This is going to be very short.   I am tired.   It started snowing just about the time that I left for bible study.   A steady slippery storm.   So after bible study I came right home without going to Sheboygan to see Mother.   We canceled the Writers club meeting too.

Bible study was very interesting.   There were just four of us but we had a nice lively discussion.   The Psalms, as I have said before are truly beautiful  and with the nice study guide we have are quite exciting.

Tonight was the telephone board meeting for CWI.   We had all but two of the board on the line so it went quite well.   I have a couple of things to do tomorrow so that the newsletter can get out and we can keep everybody informed of things in the Celtic world.

That was the day.

It was still snowing the last I looked and the stuff is piling up but it should be done by 3AM and tomorrow is a full day at home.

So Sleep Tight and God Bless

Mary

If New England wins the game tonight, I will be a vey happy camper.   It is not looking too good.    At this point, I have the highest score in the Fantasy Football league.  If they lose, I should still be in the top 6 but am not sure of my number one place.  The Chicago/Seattle game was exciting and the Packers will be playing the Bears next Sunday.

I had a rather quiet morning.  A couple of loads of wash and some computer cleaning.    I deleted a ton of trash messages that I should have dumped some time ago.

Then at about noon, I drove out to the Weirl Wind, a bar on Hwy 67 to join the rabbit hunters for the annual sausage tasting event.    All the hunters bring their various venison sausages, we slice them, put them on plates so that noone knows what came from where and then all the patrons and hunters who want to taste and rate the sausage for their favorite.   The last taster is the dog that hunted with the rabbit hunters.    He is sweet Digger who belongs to Dennis and Sara Behr.   They had another sweet hunter last year but he died this winter.  His name was Copper and he was a very good dog and a good hunter.

The hunters went out from about 8:30AM to 11:00AM and did not see a single rabbit.   I am sure glad that I decided that I was not going.   It was single digits when they started.   They said that the snow, however, was what probably kept the rabbits in their lairs.    They were much smarter than the humans.

We really have quite a bit for the wild game dinner.   We have venison, pheasant, turkey, squirrel and rabbit.   Should be another feast.   We will be celebrating Mom's birthday too but not all with her.   Short visits from the visitors and the rest of us will celebrate on our usual visit days.

So.  I really don't know what sausage came out the favorite at the Weirl Wind.   I brought a stick of the sausage that we had made from the deer that Jeff's friend got and was shared with Jeff, Randy, Shane and me.  Actually it was very hard this year as all of them were pretty good.  

We watched the Chicago Seattle game while the tasting was going on.   We met a couple of cousins of Fr. Mike Shea.   They may or may not be cousins of ours,   I think not, I think not but I will check on it.   Mike goes to see his Grandmother Anna Marie when he is home too as well as our mother.

BREAK FOR DINNER AND A BATH.

Well, Dick got his bath a few minutes ago and while we were doing that the Patriots/Jets game ended and dang it shuckins, the Jets won.    By tomorrow, I will know what it did to my standings and will be able to do my picks for next Sunday.    

Tomorrow will be very busy.    Bible Study, a visit with Mother, Cream City Writers and then a telephone conference in the evening.

The rest of the week should be quiet.

We are just getting into the Packer Game of the second week of the playoffs.    This has been a very stressful day as I am currently in the first place on the Guessethon football pool and if I do well could come out in a winning position.

Pittsburgh won.  It was touch and go for a while, but they did win and I had them as my pick.   A good beginning.  Now if Green Bay wins, I should be OK as tomorrow,my picks look pretty good.   I should end up in the top 6 anyway but right now, I am NUMBER  ONE and would just as soon just stay there.

Today was a pretty quiet day.   I dis some wash.   I updated some computer problems and I fixed a really great dinner.   Pork chops, rice and broccoli.  Num Num.

I got on the phone to Jacquie and Bart and Barb and it is now very late, at least for me so I am going to cut this short.

Perhaps I will be more interesting tomorrow.

God love you

Mary

Dick had an eye appointment today and it was nothing but good news.    His eyes are healthy.   There is a very slight change in his vision but not enough to warrant a lens change.  That pesky lash was growing again, but it was very fine this time and came out easily.    Bobbie came to help us get him there and back again.  

I fixed a meatloaf for our dinner.  Then just as we were leaving for the eye doctor, I remembered to put the meat loaf in.  I had the oven preheated.   So it was all ready when the three of us came home.    A good dinner with mashed potatoes and gravy. peas and salad.  

Roxie is so happy when Bobbie comes.   Bobbie and I racked three gallons of wine today and filtered and bottled a fourth.   It must be time to be starting a new batch or two.   Wonder what we have in the freezer.   We bottled her strawberry wine.   It smells and tasted very strawberryeee.   We think it will be ready sooner than some of the other scratch wines.  A nice summer wine.

I remember that Dad loved to make wine.   You know that.  That is kind of why Dick and I started to do it.   I am glad that Bobbie is now having fun with it.

I remember one summer when Bret and Bart and I were here for a visit and we went out to the Kettles to the Parnell Tower.  Dad found a big patch of blooming wild bee balm and decided to make some wine out of that.   I told him that I though a balm would probably just make people sleepy.  But he won.   He and Mother and I had to pick it because the boys were not about to go near the bees that DO hover around bee balm.   Dad said that if this worked he was going to make a batch out or his old shoes.   I think it did make a decent wine but I never did hear of any old shoe wine.

God love you

Mary

P. S. It is snowing.

I am extremely tired tonight.   It was a busy day with medical appointment and visiting Mother. 

Started quietly enough,  I spent much of the morning just putting things back where they belong.   Then I got Dick in the bedroom to change his tubagrip and bandages before Bobbie arrived.


She got her at about 10:30 so that we could get Dick to the anti-coagulation clinic by 11AM.    That worked out just fine until we got to the clinic and there was not a wheel chair to be found.   So I rushed to the therapy entrance and found ONE wheelchair at that door.   We got him into it and up to the second floor as soon as possible.  Not great news this week.   His count was 1.4  Too thick.   As it is supposed to be between two and three.   There is a new medication for his Acid reflux that can apparently change things.    So he has his dosage adjusted and we have to go back in two weeks for a checkup.


The three of us picked up lunch from Dairy Queen and came home to eat it.   Then after a bit, Bobbie went home and I left to spend some time with Mother.    She is looking very good.  Dolores and Ken were there when I got there so we all visited with her.   She had me check on a couple of medications and things that she had questions on.   I resolved one and am not sure of the other. 

She was scheduled for a hair cut so I stayed until they came to get her for that.  

I got home at about 3PM and spent the rest of the day resting and washing clothes.   As I said I am really tired and intend to hit the bed early.

I have the Literary Pub Crawl all scheduled for Saturday night in Dublin on January 29.   What a nice way to start the trip.  It is hard to believe that I will be leaving for Ireland in two weeks from tomorrow.

So sleep tight.

and God love you

Mary

Wednesday, shopping day.   We woke up to find that our marvelous snow plow crew had been through during the night and the driveways, sidewalks and roads were all clear.

We had decided that if it was clear we were going to have a Mc Donald's breakfast so I went and got it as soon as we were up and dressed.   Tasted good too.  Do you know that they are now serving oatmeal?   I have a coupon for a free bowl.    Perhaps I will try it one of these days.

It was a busy computer day as we have finally a final cost for the Ireland trip and are now requesting final payment and trying to make sure that everybody knows what they need to know to prepare for the trip.   I have been following the weather and it seems to be warming up there.  The past week and going into the next week seem to be settling into the 50s. in Dublin and the rain is sporadic.   Yippee.   It will at least be much warmer than here.

The only other errands were the bank and the drug store.    

Tomorrow, Dick gets his blood coagulation checked and then I will go to see Mother in the afternoon.   I got a call from Dr. Larson, her eye doctor,   we really need to reschedule her eye checkup.

There was a little snow today but none of it settled on the ground.   It all seemed to melt on contact.   Now, If it does not get so cold that we get ice, we are in good shape.    We seem to be better off than the poor people in the middle of the country and east of us.

I am glad to see that God and prayer are playing such a big part in the mourning for the victims and the survivors and the families of those affected by the shooting in Arizona.   In tragedy we call on Him.   What we need to do is to remember that He is here in the peaceful and  good times also.   At those times we should offer thanks and praise.

Take care and God love you.

Mary

A whole day at home again.   I went outside three times.   Once to take out the trash, once to take mail to the mailbox and once to pick today's incoming mail up.

We had leftover beef rouladin for our lunch and some of the soup that i prepared  the other day for our supper so it was a very easy cooking day

I felt busy all day but it was  a lot of little things like hemming pants and checking on nursing care for Dick and washing clothes and such.

