Best money I ever spent!

Today I put on my orange cotton cardigan since it was a bit chilly when I left for Bible study. I put it on over my pretty top gotten at Beall’s the last time Linda was here. I got several blouses that day, and as we walked through the store, she spotted this striped colorful top folded on the display. She insisted I get it, saying it looked like me, and was less than $20. Sure, why not? It has become a go-to top and works nicely with the orange cardigan. I got the cardigan years ago at a store in Manitowoc and just love it. This versatile piece goes with so many tops I own (who’d have thought a blaze orange cardigan would be just right?), and to this day, I kick myself for having not spent the money and gotten a couple more in other colors. This one was chosen before going to the LWMS convention because I knew I’d be cold in the classrooms and such in MN in late July. It worked perfectly and made me easy to pick out in a crowded room! 

A few years ago I attended a women's retreat in Oshkosh with Linda. There again I wore my orange cardigan for an extra layer of warmth in the chilly conference room. One of the days a friend of mine, Marlene, whom Linda and I had met at the LWMS Convention, joined our table in the conference room. She said she knew I was there and found me by looking for my orange cardigan! It's like a trademark!

More than once today I got compliments on my outfit. I’ve worn this many times before and it never gets old hearing these compliments. I say again, the money spent on this cardigan was among the best money I’ve ever spent and wish I’d spent more on a few other colors!

Another item I like to describe as the best money I've spent was for my Packer blanket. Many years ago, at the 'old' Copp's Store in Manty, I bought the cotton fleece throw which hangs on the back of a chair in my family room. Often it's just the right thing needed to keep me warm when I am sitting in the 'snowy north', as we refer to this room. The blanket cost $15 and I have more than gotten my money's worth out of this cozy cover.  Fortunately, I don't need or wish for more than one of these covers but I am so very glad to have this one! 

No more running to the window

This evening there was a scheduled launch for SpaceX, a launch postponed a couple times already this past week because of the high wind conditions. Tonight would have been perfect, nice and clear. But, nope, twice the sequence was interrupted after I'd run to the windows to watch. Oh, for goodness sake!  The last time was only seconds to lift off when the launch was aborted. I think that the first pause was because there were commercial ships in the lane where the booster would be coming down. Once that cleared, the launch was attempted again but something in the computer shut it down (I think). They are going to try again tomorrow.

The day began with Bible study and worship, followed by fellowship. Judy had a meeting right after church and I was standing by to help with clean-up if her meeting ran long. Fortunately, the meeting went quickly so several of us chipped in to get things cleared away in order for us to get to lunch. I did have a wonderful ham salad sandwich Judy had made plus a cookie, to hold me over. 

Terri wasn't joining us for lunch today as she was going to her sister's house for a birthday party. She was dropping Gretchen off at home on her way through since Gretchen's drivers were going to someone else's birthday lunch and it just worked out for Terri to take her home. I'd eaten 6 meals with Terri in a week's time so I guess she was excused! Chili's was busy as could be, but we were blessed to have a veteran waitress take care of us, one who knew our idiosyncrasies! Erica made sure we had soda refills and chips 'n salsa, but also had to wait in line for our turn. It seemed like the staff had too many newbies on for such a busy day, and Mike made sure to tell Erica that. She'd been working in the bar most of the time now but she got pulled out to wait tables. Might have been a bit rusty but she was getting caught up quickly!

Justin and I shared the 2 for $20 deal of which we brought home 4 chicken crispers and two orders of mashed potatoes. That sounds like at least two more meals to me, which is quite a deal for $20. Erica treated us to our soft drinks today, too, which kept our bills lower. Worth the delay in getting our meals, if you ask me. 

Linda and I got to chat this late afternoon because our TV show was on, very rare to have it on Sunday. The Five had an election special show following the primary in SC and coming up in TX, and elsewhere. She got good news today at church---their pastor returned a Call he had to another congregation. Whew! When I talked to my mom, she said she just knew he wasn't going to go. Still it was good to hear this news, for FG and for Mom and Linda, etal.  

What a blast!

Justin had to go to work this morning, the end of his 'winter break' to finish up some sites not gotten to during the week. His co-worker was out sick a couple days plus they lost all of Wednesday when a huge storm was predicted, but never came. It blew apart in the night and never re-gathered. I'd hate to be the one making these decisions for their days, based upon weather forecasts. 

I was lolling in bed, watching the news, when my phone went off. Terri was wondering if I was up for breakfast. Yes, I might not be up and out of bed, but I sure can be! She was still at home so I had plenty of time to make myself ready to meet over at Grumpy's. Hadn't been there since yesterday! 

The parking lot was packed, with several spaces being occupied by large motorcycles. Terri got there before I did, oddly enough, since I live so close. She met me at my car as I pulled in, offering to park my car on the grass for me so I didn't have to go so far. I assured her I could do it myself, appreciate the offer of course, and she went in to get our name on the list. I had to drive up the little hill, past a rescue squad parked up there, as well. By the time I got parked and walked over to the restaurant Terri was coming back out. We parked ourselves on the bench to wait for our name to be called. 

