Well, they hanged Saddam last night. I think that is a mistake. Killing only begets more killing. I feel that an eye for an eye is God's Job. Too bad there was not an international court. I guess that we need to feel that at least it was an Iraqi court that did the deed. I wonder if we could have appealed or kept him in our custody?
Let us pray that this does not start riots and more violence in Iraq and around the world. He still had a lot of followers who will try to make a martyr out of him.
It was a rather gloomy day t0day. Chelsea let me sleep until 7:00AM. Of course that was because Dick had shut her out of the room. She surprised me by taking her whole walk even then. Sometimes she is so hungry if I sleep late that she heads back early for breakfast. She is not stupid.
I mixed up a batch of Marigold wine today. I had the blossoms in the freezer and FINALLY had all the other ingredients gathered with an empty primary fermenter to put it in. We are way behind on making wine because of the move and the confusion of getting resettled. One would think it would be easier because we have a little room that we can actually dedicate to wine making. Maybe it will be once we can get on a rotation. We had hardly any to give for Christmas presents.
We are almost to the end of the year 2006. What is it about a New Year. It is just one day to the next but seems like such a real new beginning. The last quarter of this year has been very hard. I am praying that 2007 will be the start of good things and perhaps the end of the distressing things that have been occurring one thing after another. I will plan on it happening that way and then it will.
Here is a nice quote from The Cadfael Book of Days quoting from Ellis Peters. "Live, amend, in your dealings with sinners remember your own frailty, and in your dealings with the innocent, respect and use your own strength in their service. Do as well as you can and leave the rest to God, and how much more can saints do?"
I really like that. It is comforting to know that when we have done what we can, the rest is up to someone much more wise and powerful.
Love
Mary
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Friday, December 29, 2006
Such a nice day today. It was not too cold but a bit gloomy weather wise. Chelsea and I started on our walk at abut 6:10AM. She was Little Miss Adventure this morning and decided to take a slightly different route. We turned out of the tract on a path about halfway up Tall Grass Lane heading towards the Park. Then we turned onto the abandoned railroad tracks and proceeded to Highland where we started on our usual path around Lions Park. A nice walk altogether.
When we got back, I fed everybody breakfast. Dick took a nap and I cleaned the kitchen. I met Betty and Barb at the Dairy Queen for lunch. Everybody else was gone or busy. Barb's daughter Dana was with her with her other daughter's children. Anna is the one who is almost three and I forgot the baby's name again. Anna has Down's Syndrome and it is always good to see her and see how she is progressing. She interacts well with people now, is very friendly and smiles a lot. The baby is a smiler too and has cheeks as round as a chipmunk.
Home again and I baked a cake. We have these clementines that are just NOT getting eaten fast enough. I found a recipe for a bundt cake which is really good and I made it in my new rose bundt pan. Is it ever pretty. Come over for a piece tomorrow if you want.
Did I tell you that there are Fairy Rings in Lions Park? They are scattered ALL over the park. I did a little bit or research and found that many nationalities recognize the fairy ring. More often for evil that good. I know the Celtic people do. People believed that the mushroom circle grew where the fairies danced, following their circle path. The rings in the park are just dark green rings. I see no mushrooms. I hope they are happy fairies as CHILDREN play in the park. Legend also says that if you find a fairy ring on a night with a full moon you will be invited to join in.
The Bible actually alludes to them, Matt. xii. 43 says that 'The fairies dance in circles in dry places; and the Scripture saith that the walk of evil spirits is in dry places.'
Later
Mary
When we got back, I fed everybody breakfast. Dick took a nap and I cleaned the kitchen. I met Betty and Barb at the Dairy Queen for lunch. Everybody else was gone or busy. Barb's daughter Dana was with her with her other daughter's children. Anna is the one who is almost three and I forgot the baby's name again. Anna has Down's Syndrome and it is always good to see her and see how she is progressing. She interacts well with people now, is very friendly and smiles a lot. The baby is a smiler too and has cheeks as round as a chipmunk.
