A little cheese curd

                         

Today, when eating lunch at Chili's, this young family came in and sat across from us. Of course, I HAD to speak to them, since both Mom and Dad were sporting Packer gear. The mom said, "Even the baby..." as she lifted him from the infant carrier to show us. Sure enough, Packer gear from head to shoes! I asked if they were from WI and they said they were not, just Packer fans. How 'bout that???

Dishwasher blues

This early morning I was chatting online with Linda J. when my phone went off. It was "THE CALL"! The dishwasher installers were on their way. I had to get dressed quickly, after I had Justin pull the stuff from under the sink so the guys could access the faucets and such underneath. 

My heart was in my throat, and I busied myself with the Pledge and a dusting cloth to work off my stress. I was fiddling before Rome burned! Justin kept following me around, talking to me and such. At one point I asked him if he was nervous, too, and he said he was trying to keep me from being nervous. Sweetheart! He wanted to go play his game and not be worried about me being worried. 

I had contacted my neighbors so they were on high alert, and I waited for the truck to arrive. As inevitably happens, the delivery guys were lost but when they called, I got them to my building.

                                         

The two fellows came up, shook hands with me, and came into the house. One man said he never even knew there were homes 'back here' and marveled at the view. I told him it was a secret! While the one man went to the truck for the machine, the other guy got down to fiddle with the faucets under the sink. Frozen!! He could not turn the knobs. I know they worked at one time when the kitchen faucets was installed back in 2006 but have not operated them since. Shoot!

                                            

I encouraged him to not force it, and he said they certainly would not, but without turning it, they could not install the dishwasher. I would need a plumber for this. My heart fell, but also I felt a slight tinge of relief, because I trust the skills of a licensed and insured plumber over those of these delivery guys, you know? They left the dishwasher in the foyer for installation by the plumber, and told me to call for pick up of the old one at a later day. Cool beans!

                                     

This freed up the rest of my day to do nothing, and now my furniture was dusted! At least, most of the wood pieces were. Justin was back to playing his video game and I came to my room to unwind. I had had troubles going to sleep because of apprehension and a slight tooth twinge (stupid Milk Duds!) and morning came too early for me. I needed a nap at 9:30! I mentioned to Justin that I might take a snooze and he laughed, "But Fox and Friends isn't even over yet!" My eyes needed the rest more than anything else.

Later I did lie down but don't think I slept. I was quite excited about evening plans with Judy and Karen, meeting them at Carrabba's at Southside. Their dad was dropping them off, just like in the old days, and I would be taking them home again. We met at 6:00 and left the restaurant around 9:00! It was so wonderful to catch up with Judy, and to become more familiar with Karen, my first meeting of her. And, again, a lovely meal!

We talked about their jobs, their kids, my kids, about the folks Judy remembers from church, asking about their whereabouts, etc. and we talked about our beloved former pastor. And politics, of course!

It was such a marvelous evening and the waitress did not mind us sitting there for hours and hours, as she kept my soda glass filled for me. She was well tipped for her service, knowing we were needing this time to connect, and reconnect! Love all the WELS connections we have!!!

Let's talk funerals

Justin technically has the day off today, having put in a nearly 12 hour day yesterday. He did agree to help out his boss, though, and return to a site where they needed a piece of equipment not along with them. He left here a bit ago with my car, expecting to be gone about an hour and a half. I would very much like my floors vacuumed today, and done well, so hopefully he will take care of that when he gets home.

Justin also has plans to bake a pumpkin cake today, using a recipe he found on-line. We picked up the ingredients we were lacking for the recipe when stopping at Winn Dixie after dinner. We ate at Cracker Barrel! We each had comfort food, with me bringing half mine home with me for consumption later today.

                                   

Three of the items that came with my dinner last night are on my proposed menu for serving at my funeral feast. Yes, back on that again! I had meatloaf, green beans, and mashed potatoes----all my favorites! Oh, and, Diet Coke!

I was reading on-line newspapers yesterday and came upon an article regarding the most popular "songs" chosen for funerals. Well, I should have known before reading the article that the songs would be secular in nature. I further should not have been disappointed that none of my hymns made the Top Ten. 

I did know a few of the songs mentioned and would not mind them being played at the reception afterward. One was "You Raise Me Up" by Josh Groban, and "Wind Beneath My Wings", by Bette Midler, the latter having been sung by me on more than one occasion via karaoke. My survivors will have to sing it themselves after I am gone.

