Good Day. Cold though. Quite a change from yesterday when it was over 50. My face got kind of stiff when Chelsea and I walked. We saw only one person. Someone was checking their giant inflatable Santa. The Santa scared poor Chelsea but she bravely barked at it. My great protector.

Christmas season is upon us now that Thanksgiving is over. I have started my cards and wrapping presents. The next two weeks will be REALLY hectic. Next week I have Writer's Club party, the Sheboygan Theatre's Peter Pan and the Sheboygan Symphony's Messiah.

I hear from my Bret yesterday and he SOUNDS like his old self. What a releaf after the two big scares. He has his new job and will start it a week from today. This, plus his health improvement is making himfeel good.

Remember:

"Firelight will not let you read fine stories but it's warm and you won't see the dust on the floor."

Mary

Sundays are nice. The choir sang and we were accompanied by Jim Wilsing's Celtic Band, which is always a pleasure and they will be joining us through Advent. We had a baptism which is always a pleasure.

Bobbie, Jim, Dick and I went out to Rhine and did some pistol shooting. My first set was awful. I realized that I have a sore arm AND mainly I shot much to fast. The second was better and the third I was able to do some adjusting and it was not too bad at all. Dick was really good. I hope he joins us in league in January.

It was warm today. All the way up to 50 degrees. For those of you in the warm climates, that is a heat wave. I wore my denim jacket and felt like it was spring or fall. What a pleasure at the end of November.

May Christ and His saints stand
between you and harm.

Mary and her son.
St. Patrick and his staff.
Martin with his mantle.
Bridget with her veil.
Michael with his shield.
And god over all with His strong right hand.

Have a good week and a blessed December taking you safe into the New Year.

Love

Mary

Today was church decorating day. We put up all the advent wreaths and colors. I wish you could see the church. It is a beautiful place and a cooperative effort of at least a dozen people.

It is time to start your Christmas Cards if you haven't. I started today. I will be sending several just by email too, but do have lots that have to go snail mail. I found a very nice tasteful card that should work for everybody.

I mentioned to my friend Steve that I had cut my hand butchering deer and he said that For God's Sake don't tell Sr. Marcia. She prays for the deer every year and apparently sees a difference between cattle and deer. She did not grow up in a hunting family. One of my favorite pictures is one of my Father and his nice buck wiith me, Nora and Tim all looking at it. I will have to get Jim to scan it and put it on the web. I don't know whether Dad is prouder of his deer or his children. We always felt treasured.


Love
Mary

Thanksgiving was wonderful. The turkey turned out soooooo good and it was great having Dick and Brenda, Bobbie and Bill and Bart and Barb here for dinner. I made a really good pumpkin/pasta dish that I found on the net.

You julienne one pound pumpkin and saute it with a chopped onion and a minced garlic in olive oil, add a cup of water, salt and pepper. Then simmer for about 15 minutes. Add a pinch of pepper flakes and a couple of tablespoons of chopped parsley. Meanwhile cook 1 lb ziti. When the ziti is done combine with the pumpkin and mix well. Top with 8 oz fresh parmesean and serve.


Wow was it good.

We butchered the two deer today. It was fun. Bobbie's first experience and she enjoyed it too. We were done in about 4 hours. Not too bad.


See Ya!

Mary

Busy, busy, busy. I cooked ALL day. Sure glad I didn't wait until tomorrow to cook this stuff. I would have been exhausted before anyone got her.

Thanksgiving will be a warm fuzzie, I hope. We talked about abundance at our bible study and we certainly will have that. Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, pumpkin casserole, bisquits, relishes and two desserts. Talk about abundance. We will probably be eating leftovers for a week.

I suppose, poor Big Oscar, the black cat, will be rather distressed at all the people in the house. He is a shy soul. However, Roxie is a nosy character and will be out to see what is going on. They must have been very loved at their previous home, they are very trusting cats. I am sure their previous owners hated to give them up and wish we could let them know that the two are content and treasured.

Love

Mary

I couldn't get on yesterday. Somehow or other I couldn't connect to Blogger but here I am again.

Went hunting again today as planned over near his house. We were out for about 5 hours, Jeff, Shane, Jeff Krueger(a friend and ex student of Jeff's) and myself. We went to three spots and did drives from the woods to the fields. We did manage to flush out one doe. Shane got two shots off and I got one but we missed. At least I got a shot again and I felt pretty good about it. That doe was really sailing. Maybe next year will be my year.

Yesterday, my Bart stopped by on his way back from Racine. He was looking pretty good and said he was tired but not in too much pain. This is always great news when it gets late in the afternoon like that. He and Barb will be here for Thanksgiving along with all of the kids except the out-of-staters. Tomorrow, I will spend a good part of the day getting everything I can ready ahead of time.

The choir will be singing at the 9:30AM Mass on Thursday so I will put the turkey in just before I leave for church. I love to feed people.

Remember - Blessings have a way of multiplying as you count them!

Mary

The hunt was successful. All came home safe and we got two deer in the party. Cory Carpenter got a nice doe and my nephew, Shane Deeley got a buck. We were glad for both. Shane comes from Florida for the hunt and hates to go back without filling out because he gets razzed. I still am trying to bag my first deer. I am going over to Hilbert to Jeff's house and go hunting again over there with Jeff and Shane. I had the misfortune of losing my license, God knows where. When I came out of the woods, the plastic envelope was torn and the tags were gone, so I had to get a duplicate today.

I have a rather amusing story to tell about our silly kitty, Roxie. A couple of evenings ago, I went to bed and was reading. I heard her in the closet. Next thing I knew, she was moving out of the closet, pushing a shoe box in front of her. After she got it completely out of the closet, she pushed the top off of it.

Last night, Dick told me to look at her. There she was sitting in the shoe box. She even curled up and napped with her head hung over the edge. We sure do get the odd ones.

Love

Mary

Deer hunting tomorrow. We have quite a group. My brothers, Jeff and Randy, Jeff's son Shane, Randy's daughter Jessica, Bobbie, Lee and Cory Carpenter and me. Probably Jim Karl's son Jason will come out too. He always has. We lost Jim this past year but I would think Jason will still want to hunt.

We will dearly miss Jim. He always brought the beer for after the hunt and he always kept the knives sharp while we butcher the deer on the Friday after Thanksgiving. What a guy. Lots of great memories.

I have been given the job of bringing a 12 pack. I had to ask Jeff what kind as I don't drink it. I was told Miller Lite is the brew of choice so that is what is coming. I will get all ready tonight and just have to dress and move out in the morning. I pick Bobbie up at 4:00AM so we can get out to the woods by 5:45 and in our spots by 6:15 so we are ready for dawn at 6:30. WOW.

Wish us a safe hunt and a good one. I used the last of my venison a couple of weeks ago.

Love

Mary

Rainy and 'Warm" today. I qualify the "warm" because it is almost 50 degrees out there which we find quite comfortable. However, my ex-sister-in-law, Jacquie, informed me that she feels it is rather cool at 68 degrees. So I guess it is a matter of what a person is used to.

When I gave you the pie crust recipe I thought of an incident that occurred shortly after I got married. My father in law, Victor, came over for dinner and I fixed a lemon meringue pie because I knew it was his favorite. Victor said that the pie was good but that he thought that I should get Lil's recipe. Imagine his surprise when I said that I already had. What I am trying to say is that it is not only the recipe, sometimes it takes a little practice.

Have a nice evening.

Mary

I think I mentioned that I am hosting Thanksgiving this year. I am fixing two desserts. Pumpkin Pie and Figgy Hobbin. Figgy Hobbin is a dish I discovered when Dick and I spent a night near Pendarvis Wisconsin. Pendarvis is a Welsh settlement in the Southwestern part of the state. It is kind of like a raisin pie, but made jelly roll fashion. Then you cut it into pinwheel shapes, put two side by side on a plate with a scoop of ice cream and carmel syrup swirled lightly over all. It has become a favorite.

I always use the pie crust recipe that I got from Lil, my dear ex-mother-in-law. Here it is.

1 cup Crisco
2 1/2 Cups Flour
1/3 Cup sugar
3 teasp. salt
6 Tblsp. hot water
1 Tblsp. Canned milk or buttermilk

Cream the Crisco, flour, sugar and salt together with a fork until curmbly. Spinkle the wet ingredients over all and mix until plibable. (Add a little more flour if necessary.) Roll into a circle if for a pie and put into a pie pan. The above is enough for a 2 crust pie.

For Figgy Hobbin, roll into a rectangle. Spread a raisin pie mixture over all. (If you want mine, let me know) Roll jelly roll fashion. Place on cookie sheet and bake until done. 30 to 45 minutes at 375 degrees until browned nicely.

