Saints Triumphant!

For Bible study, we at last finished the stewardship classes (3 weeks' worth) which I went through start to finish in one hours' time at Victory a couple weeks ago. This was a rerun, sort of, for me. Next time we are studying Galatians, which I really look forward to! But what was most 'exciting' about this day was it being "Saints Triumphant" Sunday. 

Robbie had told me he was playing for our worship which makes it that much nicer. The opening hymn was "Jerusalem, the Golden", the new tune from the Supplement, which causes me to weep. Since I was still in the back of the church during the hymn, I could hear the congregation needed some support. I sang out as best I could, until I couldn't! "...forever and forever are clad in robes of white..." Gets me every time.

                

My friend, Kari, sent me this picture of a painting by Greg Olsen, who said this is how she pictures Timmy in heaven with the Lord. She nailed it! ...and she never knew Timmy

I was sad that Paul and Emily got there after the singing of the first hymn, as Emily and I sang together when the choirs (Victory and ours) did the choral arrangement of "Jerusalem, the Golden". She had to carry me half the time!The next hymn was "For All The Saints" which has a similar text or sentiment to "Jerusalem..." but does not make me sob, but sing bolder. 

The readings were all tied to our future glory, with the closing hymn being the final stanzas of "For All the Saints..." I turned to Twila and Jean to tell them, "This is my favorite..." and they chuckled, as it seems they all are my favorites! For the recessional, Robbie played "In Christ Alone" and the tears started again. As did the singing, as I made my way down the aisle. 

After lunch I took a few more pictures of folks for our new Flock Board. Lonnie had made a wood-framed board with carved flowers and vines colored in green, top-of-the-line look for our Flock! He also built a wood framed bulletin board for the Fellowship Hall which adds class to the room. Two tall people put up my blue table cloth as a back drop, closing the corners in the doors of a free-standing cabinet. The blue was a nice background and made a big difference for the shots.

Terri, Mike, Judy, and I went to Chili's for a change for lunch. The waitress told me she likes to see my face on Sundays---how nice! I had dried my tears by then, of course. The others got there ahead of me, as I had to wait through 'the light' on Wells and Blanding, and had ordered my Diet Coke for me. I had my usual lunch and took half home with me, which Justin nabbed as soon as I got home. 

He didn't go to church today, as I believe he got home rather late from his friend's engagement party. We are planning to attend Victory on Wednesday night for their ThanksLiving service and I will go again on Thursday to GS, hoping Justin will join me there as well. After church we will be going to the buffet at The Club. From there he will go to his father's and I am going to Judy's to perhaps celebrate again!

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!

A great movie day

Justin and I went to the movies late this morning, getting in at the 'cheap' price of $5 per ticket. The same price was paid for a large soda, imagine that! We shared the drink and got a free refill which I am only now finishing off thanks to the amount of ice I asked them to use. Not really a 'good' deal but it has held me since 11:00 a.m. to the present time.

                                                    

We saw the movie "Lincoln" and were very impressed with it. As far as I know, it is fairly accurate historically but not being a student of the Civil War I am guessing it's accurate. One my friends who saw it claims it follows the book fairly closely with little dramatic license taken. Doris Kearns Goodwin wrote the book upon which the movie is based. At least I know it's true to the book, if not historically so.

The movie was over 2 1/2 hours long but it didn't seem like it. Most of the action revolved around trying to get the 13th Amendment vote into effect prior to the end of the war. Oh, my! The politics involved in that process---makes today's leaders look like amateurs! As my friend stated, she didn't know they made movies like this anymore. So good!

After the movie Justin and I went to TGIF and had slow service but wonderful food. I had my usual of sesame Jack chicken appetizer as well as the pretzels and cheese dip. He ordered a burger with cheese sauce---a cheesy day! He brought half home with him since he helped me with the pretzel sticks. So filling! 

                                               

Tonight he is at his friends' engagement celebration as well as the birthday party for his friend, Sarah. Ron and Sarah were engaged last night, and will be Justin's landlords some time soon, we hope. Justin was making cupcakes to take and wanted to dress them up a bit, more 'wedding cakey' so bought fancy toppings to put on the iced cakes. We bought the icing from Publix, the same stuff they use for their butter cream cake frosting. It was expensive but I covered the cost as my donation to the cause. He wanted so badly to make them nice, even adding almond flavoring to the mix for extra flavor. My, the kitchen smelled wonderful!

