to happen? No one knows yet but Misty cannot wait to move out this weekend!! I can't say I blame her!

A funeral and a baptism

This morning at Bible study we continued looking at the book of Job. The study is coming along in starts and stops, with next week Monday's class being another STOP due to Independence Day being celebrated on Wednesday. Okay.....

Anyway, the portion of Job read was from Chapter 38, a very special portion of Scripture for me. For us all, of course, but particularly for me. You see, I had asked Pastor Prange to include this as one of the readings for Timmy's funeral.

A church filled to overflowing, many of those attending being associated directly or indirectly with the housing industry, how much more apropos a reading could there be? I had remembered Pete (Pastor Prange) reading this or using the chapter at some point in the past, and it struck me then. When it came 'our' time to need an answer to those questions weak human beings ask of the Lord, this portion of the Word came to mind. And now, again, to heart. 

                                            

The gist of the chapter is God challenging Job, in the midst of his suffering and loss, "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Who marked out the dimensions? "On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone— while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?" I am all about those angels shouting for joy!

The representative from WELS Planned Giving sat next to me in class and he seemed to be aware of 'my situation'. No wonder he was so glad to seek me out and shake my hand a couple weeks ago. It turned out we know some people in Manitowoc together (strange how that happens!!!) In fact, his good friend, Greg, had been here a few years ago with the Lutheran Elem. School team. Small world of the WELS!

Rachel at the font, with Jackie standing as her witness

We had another adult baptism today, a lady who lives in the neighboring apartments. Rachel attends the BIC on Thursday nights with Judy, Amber, and me. She had been "baptized" in sorts with oil at some point in her life, having dabbled with various denominations and such. Today she received the real deal through water and the Word, a promise from the Lord, assuring Rachel she is His own dear child.

Gretchen was absent today, having had the horrors of a water leak yesterday. Oh, heavenly days! She and I should start a club for those suffering from water leaks! Darwin had gone over there Saturday to check on the A/C unit which leaked, but did not have the electrical knowledge needed for the dampened wiring in the wall leading to her 1st floor bathroom. I sent a message to Suzanne C. to see if her hubby would be available to help Gretchen out. Or she'll have to use the potty in the dark!

Terri T. and I went to lunch by ourselves today as Justin left early to see a movie with Jesse. (If they go in the a.m., the seats are only $5.00.) As Terri remarked, "No one is the boss of us today so we can eat where we want!" That is a joke between us, as I once said that to Gordy when he scolded me for singing at the table. I told him, "You're not the boss of me!", with a smile on my face, of course, and she about flipped! How she sometimes wished she could have said the same thing and gotten away with it....Gordy was so much like my own father in this regard---wanting so badly for us to behave at the table!

Terri and I chose Chili's (surprise, surprise!!!) and enjoyed a lovely lunch together. Yesterday we'd had breakfast at Grumpy's but with her grandson along, it was not as easy for us ladies to just talk. He is darling, and oh so smart for a three-year old! When he was done coloring, he pushed it aside. Terri asked if he didn't want to color some more and Caiden said, "I'm out of ideas...." Talk about funny stuff coming from a little kid!!! 

Today, she and I simply got caught up, a much needed time for such a thing. Next week, we will be back to normal, after Judy gets back from the LWMS Convention. I am supposed to go to Palm Coast but might see if I can go on Saturday instead. We shall see!

A worthwhile morning

Sometimes the sunrises summon me from my bed to grab the camera, and some do not. This one today did!

This evening's sunset presented less dramatically but lovely nonetheless...

I like being Pampered!

What a lovely evening I had tonight at a Pampered Chef party! Normally not a 'kitchen person', these parties never cease to amaze and almost entice me. Our hostess was Kerri H., a friend from GS and then Victory. Part of the 'getting to know you' game we played was telling which product was our favorite from Pampered Chef (PC). When it was my turn, I reported liking the jar of cherry almond topping the best. I think she was actually looking for a piece of equipment or a gadget but that's what I came to buy!
                                            

I knew where Kerri lived but used the GPS on my phone to help me anyway. When I pulled up, the street looked nearly deserted, no extra cars parked anywhere. Hmmm.....The house had a For Sale sign in front of it, a Realtors' lock-box on the knob, and a Private Property sign in the window. My guess is, they don't live here any more! I called Anne who was riding over with Stephanie to find out where to go.

It seems they had moved last year but only a block or two from this home. Stephanie pulled up in front of the old house and then led me to the new house. What a sweetheart! 

Besides Anne, she also brought Susanne, a newer member at Victory. Susanne is the mom of my friend, Judy H., who now lives in Knoxville, TN. Her husband, Wayne, was in Bible study yesterday but not Susanne as she was not feeling well. Nice nice lady. Her hubby and she bring much to the table when they are in class. They are transplants from Green Bay where Susanne had the privilege of caring for some of the Packer players teeth! "Official Dental Assistant of the Green Bay Packers"!

The consultant and Kerri made a bbq chicken pizza which was then cooked on the grille. The sauce used a sweet flavor with beer in it and the pizza was just delicious. Never thought I would like chicken on a pizza! Kerri also made various tart treats including one that tasted like a S'mores. Yummy!

I ended up ordering a jar of the cherry almond topping, a muffin pan designed for making individual brownies (with Justin in mind), and some pinch bowls. I think those teeny bowls will come in very handy, not necessarily for meal prep but for ketchup or other dips when just a dab will do ya'!!                             