Tomorrow is shopping day.  We also have a slew of prescriptions renewed to pickup.

It snowed all day, very lightly but steadily.  The earth is covered in a lovely fluffy light blanket.   If they plow tonight, Dick and I have decided on a Mc Donald's breakfast.



Have a good Wednesday yourself.

Love and God love you

Mary

Happy Monday.    The morning started out very cold but did move up into the 20s toward afternoon.   There were a few flurries this morning but the sun came out for a bit too and there was no wind so it was not a bad day at all.

I went to bible study at 9:30AM.  We really are enjoying our studying of the Psalms.  They are so beautiful.   It is interesting to think of David, the warrior, the King, the poet and the musician.   I really want to go to see David by the guys who wrote and composed The Rock and The Rabbi, Witnesses and The Child this summer at the Fireside.   I can imagine what they can do with that material.

Then I drover to Meadow View to visit with Mother.  She was not in her room so I went down to the therapy department and sure enough.   There she was working very hard playing "toss the balloon back and forth" with Delores Bemis, the lady who is in the room next to her.  Delores arrived at about the same time with exactly the same injury.   Mom is pleased to have the sling off of her arm.   She has experienced some pain in her hand but that comes with reawakening the nerves and muscles in the arm.   The therapist also had her walking with the walker (and the therapist's help.)   Just a little bit but enough to see that she did well.   They really keep her quite busy there. 

When we got upstairs from the therapy, Dolores and Ken were waiting.   So we all had a nice visit.   Dolores's birthday was yesterday.   Nora called Mother yesterday and told Mother that Dallas has 2 inches of snow.

Then I went home.   We had spinach casserole for lunch and I tried to nap.   Tonight was the Rhine meeting.   I went early so that Bill, Travis and I could audit the books before the board meeting.   The meeting was quite busy with a lot of discussions because we had a couple of hot topics that needed to be resolved.    I think we did so as best we could.

Now it is again past my bedtime.   So I will sign off.   Tomorrow I will be able to stay home all day, probably.

Take care and God love you

Mary

This was a whole day at home.   I did not have to go outside for any reason at all.

I took the tree down, packed it into its box and slid it downstairs and into the furnace room.  The room looks a bit empty but, of course, bigger too.   And now if Dick gets cold, we can turn on the fireplace.   I think we could have anyway, but Dick did not feel good about it with the tree close to it.   I think it was far enough away.

We had beef rouladin with mashed potatoes, gravy and fresh cooked carrots for lunch.   Boy was that good.  I was just plain hungry for mashed potatoes and gravy.    Tonight homemade chicken soup. 

My football league extended into the playoffs so I am still following the games very closely.    I blew it on the Seahawk/Saints game but so did almost everybody else and I picked right on the next two.   Now if Green Bay comes through for me I can relax until next week.  I won two of the 17 regular season games this year and I am one of 5 winners in Survivor Football.    If I can end up in the top 6, I might just come out even or ahead.   Yippee.   Go Pack!!!!!!!!

This week is starting off moderately quiet.   Monday, of course, is busy because of bible study and the trip to Sheboygan to see Mother.   Then I have Rhine Plymouth meeting in the evening.    But the rest of the week is pretty quiet.   I need to start planning what I am taking to Ireland.  I got two pair of fleece pants that I have to shorten.    Where are all of these 6 feet women.

I got distracted with the game.   YEA  The Packers won.   So we have another chance next week.   It has been a good year.

Have a good week .

God love you

Mary

I was at home  all day today except for going to Mass at 4PM.   I slept until about 7:30AM.  

Today, I got all the ornaments off of the tree.   Tomorrow I will bring the box up, stow the tree away and slide it down the stairs to its resting place until next year.   As my brother Matt said in his poem about Christmas:

CHRISTMAS IS OVER

christmas is over again
it won't be back for another year
the lights have been taken town
santa claus went back to the toy factory
so we can all fight each other
with a clear conscience once more


Matt never used capital letters or punctuation.   When he was in his grade school days, I was home for a visit and Nora showed me some of his papers.   They looked like a foreign language but if you just read them phonetically they were perfect.   He did learn to spell but in his poetry preferred to forget the capital letters and punctuation.


I fixed spinach noodle casserole for our lunch.  Boy was that every good.   We have enough for at least one more meal.   Dick does like his pasta and spinach egg casserole is always a treat.

I think I would like something with mashed potatoes and gravy tomorrow.   Doesn't that sound good?

 So today is over.   So far my picks for the playoffs are not paying off too well.

I don't know why those teams don't listen to me.

Have a loverly Sunday.

God love you

Mary

 

What a nice day.  It was cold as can be.   3 degrees at morning.   But it did warm up.  All the way into the mid teens.   Whoop de do! 

This morning was an absolute crush of phone calls.   First Kathy called to tell me that she and Jeff were on their way to pick up Mother to take her to see Dr. Fehrman to check her shoulder.   They wanted to confirm the appointment time and were traveling without a phone book.   Then I got a call from my cousin, Colleen in Florida.  I had called and left a message for her to tell her that Mother was hurt so she can keep abreast of the situation.   She was relieved that it was only that Mother is in a rehab center and not gone on to be with Dad.

Then Bob Fleming called in response to a call that I had made to him yesterday.   We, Bob, Kate and I, will be meeting for a coffee sometime next week.

Then Kate called me to tell me that she had some meatballs for Dick and me for the taking.  So I drove over there and picked them up.  They are sweet and sour meatballs and are really delicious.

Then I went to have lunch with my bank friends.  Barb was there so I gave her the Tupperware that she had ordered.  It was good to see everybody after the holidays.

Got home at about 1PM, before Tim from Wisconsin Prosthesis came to fit Dick for his new shoe insert.   Now his foot is definitely much more stable and hopefully he can try walking again.

Then tonight, Nancy Roehre and I went out to Rhine to sign up and shoot the Winter pistol league.   Today was the first Friday of that and I will miss two Fridays when I am in Ireland.   We figure we did pretty good for not having shot for over a month.    Next week will be EVEN better.

We had soup for our dinner.

Then as I was starting on the blog, the phone rang again and it was my Bret.   We had the nicest long talk.   He is doing very well but embarking on some extensive dental work.    He will have a whole two weeks of vacation in early February and is going to spend part of it playing and the rest working on his mobile home at the River.  He sent pictures of it at Christmas and is so proud of it.     I know he would like to live there if he could get work within a reasonable distance.

I miss my boys.

Tomorrow I am home most of the day again.   Will work some more on the Christmas tree. 

God love you

Mary

 

I spent time with Mother today.   I got to Meadow View at about 9:30 and spend about an hour and a half.  We took care of some business and then visited.   Today at 2PM there was a birthday party for the residents.   Her birthday is this month so I told her that she must be sure to go.   She looks really good and tomorrow Jeff will take her to the doctor to have her shoulder checked.  Hopefully that part of her recovery will be over.

Uncle Pat called tonight.  He and Aunt Joan are going to be gone for about a week and they wanted to be sure that I have Joan's cell phone.   They will visit Mom sometime next week.

I started taking ornaments off of the tree today.  I am planning on getting it done over a couple of days so it is not such a big job.

It is almost bed time.   Tomorrow, Tim from Wisconsin Prosthesis is coming by with a shoe insert for Dick.   We hope it will help is walking.   His right food has been twisting a bit.

So.  A good night's sleep and I will be ready to face the world again.

Hope you will resting in the dark to prepare for the day also.

God love you

Mary

It was 3 degrees when we woke up this morning.

I went grocery shopping at 8AM.   It was in the teens by then but with no wind and sunshine, it was not a bad day overall anyway.   It is always the wind that really makes things awful.

Shopping went very smoothly.   And after a stop at the bank and Walgreens, I was home by 9:30AM.   Dick was sleeping and he slept until almost 1PM.   I fixed dinner and ate myself at noon but did not have the heart to waken him as he has so much trouble sleeping.  So I fixed his dinner, salmon, baked potato and salad when he woke up.

I put all of the Nativity sets away today.   And I took down the Christmas lights.   Pretty soon the Condo people would start looking at us askance so it seemed like a good idea as the sun was shining.  So I am pretty much down to the tree and all the Santas that are all over the house.   Should be done by Monday , the good Lord willing and the creek don't rise.

Jeff called from Hawaii today.  He and Kathy will be leaving for home tonight and be back tomorrow.   Then he is taking Mother to see Dr. Fehrman on Friday to have her shoulder checked.  So I well go to see her tomorrow.   I will check the mail at her house and pick up a couple of books that she asked for.   I am going in the morning so that I can be home to fix lunch for Dick.


