Flawless travels!

It's so seldom that I get to say this, having had either delays or witnessed traffic accidents on my travel day but today's trip was picture perfect. Terri stepped in to take me to the airport since Justin's start time was changed, otherwise he'd have been able to drop me off before going to work.   God bless her!!  Justin got my luggage downstairs and loaded in her car before we hugged and kissed good-bye. I'm going to miss him!  

Terri dropped me off and I got checked in outside, the guy's first customer of the day!  When I got to security, I had been granted TSA pre-screening status so didn't have to undress but did nearly forget to grab my phone out of its holder. In no time at all I was at my gate, ready to fly!  My connection in ATL was just across the hall and down so no hustling needed on my part. Mom, Lynn, and Linda were ready for me when I came out the doors, driving past but in enough time to pull over to scoop me up. From the airport we stopped at Perkins for a bite to eat before heading back to Manitiwoc. We did encounter some slow traffic leaving downtown but eventually broke free of it for clear sailing.  

This evening Lynn drove Mom, Jill, and me to Howard's Grove to see Gabe and Manny in a musical. We arrived a bit later than we wished so got to sit on folding chairs rather than the bleachers! There I met a Facebook friend I'd never seen in person, his wife a teacher at their school. I got some pictures of the boys but cannot post them using this device. Can fix that when I get home again. The two boys seemed less than gregarious about their roles but it was nice to see them again. Angelo was a doll, of course, but I am biased!  

Gabe is shown 3rd from the left in blue shirt

After the musical, Lynn drove us to eat at a place in HG called The Log Cabin. They had wonderful perch dinners, mine coming with a side of potato pancakes. Mom had German potato salad with hers and the other two ladies did baked potatoes. I could eat only a small portion of the pancakes but ate every bit of my perch. Delicious!!!  

This is my perch plate from the Log Cabin in Howard's Grove 

By this time, I am more than ready to go to sleep so please excuse me. Good night, and praise God for my safe travels and time in Manty!

What I know

I remember it like yesterday---Justin had made a cheesecake with cherries on top and we enjoyed a wonderful dinner in my room. He had carried one of our wingback chairs in here so together we could watch the election results. The date? November 6, 2012. Upon watching those returns, the numbers coming in, it began to sink in what was happening. We were filled with horror, disbelief, and disappointment. Our celebratory cheesecake went two days before being cut into. It somehow had lost its appeal, nothing tasted good. Oh, my. 

Good thing we ate dinner before tonight's results were in from IN. I was so filled with hope, sure that reason would prevail and Ted Cruz would rise the victor. It was not to be. Again. This time a good, Constitutional candidate lost to a ... I can't even say. Words escape me as tears run from my eyes yet again. I was working at my desk on a newsletter when Justin came in to tell me the news. He was sniffling and I thought he needed a tissue, because of his cold. Nope, that wasn't it. I fear, but cannot give up hope. 

I know that I will have moments of utter doom but have to beat it back with things of which I am sure, the things I know. I know that my Redeemer lives. I know heaven is my home. I know that all things work together for the good of those who love Him, called according to His purpose. I know the wages of sin is death, I know the strength of sin is the Law. I know goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. I know His word is lamp for my feet. I know that I am part of a royal priesthood and holy nation, not a nation of this world. I know the Lord is in control and lay myself back in His comforting arms, praying for mercy on our nation. 

Flowers from my boy!

This morning I was surprised that Judy was willing to meet for breakfast with me at Grumpy's. Not long ago she mentioned that Grumpy's was not her first choice of places to eat, but when I mentioned it this a.m., she said she was fine with it. For this, I rejoice! We had a very nice visit and meal together, entirely unrushed. While we were eating, I got a text message from Justin, asking me if I was going to be home today. I said I would be after breakfast and asked why. He answered that a delivery was coming and it had to be signed for. Okay, I can do that. Then he said, "You'll know what to do with it once it comes...." Oh, that meant it was for me! Flowers!

Mother's Day bouquet a week early since I'll be gone next week

I had to search and search for my Princess House vase, eventually finding it exactly where I thought it was, just needed tippy toes to access it. Somehow the closet in the front hall has become catch all! (See the rhyme there?) They made into a lovely arrangement and I can't wait until the sunflowers are open wide. He knows what I like!

