Got the picture?

This morning there was a perfect sunrise, or as I called it, The Crack of Dawn. The sun was quite far behind this color in the sky, but, I'll take it! The photo sort of washed out the pinkness of this strip of light---doesn't do it justice. 

A trio of manatees resting in the sunshine

My sister, Kerry, had scheduled her vacation to include time here with Justin and me. Due to some unforeseen circumstances, she likely won't be able to come. So very badly she wishes to see the manatees at play in the basin so I have been trying to capture them on video, using my cell phone. The good news is that they were active today, but the bad news is I cannot focus in one them very well. Most of the romping (how's that for a polite word?) takes place further out in the basin and my camera doesn't do a good job of capturing them. I took a video and posted it on Facebook for her and others to enjoy, seeing mainly the water being moved wildly about. To be taken on ground level does not help as the view is better from above, but is not close enough to the action. 

But, Kerry got the picture, so to speak, which will hopefully hold her over until such time that she witnesses in person. Her mother found this activity scandalous when she wintered with me in the past. She said, "Those manatees have no modesty..." tsk, tsk, tsk. And she is right! I wish I could post the video here for all to see but don't have the capability to do so. Just envision water splashing and fan tails slapping the water, swishing about...got the picture?

Memories of note

This morning a Facebook friend of mine, Debbie, wrote about how she enjoyed hearing the family in the Disney campground behind theirs, particularly their 4-5 year old son. He was talking up a storm! I suggested she write a note to give the parents to let them know how much they liked listening to him. Some day that note could be a treasure to the mom and dad. I know this personally to be true.

Here is my story:  not too long after Timmy died, Justin and I were dining at Sonny's BBQ after I'd picked him from school. On Wednesdays he had confirmation class so instead of going back to Fleming Island for that time in between we would grab an early dinner, often with Twila and Mark, before class. This time, however, it was only Justin and me. 

We were seated across the aisle from a young family with a child, perhaps 3 years old or older, who just did not wish to sit down quietly in the booth. Because the booths are made entirely of wood, his shoes made a nice racket as he danced around next to his mom, who struggled to get him to settle down. Justin and I did not mind, because he reminded us of someone we knew. Mom was getting frustrated, fearing he was bothering people. I didn't get it from anyone around us that he was, but I know how she felt. 

Before we left the table, I fished around in my purse for a scrap of paper to use for a note. I wrote to the parents, telling them to cherish these moments with their little guy because it can end quickly, explaining I had recently lost mine, so I knew whereof I spoke. Not a long note (really?) but just enough to get the message across. I gave it to them as I walked past their table and we left.

At this time in my life I was busy with scrapbooking including sessions at church where ladies could get together to work on our projects. It was such fun. One lady, Sue, had recently lost her father, and wanted to start a scrapbook about her parents. I was helping her with that somewhat, understanding how difficult it was to get started on such a project.  

One evening Sue called me and had a story to share: she had her grandson, Jacob, at the ballpark for t-ball practice and got into a conversation with another lady there. They got talking about scrapbooking and one thing led to another. Sue was telling about her project and the lady said she was just going to start scrapbooking. She told Sue how this lady at Sonny's had given her a note, suggesting they cherish these moments with their child, and she wanted to keep the note in a scrapbook. Sue scrunched up her face, thinking about that note...

That was when Sue called me to ask, "Were you at Sonny's on Wednesday night about a month ago?" I said I probably was..."Did you pass someone a note about their little boy?" I said I had and she said, "I just knew it had to be you!!!", and she told me about her conversation with that mom at the ball park. Imagine that!! This ball park is in Oakleaf, not even close to Sonny's which is even more unlikely that this chain of people would connect. So, as a result of my giving them this note, the lady became a scrapbooker. 

Sue gave me her phone number so I could call her if I wanted to but I never did make the call. I can still see it on my 'old' desk but since I've moved a few times since then, it's gone. I wonder if Sue ever sees her anymore. Jacob is now a ball player for his high school so it's possible that she does. Will have to ask her! I do hope Debbie writes a note to that family and lets them know (not only the Facebook friends) how much she enjoyed listening to their son expound on his joy at being at the Disney campground!