Num Num


Mary

Bret is HOME!!!!!! I called this afternoon and he was even visiting at Tony's house, so he can do whatever he wants. The doctor said that he had one little vessle that was misbehaving. The angioplasty probably has fixed it but if not they will just cut it off. His heart was never a problem which is so great because he is much too young to have heart trouble. He will go to work tomorrow. He said that his leg is not even as painful as when they did the angiogram. Yeah for good doctors and for a healthy body to begin with.

Thank you everyone for your prayers. I know heaven was bombarded. We don't really have to stop you know. He is still my baby and I like for him to be prayed for.

The Packers beat Tampa Bay so this is indeed a stellar day.

Georgia O'Keefe said "I have been terrified every day of my life, but that has never stopped my from doing everything I wanted to do."

Love

Mary

Talked to Bret at about noon today, noon my time. The doctor had not been in as yet but he sounded strong and ready to go home. Trish was ready to come to get him as soon as he was ready to be released. I know he is feeling better because he hated the breakfast they gave him and was hoping to be out of there before he had to face the lunch. He is so pleased that so many people are praying for him. It made him feel very special. I put him on the prayer chain at Blessed Trinity and Barbara put him on the prayer wheel at the temple. I will call him again tomorrow to be find out the instructions he has from his doctor.

We are going to the Symphony tonight. It is Broadway night so should be light and cheery.

I read this quote in Newsweek and simply HAVE to share.

From Kuti Ben-Yaakov of the Hebrew Battalion on getting approval from the rabbis to train pigs to guard settlements on the West Bank: "According to the Muslim faith, a terrorist who touches a pig is not eligible for the 70 virgins in heaven."

That is one of the silliest things I have ever heard. Wonder where the terrorists figure God is going to get all those virgins? And how about all those guard pigs?


Mary

This was a roller coaster day. First, a friend asked me to be the poetry portion of a St. Patrick's Day celebration at Richard's in Sheboygan Falls. Wow, what a privilege. I will read some of mine, some of the Irish greats and some silly tongue in cheek things.

Then, I come home to word that Bret is back in the hospital. He experienced the pain again and went to the hospital at 1:30AM. He has now successfully gone through an angeoplasty. There is now a teeny tiny balloon in a teeny tiny vein near his heart. He comes home at noon tomorrow so I will let him sleep tonight.

Then Bobbie, Jim and I went to the bust up party for the gun league. I have successfully moved from Novice to Sharpshooter since we started last year. The new Buckmark has really done wonders for my prowess. Going to a lighter single action from a heavier double action made my scores really soar.

THE MOUSE ON THE BARROOM FLOOR

Some Guinness was spilt 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!".

Unknown Author


Mary

Christmas is REALLY coming. We had choir tonight and picked up all of our Christmas music. Lots of pretty and perky stuff. Like "Mary Did You Know?" and "Ding Dong Merrily on High."

Sr. Marcia had a wonderful speaker, David, for a Senior Saint program this morning. Mother went too. We started with a bit of a social gathering at 8:30AM with coffee and sweet rolls and then he spoke followed by a mass for the Seniors. A lovely morning. He said one thing that really stuck in my mind. In Leviticus 26 it speaks of the practice of the harvest of the Jews of that age. They would always leave the produce around the edge of the field for the poor. If we all did that, there would be no hungry people in the world. He also mentioned that we keep trying to build or rent more room for the things that we accumulate rather than just eliminating what we no longer need.

Sharing. After Christmas, we should all do the paring down and the winnowing out of our closets.

Tomorrow.

Love

Mary

Christmas Shopping, what a chore. We have been catalog, online shopping all day and have agreed that it is a lot easier than tromping the malls. We are making a big dent and ar down near the end.

There is a catalog avalanche that pours into this house most of the year but it becomes overwhelming at the holiday season. We easily receive 6 to 10 catalogs per DAY. Isn't that frightening?

Tomorrow is a busy day outside the house. Dick and I will get our portrait taken at Blessed Trinity, I have a meeting all morning and choir and a council agenda meeting in the evening.

Well, as my Mother used to say. It is time to "go up the wooden hill to four corners."' I am going to bed. I am tired.

Love


Mary

Wow, have I ever taken a break. It is almost a week and I vowed that I would post to this at LEAST every other day.

It has been busy and I have been terrible distracted.

Sunday, Bobbie, Jeff, Randy, Jessica and I went out to the woods to check out our stands for deer hunting which will open a week from Saturday. It was an absolutely gorgeous day. The sky was blue, the sun was warm, the grass smelled like new mown hay and it was crisp and perfect. Hope it is that nice on the opener.

I sit in the stand that Matt, Jeff's son, used to use. It overlooks the swamp and affords a nice view of a large area with several good shooting lanes. I did see several deer last year and got one shot off. I hope this is my year. I have paid my dues and really need to earn my keep now.

This Friday evening is the bust up party for the pistol league. I feel pretty good about it this time. The new Buckmark has made my scores go up considerably.

Winter is around the corner. It was almost up to 60 today, so I took advantage of the warmth to pull the last of the marigolds from my planter. I would like to share from Cadfael. Brother Cadfael's Penance, Chapter 1.

It is "A time to pause, to look round, to make sure that nothing had been neglected, no fence unrepaired, against the winter."

Hope your fences are all "repaired."


Mary

Being a Mom is not for the weak. One would think that once you got them grown you could stop worryig about them. Not true. Actually, the worries just get bigger and you can't heal them with kisses or a big hug.

I was so pleased to see Little Jimmy Dickens on the CMA awards tonight. Sure would have liked to hear him sing one of his songs though.

Love

Mary

Rain, rain, beautiful rain. It rained off and on all day. We need water so badly. I hope it is raining in California where they need it even worse than we do. I understand that people are getting back in to the areas of devastation and at least are able to survey their losses and perhaps salvage something. I cannot imagine losing precious things like pictures and some precious things that bring memories and make a person feel close to the person or event that they symbolize.

We are working on our Christmas list. Does it seem possible that it is time to do that already? But it is only three weeks to hunting and then Thanksgiving. I always try to get the mailed presents off the first week in December so I don't have to worry about them being late.

By the way, my arm is better. I found out that less than 1% of the people who get the pneumonia shot get a severe local reaction and, guess what, I am special. It is almost healed now. Just a slight ache and slight redness this morning. I was told not to get another one because the reaction will probably be even more severe.

Remember, that every child has a right to feel that God created the world JUST for him or her.

Mary

All Saints Day, All Souls Day. The choir sang today. Lots of beautiful touching Sainty hymns. Unto The Hills, an especially nice hymn that we sing partially a capella. Steve Naffin has taught us well.

"There's nithing better in the whold wold than a friend showing up at your door asking if you can come out and play. So don't mope around the house all by yourself. Go ahead. Ring a friend's doorbell!"
Leigh Anne Josheway

Isn't she wonderful.

Your Friend

Mary

November 1st. All the goulies and ghosties are gone until next year. Today was All Saints Day. I would like to pay tribute to all the saints that I know that are in that land beyond the sky. My Grandparents, my Dad, my Brothers and all the wonderful Aunts and Uncles who were such great examples of good people for me as I grew and became the person I am. Pope John Paul II won't ever canonize any of them.

Keep well.

Love

Mary

From Goulies and Ghosties
And long legged beasties
And things that go bump in the night.

Dear Lord, Deliver Us.

Happy Halloween


Mary

This has been a really hectic week. It is THURSDAY already and I have not posted since Sunday. Monday we shopped and I nursed a headache, a remainder of the concern that Bret's illness gave me. Tuesday, I sewed a square of the Birds in the Air that I am incorporating in to the quilt I am assembling that was inspired by the Gee's Bend Exhibit at the Milwaukee Art Museum.

Wednesday, Dick and I picked up Mother and we went to the Senior Center in Sheboygan Falls. (It is really heard to believe that I am a Senior, but I am.) We all got our flu shots and I got a pneumonia shot. I will never do that again. The pneumonia shot has caused my arm to swell and get red around the point of needle entry and red sore streaks are spreading down to my underarm. I had MORE trouble sleeping last night.

Today we went shopping and then I napped because I was exhausted. This afternoon, I went with several other people to play bingo at Rocky Knoll with some of the patients there. This was the third time I have done this and it is really a fun thing to do. I like helping those people and a person does come home so grateful for health and healthy families.

Then tonight was choir and Parish Council meeting. So It has been wild.


Retirement is not for the lazy. Though Dick has learned the trick. When you ask him what he does, he says, " I am retired, that is what I do."

Love

Mary

Wonder of wonders, miracle of miracles. Bret is HOME and OK. He did not have a heart attack after all, despite what they told him at the hospital in Blythe. (Probably why the fact that he drove himself from Blythe to Lakewood did not cause him to have another one.) The doctor said it was stress. The stress caused his blood vessels around the heart to constrict causing the pain. He is sounding WONDERFUL and obviously relieved. This Mother is just starting to get over her headache.

