It's over!

The plumbers have been here and gone, this time with the mission accomplished. Thankful to the Lord and His helpers, the plumbers, for getting this project completed. Two entire weeks since the other machine expired and I am now back in business. Let the cooking begin!

This morning I found myself awake at 5:30 a.m. and knew trying to go back to sleep was not possible. So apprehensive about all this plumbing stuff! The fella, Thomas, was not expected until 10:00 a.m. and I sent him a text message to confirm our appointment about 8:00 a.m. The water would then be shut off by either Connie or Hugh so work could commence.

I decided to bleach my shower floor and my toilet while waiting. The remaining aroma puts me in mind of the pool and how much I miss it! In my state of anxiety I got busy dusting and polishing things, dusted my doors (about time!) and did much of my bedroom. All this was in an attempt to not get under the men's feet.

Thomas was not happy with the fittings he met, indicating whoever installed them should be shot! Oh my! He repaired the cut-off valve handle under the sink in the guest bathroom, the one which was being replaced when the Great Flood occurred. Evidently it was installed upside down or something, so his helper took the handle downstairs to shorten. It now operates. The valve under Justin's sink does not seem to control anything in the house! Ahhhh!

                       

Thomas successfully replaced the shut off valve on the water heater, putting on a lever for operating it. Unfortunately, they could not get at the valve for under the kitchen sink because, get this, the connections are behind the cabinet!! If I ever want to have it changed out, he will come again, remove the toilet in Justin's bathroom, cut a hole in the wall, and then replace the valve. Not sure if he would be able to install it in such a way to operate from the kitchen or what. I can now turn off the water though via the water heater, if needed. I just have to remember that and hope I never have to!

Two hours or less and the water was turned back on again. My neighbors were braced for up to 3 hours of having no water, so I am glad it was less time. The dishwasher has that 'new car smell' but is sitting idle in the kitchen. Yes, I am hesitant to fire it up! But I sure will make good use of it, make it pay for itself. 

              

I told the lunch ladies yesterday how I might now purchase a white range and microwave oven to have the appliances match. Not sure I can get as large a microwave oven anymore, like the one I have. It is huge and quite powerful. But I need to collect myself a bit before making another such purchase. The service I got at Home Depot was good so might return there for the next purchase, if and when that happens. For now, a nap to restore my frayed nerves!

Tomorrow is the day

At least, I hope it is! I will have to be ready to drink lots of water or I won't be able to swallow again. Last week Monday when the plumbers were too afraid to touch my pipes I was so dry I was coughing up dust! Hopefully tomorrow when the entire building is shut off, we will successfully replace the faucets in the series and then install the dishwasher. Whoo hoo! What do other people do when they get a new dishwasher???

                                        

My night was interrupted a couple times in the midst of crazy dreams, at one point being awakened by the sound of water. Oh no! It was rain on my windows sending me into a frenzy. We had rain at least twice during the sleeping hours but some areas of Southside had regular downpours during the day. It's odd how that works. 

One dream had me frantically trying to get some things done before 2:00 and running into every kind of obstacle. I attribute that dream to my plans for tomorrow, the dishwasher install which shuts down the water for the entire building for several hours. Gotta be, right?

Tonight I decided to watch the mainstream media network news to see what some are getting as news. The first 8 minutes of the newscast was devoted to the resignation of Gen. Petraeus, but more about the salaciousness of it rather than his not testifying about Benghazi. Cable and Internet news outlets are stressing the burying of this news until after the election, and hopes that now finally the MSM will cover the travesty which is Libya, and our dead people there. 

Another story not shared with the nation was Iran firing on our unarmed drone on November 1st. This information would have been good to know, too, but I am not sure how many would rethink their vote based upon this, since it's not directly related to their wallets.

Back to the MSM news from tonight: the second story was about the houses that blew up in IN, possibly caused by a faulty furnace. I did not time this segment but it was a couple minutes in length. 

Next came a segment about the roller coaster weather patterns caused by (brace yourselves!) man-made climate change. I kid you not! I have heard about these reports and now was witness to one. The President promised to take care of this in his victory speech in 2008: "...this was the moment when the rise of the oceans began to slow and our planet began to heal… This was the moment... "

After this segment it switched from news to information, the subject matter about women getting a flu shot when they are pregnant in hopes of their children not being autistic. At that point, I changed the channel. That was enough for me....I'll take some "Special Report with Bret Baier" or reruns of "Seinfeld"!

*******

Justin just brought me a plastic cup with some sherbet in it. He had cut the top of the cup down so I didn't have to get my knuckles dirty with sherbet! Oh, how he caters to me and my quirks! We are using as much non-machine washable dishes as possible until such time as the new machine is up and running. And then, we are going to clean the cabinets. He still does not know when he is moving out so I want to make sure the projects are all handled before he does leave. I am sure he is really looking forward to this project but he's gotten off easily for the nearly one year he's been here. This will be our big finish!