For dinner this evening Nancy W. and I went to 4Rivers. She is a good sport dining here with me, because I am so putzy getting my stuff together. For some reason I am compelled to cap all my side dishes right away with plastic lids to take them home, and box up the biscuit to take with me, too. Only then am I ready to enjoy my brisket. She has a more active appetite than do I, and can make quick work of meals. I end up with a nice brown bag of containers in hand when I leave, plus a cup of soda! I'm so glad she called and asked me to join her, I enjoy our time together!

Sweet, yet bitter

This morning I went to Bible study at Victory, my favorite day of the week! The book of the Bible we are studying is James. We are presently in the first chapter, taking it a few bites at a time. Good stuff there! Our number is less these days since Stephanie's mom has gone home, and two of the couples are missing. One couple has gone to MA to pack up their home so they can relocate permanently to JAX. Yay for us! Another couple is missing as the gentleman has had knee surgery and is recovering. I look forward to seeing them again.

Following class I headed back to OP to meet some church friends for lunch. Kathy R. requested a lunch and who am I to decline? Kristi, her long-time friend (mine, too, but not as long!) joined us. We had a good chat, it being a while since I've seen Kathy. She explained her situation and wanted me to know she was fine and we would continue to see each other, just not at church. Plans were made to meet for lunch somewhere once a month. I can so do that!

This afternoon I had a nice long phone conversation with my mom. She had been standing by since this morning because last week I'd called her when driving to Victory, using my hands' free feature in my new car. She expected me to call again this a.m. so made sure she was dressed and ready to talk, but I failed her. I'd not planned or made arrangements to call this a.m. but she was ready in case I did! We had a good visit but I took her time she was planning to use for 'vacuuming' her house. She has a 'stick' used to do her carpets and hard floors. Mom said she was looking for an excuse to not do it today, so I'm it. 

I am so going to miss the people leaving our congregation but have to accept their reasons for doing so. Certainly we can stay in each other's lives, we have a good deal of history, and I can't be shaken that easily. Just ask my in-laws!!

Should I or shouldn't I?

In January The Club has its Annual Meeting where the Members hear a report of the previous year's accomplishments, status updates, etc. and also hear what is in store for the coming year. There is opportunity for the Board to take questions, comments, and concerns, even in writing, if so desired, from the Members in attendance. Every year it comes up that we need to increase membership and devise methods to do so. 

Some of the folks actually belong to other Clubs in addition to this one and bring their ideas along. Many of the Members are older folks, which makes sense, having more 'disposable' income and time. The desire is to garner families and in so doing have more family-oriented activities for the kids to enjoy. It is often discussed to tighten up the dress code, the more strident Members annoyed by those guests who show up in jeans and t-shirts for Mother's Day brunch or the holidays. On the other hand, others think we should get looser and allow 'casual' attire in order to get better attendance at events. Here, I am on the fence, not my usual squatting place.

My son would so prefer to attend events in his jeans which may or may not be blue. He reluctantly wears his nice pants for the holidays we celebrate at The Club, but is obviously more comfy in his jeans. They are not tattered and worn jeans, but would still be in violation of the dress code. Part of the appeal of being a Club member is knowing the place will be kept exclusive and elegant for our enjoyment. There are options during the week for casual attire and we have been known to take advantage of that as well. Also, outside dining and occasionally in the Garden Room can more casual wear be accepted. 

The long-time Members, those for whom The Club has been a refuge from the world and its disarray are reluctant to yield any further as regards Membership and the established dress code. Why should the requirements or codes be adjusted downward simply to entice others to join our Club? It sort of reminds me of church and how the people already in the pews, faithful members, are often disregarded when it comes to getting new members. The things which make worship time special might be discarded or made less in order to become more appealing to new folks. 

All this comes to mind as I've been asked to consider becoming a member of the Advisory Board at The Club. The Chef himself asked me on Sunday and I am giving it careful thought. He remarked how everyone greets me, and I them, when I come to the pool, and they could use an ambassador like me on their BOD. It wouldn't be like the Board here for my building, where I'd make decisions which could be costly or not lovingly accepted. My spirit couldn't take that. But, as an advisory Club BOD member, I'd be asked for one night a month and perhaps have a project assigned to me for consideration by the others. No longer do I have Ladies' Group at night so I am free now most evenings. Should I or shouldn't I? 

