Bracing for the storm

This morning the news reports were nothing but the pending blizzard coming our way, from across the plains’ states with a bead on Green Bay. Yikes! Up to a foot or even more of snow is predicted, driven by winds gusting to 50 miles per hour, a force to be reckoned with. I should be all set with soda stocked up for the couple of days affected, if I stay here for the duration. Tentative plans are being made for me to stay overnight at Linda’s house Thursday night but now I am apprehensive due to the storm. What if we can’t get out? All the local schools are already cancelling classes for tomorrow which does not bode well for our plans.

          

 Mom is mixing up one of her famous meatloaves. It was as good as I recall!

Mom and I went out to a doctor’s appointment this afternoon and then went back to Hobby Lobby to return her lighted garland. I was bothered by the fact that the store folks were not very good about making eye contact or any type of contact other than exchanging money and bagging up purchases. This saddens me…I like to make the effort to greet folks and we did wish them a Merry Christmas as we left. I know this season is tough in the retail business but smiling and connecting with folks would go a long way toward making for a better day!

Linda is looking forward to my meeting her lady friend, Angie, and if all goes well tomorrow, we will meet each other. We are having lunch at Harborside where I might possibly have perch, but if not, then, a wonderful steak sandwich. Oh my---the steak sandwich is as big as your head! And of so flavorful! I hear about Angie and some of her other friends and want to meet these important ladies in Linda’s life.

My sister, Lynn, is hopefully having a better evening tonight than last night’s was for her. She might be at choir rehearsal tonight or at home, resting her eyes. I called her once already today and don’t want to bother her again. The snow storm might keep her home from babysitting her grandson, Angelo, tomorrow but they may have school cancelled as well. Lynn was not sure who would be able to keep all the boys if there is no school and if she can’t make the trip down to Sheboygan. The other grandma is going out of town so won’t be available. If I weren’t such a coward about driving in the snow, I might go down, but I no longer know what I am doing when it comes to driving in a blizzard! Hopefully it will all work out for everyone.

Tonight for dinner we ordered food from Late’s Drive-In, my first taste of perch since getting here last Thursday afternoon. Not for lack of trying, though. Mom and I had perch sandwiches, and Jill had a pizza burger. Danny had a hamburger plus he and I enjoyed some deep fried cheese curds. Yum! I would like to get to Time Out for their perch and of course, the Green Street Tavern, at least once. My aunt, Marie, and her daughter, Barb, might be joining our group for breakfast on Saturday morning, again, weather permitting. Stay tuned for weather reports from the Frozen Tundra! The Packers are looking for snow shovelers to clean off the seats and rows at Lambeau Field for the game Sunday. So exciting! Go, Pack, Go!

The Ladies of the Evening

Also known as the Evening Circle at church, this group of younger women met for their Christmas party tonight and Linda invited Lynn and I to join her as her guests. Unfortunately, Lynn could not make it as she’d had an procedure done earlier in the day and was not up to socializing in the evening. Pastor was the only man who participated in the fun, with one of the games being to wrap a gift from start to finish, in teams of two, using only one hand each! Linda and I did okay but were certainly not prize winners! The duo of Pastor and Elizabeth managed to wrap their present and finish it off with a very nice bow, while ours was merely passable as a wrapped something or other! I was going to say it’s not as easy as it sounds but it didn’t even sound easy!

As part of Pastor’s devotion at the opening of the meeting, we said a prayer for those in mourning as a result of the CT shooting rampage. The ladies brought snacks to share and what a spread it was! Mom and I had eaten an early dinner, with me not realizing there was a bountiful feast waiting for me at church but I managed to have a few items of delight from the array. I knew most of those around the tables which always adds to the fun. What a delightful evening it was!

When Linda and I got back outside, it was snowing! Only a dusting, but snow flurries nonetheless. A major storm is predicted for the next few days, and when I heard this discussed on the weather report, I mentally did an accounting of the available soda cases at my disposal. Jill has two in her apartment, Mom has one more in her closet, and I have a 24-pack in the back of Lynn’s car. I had better haul that up here posthaste!

My greatest concern in regard to the pending storm is wondering if my sisters will be able to make from their homes to this city. One lives about 4 hours west of here along the Mississippi River and another on the western shore of Lake Winnebago. The latter’s car is less than trustworthy but she can come as far as the Park ‘n Ride and someone from here can pick her up. It’s still 45 minutes away from home but it’s easier on her car which is less than trustworthy. I just hope the roads are all cleared for safe travel for my peeps!

