Deep Bible study

Earlier this year we began a study on Mondays called "Christians In Conflict". This is a timely subject as there is rarely a shortage of conflict in our little congregation. This class will hopefully get some of us on the road to being more helpful in healing the rifts and schisms, personal disagreements humans seem to attract. The study is based on a book "A Heart at Peace" which is a greatly appealing subject. 

Over the holidays I was looking at the website of another church and saw that this subject was being covered in a ladies Bible study, a joint study with another congregation. I brought it to my pastor's attention and he made the executive decision (giving us three choices but putting his thumb on the scale for this subject) to use this study. I was thinking my heart was pretty much at peace---it was until we got into this class! Whew, it is powerful and makes a person really think deeply about our interactions with folks.

We are not progressing quickly, which is good, because there is much to discuss, real life scenarios about which to ask questions (abusive spouses, etc.). We got through Part One of the study, talking about the 4 Stages of Conflict, and ending with the reminder to not allow the sun to go down on our conflict, from Ephesians. Oh, so easily said, more difficultly done! 

The next chapter brought to the forefront the topic of envy and how pervasive it is in our society, the root of many of our conflicts. This seems to be exacerbated by the use of social media communications. Everything becomes a contest, or against something to measure ourselves.  It's so interesting to observe and most difficult to not participate in the game of measuring oneself against another. 

Pastor said if he could he would make this study mandatory for the congregation. Might even introduce this in his pre-martial and post-martial counseling. It might require some editing to allow it to flow more quickly. In the meanwhile, we dig deeply into what makes ourselves tick, and what ticks others off!

Scratching my head

Have you ever had this happen to you? I'd had a conversation with someone and thought of something that could be a blessing for them, but not remembered with whom the conversation took place? It happened to me just recently and it was making me batty. I did the whole re-trace my steps thing, putting dates and people together, racking my brain for who it was I spoke with at some length, remembering I had something to share with them. Hmmm....who was that?

Most of my time is spent with the church family and Justin, and I was fairly confident it was not them. Terri is my most frequent dining partner but it was not with her that I had this conversation. Today I was using my scanner and discovered a piece of paper I had been in search of for this friend. Just who in the world was it???

Then, when I least expected it, my memory came back to me who it was with whom I ate dinner. It was my neighbor, Debbie! And she can make good use, I hope, of this piece of paper I found in my scanner. Man, that was driving me wild, trying to figure out who I discussed this subject with (acts of kindness) and who I thought would benefit from a list of 100 such acts. The list was a special gift to me from Gus, my sweet downstairs neighbor, on my birthday, no less. Now I will share it with my upstairs neighbor, to the benefit of the young people in the program for teens she runs for our County. 

Debbie's and my meal together was memorable, just not enough to click what I was thinking of to give her. I get a pass because it was the same night as my tumble in the bedroom. That is my story, and I am sticking to it! 

Now my brain can rest until another such a cramp takes place and I have to exercise my memory once again. Oh, boy, I hate having that happen and hope to not make a practice of it! 

Humpty Dumpty

...had a great fall. Yup, I've joined the club of which my sister, Lynn, is President. In rushing about in my room/bathroom, I believe one of my slippers jumped out in front me and I began my fancy, graceful dance toward my bed, missing my mark. Bang! Down I went on the floor after hitting against my bed and moving it over about 10".  I listened for my ornate fused glass lamp to hit the floor, being pushed over by my bed, but neither the table nor the lamp were knocked over. From the floor I was able to reach up and grab my phone from the lap desk on the bed and message Justin that I had fallen. He texted back that he was almost home and asked if I was okay. I told him to not rush, I was okay. I text Linda, too, who was waiting for me on the chat. (I'd quickly dashed to the bathroom during a commercial when Linda and I were chatting during The Five). She asked if I was okay, and I said I was. At least, I thought I was. 

I decided that nothing was broken and managed to get myself up on my sore knees. From there I pulled myself up to standing, assessed my situation, and then got myself situated back on my bed where I belonged, chatting with Linda! I texted Justin again, telling him I was up and on the bed, but he was nearly home. I am sure he was glad (and a bit scared) that he didn't have to try to get me up, or that I was injured. He is always worried about my tripping over the cord for my computer which runs between the bed and the wall outlet. Nine times out of 10 my foot grabs that cord, or I step on the junction box, causing a fancy two-step or something....Plus, I have a rug that has lost its grip over the years and slides underfoot. He brought that up as well, saying I'm too cheap to replace that rug with one that won't slip. I'd say he was a bit upset. I assured him I was fine, only broke one finger nail.

