A Super Bowl Day

Tonight I am all set here watching the Super Bowl with great company---me!  Justin is attending a party at his friend's mom's house but I am quite content to cozy in place to watch, or not watch, the game. Justin thought I should at least watch the commercials but, as I told him, I've seen several of them previewed on the morning news program I watch. What I did enjoy very much was the introduction of the past MVPs of the Super Bowl's 50 years which included many Green Bay Packer players. It was moving to see all these men, many of them now frail with age and their injuries earned on the playing field. 

Justin made some dip to take along for his party and I had the ingredients to make the taco queso dip I like so well for myself. It becomes a meal for me, fills me up rather quickly. Justin can no longer enjoy this dip, having made it too often and getting sick of it. I am thankful that he put this together for me, before he left. He found on the pantry shelf this smaller crock pot which would have been a blessing to have for my birthday party...was there all the while but out of sight and out of mind. It works nicely for my dip and am thankful to have my dip kept warm.

Justin also took advantage of a special being offered by Papa Johns Pizza and ordered a pizza for me for dinner. As part of the deal, we get another pizza for free at some point in the future. Nice! Besides my pizza he ordered garlic knots. Oh my goodness, do I love those knots! I ate only one slice of the pizza and filled up on knots with garlic butter. Perfect Super Bowl fare. He ordered it ahead of time, paying online and scheduling the delivery. It arrived right on time and as ordered. I gave the delivery lady an extra tip because I knew she was going to have rough night tonight.

This morning at church, I had fun conversation with a little lady. Jordyn was serving as acolyte and was apprehensive about her job. As she was holding the taper, she asked me if the wick was out far enough. It was hidden from my view by the lectern where I was standing and I told her I couldn't see it. Jokingly I said to her, "I can't even see my feet to know if I am wearing shoes!" She looked down at my feet and with all seriousness said, "You do...." What a little sweetheart she is. And, by the way, she did fine lighting the candles and extinguishing them. 

Ladies' Group Brunch

This morning our Ladies' Group from church hosted a brunch, inviting all the ladies from the congregation. Our plan, besides treating them and ourselves to a wonderful hot and cold breakfast, is to stimulate some interest in our group and what we do. Some don't come to our meetings because of not driving at night, others because of work schedules or having kids at home, and other just don't feel like it's the right thing for them. I was one of those when I first moved to FL and was asked to join. What? That's for the old ladies! Talk about preconceived notions about things. 

Terri and her friend, OJ, decorated some donated scented candles with pretty ribbons plus Terri put mini candy bars and other favors around on the tables. Don't they look springy and bright?

Our sign-up sheet indicated more would be joining us but we rejoice for those who did come. Terri had just had oral surgery a couple days ago but was a trouper. I was concerned about myself as my back started acting up but it was fine for the day. I managed to carry my egg souffle down to the car plus Justin had gotten up early to make beer cheese muffins for me to take along. I brought home some of my souffle and about a dozen of the muffins. This was his first time making them as muffins instead of loaves, and we decided muffins are the way to go! 

Once home, I got myself situated on the bed with the heat pad under me to get my back feeling better. Later I got up and was looking out the doors in the river room when I reached into my pocket, finding something squishy. I pulled out a now melted mini candy bar taken from the table at the brunch. Oh no! I love the dark chocolate and now it was mush. Not to worry, I am sure it will recover nicely in the fridge so I can eat it later! 

Fun memories

Tonight I was in the kitchen getting a spoon from the drawer when I noticed there were cruddlies in the slot where the spoons lie. This is a huge pet peeve of mine, I cannot stand to have any crumbs or the like in the silverware drawer, or anywhere, for that fact. I grabbed the remaining spoons out and wiped the slot. As I did this, I  remembered a time at our house in Southlake, a home we built and then rented back from the owner when we found ourselves 'homeless'. My mom had come for the winter and was getting acquainted with yet another home with us. 

I worked for our business by day and for Sprint by night so Mom, my former spouse and Justin would usually eat dinner without me. One day I was emptying the dishwasher and pulled open the silverware drawer. There was what appeared to be a handful or so of instant potato flakes! How did that happen? I took stuff out of the drawer and wiped it all up, asking aloud how the flakes got into the drawer. Sweet little Justin, all of 5 years old, said, "Maybe Grandma did it---she doesn't know where everything goes yet." Ha! I laugh yet thinking about that. "Hmmm, where does this handful of potato flakes go? Ah, I bet in the silverware drawer!" 

