Fall Fest Sunday

Today our church was having more than one event including our monthly Fellowship Sunday plus a Fall Fun Fest for the kids. Before church one of the ladies involved in putting this together expressed her concern that there would be no kids, but we did end up with about 8, four of whom were non-members. I feel badly for the groups who go through so much effort and then we don't have the expected participation. My goddaughter, Sarah, had her two cousins there which helped, the youngest boy being in our preschool. They enjoyed the bounce house, bobbing for apples, having balloon shapes made, pumpkin painting tables and other set ups. My group left when Judy had the Fellowship stuff taken care of, and went to have lunch.

Terri prompted Gretchen and Ethel to pose by the hay bales after church. The ladies didn't want to sit down and get hay in their pants so they stood. So funny!

Judy's granddaughter, a student at UF, doesn't care for Chili's so we went this week to Sam's St. Johns Seafood. I am not ordinarily a fish eater but at this place I do like their fried pollack. Michael was able to take home the cheese grits which automatically come with the meal. He took home three people's portions so will eat for several days! Those of us who were able to track the progress of the Jaguar game which had begun at 9:30 a.m. in London, did so. While we were dining, the Jags won!! Something cool happened as we sat chatting at our table---a lady passed by on her way to the door and softly spoke to me. I didn't really hear all she said but Victoria asked me, "Did you know that lady? She said you look beautiful..." Shoot! I wish I'd understood and said something as nice in return, rather than just smiling at her. 

Justin was at Jesse's to watch the game and enjoy chicken wings. Who eats wings at that hour? But they don't care. He is also making Fruity Pebble waffles. Jesse is superstitious, likes to do the same things done the last time the Jags win, so I guess they will have to stay and play in London!!!  Next week is a BYE so Justin will be in church again. 

November 1st we are hosting a joint Reformation service with three other congregations in our area, one church over an hour away. Supposedly there will be a combined choir but when I talked to Anne from Victory she said they hadn't been rehearsing anything. Oh, oh...our choir was planning on some support from across the river and I hope that changes by next weekend. Today we had two people in our rehearsal besides the director and accompanist. The other folks, three of whom were teens, were involved in the Fall Fest, so an alto and soprano practiced our hymns. We are using one from the Supplement and one from hymnal. Interestingly, we are singing "God's Word is Our Great Heritage" to the tune of Ein Feste Burg which really takes some concentration!! 

At Easter this year, H & B were visiting from WI and attended Good Shepherd with Justin and me. This time they are planning to attend worship at Victory and Harv's brother is going with them. Pastor H. told me he always celebrates Reformation on the last Sunday of October so they are singing "Ein Feste Burg" today. I understand that besides the adult choir, they are having a children's choir singing as well. I am sure it was an awesome service. 

What a good day!

This evening Justin and I entertained my brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Harv and Barb, visiting from our home town. Harv,  Justin's godfather, and his wife, are staying with his brother who had other plans for the evening so they were all ours. Justin and I met them at "Koko's" (aka Saigon Tokyo) for an early dinner, as Justin reminded me that they are from WI...Ha ha. Our friends and family from up north eat earlier than we do, usually, and we don't want anyone to pass out. While Justin and I waited for them, Tracy, the owner, came over to sit with us to chat, and offered us a complimentary appetizer to enjoy before dinner. Very nice!

H & B were a bit late as they got involved watching a college football game, the WI Badgers, but time was not an issue for us. We enjoyed our meal and the conversation, plus the little show that Eddie put on for us while cooking our meals. Thanks to the appetizer and the bounteous portions, both Barb and I had leftovers to go with us. Justin had the sushi meal so never has leftovers and Harv ordered scallops which he cleaned right up. 

I rode home with H & B to show them the way, as the last time they were at my home, Easter time, they followed me. Justin went ahead in my car, and when we got here, he had the front door open for us. We spent the rest of the evening in the family room, talking, after checking the final score of the Badger game. Fortunately for us Justin had no other plans for the evening so he could stay to visit with his auntie and uncle. Barb had just lost her mom in the last couple of weeks, a lady dear to Justin and me, so we talked a bit about that. Mainly her concerns were locating the items her mom had wanted for her funeral including items which were placed in her coffin. That touched me. 

