Eat, eat, eat!

As I mentioned the other day, Justin and I went to have breakfast at Grumpy's Saturday morning. The parking lot was rather full, with one man entering the restaurant just ahead of us. Rudely he let the door close 'on us' which is so surprising for their clientele. We were seated immediately while some folks, larger groups, had to wait. I mentioned to the hostess that a man had come in ahead of us, thinking he'd been missed in the seating of guests. She said, "Oh, yeah, him..." and went on to say that he sits anywhere he wants and does what he wants. Guess that explains the not being gentlemanly at the door. Sad he is like that, as he must be an unhappy man.

Justin was hungry for pancakes (which reminded me of when he was a little boy, and he once demanded of a hostess, "Where's my pancakes???", before everyone was even seated!!!). 

                                     

He anticipated my order but I did an "Opposite Day" ala Seinfeld and ordered something entirely different than what I normally get. 

The biscuit with sausage gravy was a bit of the disappointment, since it seems I am spoiled by the gravy Judy C. makes for Easter breakfast. It looked so good in the pictures. Not that it tasted bad or anything, it just was not as good as Judy's! Also, I ordered some corned beef hash of which I ate half. Justin enjoyed his breakfast and then helped me with mine. The lady offered me a box but I refused, thinking this would not reheat well.

From there Justin and I went to Publix as he was hungry for Mandarin orange Jell-o. It must be the Lutheran in him! We bought more than just what was on his list, of course, but managed to get it all upstairs in one trip. I did find something I had been looking for, however---frozen rhubarb!! Do I hear torte being made???  We bought a tiny Dutch apple pie to have for dessert that night, and he chose vanilla ice cream to top it. 

When we got back from shopping, it was yet early so I got busy on the computer for a bit before heading to the pool. Just as I was about to change into my swimsuit, the phone went off, announcing Joanne on the line. Wow! It seems she had a cancellation and was free for lunch. Grabbed my purse and away I went to meet her at Pengree's. Oh, it was great to see her again and find out what is going on with her these days!

We both ordered the country fried steak with mashed potatoes and green beans. She was able to finish all of her meal but I was not. As usual, I brought the rest home with me, plus her dinner roll which she did not want. It was so good to spend time with her and wish it could have lasted longer. But, weekends are busy days for Realtors and she off to the next appointment. I had an appointment as well---the pool!

The time at the pool with my friends was great, though it was overcast much of the time. The water felt good but when the sun would hide, my gooseflesh would appear. Mark and Jacquie left and the rest of us took off in a flurry when the rain began to fall. A shorter day than Friday but still special time spent with friends.

Justin had talked about making a few things he has been hungry for for our dinner Saturday night. His plans were changed so he was going to be home that night. Around 4:30 or so he popped into my room and offered to treat me to Koko's if I was up for it. Sure! Yes, I had to get dressed yet again, but for teriyaki chicken and fried rice, someone else's treat....

                                         

The hostess, also the wife of one of the owners, was glad to see us come in and came over to greet us. She told me she likes to have us come, gave me a huge hug, and said I turn her face upside down. That must be Viet Namese for making her happy. This is what I took from her reaction to seeing us come in. She also told us we could sit anywhere we wanted! 

The timing was perfect for us to join another group and place our order for dinner, with Jimmie cooking for us. Leftovers once more, added to what was already in the fridge. I dream of their fried rice, and this dream came true!

Friday Fun

Oh my! What a grand and glorious day it was Friday! The sun stayed out, brightly shining, making for comfortable times in and around the pool all afternoon. I was a lazy bones Jones before putting on my suit and heading to the pool, listening first to some more of the Synod proceedings. Eventually I will be all caught up, with several sections being ones I wish to go back to watch again. 

Lee was already at the pool, and we ate our meals together. She is 'hamburgered out' so opted for the tuna salad sandwich. I had the double hot dog (though I am not hamburgered out!) served with delicious home-made pickle strips. Normally not a spear-eater, I was told that Danny Cabany had made these. Pretty tasty, too---not sweet and not sour, with a bit of a bite to them. It turned out Belinda, in the kitchen, had made them instead but I still like them!

         

Friends Rick and Fran came, as did Patty and Mark, Bob (who calls me The Ambassador), Cynthia, and several others, all talking and laughing together. Later Betty and Gary (her son) came out to join the fun. Lee and I decided to have an umbrella drink which was so very refreshing. This was moments before the sky began to rumble. I guess that was our signal to go in, after about 4 1/2 hours out in the sun!

The storm was insignificant, and I could have gone back out to join my neighbors around the pool later on. But instead I opted to simply stay in and put the finishing touches on the church newsletter as the submissions came dribbling in. Don't like to be behind schedule getting the newsletter out, especially for those who send birthday and anniversary cards to folks. They like the info in advance of the special day, oddly enough...