Filthy windows

A couple weeks ago I mentioned how I had scheduled my window washing, the first time in about two years. Oh yes, they are in serious need of washing, if for no other reason than to remove the egg sacks or whatever those bulbs are in the frame of the window. My neighbors are on the monthly rotation of this company, which unfortunately happens to be a Thursday. And I am busy on Thursday mornings. I felt I was okay this time, though, because I had arranged to have the windows done from the outside only, using the tall ladder. That way I would not need to be home to supervise, or witness the man falling 30 feet or more to his death while wiping webs from my windows.

Well, Thursday as Bible study was wrapping up, I got a call from the window guy. He said it was too windy on the river that day to wash the windows from the ladder. He was begging me to allow them to come inside and tip the windows open to wash them, saying they are successful doing it that way. I explained how the last time the guys had done it that way the window hardware was damaged by them, and is difficult to replace now the company is out of business. 

                                       

The fellow swore to me that he would personally operate the windows and make sure nothing would happen. I agreed to schedule a new appointment---this is how badly I want the webs and egg sacks removed from my perch's view! He was basically saying, "Please don't make me climb that ladder!!!" He, or someone, will need to, though, in order to wash the sliding glass doors, as there is no other way.

As I mentioned, the company which made the windows in our building is no longer in business (imagine that!). There is a man who has the parts for the windows, had the foresight to acquire the parts needed to make repairs. He was here already this year after the first tropical storm to replace a latch on one of my living room windows. He does not have an endless supply of parts and I hate to risk it, but it seems I must. And, in so doing, will miss Bible study that day.

Besides risking my precious window parts, I will have to move ALL my pretties from the living room windows, including the sheet of glass which forms the shelf. In my room, the window ledge organizer (does not live up to its name!) will have to be removed. This means I will have to dust all that stuff, my favorite thing to do! Plus the lanterns and sun catchers must come down as well. Justin will take care of that. It will be spring cleaning in the winter---either ahead of the times, or terribly behind!!!

Lovin' the sun on me!

It was cold overnight but the temperature today is expected to reach the mid-70's. At different times, the 70's would be far too cold but after the cold nights, it feels awfully good! At least in my room it does. Justin came in here a bit ago and remarked at how nice it is compared to his colder room. The thermostat in the hall reads 75 but my room, solar heated, is much nicer than that!

When watching Fox and Friends this a.m., Bass Pro-Shops had set up a tent on the plaza with a winter wonderland set up inside. Justin and I both have a problem with the early onset Christmas push, but they also showed winter stuff. Since they have snow already, winter stuff is needed. 

                                             

There was also a good sized truck loaded from end to end with cases of bottled water to be delivered to those in storm ravaged areas. This business partnered with another to do the donation, private enterprises coming forward to pitch in. Love it!

Today is a big day in the birthday world---Martin Luther would be 529 and the Marine Corp is 237. I watched a cake being cut on F & F in celebration with the oldest Marine, Navajo code talker, being served first. The cake is sliced with a sword! Then, he shares the cake with the youngest Marine in the group, a Wounded Warrior. Tears were falling out of my eyes to see that news set  lined with old and young Marines, shoulder to shoulder. 
                              
                Cookies made for the Open House (they are addictive like crack!!!)
My day is relatively quiet with a visit to the Open House at Great Hang Ups, and then to Publix. Justin wants to go shopping once I get home for his own grocery needs, as he is going to a bonfire at Jesse's house tonight. It will be a lovely evening for it, only dropping into the mid-60's for the low temp. Thursday night was a chilly one in many ways, sitting at the Jaguar game and watching them lose royally. No football this Sunday at all---what WILL we do?

The fun continues...

....as the markets are bouncing around in horror at the election results. The same is true for the overseas markets and currency. It won't be long before Bernanke does another boost with the worthless money to balance the sell-off flood in the US economy. 

Meanwhile, in the last 48 hours, numerous major companies have notified their employees of the pending layoffs: Energizer, Westinghouse Beechcraft and Boeing (these 3 have military connections), US Cellular, Pratt and Whitney, Bristol Meyers (medical supplies), Darden Corp. (restaurants including Longhorn and  Olive Garden)....and so on. http://www.dailyjobcuts.com

                                     

In other news, which some of you will be glad to read, I am going to have lunch today with my lady friends, Lee and Jacquie, at The Club. I was invited there for breakfast as well but wisely opted for only one meal there per day. Marlena called to say the gang wants to start The Breakfast Club again but are waiting for me to make the call. Nice! But just not today!