This late afternoon I made my travel plans for going to WI for CHRISTmas. Mom agreed to let me stay with her and let me use her car. I have asked Lynn for a ride from the airport and I hope that works out. Otherwise I can ask someone else to get me or take the shuttle. Don't mind the shuttle, have had good visits with folks in the van with me. Now I am getting excited, trying to accept the fact that in less than a month, I will be in Manty. Green Street, here I come!!!!!

SnoBalls and Suzy Q's

Almost as big a story as the sex scandal around our Nation's top military leaders is the one of the demise of the Twinkie. I don't want to hear about it, but this story is everywhere. I know that other companies already make a knock-off of these baked goods. What is a newsworthy portion of this story is the reason why the Hostess company chose to close---the Unions refusing to reach an agreement. Earlier in the week I had heard rumblings of this happening but it seems as though today is when it hit the mainstream media. 
                                             
I will miss the SnoBalls but another company already makes a relatively identical Suzy Q product (oh, please, don't let them be Unionized!!!) so I am good. Every year when the SnoBalls appear on the shelves, I would buy a package for me and one for Cliff, and put it in his church mailbox. We both had a passion for the SnoBalls!

                                               

What are larger news stories are the escalation of tensions in the Mideast, with Israel on the brink of war. Soldiers and reservists are poised for an air and land assault unless a truce is reached. Meanwhile our own military is bruised to the core by the loss of three or four high ranking leaders for various reasons, mainly, sins of the flesh. I hope our armed services are not called upon to serve another front until this is all settled.

The "best" part of the scandal is that the eyes of the mainstream press are at last focused on the killings in Benghazi and how this was allowed to happen. Why was the call sent out for help and none came? Who removed the name "Al Quaeda" from the talking points and who introduced the idea that a video caused a riot? Hopefully the truth about this event is flushed out and the parents and families of those killed at last will have answers, as will the Nation.

                                                

We are on Day Three of no sunshine and I am powering down something fierce. Justin again insists we get a SAD light and even has in mind the place to position it in order for me to benefit. Oh my! Besides there being no sun for days, the temperatures are dropping, chilling me to the bone. Even Justin was cold in the house, air temp showing 74 above zero. He plugged in my space heater for me in my room, and turned the heat on for the house for about 5 minutes, to get the chill out. As I said before, I have ruined him!

Today I spent about 5 hours with some of my lady friends working on the church archives, the photo portion of this project. We made great strides and think we might have an excellent chance of finishing up in the next two sessions. We did decide, however, to pause this project until after New Year as our time becomes more precious. 

                                                   

In the Fellowship Hall, two couples were painting and "redecorating" the bathrooms which were left untouched during the remodel. They chose a blue/grey or perhaps brighter hue than that for the walls. The ladies did the painting with Jim helping do that, but Lonnie is not a painter, so he busied himself elsewhere. New framed mirrors were installed and pretty light strips put in place over the mirrors. We are going to be the envy of church bathrooms, although we have a long way to go to match Victory's spaciousness!

                                            

Because I am so appreciative of their efforts, doing this on a donation basis, (not costing the congregation any money) I offered to chip in toward the effort. Must remember to take care of that on Sunday. These two couples also arrange for the lawn service out of their pockets so they allow me to help out with that every now and again. Because I can no longer do the yard work or other chores, I am glad to help those who make it happen. It matters to me what our property looks like to the community, and, besides that, this is the house of the Lord! We should take good care of it!

Dinner and a chat

In the winter months I enjoy hosting "Dinner and A Movie" nights, started when the economy went south and most folks felt the terrible pinch. No longer would my group be going to the movies and then out to eat somewhere a couple times a week or other similar fun things. Instead, I accumulated some suitable movies and make a simple dinner here for a couple ladies. And I love it!!!

Tonight Martie came over after months of not seeing each other. We had dinner and a chat instead of dinner and a movie! At first our plans were to go to La Napolera for margaritas to commiserate over the election results, but I thought we could talk so much better here. She agreed, and I made us a lovely dinner. At least, I thought it was!

