Some pictures from my trip West

 

 

 

Top   Bret on his porch at the EBG
Next    Bret and Janet
Third  Bret standing at the window at the hotel in Laughlin
Fourth  My Tony's stone.   I put the little shell on it.   Bret glued it so it will stay.

What a lovely day.    A whole day at home with no real plans so I just did whatever I felt like all day.

I slept until 8AM.   Roxie, of course, got her breakfast at 6AM.   Then I puttered about on the computer and had some breakfast and coffee.    A little later, I went down to the den and continued repairing Mom's quilt.    I am going as fast as I can as we all know that spring cannot come until I have finished.   This coming week is really quite uneventful, so I hope to be able to finish it.   Then I have to take it to a laundrymat and wash it very gently and dry it flat on a sheet.

I started getting the sample pieces ready for the Kettle Country Quilter meeting in early April.   I promised to bring the instructions an teach them how to do a Cathedral Window.   Silly me.

Then I came upstairs and had Swedish Meatballs and baked potato for lunch.   I took a nap, then worked on designing the cover of my cook book.  

I got a call from Jim and Michelle this afternoon.    I had tried them earlier, and they were not at home.    They sound good and seem to be doing just fine.    When I go down to Lawton they will come for a visit while I am there, or we might go to Oklahoma City, who knows.    This evening I called Leslie and Bill.   They are fine too and I have a place to stay there if I want to go to Louisiana.   How cool is that.    Leslie and I want to go to New Orleans and Bill said he would take us.  Also called Bret for a bit of information that I needed.

So the day is over.


Love you all

Mary

Andrew Ferlinghetti wrote: "I have a feeling I'm falling /on rare occasions / but most of the time I have my feet on the ground / I can't help it if the ground itself is falling."

This was a quiet day.   Roxie and I were all alone.    I only left once, at 3:30PM to go to Mass.   

I worked very hard on the book today and cleaned up the kitchen.  Tomorrow I should not have to leave At all.    My plan is to work on Mom's quilt and my wall hanging downstairs for a while.   You have heard that spring can't come until I get Mom's Cathedral window bedspread ready to put on her bed.    She gets quite distressed about things like that.

I also will need to practice for the Spring Concert at the Plymouth Art Museum practice which is Monday evening.

Nothing exciting otherwise.   So I am closing early and go to bed.    Tomorrow I will download my vacation pictures to Picassa and share a few.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

The week has finally come to an end.   I had altogether too many things going on for one week.    I am after all supposed to be retired.

Today I had errands to run.    After Jody left,  I went over to the bank.    Then I drove downtosn to the trophy store and finalized the order for the plaque for Dick to be hung at Mead.    Then I stopped at the Exchange Bank and picked up a pound of coffee which I seem to have lost between there and home.   Finally home, in time for lunch.   I tried to nap but couldn't relax so I went back to work on the cookbook.

At 4PM I started getting ready for the Soup with Substance, Sacred Spaces and Places of Ireland at Silverlake College.    Nancy Roehre rode with me to the Sheboygan North Walmart where we met Joan and Dick Kramer to car pool up to Manitowoc.    It was a lovely event.     We had a soup buffet supplied by local restaurants, with rolls, dessert and coffee or water.   They had four kinds of soup.   Three were meatless for us fasters.   Though as Nancy pointed out, we are old enough that we don't have to do that any more if we don't want to.    I had two bowls of soup, minestrone and potato.   I like my minestrone better but it was quite good.    Then Julianne Stanz, a Irish Native and Director or Evangelization of the Diocese of Green Bay spoke to us about the lands of Patrick, and Kevin - the holy places of Ireland and the famine and shared spirituality with other cultures.    She was absolutely fascinating.    I introduced myself as a Celtic Women and promised to send her a picture of my wall hanging of St. Kevin when it is completed.

As we were leaving we noticed a corner wall covered with wood crosses of all types. made from the wood from areas of disaster.    There was a little poem next to it and guess who wrote the poem and prepared the display?    Our Denise's Samantha!!!   She is such a talented little thing.  

Now it is late and Mary needs to go to bed.  

You will never guess what I did to our poor Roxie.   As I was getting ready, the doorbell rang.   It was Peg Stahlman bring back my cake pan that I had prepared bars for the History meeting.    Then the phone rang and then Nancy came while I was still on the phone.    Long story short, I forgot to feed the little darling.    And it took her about 15 minutes of insisting before I remembered.   Poor little thing.  

Til tomorrow

Dia Dhuit

Mary

It is still ungodly cold here.    It did get much over 20 degrees but at least the sun was shining.   I was home most of the day.    I baked some lemon bars for the Plymouth History Meeting tonight.   

I am a member of the History Society,  did no feel up to going to the meeting but I have volunteered to bake and am always glad to help in this way.   You know me and baking so it was a pleasure.