The other groups are getting together again, too, including the walkers. Lee reports wearing mittens, a scarf, and head wrap for her early morning jaunts. Not sure how many do go out for the organized walk/talk group, but I do hope we get a decent turnout for The Breakfast Club!

So sad that people in the northeast have no power yet and are now dealing with snow on the ground. My friend, Joanne, called me yesterday and reported her spouse, Richard, is in CT working with FEMA. He is trying to help folks and distribute stuff or complete paperwork, fortunately staying in a motel instead of in a shelter. Long days for everyone, he reports. Some areas are getting help while others are still waiting...

                            

The WELS relief trailer was packed up last night with the needed supplies plus the winter coats, jackets, and blankets donated by the members of Victory. That trailer was packed full! (Tell me again how foolish it is send 'stuff' to the storm -ravaged areas...) 

                                       

Two members of the church are pulling the loaded trailer to NJ to off-load at one of our Synod's churches, or its designated space. Both guys are from up north so know about driving on snowy roads. Not sure about the driving on roads with trees lying over them! Wishing these fellows blessings on their trip and on those taking possession of the goods!

Another grueling night

On this cold evening, I am in the comfort of my home watching the Jaguars play again. At least the other team is playing, the Jags are just running all over the field. I did see our member, Sterling, in the pregame salute to our veterans, as he plays in the Navy band. The guys all look the same in their Navy uniforms but he's the only tuba player! The team is playing poorly, losing now 15-0 in the first half.

                                          

It took until last night for Justin and I to have a piece of torte, as neither of us had felt much like eating after the terrible loss on Tuesday night. The torte, cherry cheese torte, turned out nicely, another no-bake recipe I have had for years. In fact, the first time I had it was at my friend, Sue Z.'s, house. This has to be 40 years ago, at the very least. Makes me feel old to write in decades!

Justin was off from work today and both rejoiced that we were able to attend Bible study together again. It has been a long time since he could and he truly missed this class. He is not the youngest at the table since Erica goes now, too. Justin wanted badly to hear what Pastor had to say after the elections, and we were not disappointed. 

In addition to acknowledging our dismay, Pastor also offered us the assurance of the Lord being in control of all things, reminding us not to follow earthly princes, and so on. Nothing we did not already know, but it sure does help to hear these things from him, in his calming delivery. Now that he is a grandpa, he has the added 'concern' of what her future holds on earth and in this nation.

Justin lifted everyone's spirits by reporting the good news from Saturday---the IRS has decided not to pursue religious associations in regard to their tax exempt status. How that all plays out remains to be seen. Sadly, it would also help those churches remain tax exempt where the pastor calls for God to damn America. Nice, yes? NO!

The other day I had chatted with my friend via Facebook, after she had asked me to lunch. I explained I was making arrangements with my Bible history lady to meet somewhere in Middleburg for our classes to save on gas for Amber. "We will go next week one day", I promised her. Anyway, I had the privilege of meeting Amber in Middleburg at the house where a different lady friend babysits, which works great all the way around. It had been about five weeks since we got together, due to Amber's strapped financial situation.

Well, today, I came out of Bible study at Victory with Justin and Erica, where he pointed out a card attached to my driver's side window. We walked over to see what it was---a greeting card with two $50 gas cards in it "for your friend to get to Bible history class". Wow! The tears were flowing so hard that Justin had to drive! This same friend who asked me to lunch had bestowed this blessing for Amber because she says I am doing what she cannot do. We are all being blessed by this---the lady making the arrangements for the class, the gas being provided for, and the joy of being able to bring these stories, this History, to someone hearing it for the very first time!

Justin, Erica, and I went to PF Chang for lunch, something we'd not done for many months. We ate indoors due to it being winter here now (in the 50's!). Oh, that was so nice! I have another two meals left from mine but the young folks finished their meals. Both of them were going to the Jaguar game tonight and discussed the layers of clothes needed for this chilly night.

Once home, Justin got busy on a project I had for him of tightening the bolts on my headboard and foot board. Together we had to move the mattress and spring on the frame to allow for the tools to fit in. And, unfortunately for him, we pulled the bed away from the wall. Yep, go get the vacuum cleaner, Justin! 

I cannot believe I live in such squalor! Can dust bunnies and other assorted dust be considered squalor? I say 'yes'! He muttered under his breath how I should have put down carpet and been done with it. Like carpet doesn't get dusty??? He knows it does but then I wouldn't see it so clearly. 
****
The care and concern from others keeps on flowing. Linda and I were comparing notes tonight during The Five (we watch together, only 1200 miles and a time zone apart!). She remarked how many folks contacted her to see how she was after the results, and so on. The same was true for me as well, folks reaching out to share in the shock or tell their stories about dealing with it. 