P.S. Here is something I read online after posting this and found it amazing: http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2015/04/29/this-mom-thought-it-was-weird-when-a-guy-gave-her-a-note-before-hopping-off-the-bus-when-she-read-it-it-left-her-emotional/

Dancing around my room

When Linda J. was here visiting me last September, she was having some troubles with her tummy or digestion. Over and over she apologized for it but I was glad for her to feel better after burping. My concern was that the German foods we enjoyed for our Oktoberfest dinner held during her time here caused the problem. She assured me it had begun before she traveled. Well, that's good, but not really, you know?

After Linda got home and returned to normal business, the problems seemed to escalate, resulting in pain and misery for her, sometimes all day, sometimes less time. The medical folks were stymied as to the cause, offering her prescriptions and over the counter treatments to help alleviate or even prevent an episode. Poor Linda hesitated to make longer-term plans because of not knowing how she'd feel.

Every day I spoke to her I wanted to know how she was feeling and while she felt like she was whining about it, I needed to know. Occasionally a week would go by without a problem and we'd (I'd) think it was finally over, but nope. It was incredibly frustrating to have the various doctors not be able to give her answer on what was going on. 

Last night Linda and I chatted via Facebook and she was feeling pretty good. When we parted company, she was going to sit in her chair with her feet up. My last words to her were that I was going to pray for her tummy troubles to be resolved. 

We didn't chat this morning before church like we usually do but I didn't think much of it. She leaves for church much earlier than do I, so I figured she just didn't have time. I was packing up my stuff from the table at Bible study when my phone went off. My sister, Jill, with whom I'd chatted this morning, was calling. She asked me, "Did you know Linda had surgery?" WHAT??  I sat right back down with my face in my hands, stricken by this news. I told her I did not and told Jill when we'd spoken last night, all was fine. Guess that didn't last!

Jill called me right after their service to tell me. The pastor had said a prayer for Linda and all were stunned by this news. After hanging up with Jill, I sent Tommy a text message, asking what was up. I feared some sort of intestinal resection had taken place or even worse, which Linda and I always tried not to talk about. Tommy messaged back that Linda was doing fine (he had gone to church that morning which helped me believe him) and would have her phone back by 11:30. I could hardly wait!

At the lunch table at Chili's I got permission from my companions to text her. She replied that she was feeling great (who feels great after surgery??). All this while her problem was an umbilical hernia!! I am no stranger to them, having had two repairs myself, but hers was done at 2:30 a.m. via arthroscopic surgery and that was why she had no pain. All these months of fiddling around with this and it was so simple. Ugh!

Apparently after we had disconnected last night she got violently ill and finally Tom called the doctor. The Dr. said to go to the ER and the rest is now history. A scan found the hernia and now it's gone! Hence, the dancing around my room. When we spoke this late afternoon her voice was raspy from having been intubated but it was minor. Linda might be going home tomorrow afternoon and for now is enjoying liquids yet until she can tolerate regular foods. 

She cannot believe how good she feels, this is just wonderful. What a relief---and an answer to the prayer of Saturday night/Sunday morning, in His time! I sure do hope my neighbors don't mind my dancing!!! 

Nice days ahead

This morning I was greeted by this wonderful sight, looking very much like a watercolor painting. It almost makes me want to get the paints out again and give it shot. But, then, the photo itself does the trick! Taken using my cell phone camera and no enhancement added, I can't do better than what God did for us!

Last year I broke every sort of record by getting into the pool in early May. People who were placing bets on me lost their money since it is usually around Memorial weekend before I break the surface of the pool. Peer pressure and having my fun noodle from Jacquie and Mark to play with when Linda J. was here visiting forced me into the drink. And yes, we did have a drink! 