Called Bobbie to see how the construction project is going.   She thinks they should be done by the weekend as they projected and is so glad.   

So til tomorrow may you be safe and warm.

God love you

Mary

This was an altogether satisfying day.

I got up at 6:30AM or so because it was trash day.   As it was, the trash people did not come until after noon, but they do like to "toy" with us and sometimes come in mid morning so I don't like to dawdle on Tuesdays.

I spent the morning writing the email letter for the Sheboygan Branch of Celtic Women and updating a few things in the Google Calendar which I have transferred to since Works doesn't work too well anymore.

We had leftover Thai Chicken and rice for lunch, then I went to the Plymouth Library for the Kettle Country Qulters meeting.

Was that ever nice.   Several of us had all of our last year's block of the month to share.  They are always fun as it is amazing what the choice of color does to a pattern.  My next step is to get the top assembled and quilted so that I can use it for my blanket.   The folded queen blanket is just too bulky and hard to handle.  I am afraid that it will have to wait until after the Ireland trip as I have too much to do before that happens.

We decided that this year we would have two people a month bring an assembled favorite block and the instructions to share with everybody.   I found that many people have not done Celtic Knots, so I will do a variation of that .  I signed up for July.   I am gone for next month's meeting and wan t a couple of months to regroup.  The sharing is actually beginning in March, so I won't miss that either.

So here we are to the end of the day again.   Time to start winding down.  Roxie is content under the lamp  and will be very glad when I go to bed.    Sometimes she goes into the bedroom and waits for me.

Take care and enjoy the rest of the week.

God love you

Mary

Monday Monday.

It was a rather busy day but I was home by 2PM and settled in for the day.

This morning before I left for Bible Study, I reminded Dick that I am, indeed, going to Ireland at the end of the month.   He is not happy about that.   He does not begrudge my need for a break but of course is concerned about what will happen to him while I am gone.  I hope I was able to reassure him that Bobbie will be here every day,   I suggested that he get a life line (which he is anti - Please let him know that you think it is a good idea), and I will contact Companion Care to get someone out here every other day to change his leg coverings and his wound coverings (perhaps his wounds will all be healed.). 

Bible study was at 9:30AM.   There were only four of us today.   Some on vacation or away for the winter and some not feeling well.  But Helen, Peggy, Shirley and I had a wonderful study.   We did Psalm 104 again.   You should read it - it is absolutely beautiful.

Then I went to see Mother.   I had to go home first because I forgot my purse.  But what a blessing I received on my way back on Highway PP.    I was almost to PPP when I saw some movement ahead.   Then the car in front of me stopped.   Seventeen deer ran across the road.   The was one big buck and sixteen antlerless deer in a herd.   It was beautiful.    Then when we finally got to move again a huge turkey flew in front of us across the road following the deer.

Mother and I had a nice visit and I joined her for lunch.  Dolores and Ken were there when I got there.   I am so glad that they are close and can be there often.   I am going twice a week.   I will go to see her again on Friday as Jeff is taking her to get her shoulder checked on Thursday.   Hope we get good news then.   She is planning on going home again but does know that there is a long road of rehab ahead of her.    I told her that I don't want her to think about going home until I am back from Ireland which will be five weeks.   I think it will be over that before her strength is restored.   If it can be restored.  We can only pray for what is best for her.

Home again, I took a nap.   Then cleaned up the computer and am working on two meeting projects. 

Tomorrow I am home except for the Kettle Quilters meeting.   I am so glad that I got my square done.   Now when I get back from Ireland, I will put them together into a blanket for me.    I have a couple of them that I should find homes for and probably will.   But that takes time too.

Be good to your self and I will log on tomorrow.

God love you

Mary

This was a perfect quiet day at home.    My desk is cleaned down to two projects that need to be coordinated and a small pile of calls for tomorrow.

We had a nice noon dinner.  I found a recipe for Mama Corleone's sausage and peppers.   It was really good.  Italian sausage and peppers cooked in olive oil with garlic, basil and oregano mixed all together with spaghetti.
Really yummy with a nice green salad and a piece of garlic bread.

Yea the Packers won today and are in the playoffs.   It was a close game but an inch is as good as a mile so who cares.    I did really well so far on the Fantasy league.   I am tied for 1st this week and in the top five overall.   So I should come away with something.    My system is not perfect but it keeps me in the running most of the time.

Less than a month until I leave for Ireland.  Tomorrow morning I am going to really discuss this with Dick.  When I talked about it earlier he was really upset but  I know that I need a break and that this is the best way to do it.   Bobbie is coming each day to help, I am working on getting him to accept a life line and I want to get someone in here at least three times to check his legs for me.  Of course, I don't feel good about leaving him but I know that I am in need of a break to recoup my strength and outlook. I pray that I am right.

Tomorrow the week starts over again.   Bible study in the morning and then I will go to spend some time with Mother. 

This is really the beginning of the year as yesterday and today were kind of quiet.

God love you
Mary

So the first day of 2011 is coming to an end.   It blew in like a lion and the cold winds have been shaking the house all day long.  From almost 50 degrees yesterday, it dropped down to 13 degrees today.  I slept until almost 8AM.    Of course, Roxie was at my ear yelling at me at 6AM for her breakfast.   She had been bugging me earlier, but at 6 she really got insistant.

We spent a very quiet day.    I finished the last block for the block of the month for the Kettle Quilters.   We watched the Rose Bowl Parade and the Rose Bowl Game.   I went to Mass at 4PM so now I can be home until Monday morning.

I tried a Thai chicken recipe for our lunch today.   It turned out really good and I used the last of the coconut milk to cook the rice.   It also came out tasting really good and was a nice complement for the spicy Thai meal.  We also had fresh asparagus.    What a way to start the new year.    I liked it.

I hope your day went as well and that you are going into the New Year with as much hope as we have.

God love you

Mary

This was a very interesting day.  I spent part of the morning trying to get a xls file to print.   Yea.   I did it.   It is a contract for one of the places that we will be staying in Ireland.   Bobbie, you will remember the Jury Christchurch Hotel.   Remember the wonderful fish lunch we ate on the benches in front of Christ Church.   When Bobbie and I were there, we had a view of a roof.  When I went with Fr. Mike Moran and the gang, I had a view if Christ Church.  I took a picture out of the window.    I am going to concentrate on pictures out of windows on this trip.   They are really unique.  I used one for my book Fragments.

I went to join the girls for lunch but nobody was there.  I guess I misunderstood that they were not going to meet until AFTER the New Year.  No problem.  I picked up lunch for Dick and me and we really enjoyed it.  I also went to the bank and send the deposit for the CWI trip to Ireland at Jury's hotel.    Then I went to Walgreens and picked up some cough medicine for Dick and envelopes as we are running low.   I found a device to snake out in a sink without taking our the stopper.  The drain in the master bathroom is slow and I have tried everything else.

So.   It was a busy but lazy day.   Jody got the house all cleaned for another week. So   We are all set for 2011.   Are you?   Quiet an exciting year for number people.  It will be 2 - 1 -2-11.   They like those repetitions.  

If anyone has tiny empty plastic bottles for water from holy wells, I would appreciate them.  I checked at Walgreens and they want almost 2dollars for them.   Goofy.

Happy New Year.   I will be in bed early because I am very tired, but we are going to put Dick Clark's Rockin' New Year on and perhaps I will wake up for it.


Your are all in my thoughts and in my prayers. 

God love you

Mary

Hello all  This was a day almost all on the run.  I left for the Pig before 8AM so that I could get all the grocery shopping done and the food put away before 9:30AM.   It worked.  I did not need to buy too much this week which helped a lot.

We got Dick all ready for seeing Dr. Sharon before eleven because we had to be there by 11:30AM.  Bobbie arrived at 11AM to help get him there.   I wish I had not hurt my ribs .   It is distressing not to be able to do everything that I want to do.  But I can't take a chance on hurting myself again.  Dick is checking on motorized wheelchairs.

 The appointment went quite well.   We had Dr. Sharon check out the sores on his leg and a toenail that is loose and just general questions about things.   Dick is in basic good health.   All of his blood tests and vital signs are good.  So we are quite pleased.  

We stopped at Subway for sandwiches for our lunch.   I had made a fake crab pasta salad to have along with it.    The whole meal tasted good.    I was able to make the crab salad because I could share with Bobbie.   Dick doesn't like it and neither does Bill but it is worth making it to share with each other.

I took a nap this morning and then went to pick up a prescription for Dick.    We were really lazy and had sub sandwiches for supper too.    Not a bad idea.   They were still good.

Tomorrow I will go to see Mother.  It will be interesting to see how she is settling in and feeling.   I will let you know.   I know that nothing untoward has happened because I would have heard.

