Today was SHARE day. I realized that I had neglected to get the order blank adapted and sent to Amy at the church. So I just took the standard copy, and made copies while the inventory delivery was being confirmed. Had opportunity to observe how the integration of the online orders and the regular process worked. Also had opportunity to chat with Betty and Maxine about their view of the process as it is modifying. Since July was the first full month of the online ordering system and the second month of the change is how produce and "basic" packages are managed. Overall, it was a pretty smooth distribution.
I had planned to take the vegetable package out to Eagle Lane. Lee was going to call after the graduation ended -- and suggested that since he was close (actually on the way to his house) that he drop by and pick up the vegetables and I wouldn't have to drive out to Apollo Beach and back. I welcomed that. He also told me he had been given tickets to the Rowdies game tonight, and wondered if I would like to go with them.
We met at the "foot of the bridge" about 7 and watched the Rowdies. Lee noted that the last time he went to a Rowdies game, I probably took him -- he was too young to drive. It was a really good evening -- we finally had a bit of a breeze in the stadium (Steinbrenner Field), which made the intense heat bearable. Sat next to Ed, and we had a good conversation during the game. Didn't solve any of the world's problems, but good conversation none-the-less. When I got home, it was really nice to get out of those wet clothes (through and through), into shorts and T shirt, in the air conditioning. It was really another very good day.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Day 93 -- a real serendipity
What a way to start a day. Jarrod called and asked if he could come over. I had hoped he would be avaailable soon -- and was absolutely thrilled when he initiated the visit. What a guy!! We made our plans for the day -- projects, grocery shopping, cooking, two meals! Of course the outside projects were influenced by using the scooter to get between locations.
We were doing some cooking -- hamburgers and "Steak and Shake" fries (Jarrod had another chance to practice using the professional mandolin) and made plans to try out a cookie recipe (from the Pillsbury cookoff) after the grocery trip. As we were working together in the kitchen, Jarrod said "I really like being here -- I can try out stuff that I haven't done before, and use things that I don't have at home, and besides I like to be with you." I was walking tall after that!
We decided to go swimming next door before doing the shopping. And the temperature while doing the outside projects made the swim a welcomed opportunity to cool off. After getting out, rinsing off the chlorine, putting the wet clothes in the dryer, we journeyed to Publix. Jarrod has requested sushi for dinner, and we realized that his Dad would not have eaten since breakfast. So Jarrod extended the invitation to come for dinner to his Dad, and confirmed what kind of sushi he wanted. He also wanted to include a package of those soy beans that they both like very much. When we got home, Jarrod made me one of his great pizzas. Lee joined us and we had a great dinner together. I really am blessed. Having those two men wanting to spend time with me sure does make my lifestyle change sp much more bearable,
We were doing some cooking -- hamburgers and "Steak and Shake" fries (Jarrod had another chance to practice using the professional mandolin) and made plans to try out a cookie recipe (from the Pillsbury cookoff) after the grocery trip. As we were working together in the kitchen, Jarrod said "I really like being here -- I can try out stuff that I haven't done before, and use things that I don't have at home, and besides I like to be with you." I was walking tall after that!
We decided to go swimming next door before doing the shopping. And the temperature while doing the outside projects made the swim a welcomed opportunity to cool off. After getting out, rinsing off the chlorine, putting the wet clothes in the dryer, we journeyed to Publix. Jarrod has requested sushi for dinner, and we realized that his Dad would not have eaten since breakfast. So Jarrod extended the invitation to come for dinner to his Dad, and confirmed what kind of sushi he wanted. He also wanted to include a package of those soy beans that they both like very much. When we got home, Jarrod made me one of his great pizzas. Lee joined us and we had a great dinner together. I really am blessed. Having those two men wanting to spend time with me sure does make my lifestyle change sp much more bearable,
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Day 92 -- Another new reach out
I had arranged to meet with Bernie at Hyde Park UMC. Because of his Chaplaincy background, plus the varying positions he has held at the church, I decided he would be the one I would let know that I am open to establishing a relationship with a different church. I told him that I was looking toward Hyde Park first because of the long time relative distant relationship I have had with the church. I also acknowledge that because it is a Methodist Church, there is some administrative baggage, and I would need reassurance from Jim (the Senior) that he was willing to deal with any extra energy that would be brought on administratively. The conversation with Bernie was really quite good. I did get into one of my favorite philosophical/theological, and shared with his where I am in thinking about the issues of agendas in a relationship and expanded the concept with his a little bit -- characterizing the agenda hidden from the individual as a possible location for our essence, but also our dark side because of our resistance to let that agenda see the light of day. This also has a lot of implication for the phenomena that we call "conversion" and the individuals finding God in their lives as it's center. Probably, with some more conversations like this, a white paper may become a reality. Have to sketch some of it out and send it off to Danny.
