Pondering some things

The other day I wrote about the funeral Justin and I attended for our friend who passed away suddenly while on vacation. Living life and doing what he enjoyed, he died while swimming between a boat and the shore. No one is sure exactly what happened, if it was the current pulling him under, or if he had a heart attack, or what. His family members who spoke at the service mentioned how no matter what happened, Big O died doing what he loved. 

There was a slide presentation playing prior to the service on a large screen in front of the sanctuary, showing pictures of Big O and his family from young to the last posed one at The Club on New Year's Eve. Included also were shots of him in his various civic organizations including Rotary and Chamber of Commerce groups.

This was one of the first times Justin has attended a funeral reception held some place other than a church, which is why he wondered about the open bar scenario, etc. My mom wrote to me, referencing a recent obit in her local paper, where the woman was having a 'celebration of her life' at a center next to the funeral home, used by those who don't have church services, or for use after the service. It didn't mention open bar, nor do I know the practice of the proprietors of this center. 

I told Mom I fully expect a celebration after my service where my favorite foods will be served and people can tell their stories, instead of passing the microphone around during the worship service. I won't know what folks will say because I'll be at the heavenly banquet. They might not be able to talk anymore after singing all the hymns I've chosen for my service!

Mom has trouble getting her newspaper and the obits online more often than not so I will look them up for her and e-mail the ones I think she might know. Sometimes I will read them to her over the phone if it works out. Mom marvels at just how much stuff people did in their lives before they died---participating in clubs, playing cards, civic duties, working jobs while farming, traveling, doing mission work, and so on. 

                                 

She has a friend with whom she grew up who is now under Hospice care, having been diagnosed with cancer and given a short time to live. This woman is absolutely amazing (known her all my life!) being active in associations, teaching 4-H, running a green house business, working in various capacities at church (FG), active in the past with the volunteer fire dept., and other social clubs. She was a whirlwind, and at age 92, is soon to go home. 

A few years ago a couple from our church celebrated a landmark wedding anniversary. Andy was in a VA nursing home in the next county where the party was being held. We got to tour the facility, see his room, and the other veterans being served in this lovely, lodge-like atmosphere. 

What I took away from my visit was the cool 'window' bulletin board mounted on the walls outside each room. In his mock 'window' was a history of Andy, showing him as a child, a young man in the service, working for the railroad, his wedding picture, a written biography telling who Andy was, and is. While the dementia may have taken away his memories and his usual personality, this window-view of his life showed the staff and visitors who he used to be, and from where he came. And, to whom he mattered! 

I think this was most helpful to the people who took care of him, to know he wasn't always old, wasn't always forgetful, wasn't always in a wheelchair. This idea would have been most helpful to the staff where I used to work, though most of the dining room and kitchen staff rarely got to the floors where the residents lived. I did, however, several times a day and think it would have been nice to know and to be reminded that these folks have not always been old and perhaps 'difficult'. We, the staff, only got them at the end of their lives, probably not seeing everyone at their best. Their families knew them at their best, however, and I bet would have liked us to know their family member that way, too. Often we would know someone, being it is a small town and all that, but still, to hear about people's history and where they've been and what they've done would have been so good to know, at least for someone like me.

A "Super" Day

In the old days, we had to wait to see the commercials planned to air during the Super Bowl game, but several have been made available to get a sneak peek online and perhaps other sources ahead of the game. This is good for someone like me whose eyes will not be rivited to the game, at least I don't think so anyway. One of my favorite Super Bowl ads was from a couple years ago featuring a little boy dressed as Darth Vader. He was walking around, giving commands to things at his home, and thanks to remote start with his dad at the controls, thinks he uses his "Vader powers" to start the car in the driveway. So cute!

Justin has been able to help people all over the place (well, maybe that's an exaggeration) with their computers and other electronics. Ever since our neighbor, Hugh, asked Justin to help him figure out the Apple TV and other components, he's been getting calls. Or I have, actually. Hugh was so pleased with the help Justin gave him that he wrote a very nice letter and sent it out to his contact list, touting my boy. This has prompted Justin to take on-line classes toward getting his certification, this in addition to regular tech podcasts and blog reading in which he is immersed. He is quite excited about all this, as am I.

He was going to help someone on Saturday morning and asked me if he could use my car for this errand. Jokingly he said he could just drop me off at Grumpy's, but I said I'd be fine at home. Well, yesterday after he'd left, Terri T. sent me a message asking if I wanted to go to Grumpy's. I explained that Justin had my wheels so she came to pick me up. We had a lovely breakfast together, seeing our former member, Kathy, there with her daughter and grandson, Griffin. Kelly and her family is moving to TX so Kathy is prepared to make regular trips that direction in order to see her little grandson. She will surely miss them, I know that, since they spend much time together.