Home again and I baked a cake. We have these clementines that are just NOT getting eaten fast enough. I found a recipe for a bundt cake which is really good and I made it in my new rose bundt pan. Is it ever pretty. Come over for a piece tomorrow if you want.
Did I tell you that there are Fairy Rings in Lions Park? They are scattered ALL over the park. I did a little bit or research and found that many nationalities recognize the fairy ring. More often for evil that good. I know the Celtic people do. People believed that the mushroom circle grew where the fairies danced, following their circle path. The rings in the park are just dark green rings. I see no mushrooms. I hope they are happy fairies as CHILDREN play in the park. Legend also says that if you find a fairy ring on a night with a full moon you will be invited to join in.
The Bible actually alludes to them, Matt. xii. 43 says that 'The fairies dance in circles in dry places; and the Scripture saith that the walk of evil spirits is in dry places.'
Later
Mary
Thursday, December 28, 2006
When we got up this morning, the streets were all wet, but it was not raining. Chelsea decided on a very short walk which did not upset me because I had a schedule to keep today.
First, Dick and I went to Mc Donald's for breakfast and then to the Pick and Save to grocery shop. We hurried a bit because, as I mentioned yesterday, I had to pick Mother up again to take her to the Clinic as they had not told her that there were TWO lab tests that she needed and one of them required a 12 hour fast.
Anyway, I picked her up at 9:30AM and we hied down there for the tests. We were back by 10:30. We fixed tea and she ate a blueberry muffin that I had brought along. Just as we were sipping our tea the doorbell rang and in walked my niece, Britt, Nora and Leif's daughter, and her friend, Andrew. They were on their way up to Washington Island to spend some of this holiday with his mother and step dad. I was so glad of my timing. Britt is so lovely and charming and Andrew is great. I will be sending them copies of my book. Andrew had Britt send me the program from his exhibit at the University of Arizona. He is an accomplished artist and I am so thrilled to share my work with him too.
Then home. It was a quiet afternoon. I did some quilting and tonight just took the evening off and watched a Harry Potter movie.
Hope your day was as fulfilling. I received the following from a friend today and hope you enjoy it.
My Wish for You in 2007
First, Dick and I went to Mc Donald's for breakfast and then to the Pick and Save to grocery shop. We hurried a bit because, as I mentioned yesterday, I had to pick Mother up again to take her to the Clinic as they had not told her that there were TWO lab tests that she needed and one of them required a 12 hour fast.
Anyway, I picked her up at 9:30AM and we hied down there for the tests. We were back by 10:30. We fixed tea and she ate a blueberry muffin that I had brought along. Just as we were sipping our tea the doorbell rang and in walked my niece, Britt, Nora and Leif's daughter, and her friend, Andrew. They were on their way up to Washington Island to spend some of this holiday with his mother and step dad. I was so glad of my timing. Britt is so lovely and charming and Andrew is great. I will be sending them copies of my book. Andrew had Britt send me the program from his exhibit at the University of Arizona. He is an accomplished artist and I am so thrilled to share my work with him too.
Then home. It was a quiet afternoon. I did some quilting and tonight just took the evening off and watched a Harry Potter movie.
Hope your day was as fulfilling. I received the following from a friend today and hope you enjoy it.
My Wish for You in 2007
May peace break into your house and may thieves come to steal your debts. May the pockets of your jeans become a magnet of $100 bills. May love stick to your face like Vaseline and may laughter assault your lips! May your clothes smell of success like smoking tires and may happiness slap you across the face and may your tears be that of joy. May the problems you had forget your home address! In simple words ...
May 2007 be the best year of your life!
HAVE A HAPPY 2007
--
Have a nice Friday.
Love
Mary
Love
Mary
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Chelsea and I had a lovely walk this morning. It was less than 30 degrees but there was no wind AND she let me sleep until ten to seven so it was starting to get light which is a real pleasure at this time of the year.
When we got home, I turned on the news and found that Gerald Ford had passed away last night. A sad time because it is always sad to hear of a death. But he was 93 years old and certainly left a mark on our nation. As the only unelected president he supplied a steadying hand and a sense of calm after the bitter end of Nixon's time in office and resignation.