I'd made plans to have dinner with my neighbor, Debbie, and he had opted to stay in since he was so tired from working. When I got home again after dinner, he came in my room and together we moved my bed back to where it belonged in the room. I'm sure tomorrow I will be achy and sore from all this, my left knee already is, but I am thanking the Lord for the soft, relatively, landing I made. I think that if the bed was not there to stop my running dance trying to regain my footing, I would have ended up in the river, going head first out the window! The last time I fell, that I can recall, was when I was expecting Timmy, which was nearly 23 years ago. Please let it be at least that long before anything like this happens again. I must find a new place to put my slippers! 

Back, by popular demand

Perhaps to a lesser degree than in the past, but I'll make attempts to be faithful in posting here. My friend, Judy VSL, a fellow Manitowocian as well as Floridian, has expressed that she misses reading my blog postings. I am touched by that!

For about a week now I've been battling a malady which might or might not be the flu. Starting with a scratchy throat and then developing into hot/cold fluctuations, coughing, and bone weariness. Most of the symptoms have subsided or, at least, lessened in severity. 

Saturday I had to miss seeing a stage show "The Lion King" with Justin. The way it hit me, like a ton of bricks, left us short of time to find a replacement for me (I know, impossible!) so he ended up going by himself. He is fine with that, goes to Disney and the movies by himself without a problem.  He did enjoy his box seat which was visited by characters from the show but said I would not have made it from being dropped off and then up to our seats. It was quite the climb! And it was freezing cold in the theater, I imagine for the comfort of the performers in their heavy animal gear. 

Sunday I stayed home from Bible study and worship for obvious reasons. Hated missing those things but even had to miss our Ladies' Group meeting. I sent the necessary paperwork with Justin and arranged for someone to take Minutes for me. Also Kristi was enlisted to take attendance so all my bases were covered. I stayed home and felt sorry for myself...Not really, I knew I had to not infect others and not wear myself out. Not done lightly does this girl miss church. 

When Justin got home, he went to the grocery store and got the items I wanted plus ingredients to make pea soup. He was embarrassed to buy the things I had on my list but made up for it by buying veggies and such. I had a crazy taste for coffee cake or cookies instead of 'real food' and ice cream felt good on my throat. He blessed me with Haagen Dazs ice cream bars, BO/GO, and less expensive than Dilly Bars. I still have every one of those left, however, since Sunday! Guess I just thought I wanted ice cream (I really AM sick!).

Sleeping was a nightmare, ha ha, because the coughing was worse when lying down. Both Saturday and Sunday I spent the day in my desk chair so I wouldn't sleep all day and not be able to sleep at night, plus I felt better there than lying down. Justin got me a night time cold reliever which helped the first night but not as much the other nights. I started taking less, thinking it might be too strong and have the wrong effect on me. Less and less coughing every day, which is a blessing. At one point I felt like a muscle might have been pulled in my side, and I had to hold my side when I coughed. Because of that, I was not able to cover my mouth, which is it's own problem. Justin, that hero of mine, even offered to help me get my old surgical corset on to hold my side but I declined. Might have choked me to death since I've grown some since 2001. That pain has subsided for the most part. 

Just last week at Bible study we talked about how we didn't really know of anyone who might have the flu or those symptoms and now both Terri and I have a form of the cold/flu, hers affecting the sinuses. She was afraid she infected me but it seems to me that we likely caught our bug in the same place, possibly while at Metro Diner. Both of us are on the mend and are hopefully over the top of this malady. I'm thankful for Justin and his care for me. He did all he could for my comfort and care. God bless him! And God bless you all as you sleep tonight! 

From the past!

I found this on Facebook, in my Memories from 2009. Some of my answers made me chuckle and some brought tears. I was more clever those many years ago....

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE: 
Nope, I am unique 

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? 
Tonight, hearing someone sing the Lords' Prayers

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? 
Yes, although I print instead of use cursive

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? 
Spam

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? 
Yes, a 21 year old son on earth, and one in heaven

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? 
Oh, yes, I am not too choosy!

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM? 
Yes, too much probably

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? 
No, somebody took them!

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? 
Sure, that is why one of my legs is longer than the other.......

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? 
Honey Nut Cheerios

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? 
Nope, too far away

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? 
Mint Chocolate Chip

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? 
Their height

15. RED OR PINK? 
Red, for vibrancy

16. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? 
My weight

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? 
My son, Timmy

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO COMPLETE THIS LIST? 
No, this is not that much fun

19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? 
A purple nightie and blue slippers

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? 
A re-run of House

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? 
Red

23. FAVORITE SMELLS? 
Bacon. bread baking, food being cooked with wine, hamburgers on the grille

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? 
My son. Making plans for tomorrow

25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? 
I most certainly do!