Bernie was most gracious and accepting. He was open enough to acknowledge that my conversation down the agenda path was useful to him. He also acknowledge that it just isn't his thing to go down the philosophical/theological/behavioral path with any frequency -- saying he spends most of his figuring out time in the context of the people he is dealing with in reality. He was most gracious.
I did find out that he most likely was at the hospital around 7pm on April 8th. When I shared the time line with him and what was going on with Margaret at that time, he concurred that he had been observing the no visitor sign. That also prompted me to tell him about the no-clergy part -- he was appropriately amazed and concerned. He also told me about being at the bedside when Jim Ferman, Sr. went home.
I was a little surprised and pleased with the amount of transparency I offered to Bernie. I asked him to look around and see if there is a place he could see me fitting into the life of the church. I acknowledged that in many ways I have already started (in the back door) through the DSP, which he was aware of. It will be interesting to see how the seeds I planted will grow with Bernie. I do not know how fertile and moist the soil is, but I will be looking for any evidence of sprouts.
By the by -- just before I left to meet with Bernie, Heather called to explain to me the insurance foul up, and that it was all fixed. It was really a "wrong form" administrative issue. I thanked Heather for her graciousness in dealing with my grumpiness over the way it was handled by Citizens.
Decided to watch the movie "Invictus" this evening. Very surprisingly, I found tears in my eyes on several occasions -- usually when the Mandella character was being successful as a change agent, and getting confirmation of his life work. I guess the unsettled part about what me future and life will be was a strong contributer to that. Also I realized I had really taken a lot of risk with Bernie -- and while I was not regretting that, there is that scared little boy inside wondering if I had done the wrong thing. Only time will tell.
Bernie was most gracious and accepting. He was open enough to acknowledge that my conversation down the agenda path was useful to him. He also acknowledge that it just isn't his thing to go down the philosophical/theological/behavioral path with any frequency -- saying he spends most of his figuring out time in the context of the people he is dealing with in reality. He was most gracious.
I did find out that he most likely was at the hospital around 7pm on April 8th. When I shared the time line with him and what was going on with Margaret at that time, he concurred that he had been observing the no visitor sign. That also prompted me to tell him about the no-clergy part -- he was appropriately amazed and concerned. He also told me about being at the bedside when Jim Ferman, Sr. went home.
I was a little surprised and pleased with the amount of transparency I offered to Bernie. I asked him to look around and see if there is a place he could see me fitting into the life of the church. I acknowledged that in many ways I have already started (in the back door) through the DSP, which he was aware of. It will be interesting to see how the seeds I planted will grow with Bernie. I do not know how fertile and moist the soil is, but I will be looking for any evidence of sprouts.
By the by -- just before I left to meet with Bernie, Heather called to explain to me the insurance foul up, and that it was all fixed. It was really a "wrong form" administrative issue. I thanked Heather for her graciousness in dealing with my grumpiness over the way it was handled by Citizens.
Decided to watch the movie "Invictus" this evening. Very surprisingly, I found tears in my eyes on several occasions -- usually when the Mandella character was being successful as a change agent, and getting confirmation of his life work. I guess the unsettled part about what me future and life will be was a strong contributer to that. Also I realized I had really taken a lot of risk with Bernie -- and while I was not regretting that, there is that scared little boy inside wondering if I had done the wrong thing. Only time will tell.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Day 91 -- Is this what routine is about?
The HRB course was off to a good start. Kelly is having to handle a complicated subject (cancellation of debt) that is loaded with exceptions. Make the explanation to clients doubly difficult, and really requires a clear understanding and a lot of patience when getting the client to understand the concept.
Because of the problem with the back window yesterday I checked the door after I got home. Found the panel loose. So I left the class and went to Century to ask Tony If I needed to be concerned about the panel being loose. He looked it, said there was not problem -- so instead of taking it back to fix it thn, we decided I would remind him the next time I am in and they will fix it then.
Well, this detour just obliterated my lunch with George in my memory. When I talked to George later, he was gracious and reminded me that we are both subject to Senior Moments. He asked me about a URL that I knew was on my HRB memory stick. When I went to look for it -- I couldn't, and still can't, find it. I know I have had it here at home -- I just put it in a place that I would know for sure where it is. If only I can find that spot.