Car Craziness

This morning I got a phone call reporting that my car was ready to be picked up from the body shop. Wow! Only yesterday a different guy told me it might be later Thursday or even Friday before it was ready, so I extended the rental on my car.  I think that lady at Budget got quite tired hearing my voice on the other end before this was all over!

Therefore, since my car was ready, I had to make arrangements to somehow return the rental car and get mine picked up, before close of business for each enterprise. Hmmm....If I'd used Enterprise, it would not be such a huge problem with getting the cars swapped out, but alas, I used a one-person shop at Budget. Enterprise offers the pick-up service so they could have driven me to the car repair place.

After Bible study at Victory, another enriching class, I figured I could stop at the repair shop and settle up with them, with plans to go back later to get the car when Justin was done working. I had to pay the deductible for the repair, minus the amount of the tire depreciation the fellow got for me. Nice!

That taken care of, I went home with hopes of getting some pool time. Not to be, as the sun was hiding behind the clouds most of the day. Rats! Perhaps by the weekend the water will finally be warmed enough to enjoy even if the sun is not around, though I usually don't enjoy one without the other.

The church newsletter is written as far as it can be as I wait, almost patiently, for the requested input to come in. I know the preschool info will be submitted, as Miss Lisa is so good about that, but the rest will be like pulling teeth. A reminder can be sent to the fellows to please get me information. It's all about the communication and information sharing!

                                                  

I got an e-mail from church, the entire congregation did, requesting our presence for painting the fellowship hall on Saturday. Sort of short a notice and I do hope that some folks show up for this. The hall must be fairly close to ready when it comes time for Vacation Bible School though the flooring might not be put down yet. Things always take so long, it seems.

This Sunday I was planning to go to Palm Coast to see my niece, as she asked me to come down for a visit. Tina asked me to come instead the following week which will work. We have a special guest coming to church again (he was there a couple weeks ago) to present a session about planned giving. I won't sit through that again as I have done so in the past. Judy and Michael got a sneak preview on Tuesday night as he presented to them at their house. She was impressed with what he had to say and might take some of his advice.

When poolside on Wednesday (too cold for me to go in!) we had a birthday party for Randy, who is now 77 years old. We are called his harem, as he is the sole man in the water aerobics class. About ten of us ordered our meals and dined al fresco, at times dodging rain drops, and then basking in the sun. Strange day! Marlena picked up a cute little book which we all signed for him, called "Looking for Mr. Right" as his last name is Wright. Cute!

                                                 

After the lunch, I went over to Winn Dixie to get some soda and other things. I shopped like a rock star, taking advantage of their deal where if I bought two Tombstone pizzas, I would get free jalepeno poppers, garlic bread, Italian Ice, and a bottle of soda. Sweet! Justin will eat the poppers while the garlic bread will be good with our dinners next week. The flavor of Italian ice I chose was blue raspberry and I am sure they will be wonderfully refreshing. All of this for $14.98!

At lunch, Mary Lew was back from her travels, and asked me about my summer plans. She knows I usually have some company and I told her that there are four kids coming from Rocky Mountain Lutheran High School to stay for 10 days. I went on to report to the table how Justin and I are going to have to struggle getting room for three girls in my spare room because his stuff has taken over. One lady suggested I get a small storage unit, and another one asked if we don't have storage space here at The Palace. Hmmm....

Maggie O. piped up with a brilliant idea---since our mutual friend, Ellen, is rarely at home here, staying at the beach condo instead, she suggested I ask Ellen if we could store some of Justin's stuff in her front bedroom for a couple weeks. YES! Brilliant! I asked Ellen and, of course, she said that would be fine with her. As Maggie said, Ellen LOVES to help people. Justin is not all that wild about having to relocate his stuff but three girls in one room are going to need every available inch of space!

We have three girls coming, plus one boy, so the boy will stay in Justin's room and Justin will bunk in my room. The young people will be gone most of the time so Justin will still have access to his room until it becomes bedtime. 

Okay, back to my car craziness---I had to gas up the rental to take it back full, so did that. Then, when Justin got home from work, shortly before 5:00 pm, he showered quickly and off we went to get my car. I had to return the rental car before 6:00 so we drove up Blanding Blvd. north of I-295 to grab my car. He drove my freshly repaired car back up (or down, as the case might be) Blanding toward the plaza, formerly known as Michael's Plaza, to return the rental car. Whew! Traffic at this time of the day is horrendous and being in a time crunch was, well, horrendous!

                                                

I got the car back with 15 minutes to spare and got settled up there. The lady who was taking care of things, single-handedly, was glad to see me bring the keys back, especially after I explained I had two keys. "Yes," she said, "we always give you two keys." It was odd because one was for my rental car, and the other for a Jeep Patriot!! Oops! She was relieved to see the 'lost' key, expressing how glad she was that they had at least one key to use. Yikes! That cannot be good!!!

Justin and I went back home again, so he could unwind after his busy and tiring day of yard work. For dinner, he ate my leftovers from Carrabba's where he and I joined Judy C. for dinner Wednesday night. She still had a gift card to use from last year's party! I did not have to be back at church again until 7:30 pm for BIC and was glad to sit back and relax, having this car craziness behind me. My car has the smell of fresh paint now and I love that! I am so appreciate having my own car back in my possession again, crazy as it is!