This afternoon, Bobbie and I met at Mead to attend the Mead Board Meeting where they approved the plaque that will be hung in the new adult meeting room.    I also presented the check of the monies donated for his wishes at the funeral.   So tomorrow I will go to the trophy store and finalize the order.   I also want a couple of brass plates.   One for his flag and one for the urn. 

I cleaned both desks tonight and have projects spread all over the table again.   Two will leave tomorrow so that is a plus.    I do this at least once a week and it takes about a week to deteriorate. 
But I get a lot done while the order stays in place.    This time I empties EVERYTHING and polished too.

So.  Bedtime for Mary.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A busy day coming to an end.

First.   I have to give you some really big news.    My sister Eileen's son John and his wife Holly gave birth to two healthy little identical twin boys.   They are names Sam and Jack.    We are all so happy and excited.    Give a prayer of thanks for them and that he bless John and Holly with lots of patience.  Love is easy but I know how hard it was with one at a time.   Go John and Holly, Go.

Today was a doctor day for me.    The CTScan showed no masses so Dr. Sohki is just changing the dose on one of the meds that I have been taking only "when needed".   

Dr. Leban seems to have allieved the pain in my shoulder and arm.   But as I told her, now I am getting headaches every day and am finding the vicadin helps.  But I don't want to become too dependant on it.   So she put some shots in the two tendans that can cause this pain and gave me a prescripion to take just for the next couple of weeks at bedtime.   Another wait and see but at lease something is looked at.

I came home to a very needy kitty.   She and I were at the desk all afternoon.    I worked on Chapter 8 of my cookbook project.

Now I am very tired and am going to finish cleaning up the kitchen and then go to bed.   By the way, I make avocado cupcakes with lemon cream cheese frosting and they are quite tasty.

So until tomorrow.   The only thing scheduled is the Mead Board meeting.   Bobbie and are are attending.

Dick and Brenda called tonight and helped me solve a couple of computer problems.   They will be over soon and help me sort out computer stuff.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Forty two years ago today, I was in the hospital giving birth to my boy Bart.   I was determined to see him come into the world as I was unable to do so with Tony and Bret.    This made for a very exciting delivery room.    I was so excited and that transmits I guess.    I never will forget that little head emerging, followed in one big push by the rest of him.     He lay there for a moment kind of blue looking and then gasped and started crying which made him pink up immediately.    Even then he was very intense and was the most beautiful baby in the hospital.

I called him this morning but got his answering machine so I sang Happy Birthday to him.    He called ME a while ago and we had a great birthday talk.   He is having crab legs for his birthday supper so is a happy camper.

I was home all day and spent it working on my Cookbook.     I am pleased with the way it is coming to being.    Bobbie agreed to edit it for me.     I am so grateful.

I also baked some avocado cupcakes.    An experiment, but they look good.    I will frost them tomorrow and taste.    They get a lemon cream cheese frosting.    A couple of the avocado
ripened a bit fast for me.    Bobbie will get two tomorrow and I gave Mom two.   I still have more than enough.    I am having salads and sandwiches too. 

Tomorrow, I go to see Dr. Leben about my strained muscles and I will be having a CTScan on my abdominal area to rule out problems because my stomach is so sore.  The whole middle of the day.  I will be able to drop Mom's meds off to her on the way home anyway.  

Thutsday, Bobbie and I are going to attend the Mead Library Board meeting about Dick's Plaque.

So.  The week is very busy.    I am so grateful for today.   

Dia Dhuit

Mary

This was a mega busy day.

I started off by returning a call that I received from a lovely Irish Lady that I met in Dublin two years ago.    We have exchanged phone calls and letters before.   I know that I have to confirm her address with her brother so I am sure that I have it right.   

Then, I left and picked up some coke for Mother at the Pick and Save on the way to Bible Study.   Then Bible Study.    We had an interesting discussion, the five of us.    We are finally moved on from Psalm 118 after four weeks and now are discussing Psalm 103, which is quite comforting.  

Then on to Mother's.   We had quite a bit to do.   Bills and I filled the pill boxes and took two to be refilled,  I can drop them off on Wednesday on my way back from Sheboygan.

I ate lunch with Mother and then went to the Sheboygan Clinic for my appointment with Dr. Sokhi.   He has ordered a CT Scan of my midsection to be sure there is nothing wrong as I have a lot of pain in there now.    He did have me increase one of the pills that Dick and I called the "whoop pills" because I would take them IF I had acid reflux.   Now I take them three times a day.

Next, I got a blood test, which I have already heard is just fine, and headed home via Walmart and the Bank.

Home again, I rested for a bit and then fixed dinner as I had to be at Redeemer Lutheran for a practice for the Spring Concert that a local chorus does at the Plymouth Arts Center every spring.   Don't ask how I got involved.   It is all Kate's fault.

I picked up prescriptions from Walmart on my way home and now it is time to go to bed.   Tomorrow I am home all day.   Yee Haw.

