Exercise and errands

Today was a busy one for me, starting off with water exercise class this a.m. It was a bright, sunshiny morning but the water was a bit chillier than I like. My neighbor, Nancy L., came out to the class, too. Together we climbed under the CAUTION tape on the sidewalk leading up toward the adult pool (it was removed on the one end or I'd have gone around). Friday evening, hardly a branch stirring, this enormous portion of the water oak tree along the pool fence came down. Miss Chardonay was walking her dog when it happened and was missed by the tree, but her teeny tiny dog got tangled up on the branches. The story goes that she had to get down on her knees to free the little puppy. That was close! 

This is the shot I took from the 3rd floor on Sunday morning as I was leaving for church. You can see the long reach of the branches and limbs.

The tree trimming folks were already at work on another portion of the property so they must have come over to clear the branches away from the sidewalk on Monday. As you can see, part of the fence is smashed where the heavy limbs came down. Ruts are in the ground from where it hit. 

After the class and drying off, I came back up here to change clothes and get ready to run some errands. Nancy had asked me to come by to look at her e-mail for her, as she was having a problem putting names in her contact list. She called me when she was ready for me to come, asking if I'd had lunch. I said I had, though it wasn't much, but I didn't want her to feed me. It turned out Nancy had made herself an avocado salad with something else I certainly would not have enjoyed. I was able to show her a few things but she, too, was leaving for errands. 

I made a good plan for my outing so as not to back track too much or have the car sit with groceries in it too long. First to Walgreens for soda (best price right now), then to Great Hang Ups to pick up my framed pieces. They matched the frame from Timmy's sunflower picture onto the photo given me by his classmates, so they can hang together. Got to see both Julia and Dee this visit, and heard about their quick trip to NYC and Martha's Vineyard recently, for Dee's birthday and wedding anniversary (married 55 years!).

From there I went to Publix to get hamburger and buns, as requested by Justin, as he wanted to try a new recipe for our dinner tonight. I had used the hamburger this a.m. to make some baked beans so fresh burger was needed. I did forget one of the ingredients he needed but was able to come up with Plan B and make it work. Of course, I got many other things from Publix as long as I was there, several from the BO/GO bins. I got us some Johnsonville Brats to make sausage, peppers, 'n onions one of these days. We'll have to come up with a night for them, and soon, before the peppers get wrinkly!

Just as I got home from the stores and bank, and was unloading my car, it started to thunder. Got back just in time. Justin has told me I don't need to check on him when storms are rolling through as he has several weather apps on the phone and know when to come in from the rain. It's not the rain that concerns me, most days, but the lightning. They find the rain to be refreshing until such time that the machines struggle or they can't see anymore. I just wait for him to let me know his status and try to not be too concerned.

Justin made his embellished hamburgers and we enjoyed them on the wonderful buns from Publix (they are just the best buns!) along with the baked beans I'd mixed up this a.m. He is coming down with a cold and feeling somewhat miserable so an early night was his, after mixing up some honey and lemon to soothe his throat. Poor guy! We had so much dinner that neither of us cut into the mini-pies I picked up for dessert. BO/GO pies can't be beat!

Calzones as big as your head!

It was a crazy mixed up day again today with no Monday Bible study or lunch with the ladies. Pastor and his family, plus Michael C., are off to Tampa for our church's district convention. Somehow I managed to find something else to do. Because of going to dinner tonight, I was reluctant to go out to the pool and get all caught up out there. Instead I worked on some church stuff which has been ignored for too long, like making up name tags for the Greeters.

The Ladies' Group 'picnic' was held at The Pasta Market yet again this year. It was hard to find a suitable restaurant for us ladies open on a Monday evening, that accomodate a group of our number, and not too expensive. We had three other places in mind which did not work out so I made an executive decision and booked us at Pasta Market. I think everyone was okay with that. Not too far to drive and the food was great! Half of my calzone, the small one, came home with me for another time.