A week ago I broke my standing record from 2014 by getting the pool with Nancy W. on her side of the property. She lured me over with promises of 85 degree water to go with our 88 degree temperature. Yes, sounds good to me! Their pool is more shallow than is The Club pool which means it warms up more quickly in the spring. She has been swimming laps for almost a month already, the trouper that she is.  

It is also somewhat more private which is nice too. Some of her other neighbors had come out to enjoy the pool and the sun which added to the enjoyment. I got in not only once, but twice, easing myself in. Nancy dives which spares her the shrieks and groans of going down the steps inch by inch. 

While I have been enjoying the heat, poor Justin and Ray were suffering from it. He came home tonight completely exhausted but did get himself cleaned up for going to Whitey's. Their weekly ritual (his boss and his wife, Justin, and sometimes, Jesse) of having half-price appetizers is such a good way for them to end their week. I stayed home this evening, not accepting the invitation from Nancy to join her group for happy hour around their pool. I didn't really have anything on hand to contribute to the gathering and was fine with staying in. Somehow I managed!

Love love love 4 Rivers!

This morning started by stopping---yes, I crept along the way to Victory heading for Bible study. If I had noticed the stop/go traffic on the overpass I might have changed my mind about getting onto the freeway, but I didn't, so I did! Since the terrible fiery crash a few months ago that took the life of a Navy family, I am reluctant to use the phone when driving to Bible study. This change has caused my mother a bit of upset because she scheduled her Thursday for my phone call. Now I call later in the day and she has to squeeze me into her full schedule. It stinks to be 90 and in such demand!

Once the backed-up traffic got to the first exit on the east/south end of the bridge, it cleared up for the rest of us going toward the Beach. Subconsciously I had gripped my steering wheel so tightly that I had to make the effort to let go. I really must be getting old, or else I am still somewhat shell-shocked after that terrible accident. I don't know if I mentioned this before, but my friend, Nancy, was out walking along the river and believe she heard the accident, or its after effects. The sound of metal scrapping and the explosion of the turned-over car. Makes me sick yet just thinking about it.

Class was again exceptional, as expected. What makes it so interesting is that our group is not limited in our discussions to the topic at hand. If someone has a personal story to bring up, an article to discuss, or if Pastor has something to share (he has the best experiences with people), we talk about it. And it eventually does fit into the portion of Isaiah we are presently discussing. This week is Isaiah 48 where the Savior was introduced. Pastor does not violate anyone's privacy, of course, but will share stories of phone calls he's gotten, or something a preschool parent has said to him. He is so good at his job, that's for sure.

Justin has had some long days since 'summer' began, and today was one of those, expected to have been cut short by rain that never came. He came running into the house shortly after The Five got done and stood in my door way, excited. He wanted to go to 4 Rivers for dinner so I grabbed my shoes and purse. Of course he had to shower first which he did amazingly fast. He had arranged to meet his boss/friend, William, there, who was the man who introduced Justin to 4 Rivers. When his wife and he lived in the Orlando area, they found this chain, and then took Justin with them to the store on the Southside. And now we have one of our own, just north of Wells Road. 

We arrived before Will did so waited around outside for him. I had a card for a free sandwich so I used that for my meal, a brisket sandwich. I was greeted by several of the staff members (already they know me!). Justin laughingly told William that this is normal and he was fine with it. I believe it helps to form 'relationships' with the staff to ensure quality care and this has occurred. They even go to refill my soda for me which I appreciate, when they ask if we need anything. I am a big fan of good customers and excellent customer service!  

Since I had the sandwich tonight, I managed to eat all the meat which I had dumped off the bun. The meal came with two sides, both mac 'n cheese, which allows me two meals another time. My standard order comes with three sides so I ordinarily take the green beans plus my mac 'n cheese. Justin was surprised I had eaten all the meat but he had some leftover to bring home with us, plus a part of his side order. He absolutely loves their biscuits, giant ones, so gets one of those as a 'side' dish. They provide plastic covers for the side containers, self-service, plus bags for putting everything into for the trip home. Such a good value for the money, and a lovely time spent with William this evening. Justin is blessed to work for such a nice guy. We are rarely ever without something to talk about. Seems like all day was talk talk talk!