I am looking forward to that.  

Hope you had a good day.

Love you all

Dia Dhuit

Mary

P. S.  It is three months today.   That is hard.  Hard to comprehend sometimes.

The Irishman's Walk is over.   I had lunch with some of the Celtic Women an came home for a nap.    I will be going to Eileen's house at about six to enjoy some more St. Patrick's Day with the family.

As I promised, I will tell about last night's festivities.   I talked to Nancy Roehre yesterday afternoon and since she was going  to 52 Stafford for the Blarney Concert.  We had such a good time.  There was a man with his family, who was giving away shamrock beads that light up to anyone who came by.    I talked to him and told him a story about my recent trip to the river where I got beads.    Janet, Bret's lovely lady, me and three of the assorted children of Bret's friends decided to go for a walk on Sunday afternoon.  Bret's park is laid out with the permanent residents, those who keep their mobile homes there all year round and have leases on their lots above on a slight ridge above the area for snowbirds and people who come for a night or two.   Janet likes to walk through the snowbird area, then towards the river and then along the river and back to the mobile home.  

As we were walking past the campers and motor homes we noticed one that had its window just packed with  souvenirs from all over the country.   There were painted gourds and M & M people and stuffed animals and so on.  As we were walking by we saw the couple who live there sitting outside with their dogs.   They had Papillons.   Such cute little dogs, so we started visiting.    They showed us, I should say the kids, how a plastic dog skeleton worked.   It walked and talked.   He gave Morgan, the little girl with us, a brand new backpack that they had found in their travels.   They let us tour their trailer to see the window closer.   Then as we were leaving, they pulled out about 10 Mardi Gras Beads in gold and green and gave them to us.      When we got back to the park, everybody was asking where we got all that stuff so we told them we had gone to Mardi Gras and to the local museum.

So I told this story to the man handing out the St. Patrick Day Beads and he gave me the beads AND a pair of light up earrings too.    I am quite the sight when I am all lite up.

Blarney were worth going to listen to as usual.    It was an altogether pleasant evening.   We left as soon as the show was over.

I baked scones yesterday.   I had to make two batches.   I forgot to put butter in the first batch and though they are edible, they are pretty dry.   The second batch turned out great.   My friend Joan Brigham came by and had tea and scones with me before we left for the Walk.   Then we went to the Stafford and took a lift up to the start site.   There were six of us Celtic Women,  not as many as I hoped, but it  hoped but it was awfully cold and I think this discouraged a few.   

I guess that I have told you enought now as it is time for me to head to Eileen's for a bit of family St. Patrick's Day festivities.


I love you all and hope that this Holy day was special for you too.

Dia Dhuit

Mary



I gues this is enougth for now as it is

I guess I will have to tell you about tonight tomorrow.   I tried, and this stupid program did its funny thing and erased the whole thing.

I went to 52 Stafford to enjoy Blarney with my friend Nancy.  It is now almost 11PM so I will have to get to bed.    I had the best time and made several new friends.  

Tomorrow will also be a busy Irish Day.

Mother would have enjoyed the music of Blarney so very much.

Sleep Tight

Dia Dhut

Mary

Today I missed Dick SO much.   I guess with all the excitement and emotion involved in the vacation, it kind of blindsided me when I was alone for the whole day.    It will be OK! Everything will be Alright!   as  Bret and I say when things get a bit hard to handle.

I was really busy today just putting things away and doing wash and settling back into the real world.

I will download pictures tomorrow and than start sharing a few.

We have a new Pope, Pope Francis.   I mention this, because of the way I found out about the election.   I was certain that it would take several days and totally surprised at the speed of it.   

Here is the story:

Bret and I were in Huntington Beach on Wednesday.   We went there for several reasons.   I wanted to go visit Tony's grave.   Bret had never been there.   I was so glad to have him with me.     I found his place right away.    I remembered exactly where he was, adjacent to Beach Blvd, along the driveway and with a statue of Jesus guarding him just a bit to his left and back.   They really keep  the cemetery well groomed and his stone looks as good as new.   I left him a shell and took several pictures, one with me and one with Bret.   It is such a little grave.

Then we drove through the old neighborhood.   Our house looks different, simply because the big olive tree in front is gone.  I met the current owner.   When we got there, I told Bret that I wanted to go across the street to see if my friend, Joyce Woerner, was home.   I knew she was still living there and had just come back from her mission for the LDS in Salt Lake City.   She was home and we had a great visit.    As I get back into Ancestry, she said that she can possibly be of help as her mission was in the genealogy department that the Mormans have.

