Can't wait to warm up

This morning I had a lovely breakfast with just the ladies at The Club. I ventured over without benefit of a coat this time, but yet wearing layers. It was above freezing with hopes of getting into the 50's. But not at breakfast time!  I invited a lady who was dining alone to join us but she opted to eat alone and read her paper. She confessed to eavesdropping on our conversation so she should have just sat with us and been done with it.

As the staff cleared away the buffet foods, one of the waitresses brought me a to-go box with the leftover bacon in it. Sondra doubles as a housekeeper, too, but keeps me fixed up with the leftover bacon. As Justin said, "It's tastes better when it's hot..." but I appreciate her kindness. I figure Justin can probably chop the bacon into some recipe or another. I can always get more next week!

The cold around here is beginning to lift, and we hope to see the sun at some point today.  I am glad to be in for the day, and don't have plans to go out again until tomorrow late afternoon. There is a concert at church, a duo from WI who play hymns and songs on a variety of instruments. I know, not my thing, but Sue, one of the ladies in charge of the meal afterward, called to schmooze me into coming even if just for the food. I told her I would call Judy and talk to her, which I did, and she told me that she'd already changed her mind about going in order to make Sue feel better. She was stressing about the event, fearing no one would show up, so we agreed to go. Not 'til 4:00 pm so I have some time to stay at home and get the newsletter out the door (or over the airwaves, as the case might be!) Waiting for the warm on Saturday---hopes of 80 above!

After the birthdays, a funeral

We have had remarkably cold weather here in N. FL this week, with some folks seeing tiny flakes in the air. The rain felt icy when it hit but I cannot confirm or deny it was flakes or even sleet. It didn't affect our driving at all. 

Last night my sister, Lynn, called me to find out if everything was okay in our area, as the local news in WI showed we were having snow or icy conditions. All was well, and I thanked her for letting me know what was going on, because I had no idea about it. Justin keeps up with weather stuff because of having to work out in it and he saw nothing like what Lynn mentioned, though the local weather maps did show what she was talking about. Schools were closing the next day in advance of the icy travel, being extra cautious, I'm sure, after what happened in Atlanta.

This morning I checked the local radio station's website and it said all the bridges and roadways were free of ice, so Justin and I could safely make our way to Bible study. Pastor had lined up the chairs around the tables more tightly than we usually sit in order to not have to add more table space. He didn't want to have us sitting too far apart (adding another table) and not be able to communicate as well. I like that about him! We all had elbow room so it was no problem. It was again an excellent class.

The ladies invited us to join them for lunch but we declined, deciding to just head home since we were attending a funeral in the afternoon. My nice boy heated up a bowl of turkey soup for me (I'd made it on Monday from our ThanksLiving bird) and served me a summer sausage sandwich with it. Who's spoiled in this house???

Justin, Kathy, our neighbor, and I headed over to the Methodist church just a couple blocks away for Orien's funeral. We left with plenty of time so he could drop us off and then find a place to park. He managed nicely to find a close place. We had to stand in line to sign the guest book and then easily found a seat with some more from our building. 

As we sat there, the church was filling up. It reminded me of Timmy's service with standing room only. Just before the service was to begin, a line of firemen came in in their dress blue uniforms and looked so good. It moved me to see them standing along the wall...this was a big deal for them to get all dressed out for Orien. 

The service began with a hymn, where we stood to sing, one I am now familiar with since it's in our CW hymnal. Oh, I just remembered---"How Great Thou Art". Then the pastor read a couple of psalms after which he invited some family members to come forward to speak about their loved one. First was his daughter, who did a fabulous job without getting all broken up, followed by his granddaughter, who was Justin's classmate, also doing a fine job. 

Then, an usher walked around with a microphone for people in attendence to share their Orien stories. I told Justin he didn't need to do that at my funeral service, save it for the party afterward. It wasn't too bad, and I don't want to say much more about it here, other than to report we sang "Amazing Grace", again standing to sing, at the close of the service.

From there we went home, and walked to The Club where the reception was held. It was an amazing spread of appetizers, some exactly the same as those served the night before for the Member's meeting. The place was absolutely packed! Justin asked me if it was appropriate to have an open bar for a funeral and I had to confess to not knowing the answer to that one, except that Orien would have had it no other way! We had the most amazingly delicious chicken salad which I enjoyed on bagel chips---oh my!

When we went home, I was so full that I couldn't believe Justin was getting busy with starting our dinner. I asked him to please plan on at least an hour before we ate because I was so full. He had shrimp cocktails there plus lobster bisque shooters, some other sort of seafood goodies, but he was ready to make our dinner. I was still about to bust from the chicken salad (no thank you to the seafood and fish stuff!). When we did eat, it was delicious, and I appreciate his patience with getting started.

Something funny happened, though---while he was prepping his ingredients, Judy C. called to see if we wanted to go to dinner. I couldn't believe my own words when I respectfully declined because I was so full from the reception and he was excited about his recipe. Rarely do I decline, and she was as surprised as I was! Our dinner was quite good, breaded thin chicken breasts and tortellini with vodka sauce. Again, I am so spoiled!

