A false start

This morning I was scheduled to take my car to Sun Tire for two new tires and some service work. The young people were going to be picked up around 9:30 to first go to church to ready their assignments and then off to Oakleaf to enjoy the public pool in Pastor's neighborhood. They had to pack a lunch and Jackson said he was going to pack for all of them. That is very kind of him but I thought they should all be in on it to make sure nothing is missed. The day could be long if the lunch is insufficient. Certainly I did have 'stuff' to put into the bags!

Once they were out the door, I went up to the tire place, having made the arrangement on Friday morning. The plan was to enjoy a nice lunch at Aron's while my car was being worked on, but when I got there, the tires were not available. What? The young man at the desk, Alex, with whom I spoke Friday, talked me into getting a different brand of tires, a name-brand versus the off-brand, which were less expensive. I'll bite! Tomorrow I will go back, as they have to import the tires from Mandarin, after water aerobics class, and still have my nice lunch!

                                            

As I left the store, I said to Alex, "Well, my whole afternoon just opened up!" so off I went to Publix. There I stocked up more food items to have on hand for the young folks, as I am a bit rusty when it comes to feeding teens. Last year the kids were not big eaters, nor are these kids, only there is one more than last year. The snack pack I bought will be greatly appreciated, for filling in the empty spot between their daily activity and the VBS dinner provided.

My neighbor was just getting home from an errand and offered to help me carry my purchases upstairs. Bob carried the box of snacks and a jug of orange juice, and I took the rest of the 'cold' stuff. Justin would grab the remaining non-refrigerator foods when he came home. Love shopping in the BO/GO bins at Publix!

There was time to go out to the pool when I got home but instead I got busy at my desk working on a newsletter. The young folks got home from swimming and had to shower before getting ready for VBS. They did enjoy the snack box with the variety of chips and the sweet tea Justin made on Sunday.

Speaking of Justin, we all went to La Napolera after church on Sunday, joined by Kari, their teacher, plus Terri T., Judy C., and later, Michael. We were seated in the back room, which Justin called "the Tea Party room" since that's where we meet. I fed 6 of us (the kids plus Justin and me) to overflowing for less than $60, including drinks. With boxes to go, hence, the overflow!

Afterward, Justin headed for home ahead of us by a minute or two, saying he'd left a bit of a mess behind before church. The kids and I had gone to church earlier than Justin had this a.m., to attend Bible study. In his apparent haste to get up the stairs, he stumbled on the steps and hit his shin against the ceramic tiled edge. Ouch! There was a gouge in his flesh, to the side of the bone, and later, it puffed up around the boo boo, and ached him something fierce. 

He was taking ibuprophen and putting ice packs on the sore spot, as he needed to be up and running for work in the morning. After a little while, the swelling did go down, and he could walk around again without as much pain. That was a close one! And this is why I always use the elevator!!!

Some Sunday photos

Katie is tickling the ivories as Brittany sang during some down time after set-up and before dinner. I was told that Katie can play anything put in front of her, and she began with "In Christ Alone", of course....

Before the live music began though, the young folks rehearsed some of the arm motions to be used with the songs for VBS. Jacob, a member of our congregation, joined the kids and acted out the motions and ran the projector. Jackson, in the white shirt, was really getting into it!

From left are Jackson, Erin, Katie, and on the ladder, Brittany as they rehearse the songs to teach the little ones this week at VBS. 

Relaxing Saturday

For me, it was a relaxing day but for my house guests, their work was only beginning. They all slept nice and late because of their long day at Disney. Around 10:30 or so I heard movement from down the hall so got a few things ready for breakfast. Justin made a batch of muffins, the type that are made directly from the can they come in. He had to add water, shake it for a period of time, and then pour into the muffin pans. Ta da!!! I had fresh fruit for them and they went wild over the orange juice. Must be a novelty in Colorado!

                                          

Justin had to leave before they got up though as his father called to have him go and check something at one of the houses. Justin does not like to take his car out of the county, his choice, so asked to borrow my car. I had no need for mine and agreed to let him take it, with the condition that he figure out the 3rd seat belt in the back seat. Since my girl charges are so thin, I think I can get all the kids in my car for church in the morning, but need the middle seat belt located. He did just that!

Mike was coming by for them at 12:30 to start getting things in order for VBS. Pastor would be there too, I understand, to offer instruction on teaching the classes, etc. For dinner, they were having a shrimp boil and I was invited to join them for that. I appreciate the offer greatly, but....