We left there for St. Simon and Jude.  I wanted to see if the church had changed (it had - quite a bit)  As we pulled into the lot to wait for Jana Winchester Hertz, who was meeting us there so we could go to have a nice visit, the phone rang.   It was Barbara, calling to congratulate me for the election of our new pope.   We had not been listening to any news since about 8:30Am when we left my hotel room so she was the one who announced it to me - all the way from Oklahoma.     As we were talking, I was getting a message that Jeff was calling me too.     Barb and I finished our conversation and I called Jeff back.     I asked him if HE knew about the Pope.    He and Mother heard from ME.   So the news went from Oklahoma to California to Wisconsin by phone.   So much for TV coverage.   As Jeff and I were talking, the bells of St. Simon and Jude started ringing out the news.    It was truly a beautiful experience.

By the way, Barbara received her diploma in the mail on Wednesday too.    Yea Barbara.   She should be so very proud.   And now she should take a break for a bit.

That is enough for today

I talked to Nora tonight too.   I was so glad that we connected because I needed someone to talk to.

Love you all
Dia Dhuit

Mary

P. S.  Bobbie and Bill brought my Roxie home when they knew I was back in the state.    She seems very happy to see me and I am so Glad she is here.   I missed her.

Dia Dhuit

I am safely home again.    It is late and I will be going to bed as soon as I finish this note to you all.

I had a wonderful time with Bret and his friends.    His new lady is delightful.  Her name is Janet and I found her just super.     The River Friends had a pot luck on Saturday evening in my honor.   The food was do DIE for and guess what?    I had my very first Jello Shot!   I also had a Pudding Shot and will be sharing this treat at Thanksgiving.   Bed EVERYBODY will want to be  there now.

I will share my adventures more in the next few days when I am better rested and will also share pictures.    

It was so good to spend the week with Bret.   He is such a fine sweet man and I am so very proud of him.

Dia Dhuit until tomorrow.

Mary

As I went to bed very early last night because I had to get up at 3AM to get ready for my trip, I did not blog then.

I am all ready and have enough time now, so here you are.

A lot of good going to bed early did me.  I didn't sleep very well.   I found out that I do know how to set the alarm on the new alarm clock.    Turning it off was another thing, I hit the snooze and then when I was in the shower, there it went again.  

It was a mainly quiet day, especially after Bobbie came to pick up Roxie this morning.   I had been explaining to her that she was going on vacation too.   As Bobbie said to Kitty Camp.    She, of course, was quite upset when she was put into her carrier and taken for a ride,  but Bobbie emailed that she was settling in just fine and was trying to tell Bobbie that it was time to take a nap shortly after noon.

My first trip in such a long time.  

If I get to a computer, I'll blog but otherwise, have a nice week.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I was almost asleep last night when I remembered that I had forgotten to blog.    Dick would be very proud of me for not jumping up to do it.    He always wanted me to relax.

I just was too busy all day,   I am getting everything ready for the trip and don't want any of my projects to be neglected while I am gone.

My neighbor, Jean, brought me the Sunday paper just about 5ish.   I invited her to share a glass of wine with me and she graciously accepted.   That was nice.     A glass of wine with a friend is always a pleasant way to spend an hour or two.

Today was a typical Monday.   I went to bible study.   We had 7 of us there and couldn't quite get past Psalm 118, which we have been on for three weeks.   However we started off with a discussion of the first episode of the mini series, the Bible.   It is always difficult to understand why Abraham allowed Hagar and Ishmael to be sent out into the desert after Sara had her Isaac and was jealous of Ishmael.   But God came to the rescue in the end.

The I went to Mother's and we paid her bills and made sure that she will not run out of things while I am gone.   If we missed anything, I am so blessed to have brothers and sisters who will just pick up the slack and take care of it. 

Tonight I drove over to Redeemer Church to practice for the Spring Concert for the Plymouth Arts Center that Kate talked me in to.   We are singing grand pieces from older musicals, like Chorus Line and Porgy and Bess and songs like I Got Rhythm.   It is fun.  But I am really tired now.   As Kate said, it is past my bed time so I am just going to go there.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

It is after 10PM.   I just got home from having dinner with my friend Rosemary Mugan and then enjoying a concert by Theiss and O Connor at the Plymouth Arts Center with her and a whole slew of other friends that also came to enjoy the show.

Anyway, I am tired and going to go right to bed.    Hope you sleep tight and hope I do too.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Happy St. David's Day.    The daffodils I bought to celebrate the day.   Daffodils are blooming in Wales and are a big part of the celebrations.

It was a quiet day.    I was home almost all day.   I did go and have lunch at Dairy Queen with the Bank Ladies.   There were only three of us.    But it was a nice break in the day.   Always good to have someone one likes to talk to.

Same old, same old at home.     I just keep plugging away at things.   And eventually will be through everything.   Still can't bring myself to do Dick's clothes, but I was chilly the other day and got one of his flannel shirts out and I love it.    It makes me feel warm and fuzzy.

Til tomorrow.   I am going to see Theiss and O'Connor tomorrow evening with my friend Rosemary.   They are a great local Irish trio. 