Thinking of the Italian food, Justin and I were talking about the sequel being made of "My Big, Fat Greek Wedding" the other day. He declared that one of the best movies he's ever seen and I can't help but agree. We had such laughs, going back through the familiar dialog and the comical scenes from the movie. "Ma, I'm going to the K-Mart for pantyhose. Want some?" "Just don't get me the queen-size, they make me look fat..." Oh, how we laughed as we recounted the funny lines to each other. I am not sure just how humorous a sequel can be and wonder if I will actually wish to see it. Why ruin a good thing?

It seems the other two ladies from church and I are all set to have a baby shower for a young woman who has been attending GS since last fall. She is from my home county and both her husband and she are stationed at NASJAX. That means they will be around here for a couple of years anyway. Angel and Chad are in the Bible Information Class, she already being confirmed. Her brother is a student at my alma mater high school. It seems that Sue and Kelsi had been talking about having a surprise shower, and Sue was surprised to hear me talking about having one, too. Angel and I had already come up with a date and such, so we are merging our two parties into one, held at church instead of at my house. It will be nice, and an easy place for people to find, lots of room, etc. My job is the invitations and the paper goods, Sue is getting the cake, and Kelsi---well, we can fill in those blanks as we get closer!  A baby at Good Shepherd, how exciting!

Formal protest!!

Today I issued a formal protest because, once again, my Sunday afternoon at the pool was not to be. NUTS! No pool time this entire weekend makes me quite grumpy. Well, at least, momentarily so. The good part of the day, the examination and confirmation rite, went well, with lots of visitors in church for this important occasion. This year the examination was set up in the Fellowship Hall for some reason with rows of chairs set up facing the confirmands and then another two rows somewhat behind them. I got there early enough to have a good visibility seat. 

Not a good day for the organist to call in sick, though. The ushers were hustling to change the hymn boards as different hymns were being loaded into the MIDI at the last minute. Instead of using the hymnal supplement for the order of service, it was printed out in the giant-sized folder, a source of great contention among the congregation. That's what I get for just telling Mom the other day that they were a thing of the past. Not only is it expensive to print but it's large to handle (my friend said it makes a good umbrella, though!) during the service and noisy when folks try to turn the pages. Oh, what I am fussing about? People are always trying to re-invent the wheel some way or another.

Gretchen and Michael after church

After the service was a reception, the cake being picked up by Terri T. I guess she got a couple phone calls expecting the Ladies' Group was getting the cake for confirmation, but 'we' were not, so she just went and got one. She almost didn't make it to church due to recovering from bronchitis and went straight home afterward to go back to bed. She is a trouper! and today, saved the day by getting a cake. Thanks to Terri and her best friend, Publix! Judy and Betty took care of serving it and a bunch of us cleaned up afterward, before heading to Chili's for our regular scheduled lunch!

We had far better service this week than we did last week at Chili's, a smaller group this week, as well.  Judy allowed me to treat her today, because the previous two times we ate together someone else grabbed her bill, as it was her birthday on the 4th. She said she liked having people fighting over her like this. By the time we got out of the restaurant, it had begun raining and I wore my sad face all the way home. Jacquie and I had planned on spending time together this weekend, poolside, and because I was gone to Arlington all day Saturday, she stayed home and re-did her closets! She'll show me! That is a good project for Mark and her, though I missed seeing her. Glad we had lunch on Thursday and spent time in the pool that day!

Justin and I had a nice, quiet balance of the day at home, after he had busy Friday and Saturday evenings already this weekend. (It's so sweet that he worries about me finding something to eat when he is going away.) All in all we had a very nice day of Pentecost and made the most of missing out on pool time. Sunday nights stink on ice most times as far as TV viewing goes, so, you'll never believe what is on while I write this---Matlock! Yes, I could get a video out to listen to as I write but it's cozy under my covers so Andy Griffith it is!, at least for a while. Trust me, I will NOT make a habit of this!

I did it!

My trusty GPS got me all the way to Arlington and back again today, and I could not be more thrilled. The very day I received the invitation in the mail for young Michael's (formerly known as Mikey) confirmation celebration, I printed off the driving directions. My worst fears were not realized----somehow thinking I had to go through downtown to get there. Nope, it was I-295, known exits, and then some curving around once off the main drags. The very well versed GPS could have put me in their garage if it wasn't full of tables and chairs!