One lady left me a phone message that she had put her head in the oven, but then remembered it was electric! She was kidding, of course. Another lady left me a message to report she'd had to go shopping for chocolate to soothe her crushed spirits. A friend from MN sent me the text of a Reformation anthem she had led at their service Sunday. We were all helping each other as best we could, most often using the Word as our source of comfort and assurance. 

Anyway, tonight I shall sleep under freshly laundered sheets and on a tight bed. I will sleep tight!

Regardless of November outcome, much hard work remains

by Mark Larson

This is an awkward column to write. Facing my deadline and knowing you may read these words before or after the election presents a challenge. While I can explore the political choices before us, I have to remember this may all be old news after Nov. 6. I will attempt to create something that is still “current,” no matter what.

I’m reminded of the age-old question from kids, “What did you do in the war, Daddy?” I didn’t serve in the military, but have done everything possible to support the troops even to the point of visiting and broadcasting from the war zones in recent years.

What’s the point of this? It’s essential to determine how we should be involved. We’ve all been going through political wars during the past several months, whether we like it or not. Each side is in a battle for victory, motivated by many things. Increasing numbers of Americans also decide on another way: opting out, not voting and hoping all this will soon pass.

Some people see this war as a “game” to be won. Others believe it’s a fight for our nation’s survival. You’ll find both views on both sides. There are also those who believe there are other things in life more important than who leads our land. Those folks are busy watching mindless television reality shows, embracing easy escapism. Bless their hearts.

But this is no game. Long after the dust settles we will continue to face choices, and after this election the to-do list is enormous.

No matter who is selected by voters to be our next president, the United States of America faces a dramatically risky economic situation, the onset of nationalized health care and spiking taxes, both federal and state, and continued worldwide instability. 

Unless Congress does something soon, what’s known as “Sequestration” will move into gear, forcing huge cuts referred to as “draconian,” unlike anything we’ve seen. It could mean a gutting of our military and additional pain on families and local economies. We could become dramatically weaker as a nation on the global stage.

Squeezing taxpayers
Still, the beat goes on in Sacramento and Washington, D.C. where the only constant is “change”… as in, “Have any spare change? Any we haven’t squeezed from you, the taxpayers, yet? We’ll take that, too, thank you.” Of course,they usually never say thanks.

Recent statistics show the national welfare rate has gone up more than 30 percent in the past four years. For every $7 taken in, the government spends $11. Let’s all take a deep breath here and say the word: unsustainable. Millions remain unemployed or underemployed. 

Elections have consequences. We face really big, important issues. Choices at any level should not be made on a whim or based on mood. Yet the media and various campaigns, which think it’s all a game and not a battle for survival, try to deflect and distract us with the trivial.

Meanwhile four Americans were killed in Libya on Sept. 11, and too many unanswered questions remain. Tensions and terror threats have increased here at home and worldwide.

In the game of politics, too often it’s all about winning at any cost.

Create diversions and make false accusations. Don’t worry about the debris and rebuilding afterward. Someone else can take care of that.

Faked reality
So many Americans remain content to sit in their willful ignorance, knowing only what doesn’t really matter. For example, viewers of the David Letterman Show may automatically think of the often-played (backward!) video of Governor Mitt Romney leading a rally crowd in singing “America the Beautiful” off-key. That was contrasted for months with the cool, on-key President Obama sounding like an Al Green musical clone, perfect and super cool.

This isn’t American Idol… it’s a battle for American way of life, and that’s changing before our eyes. In 2008, the big push was “Let’s elect the man who can give the best speech.” This year it’s been “Who can sing me the sweetest song?” And so it goes. ‘Tis the season.  

When the seasons changed and the promises disappear like vapors we plow into the Christmas season. More distractions, good and bad. But let’s remember that after this election, no matter who wins, it’s likely to be a very rough January and beyond. Fixing our problems is not going to be easy.


Pressing forward
So what have we learned in the current political war? A lot of things, I hope. Words mean things, and choices have consequences. Giving up any bit of liberty for temporary “security” never ends well. Ignoring facts and reality doesn’t make the bad things go away.

And it’s not about “feelings.” Watch how often people talking politics preface their comments with “I feel…” or “My feeling is…” Election strategists love to massage those feelings, trying to persuade voters with offers of warm promises and “free” insurance coverage and even cell phones.

The only thing I know that is truly free is life in Christ, God’s gift of His Son. That truth makes me want to stay suited up and mobilized in the Lord’s army as our battle continues long after this election.

Before the election we must be informed and consider our actions and civic responsibilities. After the election, we must commit to pray for the president and our other elected leaders—now more than ever.