Linda and I attended ladies’ Bible study this afternoon, held in the Heritage Hall at FG. They were just finishing their look at Deuteronomy and we rolled directly into Joshua. The leader, Kathy W., is using the notes from her deceased husband, a pastor, used for a book he had written. This would be one blessing of living up here---being able to be part of these studies! Weather permitting, Linda and I will be attending another study at Kathy’s home on Thursday night, looking at Isaiah. They are nearly to the prophecy we know well at this time of the year, “…for unto us a child is born, to us a Son is given…”

My sister, Lynn, is undergoing procedures to reduce the pressure in her eyes caused by glaucoma. Our mom has this same problem and must use eye drops, more than one type of drop, twice a day, ease the pressure. This newer procedure uses a laser to reduce the pressure, her first eye being done a week or so ago. Today she had her 2^nd eye done and is experiencing the same discomfort as after the first one---tenderness around the eye and almost constant tearing. However, the doctor measured the pressure in the previously treated eye and declared it was reduced, so yay!!! She will have an uncomfortable couple of days but in the end, will rejoice to not to have to administer the drops. Lynn encourages us all to go and have the pressures checked in our eyes, and I will do so in January when I get home. I need some glasses now, I am sure, at least that’s what Justin says. He claims there are such things as ‘computer glasses’ and if so, I like it!

Mom and I have a load of wash going right now, needing to do two loads altogether. This is a downside of apartment living---not having access or connections for your own laundry equipment. It is a nearly two dollars per load. I don’t know how much it costs me to wash and dry clothes at my home, perhaps it does amount to that much. My water bill is rolled into the condo fees and I am responsible for the electricity so it would be hard to tell. Guess that is the least of the troubles people have in this world, right?--- having to tote ones laundry to the laundry room…The good news is that if anything goes wrong with the equipment it is up to the management to get the repairs done. Whew!

         

This sunrise was snitched from my neighbor's Facebook page, taken this a.m. Just to remind me of what is going on back home!

My Christmas presents were delivered here via the Internet and UPS. All I have to do with them is apply the wrapping paper and take them downstairs to put under the tree. Our family gathers in the community room on the first floor of this building on Christmas Eve which can nicely accommodate us all. Such a blessing it is! Lisa is the only one with a large enough home for us all, in Sheboygan, so it’s easier to just meet here at the home of two of our family members to do the celebrating. Plus, some of us will attend the candlelight service at 8:30 that evening at FG. It will be lovely!

Lynn was planning to go to Lisa’s to watch Angelo but found out Lisa now had the sickness her kids had on the weekend. She was staying home with Angelo so Lynn called to ask us to breakfast. Yes! We went to Perkin’s where I had my Senior portion of potato pancakes and bacon. I still have not had any perch! Normally when in WI I do little besides church and perch, so I am behind my routine! Perhaps tomorrow I will swing by the drive-in and get a perch sandwich and deep fried curds for lunch!

Chili today, not tamale

Here is a picture taken of Yvonne and me at church yesterday, using her phone camera. It was quite wonderful to see her again, and her in-laws, my cousins, as well!

Mom and I are eating dinner in tonight, with me making a nice pot of chili for us to enjoy. It has been that kind of a day, a chilly chili one!

This morning she and I met Lynn at Hobby Lobby as Mom was in search of another string of lighted garland for her porch railing. She felt it was dimly lit in the portion where it goes up and into her flower box attached to the railing. An extra string, she felt, would allow for extra length to wrap the wooden box. While she did that, I looked at some items for my little nephews as stocking stuffers. H.L. is a good place to find unusual and fun items, which I did!

This ham is so wonderful, from Festival Foods, coming with complimentary buns. I love my buns complementary! We also had some cheese curds with the sandwiches and nibbled from the goodie box I picked up at the bake sale yesterday.

The kettle of chili is brewing on the stove, no fire trucks needed this time!, and it smells amazing in here. Mom and I will eat during Jeopardy!, I think, or right after it. I can wait since I am yet full from our lunch! (plus my caramel puff corn from Festival!) 

Later tonight “Driving Miss Daisy” is on TV but the bad news is it begins at 9:00 pm. Mom’s eyes close right after 8:00 so watching such a movie won’t cut it. Last night we watched “A Christmas Carol” with George C. Scott as Scrooge and it was nice to watch together. I think Mom stayed awake to watch most of it, but it did get done at 9:30 pm. Without the commercials, it might have been done sooner but that’s how the movies get paid for!

I'm hungry today!

Here is some good eatin' for today:

"His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 
II Peter 1

Such good words flowed through Peter’s pen from the Holy Spirit, and how richly they reward us now!

As the nation collectively mourns the tragic loss of life in CT and other areas of the country where murders have taken place, we can take comfort from these words. We have great and precious promises to help us escape the corruption of the world which is filled with evil desires.

                

Today’s worship was extraordinary for me, so greatly appreciated and necessary at this time. The theme was “Rejoice” and the pink candle lit on the Advent wreath, representing joy. It is also known as the Shepherd candle. It was wonderful to hear the pipe organ well played and the singing--oh my!

The Order of Service used was Morning Praise, which is so lovely. I cried a bit during the Te Deum when the text speaks of the ‘white robed army of martyrs praise you’, since the readings and tone of the service pointed that direction as well. The Epistle lesson was from Philipians 4, which is the chapter selected from my funeral sermon. “Rejoice, I say again, rejoice!”

As we were leaving the sanctuary, I spotted my friend/cousin, Yvonne, leaving with her in-laws. She recently moved back to this area from TX and we had not seen each other in the flesh for many years. We can ‘talk’ every day but it’s still nicer to do so in person! My plans this week include going to see her new home and spend some time visiting. I hope she will throw a log or two on the fire!