I don't know diddly

It seems as though I know absolutely nothing sometimes. I do know stuff but just not the same stuff as asked at Trivia tonight. Sadly Justin was not able to join us since he gets home from work quite late and is exhausted when he does get here. That means The Palace had only two representatives so Nancy L. and I joined in with Nancy's team. They play much differently than does The Palace team. Everything is up for discussion, and must be done by consensus, written on a piece of paper which is passed around for all to view and agree. It was downright painful to play. Ploddingly so. We also had to vote on the point value to list with the answer. Justin would not have tolerated this. More than once I would tell the little old lady in charge that the fellow was waiting for our answer. This team often would hold up production on other Trivia nights and now I see why. Yikes!   

It is not because we didn't win that I suffered, though. The game was well run, which was nice for a change. The previous few times there was a pinch hitter who ran the game and he struggled with it. Tonight's fellow had pre-written the catagories on the page for us, and even wrote the names of the teams on the little slips we hand in showing our answers and point value. Top-shelf management of the game. But, some of the questions were simply more than trivial, if that makes any sense. One such question asked for the middle name of Arnold Palmer (it is David). What??? It happened often that not even one team would get the correct answer, when usually at least one would do so. It happens on Jeopardy!, too, when none of the players rings in to answer. I can't recall what the question was right now, but one answer was off by 100 years, and I brought this to his attention. It was a typo on the program so we got the points.  Whew!

Nancy W. and Nancy L. at my ladies' luncheon

I do like the ladies Nancy L. and I played with, including Nancy W's other neighbors. Just last week some of us enjoyed Nancy's pool together and we've gone out to eat together as well. They are such good friends to Nancy and I am glad about that, helping her to fit into their cozy neighborhood on the north end of our property. I am glad they let us sit in to play with them tonight. We didn't win but we sure were not in last place, though we easily could have been!  

A "Gold"en afternoon

Today Nancy and I had the best time, starting with an appointment at Mai's Nail Salon on Fleming Island to get our feet taken care of. My toes and feet hadn't been addressed since Mom treated me for my birthday in WI so they were looking and feeling rather rough. It's nearly pool season which means the feet take somewhat of a beating in the water. Our two techs did not speak English nor did they speak to each other. Didn't matter to us as we talked to each other. Instead of asking what services we wanted, the ladies handed us a price list and we had to point to what we wanted. I wonder how they function outside this salon? 

The two of us arrived early for our appointments and they took us right away, which allowed for extra time before the movie. We went next door to Mojo's for a quick bite, sharing a half order of onion rings and Nancy had an appetizer portion of fried shrimp. We did have to hurry a bit to get over to the theater, same parking lot but too far to walk.

Nancy and I chose to go on Tuesday because it was supposed to be a $5 movie day. Alas, we were not Frequent Viewer Card holders (now we are!) so had to pay the higher price for the movie, but were able to use our newly acquired cards for discounted concessions. We got into the theater prior to the movie starting but found ourselves facing a nearly full theater. We ended up climbing to the tippy top row in order to sit centered in the theater. The theater 'sweet spot' as Sheldon Cooper would call it. 

We saw the movie "Woman in Gold" and it was absolutely fantastic. Not wanting to give it all away or anything, this true story featuring Helen Mirren and Ryan Reynolds tells how this family's treasured portrait is sought for recovery from the country of Austria. It was confiscated by the Nazi's when the Jews were being persecuted in Vienna, and Maria is nearly tireless in her endeavors to get it back. A less than enthusiastic lawyer, the son of Maria's friend, is roped into helping her and becomes obsessed with the whole thing once he 'connects' with the horrors of what took place in his ancestor's homeland. It was a wonderful movie---allowed us to giggle and me to weep. The movie will stay with me for a while as I ponder it. A good investment of time and money today as my feet are fixed up and groomed, and my spirit fed, as well!