Once the kids left, I finished watching a movie while eating my leftovers from Bahama Breeze. Justin got back from his mission and gave me a sample of a steamed sub from FireHouse Subs, which I have never had been before. It was quite good, a tasty morsel. When I have a sub-style sandwich, I choose roast beef and provolone cheese with no veggies so it's most ordinary. This was a variety of meats with shredded lettuce, etc. but no tomatoes, as he doesn't do those. I might try this place sometime, with him!

                                               

I went out to the pool and found my friends, Fran and Rick, already there, as well as the two ladies who live across the parking lot from the cabana. The water felt delicious, no screaming getting in, and my well-trained cabana boy, Julius, brought a nice Diet Coke to the pool edge. Ahhh......

People came and left but I stayed to enjoy the pool and the sunshine. At one point, I got out to warm up (only I get chilly in the water!) and burned my soles walking on the hot pool deck! I was trotting as best I could to the cabana to order the drink of the day, "Heat Wave". Loving those fruity and refreshing drinks. Soon, several people had one which is often all it takes to start a trend. 

Kari, the teacher who escorted the young folks from CO, let me know dinner was at 5:30 or 6:00 if I wanted to come over but I declined, asking for leftovers instead. I can pick out the shrimp and avoid having to get dressed for the ride over there! Got out of the pool for good around 5:00 and came home to do some desk work for a change. Even that was relaxing!

Love my neighbors!

This very early morning, with me seeing only Jackson, the young man of the group, they were off for a day at DisneyWorld. Yesterday when at the pool, I strongly encouraged them to lather up with sunscreen so their time at Disney would not be ruined with sunburns on their first day. Two of the girls had a bit of a tan already but the less tanned needed extra protection. They did well with the sun.

Lunch was ordered from The Club and they enjoyed it very much. We stayed outside until about 2:00 and then came upstairs to chill until it was time for them to be picked up. Mike came by for the kids to take them over to church to begin their VBS work of calling on former attendees and invite them for next week. 

                                            

Justin got to meet them and likes the fact that Jackson is a 'nerd', having brought along a small collection of electronics, not unlike those Justin would take with him on such a trip! 

I was awake early with Justin's alarm stirring me at 5:30 a.m., the sound of chimes or church bells emanating from his phone. The young folk had to be ready by 6:00 and they were, with Justin out the door behind them. While I do usually wake about the same time, it felt too early for some reason. Mid-morning I accidentally fell asleep for a bit and put myself in a goofy fog. Would have been better off without the cat nap!

                          

Stephanie had a couple days off this week and we planned to meet for lunch today at noon. She started her day with yard work which is really her daughter, Erica's, job, but neglects the finer touches lawns need. Stephanie burned up one edger already this week so had to buy a new one to finish her job. 

A nice lunch dining on the porch at Bahama Breeze was just what she needed after all that! And I didn't mind one bit, either. I just love their buttermilk chicken sliders with a lovely dip, citrus aioli, plus rice with black beans. I want to get in the car right now and head back over there for more!!

Our visit was enjoyable, wonderful to catch up, especially since we don't see each other at Trivia on Tuesdays any more. We had words leftover, well, almost, when we parted company two hours later. Not many people wished to dine alfresco yesterday as folks were waiting for tables for inside dining. But us, we loved the breeze from the fans and the feeling of being on vacation for a couple hours!

Martie was coming over for dinner poolside tonight, right after work. At shortly after 6:00 she let me know she was leaving the office, but did not arrive these few blocks away until almost 7:00 pm. It had begun to thunder and I feared getting caught in a downpour so took our meals upstairs. We arrived at the elevator about the same time. The burgers were delicious, of course!

Prior to her arrival, I sat out at the pool and enjoyed Happy Hour with my friends. Julius, the young man who now cooks for me, told me about his brother who was recently wounded in Afghanistan. On July 4th, a local news station featured his brother who is being treated at Walter Reed. Around the table last night, I shared his story with the others. One of the guys has connections at the Base and thinks they might be able to arrange a hopper flight for Julius to get to Walter Reed to see his brother. He contacted me last night via e-mail to get his information, what I had, in order to get the ball rolling.

And that's what I love about my neighbors!

Doing some catch-up...

...while I await the arrival of my house guests. There was an overnight change in plans, as the travelers from CO were not able to fly out of Chicago and had to spend the night in a hotel instead of coming the rest of the way to FL. Since I was supposed to have Bible study this a.m., Mike C. would not bring them over until after class but now, as there is actually no class today, I expect them momentarily!