Then Dick and I went to the Clinic to get his legs wrapped. They were starting to swell again so it was a good thing. Dr. Phelan was there so we got his opinion. He says if they are starting to swell before the month that we have been using for a gauge we should call and get them wrapped sooner. I can cut the bandages off on Saturday.
Right after lunch, I picked up Mother and took HER to the Clinic where we found out that, in addition to the urine test, she was supposed to have fasted and have a blood test also. The blood test had actually been scheduled for the end of November but with the bladder infection and all we forgot about it. SO I will pick her up at 9:30AM and we will try again.
The rest of the day was very quiet. Tonight there are two episodes of Bones, one of my favorite shows so I will watch one downstairs while I quilt and the other in the living room on the big TV. Dick doesn't like it. Boy do we have a lot of TVS.
When we came back through town, Mother was remembering years ago when a tanning salon went into business in Falls. Dad came home one day and told Mom that the boys could now take their deer hides right downtown for tanning. He was sure surprised when he found out what a tanning salon was.
When I was a little girl, I must have been maybe eight or nine, I used to walk to morning Mass during the week and join my Grandma Deeley who lived just across the street in the house that Randy and Donna now own. Then we would walk over to Grandma's house and she and I would have breakfast of cheese and bread. She introduced me to all kinds of cheeses. Aunt Helen would not let her give me limberger though. I also remember that Grandpa Deeley would usually get up and come in while we were having breakfast. He would always go to Grandma and nuzzle her one the cheek and start smooching. She would smile really coyly and say, "Now Mike, Mary is here." Then Grandpa would go into the pantry and pour himself a shot of whiskey. Just one. But he had one each morning. I think it kept him healthy.
Have a nice Thursday..
Mary
When we got home, I turned on the news and found that Gerald Ford had passed away last night. A sad time because it is always sad to hear of a death. But he was 93 years old and certainly left a mark on our nation. As the only unelected president he supplied a steadying hand and a sense of calm after the bitter end of Nixon's time in office and resignation.
Then Dick and I went to the Clinic to get his legs wrapped. They were starting to swell again so it was a good thing. Dr. Phelan was there so we got his opinion. He says if they are starting to swell before the month that we have been using for a gauge we should call and get them wrapped sooner. I can cut the bandages off on Saturday.
Right after lunch, I picked up Mother and took HER to the Clinic where we found out that, in addition to the urine test, she was supposed to have fasted and have a blood test also. The blood test had actually been scheduled for the end of November but with the bladder infection and all we forgot about it. SO I will pick her up at 9:30AM and we will try again.
The rest of the day was very quiet. Tonight there are two episodes of Bones, one of my favorite shows so I will watch one downstairs while I quilt and the other in the living room on the big TV. Dick doesn't like it. Boy do we have a lot of TVS.
When we came back through town, Mother was remembering years ago when a tanning salon went into business in Falls. Dad came home one day and told Mom that the boys could now take their deer hides right downtown for tanning. He was sure surprised when he found out what a tanning salon was.
When I was a little girl, I must have been maybe eight or nine, I used to walk to morning Mass during the week and join my Grandma Deeley who lived just across the street in the house that Randy and Donna now own. Then we would walk over to Grandma's house and she and I would have breakfast of cheese and bread. She introduced me to all kinds of cheeses. Aunt Helen would not let her give me limberger though. I also remember that Grandpa Deeley would usually get up and come in while we were having breakfast. He would always go to Grandma and nuzzle her one the cheek and start smooching. She would smile really coyly and say, "Now Mike, Mary is here." Then Grandpa would go into the pantry and pour himself a shot of whiskey. Just one. But he had one each morning. I think it kept him healthy.
Have a nice Thursday..
Mary
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
A full day, here at home. Dick and Brenda were here so we had a lovely morning sharing breakfast and time. Dick hooked up the VCR on the tv in the living room after he set the new universal remote that he got his Dad for a Christmas present. What a good son, he knew that we had trouble working with three remotes.
