Long distance friendships

The other day my friend, Rosalie, had called to chat but I was not available at the moment. I sent her a text message making an appointment to call her back last night, which ended up being early evening, my time. She is on central time but she'd already had her dinner and was busy on the computer. Rosalie is extremely active in her church and has a full plate at all times. She amazes me, and makes me feel lazy! Oh, yes, she is also more than 20 years older than I am!

             Rosalie and Hal with Justin 'n me, Jan. 2011

She was telling me about an interesting devotion she is reading, composed from the writings of Martin Luther. She is thrilled with it so I might send for it as well. We also discussed the Meditations our Synod puts out, though she has me at a disadvantage there. I told her one of the fondest memories I had of her visit the last time was when Hal read the devotion to us ladies in my river room. ****sigh****

Rosalie told me she is going to start taking organ lessons again which is thrilling to hear. She can't read music but can play chords. As a non-musician, I don't understand the difference, but she does, which is what matters.
                               
This morning my friend, Tina, let me know Gracie and she would not be coming to breakfast at The Club on Friday. Nuts! But she did send me the photos taken the morning when Linda and I were there. The sun was shining so nicely on Linda's face....

My other friend, Randy, who used to live upstairs from me, keeps in touch via Facebook. He sent me a message the other day to report he got me some replacement flowers for the glass ones which I broke. Today he posted a picture of them which I am sharing here:

I believe he is coming this direction next month to gather his belongings left in storage when he moved last year. He has gotten what is described by him as being his "dream job" for the DOD, and I hope he gets to keep it now with all the cuts. Guess he will be okay as long as he is not conducting tours of the White House or working as a park ranger! Neither job would be a good match for this retired Marine....who buys his friends glass flowers!

Best intentions

Yesterday I took my tax packet to the car in order to make sure I stopped at the CPA's office either on my way to or from Bible study today. When gathering my purse and soda bottle upon arriving home after lunch, I spotted the packet. Shoot! So much for THAT idea! Instead of starting the car and heading over there, I decided I would take it another time, hopefully before the Ides of March. That is the latest date they like tax packets dropped off in order to ensure enough time to complete them. I MUST remember to do so!

Before I left this morning, slightly delaying my departure, I got a call from Frank, my financial guy. He has moved his offices to the area just west of church. For the life of him, he could not picture a church other than the community one further up the road. This is a problem, as I can personally attest, when the pizza delivery guys, without fail, cannot find our church. If they can't find it, how can visitors or guests see us? It didn't matter if the pizza was ordered in the light of day or for evening delivery, we are somehow unseen or unnoticed on this busy road. I should have described us being just to the east of the speed trap set up a block from us!

Mom was telling me not long ago about the goofy mail she gets from the doctor's offices or insurance companies, sort of a statement but is marked "This is not a bill". "Then why send it?", she wants to know. Today I checked the mail on the way up to my home, and found a statement from my now closed Verizon account. Three pages, one of which is advertising, came in the envelope plus a Courtesty Bill with a zero balance. It, too, is marked "DO NOT PAY". I was all set to write them a check for zero dollars...This is a ludicrous waste of money and someone's time. A couple weeks ago I got a refund check from them to make up for the troubles I'd had with their service when in WI (blue screen of death!) so I was surprised to find something from them today. It seems as though no one is watching this type of expenditure.

                   

    Two Rivers fish boil on Travel Network Monday night

Yesterday I mentioned at the lunch table that I did not have the History Channel at my house, which Justin immediately contradicted. It seems I, in fact, DO have that channel, as he happened upon when searching for the channel to watch the filibuster on Wednesday night. He was using the arrows on the remote control and came upon the History Channel. If I typed the channel number in, it would not take...but using the arrows to find it would lock it in. I now can press in the numbers for the channel and was able to watch "The Bible" from home last night. This method, however, did not work for watching The Travel Channel which features an episode of Bizarre Foods recorded in Two Rivers, WI. Evidently fish boils are bizarre. I guess they would be to a fish!

Having rod and cones troubles here

On Facebook tonight I mentioned feeling like my rods and cones were all messed up, as it was time to eat dinner when the sun was still out. That is just plain goofy! I did go ahead and enjoyed my meal of twice baked potatoes with Sloppy Joe meat on the side. Marlena stopped by today to return a borrowed movie and left a to-go box with several of the potato wedges packed into it, from The Club. Sweet!

This morning's Bible study was about the TV series showing now on the History Channel, "The Bible". We were asked to note how often the Gospel shows through in the movie, and offers prompts to help see it, hear it, in the fast paced movie. "Fast paced" might not be the right description but it takes some jumps in the time line in order to cover lots of ground before Easter. There are a few blanks to fill in, some of which we covered in class. 

Twila is one who is quite literal in these things so it rather blows her away to see Sumo wrestler angels appearing to Lot. I missed that part so was not able to help her out. We "imagine" these heavenly beings to look like white Anglos when they are probably shapeless, featureless spirits, as we covered in our Monday morning class. It's not good to miss either class, it seems.