It was lovely today.   The sun was shining, no wind and it got up into the high 30s.   What more can we ask in December in Wisconsin?

God love you

Mary

Mary

A day mainly at home again.   It was trash day and that took quite a bit of the early morning.  I had five bags and a big box of cardboard plus two dead plants.  Dick and I are always so grateful when all the trash is taken away every week. 

Today we really spent time on Dick with his bath and legging changes and hair washing as over the weekend it was just hit and miss.  So we are all caught up.   I got my hair cut this afternoon and went to the bank and the drug store.

That was the most excitement.    I was busy all day as we are still putting things away and have not even started putting away the Christmas decorations.   I always like to leave them up until after New Years Day.   So much time is spent getting ready that I hate to end it too soon.  I also caught up on the washing.

It was sunny and rather pleasant today.   It is supposed to get even warmer as the next couple of days unfold.   As we have to take Dick out tomorrow, I am really glad about that.   Mild temperatures and no precipitation makes an easy transfer.   I am really glad that Dr. Sharon is doing his physical tomorrow.  I have a couple of really interesting questions for him.

We are watching the Kennedy Awards tonight.   It is hard not to watch the whole Minnesota/Philadelphia game but there are too many great people being honored on the Award show and so far we hare not being disappointed.

Til tomorrow then.

God love you

Mary

One would think that now that Christmas is over things would settle down.   But there seems to be this aftermath that is keeping life quite active and tiring.

This morning, I left at about 9AM to spend some time with Mother.   I stopped at her house to pick up her mail so that we could pay her bills and keep her involved in NOW.   I got to Meadowview just as her occupational therapist came to take her for therapy.   She is mainly in a wheel chair and does pretty well moving herself around with one hand and her feet.   The therapist also worked on keeping the muscles in her right arm strong and flexible.

Mom is surely tired but hanging in there.  I stopped again at her house on the way back home and set out a couple of things that she needs and did the dishes that were sitting there.   Dolores and Ken got the Meadow View just as I was leaving and Dolores is going to the house tomorrow and will bring the needed things back to her.  Dolores is just a block or two from Meadow View which is very useful.

When I got home, we had lunch and I started a bit of wash.   Tomorrow is trash day and there is SO much to go out.   I worked out in the garage sorting boxes to see what I should keep and what I should dispose of and getting the trash bags ready.   It will be a record.   5 bags and a big box of cardboard.   Whew.

Tomorrow is a quiet day except for a hair cut and a trip to Walgreens in the afternoon.

Perhaps I can feel that I am ahead of the game again.  


Wednesday, Dick has his physical scheduled with Dr. Sharon.   I hope we can find out why he is not sleeping and what those sores on his leg are.   The salve he prescribed is not healing them.

So. That is today.   Only three days left in the year.  Where is time going.

God love you all

Mary

What a wonderful day.  I woke up at about 7:30Am.   Took my shower and got the normal morning things done before I left for church.  Mass started at 9:e0AM.   It was a nice mass.  No choir, just a cantor, but the church was full and Fr. Van Beck gave a wonderful sermon.  He talked about family.   One of his statements was wonderful.   He was talking about family as it is Holy Family Sunday.   He has done a lot of counseling in his years as a priest.   He said that one thing he has never heard in in years as a councilor is  " He tells me that he appreciates me too much."

Dick and Brenda gave me an upgrade to my computer.  The thing is that it did not just involve the upgrade but they had to do the installation and trouble shooting and I had not been updated for years.   They did not get out of her until well after 4 PM. We sent them off with a snack and a thank you that somehow expressed our gratitude.   How wonderful it is to be so looked after.    So far, the upgrade is seamless from my point of view.

Everything is behaving as it should and much faster.  They have informed me that I can no longer have my computer kitties wandering around the screen as they take up too much space.   Since I have my real life Roxie, I can put up with that. 

We talked to Leslie and Bret today so have connected with all of our offspring for the holiday.

I have a really great quote for you that my brother Jeff and his wife Kathy sent to me today.   I felt it conveyed the season.

PEBBLE

Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas
if you stop opening presents and listen.

-Bobby (age 7), submitted by Kalea, Chico CA

In this strange goofy wild and unsettled world, we have to stop and listen for the peace and the message.

God love you

Mary

 




 ."

What a lovely Christmas.   I slept until about 7AM.   Which was a good thing as I knew I would not get my nap today.

Dick and I just snacked for breakfast and lunch as we knew the spread we were putting on for our Christmas repast.  

He and I exchanged our gifts just before lunch.   We also opened the gifts from out of state.    Bart and Barb got us a multi media reader.   How exciting.   I can hardly wait to see what is available to download and read.    Bret sent a beautiful candle centerpiece which I immediately put on the table so that we could enjoy it at our dinner.   That explained all the votive candles that were NOT wrapped.  

We feasted on pasties and mushroom pie, acorn squash and green bean casserole with a Ceaser salad.   Then we had coconut cake for dessert.   

Richard and Brenda brought a bottle of Dom Perignon champagne.   WOW!   We toasted with that before we ate and after we opened all of our presents.   Dick and Brenda are upgraded my computer this year.   I don't know what we would do without their help on the computers.   We wouldn't know when or how to upgrade and often need help with problems.   I can usually fix things once I have had a similar problem and am learning more and more things to check as time goes on.

So the day is about done.   Bart called so we got to talk to him and Jim and Michelle who spent last night and today with them.   I am glad they are close enough to be together for holidays.

Jeff called today too.  I gave him Mom's room number and phone number.    Shane and Georgina are coming to see her tomorrow.   I am just waiting until Monday which is my usual day to visit her.  I will be able to go a bit earlier than usual too because we are not having Bible Study until the 3rd of January.

There is probably more news but I am just tired and content and am going to sign off now.


God love you and Merry Christmas
Mary

Well, I slept quite will last night.   I felt good about leaving Mother visiting with a friend.

I spent most of the day preparing the dishes for tomorrow so that all I will have to do is to pop things in the oven and load plates when it is time to eat.

I am excited about tomorrow.  Christmas is always a special time.  Bart called this afternoon and we will talk again tomorrow.   Jim and Michelle are going to go to Lawton tonight so will be there for Christmas eve and Christmas.


I checked in with family and friends to update and coordinate on Mother.   We want there  to be visited but not overwhelmed.   I will go on Monday as I always do.   Randy said that when they brought her clothes and supplies, she had just finished therapy and was a tired lady.   She will have lots of visitors over the Christmas weekend.  Perhaps too much but she will know how much people love her.

Mass was particularly lovely tonight.  The folk choir sang the Alleluia Chorus for us and it was truly beautiful.
I forgot the name of the priest who officiated, he has been her before, and he makes the faith a very joyful experience, especially at Christmas.

 We are going to open our presents to each other and the presents from Bart and Barb and Bret tonight, if Dick every gets organized.   You all know how speedy he is.

So I am signing off for the night.   A Blessed Christmas Eve to you.   Remember the reason for this special time of year and love each other which is all that is asked of us.    Love the Lord your God with your whole heart and soul and your neighbor as yourself for the love of God.     Pretty easy actually.

Mary.

Today was full of medical visits.   Dick and I were up at a normal time and we got his legs all washed and recovered before Bobbie got here.   His lab appointment was at 10:15AM.  That went very well.  We were home at about 10:30AM.    The three of us had pizza and breadsticks for our lunch.  


At about noon, Randy called.   He and Dolores and Ken were at Pine Haven with Mother.   They had been informed that Pine Haven is not on the network for the AARP Medicare Advantage, so we had to make arrangements to move her again.    I went over to join them to see that everything was done to her benefit.  They were as helpful as they could be and we ended up taking Mother to Meadow View Nursing home on the south side of Sheboygan.   Dolores worked there for many years and lives right down the street.

I felt much better when I walked in the door to get a wheel chair for Mom and tell them that she was here and one of the nurses looked at me and said.   "Welcome."   just like that.   Our first impressions are that she is just where she should be.    Randy and I got the paper work in gear, stayed with her for the nurses first evaluation and for the therapy evaluation.    About the time we were ready to leave, Harrier Carpenter, a friend wheeled herself into the room to greet Mom.   She is a resident and has been there for 6 years and was so glad to visit with Mother.

Now, only time will tell.   She is very weak.   The arm has to heal and then regain strength.  Then we have to see if she is able to function alone before she can go home.   She knows that.  What a brave lady she is.

Keep up the prayers.  Whatever happens, she has to be safe.

Take care of yourselves.

God love you

Mary

Well, this has been quite a day.   Started out a bit goofy.   Dick had to change his lab test to tomorrow because he forgot that he was supposed to fast.