It was in this house also that Justin would entertain himself (and us!). One thing he liked to do was take lengths of rope and string it between his rocking horse and other furniture pieces in the family room, and hang clothing items and other things on it. Just like his Auntie Lynn and her 'drying strings', as he called it. That looked really pretty---not! When we lived there he badly wanted a horse for Christmas so Santa had to write him a letter explaining how the landlord would not allow us to have a horse in his yard. This same yard where Justin thought it would be a good idea to cut down all the trees and make a cemetery. He decided on this plan after visiting the Huegenot Cemetery in St. Augustine. He thought we needed one of our own!  Thankfully the landlord would not allow that either. Oh, that Justin was such a character!

One day we were having a particularly hard time with this little 'character', and I was stressing about our plans for the evening. One of our customers had asked us to a house warming party for their new home and insisted we bring our little charmer along. Unfortunately he was not being very charming and when it was time for him to get ready, he refused to come into the house. His father had to chase him around the house, and once caught, got a spanking. I got Justin cleaned up and dressed in his snazzy blue wool blazer outfit and he looked so handsome. On the ride to the party, I explained to him that he had to be the very best boy there and so on. And he was!!  All the guests were impressed with him, how cute he was and well behaved. Wow! On the ride home, I told him how proud we were of him for being a good boy. He said, "You know, that spanking really helped...." My spouse and I could hardly contain ourselves. "Oh, you're welcome, Sweetie Pie, you're welcome!" 

Planning ahead

This morning Justin did not have to work because rain has been expected to last all day, and it has! What is wonderful is that he finally got a chance to attend Bible study again. The bad part was driving in the rain, part of the time on the way to class, and in pouring rain all the way home. Ugh!!

We completed our study of Timothy today and next week will start right into a study of Titus. We wrapped up our study time quickly as one of the area funeral homes was bringing us lunch and doing a presentation on pre-planning our funerals. Mine is already done but I sure didn't mind staying for lunch and the sales pitch. 

Justin was very helpful in getting the lunch carried in, with the other gentlemen in the class, and getting stuff set up. A 'pastor' who came with the lady from the funeral home did the presentation and Justin was not impressed. Said he just can't trust a pastor with a Southern accent. He is so much yet a WI boy! He whispered to me that it felt like we were being sold a time-share. But the lunch was out of this world---soup and sandwiches, and Rice Krispie treats!  I told the lady from HG that I loved them, and had them on my list for my funeral meal. She was surprised to hear that I even had my food planned out!

Before we left Victory, Justin nicely helped Stephanie move a box of castoff clothes and extra hangers into our car, for the PACE clothing event which is next Tuesday. Before class Dawn gave Justin a bunch of bags and some clothes, too. I cannot get over the generosity of folks for this organization. 

We got back here about 12:30 with Justin dropping me at the elevator lobby so I didn't get thoroughly soaked. It would sure help if I could leap from the car like I used to! He had an IT appointment over in the neighboring building but had a few minutes before needing to go over. He helped Sharon out with a few things electronic and chatted with her. She sent her greetings with him, saying we didn't exist in each other's lives outside of the pool. I can so fix that, once the rain ends!

I've been working on getting a table of ten together for a PACE luncheon held at the end of March. RSVPs have been rolling in and if everyone says they will come, I am going to have a problem...I asked 11 people! I would guess that is a great problem. I am trying to make sure that the ladies I have invited know at least one other person at the table so no one feels awkward or anything. Thus far it's working out!  

My last Happy Hour

Yes, I have to get on the bandwagon with some others and give something up for Lent. So far I am forced to give up Monday morning Bible study and now, Happy Hour at The Club. I will even be missing a chance to win at Trivia in a tie-breaker after having been tied for first place last month. The rest of my team will have to carry the trophy in my stead. There is also a new tapas menu for Happy Hour and tonight I enjoyed a wonderful cheeseburger using my gift cards gotten for my birthday from the staff at The Club. And a free drink!