This photo was taken from Grumpy's Facebook page, which they taunt me with daily...

Besides my meal, I ordered three dinner rolls (mini-loaves of bread!) and three biscuits to take home with me. These will make wonderful sandwiches for us. Justin already had one with summer sausage on it. While the mini-rolls we make with pizza dough are delicious, these home-baked breads are that much better.

Last night, rather, late afternoon, I went to church for the Branches Band concert. It was okay but I sure don't like the listeners applauding after singing the hymns. Several times the congregation (attendees, I should say) were invited to join in singing, which was nice. The theme was Epiphany so the hymns and songs were from that section of the hymnal, for the most part. The meal afterward was out of this world, with Judy stepping in for Sue and getting things ready. Judy had frozen the leftover taco meat from Mexican night which was just delicious reheated for the meal. I ate mine on the plate with shredded cheese over the top. So tasty! We had a couple of guests, two from Keystone Heights, plus two granddaughters of Jean N., and a couple more kids who came with friends. Judy's remark to me was, "Sue must have schmoozed alot of people..." as she placed phone calls to our members to encourage them to come. It worked for them as it worked for me! 

The empty spot on the table was for the crock pot of taco meat which was coming out later.

After worship this a.m. and our lunch at Chili's, Justin is going to Jesse's for Super Bowl fun. They are starting early with their tailgate party and games set up in the yard. Justin is taking sweet/sour meat balls as his donation to the food. I'm not sure if they are also grilling but it sounds like it's going to be a good time. Guesses are the game will be a close one. Since I have no dog in the fight, I am not that interested, but Justin, if he has to choose, likes the 'work ethic' of Peyton Manning. He heard a story about how even when in the ice bath keeps his helmet on to listen to the plays, etc., always working. My brother-in-law, in the sports collectible business, has been busy since the end of the play-offs and has the production people standing at the ready to go to "press" when the game is over tonight. Usually I check with him to see which team are the better customers but I haven't done so yet today. I cheer for the ones who buy the most WinCraft products! Go, David!

I seem to be forgetting something

Recently I wrote about meetings upon meetings, and yet missed one. On Wednesday I had a luncheon meeting at Pengree's with my friend and investment counselor, Diane. As I headed out, I met Hugh and Connie downstairs. Hugh scolded me for not having my wool coat on, as I carried a heavy cardigan over my arm, plus sported a turtleneck and substantial sweater. I felt like he was my daddy, making me go upstairs to get my coat. I didn't do it, but appreciated his cautions to me. It was biting that day, but I was running a bit late.

The meeting was at Pengrees, not more than a few blocks from my house, which was my plan since the weather was so crumby. Diane was between other meetings herself so this was convenient for her as well. She ran a bit late but that was fine, there was lots going on in the restaurant to entertain me. At the next table to mine was a group of ladies, one of whom was my neighbor. She asked me to join them, but I explained I had someone coming to meet with me. 

Diane and I had a fine visit together, as we always do, talking about everything under the sun (oh, we wish for some sun!) and eventually got around to business. I brought half my lunch home to share with Justin, who was home from work that day due to the weather. He didn't mind one little bit eating my leftovers! 

I didn't mention much about the event at The Club on Saturday night. I had to ditch the Mexican dinner being held at church to join my friend/dentist, Peggy, at her sponsored table at a fund raiser. Peggy does volunteer work at a free clinic in Green Cove, for which is fundraiser was intended. The place was packed, and everyone wore their finest. I wore my peacock poncho which I wore to another fund raising event a year ago. Never ceases to get compliments, though it seems to be falling apart. Perhaps I can fix it so no more threads some off (I leave a trail sometimes). A man I know, Rob, a state Senator for our area, gave me a big hug. He told me he found out afterward why I was at the Senior Presentation for St. Johns, seated right behind them. Hence, the big hug. He was most complimentary, and entirely sincere in his kind words.

There was silent auction, handled by making bids on our cell phones so no one had to stand by the sheets and keep upping the bids. Very smart! The wait staff was so attentive, the food absolutely divine, especially the sliced roast beef on silver dollar rolls. The company was also great, plus much money was earned to support this privately-funded clinic. It serves my friend, Amber, which is one other reason why I went.

From left: Terri, Judy, Michael, Justin, and Sue

Friday afternoon I was on the phone much of the time, making Prayer Chain calls. Sue, the sweet lady making the arrangements for the meal after the concert, suffered a heart attack on Thursday night. She was taken by ambulance to the hospital and they had to use the paddles on her to get her restarted en route. She has since had three stents put in and is in ICU. Poor Sue has had so many ailments over the years, but keeps bouncing back. I hope this is true again for her after this. Please keep Sue in your thoughts and prayers for recovery from her heart attack and procedures. Thanks!

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!)