Welcomed

Last week Marty Sunshine, suggested we check out the Church of Christ. Now, before we continue you need to understand: Marty, a cradle Catholic, has never gone to a Protestant church. Ever. Being raised by a new aged flower child, and as a girl, having the neighbor ladies on each side of me next door take pity on me, as well as having friends of many different faiths, I've been to pretty much every Protestant church around. So, I was prepared. 

Anyway, we checked out the Church of Christ. Before we even entered the building, I ran into Ginny the Corona. By the time we found a seat, word had spread I was there. Deb found me, dragged us to sit with her. Several others came over to say hello, with Marty--usually the gregarious one between the two of us--staring like a deer in the headlights. I think Marty was surprised at how many people I knew. Frankly I was surprised at how many people I knew.  

Janice, who I've met a few times, ran over to hug me and said, "We've prayed and prayed and prayed for this day and now you are here!" 

When she left I turned to Deb. "We've prayed?" I raised an eyebrow.

Deb dismissed it with a, "That's just Janice." But I'm not sure I believe her.  

Suzy also zoomed over before and after the service, inviting us to the Sunday school (something Catholics don't have) and/or the "new member meet and greet" which I didn't even need to see the look on Marty's face to know that was probably a no-go. But I appreciated the offer. 

The service itself was interesting. Marty called it a "Pep Rally for Jesus," and he may not be wrong. The message was insightful and gave Marty and I something to discuss on the way home. The music was too much. Like a lot too much. I doubt Marty will go back (even thought today was his idea, he only goes to church at all because I ask), but I probably will. However, I still consider myself Catholic. I enjoyed the fellowship and I wish the ladies at my own church were this welcoming. 

Speaking of the people at my own church, I heard this week the Ladies Auxiliary are still pissy that I brought up our church isn't very welcoming. However, nobody has done anything to resolve this other than gossip about my opinion and let that gossip get back to me. But I digress... 

When we got home, I found a group text from Deb, thanking me for coming. That was followed up by several others saying they were sorry they didn't have a chance to say hello. After last year's loneliness, I can't begin to express how much I appreciate the effort these folks are making to make me feel welcome.  

The Great Compromise Has Been Reached

My Favorite Human in 2016

 

It's Official!!!!

My nephew, and favorite human, Patrick is coming to visit. It isn't the original drive to Arizona, pick up Patrick one week before school ends and take him home with me kind of thing. But that's okay. He's only nine. There's another time. 

Oh yeah, his parents are coming too. That's cool. I'm fond of both of them as well.  

 

Garden Update

The Main Garden: 1. Sweet Potatoes and (I can't believe I'm writing this) Okra
2. Zucchini, Squash, Peppers
3. Tomatoes and some Herbs
4. Onions, Spinach, Radishes, Cabbage, Lettuce

5. Cucumbers (for pickles), more herbs and flowers for pollination.

The whirligigs and garden adornments are allegedly to deter Luna. 

This is the potato garden. 

Springtime in Texarkana is kind of a hazy warm, mixed with a rush to get everything done before the next (sigh) rain storm--which is slated to be Thursday. The Sunshine family has been living their best lives. The garden is coming along slowly. I have seedlings started but they seem to be taking their time. I have one zucchini ready to plant. However, I have these dang stitches in my hand. So the timing isn't good. 

Additionally, I'm now part of a committee that probably has a name. It is for the Texarkana Health Department's Community Garden. The goal is to grow veggies and provide the community with the veg, as well as the information to others on how they can grow it themselves. What I'm really doing is tending to the garden, as soon as the hand finishes healing. 

Speaking of hand healing. Stitches come out Friday. I'm not supposed to lift ANYTHING or do ANYTHING with my left hand. I'd like to tell you I'm milking this and the family is just jumping on every chance to walk the dog, load the dishwasher, fold the clothes, cook dinner, etc. But then we'd all know I was lying. 

And speaking of plants, I stopped by the road side stand in the parking lot of the Nash Baptist Church on New Boston Road today. Some family was selling plants and well, I needed a few. I picked up a yellow squash and two varieties of tomato. These, along with what I have growing in my kitchen at the moment, will give the garden a bit of genetic diversity. Now to convince Luna she doesn't need to dig there. 

In the interest of full disclosure, the big bandage is off my hand and is replaced with a band-aid and a wrap to remind me not to use my hand (which doesn't seem to to work). Typing is not as difficult as it was with the growth but not what it could be if the stitches weren't snuggly settled into the palm of my hand. 

Election Update

 

Polly did not win her presidential bid. But she seems okay with that. 

She is still a student government senator for next year.

I'm proud of her for running. It really was a move out of her comfort zone.  

Typing With One Hand

This is my hand. 

The tumor was removed and sent to pathology. The doctor and I expect it to be benign. 

I have zero concerns. However, I sure wish my body would stop manufacturing tumors--even benign ones. 

My hand hurts MUCH less now that it is removed, so progress. 

This is Luna who won't leave my side. 

 

Campaign Season

Mr. H. Ross Perot

Polly is running for student president of Texarkana College.

Her slogan is: "Let me be your voice." She's running on more food options (including a coffee bar and opening back up the cafeteria), more clubs (there's three clubs since Covid) and starting a speaker's bureau to have community leaders come talk to students about different aspects of the job market and professional life.  

The election is later this week. 

Polly was told Ross Perot was student president of Texarkana College in his day. She was impressed. I was part of the student government when I was at Arizona State University, but Polly wasn't nearly as impressed by that fact. 

Crossing my fingers for good election results. 

I Did Not See That Coming

Marty Sunshine was willing to rush me to the hospital Friday evening right after I uttered the words, "I don't think I'm going to Corona night." 

I had reasons: 

1. Baseball. I said what I said. 

2. My hand hurts and I'm trying like crazy to type my last two chapters of my story before Wednesday's surgery. I'm on a mission.

3. Someone was bringing shrimp for dinner and it's kind of a problem to be in an enclosed space with shrimp. A big problem.   

4. My inner introvert was cowering in the corner. 

Instead, Marty suggested I reconsider. After all, I always have a good time. And I like these women. A lot. They are fun, funny and loving. He urged me to go, pointing out that a couple of hours away from home with people I like, playing Skipbo and Mexican Train is cheaper than my medical deducible at the hospital. 

And besides, if I was sent to the hospital, I might not have my surgery Wednesday, what did I want more? My hand to stop hurting or to write a check for a lot of money and not be able to spend that same dollar amount at the garden center this weekend. 

Anyway, I went. 

And... I found out the Coronas planned a surprise birthday party for me--complete with cake and presents. I still tear up at this because I did not think they considered me one of them, but just Tessa's pal. When I expressed my overwhelm for their kindness, they laughed at me and told me it was crazy to think they wouldn't have celebrated me. 

Oh my goodness!