Did not hear back from Heather Garcia at Members Insurance Center. Reached out to Derek to get the Manager's name and called her -- she is out until tomorrow, so I left a voice mail. She will probably call while I'm talking to Bernie tomorrow. Also did not hear back from Mildred Baker. Probably ought to just send her an email. I was just trying to be responsive to her request to call.
Did hear from the Sleep Center today. There is some pending paperwork that has to be in LinCare's hands before they an deliver my CPAP. She assured me that the Sleep Center was going what they could to get the task done ASAP.
Lee and I had lunch/supper together -- went to Perkins. Got to spend a couple of hours talking about where things are with him and what he plans and hopes are. He is getting himself geared up to say goodbye to the "get by" he has been practicing, and take proactive charge of his life and destiny. It is a little scary to heas your son talking about being in the last 20 years of his work life and is disparaging that he does not believe he has a legacy to leave his sons. I know the feeling and the anguish. My hope and prayer is that he will accept himself and the capable and talented guy that he is, and give up the justifying and defending himself. Our parking lot conversation was about risk taking. Couldn't help remembering Dick Parham's attribute for me -- "Just Do It -- like Nike". I am really blessed to witness what a fine person Lee has made of himself. He honors me by including me in the small group of those he trusts and is using as his sounding board in this quest he is on.
Because of the problem with the back window yesterday I checked the door after I got home. Found the panel loose. So I left the class and went to Century to ask Tony If I needed to be concerned about the panel being loose. He looked it, said there was not problem -- so instead of taking it back to fix it thn, we decided I would remind him the next time I am in and they will fix it then.
Well, this detour just obliterated my lunch with George in my memory. When I talked to George later, he was gracious and reminded me that we are both subject to Senior Moments. He asked me about a URL that I knew was on my HRB memory stick. When I went to look for it -- I couldn't, and still can't, find it. I know I have had it here at home -- I just put it in a place that I would know for sure where it is. If only I can find that spot.
Did not hear back from Heather Garcia at Members Insurance Center. Reached out to Derek to get the Manager's name and called her -- she is out until tomorrow, so I left a voice mail. She will probably call while I'm talking to Bernie tomorrow. Also did not hear back from Mildred Baker. Probably ought to just send her an email. I was just trying to be responsive to her request to call.
Did hear from the Sleep Center today. There is some pending paperwork that has to be in LinCare's hands before they an deliver my CPAP. She assured me that the Sleep Center was going what they could to get the task done ASAP.
Lee and I had lunch/supper together -- went to Perkins. Got to spend a couple of hours talking about where things are with him and what he plans and hopes are. He is getting himself geared up to say goodbye to the "get by" he has been practicing, and take proactive charge of his life and destiny. It is a little scary to heas your son talking about being in the last 20 years of his work life and is disparaging that he does not believe he has a legacy to leave his sons. I know the feeling and the anguish. My hope and prayer is that he will accept himself and the capable and talented guy that he is, and give up the justifying and defending himself. Our parking lot conversation was about risk taking. Couldn't help remembering Dick Parham's attribute for me -- "Just Do It -- like Nike". I am really blessed to witness what a fine person Lee has made of himself. He honors me by including me in the small group of those he trusts and is using as his sounding board in this quest he is on.
Day 90 -- Another first!
Street clothes all day -- Almost like I was back working 9 - 5!
Jack Shelton call -- out of the blue -- Jack called from Waynesville. Brought back lots of really good yet old memories. He is still keeping very busy -- running a non-profit and having to raise scarce money.
hearing aid transmitter on the right was just the wrong size. Made a sore spot on the inside of my ear. Steve put on a longer transmitter, and the fit is just right. Now if the sore spot will go away.
injection week and prescription refill. While there, checked what the status is with LinCare. With tomorrow a full day, won't be a bit surprised if I get a call from them.
supper at Perkins -- didn't want to cook for me, so I let Perkins do the cooking -- and got some vegetables. Good food and worth the trip.
Didn't want to cook for me. But my cookie box is empty, so I baked oatmeal cookies. The are very well done -- I forgot that I needed to reduce the cooking time when I use the small scoop. Oh well, that will be the next batch.
Think I got everything right for the DSP paperwork. I had hoped I would hear from Michelle Baker, but I must have left a message after she was gone for the day. Once I find out what to do about copies, I'll have everything in place to mail the packet.
Bernie called and I will meet with him on Thursday. So do wonder where he was at the time he dated the card he left for Margaret and me.