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Last night I placed a phone call to the manager at Chili's, where our group goes every Sunday (nearly) after church. The last two weeks we experienced extremely slow service and it was being considered to eat elsewhere unless things changed. Hence, my chat with the manager. She assured me they were working out the bugs of new staff members and the dishwasher was repaired, etc. She said to talk to the daytime manager and tell him the same things I told her. So, I did!

                                          

He remembered us from last week and assured me of good customer service this week. In fact, he actually took our orders, and hovered around the table like a mother hen, making sure we were being served properly. Guess it pays to say something, as I explained to him that I didn't want to go somewhere else to eat. Especially since Justin is the Mayor of Chili's, according to signing in with Four Square on his cell phone. No one messes with the Mayor, or his mama!

Terri T. and her sister, Gayle, had flowers on the altar in memory of their mom, Gloria, who passed away 7 years ago today. It was a gorgeous bouquet which the two ladies were taking to the cemetery where their grandparents were buried. It was nice having Gayle in worship with us, and at lunch with us. More than nice, it was great! She remarked how much she enjoyed reading the Scripture passages I post each a.m., saying it's my 'good morning' to her. She feels connected even though we don't see each other in the flesh as often as we'd like.

                                 

Early this a.m. I got a message from another of our members, Jason, serving in Japan. He thanked me for the newsletter and said how much he appreciates reading the Scripture passages every day. So glad to be able to do that! 

About the time change business---only one of our ushers should up dressed for duty, as Frank forgot he was on. The third fellow didn't show up until the sermon was nearly wrapped up. Oops! Kurt was not aware of the time change and was so surprised to walk into church to find it nearly over. That poor guy! He was quite embarrassed....Good thing it only happens twice a year, as our systems (body and electronic ones) get all messed up!

Time with friends

Today is a quiet one, the opposite of last week's busyness and adventures. What I love is that both are perfect! Justin left early this a.m. for his future residence to finish bagging up the branches and brush he cut down yesterday. He called a little while ago to tell me about trimming some plants at the edge of the yard, and determining it 'smelled like WI back there'. 

                            

Ron and he peered through the brush to discover horses on the adjacent lot! He had to laugh about how his work starts on a farm and he goes home to another one. The smell of the horse manure is not offensive to him, not the way the dog poop is. I attributed that to diet, which he thinks is the likely reason. Ron and Sarah have a young dog, and with that dog comes poop!

From there he is headed with his pals for a brewery tour, or two, I am not sure of how many. It is part of a package they bought on-line. This evening is a surprise birthday party for Jesse, more of a surprise since his birthday was a couple weeks ago. His father is hosting it at his house at the beach, where Justin and Jesse used to live. Old home night for them.

Yesterday I went up to Great Hang Ups to settle up and see which piece was Juried into the show. I brought home the other framed piece which I really really love looking at. Should be finding a place in my room to hang it, or display it. I had to stop at the endodentist and at Wal*Mart to get stuff for taxes, those two being the last of the paperwork/numbers needed for my preparations. The tax packet is now ready to be dropped off at the CPA the next time I go out. Yeah! My desk looks so different now with my papers dealt with. 

Last night, I had plans to attend the Wounded Warrior event. My friend, Peggy, and her husband, Jon, came up to see my place before we headed over to The Club. We were greeted warmly by my friends and neighbors, many I have not seen since Lent began. There were only a few tables set up with chairs, and the seats were reserved. Maureen told me to tell Kerrie, the owner, to bring out more chairs, "she'll listen to you..." I don't know about that, but I did speak to Courtney, who is the restaurant manager. She said no more chairs would be provided as this is a cocktail party, not a dinner. Makes sense but I still didn't have a chair...

When Peggy, Jon, and I were in the silent auction area, we saw a couple waitstaff folks go through with chairs. Chandler, the young man who works in the cabana with Julius said to me, "I told them "this is bull! Miss Kim is out there, standing!" I had not even spoken to him about it, only Courtney, but we got chairs! That was kind of funny. When we ordered our drinks, Jon wishing to pay, Jacob knew what to make for me without my asking. He apologized for mixing it a bit strong so kept bringing me soda to thin it out. They are so great over there!

Peggy had a good time playing the tables, as it was a casino night event. The lite jazz combo was good, not intrusive to conversation. She put her name on her tickets and phone number in case she won something from the drawings which took place after we were gone. Peggy was running this a.m. in the River Run so we made an early night of it. It was still after 10:00 pm when we walked back over here and we were ready to call it a night. 

Before we did that, though, I had a great chat with Jon, who has joined the Toastmasters. He had interesting stories to tell me, including one about a study he did on Viet Nam era POW's. It started when I mentioned that John McCain had lived on the property at one time. No wonder he is in Toastmasters---he was captivating! 

Peggy and Jon invited me to their home for a St. Patrick's Day party next Saturday. The only criteria is that I wear something green. This might require some effort since I have little to nothing green in the closet. I should look very closely in there, though, because last night I got many, many compliments on my peacock poncho top I wore for the 'cocktail' attire event. 

When Maureen was admiring it, she asked where I got it. I told her I got it at Coldwater Creek----when Justin was a senior in high school. She smacked me, kindly, thinking this was something brand new, when it actually came from inventory. There might be something green in the back of the closet!!!