After they left, Dick took a nap and I did a bit of quilting. I had to take a quick trip to the Sewing Basket to pick up a marker. I am using a stencil for my hand quilting of the kittie quilt and it is too hard to work THROUGH the stencil. Much easier and more practical.
Last night when I got home, I called Bret and Bart. Bret was fine and having a good day but when I called Bart's number, I got his daughter in law Lexi who informed me that Barb had taken Bart to the hospital with kidney stones. That left me kind of discombuberated again. I couldn't reach them until this morning. At that time Barb told me that he was feeling better and had been able to eat something when they got home last night. Then, he called me tonight to wish me a Merry Christmas himself and he sounded good. He said he was tired, but he sounded strong and in control. This took a big load off of my heart. My own stomach had not been doing well today.
I will close with a little story. When I still lived in California and the kids were still pretty young, the jeep club decided to do a "field trip" to the Griffith Park Observatory one day.
Several families piled in Jerry, the Ragman's big motor home for the trip. There must have been 20 of us in that rig. Jerry drove us from Orange County through Long Beach to the Observatory where we bought tickets and saw both the laser light show projected on the dome and the show about the heavens. It was a lovely and fun time, complete with our friend Orrin Nordin falling asleep in the quiet of the show and snoring for us. Then we headed home. It was by now dark.
Jerry drove down the hill and through a street in Long Beach that was quite a shock to everybody and apparently very exciting to Jerry and the guys. The storefronts were "stocked" with Ladies of the Night. Jerry got so "interested" that he decided to go around the block. Then he went around one more time. This time, the kids asked what we were all looking at. It was fun and goofy.
Jerry was called the Ragman because he was a supplier of work uniforms and shop rags. His wife's name was Butch.
Tomorrow Dick gets his legs wrapped again. It is time, we are seeing a bit of swelling. Then I will take Mother be sure that her infection is gone. So will be busy.
Take Care.
Love
Mary
After they left, Dick took a nap and I did a bit of quilting. I had to take a quick trip to the Sewing Basket to pick up a marker. I am using a stencil for my hand quilting of the kittie quilt and it is too hard to work THROUGH the stencil. Much easier and more practical.
Last night when I got home, I called Bret and Bart. Bret was fine and having a good day but when I called Bart's number, I got his daughter in law Lexi who informed me that Barb had taken Bart to the hospital with kidney stones. That left me kind of discombuberated again. I couldn't reach them until this morning. At that time Barb told me that he was feeling better and had been able to eat something when they got home last night. Then, he called me tonight to wish me a Merry Christmas himself and he sounded good. He said he was tired, but he sounded strong and in control. This took a big load off of my heart. My own stomach had not been doing well today.
I will close with a little story. When I still lived in California and the kids were still pretty young, the jeep club decided to do a "field trip" to the Griffith Park Observatory one day.
Several families piled in Jerry, the Ragman's big motor home for the trip. There must have been 20 of us in that rig. Jerry drove us from Orange County through Long Beach to the Observatory where we bought tickets and saw both the laser light show projected on the dome and the show about the heavens. It was a lovely and fun time, complete with our friend Orrin Nordin falling asleep in the quiet of the show and snoring for us. Then we headed home. It was by now dark.
Jerry drove down the hill and through a street in Long Beach that was quite a shock to everybody and apparently very exciting to Jerry and the guys. The storefronts were "stocked" with Ladies of the Night. Jerry got so "interested" that he decided to go around the block. Then he went around one more time. This time, the kids asked what we were all looking at. It was fun and goofy.
Jerry was called the Ragman because he was a supplier of work uniforms and shop rags. His wife's name was Butch.
Tomorrow Dick gets his legs wrapped again. It is time, we are seeing a bit of swelling. Then I will take Mother be sure that her infection is gone. So will be busy.
Take Care.
Love
Mary
Monday, December 25, 2006
T'was a lovely Christmas. I would have liked to sleep in but, of course, habits are hard to change and certainly for Chelsea. She figures that 6:AM is walk and breakfast time, no matter what. We had a lovely walk anyway. We went the big one, all through the tract and then around the park and through the woods home.
