Mother's Day blessings

This morning our day began with Mom and I greeting Kerry as she arrived just prior to our departure for church. She had an hour and half drive over from Oshkosh after working overnight, just to surprise her mama!  Jill drove Mom and I to church while Kerry chose to come separately, as did Lynn. Mom was pleased to have four of her girls with her in worship. Lori decided to not make the drive over from Holmen since she couldn't get here until later afternoon and our Mother's Day plans were for lunch. They would have turned around the next day and driven back so it didn't really make much sense. She will try to come another time during my visit.

After worship, Jill had to leave for work, and Kerry came back here to catch some sleep while the rest of us went to Bible study. The pastor's brother-in-law, Josh Zarling, led the class which was about OT covenants. He mixed in some humor by using quotes from a movie and having the class say the next line. Lynn got it at long last as he kept going...it was from "Young Frankenstein". She had the advantage over me since I've not seen it. I know, I live a deprived life..

Our luncheon reservation was for 1:00 pm which worked for Jill as she had to open the ice cream parlor and get things rolling before she could leave. Jill met us at the restaurant, Kerry taking her own vehicle as she would have to leave right from the restaurant to go home and sleep. It was a buffet-style meal with many delicious items to choose from including baked chicken, beef tips in gravy, and roast pork, with mashed potatoes and other veggies. The hall was half empty already when we arrived, and I found out while dining that we had just missed Harv and Barb by about 10 minutes! We posed for a picture before Kerry had to leave for home. 

Our  Mother's Day photo: Jill, Lynn, Kerry, Mom and me. Mom had to be coaxed into the photo, glad she gave in!

Lynn, Mom and I came home to Mom's for a while before we headed to Rockwood, suburb of Manty, for the installation service of their new pastor, a son of First German. Bruce went to school with my sister, Kerry, and I've known him since he was little. He is the uncle to my dear young friend, Naomi, who was at the service with her husband, David. They each took a turn on the organ bench for the pre-service and installation service, David playing the majority of it. We sang such good hymns and were privileged to hear the sermon preached by our former pastor from FG, Arno Wolfgram. It was good to be there for this service, and in support of Bruce. 

My dear young friend, Naomi, and her husband, David playing the organ for the installation service

I had planned for us to have hot ham sandwiches and corn on the cob for dinner but no one was hungry enough to indulge me. Lynn went to her home and Jill had to check back in at the parlor before retiring to her home to recuperate from her lunch. I had a nice long phone conversation with Justin late afternoon before Mom and I watched some TV. It was a good Mother's Day!

The 2nd day of my visit

Bright and early this a.m. we ladies had Bible study at First German. Lynn first picked up her friend, Bonnie, and then me for the class. Linda was already there when we arrived. Our course of study was about Eve (and I didn't have a thing to wear! Ha ha) The pastor's wife, Anna, led the class, with 7 ladies, meeting in the church office. It was a most interesting class, lots of participation. One younger lady struggles with some 'issues', the most primary one being the loss of her parents relatively close together. Anna did her best to keep things on track while at the same time giving the lady the time she needed to speak. I enjoyed starting my time in WI with two church events in two days!

Mom and Lynn are met half way down the block by fellow church member, Tom Drill, who greeted them, and us, excitedly

Linda and I went ahead to Manitowoc Coffee while Lynn took Bonnie home and then picked up Mom. Linda and I were warmly greeted by the bell ringer, Tommy Drill, he nearly stopping traffic to do so. He rings the bell at times not Christmas or ThanksLiving, evidently, having a little hut on the busy corner of 8th and Franklin Streets. We went into the shop and ordered our treats, secured a table, and had a ring-side seat to watch Tommy running down the street to greet Mom and Lynn as they got out of their car. Oh, my! Such a commotion, more than Mom is accustomed to getting for her morning coffee!  I got some photos of them through the window of the shop.

Linda ordered a gourmet coffee which looked divine

After we finished our coffee and treats, we walked around a little indoor 'mall' where area vendors had their arts and crafts set up. We didn't venture into Ivy Trails as I'll save that visit for another time. Mom doesn't like to go in there with her walker so I'll go sometime when she is not with me. Linda went on home and Lynn took Mom and me to Festival Foods. Yay!  I had the best time there, love that place!  On the way back from Festival we swung into the ice cream parlor to have a treat with Jill. Oh, yum! Ran into a man I knew back when I was young, and I was amazed he recognized me. Guess he did from my photos on Facebook, which is a blessing in helping to remember others. 

At Festival I got the ingredients needed for some recipes I am making for us while here plus some of the goodies I like such as caramel corn, ham salad, 'Sunday' ham and rolls, Chermak summer sausage, and peanut squares....As I walked down the cracker aisle I came upon a box of round saltines. Stop the presses!  Never before had I seen such a thing and told them lady next to me, whom might think I was weird, that the world is upside down!  Even the guy in the meat department who sliced the sausage for me asked to see the box, never hearing of it himself. It was a long time coming. Now I think I should have taken two boxes!

For our dinner I made the meatball sub casserole which turned out perfectly. Jill liked it so much that she took a portion along home to take in her lunch the next day. The cheese stuck to the pan so it's soaking in the sink overnight, hope we don't have to scrub it. I got ingredients to make chicken and dumplings, chili, and meatloaf to get us started. Tomorrow we are eating at a buffet for Mother's Day. Lori decided not to come since our reservations were for noon. She wouldn't get here until later afternoon so figured it wasn't worth the quick turn around trip. I agree with her. Hopefully she can come another time during my visit so we can hang out. 

Well, time for me to go to sleep so I am bright as a penny for Mother's Day worship and Bible study.  If time allows after our lunch buffet, we are going to attend the installation service of a son of the congregation at a neighboring church. Our former pastor from FG is preaching the sermon and Naomi is going to play the organ for the service. I look forward to the whole day! 

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?