Yesterday was spent first with a trip to the grocery store to stock up on some supplies for the young folks, in order for them to pack lunches for their trip to Orlando tomorrow. And to have some things for them to snack on during the day today as well as tonight after doing VBS calls. Anything more than that can be picked up tomorrow or anytime. Got enough to get us started!

                         

When I left about 9:30, Justin was on his bed watching something on his computer, probably HOUSE episodes.  He did come down to help carry the bags upstairs but had not addressed the chores. His list, written out last Saturday, was yet incomplete with promises that all would be taken care of on the 4th. When I mentioned it, he said, "It will get done---they won't be here for 36 hours..." Far be it for me to question, as I don't care about the number of hours in between, I simply want it done!

Justin was told the kids would arrive after I got home from Bible study so all things needed to ready. (He later said, once the work was done, that he thought Thursday night's class, not the morning one. No reason whatsoever to not do this on one's day off rather than after working all day long doing yard work!!!) 

The original plan was the guests would be spending the night at Chappell's due to the lateness of the hour they arrived (wee hours). In the morning, Mike would make them breakfast and they would lounge for a bit. By the time they had eaten, etc. I would be home from Victory to greet them. Now, a new plan is in place...So glad I chased him around the house with a broom to get things taken care of. Oooh, I was hoppin' mad!

While I was dashing about with my dusting wand in hand, I heard the doorbell ringing. There stood my neighbor, Cathy, with two pina coladas in hand. One for me and one for Justin. She gave me a big hug, when I explained how disappointed I was in my man-servant, and I told her I was drinking them both! Cathy knew he was supposed to be getting my house ready. I did keep the second one for another time!

In the meantime, a huge thunderstorm roared in, causing the staff at The Club to scamper madly to clear away the tables and such set up outside for the dinner buffet. It is a big event, where folks come to eat and then stay to watch the fireworks. The whole works was a wash out! I am not sure if those who came to eat went indoors or what they did, but the lightning was fierce. And some hotel guests decided the lightning was not a problem and stayed in the pool throughout the entire storm! Young football players are immune, it seems from electrocution. 


Justin left to attend his celebratory function for Independence Day while I debated going up to Nancy's for her party and fireworks viewing. It was still pouring rain which made me wonder what, if anything, would go on. Meanwhile, I was regularly checking the wall in the river room to see if it was dry, and, thank the Lord, it was! And remained so through the entire storm. Perhaps the repair did the trick??!!?? Because the rain was not wind driven, it might not be the best test, but since I am wildly hopeful, I say it's fixed!


On the veranda at Nancy's, which stretches the width of the building, we enjoyed the variety of appetizers people brought to share (my chips 'n dip would have fallen far short if I took them!). Justin was supposed to pick up a meat 'n cheese tray for me from Wal*Mart when he went, but he forgot...Not a good "Justin Day" in my book! 


Nancy provided the drinks and the spectacular view of the pyrotechnic display, once it began. Hugh played his CD of patriotic music almost in time to the rocket's red glare and I was not alone when a tear sneaked down my cheek at one point. It was thrilling to sing along to the popular America-based songs with my neighbors, even those who are French knew the words!! I am so glad I went and got over my mad. Now, I am enjoying my cleaned up house for a while before the guests arrive. Love that!!!

Happy birthday, America!!!

Another good church day!

It's nearly 10:00 pm and my eyes are weary but I must write this down before I explode. We had such a marvelous Bible Information Class again tonight at Victory. I think I figured out what makes it so special---it's personal! Yes, it is personal between Pastor and each of the "students". He knows us, and even those taking such a class for the first time and finding much of this new, he knows. Or is getting to know. He allows personal application to the subject we are discussing, which tonight was baptism. Allow me to say that more than once, tears flowed, and even Pastor's eyes appeared red-rimmed as the class ended. 

He conducts the class in a circular style so we all get a chance to answer and read. This way no one has to jump to answer and also no one can sit out and not participate. In the BIC at GS, if no one else answers, I do, which is not ideal for those who are new to it all. Pastor H. encourages questions and encourages personal application. We are learning so much about each other, with me mainly listening, unless Pastor draws me in. I don't mind, believe me. A couple weeks ago we learned about a young man's siblings being adopted from China and how one had physical problems. Pastor got the name and information from him to share with another family at Victory. Love it!

                              

When we were leaving, he said to me, "Thanks so much for being here..." and I was touched by that. We talked about how this is such a good way to get to know each other better (though he's been through SO much with me already...) and allows others to get to know each other as well, all within the scope of the lesson we are studying. 

What a good week I am having!