Then, after breakfast, while Dick napped, I prepared an "overnight egg" dish for popping in the oven tomorrow as Richard and Brenda will be here. I also baked some scones.
It was a rather melancholy day for me. For some reason I really miss my boys. Thank heavens I have such a loving and caring family with Dick and Brenda, Jim and Michelle and Bobbie and Bill. Bobbie was such a comfort when I acted goofy. I got to hold both my kitties today. I think they may remember me. Roxie seemed kind of puzzled and was quite definite about letting Chelsea know her boundaries.
Bobbie fixed Italian Rolls, spinach with ricotta cheese and Italian sausage with pepper. They were SO good with a lovely green salad and fresh cooked broccoli and cauliflower. Dessert was her candy and some cookies that Michelle brought. We are still stuffed.
After we got home Jim and Michelle invited us over for Jim's famous Tirimisu. It was delicious too. He is turning into quite the chef.
At the dinner table we were talking about the library and the problems there. Jim mentioned that some of the employees were not too supportive of a union which was defeated when they tried to come into the library. He mentioned that some employees complained because the Union reps told them that they would be unable to help with some problems. Funny how conversations repeat themselves. Mother, Dick and I were talking about the unions just the other day. Dad was a union man, a striker during the Kohler Strike. I remember him coming home from work covered with a red coating. It was rust from his grinding job in the foundry. Many people are not aware, but Rocky Knoll was originally built to house the silicosis patients that came out of the factory.
I know that many unions in the past years have become corrupt. Power breeds corruption. Look at congress. However, Kohler NOW is a wonderful and safe place to work. But it took the union and a seven year strike to make it so. It was men like my Dad who fought for healthy and safe conditions. Silicosis no longer is a fear if one works at Kohler. Many other issues were also solved. Because of the union and these brave men.
I hope your Christmas was wonderful. We saw a Happy Birthday Jesus sign on the way to Bobbie's house today. It reminded me that when the boys were little, I would bake a birthday cake for Jesus on Christmas and we would light the candles and sing Happy Birthday.
SO. Happy Birthday to You
Happy Birthday to You
Happy Birthday Dear Jesus
Happy Birthday to You
Love
Mary
Then, after breakfast, while Dick napped, I prepared an "overnight egg" dish for popping in the oven tomorrow as Richard and Brenda will be here. I also baked some scones.
It was a rather melancholy day for me. For some reason I really miss my boys. Thank heavens I have such a loving and caring family with Dick and Brenda, Jim and Michelle and Bobbie and Bill. Bobbie was such a comfort when I acted goofy. I got to hold both my kitties today. I think they may remember me. Roxie seemed kind of puzzled and was quite definite about letting Chelsea know her boundaries.
Bobbie fixed Italian Rolls, spinach with ricotta cheese and Italian sausage with pepper. They were SO good with a lovely green salad and fresh cooked broccoli and cauliflower. Dessert was her candy and some cookies that Michelle brought. We are still stuffed.
After we got home Jim and Michelle invited us over for Jim's famous Tirimisu. It was delicious too. He is turning into quite the chef.
At the dinner table we were talking about the library and the problems there. Jim mentioned that some of the employees were not too supportive of a union which was defeated when they tried to come into the library. He mentioned that some employees complained because the Union reps told them that they would be unable to help with some problems. Funny how conversations repeat themselves. Mother, Dick and I were talking about the unions just the other day. Dad was a union man, a striker during the Kohler Strike. I remember him coming home from work covered with a red coating. It was rust from his grinding job in the foundry. Many people are not aware, but Rocky Knoll was originally built to house the silicosis patients that came out of the factory.
I know that many unions in the past years have become corrupt. Power breeds corruption. Look at congress. However, Kohler NOW is a wonderful and safe place to work. But it took the union and a seven year strike to make it so. It was men like my Dad who fought for healthy and safe conditions. Silicosis no longer is a fear if one works at Kohler. Many other issues were also solved. Because of the union and these brave men.
I hope your Christmas was wonderful. We saw a Happy Birthday Jesus sign on the way to Bobbie's house today. It reminded me that when the boys were little, I would bake a birthday cake for Jesus on Christmas and we would light the candles and sing Happy Birthday.