Justin worked every day all day this week, not quitting when the rain comes down like last week. His co-worker and he were prepping a yard for sod, and laid the sod on Thursday. Friday was his usual schedule, home about 4:30. I did not go outside for Happy Hour with the neighbors, and he said he appreciated the time to talk before he left for Grove's birthday dinner. Last week Michael came to Justin's birthday celebration, and now this week, Justin returns the favor. 

More about Thursday

My posting has been seriously neglected due to my being unable to multi-task when watching/listening to the Convention proceedings. I can write and carry on when my radio shows are on, but not when watching the Synod activities or the Clay County Board meetings. I need to see the faces and look at the graphics or videos being shown, so cannot divide my attention. This serves as my disclaimer.

Thursday afternoon, as planned, Linda O. came over. Oh, it was so good to see her again. We had been together in February at her place, and then she left for her trip to Antigua for two months. And then I was gone so, yes, we needed the time. Our plan was to go over our mission materials and go swimming, but since the weather was expected to turn, we chose to swim first.

We did not have the pool to ourselves and several folks greeted us when we arrived, as we treaded water, and while we visited. At one point, my neighbor, Dick, came to join us at our table, with permission, and was quite interested in our conversation. He used to run a large area cemetery and told about the famous graves they had in his. Tour groups came through annually to taking an historical walk through the cemetery. Very cool!

Linda told me how her family is making plans for her mom's 100th birthday. If memory serves, her birthday fell around St. Valentine's Day. I remember this because of playing a game at the progressive dinner years ago where the men were asked when their mom-in-law's birthday was, and Linda's husband, Dale, could not remember. Even though it was within days of it happening! 

What Linda did tell me, however, was how Frieda was so looking forward to getting to the State Fair. She absolutely LOVES going to the Fair and looks forward to having a foot-long hot dog and other Fair foods. In the past she enjoyed the merchant's building and seeing all the products being hawked and getting the free samples of things. What a great attitude Frieda still has! Her grandson who lives nearby will be her escort, even though a van from her resident home would take her. Good for her!

Linda showed me her daughter's wedding album, as Heidi was married last fall in the mountains of CO. There was a chapel on a ranch high up, owned by an Austrian family, so it had that "air" to it. Their pastor came up the hill to do the service for them, and it was lovely. I wept when I saw Vincent, dressed in his pilot's uniform, walking his sister down the aisle. Just as if Dale, her daddy, was there. Wow!

I also got an official birth announcement from Lisa and Josh, complete with baby Shepherd in the folds of the American flag. He was born on Flag Day so it seemed appropriate. Linda went along to help Lisa with the photo shoot and was so impressed with the photographer. She did an amazing job with the newborn and his parents!

Linda also shared with me some of the materials garnered from St. John Lutheran in Antigua, celebrating their 40th anniversary. I knew some of the names listed on their membership roster from the 70's up to today. She let me borrow it for a few weeks, until we get together again, hopefully when Linda J. is here. 

We touched on the things I saw and did in connection with the LWMS Convention, and I shared my notes from a previous such meeting. She remarked about the great opportunities we have to meet new people and hear their stories, so I directed her to that portion of my report. 

A huge storm came up, which brought us up from the pool in the first place, and once it had seemed to let up, she headed back to St. Augustine. Fortunately, she got to greet Justin as he came home from work just before she left. Very cool!

The same storm which was an ordinary summer storm for my area produced a tornado over in the Arlington area. So glad Linda got back home safe and sound, and my heart is glad for having spent the time with her!

An awesome day!

It felt so good today to be back in Bible study at Victory. I had not seen my other church family in about 6 weeks. I left for WI mid-June with the entire month of July the class being on recess.

On the ride over to Victory, I had called my mom and we talked the 30 minutes it takes to get over there, parked, and into the building. I was in the narthex when I said 'good-bye' and went in the kitchen where the class was being held. When I tucked my phone away, I must have accidentally pressed the button and recalled my mom. Oops! She was able to listen to much of the class but could not disconnect from my call! She said it was like being there, listening to our conversation. We never got to the actual Bible study at all.

I guess it was my "fault" for getting us off track because before class began, I asked Pastor if he was keeping up with the proceedings at the Synod convention. He asked me about the Bible translation decision and I told him what I knew thus far. Then, one of the people asked who gets to go to the convention and how delegates are chosen, etc.

This grew the discussion even further off track to women's roles in the church, men's roles in the church and home, looking up passages to support this doctrinal stand, and so on. Like Mom said, it was pretty interesting. When our time was up, one of the ladies said something about not even getting to our study, and I said, "All I did was ask Pastor if he was watching the Synod proceedings....", which made everyone chuckle. But it was an excellent discussion which needed reviewing.