                    

One of my Facebook connections posted about her funeral hymns, and we decided to compare lists, seeing if any are the same. I am still waiting for her list, with mine being twice as long as hers! This conversation began with her family member posting a portion of Psalm 46, and my telling her how I wanted this psalm in my funeral service. Funny how these things come about...

Tomorrow evening I am spending some time with my 'old' friend, Judy, and will be meeting her sister, Karen, a Facebook friend, at dinner. They are both in town for the wedding of their brother, taking place today on the beach in St. Augustine. I do hope it warms up nicely for them all, as I promised Karen I was on it! She came from Green Bay and Judy from Knoxville, though Judy did live here for many years. 

                               

Rachel's all grown up now....a lovely girl inside and out. This photo was taken on her second visit to Timmy's gravesite on her long weekend visit to Jacksonville. She touches my heart!

My fond memory of Judy's daughter, Rachel, was how she laid her head in my lap before the funeral for Timmy---not sobbing, just 'resting' there, for several minutes. Judy was off to the side, wondering if she should come get Rachel, who was about a year older than Timmy, but I motioned to let her stay. Rachel just needed a moment....and so did I, it seems.

For all the saints....

But lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day; the saints triumphant rise in bright array; the King of Glory passes on His way; Alleluia! Alleluia!

                                              

Yesterday there were numerous postings on the social media site I enjoy recognizing the celebration of Reformation Day. This type of thing goes a long way to restoring my hope in the preservation of our rich heritage, because sometimes I become greatly concerned about this matter. 

Today is no different, with many folks posting their recognition of All Saints' Day. The above posted hymn tune, referenced by many on-line, is running through my head even as I listen to my radio programs. Thinking now of those who have gone before and are circling the throne, singing, "Holy, holy, holy..." How my heart yearns within me!

****

Last night, Justin was downtown at the Romney Victory event. I understand from the on-line newspaper that collection points were set up for those wishing to donate non-perishable food items, bottled water, and paper products for those in the midst of the storm damage. The items will be shared between the Carolinas and north, and even a little bit to the west. The storm, Sandy, had a wide path of destruction and I am thankful to have been spared.

When the candidates temporarily  suspended campaigning for a day or two, Mitt was already in OH for an event. Instead of holding the event, the site became a collection point for items to be sent as relief for those in the storm's path. 

One of the cable television reporters, a female who so happens to be married to Alan Greenspan, made a snide remark during her program about how foolish this was of Mitt. She mocked him for violating the Red Cross "guidelines" to making donations, saying they prefer cash to physical donations. Imagine finding fault with these efforts to help! 

Fortunately, several national charities were more than willing and glad to take delivery of the donations, the transportation paid for by the candidate, and get them to those in need. Not even an act of charity and kindness goes without critique by this liberal media so in the bag for PresBO. As his (PresBO) former spokesman said a few years ago, "Never let a serious crisis go to waste...." Very nice, Rahm, very nice!

Today I had to make some calls for the Prayer Chain, since some do not have computers to receive the e-mail notification. I happened to catch Ethel just as she was about to leave to take items for donation to a collection point nearby. She was taking diapers and other things, saying it was the least she could do to help. What a doll! Our former pastor and presently congregational mentor is having back surgery tomorrow so our prayers were for successful surgery and full recovery. 

Earlier in the week we had a prayer request for the uncle of two kids in our preschool who was wounded when trying to intervene during a robbery. In the paper today it mentions he is losing part of his leg due to blood being cut off so long. 

He was shot in the abdomen causing him to lose a kidney, some of his intestines, and now part of a leg. The man was a personal trainer and serves in the Navy. He was trying to help someone, taking a bullet from the robber. Fortunately, the assailant is under arrest for this crime. Sometimes, the saints walk among us, in a figurative sense.

I've ruined my son!

Does it even pay to read the book I bought titled "What a Difference a Mom Makes"? I know it's closing the barn door after the horse has escaped to read such a thing but I just wanted to read about the things I've done wrong. Likely there would be little I have done considered 'right' in the book...

Last night, Justin came into my room and asked me if he could please turn on the heat. He was cold! Since my room was cozy warm, I did not think he would be uncomfortable at 76 degrees. It seems he was! "You ruined me", he announced in jest, "It's your fault, making me get used to 79 degrees in the house!" He went on to tell me how he will freeze when he moves in with Ron because he likes a cooler house. Now when the temp is below 79, he, like me, is chilly. "You're welcome!"