Citizens mixup on the Homeowner Insurance -- Heather did not inform me about the need for photos to prove I have a hip roof, and Citizens did not inform me they were canceling the credit that was part of the amount I have paid them for the entire year. Heather was not helpful -- she in essence blew me off inferring it was all my fault they had canceled the credit and did not seem interested in correcting the oversight on her part. If she does not return my call by tomorrow, I'll place another call and try to reach her supervisor.
Massey Services demonstrated their name is not true. When I call to find out why the no-show I was promised a return call with an explanantion. Was not forthcoming. Me concern is that the concerned service of Middleton went away when Massey acquired them.
I'm giving myself the assignment of formulating a "white paper": Theme -- conflict of hidden, disimiliar agendas. I think Danny and I can have a lot of fun with the concept. This may be just another description of an ages old problem when communication breaks down, or there is some confusion when stated agendas are not demonstrated in behavior. I'm wondering about those agendas that are hidden from the individual who is acting them out.
From the long day, I am pretty wiped out. So I make a list and save the draft. I'm flesh it out tomorrow. I want to stay with my commitment to write every day -- and I am losing interest in my writing. Not sure what is up about that.
Jack Shelton call -- out of the blue -- Jack called from Waynesville. Brought back lots of really good yet old memories. He is still keeping very busy -- running a non-profit and having to raise scarce money.
hearing aid transmitter on the right was just the wrong size. Made a sore spot on the inside of my ear. Steve put on a longer transmitter, and the fit is just right. Now if the sore spot will go away.
injection week and prescription refill. While there, checked what the status is with LinCare. With tomorrow a full day, won't be a bit surprised if I get a call from them.
supper at Perkins -- didn't want to cook for me, so I let Perkins do the cooking -- and got some vegetables. Good food and worth the trip.
Didn't want to cook for me. But my cookie box is empty, so I baked oatmeal cookies. The are very well done -- I forgot that I needed to reduce the cooking time when I use the small scoop. Oh well, that will be the next batch.
Think I got everything right for the DSP paperwork. I had hoped I would hear from Michelle Baker, but I must have left a message after she was gone for the day. Once I find out what to do about copies, I'll have everything in place to mail the packet.
Bernie called and I will meet with him on Thursday. So do wonder where he was at the time he dated the card he left for Margaret and me.
Citizens mixup on the Homeowner Insurance -- Heather did not inform me about the need for photos to prove I have a hip roof, and Citizens did not inform me they were canceling the credit that was part of the amount I have paid them for the entire year. Heather was not helpful -- she in essence blew me off inferring it was all my fault they had canceled the credit and did not seem interested in correcting the oversight on her part. If she does not return my call by tomorrow, I'll place another call and try to reach her supervisor.
Massey Services demonstrated their name is not true. When I call to find out why the no-show I was promised a return call with an explanantion. Was not forthcoming. Me concern is that the concerned service of Middleton went away when Massey acquired them.
I'm giving myself the assignment of formulating a "white paper": Theme -- conflict of hidden, disimiliar agendas. I think Danny and I can have a lot of fun with the concept. This may be just another description of an ages old problem when communication breaks down, or there is some confusion when stated agendas are not demonstrated in behavior. I'm wondering about those agendas that are hidden from the individual who is acting them out.
From the long day, I am pretty wiped out. So I make a list and save the draft. I'm flesh it out tomorrow. I want to stay with my commitment to write every day -- and I am losing interest in my writing. Not sure what is up about that.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Day 89 -- another first!
Started early so I would be ready for the class -- my first time to do a whole 6 hour day with the DSP course. Had about 12 there, and Anna came to handle the administrative side. She was a real blessing -- very quietly and discreetly handling the details of registration, form completion, money collecting, etc., etc., all of which is really part of the course. She enabled me to concentrate on getting the message of the course across. Most of the participants were repeats -- they had taken the course several times before ( in the case of 4 or 5 of them). They were very gracious at the end and complimented me on the quality of my presentation
Anna left at noon -- and I asked her to send me the information about her next class, so I could get some practice with the administrative stuff, and return the favor she did for me today. He work really made my task easier and a lot more plesant. AND, for all the obsessing I did about making the time line -- I was 30 minutes early for the lunch break, started every until on time, and noticed it was 3:00 when I was walking out of the room for the last time.
Went to the Church Office to thank the folks that were both interested in how things had gone, and graciously accepted my thanks for their contribution to the success of the day. As I left, the secretary called out "see ya in a couple of months". That was really nice.