Two of us got public admonishments, however. One man, whose wife was there, was admonished for not coming to the congregational/voter's meetings. She said she has no vote on decisions because he won't attend, and Pastor reminded him how valuable his opinion and Biblical knowledge would be for the others. 

The most recent big decision was establishing fixed worship times. This couple didn't think that was such a big deal, they'd come whatever time the first service was held. Pastor explained the process used to make the options available for choosing, the surveys sent out, and the voter's making the decision. The focus has to be on the church as a family and not making decisions without conferring with everyone, etc. 

                                 

He said all things had to be considered including the length of time it takes folks to drive to church and home again, what time will be left for Bible study, and how close to lunch the 2nd service would let out for folks who have kids...I said, "Kick-off...." and then I got my public admonishment. Pastor said that not one person mentioned football in the surveys or at the meeting. Everyone chuckled but my other WI friends said it would figure in hugely (as Justin would say, "One time zone over...) in Green Bay. Their former church sold the parking spaces to fans who attended the game, and being so close to church, coming and going from worship would be extremely difficult. 

I guess the reason no one mentioned it at the meeting was because most of the attention was focused on the first service and not the later one! Pastor said he attends the Jaguar games and gets there in time for kick-off, no problem. My thought is this---if the college games were on Sundays with kick-off at 1:00 pm, it would have shown up on the survey! Especially since folks have to drive to get to the games, not played locally. Or to watch at home. But, Pastor was quick to say that this is why you confer with the family, to make such decisions with everyone in mind. It was an excellent class despite not opening our booklets at all! Plus, Mom got to sit in until my battery died on my phone!

Company's coming again

I am so excited because I have been in communication with my friend, Linda O., formerly a member at GS. She sold her house in town and is living full time at her condo in St. Augustine. Linda recently became a grandmother so this is even more exciting!

When Linda and I were together the last time, she was about to leave on a trip to Antigua to 'hang out with' some folks she had met at the LWMS Convention last year. Her booth in the mission displays was near theirs and they made fast friendships. For two months Linda was able to spend some time scoping out potential for helping soon-to-be mothers as part of her mission work. She has worked at the home for mothers our church body supports in CO so this is a natural extension of her gifts and abilities.

She wants to hear all about the Convention I recently attended as well so we will compare notes, though I am more interested in what she has to say to me, I think. We always have such good visits, and I am sure this one will be the same. When we were both working with Hospice, she would come over here after work (if she was in OP) and go for a dip with me. We plan to do so again when she comes on Thursday. 

Today at the pool, the water exercise folks were introduced to a very nice couple who were staying at the hotel. They were on vacation, touring FL, fell in love with the place and went looking at available homes on the property with Pat A. Wow! They are retired and are in no particular hurry otherwise to make this move. He is retired Navy so the advantage of having the base nearby for services is appealing. Pat G. and I asked them to join us for lunch and how fun that was!

Both Mary Ann and Pat are first generation Italians, both blonde and hazel eyed, from the northern part of the country. They got to compare notes on their ancestors and immediate relatives yet in Italy. Pat, being a former drama teacher, was able to inform them on the area theater options and other cultural opportunities. The quiet of Orange Park (off the main drags at least!) plus the other entertainment options might have helped to sell the place. I hope so, anyway!

Our time poolside was cut short by an early afternoon storm, so Dick, my upstairs neighbor who had joined me at the pool, and I went inside just as the rain came. Before long it was just pouring, thundering, and lightning, which lasted for hours. No splash and dash storm with time. Poor Justin had to work in the rain but he said he was soaked in sweat already so it didn't matter. 

                        

There was no Happy Hour this week so I made sausage, peppers, and onions for dinner. Just before it was time to eat, Justin got a phone call from his boss and his wife to join them for the evening. He followed my lead of turning off the stove and leaving, which he did. I did not mind one bit since I was going to be watching the Synod convention proceedings in my room anyway. Nice that the boss called him to go out, even if it was for sushi! 

A sticky mess

The other day I posted on Facebook about my multi-tasking skills of being on hold with AT&T, eating a bagel, and writing at the same time. My comment included the need to clean off my keyboard which had been made sticky from the topping of my bagel. That day I chose the apple and cinnamon bagel, and it was so tasty! I am making that baker's dozen (minus the four I gave to Connie) stretch, since purchased last week. As of this a.m., there are four left. So filling!

On Sunday, Justin made a frozen treat to take along to his friend's mom's house for their dinner. Often they gather there for family dinner, and that night was featuring Justin's favorites. He made a root beer sherbet in a Carbonite form he bought on-line, using the ingredients purchased on Saturday for which he used his new Jaguar cooler. Everything went nicely when making it but he ran into trouble trying to get it into the freezer.