My cell phone served as the GPS, so contrary to what some people think, making mock of these smart phones, I can't imagine how people got to their destinations without them. It was after I had a rough time trying to get a carload of ladies to Fran's house for a Christmas party one year that caused Justin to absolutely freak out. We ladies in unfamiliar territory, not knowing where we were....The very next opportunity we had, he spirited me to a Sprint store to get an upgraded phone with the GPS built into it so THAT would never happen again! 

I did have one shaky moment when getting onto I-295 (now called the east beltway, used to be 9A....whatever it is!) from St. Johns Bluff on the way home. I had to get over, coming up the ramp, and a car somewhat behind me was not willing to allow me to get over. We were close to each other, WAY too close for my liking, before I finally eased into the lane, halfway on the shoulder to do so. 

When Justin was learning to drive, I would stress to him the importance of not being cocky on the road, expect people to be less than kind, and to be the most kind. I needed that driver to me more kind and gracious, and not put our cars and lives at risk. Thanks be to God for sparing us from a collision and possible injury (besides jarred nerves!). I also have added compassion for this family in Arlington, making the long trip to GS at least once a week, sometimes more than once!

Before I headed that direction, I stopped at CVS Pharmacy to pick up a confirmation card for Michael. Nothing like waiting until the last minute! Well, the racks are full of cards for every occasion, including birthday cards for pets, dance recital acknowledgement, and even a bar mitzvah card, but no confirmation cards. I got a very nice "Thinking of You" card and wrote my own message in it for him. I am no Hallmark writer but think I did okay. 

I was the first guest at the party, except for Fran, who was busy in the kitchen. Soon, others arrived, including my friend, Judy, who was so surprised to see that I drove all by myself. She had picked up Gretchen, and had the two Mike's with her as well. Cliff and Carol were there, and some others from church, as well as classmates of Michael's from his school, neighbors, and friends. The actual confirmation rite is tomorrow, on Pentecost, and I am confident that he will do great during the examination portion and the service. He attends a Lutheran grade school now which really helps with understanding and grasp of the material. He is really a sweet kid, with an enormous passion for Nascar! 

When I got home from the party, Justin informed me that he was going with his friends to a new restaurant/brewery place, and was concerned that I wouldn't have anything to eat. At that point I could not even consider dinner, but I assured him I would be just fine. He went in search of stuff in the kitchen which could make suitable dinner food. It was then he suggested some frozen soups I have and the idea of chili really appealed to me. Justin paid me the compliment that I make good chili, and few other things which are good. I can stand it!  

There was no Jeopardy! for me to watch while I ate tonight as some sporting event was being aired from Everbank Field, non-American 'futbol'. I guess I shouldn't say non-American, because it is a team from the USA playing against one from Nigeria. It's just NOT football, is my point. The man who owns the Jaguars also owns a 'futbol' team so those games can be held here as well. People are determined to get the USA to accept this sport and it seems great headway is being made that direction. My bro-in-law, in the sport paraphernalia business, says futbol is a very large portion of their market. That, and Nascar, imagine that! 

Typing by lightning

As I am writing, thunder is serenading me and flashes of lightning brighten my room. This is not the first storm of the day, however. This later afternoon another came through, complete with rain, the thunder beginning just after 4:00 pm. That was okay with me since I'd been outside the better part of the afternoon. Today, I was able to get outside well in advance of the weather changing from wonderful sunshine to overcast. But this was not to happen until after we pool dwellers enjoyed the company of cigarette boats roaring up the river, the sound of helicopters, and then, a blimp!

Fun with Jacquie

This morning I drove to Victory for Bible study, taking Mom with me over the long distance air waves. Not over the wires any longer. It was an uneventful drive, thankfully, with me arriving in the lot before anyone else except for Pastor. Some folks are traveling up north, while others had previous commitments. Only five of us today, but still an excellent class. We covered another 'woe' of Isaiah's, and it fell to me to play Justin's role of researcher, having to look up the Battle of Carchemish. Pastor wanted me to confirm the date, and, in case you are wondering, it was 610 BC. Justin trained me well on the iPad!