So I dropped Kate's Tupperware, some buckeyes for Ron and a recipe at her house on my way grocery shopping.    That went well.   I have everything that I need for Christmas now.  

Dick and I ate leftovers for our lunch.  I want a fairly empty fridge for Christmas Day.

I got a call this afternoon from Randy.   Mother had a fainting spell today and this time she hurt her left arm.   Apparently she dislocated it.   Donna was with Randy and Eileen came over too,.   I decided to stay home unless they needed me. 

She will, of course, have to be at a care center until her arm heals and she is out of the sling and can use her walker.  Wouldn't you think she should have stayed in the hospital overnight?  But no.   She has to go to a center right away.   Fortunately, there is room at Pine Haven in Falls.   She was not resisting the fact that she will need to be somewhere to heal and I am glad that she can go to Pine Haven which is a really good center and has several people she knows there.

I am expecting. Donna or Randy to call if they need me to get anything for her tomorrow.   After Dick's appointment, I can spend the afternoon helping her get settled or picking out and bringing things she needs.

Please pray for her and her comfort.    We are worried.

God love you all

Mary

A day at home.   I got SO much done.  The table was clear, not there are a couple of things on it again.   It is a constant battle. And today boxes came.   Presents from Bret and from Bart and Barb AND the Tupperware.
I checked everything and tomorrow I will start getting the items to their homes.

I cleaned out the hall closets and went through all the wrapping paper and ribbons downstairs.

It was just a nice day and Roxie was so glad that we were both here.    Did I till you that I stayed in bed until 8.  That is a record.   Of course, I did get up to feed Roxie at 6AM but got back to sleep easily.

Tomorrow is a bit busier - Shopping and a trip to the clinic.   Bobbie is coming to help and I can give her the Tupperware that she ordered.

Take care.   Only three days until Christmas.   I love this time of year.

God love you

Mary


I loved the quote below




"Before I go on with this short history, let me make a general observation — the test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to function. One should, for example, be able to see that things are hopeless and yet be determined to make them otherwise."

F. Scott Fitzgerald

What a nice Monday.   It was the last Bible Study of the year.   I gave all of my prayer partners a copy of my latest book for Christmas.   They are such a support.   If you have time, read Psalm 104.   It is so totally beautiful.  We figure that we will be discussing it for the next two weeks at least.  Today we just discussed our part in the taking care of the world.

Mom and I had a lovely visit.   We just had a couple of things to take care of so could spend most of the time visiting.   She looks wonderful.   She id obviously tired but keeping up on everything and we had a great time, as usual.   I will go down again before Christmas to take her present.     She wants to just stay home for Christmas.   I know that Eileen is seeing that she has a Christmas Dinner and probably will be visitint with her that day.   As the kids will be with us that day I will leave it for them.

I warmed up some lasagna for Dick's lunch and then went to Antoinette's to joint eh Cream City Writers for our Christmas party.   We had almost everybody there, read our writings, ate a great meal and exchanged presents. 

This is the last of my club parties, though the Sheboygan Writers may have a gathering in January.  We postponed because of dear Rosemary's passing. 

So I am home now and won't have to go anywhere until Wednesday.   Then I have grocery shopping for the last of our Christmas dinner.  Aside for the last minute Christmas preparations, this is a very quiet week.   I am glad of that as it will be nice to be rested when everybody is here.

Bless you all

I did write a /Christmas haiku for the Writers club

I call it:

MAGI

They followed the star
Not questioning its truth.
If asked, would we go?

God be with you

Mary

Hello There.   We were able to stay home all day today.   Boy was that ever a treat.

I got up about 7AM.  Dick shut Roxie out of the room at about 3AM so I did not have anybody telling me that it was time for breakfast from 4AM on.

We had a nice breakfast and then Dick took a nap.   I baked my Christmas Stolen this morning.   Tomorrow, I will mix up the frosting and decorate them.  I wrote a couple of Christmas cards and started breaking up cardboard for the trash.

After lunch,   we had meatballs and gravy with noodles and corn. I rested and then went downstairs and cut out the last of the applique squares for the block of the month that the Kettle Country Quilters did this year.  Now I just need to do the applique before the end of the year.   Not this week perhaps next.

I hope to get s lot of presents wrapped tonight.  The tree always looks so nice with wrapped packages under it.   I did get the stockings hung on the mantle this afternoon.    We had Waldorf Salad for our supper.

Tomorrow will be my busiest day of the week.   Bible Study in the morning and then the Cream City Writers Christmas lunch at Antoinette's at 12:30PM. 

Otherwise it was a quiet day.   We will finish by watching the Packer Game.   Aaron Rogers is still out with his concussion so it will be a tough game.   I actually chose New England because of my "system".   So it is a win win for me.   I don't want the Packers to lose but on the other hand I don't want to lose points.

Have a nice evening and Monday

God love you

Mary

Today was SHARE day.   I picked up my order and put in the order for January.

This month we got Chicken Thighs, Imitation Crab, Meat Balls, A frozen Chicken dinner and Pork Chops plus cabbage, potatoes, apples, grapefruit and tangerines.   This is all for $17.00 including shipping.   Not bad.  I hope that if we ever move this program is available.   My friend Bob's Dad, Jim Fleming, ran the Share in Sheboygan Falls.   He always said that it is a program for the needy and the greedy.   All that is required is that you show up but they ask that you do good to your neighbor, either one on one or by volunteering for more public things..

 I mixed up the dough for Mom's Christmas Stolen.   I will be baking it tomorrow.   As I was finishing my nap, I got a call from my niece, Jessie.  She and her sister Becky and Sara, Jeff's daughter had baked a double batch of stolen and wondered if I wanted any.   As I will end up with three and share that, I declined.   Too bad, but I must not gather more than we can use.

I did some reading, some Christmas Cards and some other Christmas chores.   I am going to fill and hang the stockings tonight.  That will be a nice surprise for Dick.

I went to Mass at 4PM.  I was Eucharistic Minister, which is always an honor for me.   The adult choir sang tonight so Kate and her sister were singing as well as my friend Ceil.  Fr. Van Beck gave a lovely sermon about family and the importance of knowing how to wait and to be ready for the special guest that will be arriving on December 25th.   He used the story of the white apron to illustrate.   I had not thought how out of fashion the "apron" has become.   Probably many children are not even familiar with the concept.    I use them, but in this day of disposable clothing along with everything else, people don't work as hard to preserve their clothes from dirt and wear.  The white apron refers to the fancy apron that women would wear when company came that made them look like they never had to work hard at all.

God love you

Mary

We are in a strange weather cycle.  Not warm enough to completely clear the roads but not cold enough to leave them frozen and impassable either.  

Jody came to clean today and will be here next Friday so I won't have to worry about the vacuuming and the floors with the holiday being celebrated here the next day.   Then I can concentrate on the meal.

I had lunch with my bank friends at the Dairy Queen.   Did I tell you that they reserve a table for us on Fridays?   We will not be meeting until next year now.   The Fridays are just too close to the actual holiday and we don't want to bother.

I had several errands to do before coming home but was here by 2:30PM.  We had leftover lasagna for our supper and now are trying to get the new desk lamps that Dick ordered assembled and on our desks.   The lamps we have are really not very efficient.    Perhaps someone at St. Vinnie's will find them useful.

At lunch today we ladies were talking about children and how amusing and/or embarrassing they can be.I remember two incidents that you might find amusing.  

My brother, Matt, was rather short and kind of slight as a kid starting kindergarten.   He came home the first day with his stories and told us that there as a boy in his class who reached from "all the way up here" (and he reached way above his head) "all the way to the floor." 

Then for embarrassing.   My ex and I and Bret were on the way to a camping trip.   We stopped at a restaurant and I had to take Bret, about three years old, into the rest room.    I let him go in alone, as I thought he was capable.   He did his business and then called me to help him in very graphic language.  When I told him the door was locked, he said  "OH. Shit!!"   I think he was listening much to close to his Dad and friends.   He spewed out damns and shits and hells like they were nothing.  There was a lady in the bathroom with us and she started laughing so hard that she had to leave.   I am sure the expression on my face spoke volumes.   He never did that again.   I think he was trying to be "one of the guys".

Have a great weekend.  

God love you

Mary

Hello All.

Dick's appointment at the anti coagulation clinic was a success.   He is right where he should be and does not have to go back for a whole month.  That will be next year.

It was cold but did quickly move up into the middle teens so did not stay in single digits too long. 

Bobbie was here as she helps us get Dick up and down the ramp.  My ribs are still sore, though they are much improved.  We had Lasagna Soup for our lunch.  By tomorrow it will be just plain Lasagna, though it tastes the same.    I took a helping over to our neighbor, Dick, too.

