December 15th: Monday Musings re: The Birthday Week...

 

You all know, by now, that I completed my 74th trip around the sun on December 11th.  This is my journal, so I want to write about the fun birthday week I had with my son, Jeff.  I will mention that I am feeling all 74 of those years, these last few days.  I am not, however, going to complain about aches and pains and being tired because it is all good!!

Jeff was here on Monday, the 9th, not too long after I arrived home from Naples and the wedding weekend.  It was so good to see him.  He hadn't been here since March 2024.  Jeff is a Meat/Seafood Manager at a Safeway Grocery in Alexandria, VA.  He celebrated 40 years with Safeway just a few months ago.  I remember his first day with them, and trying to keep his TWO uniforms clean so he had something to wear to work!  LOL  It was around that time that I taught him how to do his own laundry!!

On Tuesday, we didn't do too much other than hang out and run a few errands.  We ordered Chinese takeout for dinner and watched a couple of Christmas movies.  Jeff did help me move a couple of bookcases in my "she shed" (better known as my junk room).  We also got some Christmas lights put in front of my house!

On Wednesday, I had fasting labs (routine), and he slept in a bit.  When I got home, he was ready to go out for breakfast with me at The Metro Diner.  It was yummy!!  I took him to our brand new Publix store so he could see the two stories with eat-in space and an expanded Deli, etc., etc.  He seemed impressed.  I hinted that he could retire from Safeway and move down here for a second career with Publix (been trying to get him here for years, and it still doesn't work!).  

We drove past our old house, where Joe and I lived for 28 years before moving to Mas Verde.  It hasn't changed much and feels funny to drive by.  Still love my old neighbors and count them as friends.  They were home (both cars there), but we didn't stop.  From there, we went to the cemetery and visited Joe's niche.  My ashes will join his there someday.  That feels funny, too, seeing my name there with his.  Comforting as well.  

I made a pork loin sheet pan dinner for our meal.  This was the second time I made it, and it was just a good as the first time.  Jeff loved it.  Two-pound pork loin, potatoes halved, and I used fresh green beans.  Season to taste, use some EVOO liberally, and put it in the oven (not covered) at 400 degrees for about 30-40 minutes.  Use a meat thermometer to make sure the pork is at least 145 (165/70 is better!). Easy peasy...

Thursday was my birthday, and he was happy to do whatever I wanted.  Bless him.  I took him to our Bonnet Springs Park.  We rode the trolley around the entire property.  He enjoyed it and said I would have to take Kali there when she is down this way for Christmas.  I took his picture by the Christmas tree there, and he took mine. 

We left there and went to my former place of work, Polk Museum of Art, now renamed The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art.  When I visit, I usually see one or two of my former co-workers who are still working there.  This time, I saw five of them and got hugs and quick conversations to catch up a bit.  Jeff remembered most of them, and they remembered him.  That was fun.  I only got one picture of Danielle, though, and she remembered it was my birthday because hers was the 12th!!

You can see the sign for the new exhibit, The Medici Dynasty.  I plan to get there again to tour the two main galleries.  I could only peek in the doors for a hint of the beauty on the walls. It looks like it will be amazing.  Jeff and I toured the other galleries that were open, and he got to see the new extension that had opened since he was here the last time. Another place he said I would have to take Kali when she is down for Christmas.  

Kali is Jeff's girlfriend/partner.  They have been together almost 10 years (in January).  Her folks live an hour north of Lakeland.  Jeff and Kali rarely have time off together (the last time they were both here was for Joe's funeral). When she is down, I drive up to spend some time with them, and when Jeff is here, we drive up so he can spend some time with them.  They plan to come down my way next week, and I am looking forward to it!

Back to my birthday... Jeff took me out for crablegs and shrimp.  We tried a new place that wasn't quite as good as the one we went to the last time he was here.  Been there, done that.  Crafty Crab is much better than Mr. & Mrs. Crab.  

I do love crab and shrimp.  It was great celebrating with my son.  Kali sent me a gift, and I got a sweet card from them.  I felt special and very loved.  I also had phone calls from Joey and Darlene, my sisters, and my sister-in-law, and over 100 messages on Facebook.  Many of those FB messages were from some of you, and I also received cards from some of you, as well.  Thank you to all!!

We drove north to Clermont on Friday to visit with Kali's mom and dad.  Jeff and I picked up a 'family bundle' from Carrabba's Italian Restaurant in Clermont, and Kali's folks had beverages and dessert waiting for us in their beautiful home.  We were there from 12:30 to about 3:30/4:00.  A short visit, but it was lovely.

Their tree...

Maureen said the poinsettias are a Jamaican 'thing'.

I said they are a beautiful thing!

Saturday dawned.  Jeff had to leave by 10:00 a.m. so he could get the rental car turned in and get to his gate for the flight back to Virginia.  It all went by way too fast.  I had texts from him letting me know he was at the gate, then boarding, then when he landed. 

I didn't do much of anything on Saturday, other than prepare a pasta salad to take to our church's Family Christmas Party Potluck.  It was well-attended and very fun, but I was tired.  Yesterday was church, I did my two loads of laundry, and I stripped the guest room bed and tidied up the bathroom.  Today I have a doctor's appointment (routine) and then will go to Sam's Club for some Christmas food and supplies.  Tomorrow, three of my "church lady" friends are coming for lunch.  I'm doing chicken salad, fruit salad, tossed salad, and a vegetable soup. Our temps will only be in the 60s tomorrow, so soup will taste good.  I will also get the ham for Christmas dinner. 

There will be eight of us for Christmas dinner.  Wilma will be on a cruise with her son and his family, and Mike and Mary Ellen will be in PA with family, so eight of the Thanksgiving 11 will be here for Christmas dinner.  I texted with my sister in Georgia, and plan to go up there for a visit sometime during the first half of January.  I need to coordinate with Anne and Paul, and their appointments at Moffitt.  Son Joey and Darlene mentioned coming down after the first of the year.  I will get all of that sorted soon.

Thanks if you made it this far!  Good golly!!  I have almost 100 posts from all of you to catch up with.  I will most likely get to the most recent ones first.  Bear with me!!  I've missed your news!  

Peace and Hugs!

O Come, O Come, Immanuel

Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel

Shall come to you, O Israel.