Thank you all for your prayers. I know that is what brought us through.

Love

Mary

My boy, Bret, called tonight. He is in the hospital, having experienced a mild heart attack. It isn't right, you know. My children should not be experiencing adult illnesses or problems and he, at 36, is much too young anyway.

Anyone who reads this, please, pray for Bret. Tomorrow, he will have the results of the tests and they will know the extent of any damage and what he needs to do to heal. Bart happens to be in California for a week. That is a comfort. At least, Bret has some family and I am grateful for all his good friends. And he does have many.

Please pray for health.

Thank you

Mary

What a night. Bobbie and I went shooting for our regular pistol league. I am doing SO much better with the new Buckmark than I did with the Colt Trooper. The Buckmark is a single action and so much easier to handle. I will keep practicing with the Trooper until I get it but not for league.

Doc, one of the Rhine Plymouth members, the one who nominated me for secretary, had purchased one of the decks of playing cards with all the "wanted" people from Iraq. When Bobbie and I were going down, he gave us each one to "practice" on. We pasted them on our non league target and both did very well. I had the 6 of hearts, Mohammad Mahdi Al-Sahib the Minister of Trade. I got him right in the middle of the forehead. Will Jim ever be impressed. All the guys at the club were.

Love

Mary

My Aunt Mary Ann Bowser shared this soup with me when Dick and I made our trip to Texas several years ago. I has turned out to be a keeper. My grandaughters call it Pizza Soup.

Zucchini Soup

1 ½ lb. Mild Italian Sausage (no reason you can't use hot if you like it better)
1 Cup Onion Chopped
1 Cup Green Pepper Chopped
1 Cup Celery Chopped

Saute and drain the above ingredients.

Add
1 16 oz can of Italian tomatoes
1 28 oz can of stewed tomatoes
1 quart tomato juice
2 cans chicken broth
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp basil
½ tsp sugar
8 oz carton fresh mushrooms, slices
1 lbs Zucchini sliced


Simmer for one hour. FANTASTIC. This soup also Freezes well which you may have to do because it is a really LARGE recipe.

It will be in the cookbook I am writing.

Love

Mary

Dick and I sang Happy Birthday to Jim when he woke up this morning and he ran away and hid. But he liked his pasta dinner and chocolate birthday cake this evening.

I have finished the items that I am donating to Festival of Trees. The SWAK Advent Calendar looks pretty good. The envelopes will hold little jungle figurines and have a candy cane hanging from the envelope. Sandy from the Festival Committee came over tonight to look at it and really liked it so I feel more confidant.

Barb and I will go to the Festival and to Kristkindlmart in Elkhart. We LOVE those things.

Mary

Tomorrow is Jim's birthday. He is taking tomorrow and Thursday off, so he and Dick are going to go gambling tomorrow. I will bake a cake for him while they are gone and I am fixing a rather nice Italian Pasta dinner too. While they are gone (I love it when they go gambling because then I am sure that Dick will not ask me to go. He doesn't often but he does enjoy it and I do not.) I am going to do a bit of shopping and drop some things off at St. Vinnies.

Tomorrow I go to Bible Study and I actually finally got the chapter from Mark read and the notes read too so feel rather prepared. We are on the 12th chapter which ends with Jesus telling the apostles that the poor widow's two coins were worth so much more than the large contributions of the rich people. I want to share a line with the group from my friend Sy Regan who wrote a poem he shared with Blessed Trinity Parish in his deacon's message. It is as follows: "And so we pray in churches, While Christ is on the mountain we avoid."


Mary

I am working on a cookbook and am rediscovering lots of recipes and cooking tips that I have gathered over the years. I used to be able to put a meal on the table in less than a half an hour. Now, though I still can provide the quick stuff, I love to spend time and care in preparing meals. I do love to cook.

I am working on the soup chapter and found a vegetable soup I used when I was really dieting. It was filling and provided two veggie servings in one bowl so was really good. I will share it with you here.

It is called

SLIM Veggie Soup

3 sups water
6 beef or chicken bouillon cubes
2 cups canned tomatoes
1/2 cup chopped onions
2 cups chopped celery
2 cupps shredded cabbage
Salt and Pepper

Put water, bouillon and tomatoes in a kettle. Bring to a boil and add the vegetables. Bring back to boil, cover and reduce to simmer. Simmer till vegetables are done. Makes 6 one cup servings at 66 calories each.

Nummy Nummy in my tummy.


Mary

Dick and Brenda were in town for the weekend and took us out for lunch today. We went to the Horse and Plow and mercifully missed the Packer Game. They lost again. This time to St. Louis. Such a disappointment - glad we were doing something more fun. We also went to the Kohler Design Center as Dick and Brenda are planning on doing some bathroom remodeling and wanted Ideas. If you have never been to the Design Center it is a MUST. Totally free and just a marvelous experience. Who would have thougth that bathrooms and plumbing fixtures would be fun.

I liked my little reading from the Cadfael Book of Days. it was from The Hermit of Eyton Forest Chapter 6 and read.

"A pity, a great pity there should be so much hurrying on of death, when it's bound toreach every man in its own good time."

Have a good week and live for joy.


Mary

Such a great day. The weather is "to die for." It was in the low 70s this afternoon which is really easy to take in October. The Sheboygan County Writers Club sponsered a Poetry Reading at the John Michael Kohler Art Center this afternoon from 1:00 to 3:00PM. We did not have a BIG crowd, but we had a wonderful crowd. Five people from the club and as many readers from the community. We may have gained two more members for the club or more. Such talent.

I read several poems as we did a round robin. Some, I have featured on this site, some not. But they were well received. I ended with the poem that I printed for my kids at Christmas. Not mine, but I found it - attributed to an "anonomous Norwegian." I will repeat it for those who might not have heard it.

May you always find light on a cloudy day.
When you need to be home may you find the way.
May you always have courage to take a chance.
And never find frogs in your underpants.

Slainte


Mary

I had my annual mammogram last week and was called back today to check an irregularity in one area. I was not happy about that at all. They are all so cheerful and very solicitous and reassuring and after an hour and a half, two mammograms and a sonogram, decided that it is nothing to worry about but they want to recheck in 6 months instead of the usual year. Now, how is that supposed to read.

As I said, for all the discomfort, they are really very kind and generous in that area of the clinic.

But I am still nervious.

Here is a funny quote, I read by ANON. (he really wrote a lot, didn't he?)

"If Jesus was Jewish, how come he has a Mexican name?"

Mary

I neglected to mention yesterday, that Britt said the Quilters of Gee's Bend came to the opening in Milwaukee and only had three requests.

1. They wanted their quilts treated like Art.
2. They wanted to tour the City of Milwaukee.
and
3. They wanted to sing at the opening.

They did all three. I purchased a copy of their CD which is a two disk of gospel music. I listened to the first disc today. It is very nice. All a capella and very low key. They JUST sing.

I will share if anyone wishes to hear it.

Love

Mary

I would recommend the current exhibit of the Quilts of Gee's Bend that is the main exhibit at the Milwaukee Art Museum to ANYONE who can go. I went today with my Mother and had the extra icing on the cake of being able to lunch and be guided to the Georgia O'Keefe section and through part of the Gee's Bend exhibit with my niece Britt Salvesen and her husband Brian , who are employees of the museum. Britt is the Assistant Curator of Prints and Brian works in the Graphic Arts Department. We had SUCH a perfect day. Mother and I really got into the quilts and enjoyed the accompanying video immensly. I was so impressed with the women and what they had to say. One of them said that when she were growing up they had nothing and were really poor but were happy. Now people have everything and are not happy. And what a wonderful laugh she gave after her statement.

I was sorry that I could not have been there for the opening. The ladies were there and even sang. I did buy their CD so we will be able to enjoy their music.

Love

Mary

I guess yesterday's post didn't POST. I told you all about going shooting with Jim and Bobbie and sighting in my shotgun and letting Bobbie and Jim shoot my 243 Page rifle. Did I tell you about that rifle? It was a gift from my first husband before Bret was even born. Before Bret was born, I did go deer hunting a couple of times with him.

The gun was made for me by our friend Ralph Winchester. He hand carved the stock out of a piece of black walnut he had brought back from his Grandfather's farm in Arkansas. Then he fiberglassed it so it doesn't scratch easily. He put in a 240 Page action. It is an easy gun to shoot. Hardly any kick at all.

Today I went to Writer's Club and learned a new kind of poetry called Pantoum. It is kind of complicated. But this is the example that we did as a group.