Bobbie and I racked three gallons of our wine today.   We have five gallons working down there.  One of mine and the rest of them Bobbie's

So we are finishing our evening watching Larry King's last show after 25 years.   It is very interesting and full of very diverse and fascinating people.

Later and God loves you

Mary

Today was a very busy day.     I started off a bit early for the grocery store because I wanted to fill up the gas tank before we went into Sheboygan later today.

Dick was concerned about going out in the cold.   Can't say as I blame him as he cannot move too far on his own and it was below zero when he woke up in the night.   It was already 5 above when I got up and did achieve 16 degrees by afternoon.

Anyway, I was back from grocery shopping, the bank and filling the tank by 9:30AM so we had plenty of time to get Dick's leggings changed and everything we needed for our traveling to Wisconsin Prosthesis in Sheboygan so that Tim can do work on Dick's shoe and his prosthesis itself.    While in Sheboygan, Bobbie and I drove over to Ella's Dela for lunch.   We got an egg salad on rye for Bobbie, a tuna salad on rye for Dick and me and cookies for all of us, including Tim and his assistant.

I also picked up some tube a grip pieces for Dick's leg from Dr. Moreno's nurse, Dorothy.   She hardly recognized me without Dick.

Tim got Dick's shoe fixed except for the insert -he took the mold for that and will call when it is manufactured.   He did some filling on the prosthesis itself.  We are hoping to help his foot stop from twisting under.

By the time we got home, at almost 2PM, I was exhausted so I took a nap.   I must have really needed it because I slept quite soundly for a while.

We had leftovers for supper and I am working a bit on Christmas Cards.  For some reason, I am having trouble getting them done this year.

Hope it is warmer tomorrow.   We do have to take Dick for his anticoagulation test in the morning.    Then Bobbie and I will work on the wine.

I put a lasagna together for our lunch.

Take care and enjoy this special season.

God bless you

Mary

It is still cold today.   Cold enough that the roads, plowed but still with a nice hard icy  hard packed snow cover are not safe to be on.

I found that out when I drove to Sheboygan Falls to see Mother.   As I couldn't go yesterday, I felt I should today.  I knew she had some bills to be paid and some cards to be mailed and figured it would be OK to drive. 
It was but I was not thrilled with it.

I took her one of the pasties and some Dirty Rice for meals.   We had a nice visit and got everything done so I know she is not behind on anything.    Fred dropped in with some things that Eileen had sent so I got to see him for a minute.

I cleaned my desk and worked a bit on Christmas Cards this afternoon.   There are lots of little cleaning jobs around the house that I am getting to also.

Tomorrow Bobbie and I will take Dick to Wisconsin Prosthesis to see Tim and get his shoe fixed up a bit.   It is showing wear and needs some adjusting.

So. That was the day.   I am again very tired and am going to bed early tonight.

Love
  and God love you

Mary

This was a really quiet Monday.   Because of the sub zero wind chills we decided to not have Bible Study.   The roads were also treacherous so it seemed silly for anyone to take chances on getting into trouble out there.  School openings were delayed for two hours so we decided to stay in our warm cozy homes until later in the day - AT LEAST.

I spent the morning then, mixing up another batch of dough for the pasties as I realized that Kate and I had gathered twice as
much meat as we needed and figured we might as well at least have somewhat enough dough.

I also started my Christmas Cards and studied a bit on the Bridget trip.

After a light lunch, I gathered up the pasty ingredients and went over to Kate's house.   We got to work,  Kate and Patty and me.   Kate and I cut and mixed and rolled out and cooked.   Patty did the chopping of a lot of the veggies for us.   This batch has venison, pork, potatoes, carrots, onion, cabbage and rutabaga in it.  We baked most of them for 30 minutes and froze them for future use.  BUT we kept 5 out for the five of us to have a meal tonight and BOY are they good.   I intend to have the pasties and mushroom pie for our main dishes at Christmas.   The pasties will not disappoint.  I'll bet you can hardly wait.  Richard and Brenda, we will also have a mushroom pie that is to DIE for.   If anyone else wants to join us please let me know so I have enough dessert.

You are all welcome.

Tomorrow will be just as uneventful.   I will be going to see Mother sometime in the morning.   As I didn't get there today we have a few bills to take care of and I want to take a Pasty to her.

Only 12 days until Christmas.

I have all of my nativities up now.   They all are special.

The tree is festive and full of memories

God love you

Mary

A whole day at home.    It was a blizzard, they say.   The condo plowers were here before I woke up.  The snow was mild the rest of the day, at least in Tallgrass, but cold is heading for us fast and furious.

I finished the tree.   It is lovely.   I have decided not to put EVERYTHING on this year as the tree is so very full anyway.  All of the Nativity sets are in place too.

The Packers lost.   Sob! Sob!.   The only good thing is that everybody in my football pool had picked them to win.   Aaron Rogers got hurt.   This may or may not have made the difference.   Oh Well.

I forgot to tell you a story about Rosemary.   As it just happened yesterday it is really appropriate.

Her daughter, in the eulogy, mentioned that whenever a child or grandchild said anything funny or unique, it ended up on the refrigerator or in a poem.

As I was talking to Steve, one of the sons, just before I left this happened.    I had been running around the church trying to find Warren, Rosemary;s husband, and my cousin.   I did find him and was able to tell him that I was praying, Mother was praying and that I had been talking to Rosemary since I heard that she was terminal.

So Steve asked me if I had found his Dad before they put him into the "envelope".  He obviously meant the "elevator.".  This sent us into peels of laughter which I am sure delighted Rosemary.   I told Steve that surely that misspeak would have ended up on the fridge.

So.   Remember to enjoy the fun things that come to us even in the times that seem sad.  

Love, life and fun go on forever.

God love you

Mary

This was an unusual day.

I started off by making the Lizzie cookies.   I wanted to take them to Mother today when I went to Rosemary's funeral.

I left at about 10:30 AM to go to the Condo meeting.   I got there just as the meeting was ending.   Another mistake.  I had put the time at 11am and it was 10AM.  Oh. Well.   I got to visit with people.   The meeting was not jeopardized because of my not being there on time.   It went smoothly.   There were the number of people needed to vote and I was able to find out the important news when I got there.

I had time to do a shopping errand and visit with Mother before the funeral.

Mother was a bit weak today.   We had a nice visit and I dropped in after the funeral to bring her the worship folder.   She felt so bad about not being able to go to the service.

It was a nice service.  I went over a 12:30PM thinking that I would be able to get through the line and pray at the coffin.   Fat Chance.   The line was all the way around the left side of the church.   Finally they had to sit the congregation for the service.    I did not get to go by the coffin but after the Mass, I found Warren and the children that I know to express my sympathies.   I told Warren that though I had not gotten by the coffin, I had been talking to her ever since I heard about her problem and didn't feel that I really had to see her.  I just needed to see him and I needed to tell him that Mother was praying for him and the family.  Zach, her grandson, planned a beautiful service music wise.   He sang Ave Maria and I told him I may call on him in the future.  I hope Blessed Trinity realizes what a treasure they have in him as their music director.

As I left, I saw Donna Plageman, a friend from the Choir.  I received her Christmas card this week and I told her that it was such a joy, because she is always the first and when I get her card, I know that Christmas is really coming.  That pleased her.

The snow that they are predicting has begun to fall.   I have heard from 5 to 15 inches.  I will opt for the 5.   The only thing I have to do tomorrow is go to Kate's if it is drivable and make the pasties.   We are sharing the ingredients and the work.

So that was the day.   Quite busy, Quite exciting.  

God love you all and keep you safe from harm.

Mary

This was a nice day.

I g0t up at about 6:30AM so I would be alert when Jody came to clean.   I held my breath until I looked outside.  It snowed, you know.  Thank heavens, our plowing team here in the condos was ready and we were all plowed out.   Good thing because this year I am unable to do the fine tuning even.   Much less any major shoveling.

So, Jody came as usual at 8am and did out cleaning.   She also helped me clean above the cupboards in the kitchen and put all the Santas up there.  She is such a help.

Last night I mixed up a batch of nNo Knead Bread.  This morning it was ready to bake and it turned out so good.   A nice country bread.   Easy and good.

Then I mixed up the dough for the pasties that Kate and I are going to assemble on Sunday.
At about 12PM I left to do my errands and have lunch.  First I went to the bank, then to Pick and Save to pick up some veggies for the pasties and cherries for the Lizzies that I want to make before Monday.

I met the bank people at 12:30PM at Dairy Queen.  We had a fun visit and Barb ordered some Tupperware.   After lunch, I went to the post office and miracle of miracles, I have all the packages sent for Christmas.  On the way home, I stopped at Kate's and she ordered Tupperware and we made arrangements to finish the pasties on Sunday at 1PM.  She and Patty were doing Christmas Cards.   I have that to do yet.   This weekend, I will get the chore at least laid out so I know that I have to do.