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I stepped outside of the house twice today.   The first time to put a letter in the mailbox and the second to pick up the mail. 

Not a bad day.   The snow has stopped falling and the wind seems to have died down.   Not especially cold but not warm enough to reduce the very high snow banks around the greenspace in front of the condo.

I had a maintenance on my water heater.    The gentleman who came said that he was a block over at one of my neighbors.   They also have windows out under a deck and there was a big deer resting there.   He startled it a bit, but not enough to make it run away.    With all the snow AND with so much of their habitat was stripped for the impending railroad that I recon they are looking for sheltered safe spaces.    We do have at least three, I thought I saw four, that run back and forth behind us.

I believe that I have finished mending the top of Mom's Cathedral Window quilt.    I say believe, because those little loose tabs can hide, I have discovered.    I turned it over and now will check all the bottom seams, many of them are loose also.

I worked on the Cookbook today too.   So it was a full day.

Tomorrow will be a day at home also, unless something comes up.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A winter Haiku by me

Gloomy Cloudy day
Made a hole for the sun and
Broke into a smile.

I am too tired to spend much time here tonight.   You all know that I am a 9 O'Clock Wonder and it is almost 10PM.

The Celtic Gathering we planned occurred at 52 Stafford was just great.   There were six of us, despite the storm.   I was able to tell those attending about Sts.  David and Piran and to share the Welsh Cakes with the members attending AND the customers around the bar.

The music was  the icing on the cake.

Now I am tired.  I love you all.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

The predicted storm started a couple of hours ago.   The previously clear driveways are now all white again.    The storm started with a strong wind, I could hear it when I napped.

I got a LOT of trash out today, I have been shredding.   I am a couple of years behind so next week will be another heavy load for the trash guys.  

Then I went to do a couple of errands.  I did a bit of grocery shopping, I don't need much but did wander the store and got some cat food and trash bags.  Then I filled up my tank  in the van as I was below a half a tank.    Then I decided to go to Cain's Floral to see if they had a Daffodil plant.   I wanted one for tomorrow for the CWI Meeting.   We are celebrating St. David and St. Piran and the daffodil is featured at all of the celebrations for both feast days.    Daffodils must be blooming in the British Isles now.

The rest of the day was spent here at home.   There is never a lack of things to do.    I never get bored.   If I am tired of doing something, I just go to something else.

Today, I baked some cupcakes.    I had a lot of corn left from dinner (I had some with two meals from the same package already) so I searched and make a batch of corn/bacon cupcakes with a maple frosting.   They are OK.   I like them but they are not at all like the decadent  cupcakes that I made a couple of months ago.

Tomorrow will be quiet until evening when I will be going to 52 Stafford for the CWI meeting and the Craic.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Just another frantic Monday,

I had to have the car at Van Horn for its oil change at 8AM.  So I brought a book along to read while I wait.    I had Heaven is For Real.    It is SOOO good.  

From there I drove to Sheboygan Falls for Bible Study.   Several people are on vacation, but we had a group of five and lots to say.    The smaller groups sometimes are very intimate. 

Mother was fine today.   We did the pills and bills and had good time leftover to visit.   She really feels pretty will.   She will see the eye doctor on Thursday,  her sight is bad and it is distressing her.   I can't blame her.

I left for Sheboygan from there, picked up some supplies from Office Max and then went to Mark Miller's to get my taxes.   He got done much sooner that I thought he would, it always depends on how busy he is and if he needs more information.    He agreed with me that there is no way to figure out this year at all.   I will file single and probably only have standard deductions.   So we will wing it this year and next year be able to adjust.   

Home again, I took a great nap.    I must have been much more tired than I thought as I intended just to rest for a bit and fell sound asleep.

Tonight I went over to Redeemer Church for a practice for a musical program that will be at the Plymouth Arts Center in May.   My friend Kate has been trying to get me to come for years.   I finally went.   I hope it isn't too much.   I love singing and had a great time but am still trying to pace myself.   We are singing pieces from several Broadway musicals, so at least I am familiar with the music.

So that is the day.   I am now very tired and it is past my bedtime  So rest well tonight and be ready for the day.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

It would have been a whole day at home, BUT my printer ran out of black ink (darn) so I had to go OUT!

I went to Walgreens where I could pick up  some cartridges and refill a prescription that I would have had to do tomorrow.   So - Tomorrow is a very busy day and this will be one stop that I don't have to make.

A neighbor came over late this morning for a visit.   Alison Smith, the condo board president, you remember her, Jim and Michelle, a really lovely lady.    She is such nice gal and has a really big heart.   I think she was worried about me, just because.   We had a very pleasant visit.   I will check in with her when I get back from my trip to visit again.


Then I spent the rest of the day getting things ready for Monday, which has turned into a marathon.  The rest of the week is pretty lazy, thank God, but Monday will test my mettle.   I start at 8AM at Van Horn for a service on the Van.