Autumn in Wisconsin

The leaves of color
Yellow birch leaves glistening
Cover the forest floor
Eludes Jack Frost's bite

Yellow birch leaves glistening
Musty smell under the trees
Eludes Jack Frost's bite
Children hide in the leaves.

Musty smell under the trees
A carpet fro God's creatures
Children hide in the leaves
Squirrels scurry with acorns.

A carpet for God's creatures
Covers the forest floor
Squirrels scurry with acorns
The leaves of color.


Interesting isn't it. I'm going to try my own.

Mary

Saturday. It was really foggy when Chelsea and I went walking this morning. The temperatures were nice anyway.

I am much better today and went out on the deck to pull some more of the plants that are dying off as Autumn moves on in to Winter. I also went out front and harvested my Marigold seeds for next years planting. I have a whole snack bag stuffed FULL and must try to remember that I really have enough. I could get many more but don't need them. I have a tendancy to think like my Dad and always figure that more is better when you are harvesting.

Dad was always that way. I still remember him "advising' Mom when we were having guests for dinner. He was always pushing her to add a couple of more potatoes or a few more carrots or another couple of burgers or whatever. That is probably why I overcook for company and even for the three of us.

It is getting a bit easier to find meals that are all eaten up at the table and not still there for two more days.

See you Sunday

Mary

Bobbie, Jim and I went shooting tonight. The new gun is really making my scores better. With it, I hit the target every shot. My scores are 40 and up. (Last week I got a 68.) With the Colt I was lucky to be getting scores in to the 30s.

I am feeling much better today but will lay pretty low this weekend to make sure I have shaken this cold. I went to the doctor and he said this particular virus seems to last one to two weeks and I have no intention of having it for two weeks. He gave me some cough medicine whtich really helps me sleep.


My sister Dolores has wild grapes in her backyard and called to see if I would like to have them to make wine. Naturally I jumped at the chance. We picked enough that I will be able to make 2 gallons of actual grape wine from scratch. I am really excited about that. I will start it as soon as we get the acid tester I seem to need to begin. This winemakeing is really fun.

Happy Saturday

Mary

Today the cold seemed better but I felt queazy most of the afternoon. There is NO justice. I have missed two meetings and bible study, all because of this cold. Tomorrow there had better be an improvement. I have been able to take Chelsea for a walk the past two days which should get my blood to healing and keep her from going crazy.

I have my physical tomorrow too so if I am not better, I will tell the doctor that he had better do his job.

Have a great day.

Mary

I caught a cold. I am not happy about it but It really is a dilly. I started with a sore throat and have now progessed to congestion and tiredness. Anyway, that is why I did not post yesterday. Tomorrow I have to be better because I have an appointment at 11:00 and want to go to my sister Dolores's before the appointment to pick wild grapes that are growing in their backyard to make wine with.

That should be fun, an actual grape wine from scratch.

Later
Mary

Bart and Barb stopped by this afternoon for a quick visit. They were driving today and found a little kitten by the roadside. They stopped and tried to find its owner and then couldn't leave it so they "equiped it" with food, litter, a carrying case and a box and will take it home. It is the cutest little thing. Roxie hissed at it and later with the door to the carrying case closed that little mite hissed at Roxie. She should do quite well. They have named her J Lo. Bart has always loved kitties from his earliest years and has gone without one for many years. I am glad he found one and they will do fine.

Love


Mary

We went to the Sheboygan Symphony at the Stephanie Wiell Center tonight. It was a wonderful concert. It was "Mediterranean Night" but was led off by a fanfare to Sheboygan that was written and arranged by Char Zwifel who works at the library in the Children's Room. It was quite good and I would imagine we will be hearing it again.

Nice evening. I am glad we decided to get season tickets this year.

Mary

I don't remember if I told you that Bobbie, Jim and I shoot pistol every Friday at the Rhine/Plymouth Field and Stream Club that Bobbie and I belong to. Bobbie and I are in a league. I had been shooting with my Colt Trooper revolver that I got as a present in my previous life. It is a heavy gun, almost an antique. I really like it but it is a revolver with double action and it has been misfiring quite a lot. Jim took it to a gunsmith to get it checked out - so last week I used Jim's Buck Mark and did pretty well. I actually shot in the 50s for one. I have been lucky to get thirty or so with the Trooper.

Dick and I went to Gander Mountain last Sunday and bought a Buck Mark Target 22 which we BOTH intend to use, if I can get Dick to the club.

Tonight, I shot it for the first time. I got 4 targets for tonight, two to test out with and two for league. The first was a bit low, the second a bit high. Then, fortunately for league, I got a 62. 5 in the black and the second was in the 50s somewhere. So I am a HAPPY camper.

I'll keep you informed.

Mary

It froze in many area of the county last night. We seemed OK. At least nothing I looked at seemed damaged. I am bringing in my hanging pots and cutting off the geraniums and vines. We will see if I can keep them through the winter. Last year some of my vines did survive the winter. Next year, I want more color anyway. It didn't get much over 50 degrees, but Chelsea and I went out and did some trimming on the hedge in the front yard. I want everything nice for the winter.

I've been thinking of my brother Matt lately. He was a poet, you know. He died when he was only 17 but he left us his poetry and some paintings too. After he died his friends did a concert so that his poems could be published and we have that book. I will share one of his poems with you. He never used captial letters.

THE DAY BEFORE I TOOK MY LEAVE

the day before i took my leave
the breath howled heavy in the tubes
and walls were thick and thin and red
and i kicked and moaned like life
the day before i took my leave
life had struck me in the face
i saw the seas of existance run
through the tunnels to my spark
my spark shined brightly in the darkness
darkness giving birth to dreams
i think i dreamed of what i'd be
where i'd go and what i'd see
what i'd do and who i'd love
i've loved many loved them true
ever since i left the room
i've seen I've felt i've cried i've heard
i've felt sadness joy and pain
i wonder...
would i be willing to go through it all again.

by Matt Deeley (my brother)


Mary

We had a very interesting Bible Study this morning. The group has been stuck on the first half of Mark 10 regarding marriage and divorce. Jesus seems so blunt there as to there being no divorce allowed, but I cannot imagine him being so unwavering that he would expect people in untenable situations to continue living together and I cannot accept that he would expect people to live alone all their lives if such a situation arises. He made us people who need people and people who love people. Loneliness is an awful thing.

Anyway we got some answers and will be moving on to the second half next week.

We are going to see MASH tonight. Dinner at Ninos.

Have a great evening

Mary

Selkies or Silkies or Seal People exist in many Celtic Legends. Mermaids are also part of the seal people legend. I imagine that seals on the rocks often gave the look of a woman. The fact that Ireland is an island means that the people were closely tied to the sea so sea creatures became a natural source of myth.

Scotland was actually the source of the Silkie or Selkie. These were creatures, gentle in nature who became men or women by night but seals by day. There is a beautiful haunting song called the Great Silkie about a soul carrier, who has a child by a mortal woman. Anyway, I am learning more as I go on and will share interesting bits as I find them.


Love

Mary

What a crazy world this is.

Yesterday, we at Blessed Trinity Church had such a wonderful celebration of Celtic Spirituality. We had a Mass that involved bagpipes, Irish Dancers, a Celtic Band and our own choir, (which I belong to) who really outdid ourselves. Fr. Mike Moran, our previous pastor, came to celebrate with us and it was so so good to see his loving self again. Such a warm wonderful sevice and I saw so many good Irish friends.

Then I come home and while checking the news, discover that Pope John Paul II has appointed 31 new cardinals. Wow, sound good. Ya Sure. Only ONE, count em is from the U.S. Isn't that a slap in the face.

Perhaps the world needs a good Irish Blessing.


If a fairy, or a man, or a woman
Hath overlooked thee,
There are three greater in heaven
Who will cast all evil from thee
Into the great and terrible sea.
Pray to them and to the seven anges of God,
And they will watch over thee.

Let the Trinity watch over thee from me.

Mary

I don't know who is looking at this but I do know that I do seem to average two hits a day which I am happy with. I hope you enjoy my thoughts and ideas and little stories and recipes as much as I enjoy doing them.

I have to write a short story this month. I have made it my goal because Writer's Digest sent me a mailing about a contest they are having. I have til the end of October to get it done. It is really a short story, only 1500 words or LESS. Doesn't sound too intimidating but it is. I find that the way I get things done is to make a goal and tell someone about it. In this case, I have made my goal and decided to tell you all, the two a day of you, abouty my goal.

Now I am committed.

Have a great Sunday.

Love


Mary

This is a wonderful time of year for fresh vegetables and fruits. I have discovered that roasted vegetables have the most WONDERUL taste.