Meetings meetings and more meetings

Tonight was the annual meeting of The Club, an opportunity for the members to be introduced to the Board of Directors and the management of The Club, and for us to get a "State of the Club" report. This is one chance I get to see many others I don't usually see because they are not pool people. There is a big Members Mixer party before Christmas but it's on a Wednesday night which is Advent service time. I've never been to one of these gatherings so this is it for me!

Carpaccio like we had tonight

Appetizers were served, some butlered ones and others we had to stand in line to get at serving centers. Very attractive displays and tasty treats, particularly the special meats the Chef does. Tonight he presented carpaccio and salami, fresh out of the curing room. Not being a fan of the fish/seafood stuff, I had to pass on most of the other offerings, but I sure didn't starve! 

On Monday night I was there as well, this time with no appetizers and bringing my own soda. It was for our annual Owners meeting of The Palace and this place is large enough to squeeze us all in. We have some new or different faces serving on the Board this year, and I am so glad to say I am not one of them. That job would be terrible to have and I am so thankful to those who do volunteer to serve for us. The best part of the meeting was hearing no increase in our monthly dues this year, and no foreseeable assessments. Whew!

One good thing about each of these meetings was getting to talk with folks I don't often get to see, especially since several of our Owners don't live on the property. One couple has been renting out their unit for 5 years and plan to be moving back in again in March. I hate to say to good-bye to the next door neighbors, tenants Ed and Karen, but they are welcoming retirement and moving back to Charleston. 

At The Club member's meeting, I thought I would have a chance to address the group as regards the pool and the summer activities but that opportunity was not presented. The owner gave her State of the Club update, asked for questions, and only one man raised his hand to speak. I thought the meeting was just getting started but it was then adjourned! Let's eat!  No worries, I can talk to those folks on the Board any time as I see them more often than probably they would like (ha, ha!) and I never hesitate to let them know how much I enjoy everything. Not a fan of the fish appetizers but that's no big deal, as I said, I'm not starving!

...and yet, one more birthday!!!

Monday, the 27th, is my mom's birthday. On Facebook, three of her girls posted a status update mentioning her birthday and many greetings from our FB friends were garnered. I gave Mom a call and sang to her as is my custom. My sister, Kerry, had done the same thing earlier in the day, telling Mom she'd been rehearsing all night. So funny! Later in the day I had to call her back once more to tell her Alayna was having phone problems and couldn't get through so was sending an e-mail greeting instead. At that time Mom had heard from all her girls except Lori, who generally calls at night. Mom is now 89 years old...

In 2003, when she still wintered with me, Mom insisted on NO surprise parties and NO going out to expensive restaurants for her birthday. So, okay, I invited a few ladies from church to come to dinner at my house where I prepared Mom's favorite meal for her. The first and only time I've made liver and onions!! June and she liked the liver, and the rest of us enjoyed meatballs instead. I asked the ladies to wear their most sparkly clothes (no fancy restaurant but yes to fancy clothes!) and most complied. It was a very nice little party and the ladies all loved it. 

On the sofa are Jean N., Mom, and Twila N. In the back row are me, June H., and Jackie V. 

(Mom is now much, much thinner than in this photo, and I am not!)

Another birthday!

Sunday was Bible study and worship, like any other week. The exception was watching a movie, or a portion of it, projected on the wall during the sermon. The movie is part of a series released by a branch of our church body, titled "Come Follow Me". It was "Come Follow Me" Sunday which was the reason why this was done. Only once a year, right?

After church our group went to lunch at Chili's. We got there before Mike and Michael did, so Judy got a chance to tell the waitress it was Michael's birthday. She promised us that he would be given the royal birthday treatment, complete with singing. Just the way he would do for our birthdays!! I had a change in my order this time, ordering double chicken tenders and a single order of potato skins. Just to mix it up a bit! The tenders were simply giant, so four home with me, plus two potato skins. After the birthday singing, they presented him with a dessert complete with spoons so we could all get a taste. 

From the restaurant I run up to Great Hang Ups for the SoMMA opening Julia told me about. I walked in the door just as the awards were being handed out---perfect timing!  This medium is not my preference but the work was quite good, given that it was mixed media. Very striking collage and 3-D pieces!

I didn't hang around Hang Ups (ha ha) for very long but did get to say "hi!" to a bunch of folks I hadn't seen in some time. That's the fun of attending the openings---renewing acquaintences, plus getting to spend some time with Dee. Not the best time, but I promised her I'd come back next week when we can spend some time and they are not so busy. I really miss hanging out at the store all the time like I used to.

For our dinner tonight, needing to warm the house a bit, I made us a home-made chicken pot pie. Oddly enough, I had all the ingredients needed to throw a pie together.  Justin and I enjoyed our dinner while watching reruns of "Last Man Standing", my new favorite TV show. Still in production, which is extremely unusual for me, since I live my life in the past. He has the previous seasons on NetFlix and oh, how we laugh! Such a good show and good fun for us!