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? 
Pro-football (is it August yet????)

27. HAIR COLOR? 
Dark brown with silver highlights

28. EYE COLOR? 
Brown

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? 
No

30. FAVORITE FOOD? 
Italian or "comfort foods"

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS MOVIES? 
Happy endings

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? 
Last Chance Harvey

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? 
Purple nightie

34 FAVORITE SEASON? 
Summer!!!

35. HUGS OR KISSES? 
Yes!

36. FAVORITE DESSERT?
Cherry cheesecake

37. IF YOU COULD MAKE A WISH.. 
I could simply die in my sleep and wake up in heaven

38. WHAT (in general) IRRITATES YOU? 
Being cold

39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? 
Grandma Speaks

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? 
Greek scenery

41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? 
House re-runs, Seinfeld at bedtime

42. FAVORITE SOUND(S)? 
My doorbell, which means someone is here!

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? 
I do not own a Beatles 'album' but have a couple Stones lps

44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? 
Alexandria, Egypt

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? 
I like to sing, and write

46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? 
Smalltown, WI

47. FAVORITE TIME OF DAY: 
Morning, because it starts all over again!

48. WHERE DID YOU MEET YOUR SPOUSE/SIGNIFICANT OTHER? 
On the school bus in 1970, when he thought I should give up my seat---no way!
He was no match for me!

49. Monty Python or SNL? 
"'tis merely a flesh wound.."

50. Would you take an around the world cruise if money were no object? 
I'm already packed and ready to go!!!

Hurricane Irma Conclusion

We had lost power around 10:00 pm the night before but never lost water so were able to use the toilets. Justin had pulled a box of our Christmas candles (I think about two dozens or so) and I bought batteries to load into them. When we lost the power, Kerry got busy and placed these candles around the house, lighting the hallway and kitchen, etc. Justin taped the refrigerator door shut so we wouldn't accidentally open it, forgetting there is no power. I can't tell you how often I'd enter a room and reach for the switch. We had plenty of foods out on the counter for us to eat, no one was going hungry in my house!

The wind was wicked, far more than any experienced here before. Rain was being pushed under the sliding doors and when it got lighter out I could see it puddling. I got sheets out to lay down to soak up the water. Thankfully the windows and doors held during the fiercest times of the winds, with Kerry sitting in the river room during part of that, expecting the doors to blow in. In our building, no windows were broken though most had intrusion from under the sliding doors. 

In the morning, Kerry went out to scout around and see what was happening. It came to her attention that Susan needed help, plus I believe the fire dept. came by and warned that a three foot surge was expected. Justin and she went do to help Susan and her son go to battle against the water that was accumulating in her river room, and looking to get into her rooms. They took the plywood Mitch brought to us plus our tarps downstairs and the two guys built a barrier wall to hold the river back. When Lori got up, she went down to help move Susan's stuff to higher ground, as Susan feared what the fire dept. told her. I sent out notices to neighbors that she needed help and some others went to help. Pretty soon pieces of artwork and other treasures were being hauled into my home by people I didn't even know. Love that!

Also, I had to sent out notices to the neighbors to stay off the sundeck because some of the roof tiles were breaking off and crashing down, narrowly missing my boy! Certainly that would kill a person or seriously injure anyone hit by those concrete tile. With no elevator, I had to stay upstairs so I helped in those ways. Kerry was back and forth so often, nothing but adrenalin for her!

After things calmed down a bit, Kerry was outside directing 

traffic so folks didn't drive through the deepest water or get

a nail in their tire from all the wood floating in our parking

lot or in the garages. She got my keys and moved my car up 

the hill further, suggested by the fire dept., so she parked it 

on the grass up near the entrance to the property. Thankfully

that storm surge never came, so all the prep down on the first

floor was for naught. One man refused to obey and ended up

with a flat tire, having run over a board with nails in it. What

a mess! 

On Tuesday, the original day they were scheduled to fly home, 

Justin and I drove them to the airport. Kerry had been watching

the local news (she loves the news and weather stations) which 

told about the flooding in Jacksonville so was concerned about 

our drive to the airport. I don't think she understood how large

Jacksonville actually is and we saw little to no flooding as we 

made our way there and back again. The flooding was downtown, 

taking over shops and hotels along the river, a really big mess. 

But we were good on the westside of that mess. 