Gretchen's birthday party

For months now our little group has been talking about Gretchen's upcoming birthday and how to celebrate it. Gretchen would refuse any offers to have cake when her birthday rolled around, saying we could do so when she turned 90. Well, she got cake, and so much more!  Chefs Mike 'n Mike made her favorite meal of roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, with veggies alongside. And she enjoyed a nice cold Busch beer, her father having been a beer distributor for Busch back in the day. We kept these plans secret from her and many until earlier this month so folks knew this meal was coming up, but shhhhh!

Gretchen knew that some family was coming to church with her for her birthday but was totally blown away that 18 of them showed up! Some from as far away as Mobile and others from Atlanta and Greenville.  Here she is flanked by her two 'favorites', a cousin, Steven, and her goddaughter, Bonnie

 

Betty made Gretchen's cake, using the theme of the Jaguars, of course!

Terri and Kim, her sister, made the centerpieces, and the tables were dressed with the help of OJ and another sister, Gayle. They used the Jaguar colors, of course. Gretchen and Gloria, the sister's mom, were best buddies ever since their Our Savior days, back in the early 1970's. Gretchen is like their mom now...

Gretchen with her plate of food and cup of beer, ready to dive in and eat! 

Here's Judy seated at the table

Terri served as hostess of the event. She had gotten a couple e-mailed responses from former pastors and others sent their greetings in a card. More than once Gretchen has contacted me to help find an address of a pastor she knows so she can send them a card. She is the card sending queen!

Gretchen blew out her candles! In the glass cake dome is a cake from someone in the family made using an old familiar recipe. Judy and OJ made my photo, too, as they captured the moment. 

On the table behind OJ you can see my bowl which held the dinner rolls. Justin stopped by Publix on the way to church to pick them up but they weren't ready yet. This made him late to church but that was fine, it was for a good cause. When I sat down, he told me they only cost half what I told him they were and said they only gave him three bags. Oh, oh! He left church and went back to Publix. They had only given him half the order and because of this inconvenience, the balance of the order was free! He got back in time for the sermon, which was about love. Two of the hymns we sang were her favorites, and the pastor had a prayer of thanksgiving for our friend, Gretchen, at the close of the service. It was a very nice day!

Yay, Terri's back!

This morning Justin and I were going over to church to get the Fellowship Hall set up for Gretchen's birthday celebration tomorrow. Justin was providing muscle and ability to relocating some items to the classroom building before putting up tables and hauling chairs for the banquet. Before we went over we stopped to have breakfast at Metro Diner, my second day in a row. He ordered the chicken biscuit in order to help me with my meal. Even so, I still have stuff to take home me. 

We got over to church at the same time Judy arrived, all of us arriving earlier than planned. Justin helped to set up the tables and carry chairs, which I simply cannot do. Also hauled stuff to the middle classroom to free up floor space in the Fellowship Hall. Judy directed us on the table placement and set up and we made quick work of it. But, boy, were we hot! It was only 69 degrees above zero outside but quite humid. Thankful for the breeze to keep the air moving. 

Mike 'n Mike were busy in the kitchen getting the meat ready for tomorrow's lunch. Mike C. was sauteing the roasts and making a wine reduction. Justin said he could smell the wine outside! Good stuff coming our way! Terri and her crew were doing the decorations so Justin and I took care of was getting the tables in place and chairs situated. Judy was making tea and lemonade for the guests so was staying but we left, as Justin had plans with his friends for the afternoon.

I rested in the afternoon at my desk, my chair a blessing for my back. Most of the church newsletter is written and ready to go but for submissions from the preschool and regarding upcoming Bible studies. I was content, planning to have the rest of the day in and around the house. That it, until Terri called! She and her sister, Kim, and husband, Mike, had driven to JAX from Lake Lure where they vacationed. The two ladies had worked on centerpieces for the tables for Gretchen's party and went to church to dress the tables with the help of OJ and another sister, Gayle. After that was done, it was off to dinner at Sam's St. John Seafood. Michael and Judy rounded out our group, minus Gayle, who had to head for home.

Terri, me, Kim T., Michael, Judy, Mike T., and OJ at Sam's St. Johns Seafood