Terri was planning to meet someone who had some baby stuff to donate. Two young ladies at the JAX Pace Center are expecting so Terri will see to it they get these donated items which includes equipment as well as clothing. This meeting would take place when the lady's baby woke up so we had plenty of time to eat. They seated us at the 'romantic table', a two top back in the corner. The opening to the other dining room was behind us so it is not confining, just a bit teeny. We managed nicely!

Terri's donater arrived so we went out to our cars. Terri transferred the items to her car as I headed out to Wal*Mart to pick up prescriptions. I usually only go there when I need my medications filled, every three months, with occasional visits in between. Today I had to speak with the tech because the price the text msg I got from Wal*Mart was far too high. When I called to speak to someone yesterday, the lady told me my insurance had expired. I didn't even have that kind of insurance so I was glad to talk with someone in person today and see what was what. The nice lady told me my particular medication was no longer on the $4 list but did find one that was. I have to ask my doctor to call it in but did take a month's worth of the original one, because of being out of them. I am not a fan of this kind of thing.

The afternoon was spent at my desk, not working on taxes, while watching "HOUSE". At a certain point I moved to my bed and was watching the news, having a handful of Cheetos to hold me over until dinner. Around 6:30 I got a text msg from Terri that OJ and she were going to dinner and asked me join them.  I jumped in the car to meet them at the Outback. She messaged me that Michael and Judy were coming, too, which is just a blast. When I got to Outback, the lot was full, and I drove around and around to find a space. Every time I saw one open up, by the time I got there, someone else got it. Terri had found a place, as did Michael...So as I circled, Terri messaged me that it was an hour's wait so we decided to go to 4 Rivers instead. 

We all got to 4 Rivers at the same time and did have to stand in line a bit which is not unusual. Judy went to save us seats at a table (every where was bustling tonight!), and it was after 7:00 pm. I still have gift cards to use here so was glad they chose 4 Rivers for our dinner. Given the hour, the place was emptying out and was not so crowded which allowed us to sit and talk for a while. This was twice in a week that I got to see OJ and eat with her. I am so loving this!!  They all got a kick at how I packed up my to-go dishes right away when I got to the table, putting the containers in the bag. Terri wondered if I wasn't going to eat something, but I assured her I would eat all my meat. And did so! Love that brisket!

"Hello, Mary Lew, Good-Bye Heart"

Not long after I moved into The Palace I began to participate in the water exercise classes at The Club. In those days, the classes were held at 8:15 a.m. in the teen's pool, shallower in the first half which is good for non-swimmers. At that hour of the morning, that pool was in the shade of my building so it was bit chilly. But, we were troopers! I was the youngest, with several being a good 20 years my senior. They did not want to listen to me complain about the cold---ha, ha! 

Last summer in the teen pool, tight quarters!

I am thinking Randy is the only one besides me, I think, from the original group. He is in his 70's and has some dementia going on so am not sure how much longer he'll be coming to the class. Anyway, another of the originals was Mary Lew, a long-time Club member. She was a florist by trade and was called upon to help decorate in The Club for special occasions like Mother's Day, Easter, the big holidays, etc. She would also join the fun on Wednesday nights, occasionally coming for Happy Hour. She was a low-talker, I know I've mentioned this in the past. The room was already noisy and those with hearing problems had a dilly of a time hearing what Mary Lew had to say. 

She loved books and would spend time before our classes reading and basking in the sun. More than once she suggested our group bring our books and share them but somehow it never happened. She let me borrow one of hers, and it was such a good read. 'I Feel Bad About My Neck', written by screen writer/director Nora Ephron. It was about getting older and the things which go with it. It was funny as well as reflective about our lives. Loved it!  That year for Christmas Mary Lew gave me another of Nora's books. I was so glad that she told me she had a gift for me so I was ready with one for her. I gave her a special bookmark, but can't recall what else. The book she gave me is on the table in my living room, as I write this. 

A couple years ago Mary Lew was in a car accident while taking her daughter for cancer treatments. It was not her fault but unfortunately she ended up on the hospital for a couple of weeks with a head injury. Mary Lew never came back to class for several reasons, one including not being happy with how her legs looked in a suit. She was teeny tiny to start with but I guess she got smaller yet and felt funny. Once or twice she did come to join us for a lunch which was nice. It was just not the same without her. 

Here is our group from 2012, at Basketique Tea Room. Mary Lew is seated on the left, with Randy next to her. My hand is on Randy's shoulder, and then Marlena, her mom, and Sisti. Back row is Pat A., Pat G., Ollavan, me, Susie, Maggie O., Ina, Lynn, Rita, Lee, Sherry, and Helen.

Mary Lew passed away a week ago, and today was her funeral service. The reception afterward was held at The Club. I had let everyone in our class know, those who knew her prior to two years ago, so they could attend the service and/or reception, or submit memories to the daughter who is assembling a memory book about her mom. Sadly, I was the only one from the class who showed up, except for Marlena, who was there as a guest and not an employee today. I got to meet Mary Lew's family members and many of her friends. The friends who were florists went all out for her, using Mary Lew's own containers to decorate the tables and every available surface with floral arrangements. I am kicking myself for not taking pictures, but I didn't feel right doing so. I hope someone else did! Oh, my! It was splendid, and Mary Lew would have been honored and pleased to see it. Good-bye, Mary Lew!