What a "Vision"!

A few weeks ago I had e-mailed to Julia at Great Hang Ups a photo of Timmy's eyes to be entered in an art show titled "Visions". That photo was not really clear enough to be used but both Dee and Julia encouraged me to send in some other photos of scenery and such from my travels. I did that last week, the same day Linda and I were at the shop. I did not expect there was time for anything to happen since the take-in for the show was Wednesday.

Well, imagine my suprise when Julia let me know last night that the above photo, which she had framed and matted for me, was Juried into the show. Between the two ladies, they chose the framing and mattes and got them ready for the Judge. He chose the one above, but not the one below. One has 'action' in it, while the one below is more still. It does have Vision but he liked the wave action in the other photo. Julia used a white frame with a blue-edged matte. Looks great! Not sure I will win anything but once more, it's a privilege to be included. I am now 5 for 5 in being juried in when entering a show! (Both of these shots appear on my home page of the blog, if they look familiar to you.)

This photo below is one I call "Cross Eyes". This is cropped from a photo of Timmy as he was sitting in a high chair at church. The date stamp on the picture indicated May of 1997 so he was about sixteen months old. The way the light reflects in his eyes, the shape of crosses, is what makes me catch my breath when looking at this picture. It does not, however, have the proper dynamics for this particular art show. It's hard to look away from his eyes, is it not?

Back to routine

This morning I rode alone to Bible study at Victory, when last week I had both Linda and Justin with me. Our study, the last booklet from this publishing house, was begun today, looking at some of the differences in teaching between denominations. Today's was about baptism and "the age of accountibility" some reformed churches use. Good study!

                                    

Justin went to his future home this morning to do some painting---he wants to cover over the pink and white stripes in his bedroom. Once that is done, he can begin to move some of his items over, like bookcases and stuff for the closets. I am not entirely clear on the thinking there, but think it has something to do with the housewarming party which will take place prior to the full move-in day. 

I am so glad to be going today to the groomers, this after my teeth are cleaned. While there, I will be giving my friend, Peggy, who is the dentist, her tickets to the Wounded Warrior event at The Club which takes place tomorrow night. She has been most gracious to Justin and me, and I want to show my appreciation for her kindness, and support our mutually favorite charity at the same time. She is running in the River Run the next day so it will be an early night for them. Such busy people they are!

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Thinking about it now, I recall how much Linda enjoyed dining at PF Chang. Every time we went to eat, when she could, Linda ordered fish or other seafood for her meals. So glad she liked our menu offerings here in FL! Just as I enjoy the perch and steak sandwiches when I go to WI....

Why am I so sleepy?

This afternoon I have a chance to doze and yet the workers above me are keeping me awake. The tile guys have started so are using their wet saw and other tools which make quite a racket as they work. I cannot leave my warm room so I suffer without my needed nap. I think I had a really good night's rest which does not explain my sleepiness today. Perhaps my body rested while my brain was wondering if Linda got home safely to her own bed or not. At last contact, she was waiting for her plane in Detroit, which was delayed an hour from Chicago. If it hadn't been for Chicago, she'd have had a flawless return trip!                    

                     

            Judy, Frank, Amber, and Terri T. on her baptism day

This a.m. Judy C. called to confirm that Amber was indeed coming for Bible history class. Amber, who had been hospitalized, had called Judy to ask if we could please meet for Bible history class. Wow! Blew us away! So that Amber does not have to drive so far, we actually meet at Judy's son's home where she babysits and keeps house, closer to where Amber lives. I drive out there (about 25 minute ride) in order to make this happen. LOVE it, love it, love it!

The last time I drove out there, Amber did not come, so now we are confirming before I make the trip. It turned out she was in the hospital but her spouse did not have the phone information for Judy or me. Finally Judy reached him on the phone and we found out about Amber, hospitalized with water in and around her lungs. She's had a heart attack and stroke already so this is serious business for her. She is younger than I am and in precarious health. We rejoice for her wanting to return to class, and to overcoming her breathing condition.

                                          

So, anyway, we three ladies spoke briefly about the TV mini-series "The Bible" which has thrown Amber for a loop. She said she couldn't keep up with who was who, the order of events, etc. but then said her husband is simply eating it up. This was exciting news for Judy and me to hear, as he otherwise had no interest in coming to church or being involved. She said he loves history and watches this network 'all the time'. What a blessing this might be for some who have no other connection to the Bible, and religion in general. I hope that Amber gets more from it the next time she watches. Judy has it recorded on her DVR so it is possible to sit down and watch it together some time when it works out for us all.

I had an appointment for a haircut today at 2:00 pm but Barb called to ask me to schedule for 1:00 instead. Sure! On my way back from Lake Asbury I stopped at McDonald's for lunch and to wait until time for my groomer visit. While waiting, Barb called again to ask if I could come tomorrow instead. Sure! I was glad to be able to come home instead and look forward to getting my haircut after my teeth cleaning appointment tomorrow afternoon. Busy day on Thursday!!!