As I was driving home, I noticed that the back window had decided it did not want to stay in the up position. It was the same window (on the car) that I had trouble on the way back from Coral Springs. So I called Tony at Century to see if anything could be done. He invited me to come right down, took the car, knew what the problem was, and invited me to make myself at home while he fixed it. I left the dealership about 5:30 or so.
When I walked in the house, it smelled so good! Nancy was here today, and she always leaves the house smelling so clear and fresh! I realized that today was the first day in a very long time that I was gone all day! For all the times that I have gone out for a short period of time and then dreaded coming back to an empty house -- this was not one of those. I couldn't wait to get into my lightweight house clothes and just sit in the quite for a few minutes. Then it was back to work -- still have to make a call tomorrow to finish up the paperwork from today -- have two appointments tomorrow, and will most likely finally hear from Bernie at Hyde Park UMC.
The day ended with a call from Lee. The major reason for this call was to tell me that the blog announced they had listed their house today. We talked a long time -- it seemed that neither of us wanted the call to end. We did make plans for a nice long face to face on either Wed or Fri. That man has been carrying a really heavy load, and I am in awe of how he is managing. If the only thing he was facing was selling his house -- that would be one thing. But the whole panoply of issues he is currently carrying -- financial, professional, family, personal is such that can only show the great, unseen strength of character he has. He is my hero!
Anna left at noon -- and I asked her to send me the information about her next class, so I could get some practice with the administrative stuff, and return the favor she did for me today. He work really made my task easier and a lot more plesant. AND, for all the obsessing I did about making the time line -- I was 30 minutes early for the lunch break, started every until on time, and noticed it was 3:00 when I was walking out of the room for the last time.
Went to the Church Office to thank the folks that were both interested in how things had gone, and graciously accepted my thanks for their contribution to the success of the day. As I left, the secretary called out "see ya in a couple of months". That was really nice.
As I was driving home, I noticed that the back window had decided it did not want to stay in the up position. It was the same window (on the car) that I had trouble on the way back from Coral Springs. So I called Tony at Century to see if anything could be done. He invited me to come right down, took the car, knew what the problem was, and invited me to make myself at home while he fixed it. I left the dealership about 5:30 or so.
When I walked in the house, it smelled so good! Nancy was here today, and she always leaves the house smelling so clear and fresh! I realized that today was the first day in a very long time that I was gone all day! For all the times that I have gone out for a short period of time and then dreaded coming back to an empty house -- this was not one of those. I couldn't wait to get into my lightweight house clothes and just sit in the quite for a few minutes. Then it was back to work -- still have to make a call tomorrow to finish up the paperwork from today -- have two appointments tomorrow, and will most likely finally hear from Bernie at Hyde Park UMC.
The day ended with a call from Lee. The major reason for this call was to tell me that the blog announced they had listed their house today. We talked a long time -- it seemed that neither of us wanted the call to end. We did make plans for a nice long face to face on either Wed or Fri. That man has been carrying a really heavy load, and I am in awe of how he is managing. If the only thing he was facing was selling his house -- that would be one thing. But the whole panoply of issues he is currently carrying -- financial, professional, family, personal is such that can only show the great, unseen strength of character he has. He is my hero!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Day 88 -- And I still have to make the bed
I did some of the usual Sunday morning routine. But tomorrow's class would not stay in the background. I had put off fixing the timer thing on the presentation -- got that done and also put in a placeholder for the lunch break timer. Decided it was far more important to get more familiar with the last four units, so spend the rest of the afternoon on being sure everything was ready, and in the suitcase, for tomorrow. I plan to be there about 8 am to check the room arrangement and the equipment. Anna is coming about 8:30 with the participant's materials and registration. She did not send me an attendance list -- I thought I was supposed to call each person and tell them to bring a light lunch. I can only hope she did that piece of business.
Did the laundry -- at least the sheets and bed "sock". Also washed and bleached the kitchen towels and the mat from my bath. Since Nancy is coming tomorrow, I made sure the non-dishwasher dishes were done. After taking sheets, etc. out of the dryer I piled them on the bed. It's now after 12 -- the end of a day that sure did go a lot faster than I thought -- and I still have to make up the bed.
Did the laundry -- at least the sheets and bed "sock". Also washed and bleached the kitchen towels and the mat from my bath. Since Nancy is coming tomorrow, I made sure the non-dishwasher dishes were done. After taking sheets, etc. out of the dryer I piled them on the bed. It's now after 12 -- the end of a day that sure did go a lot faster than I thought -- and I still have to make up the bed.
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