You can use most squashes, mushrooms, red onions, and peppers as many colors as you can find. About 2 pounds worth. (EG. 1 medium zuchinni, one large green onion. 2 large peppers, 8 oz mushooms)
Chop them in slices and chunks.

Preheat overn to 450 degrees.

Mix 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary or oregano and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Pour over veggies then spread over a large shallow sided baking pan sprayed with
cooking spray. (Try different flavors for variety.) Roast for about 30 minutes until they are brown and carmelly looking on the edges. Serve as is or in a warmed tortilla as a wrap. (If you do that spread the tortilla lightly with cream cheese or yogurt cheese.)

The taste is unbelievable. If you have questions. E-mail or call.

Enjoy.

Mary

Aunt Helen Deeley was my best friend. She died in December of 1993 and I still miss her. She was 89 when she died.


She told me lots of stories and this is one of my favorites.

When she was a young woman, she got a job in one of the canning factories in Plymouth in the office.
Occasionally, she would have to go through the factory to deliver something to the foreman or someone at the other side of the plant. She was at the time a lovely red head and that was in the days of the "flapper-fanny" dresses (her expression) so they were short and quite attractive.

Eventually , she noticed that all the machines stopped working when she was walking through the plant. She didn't really think much about it until the day she noticed the sign on the back of the door which read.
"All machines must be turned off when Helen walks through the packing area." apparently there were too many mistakes while all the guys watched her.

Kind of cute. I think.

Have a great day.

Mary

Today, I went to Blessed Trinity to help Bob Fleming, an artist member of the parish, paint on the Celtic Banners he is creating for our Celtic Mass on Sunday. It is lots of fun to help with such a project that will be a part of the worship service. This was my second session filling in the red and orange sections of the Celtic Knots. There are six 10 foot banners that will be on the front altar, three on each side of our statue or the Risen Christ.

Bob and I were working alone most of the morning and had a nice visit discussing myths and music of the Celtic race. We ended up talking about the Silkies or Seal people that are legand in Newfondland and in some of the Celtic nations. I know little about the legend except for two songs, "The Great Silkie" and "Kagen and the Wind." Both are story songs and end rather sadly.

Kagen is the story of a fisherman who marries a silkie or seal person. He gets lost at sea in a storm and the woman swims out to save him, turning back to a seal. The legend says that if the seal person goes back to the sea, she will never be able to be a real woman again.

Bob and I are going to try to figure out where these legends originate and what they mean.

Should be fun.

Have a great Wednesday.

Mary

I understand that both ostrich and buffalo meat have less cholesteral and fat than beef. So I bought a pound of buffalo meat and used half of it yesterday in "beef" and bean burritos and the other half today for hamburgers for Dick and me. Dick said it was good and yesterday nobody complained, so perhaps I will do more of that. Ostritch meat is harder to find but we did try burgers once and they do taste like beef though the texture is a bit different.


It is fun to try new things and we have not been disappointed.

Tomorrow

Mary

Yesterday, the Sheboygan Quilt Guild had its annual quilt show. I thought it was the best that I had been to. This is my third actually. This is the second year that I was an entrant. I did not win but it really is fun to be able to have your work up for others to see. I was proud of my piece this year. I will put a picture of the prototype on this message. I wanted to put the actual entered piece, but I don't know how to transfer it. Maybe some other time. I designed it myself based on the legend that comes from Celtic fables and also several other cultures around the world of the three faces of woman or the mother goddess, depending on the legend. The three persons are Maid, Mother and Crone. Maid for youth and innocence, Mother for woman and fertility and Crone for age and wisdom.

Anyway, here are the three panels that designate the three parts of WOMAN.



Have a great week


Mary

This is the last Friday of Summer. Doesn't seem quite right does it. We are sure enjoying all the fresh picked veggies. Tonight corn and tomatoes. Yesterday corn and beets. Tomorrow, fresh broccoli and purple green beans. Yum Yum.

Celtic people have a tradition that a lone bush in a field should not be cut down. It may be a secret gathering place for the fairies.

Have a nice evening.

Mary

Yesterday was beautiful and I got the opportunity to take a bus trip with the Senior Saints from Blessed Trinity to La Crosse. We got there at about 10:30 and then boarded a paddle boat called the La Crosse Queen for a 1 1/2 hour tour of the Big River. We were served an excellent lunch while on the tour and a nice young man provided a verbal guide of the trip. Then I stood up on the upper deck for the trip back. What a nice way to clear your mind.

Upon our return to shore, a step on guide joined us an took us on a tour of the city ending at St. Rose Convent. We there were treated to a video and tour of their chapel and the Perpetual Adoration Chapel that exists at the site. This Franciscan Order has had perpetual devotion for 125 years. 24/7 - Two nuns pray in the Perpetual Adoration Chapel for world peace and whatever other prayer requests that are there. The chapels are beautiful and full of wonderful pieces of art. I found out that I can send petitions for prayer. Boy will they be sorry.

After we left the convent, we went accross the Big Muddy to La Cresant to tour an apple orchard. We got an apple turnover and coffee or cider and had the opportunity to buy apples or other things before we headed home. Apple Crisp for us this weekend.

I came home totally relaxed.

Of course, today has taken care of that.

Love

Mary

I was having memories today, so will share them with you. I was thinking of my Uncle George Deeley.

Uncle George was my Dad's younger brother. He was also my godfather. Uncle George never married. He seemed a very content man. He worked hard all his life, retiring from the tanning factory in Sheboygan. He had season tickets to the Packers with a group that went up to all the games. He never drove a car. He was a good looking man and from what people tell me had a beautiful voice.

After he retired, he would go downtown one evening a week and make the rounds of certain bars where he would visit with his friends. This was his social life. I know for sure he always went to Dale's Bar and the Villager. If he didn't show up on "his" night, there would be a call to see if he was feeling ill, or if the weather was bad, offering a ride. Rosemary Eigenberger said that she and Uncle George used to write poetry back an forth in the bar at the Villager.

One night, he was talking to Gert Nitze, a neighbor, who was also downtown socializing. Gert asked George why he never got married. She said that there were a dozen women in Sheboygan Falls who would be glad to marry him. Uncle George just smiled at her and said "Name three."

What a guy. When I was living in California and my boys were young, we looked forward so much to his Christmas gift. He always sent a cheese box. One of those boxes with all the little packages of all the different kinds of cheeses in it. Aunt Helen said he spent hours picking out which boxes went to which people. I know he would have been delighted to watch the boys and their enthusiasm in eating those cheeses.

So those are my memories today. I hope you liked them too.

Mary

This morning when Dick and I went grocery shopping, we came out of Park and Save by the Sheboygan Clinic to the sound of geese. Lots of them. I believe that Autumn is right at the gate. It is impressive to see them flying in their vee formations and hear their honking. Too bad they have become such a nuisance in our parks and all over the place. The winters have been too mild and the food is too plentiful so they don't go so far south.

Have you ever been to the Horicon Marsh in mid Wisconsin in the Fall to watch the waves and waves of geese landing and taking off from the Marsh. It is hard to believe that there are that many geese in the world much less in one place.

I wrote a poem about Autumn. I called it


THE LOVER


Fall caresses the land, stroking
With touch as gentle as a lover
And the Earth trembles.

The Burning Bush, impatient, blazes
As lush trees leak a tinge of yellow on leaves
Still protecting now deserted nests.

Light comes later. Dark comes sooner.
Warm sticky mornings give way
To cool crisp dawns.

Gardens spew out their bounty.
Sweet and juicy and frantically
Produce seed for survival.

God’s creatures gorge on the plenty,
Storing up fat and memories
For the long winter ahead.

Geese practice flying in formation
Ready to flee from the cold that
Is creeping over the land.

Fall, the wanton lover, seduces the earth
Then flees, laughing,
Before the stern, starkness of Winter.




Hope you enjoy

Mary

Packers are winning today. Good thing after last week. Last week was painful to watch. Probably not for Minnesota but they are really nasty fans and deserve a little pain. Dick and I went to a game in Minnesota on a bus tour several years ago and I was actually a little afraid. Those people are nasty. To give you an idea of what I mean - in the pregame prior to the National Anthem the announcer called for a moment of silence in honor of some MINNESOTA person who had died and in the middle of the MOMENT OF SILENCE a drunken Minnesotan yelled "Packer's Suck!" at the top of his lungs. That dome is also an awful place to play because of the noise.

Anyway this week is FUN and we are winning!

Have a great week!

Mary

7 Brides for 7 Brothers, as all Fireside productions, was wonderful. The meal too was SO good. We had Pork with bread stuffing with saurkraut in it (It sounds weird but it really adds a nice taste.) mashed potatoes, sauteed squashes, a wonderful salad and the breads that the Fireside is famous for.

I brought home three loaves this time.

Have a nice Sunday.