My neighbor, Ellen, shared this photo with me, taken tonight

Just before they were leaving tonight, we enjoyed an up close and personal fireworks show. Our building had been notified that there would be such a show, put on by the wedding families at The Club, but I had forgotten, even though I was the one who shared the information!! H & B liked it, too, saying they'd never seen one quite so close. It was just to the north of our building, in full sight of The Club. Wow!  Justin and I pull out all the stops when company comes!!

Earlier in the day I was invited to breakfast with Terri, once again meeting at Grumpy's. The second time in a week! I had misfiled my gift certificate from Grumpy's (have now found it) so had to actually pay for my lunch. I have almost enough left on the certificate for one more meal, courtesy of my CO kids!  The hostess seated us at the 'romantic' table, a two-top situated in the corner. When Terri found me there she said, "No one puts Baby in a corner!", ala "Dirty Dancing", which was humorous. But it was okay to be out of the way of all the traffic this restaurant has.

We had asked Judy to join us since she was over at church but she was going to see her grandson play soccer. She doesn't babysit for him any longer so this is an opportunity for her to see him again. We'll have lunch tomorrow so that's okay if she misses out this one time. When talking on the phone this a.m. Judy told me she had gone over this week and trimmed our friend, Betty's, shrubs which had extended beyond the sidewalk, blocking her path. That Judy is something else!

This afternoon I talked for some time with Linda, this time on the phone instead of the computer. She had an absolutely amazing evening at church last night for a marriage 'retreat' type of event. That will be a whole 'nother posting, I am afraid. I am so glad for her, and for Tommy, and those others who were able to participate. I was cool to be hear her voice again, though there is nothing ever stopping us from calling, we simply choose other methods of communication these days!

All day plans

The morning started with a jaunt over to The Club to meet Nancy for breakfast. She was going to be short on her monthly minimum, thanks to the cabana being closed! I had met mine having dinner with my friends on Casual Grille Night for Pat's birthday a few weeks ago. Thanks to Happy Hour and Trivia she used part of her minimum and our breakfast should probably get her closer, if not there. Sometimes it doesn't seem to take long, as singles has a lower requirement, as expected. Anyway, I was hungry for some of their delicious bacon. Woe is me, there was no hot buffet today!!

As I walked over, this black cat had me in its sights!

There is a major event being held at The Club tonight so the group which usually meets on Friday mornings was not there. Nancy and I ordered from the menu instead and got orders of bacon from the kitchen which was not done the same as on the buffet. It had to do, I guess. Of course, it was just fine and we enjoyed our breakfasts. We talked about the upcoming PACE event I am hosting next week Friday. I am getting so excited about it.

This rose was along the pool fence as I walked back home.

While I would have liked to stay to talk some more, I had stuff to take care of at home before turning around to meet my next appointment, this time at Panera. I was meeting my friend, Carol, there. We don't usually have lunch but today was different. I got my favorite mac 'n cheese with a to-go box for the balance of it. Half is even too much, quite filling, especially since having bacon and toast for breakfast!  She had a turkey sandwich and we shared a cherry Danish. We talked for hours, catching up on missed news. She spends much time in the mountains at their other home so I now cherish the moments!

This later afternoon one of my friends from the pool, Debbie, came by with some donations for the PACE event next week. She was ill, having just come from the doctor but insisted she felt good enough to swing by. It was funny that she met my co-host, Kay, in the elevator and told her she had stuff for the event. Debbie was quite generous in her donations, even purchasing new board games besides her other hygiene and beauty aid items for the girls. Awesome!  Kay and I invited the ladies from our building and those from our water exercise class, plus I was contacted by two people who asked to attend. How about that??

New friends and old ones

Not too long ago I got home from The Club where it was Happy Hour and Trivia night. I walked over there after finishing my chat time with Linda via Facebook while watching The Five. As I approached the building, a group of ladies sitting at the bar in the garden room turned to look at me so I waved. Once inside, I went over to the group where my friend, Kim the Second, was seated with her friend whom I've met before, and two other ladies. Kim introduced me to them, Clare and her friend, Cora. I mentioned them all looking at me and they said that Kim told them how I always match my outfits so that's what they were looking at. My shoes matched my top as did my earrings---I do have a reputation to uphold!