A tirp to the drug store, finished my errands and I have almost everything I need for the Christmas Stockings.   It is just Dick and me this year but it is important that we keep up traditions.

So now we are into the weekend.   Tomorrow, I will be going to the funeral of my friend Rosemary Eigenberger.   She was a lovely woman, a poet and a mother of 13 wonderful children.   I became close to her in her poet role and am honored to have been able to do so.
 Pray for her and her family tomorrow.   Saying goodbye is so hard.

Love and God love you

Mary

I got to be home all day today.  I slept until after 7AM.  That was really nice.   I might have slept later but my back started to ache so it was wise to get up.

The morning was spent preparing the packages to mail tomorrow and fixing our dinner.   I changed Dick's leg bandages and then he took a nap.   He slept much better then  than he usually does at night - go figure.

After he got up, I took a nap.   Then we spent a really pleasant evening supping with a glass of wine and working on Christmas.

I am adding copy of a funny email that I received.   Thought you might enjoy it too.

God love you

Mary

THESE REALLY WORK!!  I checked this out on Snopes and it's for real!      AMAZING, SIMPLE HOME REMEDIES: 1. AVOID CUTTING YOURSELF WHEN SLICING VEGETABLES BY GETTING SOMEONE ELSE TO HOLD THE VEGETABLES WHILE YOU CHOP. 2. AVOID ARGUMENTS WITH THE FEMALES ABOUT LIFTING THE TOILET SEAT BY USING THE SINK. 3. FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE SUFFERERS ~ SIMPLY CUT YOURSELF AND BLEED FOR A FEW MINUTES, THUS REDUCING THE PRESSURE ON YOUR VEINS.  REMEMBER TO USE A TIMER. 4. A MOUSE TRAP PLACED ON TOP OF YOUR ALARM CLOCK WILL PREVENT YOU FROM ROLLING OVER AND GOING BACK TO SLEEP AFTER YOU HIT THE SNOOZE BUTTON. 5. IF YOU HAVE A BAD COUGH, TAKE A LARGE DOSE OF LAXATIVES. THEN YOU'LL BE AFRAID TO COUGH. 6. YOU ONLY NEED TWO TOOLS IN LIFE - WD-40 AND DUCT TAPE.  IF IT DOESN'T MOVE AND SHOULD, USE THE WD-40.  IF IT SHOULDN'T MOVE AND DOES, USE THE DUCT TAPE.    7. IF YOU CAN'T FIX IT WITH A HAMMER, YOU'VE GOT AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM.    THOUGHT for the day: SOME PEOPLE ARE LIKE SLINKIES - NOT REALLY GOOD FOR ANYTHING BUT THEY BRING A SMILE TO YOUR FACE WHEN THEY'RE PUSHED DOWN THE STAIRS SOME ADDITIONAL ADVICE: NEVER, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, TAKE A LAXATIVE AND SLEEPING PILLS ON THE SAME NIGHT

Shopping day.   I did not need too much so was home by 9AM which was a VERY good thing.  Today is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, a holy day and mass was at 10AM.   It is nice to go to the feast day masses as the St John school kids are there in force and do the readings.

One on the young readers started out at a clip and read straight through without taking even one breath.   I was exhausted when he finished.  And the little girl who read the introduction explaining the feast day as the Immaculate Conception kept saying the Immaculate Consumption.  It was hard not to laugh.   They are so cute.

The rest of the day was at home.   I hat a nice nap this afternoon.   Good thing, because last night was not very good sleeping for me.  I am going early tonight so I can hopefully catch up.

The packages are just about ready to go out.    I need to seal and label them.   That is always one of the big deadlines.   They will be out by Friday then everything is  an easier downhill to Christmas.

So until tomorrow. 

Sleep tight and be safe.

God love you

Mary

What a day.   I spent the morning getting lunch ready for Dick and me.   Then I realized that I was going to the Kettle Country Quilt Club's afternoon brunch and Christmas party.   So we have enough chicken, rice and Brussels Sprouts for at least TWO more meals.

I brought some of my breads and spreads for the brunch.   We sure ate good.  Salads, and breads and cookies and mini sandwiches.   Then we exchanged presents.   I got some Mary Kay which was OK but I would rather have had a handmade gift.    Our member, Lucy made everybody a mini Stocking which is just adorable.   She also gave us the pattern so next year everybody might just get one.  It is a good way to use up Christmas scraps of fabric.


We disbanded at about 3PM so I got home in time to rest a bit before the Tupperware Party that I hosted for Becky.   At the last minute, Kate called and opted out.   She is sick again.   I was a bit crabby and must call tomorrow to apologize for my crabbiness.   Things have just been a bit too much lately.

As it turned out four of my friends did come and we had a really good time.    Hosting a party IS quite profitable, just with the gifts that the dealer gives the hostess.   I am really excited about all of them.  Becky did a really good job presenting her wares and she made us some good easy candies using the Tupperware and the microwave.

So now I am kind of wired but know that I need to go to bed.   Tomorrow is a moderately busy day, at least in the morning.  It is a holy day so I will be going to Mass at 10AM.  Then the afternoon and all of Thursday will be mine.

So. Sleep tight and be safe.   Pray for my friend Rosemary who is very close to joining Our Lord.  

God Love You

Mary

A busy morning.  Bible study was fun.   We are getting in to the Psalm Study.  The first section is about Psalms (songs) of descriptive praise.  We decided that we should tell all the world leaders to read and put into practice Psalm 33 verses 16 through 19.

A king is not saved by a mighty army,
    nor a warrior delivered by great strength.
 Useless is the horse for safety:
    its great strength, no sure escape.
But the Lord's eyes are upon the reverent,
    upon those who hope for his gracious help,
Delivering them from death,
    keeping them alive in times of famine.

I went from there to Mother's.   She is fine but seemed a bit unsteady. We had a great visit.   Got a couple of bills paid and some things put away for her.   Her house is becoming very Christmasy and that makes her very happy.  I want to bake some Lizzies and a Christmas Stollen for her.   She is not baking, thank heavens but does like her goodies.

Pat and Joan are coming to visit her on Wednesday.   She will enjoy that.   Pat hurt himself earlier this summer but is about healed from what I know.

Tonight was the Rhine Plymouth monthly meeting.   It went quite well.   We had our elections.   I am on the board for one more year.   We reelected Doc as VP and Jim as Treasurer and three board members.  
I need to remember to take some canned goods to the club on Saturday for the Sheboygan County  Conservation Club's annual food drive.  They are having their meeting at our clubhouse on the 15th.



Tomorrow I will go to my first Christmas Party.  The Kettle Country Quilters meeting.  I still don't know what I am bringing for a treat but I have my gift, the fat quarters for the Bingo game and the gifts that we donate to Rocky Knoll.

The evening will be the Tupperware party.  I hope there is enough to make Becky's job easy.   I have my treats for that all planned and the den all ready for the event.

So I love you all.

God loves you too.

Mary

Hi there.    A nice cold Sunday.   There were flurries most of the morning and early afternoon but nothing stayed on the ground.

I spent the morning doing a few things down in the Den to prepare for the Tupperware Party and also pinned the lap robe so that I could take it with me to Rhine this afternoon.

I was on the team for working this Sunday from 12 to 2PM.   I figured that it would be quiet and that I could work on the lap robe.   I was right.   We did have a group of Kids who shot three or four rounds and a couple of other teams so it was not boring.   We also had the Packer game on to keep us amused.    The last people left a little after 2PM so the team cleaned up, counted the money and took off for home.   I was three quarters of the way around the robe edging and was able to finish before the afternoon was over and even get a label on it.

It was fun at the club today, just enough people to not be dull but not enough to drive one crazy and lots of good conversation and cheering on the football game.

I brought up another box of Christmas ornaments and will spend this week getting them on the tree.   Put out two more of my nativity scenes too.

Christmas is coming MUCH too fast and I have too much to do.   Must remember that the trimmings are not the most important thing.   The reason for the season is Jesus and the love and peace that should follow his birth.

Have a good week.

God loves you

Mary

Today was a stellar day.   The snow missed us completely.   According to the forecasts, we should have gotten 2 to 5 inches.  The storm headed east and south and we were saved.

I spent the morning baking Irish Brown Bread and cleaning up things.   The bread turned out perfect.   So perfect that it was all eaten at the Christmas Tea.