Because we were short on attendees, we did not get the bulletins folded before class began. I apologized to those I was leaving to do the chore, but I had to be back at The Club to meet my friend, Jacquie, for lunch. The menu for the quick lunch appealed to us both---you can't go wrong with pizza and pasta. Jacquie was picking up some rings she'd had reworked, rings from her great grandmother. I was excited for her to see the finished work, and for me to see them as well.

Because Pastor had a meeting right after class, we got out sooner which allowed for me to get over to meet Jacquie sooner. She met me on the sidewalk near the pool to show me her treasures, and they were just beautiful. She was so so happy! Our meals were delicious, and I even had some of the salad today, Caesar salad, of course, with the Italian fare. We could have sat longer and chatted, but the pool was waiting!

She changed her clothes in the cabana bath and I ran upstairs to get my suit on. Somehow I managed to get back out there before she got changed, but, as I said to Jacquie, you don't want to see my bathroom floor! The clothes just went flying in my great rush. We were alone part of the time, save for the cabana staff, but then one of our newer members, Bernie, came out. That was sort of fun, as he knew the story of the cupcake fiasco. Jacquie presented me with box of cake mix, which was NOT expired. Devil's Food, mind you---ha, ha!

Jacquie had to head back to the 'Burg and I came back up here to take a rest before leaving for Bible Information Class. Justin got home earlier than usual from work and offered to make dinner for us, even though it would be late. He didn't mind and I sure did not either! He made breaded chicken tenders for us, with a side dish of angel hair pasta with sauce. Hmmm...today I got Devil's Food and angel hair!  When I walked up to the door, Justin pulled it open, hearing me coming, and I said, "Oh, does it ever smell good in here!"  He said, "That's what I like to do..." I am so glad he does like it, sure works out for me!

Preschool graduation

Last night I hurried over to church to be there in time to set up the Fellowship Hall for the preschool graduation reception. I had talked with Betty about a few days ago, telling her I was bringing mini-cupcakes and that I was going to put tablecloths on the tables with some centerpieces. And, I would be there at 5:30 to get things taken care of. But, when I walked in, the room was all set to go. So, instead, I called Mom and chatted with her until Betty arrived. Judy and she had been there earlier in the day because Judy wasn't sure what time she'd get there in the evening. It's okay, I like talking to Mom!

Instead of the cupcakes I brought store-bought cookies which I'd picked up at Publix on Monday, BO/GO. So glad I did because I had a disaster with the cupcakes. Monday night I used a mix from the cabinet, a yellow cake mix, for which I'd gotten chocolate frosting. As I put the mix in the bowl, added the water, oil, and egg, I was surprised at the consistancy of the batter (soup!) and the aroma it had. I smelled the egg shells I'd cracked and they were fine. The oil smelled fine...what the heck? I added some vanilla to try to fix it but nope, they stunk. Still, I ladled the soupy mess into the little cupcake papers and baked them. 

When Justin came out of his room, he said, "Oooh, they don't even smell good..." and immediately I said, "I know! I even added vanilla to help them smell better."  He tried to unwrap one and it came apart, hollow in the middle. Yech, just yech! 36 mini-cup cakes went in the trash. I should not have wasted the paper wrappers or the heat from the oven besides the other ingredients on these wretched things. The box had no expiration date on that Justin or I could find, but the box in the cabinet did, and it was expired as of last year. We tossed that box in the trash right after the failed cup cakes. Store bought cookies it shall be!

Back to the graduation----the kids did a marvelous job, their teachers leading the graduates through the lessons they learned in the classroom. No, not about math or the alphabet, but what they learned about Jesus and His story. Miss Lisa would ask them a question and one of the kids would answer, every time getting it right, and then they sang a little song about the topic. They even sang part of the liturgy and recited The Lord's Prayer. Hard to find sweeter words than those...The parents and grands were very good about not interrupting with applause and most remained in their seats for the program. The students did a very good job and enjoyed the slide program that Michael put together for the night. I even got 'credit' in the program as being the photographer! I love being able to help out with these preschool events and seeing the kids grow this way, in Christ!