After Justin dropped me off, he took off to the farm to help his boss 

rescue the equipment which was under water. We had gotten our 

power back about 5:00 pm on Monday (the 11th) so had A/C and use of our 

refrigerator with zero loss of food. His boss, on the other hand, was 

yet without power and would be for almost a week due to the switch 

for the community being under water! They were able to move the trucks and 

equipment to higher ground, losing only one truck at that time. 

Later the insurance company would total all the trucks but they were 

able to save most of the equipment. I got busy here at home with 

making phone calls to their clients, explaining the situation

the landscape business was facing. Almost all calls were left as messages, and 

those with whom I spoke were sympathetic. Most people had branches and such

to remove before the yard could be done anyway but I was glad to be 

a helper to him. 

Thanking the Lord for saving our building, my windows, my nerves,

and for the limited loss to our building. We will need to repair our 

bulkhead and certainly much cleanup in the lower units will occur. No

windows broke here or at The Club, which is simply amazing! Thanks be

to God for His mercy on us!

Hurricane Irma summation Part One

Well, Irma was here and gone. Gone for most of us, some are still cleaning up or bailing out their homes and businesses from the high water left behind. This morning I spoke with a neighbor from the 1st floor, a tenant, who has endured quite a lot since moving in here, most recently, water intrusion from the river during the storm. She told me of the floor being pulled up from her living room and tossed onto her veranda. She told about not being able to access her dishwasher, washer or dryer (I offered the use of mine) due to her patio furniture being in the way. She told about the drips from her ceiling which landed on her TV speakers and entertainment center. And then said, "All in all, not too bad, compared to what others are going through...." Yes, that's pretty much the way we feel here at The Palace. A broad statement, to be sure, but it really could be worse!

Lori and Kerry were scheduled originally to depart from FL on Tuesday, the 12th. With the storm pending and being unable to get their tickets changed or postponed, they came anyway. Once here and looking like the hurricane was going to cause us a problem, they changed their departure flight, at no charge, to Saturday, the 9th. That should work! NOPE!!!  On Friday Lori got an email saying that flight was cancelled and they were rebooked for later in the day. NOPE! Cancelled again. No chance to get out, they were stuck. This is what I so wanted to avoid but here we were. Lori was scared out of her wits, fearing she would die. I knew we would not, our building is so strong and we are up high, but I do/did fear my windows breaking and damage ensuing. I'm all about my stuff!

I had tarps, I had food and drink supplies, buying more to have on hand since my sisters were going to be here, too. Hurricane foods consist generally of non-perishables that will sustain a person for the duration of the expected power outage. Speaking of that, my friends, the Chappell's, don't lose power as freely as we do, and had agreed to take in my houseguests for that reason. Judy checked in with me several times to find out if they were coming or not, eventually deciding to stay with Justin and me. Lori said she'd promise to not whine about the heat. I made a promise to not whine about being cold due to the A/C being set cooler for their comfort. It was a struggle, but with my heated blanket and Packer cover, I was good!

Anyway, back to the prep---I had ordered tarps from Amazon, regular blue tarps you see all over, one for each window on the river side. I knew the sliders would be okay, being newer and stronger. I bought a bladder to put in the bathtub which would hold 100 gallons of drinkable water. Typically we don't lose our water, but I felt comfortable having it. We did not fill it, however. 

Because Lori was so scared and had told people on the phone more than once, "No, they don't board their windows..." I asked Mitch from The Club to bring some plywood for the two windows. He came Saturday, his nephew helping him, but he refused to destroy my lovely woodwork with putting up the wood. He left his tools in case we needed to quickly put up boards but just couldn't justify doing it. He said much that calmed Lori and having the boards at the ready helped, too. Nothing on The Club was boarded up, he told us and it's older than The Palace. God bless him!

After watching both our football teams win their games, Justin and Kerry put up the tarps. Kerry was a willing and able worker, loves to be busy. Justin used the screw gun Mitch left to put up the tarps and then leaned the plywood sheets in front of the windows. Justin made room for me in his bedroom, clearing off his little loveseat and even putting a comforter over the top of it for more cush. Last time we had such a storm I stayed across the hall but that's where Lori was. Kerry had an airbed set up in the living room where the TV was (she is like me). At one point after we lost power we moved her bed into Justin's room so it was more quiet. 

Something woke her up and she moved out to the living room again. It was in there she heard the drip drip drip behind the loveseat. Nuts!  We had the other catch basins in place but didn't go back there. I got Justin up and together we moved the loveseat out and put down a plastic layer plus basins. Kerry had added some more on the other side as they were filling up quickly. Like I said, she was a little fireman running around and taking care of business!