We had pancakes and sausage for our breakfast.   I have found a recipe that we like that uses yogurt and it is the only pancakes I make anymore.   We always have enough for two or three meals.   You do know that if you wrap them well, they can be put in the toaster and reheated for future meals.   I miss giving a pancake to my little Chelsea.   We always used to tell her that she got that pancake because of Zero.   We have sure been blessed  with our sweet puppies.   I am not quite ready but hope that I can have another doggie one day.

I took a short nap before 11AM.  Didn't sleep too well but did get rested.  I went to the Plymouth History Museum at about noon to get things set up for the Christmas Tea.   Beth from the Sheboygan County Historical Research Center was already there and we got things set up for the goodies, the registration and the raffle table.

People actually started coming before 1Pm so it was good that we were there.   Our music this year was Theiss and O'Connor a trio - one Theiss and two O'Connors.  They are a very popular group and really wowed out crowd.  They obviously love what they do and love working with a crowd that also loves what they do.  I would say it was VERY successful.   We also got two new member to join Celtic Women.  

Rosemary, Gail and Sheila and her husband came from the Milwaukee area to join our celebration.

 So wonderful treats, wonderful companionship, a dynamic place to meet - the Museum is a special place and was decorated so beautifully for Christmas, wonderful music AND the best company in the world.    I also got to see the new memorial library that has been established upstairs in the museum.   It is truly impressive.   I am always delighted at the wonderful things that Plymouth has to offer to the city and the surrounding communities.

So.  Home again after Mass, we had soup for supper and now I am pleasantly tired and will be heading to bed.   Tomorrow, I have to work at Rhine for two hours but will sew on the lap robe while I am there so it will be a well spent time.

Love you all,  and God loves you too.  

Mary

Today turned out to be an at home day.    Most of my bank buddies were busy or sick so we canceled lunch.   I did make one quick errand trip to pick up canned milk for my second batch of fudge, the one with nuts and to drop off some papers at the insurance company.

So now you know that I make fudge.    Jody came and cleaned this morning.   Next week we are going to clean above the kitchen cupboards and put the Christmas Santas up there.

A little bit of wash, a little bit of decorating.   It was a full day.
Lots of calls about tomorrow.  It is the annual Christmas Tea cosponsored by us, the Celtic Women, the Sheboygan County Historical Research Center and the Plymouth History Museum.     Supposed to have snow but not enough to damper the celebration.   We have Theiss and OConnor performing for us and baked goods from our Celtic Ladies, including my Irish Brown bread.    Join us, if you can, at the Plymouth History Museum at 420 E. Mill in Plymouth WI.   We are gathering at 1PM and scattering at about 3PM so everybody can go to Mass if they choose.

I will be making brown bread in the morning.  I know that the smell of it cooking will drive me crazy until I am able to join everybody in eating it at the TEA.

"If you can put yourself in other people's shoes and wish other people the shoes that you like best yourself we have a recipe for better relationships with each other."  Zlata Filipovic



God love you

Mary

Hi.   I feel that it is the countdown to Christmas.   Every day needs to get SOMETHING done. 

Today, I make the fudge.   So now I am ALMOST ready to prepare the packages for mailing to all our our children who live far far away.

Bobbie came to help get Dick to the to the Anti Coagulation Clinic.   We were disappointed.   His count had gone from 2.3 to 3.6 so there had to be an adjustment to the dose of his pills and we have to go back in two weeks.   Shuckens.

We stopped and got Chinese food for the three of us on the way home.   That was good and we all have enough for at least ONE more meal with the leftovers.

I am starting to decorate the tree and put the candles in the front window today.  

Bobbie and I racked four gallons of the wine we have brewing downstairs.   They all look beautiful.   Bobbie MAY have her signature wine.   Ours was the marigold.   Hers will be a surprise when it is ready.

I also got a batch of Tuscana soup ready except for adding the kale and cream.  I love that soup.   Dick has had it before and likes it too but he heard today that there is kale in it and he is having second thoughts.

Hare a nice Friday.   Do you know that there are Christmas cards to be written too?

What a month.

Love you and God loves you too.

Mary

It was cold today.   We had flurries most of the day too but nothing that stayed on the ground.  The high was 29degrees.

I went grocery shopping early this morning.  I was home shortly after 9AM.   The rest of the day was spent at home.    I cleaned out the cupboard over the pantry.  I am trying to clear at least one small area every week and that cupboard was way overflowing.

We had the leftover chicken spaghetti casserole for our lunch.   Sure held up well and there is another whole casserole in the freezer for later.  That is the trouble with most recipes.   It is enough for SO many meals that without being able to divide it we get sick of it before it is finished.

I am almost done with the lap robe.  Just have to do the edging.  

We had another chef's salad for our supper.   They sure taste good.   Now I am going to wrap another batch of presents and then go to bed.   I am very tired.

Take care and God love you

Mary

Hello.   A countdown to Christmas has begun.

Today, I started wrapping presents.  I need to be ready to send packages out of state by Monday to be sure.   This actually gives me a bit of a leeway.

I spent the morning working on the Lap robe for giving through the Quilt Club.

We had smoked sausage, fried potatoes and cauliflower for lunch.   It was sure good.

I was able to stay home all day except for a short trip to the bank and the drug store.  Kitty and Dick like that a whole lot.   Roxie always complains at me when I come home if I am gone for any length of time.

Guess that is all as the day was not very exciting, just full.  

God love you

Mary

This has been a BUSY day.   Mondays  usually are. 

I left for Bible Study a bit early so that I could pick up candy canes for our Advent wall hanging.  I got Dove Pieces to fill the envelopes with.   Each day we get a piece of candy and the candy cane gets transferred to the tree.

Bible Study was good.   We have decided to bring the copy of the psalms that are read at the Sunday Mass, which we well hear sung, to our Monday study to enhance our learning of the Psalms.

I went right from the study to Gibbsville and took care of both Mother's and our Gibbsville Christmas presents.   Then back to Mom's.  I stopped at Ella's Dela to pick up an egg salad on marble rye for our lunch.   Mom and I had a good visit, a good lunch and we took care of LOTS of her bills and medicine things.    I sent out the first of the cashiers checks for the Irish trip to insure our spots in the hotels.  

Then home again where I rested for about an hour.   Couldn't sleep though so I am heading for bed pretty soon now.

I made my reservations for Ireland today.   Guess what, it was somewhat cheaper today.   Might be even cheaper if I wait a month, but I don't want to take that chance.  I was able to add travel insurance for the same cost.

Tomorrow I will be home all day.   Good thing,  There is a lot to do here and I need to recuperate after today.

I read a news brief about a woman who swerved off the road and ended up in the top of a tree 30 feet off the ground.   I reminded me of a man who came out to the sand dunes with our jeep club many years ago.

He had a friend build him a dune buggy.   The first time he used it was on this trip out in the dunes.   He got in the buggy, fired it up and took off.   He drove like a maniac.   Every body was cheering him on as he went round the camp and out and back over the dunes.  Then finally he steered it into a small ravine with lots of bushes and came to a halt.   We all ran over there and found out something very interesting.   The guy who built the buggy for him was about 8 inches taller and this poor guy was unable to compress the brake.  So once he got it going, he couldn't stop.

God love You

Mary

A Sunday at home.

Actually, I did have to go out once.   Today, I dipped all the buckeyes in their chocolate coat.   I was all out of paraffin.  This is probably not essential, but you try to pick up chocolates without the paraffin.   It is really much more melty.   So I had to make a trip to the Pig to pick up the paraffub, 

It took me all day to do finish the buckeyes.  I kept stopping when I got tired.   Then I mixed nuts, raisins and coconut into the leftover chocolate and made candies of what was left of the dipping chocolate.

I got the plants from the patio into the garage, the lights hung on the front deck, the Santa Hat on my totem and the grill covered for the winter.

So it is no wonder that I am tired.

We called Jim and Michelle this afternoon as it was the longest since we had heard from them.  Actually, we found that they had posted on their blog yesterday, but I had not had a chance to check.   It is better hearing voices anyway.   They had another bad experience with a puppy and are giving up on a puppy companion for their Chip for a while.   They like multiple animals and may switch to kitties for a while.  They love them too.

They spent Thanksgiving with Bart and Barb and had a wonderful time.  It is nice that some of our orphan children are able to be together on these sentimental days.  They said it was great.  Bart and Barb, Jim and Michelle and Marlise, Barb's mom, and Fred, Barb's brother.  Sounds perfect.

What a fantasy football day.   The Packers lost (naturally I had picked them this week.)  I could go either way this week.   But I just hope I hold my own in the standings.   I am still a contender in the Last Man Standing pool.

So tomorrow is another busy day.   Tuesday I get to be home all day again.  I need to finish the lap robe for the Quilt club.

Have a great week on me.

God love you

Mary