SO. Happy Birthday to You
Happy Birthday to You
Happy Birthday Dear Jesus
Happy Birthday to You
Love
Mary
Again - it got too late to post. I forgot when we got home from church and really wanted to recap the whole day.
Yesterday, Jim and Michelle went to church with me in the morning. It was a lovely service. Fr. Van Beeck does do a nice sermon. The church was beautiful. Very simple with large trees on the altar decorated with pointsetta wreaths and with pointsettas all around it. The Creche was also on the altar to our right side along the back. The music was good too.
Then we went home and I fixed a breakfast for us. Dick was still napping so I kept his portion for him until he woke up.
In the early afternoon Dick and I drove to Mother's to give her presents to her and have a Christmas visit. She looks good though she is sure disgusted that it is taking time for her to get her full strength back. We enjoyed our visit. She is such fun. George and Betsy are in Chicago with Shawn and Sarah. That is SO good.
When we got home, we napped. Then ate bean soup and garlic bread for supper. After I cleaned up we shared our Christmas Presents. I had received three of them already. A great collector Santa and a Yoda Santa had appeared on the shelf above the kitchen cabinets during the past couple of weeks.
Saturday night, we had some excitement. The power was out for over two hours. I woke up in the middle of it. Not aware that Dick was still up when it had gone off, I fumbled around for candles and was looking for a number to call when I sat on my office chair. Now I wear night shirts and there are NO bottoms. Sitting on the chair, I discovered another of my presents, a stepping stone for my garden that says "Don't piss off the fairies." I was delighted with the present but by then shocked into "awake".
Anyway, Dick also got me a watch, jewelry, a book of poems collected by Garrison Keiller (autographed no less) and an Irish bear. Among other thing. Santa is VERY good to me.
Then we watched music on TV until it was time to go to Mass AGAIN at 10:00PM. The choir did a concert before mass and we sang ALL the verses of about 5 Christmas carols during mass so it was really nice. Then to home and bed.
I PROMISE to write tonight. I should be anyway. It helps me unload my heart and for some reason, my heart is heavy this Christmas.
Have a wonderful Christmas.
Love
Mary
Yesterday, Jim and Michelle went to church with me in the morning. It was a lovely service. Fr. Van Beeck does do a nice sermon. The church was beautiful. Very simple with large trees on the altar decorated with pointsetta wreaths and with pointsettas all around it. The Creche was also on the altar to our right side along the back. The music was good too.
Then we went home and I fixed a breakfast for us. Dick was still napping so I kept his portion for him until he woke up.
In the early afternoon Dick and I drove to Mother's to give her presents to her and have a Christmas visit. She looks good though she is sure disgusted that it is taking time for her to get her full strength back. We enjoyed our visit. She is such fun. George and Betsy are in Chicago with Shawn and Sarah. That is SO good.
When we got home, we napped. Then ate bean soup and garlic bread for supper. After I cleaned up we shared our Christmas Presents. I had received three of them already. A great collector Santa and a Yoda Santa had appeared on the shelf above the kitchen cabinets during the past couple of weeks.
Saturday night, we had some excitement. The power was out for over two hours. I woke up in the middle of it. Not aware that Dick was still up when it had gone off, I fumbled around for candles and was looking for a number to call when I sat on my office chair. Now I wear night shirts and there are NO bottoms. Sitting on the chair, I discovered another of my presents, a stepping stone for my garden that says "Don't piss off the fairies." I was delighted with the present but by then shocked into "awake".
Anyway, Dick also got me a watch, jewelry, a book of poems collected by Garrison Keiller (autographed no less) and an Irish bear. Among other thing. Santa is VERY good to me.
Then we watched music on TV until it was time to go to Mass AGAIN at 10:00PM. The choir did a concert before mass and we sang ALL the verses of about 5 Christmas carols during mass so it was really nice. Then to home and bed.
I PROMISE to write tonight. I should be anyway. It helps me unload my heart and for some reason, my heart is heavy this Christmas.
Have a wonderful Christmas.
Love
Mary
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