This evening I got to enjoy the company of some folks with whom I don't ordinarily sit. One man, Al, lives in the US much of the year and part of the year in Belgium, where his wife lives. She was visiting here for the last three months but is leaving in a day or so to return home. What an interesting and complicated arrangement for them! Al was telling me about how he rented a villa in Sorrento, Italy where he will be celebrating two of his sibling's birthdays, one turning 70 and one 80. What good genes these folks must have to be able to travel to Italy and manage all the stairs they will find once there. Al assured me the multitude of steps to the ocean won't be a problem because there is a pool at the villa! I enjoy them being able to do this as a family and in so gorgeous a setting.

So, tonight I said 'good bye' to Laura, and to the rest of the group until Holy Week when I'll again be available to join this fun. I know that time will fly by quickly! 

Smile power

This morning I had to scoot to the Island bright and early for a dental check up, a 9:30 appointment. I was past due for a cleaning (how did that happen??) but I came through with flying colors. My smile was all polished up! After the cleaning was done, the doctor, Peggy, came in to do her checking. She found all to be in order and we had a chance to visit a little bit. I mentioned that we recently celebrated Timmy's anniversary and she even knew the date. I told how a group of us went to Sweet Tomatoes and her assistant/receptionist said, "On the 19th, right?" I said, "Yes, how did you remember that?" and Yvonne replied, "Well, that was his birthday..." That means so much to me, 15 years and they still remember. When I stood up from the chair, Peggy pulled me in for a hug, and told me I smelled good. Double nice!  Peggy is going to join my table for the PACE function in March!

As I was waiting at the drive-thru at the bank, Terri texted me to see if I had made plans for lunch yet. I had not, so we agreed to meet up at Grumpy's. I told the dental folks that I was going to eat blueberry pie for lunch but was only kidding. I could have had something to make my teeth dirty but had a cheeseburger and fries instead. Loved the time with Terri, especially the impromptu lunch invitation!

I am so glad for my friend, Mike S., who got to spend the day in a boat, fishing, his true heart's delight. One of his customers had him take the day and they spent it on the St. Johns River, from Julington Creek to the Fuller Warren Bridge. Sadly, between them, they caught one fish, a throw back. He told me he was going to wave when he passed my place but it was still foggy when they went through. I was at the dentist anyway and wouldn't have seen them, but it's the thought that counts. While Mike was fishing, my family was in the throes of another winter storm. School closings, meetings cancelled, work from home type of day for them. It's hard to imagine the contrast sometimes. 

My neighbors dropped off this lovely plant as a thank you for protecting some of their precious things after the most recent flood. So thoughtful of them!

Tonight our group met at Sweet Tomatoes (our 3rd Tuesday night in a row of getting together---I'm getting used to it!) for Miss Betty's birthday. Terri had to miss because she had Bunco but the rest of us were there. Justin also had a dental appointment this afternoon and feared he wouldn't be able to eat but he was just fine since the tooth worked on was a root canaled tooth. So glad he was able to round out our group for Betty. She loves Sweet Tomatoes and we like her to be happy, especially on her birthday!

Busy church day!

My day began with Bible study, looking at the people involved in the life of King David. Pretty interesting stuff. We have a good gathering of ladies, including one of our newer members, Trish. Every seat was taken! After class a group of us were going to have lunch, Judy at first resistant. The plan was to go to Pengree's but when we got there, it was closed. Shoot! I forgot, as did Jacky, that they are not open on Mondays. It's hard to get consensus with a group so I sorted made the decision for us to go across the street to the Dairy Queen. We often go to the one on Blanding Blvd. and are happy. Judy opted to go on home, but 6 of us went to DQ. No, it wasn't as 'nice' as the new one on Blanding, but it did the trick. 

We did enjoy our lunch time together, and when we parted company, most of us would be meeting up again in a few hours for Ladies' Group. Isn't it funny how that works out? The same faces at Bible study are those around the table for our Ladies' Group meetings. Fortunately some others do come for which we are grateful. Our president is a teacher and another lady works in retail. In March we are going to try having our meetings on Sunday after worship to see if more ladies will attend. We'd love more involvement, more interest, and more hands for our projects. We will get more input at our Ladies' Brunch next Saturday morning, hoping for a great turnout.