Mary

The Merlot and the Beaugolaise wines were both VERY good. We are now ready to share them.

"The worst thing about some men is that when they are not drunk they are sober." Yeats

Have a wonderful weekend. We are going to the Fireside in Fort Atkinson to see 7 Brides for 7 Brothers.

Bye

Mary

The winemaking is coming along just fine. We bottled the first batch of currant wine last week. We named it Kathy's Currant because I got the currants from Jeff and Kathy. The second batch is a different recipe and needs to be racked once more before it is bottled. We can do it today along with racking a batch of Nectarine that needs to clear up a bit more.

The mountain ash should be ready to try again. Actually it will not be a year until after January, but we are trying at three month intervals. We are going to test the Merlot and Bougolaise in the next day or two. This has turned into a fun hobby and Dick enjoys doing it with me too. He loves being able to give bottles of wine to guests. We wish we'd get a bit more feedback. This year, the chokecherry crop is pretty sparse, so no Banshee Blood. I do have the currant though which will fill in the gap. I am making bigger batch of rhubarb though. I found a recipe that suggests freezing the cut fruit before making the wine and I have enough for a double batch in the freezer.

Along with the kits, we have quite a wineceller. For those of you that have not been able to partake, we call ourselves the MaryER Winery (Get it! Mary and E. R. for Ernest Richard, Dick's official name.)

Have a nice day.


Mary

Today was a nice quiet day. It started with my Wednesday morning bible study at St. Clement's. We had 16 people there today. We usually range from 14 to 22 at a high. Quite a formidable group when you consider that we start at 6:30AM. I mentioned it at a meeting at Blessed Trinity one time and Fr. Gene said that God isn't up yet, which made us all laugh and one of our members said that I should tell him that WE wake Him up.

The rest of the day was spent finally FINISHING the two wall hangings I am entering in the quilt show the weekend of the 20th, freezing tomatoes (Bobbie and Bill are on vacation and I am harvesting. Everything is ripening very fast.) and taking a little nap.

Bart and Barb are stopping for dinner on their way back from Milwaukee. Bart had to have a root canal done at the VA hospital. Good news, Barb got offered the job as manager of and Edward Jones office in De Pere. Yea. This means opportunity.

A very up day.

Love

Mary

When Bart was a little boy of about three, Kung Fu was a very popular show on TV. He is the perfect example of the fact that parents should moniter what their children watch. Those of you who remember the show know that their were good messages of morality and honor - - - -BUT he did have a good old kung fu fight each week too and Bart liked that MUCH more than he should have.

One Sunday, we went to church and I was talking to one of the priests and Bart hauled off and yelled Kung Fu and kicked him in the leg. He was immediately excommunicated. (Not for long of course.)

Later, at an Ascension Thursday service, all of the children were given balloons and after the service, were supposed to let the balloons go in a beautiful symbol of Christ rising to heaven. It came time to release the balloons and Bart said quite firmly that "God can't have my balloon." And God didn't either.

Have a good day

Mary

When my Grandfather, Mike Deeley, came to Sheboygan Falls, this was still considered quite a frontier. I know that he, coming from very the very settled and developed New England States had no idea what he would find, when he came to be the Boss Carder at the Brickner Woolen Mill. The Brickner Woolen Mill Still stands above the falls in Sheboygan Falls. It has been converted to low income housing apartments, mainly occuped by older people. The apartments are all unique and from what I saw on a tour very attractive, many of them overlooking the falls and other looking out on the historic main street. Imagine the delight of Mother and I when we toured the remodeled apartments and found Grandpa's picture on one of the landings. He is very distinctive and we could not miss that Irishman leaning up against a carder.


But what I wanted to tell you was that when Grandpa came to Falls, they dropped him off the train about two miles out of town and told him what direction to go. He made great time. The train had barely left when he heard the most god awful sound that sounded to him like Indians. When he got to town he described it to the people who greeted him and found out that it was wild turkeys.

Love

Mary

We noticed some holes in the screen leading out to the deck, caused by little kitties pawing at them. This was distressing as we REALLY do like to leave the door open when the weather is nice for the cats to enjoy the fresh air and watch the birds and bugs fly around. They really enjoy it as evidenced by the little holes in the screen. So Dick and Jim went to Menards and found some claw proof screen. We will see. As Jim said, Is it tooth proof. Well at least we are doing our best. Since we have the cats, Dick is more inclined to leave doors and windows open which I really like because it freshens the house. He usually feels that one should use your furnace in winter and your air in summer.

Have a good Sunday.

Love

Mary

I made a really good soup today. I had some smoked chirizo left so I cooked it with a chopped onion and stirred in a couple of tablespoons of cornmeal. Then I added a can of chopped green chiles and about four cups of chicken broth. Then throw in a cup and a half of mexicorn (corn with peppers) more or less. Heat to boiling and simmer for about 15 minutes. Then serve with grated Monterey Jack cheese and chopped parsley sprinkled on top.

It was great. Spicy and tasty.

Have a great day.

Mary

Thirty six years ago, Bret was born. Where have all the years gone. I still remember that little guy. The majority of babies in the hospital that he was born in were of hispanic origin and had shocks of black hair. In the middle of all these round, black haired babies was Bret, 7 lb 4 oz and bald as a billiard ball. He really did have a little peach fuzz but it wasn't much.

He has grown up to be a really nice man. His brother had this to say. One of the nicest complements a brother can give another. He said. "Bret is a happy man."

Later

Mary

Labor Day was very nice. We didn't plan anything special, but Dick and I took the new Santa Fe down along the lake and ended up on the Riverfront where we walked from the Harbor Inn to Briscoe County where we had a nice lunch on the deck overlooking the river and trying to figure out what is happening on the Reiss Property accross the way. It was a lovely day and a very pleasant walk.

I fried out stuffed flank steak for dinner which was really fantastic. I stuffed pounded flank steak with a chorizo mixture and grilled it. What a taste.

Yesterday would have been Mother and Dad's 64th wedding anniversary. Dad is gone but I always take flowers to Mother to commemorate the day. I am really glad we went over yesterday. She misses Dad a lot and that day gets mighty long without him I fear. I think Jeff was coming today to do a few things for her and spend some time with her. That is good. He is fun to have around.

Dick and Jim went to Oneida today and had a good day. Not a profitable day, but a good day.

Later

Mary

The last day of August. Where has the summer gone? We ask that every year.

We didn't win the Powerball lottery last night. Someone in New Hampshire won it. Now what use on earth could someone in New Hampshire have for $145 Million dollors, I ask you.

Lets move into September with hope and optimism.

Love

Mary

Bobbie and Bill came for supper tonight. We had our usual late summer Saturday Corn and Fresh Sliced Tomatoes and I made a cherry pie from some Door County Cherries I had in the freezer. Yum, Yum.

We had a nice visit too. Big Oscar is still shy enough to spend most of the time down in the family room hiding from the big bad strangers. Foxie Roxie, on the other hand, hung around and checked them out thoroughly. NOW that they are gone, she had disappeared and he is downstairs with Jim.

I will go to 8:00AM Mass tomorrow. We haven't started choir yet and I DO like to have the day ahead of me. I always stop at Mother's after Mass to visit for a bit. Once choir starts, we do most of our singing at the 10:30AM Mass, then I will go later. Actually, in the winter, that is not a bad thing.

I am almost done with my wall hanging for the Quilt Show. I will take a picture and post it on this site when I am done.

OK?

Have a good Sunday

Mary

I was thinking of my children today. Bart was such a somber little guy, so serious and intense. Bret was a happy go lucky fellow and a ball of energy. And they haven't changed.

I remember one year we were going to make a trip from California to Wisconsin to visit Grandma and Grandpa Deeley. Bart was only three and he said he didn't want to go because they had red tomatoes in Wisconsin.

That really had me confused until I questioned him and found that he had heard me say that a tornado had touched down in Sheboygan Falls that Fall and a child was killed. He interpreted "tornado" as "tomato" and didn't want anything to do with that.

Have a great day

Mary

Today, I went out to Rocky Knoll with Sr. Marcia and 8 other people from Blessed Trinity to help the residents play bingo. The residents are disabled in many ways and this is a new event for them. I gather that it was started this year and obviously has turned out to be very popular. The host people (us) bring the winnings (.50 per bingo and $1.00 for the last game of blackout.) They love it and the quarters are great prizes because they can use them in vending machines.

This was my second visit. I thank my blessings and I bless these people. They cheerful and excited and a pleasure to be around. Our next big game will be in October.

Joy to you.

Mary

P. S. We are LOVING the new cars.

When I lived in Huntington Beach California, I had chickens. Sounds silly doesn't it. But a friend was moving who had 8 chickens of various breeds. There was one little polish chicken, a little black one with a white crest that was the only one who laid a WHITE egg. It was a teeny tiny little egg.