Celebrating a birthday

Friday morning at the Breakfast Club, my friend, whom I'll call "O", was giving me a little bit of business about all the outings I'd been on the previous week. She follows me on Facebook and marveled at my adventures and outings, asking if I ever ate at home. I assured her that of course I did eat at home, but often it was leftovers from the meals out. That morning we four ladies were joined by Bob, the same fellow who'd taken me to lunch the previous week. It was his birthday so he came over to have breakfast with us. He hadn't seen "O" since pool season ended and was glad to see her again.

Nancy W. was not going walking with the other two, Pat and O, after breakfast as she has been some yoga-style exercises to ease her aching back. I do my walking by going over to The Club and back again, several times a week. It was nice to have Bob join us and he seemed to like his breakfast from the buffet.

We would be seeing each other again that night for dinner as Bob, Nancy M., Bill, Justin, Nancy W., and I were going to have dinner at Koko's (I got to choose the restaurant!). It was Bill 'n Nancy's idea to do this, it being Bob's 70th, and I am so glad we did it. They all loved the place, the personal touches we got there, and already at the soup course, Bob was blown away by the place! Whew!, I was sweatin' it! 

This is something like what Justin ordered for his meal at Koko's on Friday night

While we were there, Nancy W. was telling about her sore leg, which she'd mentioned already at breakfast. At first she thought it was eczema acting up but Saturday morning she called to let me know that she'd been admitted to the hospital with cellulitis. Oh, for goodness sake! 

As it turned out, she didn't have to stay overnight, after she made cross-my-heart promises to take the medication and do everything they told her to do, at home. She'd had an IV of antibiotics to get her started and she was keeping the sore leg elevated as ordered. I am glad she decided to see the "Doc in a Box" as she referred to the walk-in clinic and got the attention needed right away. Cellulitis is nothing to mess around with. 

A busy week

Monday was Bible study, going back to finish the uncompleted study of Church Fellowship. We did a review and made little forward progress but in my opinion, the review was important. Our non-member attendee was absent so it's good we didn't make too much progress in order for her to keep up. We likely have a couple more week's worth of study, but are off next Monday due to a pastor's conference. 

Since there was no school due to MLK Day, Judy had her grands with her. Instead of the more expensive steakhouse, Michael and she took them to DQ while the rest of us went to Longhorn. I am guessing we had leftovers for dinner that night but don't hold me to it!  Justin spent a couple of hours 'working' for the upstairs neighbor, Dick, on his Internet/TV problems. In his happy place!!

Tuesday, after he was done working and cleaned up, Justin and I went to Men's Warehouse.  It was the deadline day for getting himself measured for a tuxedo for his friend, Michael's, wedding, which is in June. I know, it seems like that is a long way off but I guess the details must be attended to. While we were there, Jesse came in to be measured. Ron and he were added to the list of groomsmen recently. I understand there are 11 bridesmaids...oh my!

                             

Justin asked me to go with him for the measuring and said he'd treat me to dinner at the Panda Express. It was just delicious, with me having the spicy orange chicken with white rice. Justin had something else but I shared some of my chicken with him. I would recommend this restaurant very highly and look forward to having it again.

Wednesday was a meeting at The Club, my first time as an official member of this political group. It was there that the sad announcement was made about Orien. Other than the sad news it was a great gathering of ladies. I had the privilege of meeting and being photographed with a candidate for office for the 5th District, on a national level. I don't know how come I got picked to pose with this lady but I did, for several different pictures. That night was Sad Hour, already mentioned in a previous posting. 

The candidate is standing next to me, and on the far end is a lady who is running for a local office, school board member.

Thursday was Bible study at Victory with Justin able to join us again. Pastor always asks him to read, likes his 'young voice' and fortunately for Justin, it was a shorter chapter in Isaiah. Short, but packed with good stuff. We had two new 'students', visitors here from MA for three months, staying with their son in JAX. Originally from MN, the good doctor and his wife, extremely nice folks, were a welcome addition to the class. 

A large group of us went to their local Longhorn for lunch. The service we had there was extremely slow, and in fact, one lady had to leave without being able to eat more than her soup. Over an hour for mainly soup/salad orders was just a bit long. It really puts a pall over the group when this happens, since we felt so badly that Marilyn couldn't eat her meal. Rita and she were sharing a coupon so Rita asked the waitress to take Marilyn's meal off the ticket. I shall assume that happened. Too bad, not good customer service at all.

That night Justin and I joined Judy J. for dinner at Koko's. She'd been wanting to go since I got back from WI and it finally worked out for us to go. We had excellent service and their full attention, as always. When we left, we said, "See you tomorrow!" as we were coming back Friday night again with other friends!  

Before we went into the restaurant to find Judy, Julia spotted us and motioned for us to come in at Hang Ups. She gave out hugs and said she'd been thinking about us last week, knowing it was 'the week'. It made me wish I'd gone to the shop to see the ladies, but it was probably for the best, as they were getting ready for a show which opens on Sunday. I will see the ladies and others on Sunday then and make up for lost time. So glad Judy enjoyed her dinner as did we!