The parent/teacher group was hosting a bake sale so Jill, Danny, and I went right from worship to the tables. I am well stocked now with baked goods which might hold me for the duration. “Might” is the key word there! Nothing like good, home-baked delights to please the palette!

         

From the bake sale I went downstairs to the Heritage Hall for Bible study, getting there just in time for the class to get underway. The study is in Romans, and I was again well-fed with time in the Word. How I cherish these Bible studies! I did so enjoy it and look forward to the next opportunity to study, especially with my friend, Linda, and my family there beside me.”’Tis good, Lord, to be here!”

Visions of sugar cookies in my head

The day today began with a trip downtown to Manitowoc Coffee for our breakfast. Mom and Lynn customarily go every Saturday, and today Jill and I tagged along. Since I don't drink coffee, Diet Coke was my beverage of choice along with a sugar cookie decorated to look like an ornament. Oh my, so delicious! I also bought a Rice Krispie treat and a molasses cookie to take along back to Mom's.

                             

Jill had ordered cut-out cookies from a local bakery so Lynn took us along to pick them up. I went in with Jill and bought a half dozen more of the same cookies I just had at the coffee shop. Plus, I chuckled a bit as I ordered it, a marble rye! I had a choice of a round loaf or a regular loaf, so I chose the round. The young lady came back to report she had no round ones. Are they just messing with me, or what?  A regular loaf is just fine, thanks, a seeded rye will do.

From the bakery Lynn drove us all over to Wal*Mart. I needed to pick up a few things and we ended up with a rather full trunk between us four ladies. She has Angelo's car seat in the trunk besides so we had to work around it. What's fun about going to such a store is seeing people that I know there! 

At the store, I picked up a few menu items to make dinners for Mom and I during my stay. That makes for heavy grocery bags to carry from the car to the apartment. Jill secured a rolling serving cart for us to tote our purchases upstairs. Good! I noticed one of my bags was starting to tear so I am glad for the cart. Such a thing would come in very handy at The Palace!

This afternoon I got a phone call from my friend, Twila, in FL. She was calling to see how I was after hearing that horrible news from CT. She said "for some reason you came immediately to mind..." and we agreed what that reason was. I have the most marvelous friends who make me rich without measure! 

My mom is going to mix up a meatloaf for our dinner this evening, "if I remember how to...", she said. I trust it will come back to her, as she was the maker of the best meatloaf to my memory! Right now I get almost comparable meatloaf at Cracker Barrel, but am anxious to have a piece or two of Mom's recipe. Having the oven on will also help to warm the rooms a bit, as it's rainy and damp outside today. At least we had a day and a half with sunshine!                    

Last night's concert at the Civic Center was simply marvelous.  Besides the excellent musical presentations, it was great to see so many people there that I knew. Tommy Drill, the official Greeter for the City of Manitowoc, was saying hello to my mom and Lynn, but then interrupted himself with shouts when he spotted me coming up the ramp. That was heart-warming! One lady I had sort of been looking for I never did find, though. Judy S., I was looking for you, too!

The MLHS students are quite talented and as one mom told us today, 'well rounded', mostly because they need to be! Being a smaller school, kids must participate in more things they ordinarily might not. Athletes playing in the band, artists singing solos, and so on. Amy, the mom I spoke with, said today how it wouldn't be so busy if they didn't have to go to school besides! 

Joy tinged with sorrow

Mom and I just got home from the Manitowoc Lutheran High Christmas concert, the kick-off to my season. The concert was marvelous and to God be the glory! It is normally a week later but the venue was solidly booked. This brought me to town earlier this year. And away from my Justin a week longer. I am sure he's okay without me...

My travel yesterday was flawless---the flights on time and even better, arriving in MKE nearly a half hour early. I waited only moments for Lynn to get there and after a slight misdirection leaving the airport, we were on our way. Lynn and I had lunch in Mequon, with some wonderful onion strings served with our sandwiches. Half mine came home with me to Mom's. 

                                               

Last night for dinner we met up with Lisa and her boys at Pizza Hut, with Jill and Danny along, and Mom, of course. I ate half my Personal Pan Pizza and Mom ate half of hers, so we shared a to-go box for our leftovers. In my first day, actually a half-day, I had two such boxes in the fridge!

It was so wonderful to see my little nephews again, and have their hugs. This is especially true after the horrible tragedy which took place in CT this a.m. Again I will point out the lack of ability folks have these days in dealing with their problems, as well as the seeming lack of the Lord's presence in their lives. Those of us who are believers can count ourselves blessed to know Him and have Him know us. Let's all offer prayers on behalf of those who suffered a terrible loss in their lives from this killer. "...even so, Lord, quickly come!

I'm here!!!

I will have more to say tomorrow after a good night's rest, but here we are with my little nephews at Pizza Hut this evening for dinner. From the left is Angelo, Manny, and Gabe. Gabe is excitedly telling his cousin about a Pokemon book he is reading. Reminds me very much of Justin at that age!

Prayers of thanksgiving for the safe arrival and for Lynn getting me home to Manty...