Must to early to actually BE somewhere.   I didn't used to feel that way.   Must be gettin' old.

Til Tomorrow

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A snowy day.   I woke up to an unplowed Tallgrass Lane.   Jody got here at exactly 8AM despite the weather, so I figured that it would be alright.   I had an appointment with Dr. Leben, the Physiatrist, this morning.   

She checked me over and decided to give me some steroid injections in the various muscles to see if this will bring some relief from the pain.   I am to call her next week to let her know how this went.

Then I went to see Heather at the Spa Studio for a massage.   That was very relaxing, but with all those treatments, I still hurt.   A day or two should tell the tale.

I decided to spend the rest of the day just puttering around,.   I did a little research on the Saints Davis and Piran, and did a little more trip planning and talked to a couple of people.

My taxes are done, so I will pick them up on Monday.

I talked to the out of state and city kids tonight, except for Jim and Michelle,   I got their answering service so will call them later in the weekend.   It just seemed a good night to do that.    I sure felt good hearing those voices.

Time to get ready for bed now.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

"If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague."

A whole day at home and the only time I stepped out of the house was to get the mail.    It was wonderful.

An unexciting day to report though I was pleasantly busy with writing and sewing and with CWI projects.

You can absolutely see that this is the kind of day that Roxie really expects from her person.   Unfortunately her person can't do that every day and would probably be in a booby hatch if she did.

Tomorrow, a doctor visit and a massage.   I hope that both bring some relief to the pain.   I am sick of being so tired every night.

So.   Cross your fingers. 

Dia Dhuit

Mary






 "In times of joy, all of us wished we possessed a tail we could wag."W. H. Audin

These have been two very eventful days.

Yesterday, the snow came.   Apparently the worst was from Plymouth north, but it made me very anxious because yesterday was the day that Bobbie and I were going to Milwaukee for the Shen Yun performance at the Milwaukee Theatre.    I kind of tested the streets shortly before noon by going to vote, stopping at the Pig and filling the gas tank.   It wasn't TOO bad.

So I took a nap after lunch and left at 5PM to pick Bobbie up.  Between Plymouth and Sheboygan, the traffic was just crawling suddenly.   Soon I found out why.    There was a rollover in the medien.   So Bobbie and I decided to go because of the rumors that it was not bad to the south and we were very glad that we did.    There was low to moderate traffic and the roads were just fine.

The performance was really indescribable.   The costuming, the dancing the visual effects, the singing.   It was well worth the drive.   My arm and neck really started hurting.  Bobbie was willing to leave at the intermission as a kindness to her old sore stepmother but I told her that I would be OK.
And it was.   I would have hated to miss the last half of such a dynamic show.    We had not seen anything like it before and it opens up LOTS of questions.

I got home just before midnight and went right to bed with a heating pad on my aches.

This morning was much quieter but I had a haircut appointment at 9AM so had to leave my poor sad Roxie again.   But I was only gone a couple of hours.   Since I was out, I went to Walmart to exchange my Soda Stream aeriator and I picked up a couple of other things while I was there.

I took a nap again.   I really like naps.   Then I worked on Mother's quilt and then almost finished some articles that I need to send to Maureen for the CWI newsletter.

So I have been busy but pleasantly so and tomorrow I will be home ALL day.   Yea.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Mondays are way too busy.    And I am way too tired tonight.

Started off with Bible Study.    We had a nice turnout today.    Better weather and no ice.   Even our little Jan, who is so frail, was able to come today.    She is such a joy.   And we had a new friend.  Denice, who knows both Joseph and me.   I hope she comes back.    We are such a support.   Another friend, who I met while Dick was at the Plymouth Care Center and who joined the Writers Group, may be coming too.  Peggy is a great gal and would be a good prayer partner.

Then I went to Mother's and got her bills and pills taken care of.   Randy stopped in while I was there so I got to visit with him for a bit.   He and Donna were in Vegas over the weekend and he took today off for good measure.

Next I picked up my sewing machine that was in for service.   I brought that home and headed to the Cream City Writer's meeting.   It was really good.   Lots of nice work this month.

I came home and took a nap.  

Tonight was the conference board meeting for CWI, so I am very very tired and will be extremely happy to be in bed tonight.    My shoulder and arm are really getting sore.

Take care, tomorrow Bobbie and I are going to Milwaukee in the evening to see the show Shen Yun 2013 at the Milwaukee Theatre.   I am excited, but don't expect to hear from me tomorrow.  The show starts at 7:30PM and I will just pile into bed when I get home.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Such a great day.   It was REALLY cold.   At least I thought so.

I spent the morning doing several things.   I worked on Mom's quilt.   I am about a third of the way through with the repairs.   I worked on the cookbook.    Really feel that I have things on track.   I intend to have it done by the end of March.