This morning, as he readied himself for the day, and for the evening, he told how he resorted to turning on his (my) space heater in his room. Really? In my room, the doors to the river room and hallway are closed, sealing in the heat from the sun. As long as I stayed under the covers, I was fine. And, certainly, after showering and dressing, I was fine as well. Fuzzy slippers day again---on Reformation Day!

Two years ago at this time, my newborn  nephew, Angelo, was in the NICU at a Green Bay hospital, learning how to strengthen his lungs. From what his great-grandma says, his lungs are just fine now! So, too, are his arms and legs, as Angelo loves to tear around---push buttons, turn knobs, and get into any kind of mischief. Thank you for answering our prayers, Lord Jesus, thank you!

                             

Reformation Day sunrise

This photo was taken Monday evening as the moon rose over the river. Later, in full darkness, it was more magnificent but sadly, my pictures taken at night just don't work out. This will have to do!

The sky was breathtaking this morning, causing me to fly to grab the camera. You can see the dramatic edge of the storm, attributed, I hear, to Hurricane Sandy. As Justin said, there were more clouds this a.m. than there have been all week, and as I write, the sky is now entirely free of clouds. 

My friend, Suzanne, posted this shot of the Romney bus which was just in front of her as she drove into work today. Justin is attending the Victory Rally today at Metro Park, an outdoor event. Originally it had been planned for the Memorial Arena but more space was needed (YAY!!!) so they moved it over to Metro Park. 

Justin located his winter gear last night and this a.m. freed me of my camera in order to get some better photos this evening. Likely he won't be close enough to the stage, since he is going with his father and Jesse, not leaving in time to get nice and close. It is a work day, after all! I hope he gets some good pictures, though, even if they are crowd shots!

Good-bye, my friend

Justin made us dinner at home last night, even though we could eat for almost a week on leftovers stored in the fridge. He makes a chicken recipe using broccoli, Alfredo sauce, and bread/cheese mixture for coating the chicken to make this dish. For the side dish he made an entire box of rotini pasta, which we can eat all week as well!

                                         

A couple weeks ago he made a couple meals which were pre-assembled at Publix, requiring baking for our consumption. He followed the preparation directions but yet the meat was still a bit raw when he tried to serve it. Thankfully we have a microwave oven to zap the food into doneness! Last night's meal he baked longer than the recipe indicated in order to ensure the chicken was cooked through and through. And it was!

Since he did the hard part of cooking the meal, I told him I would handle the kitchen clean up. Because the TV show he likes was a rerun, he joined me in the kitchen as I loaded the machine, and wiped the counters, etc. The dishwasher was filled, soap packet in place, door shut, and buttons pushed. 

It made the right noises while we were in there but then my sensitive nose caught a whiff of something hot. What the ??? I opened the door of the machine and Justin thought he saw steam coming out. Nope, it was smoke! Immediately I dashed down the hall to the circuit box and looked for the right breaker to flip. While my nose and hearing are keen, my eyes are less so. He came to help me find the markings on the box, stamped into the metal frame. Off it went. No water was pumping into the machine and even though he wanted to try it one more time, it was a no go. Shoot!

                                         

A couple months ago when the renters above me had dishwasher troubles, filling the apartment with smoke and stench, I got to go look at it. Yech!!! The plastic stuff melted onto the coil on the floor of the machine, and the plastic coatings on the racks was hanging down in strings. I am just so glad they were at home when this happened, busily mopping up water from the leak above them, during one of the tropical storms. Yikes! So so glad I was right there to catch mine before anything untoward happened with it.

Now, I was washing the dishes by hand, and not happily so. At this writing there are still some pieces to be put away, thinking that a good 12 hours is long enough for them to air dry. It is mainly the flatware left to deal with, with the majority of the eating and cooking items washed, air dried, and put away. Websites are showing me replacement models to choose from. The purchase, however, bothers me less than the procedure for replacement, due to there being water involved. 

I have already checked with the downstairs neighbor to find out which days he will be home, 'just in case'....I will also have Gus on notice to hit the 'kill switch' in his unit which controls the water to this stack of condos. It's like trying to shut down a nuclear reactor or something to change out a dishwasher!!!!