Kim and her friend were going to be playing Trivia but due to Kim's physical maladies so they went back to sit at the bar. Clare and Cora sat at the table and we played as a small team. Clare and her husband just joined The Club and this was her first outing. I hope she enjoyed herself, and that Cora did as well, so they come again. She gave me her contact information in order for us to get together another time. I love it! We lost at Trivia but had a great time doing so!!

I have to do my homework for tomorrow as we are getting ready to finish off Isaiah with chapter 66. What a wonderful trip this has been---looking back, and to the present, and to the future through the words of this prophet and his inspired writings. Next time we are studying the two Timothys and then into Titus. This came about from a suggestion I made after Harold made an errant comment to me about voting. That brought up I Timothy and now, our next course of study. Thanks, Harold, for stepping into it!!

A "Hold Thou Thy Cross" type of day

October is the month where, among other things, miscarriages or stillbirth losses are recognized. I find myself joining them in their losses though I did get to enjoy my child for 5 years. This morning I began my day by reading one of the blogs I follow where the pastor wrote about the roots of hymn "Abide With Me". He relates the history of the author and includes the hymn stanzas in his posting. The closing one I will go out on a limb and say 'always' tears me up: "Hold thou my cross before my closing eyes, shine through the gloom and point me to the skies; heaven's morning breaks and earth's vain shadows flee; in life, in death, O Lord, abide with me." Sigh....

Later at Bible study we were in Colossians, talking about how the people then (and now) were looking to angels and other types of mysticism in a worshipful sense. There was discussion involving certain TV programs showing haunted places in St. Augustine, and how can the 'screams' coming from the buildings be explained. Pastor talked about the ability of the devil to do such things attempting to work against people's faith and what the Bible says. This was an interesting conversation. 

It was additionally brought up about the people who have 'been to heaven and come back', how is that explained. Whether those people actually 'see' heaven or if they experience physiological or drug induced visions...The Bible is the only source we need for describing heaven and how one gets there. I mentioned the great comfort I get from the words Christ spoke from the cross to the criminal next to Him: "Today you shall be with me in paradise". He doesn't tell the guy he has to linger and haunt buildings, nor would the criminal get a peek and then come back to earth. Nope, He said today, and that is quite comforting to me. 

We talked about what we think heaven will be like, our only true reference source again being the Bible. I brought up, through involuntary tears, a portion of a fiction book I read a few years ago called "The Shack". That book was really out there, but I did enjoy the portion when the father whose daughter was murdered was given a glimpse of heaven. There he saw Jesus playing with little children in a meadow, and his daughter stopped playing long enough to acknowledge him and indicate her joy of being in heaven. Of course, that just blew me away, such a beautiful picture. The Bible does not indicate this will occur but tells us about the bliss beyond compare, where angels are surrounding the throne and singing God's praises day and night. Just thinking about that evokes tears. 

At lunch I shared a picture with the ladies which was sent by Angelo's grandma (he is my great nephew) of him showing my mom his new Kindle. This 5 year old got the Kindle on his birthday, imagine that! I told the ladies how happy I was that Angelo was celebrating his 5th birthday, and got teary eyed again. There is just something about little boys and their 5th birthday that gets me. I am thankful to have the friends I do, who don't care if a tear or two slips out. In my car was a bouquet of flowers which had graced our worship yesterday. Betty donated them to me after the service for placing at the cemetery. And she never knew Timmy. I love that, so thoughtful of her. She told me today she is having flowers on ThanksLiving too and said I can have those for Timmy's grave as well. 

Justin and I were planning to have dinner out tonight, his pay day, but he came home with a headache, which he'd had all day. We instead ate leftovers for dinner. I have a headache of my own, I think it's my usual crying headache. At least I hope it is so tomorrow when I wake up, it will gone. And I hope Justin's headache is gone in the morning, too. Poor guy!