                  
This is the form, and the impression is that of Han Solo, from Star Wars. Anyone who is a fan of this series recognizes this as when he was caught in lava. I do not know it, so will take Justin's word for it. Glad it was root beer sherbet and not lava in my freezer!!

My freezer is a drawer-style...picture this not-yet-frozen delight being shlossed around as the drawer went shut. In hindsight, it should have been placed with a cake pan under it, but space in the freezer is limited. Well, what a grand and glorious mess this was!! This evening, Justin finally had time to pull out the bottom baskets to access the mess which was frozen to the floor of the freezer.

                 

As a team, we lifted out the baskets, and then he laid down on the floor, working around the opened drawer front and the braces to reach into the freezer. I kept the hot dish cloths coming, swapping them for his now cold and sticky cloths. For a big fellow, this was NOT an easy task and there is no way I could have cleaned this up myself. I could remember when the repair man was here, he got the whole drawer off, but I was not about to tackle that project and possibly not get it back together properly. 

                           
Because my fridge is against a wall, we can only open the door so far. Not wide enough to get at the floor of the freezer from both sides. Extra tight for an extra large mess!

After he had it all cleaned up and put back together again, he came into my room to report the smell of the sticky mess remained on his hands. Sort of a sour smell, which is odd, since it was frozen probably immediately. My suggestion of using salt to wash his hands worked and he came back to thank me. This was learned years ago when we would have the gas smell on our hands from playing at the neighbor's gas station. 

For our dinner tonight I made fried potatoes with roast beef cut up into it. Justin had made this roast last Thursday, using the three envelope method. Oh, my, it was tasty! This evening we finished it off. He offered to clear everything way from the table so I could back to my room to watch more of the Convention. What a sweetheart! 

As it turned out, the Convention was on dinner recess yet, so I was able to oversee the polishing of the kitchen. What I did notice, once the counters were wiped and the dishwasher made busy, was the way my feet stuck to the floor in front of the fridge. Even though the sticky mess in the freezer was wiped up, some remnants of this grand and glorious mess still grab my feet. Time for the Swiffer!

Oh, by the way, his Han Solo root beer float dessert was a huge hit with the folks at the dinner. At least that part went well! In the future, he will use a cake pan under the form, due to the sloshing caused by the freezer drawer closing! 

Pickin' through some thoughts...

...before I begin watching the WELS Synod Convention online. Justin accidentally flipped the switch in his room in which is plugged the gateway modem for the computers. Oh oh...He apologized immediately but it took forever (almost 20 minutes!) to get everything up and running again in my room. I operate under the direction of the booster which is on the curio cabinet in the dining room. I did not have this problem before but am trying to not be too grumpy about it. I just have to learn which buttons to press on which device and he has to learn to put tape over the switch in his room! Of course, this had to happen right when I was chatting with Linda during The Five, and only a couple minutes before he was leaving for the baseball game downtown. 

As I looked out my window a bit ago, I spotted two guys walking toward the building, along the breakwater, with a cooler floating between them. They have fishing poles with them as well. The water was only waist deep or a bit less than that, but no sign of a boat. I wonder where they left it...

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Well, I am disappointed...the Live Streaming from the convention is not working. I was so looking forward to it but the chat going on along the side of the page was amusing. Seems this problem occurs regularly, according to the posters, as few are surprised by the failure of the system. Some are more angry than they should be, while others are enjoying the conversation. According to the counter at the bottom of the screen where the picture should be, it says 117 people are viewing. We are looking but not seeing or hearing! (Later, we were directed to another site where a limited number of folks could view it---me among them!)

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Today I stopped at the Sprint store to have my phone looked at, see if someone could shut off my notifications for me. The place was packed and I had to basically take a number. There was a mom in the store with three children, one of whom was hollering and making lots of noise. 

When I was at the counter, the mom with the disorderly children left, but I did not see her go. My lady helping me did...she said, "Her kids are nowhere near her..." I turned around to look outside, and saw the youngest one walking along the sidewalk but the mom and one kid were in the truck (Suburban). The little guy was not even up to the vehicle yet, and she opened her door to yell to him to get in. Oh my heart! He was so small and that parking lot was nuts. 

Then, after he was in, she started to back out and my lady helper gasped, "She doesn't have all her kids!" Halfway in and out of the spot, entirely blocking the pathway, she stopped and her daughter came running, having been left in the store, and had to try a couple car doors before finding one to open. She got in the backseat, and off the mom went. 

I don't know if she left the place angry or what, but my helper lady and I seemed like we were holding our breath the entire time this transpired. I can still hear the little girls' hair beads clanging together as she ran from the store. The two older ones had been playing games on the demo phones and seemed to not even notice their mom had left. I gave the helper lady a big hug. I am a nut about parking lots and now I remember why!