Yesterday, Dick and I went to see the Return of the King, the third part of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. It certainly was spectacular and wrapped EVERYTHING up true to the books. Dick thought it went on a little too long but they had to do that in order to finish the story. We both decided that Sam the Hobbit was a bigger hero than Frodo. He was loyal, strong, full of love and practical.

Jim, Bobbie and I went pistol shooting at Rhine again. Friday is league night. My first target wasn't too good but I improved on the last two. I guess I wasn't locking my wrist. Steady is GOOD.

It snowed all afternoon and last night. The world is glistening white all over. Chelsea loves it but even she got tired walking through those drifts this morning and was more than willing to head back before we went our full mile. We went out before the plows so there were at least 3 to 8 inches with the drifting all the way. Noone else was out this morning, I only saw one set of footprints the whole way and only two cars leaving.

I am going rabbit hunting tomorrow morning with my brothers, Jeff and Randy, and friends Leroy, Dennis and maybe Vic. We had fun last year which was my first time. It is supposed to be cold and windy. I don't look forward to that, but we dress warm and the walking seems to keep a person warm too. It is such fun watching the dogs find and chase down the rabbits. Dennis Behr has two dogs and they are so good.

The 26th annual Deeley Wild Game Dinner and Beer Tasting Contest is scheduled for 2/14/04 at my niece, Denise's house in Manitowoc. I am bringing the Venison roast. I think I may do it as a Texas Rub. That is so tender and moist and flavorful. The winner of the previous year's beer tasting always hosts the next year. This is Denise's 2nd win. The ladies are doing quite well. We have a traveling trophy that started with a pewter mug and has been expanded by adding bases over the years. I am never eligible because I don't drink beer.

The Mouse That Roared

Some Guinness was spilled on the barroom floor
When the pub was shut for the night,
Out of his hole crept a wee brown mouse,
And stood in the pale moonlight.

He lapped up the frothy brew from the floor,
Then back on his haunches he sat,
And all night long you could hear him roar.
"Bring on the goddamn cat!"

Have a great day

Mary

Jim got us a wine filter for Christmas. Boy, if my Dad could see our wine equipment he would be in hog heaven. Just our corker is a wonder. When we first started, we got a simple hand corker and Dick drove them in with a rubber hammer and the heel of his hand. This one you just put the bottle on a rack, drop in the cork and pull a handle.

But the filter is even more exciting. It pulls the wine through this series of tubes and filters soaked in water and leaves the wine as clear as a bell. We used it the first time today and what an experience.

Last night, I met Ann Pirrung and Paul Hanson from the Writers Club at the Wonderful World coffee house over on Michigan for the weekly open mike that the owner hosts. It was quite an experience. I read three of my poems and Paul read and there were several musicians, some good and some quite trying. Most of the attendees were high school age. Seniors and perhaps early college. Quite an experience. I was impressed with some of the music and told Judy, the owner, that it is wonderful for these kids to have a forum where they can try out their musical performing in a real situation.

Have a nice Friday. We are going to see The Return of the King.

Love

Mary

It snowed all day off an on. And I was out and about off and on all day too. Started out with a nice walk in teh snow with Chelsea at 5:30 because today was Bible Study.

We are going over the Constitutions portion of Vatican II. This should be interesting. It is pretty easy reading, at least the book we are reading. We got in to a big discussion on the attitude of the church to Gays. Lots of opinions. What do you think? I feel that if God created 11% of the population Gay, it is not abnormal and that God does not create evil.

I read the neatest quote from a Martin Niemoeller, a German. "When the Nazis came to get the Communists, I was silent, because I was not a Communist. When they came to get the Socialists, I was silent. When they came to get the Catholics, I was silent. When they came to get the Jews, I was silent. An when they came to get me, there was no one left to speak."

We must speak for justice.

Love

Mary

I am finally all caught up naming the pictures that I have installed on the computer. I got a good one of Oscar, which is almost impossible, because he is so black that there is very little contour and you usually just bet a black blob with shiny green orbs in it. However, I am going to show you one that I took of the two of them, Oscar and Roxie enjoyin treats on the kitchen floor. Don't they look healthy and happy. Enjoy.



Love

Mary

It is a sad day in Wisconsin. The Mighty Packers have played out. Yesterday, they lost in overtime due to an interception thrown by the mighty Favre. There were a couple of other opportunities earlier in the game where they really did poorly also. Anyway!!! What an exhausing and discouraging game. Three pictures of my brother Randy in three poses of disbelief and horror are in this evening's Sheboygan Press. Well, there is always next year. We will relive the what ifs for the next several months and then move on.

Wednesday, I will meet a friend at the new coffee shop on Michigan Avenue in Sheboygan. They have an open mike on Wednesdays. My friend is interviewing the owner for an article for the Beacon a local county paper. Her name is Ann Pirrung and she is really good. I keep trying. I will be doing a reading of my poetry and the classics on St. Patricks Day at Richards in Sheboygan Falls.

Love

Mary

Here we are in Wisconsin, getting ready to watch our Packers play the Eagles in Nasty Philidelphia. Dick and I went to Minneapolis one time to see the Packers Play at the Metrodome. Those Viking fans are really mean. I mean they were loud and evil. I was actually afraid as we were leaving the stadium and the Vikings WON the game.

They say the Eagles fans pride themselves on being the nastiest fans in the league. What is that?

Anyway, I am all ready with my green jeans, my gold turtleneck, my Reggie White Jersey and my Packer hat with the superbowl pin on it. We hear they are a team of destiny. I see that they have improved the WHOLE season and have come into their prime now. They have special impetus because of their loyalty to Favre, who lost his Dad and wants to win in his memory. That is quite a lot of motivation and skill coming together. Go Pack!!!

Went out to Rhine and shot three for league today. I did pretty good. One score was in the 60s the other two in the 50s. Dick got a 71. WOW.

Have a nice day.

Love

Mary