There were three Rhode Island Reds and a leghorn who laid brown eggs.

The last three were Araucona, a breed of chickens that layes green eggs. These eggs are supposed to be lower in cholesteral, a claim disputed by many. But the eggs are fun and make Easter very easy. I wish I could find some of these eggs around. But though the stores will have brown eggs, (at a much inflated price) you never see green eggs. By the way, only the shells are green just like brown eggs.

The eggs we got from these chickens tasted so good. Of course, they were fresh eggs and I fed those chickens nothing but the best.

Bart liked them and used to sit out in the back yard a lot just watching them. I wish I could raise a few again.

Have a nice day.

Mary

Tomorrow, we are going to pick up our new cars. This will make a very interesting day for sure. It is a bit cooler tonight and we are having a little rain.

We had guests for dinner tonight. George and Patty Cedzo who are tour guide and driver on many of our bus tours. We have become pretty good friends over the years.

I fixed Pork and Beans for dinner. By pork and beans, I mean a pork roast boiled with fresh green beans, potatoes and onions. That is one of the best summer- fresh vegetable- dishes there is. We have enough left for a couple of more meals too. That pork gets so tender and good.

Try it sometime. If you need more insturctions, just let me know.

Love

Mary

I'm on pets again today. Mainly because I read something I wanted to share with you all. It is an old Italian Proverb that says "When a person dies, so the legend goes, all fo the animals that they had in their lifetime will be waiting for them at the gates of Paradise." Such a comforting thought.

Also, on a sillier note. Those of you that know me, know that I do a lot of humming and whistling as I go about my daily tasks. My human companions have accepted this quite readily, but I have discovered that Foxie Roxie doesn't like it when I whistle. She even wakes up form napping to tell me to shut up.

Wonder what that says about my whistling.

Love

Mary

Another week gone from the year. August is almost over. September is full of birthdays and anniversaries. But the end of August is pretty quiet. September is also full of plays and events but the rest of August is not. We do not even have plans for the Labor Day weekend which does not break my heart.

We are replacing our cars and went out last night and picked them out. We were going to just replace the Spirit with a 4X4 but decided upon studying that it was probably in our best interest to just replace both of them and be set for the next 5 to 10 years. We will be picking up two Hyundais, a Santa Fe and an Elantra on Tuesday. Should be fun.

See you

Mary

My computer is really strange. A couple of years ago, Jim gave me Felix, a computer cat, who wanders all over my screen. He is black and white and really no trouble at all, except for one thing. He keeps reproducing.

One day, I turned on the computer and there were two of them. I told Jim and he said that it is not possible, or if there is a second image, it is a mirror of the first. He has to admit that this is not true on my screen. In the following months a third cat appeared.

I never know from day to day how many cats will be there. They are not mirror images and only two appear on the screen at any one time. I usually just close them. The guys accused me of killing them but I am sure that I am just putting them outside because they always come back. At least these kitties are not eating all the pretty little birds that fly around outside.

Who ever thought that cats could reproduce in the data base.

Mary

If you missed me yesterday, I really had a very good reason. My computer crashed and it took Jim most of the day to repair it. Then I got up this morning and found out that it was working. Turned it on, tried to get my e-mails and found a VIRUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Poor Jim, we had to get him up in the early morning which is completely out or his realm. But the dear boy did eliminate it and I didn't lose anything. At leas nothing that is very obvious.

It is hard to believe that Bret, my oldest son, will be 36 next month. He was an early talker. I was thinking about that today. He was about a year old and just barely up and walking. We were all out in the front yard one Saturday afternoon. He staggered accross the yard to his father carrying part of a six pack and said, " Daddy, want a beer." and he never stopped talking after that. Never bothered with one word requests. he always spoke in sentances.

Love

Mary

I went to the bust up party for the trap league that Rosalie and I just completed. We had a great meal. Steak sandwiches, beans and potato salad. I am a little tired so will just leave you with a quote from Cadfael.