Stuff to ponder

Brrrr...It's nippy out there, only 77 above zero. It sure looks lovely, though, with nice blue skies and not a cloud to be seen. The occasional boat is moving along the river and yes, the manatees are basking in the sunshine. I hadn't seen them since the Sunday that Linda was coming and now yesterday they showed up. I wonder where they've been hiding!

Speaking of Linda, the birthday girl is off celebrating with her hubby for the weekend, visiting the Apostle Islands, venturing into the UP, and a scenic ride along the lake shore. She said the wind took care of the pretty fall colors but it's still picturesque for the ride. Justin and I saw on F & F this a.m. that the UP might get snow today so that could add a bit more excitement to their weekend. She made me laugh last night when she texted me upon arrival that Tommy determined 'the sea was angry that day, my friends...' I bet it was! I hope she does well on their scenic cruise ride today, and won't be a replay of our famous deep sea fishing outing! 

A few recent observations: This a.m. I was reading FB postings from folks I know who attended a Christian rock concert. Some noted how nice it was to 'worship' with so many people at one time. Earlier this week another person I know was going with her friend to an event where a well-known 'medium' was appearing. Another young friend goes to a Christian gym where they do more than just workout, from what is posted. Another person is toying with metaphysical spirituality. 

On Fox & Friends today two of the pundits were looking at recent focus group info following the debate on Tuesday. There was a amazingly high number of Republicans who were in favor of increasing socialism. This is so frightening. The man who does the groups stated how the language is changing---words don't mean now what they used to. He said by this time 2016 we will have a whole new definition on a lot of things. What a mess!

On another note, Justin came into my room and announced quite sadly that he feels like a bad son. I asked, "Why?" and he said he wouldn't be available to take me to the airport the day I leave because Ron's wedding is the night before. He knows that 6:00 a.m. will far too early for him to get up nor would I want him to. I'll have to ask someone else to get up that early because of my bad son. Truthfully I hadn't thought about the wedding being the night before, but chose Saturday so it would be easier for him to take me. Nuts! Plan B, I guess. 

"PACE"ing myself

Good ole' Connie got me get out of bed this morning and hustle to the railing to photograph the concrete being poured in our detached garages. And I did it, while yet wearing my nightie! I figured most of my neighbors have already seen me in less than that (my swimsuit) so I figured it was safe. I got a couple of pictures, though from the railing. 

Since I was up I might as well get dressed, so I did just that. More than a little bit was I wishing Nancy W. had called to have breakfast at The Club because I really wanted some bacon, but she didn't. I know she had much on her plate already (ha, ha) getting ready for a gathering at her house for her alma mater's home coming which is tonight. Every year her classmates get together to have a party and then go to the football game, or is it that they party after the game? Anyway, she is tied up today so no breakfast for me. 

This is a bracelet Justin gave me for Christmas many years ago. It is NOT going to be donated, it stays with me!

I got to work on a few things I have been delaying for too long including updating the prayer chain. I contacted everyone on the list to see who has been contacted and who has not, etc. to fix any broken links. Hopefully we can get things operating smoothly in good time. Besides that project, I also got busy on the PACE Center for Girls event which I am co-hosting with Kay, my neighbor. Last year we did a fund raiser for Glo Smith, running for Senate (didn't make it) and this year, a more local reason. Kay is on the Board for PACE, where Nancy W. and I had toured just before Linda came for her visit. This is the program I heard about from Sen. Bradley at our Republican Women's meeting in June. 

We are having a breakfast gathering this time, asking some ladies we know in common to come hear about PACE and perhaps clean out their jewelry boxes for us. Not a shake down, but everyone has stuff in their collections they no longer wear, and the girls would love to have it. The Center has a point system for the students and after earning a certain amount of points, the girls can redeem them for items in their 'store'. Often it's necklaces or bracelets, school items, lip gloss, other things donated for the girls to earn. I have picked out several things to donate in my house---knick knacks I can live without (I say that now....), extra necklaces and bracelets. We were provided with a Wish List from the Director which the attendees can use, too, if they so desire. Kay is feeling poorly right now, but she'll be ready to help with the planning, etc. before the 30th, when the event is scheduled. I am excited to be doing this, even have a few recipes to try for the big day!