I made a modified version of chicken parmesan without the parmesan (did have chicken though!) using only ingredients on hand. No run to the store was needed. I used my favorite pasta sauce with sweet onion and garlic flavoring over a bed of angel hair. I had gotten a package of chicken patties free with the purchase of some pizzas when I shopped like a rock star at Winn Dixie several months ago. I used the remainder of the patties on top of the pasta and covered the entire surface with a bag of shredded cheeses. The oven heated it through and through before Martie arrived. Even though she works only a short distance a way, it often takes her a while to get here so the meal was waiting for her when she arrived.

                                          

Instead of having margaritas at La Nap, I washed the glasses Linda gave me and poured frozen drinks from a pouch into the glasses. Mine was a pina colada and hers was a strawberry daiquiri. These were also on hand, in the depths of the freezer for several months. A complete mixed drink like a juice pouch! Justin and I bought them at Wal-Mart during the summer and tonight was a good night to bust 'em out!

Justin dished up the plates and I said, "Oh, my!" when he gave me my portion. He said, "I will get you a to-go box for your yours" but somehow I managed to finish it off. It must have been good! For dessert we had a bowl of sherbet, to wash away that lingering garlic taste. 

And we talked and talked and talked, all the while the news was on in the background. She had been a moratorium from the news since the elections so in the comfort of my home, she eased back in. Besides national news we covered news from the home front. In the past year she has become a great grandmother twice---her twin grandkids each became parents. Oh my! Her brother who relocated from Atlanta is finally reestablished with his VA pension so that is off her mind. Her son with Kennedy's Disease is getting the help he needs via the VA as well, having moved closer to home this past summer. No wonder she is busy, but as she said, she needed this time tonight! Me, too!

Tomorrow morning a group of us will be gathering at church to work on the archives again, after several months away from our project. I hope the turnout is good and some progress is made. Somehow I doubt we will get wrapped up and then with the holidays upon us, well, it might be next year before we close the books on the archives! Wish us well!

A good friend day!

Only a few moments ago I signed off from my regular chat with Linda J. during our viewing of "The Five". She reported having to get out the hat, gloves, and winter wear, as I informed her of my plans to stay in tonight due to nasty weather. Too icky to go outside! 

The temperature here is in the low 60's and the weather drizzly, grey, and has much gloominess to it. Yech! This would normally be my night to go over to The Club for my "Kim Burgers" and onion straws, and play Trivia with Kathy, but decided leftover soup in a warm house would be better. I think I'm sick!!!

After several months of 'radio silence' I finally heard from my friend, Martie. Last time I communicated with her was via a text message when Mom and Lynn were here, mid-August. She had wanted to get together for dinner, and that day has at last come, tomorrow night! I hope it's not snowing....Wonder if we will recognize each other?!

Today I went to Middleburg to meet Amber for Bible history class. We did a brief review of last week's lessons as she has retention problems due to her stroke of a year ago. She did recall the "brother's keeper" portion of the lesson which was good news! Amber had also caught up her worksheet so went over that as well. 

Today we studied the Flood and touched on the Tower of Babel. Next week we will cover that story better and then on to Abram! I presented her with one of the two gas gift cards which were presented to me from a friend at Victory. She was so happy, she gave me a hug!
                                               
Since I was in the neighborhood, I told my friend, Jacquie, I was going to do a "pop by" as referenced on "Seinfeld". She called ahead to the gate and let the guard know I was coming, and I managed to drive right up the door! Such a lovely home Mark and she have...a spacious town home. A special treat happened while I was there---a pair of deer came out of the woods to feast on some grass. Just for me! She said they usually come out at breakfast time and at dusk, but not today! What a nice surprise that was!

My friend, Stephanie, has invited me to sit at her table for the Ladies' Advent Service at Victory. I accepted! Her mom is coming back from WI with her, and last night, Stephanie offered to swing up to Manty and bring my mom back with her as well. Neither mom wants to endure the long winter ahead of them. We get over our doldrums here, but WI takes awhile. 

This evening was spent with Justin, after he got home from work. He had made a kettle of beer cheese soup for our dinner last night (oh my goodness---delicious!) which we had for dinner again tonight. Justin also made a batch of home fries in the oven which were quite delicious. 
                      
He mentioned getting the deep fryer out of the pantry and pressing it into service, after having had some fries while tailgating last Thursday night. Not sure he will do it, but what a treat that will be. We haven't used it as a deep fryer since later 2003. Hot soup and Justin are also good friends to have on a nasty night!    

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!