"He who has no scruple has always the advantage of those who keep the rule."
```An Excellent Mystery - Chapter 6

Have a great day.

Mary

Long Grove was OK but very HOT. I did a lot of shopping around but really did not find any real treasures. However, there are two Irish shops in the village and one of them carries Irish Black and White Pudding and bangers. So I got a package of each. Yum Yum.

Tomorrow

Mary

Tomorrow we go on a bus tour to Long Grove, IL. This is supposed to be a shopping town. A historic shopping town. As I read the description of the place, I think we have been there for a short time once time. We are going to be there for hours this time. I hope Dick is prepared. I thought we might look for some unique Christmas presents. Otherwise, we are going to get mighty tired just roaming around. Dick IS taking the cane, which does help a lot.

Well, we will see. I am really glad to be going away for the day. Sometimes that is all that is required of a trip.

We had Sinner's Chili for supper.

Yum Yum

Mary

Sheboygan Quilt Guild meeting tonight. We had a wonderful speaker talking about quilts that were used in the underground railroad as a code to the escapees. She referenced and had available signed copies of Jaqueline L. Tobin's Hidden in Plain View. I bought the book because the story is so fascinating. It always fascinates me how the art of peoples in various parts of the world ----- Worlds apart - - ---will have similarities.

I am putting two quilts in the quilt show next month. I have to finish both of them. Why do I do that to myself.

Love

Mary

I didn't have to go anywhere today. What a luxury. I did some sewing and some trimming outside on the hedge and caught up on my e-mails and began working on the Celtic Faire that we will be having at Blessed Trinity on September 28. These masses have been very well attended and we do try to have fellowship and food following the mass.

I downloaded the pictures that I took while Bret was here and will attach one of Bret and Bart that I am particularly fond of. Have a great tomorrow.




Mary

The past four days have been much too busy to update this site. At about 1:00AM August 8, Bret arrived. We were all exhausted, but so glad he was here safe and sound. He looks WONDERFUL and I will post a picture when I get them on the computer.

Friday, we went to see Mother, Bret's Grandma Deeley, in the morning, then scooted up to De Pere to have dinner with Bart and Barb so the boys and I could have some quality time.'

Saturday, we shopped a bit then came home and napped and got dressed for the WEDDING. Becky, my baby brother Randy's daughter, we married at 2:30 that day at St. Luke's Church, followed by a really good meal and a rousing reception at the Range Line Inn in Sheboygan Falls. We were there til 11:00. Yesterday, Bret and I went trap shooting at Rhine, then I fixed lasagna and cheesecake for us, including Bobbie and Bill and Bart and Barb.

The limo picked Bret up at 10:00 this morning and I am sad and exhausted, but you can see why there was no time to update. Tomorrow, I will be more lucid.

Love

Mary

This is the Tall Ship the Dennis Sullvan, a reproduction of the schooners that were a big source of trade on Lake Michigan. It is a tall ship and a beautiful vessel indeed. We toured it last summer.




Mary

I decided that since I have fresh raspberries, I will fix Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake:

Here is the recipe:

Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake

1 Keebler Ready Crust Chocolate Flavored. (Or you can make your own, but why?)
12 OZ Cream Cheese, Softened ( I use no or low fat cream cheese to cut the fat - it works fine and tastes the same here.)
1/2 Cup Sugar
1/2 teasp. Vanilla
2 Eggs
1/2 Cup Fresh or Frozen Raspberries (well drained and thawed if frozen.)

Glaze

1 OZ unsweetened Hershey chocolate
1/4 Cup Powdered Sugar
1 teasp. Margerine or Butter
1 teasp. dark corn syrup
1 teasp. boiling water
1/2 teasp. Vanilla

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In medium bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually add sugar and vanilla. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition until well blended. Fold in raspberries. Place crust on baking sheet, fill with raspberry mixture. Bake for 35 minutes. Cool completely and chill. When cool make glaze.

Combine first five ingredients over low heat until chocolate is melted. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla. Pour over chilled cheesecake and chill again for three hours. Garnish with more raspberries.

Nummy Nummy in my tummy.

Love


Mary

Sometimes I think back to the days when I was very young. I remember that after I started working at Citizens Bank in Sheboygan Falls when I graduated from high school, we were open from 9 to 3 Monday through Friday, but on Friday we reopened at 6 for the factory workers and stayed until 9:00.

Those nights I would come home and eat a late supper in the kitchen by myself. I guess, "by myself" is silly with 10 other people in the house, but I WAS eating by myself. My brother, Matt, was about four years old at the time and on weekends could stay up later. He often would join me at the table, seeming to feel that I needed somebody to talk to. I learned many things in our evening chats. The most important thing he taught me was the following. He told me he could see Guardian Angels. He had discovered that if you gently press the corner of your eye, you see double and he had determined that the second image had to be Guardian Angels.

Makes as much sense as anything. So if you ever feel alone. Go to the mirror, press your eye and you will see your Guardian Angel. A special friend sent by God to protect you on this earth.

Love

Did I tell you about the wild grapes? I saw Dolores at Becky's bridal shower on Saturday afternoon. (By the way, Erin, Jessica and Sara did an absolutly smashing job on that shower. We enjoyed the games and it is always such fun watching the bride to be open all her presents. The food was great too.)

Dolores asked me if I would like some wild grapes. Apparantly, a bird or something planted a wild grape vine on the back of their property and it is covered in grapes. A workman, who had something to do with Kenny's HUGE workshop in the back noticed it and said it makes good wine. So Dolores will let me know when they are ripe. I will keep you informed.

The current wine is fermenting and clearing and is a beautiful color.

Later

Mary

Guess what!!!! On the way home from church, I swung by Wingert's (the farm that we usually get our corn from) and she was OPEN and they HAVE corn. So tonight we are having our first corn supper.

Aren't you jealous?

Love

Mary

After what seems like forever, we have been getting rain for the past week. Since Wednesday, we have recorded about 6 inches. The farmers, as attested to by Brian Walsh, a local farmer, are ecstatic. Dick, Jim and I are hoping that this will stimulate the corn. Some years, we have had fresh Wisconsin sweet corn in early August. During the season, we have each week a meal that consists of sweet corn and fresh sliced tomatoes. What a treat. I always buy extra and cut it off the cob and freeze for the long months of winter. Quick frozen like that it is ALMOST like a taste of summer. Usually we do that on Saturday, so come on by.

Mary

The following is from one of the Cadfael Chronicles by Ellis Peters, specifically The Heretic's Apprentice. Brother Cadfael is conversing with a man called Elave, who in the year 1143 has just returned from a long journey to the Holy Land.

" 'Along the way a man lives a day at a time, and looks no further
ahead than the next day, and no further behind than the day just
passed. Now I see it whole, and it is wonderful.'

'But not all good", said Cadfael. "That couldn't be, we couldn't
ask it. Remember the cold and the rain and the hunger at times, and
losses by thieves now and then, and a few knocks from those who pray
on travellers - oh, never tell me you met none! And the weariness
and the times when you fell ill, the bad food, the sour water, the
stones of the road. You've met all that. Every man who travels that
far across the world has met it all.'

'I do remember all that, but it is still wonderful.'

'Good! So it should be,' said Cadfael."

The Cadfael Books are wonderful mysteries and several have been made for TV with Derek Jacoby as Cadfael. I recommend both books and show.

Love

Mary

Quiet day in our house. We stayed home and got a lot of little things done. I thought I would share a picture of O Brien's Tower on the West Coast of Ireland with all of you. The view from the tower is breathtaking.



Mary

Auntie Brandl was some relative on the Ziegler side fo my family. Aunt Helen Deeley talks about her coming to visit when she was just a little girl and Aunt Helen died in 1993, so Auntie Brandle would have been coming around in the first 20 years of the 20th century. WOW. She said that Auntie Brandl was a teeny tiny lady, all bent over, probably because of osterpheroses and a very loving person.

Anyway, Auntie Brandl made a salve that was supposed to be wonderful for healing open sores, rashes, dry skin . . . .I gather just about any skin thing. Dad used to want to make it after Aunt Helen's last batch ran out. However, there were several of problems. My brother, George, a chemist and says that red lead is seriously toxic and you can't just go out and buy it. Sweet oil is pretty much a mystery and nobody we have found even knows WHAT olebaum (or olebalm) is, much less where to get it. So the magical Wonder Salve has gone the way of Lily the Pink's "Medicinal Compound" or the super elixers sold in side shows years ago.

For what it is worth, here is the recipe.


Auntie Brandl's Wonder Salve

8 Ounces Sweet Oil
4 Ounces Red Lead
3 Drams Olebaum
2 Drams Burnt Alum
2 Drams Camphor

Heat oil to boiling point. Add all ingredients except camphor.

Boil until lead turns brown.

Take from fire and immediately add camphor. Beat until cool.


Love

Mary

This past weekend, the 1958 graduating class of Sheboygan Falls High School, celebrated their 45 Anniversary. I believe I mentioned that I was on the committee with Carol Van Dixhorn Kaat, Dan Moioffer and Mark Montaba. The experience of planning such an event is something that I would recommend. It is a lot of work, but the rewards are so outweigh the effort. We had a great turnout. We sent out 77 invitations. 39 attended the event. Twenty others sent regrets for many reasons but wanted to be part of the book. Seven of our classmates have passed on. So we felt the response was wonderful.

It was a real bonding event. As Tom Theune said as part of his prayer, we were in a very special class. We were small enough that even if we weren't all "best friends", we knew each other by name. This is lost in the bigger classes in many schools and even in the larger classes here in Sheboygan Falls now.

I designed the class book and it was such a pleasure to gather the information from all the participants. We are an impressive bunch of people who have become wonderful people. I am so proud to have been part of the class.

When I get the picture, I will put it on the site. I remember when I got the last one, I took it to show Mother. We looked it over and I commented that I wondered who all these middle aged people were. I wonder what we will look like on film this time.

Have a good week

Mary

My herb garden is really looking very good. The lavender survived the winter and is growing and blooming. I am drying a bit and make a couple loaves of lavender bread already. Yes. Lavender bread. It is quite tasty and tastes especially wonderful with homemade strawberry jam.

The oregano also came back and it huge. My thyme and rosemary are not spectacular but are big enough for my use. So, I made a big pot of spaghetti which we will be eating tomorrow night. Nothing better than spaghetti with fresh herbs.

I love summer.

Mary

The Baghdad Zoo reopened last Sunday. There was an article (Believe it or not) in the Sheboygan Press about the reopening.

Apparantly there was not a big attendance because of the fear of violence on the streets but a few dozen people, including several U. S. Soldiers came to see the animals. The zoo population is still low but includes the remaining animals that originally were in the zoo plus those that survived from the various private zoos in several palaces owned by Saddam and his family.

According to the article, the zoo was a very popular place prior to the war. It was usually so crowded there was little room to stand. However, it is a beginning and the animals are now being cared for. The zoo seems to need a lot of updating, as its cages are the old concrete cells and the keepers are not all that well trained in animal nutrition and/or care. But it is a beginning and there are several wildlife, conservation and zoo organizations behind the cause of maintaining and updating the facility and further training the keepers for the citizens of Iraq.

I'll keep updating as I find news.

Mary

I spent part of the afternoon with my Mother. She is such a treasure. Years ago, I heard Liam Clancy recite a poem that I always felt was a portrait of her. After I heard it, I ran into him at Irish Fest and asked him the name of the poem and it's author and he kindly told me. I will share it with you. Everyone who knows my Mother will see her in this poem.

The Planter's Daughter by Austin Clarke

When night stirred at sea
And the fire brought a crowd in,
They say that her beauty
Was music in mouth
And few in the candlelight
Thought her too proud,
For the house of the planter
Is known by the trees.

Men that had seen her
Drank deep and were silent,
The women were speaking
Wherever she went -
As a bell that is rung
Or a wonder told shyly,
And O she was the Sunday
In every week.

Enjoy your day

Mary

Ostrich Burgers DO taste like beef.

Mary

Was I ever busy today. Last night Dick and I went to my brother, Jeff's house, to meet his houseguests and do some trap shooting. Jeff's houseguests are a Japanese family that were English students of Jeff's son Matt when he was in Japan. They became very good friends of Matt's and Jeff, Kathy, Shane and Sara also spent time with them on their trip the year before last.

Anyway, we were invited up for some trap shooting at the Ox Tail Conservation Club accross the street from Jeff's home. Believe it or not, I shot an 18, my best score ever. I was SO excited. I think things are finally coming together. Monday will tell the tale, I guess.

Then Kathy and I picked currants. She has quite a crop and doesn't have time to do anything with them right now. I spent this afternoon cleaning them and have enough to make three gallons of wine. Yahoo. That should be fun. We also racked the Nectarine Wine and bottled a batch of Chardonnay. In other words the winery is getting built up again.

Three weeks until Becky's wedding and my Bret will be here. I can hardly wait to see him.

Joy to you


Mary

I took this picture this spring when the trees were in full bloom. It turned out so well that I thought I would share it with all of you.

Love

Enjoy the beautiful.

Mary

Dick and I ate at the Palmer House in Chicago today. We had a champagne brunch before we went to the Cadillac Theatre to see The Lion King. What a wonderful fantasy that is. I would go again tomorrow if I could. The choreography was so unique and totally spectacular.

Our come down was eating supper at the Taco Bell on the way home but we are still floating from the show.

Love


Mary