Then at 1:00PM is was at Becky's house for a Wildtree Freezer Bag workshop.    It was fun.   Jessie and Becky's mother in law were there so I knew two of the other attendees.   The others are friends and coworkers of Becky and are lovely young women.     We had been instructed to purchase 10 different "bags" of meet and some vegetables and bring them in gallon freezer bags to the party.   Then the cost of the party included spices and oils by this Wildtree company which we all flavored our meat with and sealed up to bring home and freeze.    I brought half the quantities of meat she suggested because it is after all only me.   Then I divided most of the packages again so I have reasonable amounts for one - some of these will end up being two meals anyway but that is good.   I now have 20 or more meals ready to pull out of the freezer, all spiced and ready to thaw, and cook.   With the instruction.

So a good day.  

I am making plans for a vacation.    I am going to visit Bret for a week.   I will go on a Thursday and we can go to his river property.   I will get to see his place,  meet his friends,   go spend a day with Jacquie and just relax with one of my boys.    I am planning at this point on leaving on March 7th.

Am I excited?   Yes!!!!!


Dia Dhuit

Mary

I liked today.    The sun was shining.   It was cold but with little wind and the sun, the snow that fell last night was all gone by noon.

Jody came at 8AM to clean. I spent the morning working on my book, researching for the Celtic Saints, St. David and St. Piran.   They both have their feast days in early March and the Sheboygan Celtic women are going to meet on February 27th, a Wednesday, for the music.    We are meeting a bit early for dinner and a meeting and I will give them a talk on the two saints so that we can celebrate their feast days too.   It is really SO fun to learn about all our Celtic sisters roots.

I also spent some time sewing on Mom's Quilt.   I am getting there.  It will take a couple of weeks though as it is very finicky work sewing all those little points that have loosened back together.   I can only sew for a short time before my shoulder hurts, for one thing.

Went to the Dairy Queen for lunch with the Bank Ladies.    The Dairy Queen still has the grilled cheese sandwich.   I think it was better under the old management.   But it is still a grilled cheese and OK.  It is Lent and I do abstain from meat on Friday's.     The day that Jeff and I took Mother for her doctor appointment on Tuesday, we talked about the fact that the next day was Ash Wednesday, already.    Mother mentioned that she is so old that she no longer is required to fast or abstain.   Jeff and I laughed and reminded her that we don't have to either.  Same reason.

This afternoon, I prepared all my bags of meats and veggies for Becky's Wildtree Freezer Bag workshop that is tomorrow afternoon.   That will be a fun way to spend and afternoon.  As if I don't have enough food already.

So enjoy your evening or morning depending on when you are reading this and I will check in tomorrow

Dia Dhuit

Mary

 

 

 " If you could see the journey whole - you might never undertake it; might never dare the first step that

propels you from the place you have known

toward the place you know not."

                                                                J. L. R.

What a day.    I stayed in bed until almost 8AM.  Sometimes I sleep the best towards morning.   Last night was difficult because my arm hurt so much that I had trouble getting to sleep.   I used the heating pad and it did seem to help.   I have been using cold during the day.

Who knows.

I worked on one of the books that I started to write quite some time ago and have brought our of the drawer to finish.   It is fun reviewing it.  I read the forward to the Sheboygan Writers and they seem to think it has promise.   It will be a cookbook with stories to go with the recipes.

I also worked on Mom's quilt a bit this afternoon.  That plus one more set of drawers cleaned kept me busy all day. 

I saw that it was snowing some this afternoon.   I really don't know how much there will be on the ground but tomorrow is a day in town anyway.    I really only plan on going out once to lunch with the bank ladies.  

Roxie has been very pleased with me today. 

Today was St. Valentines Day.   Several people wished me a happy day.    I missed Dick even though we usually just shared E Cards on this day.

Jim and Michelle called tonight.    Was good to hear their voices.   Jim is recovering quite well from the tooth that was pulled but has a procedure to replace a filling and cap the tooth next to it tomorrow so keep praying that all goes well.    They sounded good otherwise.

So that was the day.    Busy but not exciting.  So I will put a little poem to start you thinking about St. Patrick's day.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Flirty Guys
With flirty eyes
I love the Irish Men.
They charm we gals
As we do them
With mutual admiration.

by me

Ash Wednesday.    No snow and comfortable.    I got up with Roxie at 6AM.  She actually started bugging me at about 5AM so I was not too happy with her little fat self.

Since I couldn't go to Mass tonight because of the Poets Corner at Mead, I went to the 8AM Mass.  Walked around proudly with my ashes on my forehead just like I used to do when I was a little kid.    There was a time in our church that people who did not bother coming to Sunday Mass would have died before missing the Mass on Ash Wednesday.   They HAD to get those ashes on their forehead.   I guess the tangible is kind of comforting.

I did my grocery shopping, went to the bank and the post office and then came home by 10AM.  Yea.  I was able to stay home until just after 5PM when I left to pick up Sy for the Poetry Circle.  There was a nice group there tonight.  Just about everybody read something.   I read the poem I read at Writer's Club on Monday.   I will be able to use it next week at the Plymouth Club too.  Getting a lot of mileage out of it.  