Quiet day otherwise

Today was Bible study at Victory, finishing our look at Titus. We are working our way through the epistles which began with Timothy. Next we are moving right into Philemon, which won't take us long at all! We had a nice group today, three married couples, which I think is just marvelous, not all ladies like ours is at GS. It's great that couples can do this together during the week.

Me with my good friend, Lee, at The Club

I was thinking on my ride home about my friend, Lee, whom I miss dearly. She moved away three years ago, first to CA and now living downstate in the Sarasota area. We used to have the best talks, hours and hours either in the pool or on the side, or over a meal. One time she said something which was thought-provoking. She said she doesn't like the term 'best friend' because that puts all the rest of the friends in a certain pecking order. This was not something I'd ever considered and really made me re-consider my word choices. I would hate to put someone on the spot and give me a ranking in their life so this gave me incentive to no longer use that descriptive when talking about my friends. Lee is still with me, as it were, though many miles away!

Angie and Linda greeting me!

This lovely photo awaited me this morning when I checked my Facebook account. These two ladies sent me their greetings from the Wellness Center. Really got my day off to a marvelous start!

Today was my Republican Women's meeting at The Club. The lady who usually provides the invocation and offers something worthy of consideration was absent. It was announced that her son and his family showed up at her home after midnight with only the clothes on their backs, having escaped their burning home. Oh no!

It wasn't long and a collection basket was being passed around into which those gathered could make a donation to help this displaced family. It was moving, sort of quiet, as folks were visibly affected by this situation and were swift to lend a hand.  Plans are to get them a WalMart gift card with which they can get basic needs met and so the young daughter could have school clothes so she wouldn't miss too much. Surely other help will be coming to them but in the meantime their family and we can and did lend a hand. 

Facebook has come up with a new gimmick for people to click on after reading someone's post. At first there was only an imoji or graphic for LIKE which I would use with abandon, indicating I'd read their post. Now the developers have added a graphic for laughter, love, shock, sorrow, and anger, besides the thumbs up for LIKE. Thus far, I have only used LIKE but all the imoji pop-up and get in the way, pushing for use. I won't do it! Stubborn that way. I'd like a button or graphic that indicates I've been there and read their posting, not putting a grade on it. I know I am in the minority on this so I'll simply note my distaste here and leave it at that.

Tonight is midweek Lenten worship. I wonder if Justin will be done working in time to go with me or if he'll be up to it. Usually he's pretty bushed when he gets home, heads right for his bed after getting showered and his clothes into the washer. His legs are weary and his bones ache. Even though the mowers he uses are ride-on, there is quite a lot of jarring and bouncing going on. We shall see!  

Over 50 Lunch Bunch and more

This morning I got a call from Judy C. regarding a change in plans for our trip to Mandarin for the Over 50 Lunch Bunch. She was going to drive Betty and me to St. Mary's Seafood but she had gotten a call from a dear friend who needed her help. I agreed to drive Betty over, as she is afraid of the bridge. Terri let me know she was coming and bringing OJ with her. We had a large group of people, about 20. The service was good, which amazes me with this many people and orders to prepare. Another group was in there with us, and prior to their eating, began to sing "Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow". Our group joined in, and it was lovely. Gives me the chills even yet, thinking about all the voices united in song! Was this a violation of fellowship? The other group applauded our joining them. I wonder who they were...

Terri and OJ sat across from Gretchen and me, with Betty at the end of our table. OJ was waving the peace sign at me. Our group was stretched along a wall of booth/tables so we couldn't really talk with everyone

Terri took this picture of Gretchen and me as waited for our meals. Gretchen is smiling as best she can because she has a broken bridge and fears it falling out if she opens her mouth more! She is a hoot!

I took this picture of Betty and Gretchen

Here is the rest of the group, all the way to the end. At one point, as a joke, Linda H. called me to say 'hello' from halfway down the booth (pink shirt, snow white hair). The gesturing hands belong to Judy J. Gotta love the good turnout for this event each month but makes it hard to find places large enough to accommodate and serve us. This is our 2nd time here and both times, excellent service and food. 

I had a delightful meal and time with the folks at this lunch, getting Betty back and forth safely across the bridge. I paced myself with what I ordered because Nancy W. and I had plans to dine at The Club for dinner. Originally we were going on Casual Grille Night Thursday but she had something else planned. Instead, she had her birthday dinner on The Club tonight, and I used a gift certificate my neighbors gave me to pay for my meal. She ate both the appetizers that came with our meals for me. When the waiter brought out our tiny scoops of lemon sorbet to cleanse our pallets, Nancy said, "Oh, good! Something she likes!" I also did like my prime rib, baked potato and brocolli. Brandon boxed up my salad automatically but Nancy didn't take it so I brought it home for Justin with the rest of my leftovers. I'll have a dandy meal or two from them this weekend!