So now it is after 9PM, a busy day and I am ready to rest.   Tomorrow I get to be home all day.  I am working on a big writing project.

Michelle called shortly after I left for the Poetry Circle.    I had called and missed them the other day.   We will eventually connect but in the meantime, Jim is having dental hell, so pray for him.

Til tomorrow

Dia Dhuit


Mary

Today was rather pleasant.   It was pretty gray and we had some flurries this morning but by noon, the sun was peeking through and the rest of the day was very pleasant.

Today, I joined Jeff at Mother's house at 10AM to help him take her to see Dr. Hancock.  I am so glad that everything was dry.  Jeff was able to back his van into the neighbor's driveway for a spot with NO ice.   Dr. Hancock did a bit of adjusting on her meds.   Nothing too drastic, but they may help a couple of concerns.   He is generally satisfied.

Then we stopped and got lunch at Mc Donalds.   I haven't been there in ages especially for a hamburger.  Kind of fun.   We took it to Mom's and ate lunch together.  Kathy sent WONDERFUL mint brownies and some muffins for us.   I know what I am having for breakfast tomorrow.

Then I went to Joan Kramer's house for a reflexology appointment.   I felt SO good when I left.   Now the neck is getting sore again.  We always have such a good visit too.   Joan is great.   

That is all.   I have been just working of writing and general STUFF since I got home.   Roxie is absolutely goofy tonight.  Seems to be having fun though.

Til Tomorrow

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Well, this day did not go as planned but it went.

I went out to drive to Bible Study and the battery was dead.  I called Van Horn.  They came out and got me charged within an hour but I erased  Bible study and a morning visit to Mother from the day.

I spent this time working on Mom's Cathedral Window Quilt.

So at noon, I left for Sheboygan County Writers meeting. On the way, I dropped the last form I need for taxes off at Mark Miller's office and picked up supplies for Mother at Aurora Superior Drug store.

The meeting was great.  I read the entry that won for the 2014 WFOP Calendar and an "assignment" poem on the senses from Sheboygan County Writers.   Then later in the open reading, I read the INTRO to my cookbook.     They liked it and Sylvia said to infuse a bit more humor into the intro to pique interest in the reader.

Next, home stopping on the way to drop Mom's supplies for her.   Finally, a stop at the bank and then HOME.

I am so tired.   So well be going to bed early.  The Westminster Dog Show starts at 7PM .   I will go to bed and watch that.

Til tomorrow.   I will be going with Jeff and Mother for her doctor appointment.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

It was a Sunday at home.   Just Roxie and me.   The only time I left the house was to get Jean's paper for her.   She is my neighbor and I think I told you that she fractured her leg and I have been picking up he mail and papers for her.   She generously shares her papers with me ALL of the time.  

I had not paid any attention to the outdoors until just a few minutes ago.   I started watching the news and found out that rain is passing through.  Sure enough.   It is raining.   It is not supposed to get too cold, so I am banking on it being warm enough to keep from freezing.   Then it is supposed to be windy which will help dry the roads.

I kept myself pleasantly busy today.    I baked some butternut squash bread.   I fixed myself a good lunch.   I spent time sewing on a neglected wall hanging that has been on the quilt rack for years and I started mending Mother's Cathedral Window quilt.   It is such a treasure and years of use have resulted in lots of broken points.    I figure I will do a little every other day or so and have it ready for her when she wants it.   She is already worried about it being ready for spring.

I also worked on several CWI projects.

So I am ready to use the rest of the day doing NOTHING.  (Wonder if that will work?)

Can you believe that Wednesday will be Ash Wednesday already?

Dia Dhuit

Mry

By the time I got up, the condo roads and the driveways were plowed, so I knew that I could go ahead with my plans for the day.

Jody came at 8AM and cleaned the house.   I did a couple of loads of wash,  got everything that I needed ready to take with me when I left and worked a bit on the projects that I have restarted.    One thing is the fun of studying St. David of Wales and St. Piran of Cornwall, who are the patron saints of those countries.     I think I mentioned that I am working on a book about the patron saints of all seven Celtic Nations.    I am doing this "rush" study because March 1, is St. David's Day and March 5, is St. Piran's Day.   The Sheboygan CWI branch is going to meet for the session and dinner at 52 Stafford.    I promised a meeting and a presentation of the lives and history of these two gentlemen.
Fun, Right?   Want to come.   We are meeting at 6PM on Wednesday, February 27th.

I left shortly before 11AM to fill the tank in the car, it was just below a half a tank and I have been ordered to fill it at that level in the winter.   Usually, I wait until it is a quarter of a tank.   Then I stopped at Walgreens to pick up a prescription, then on to the Twisted Root to have lunch with my friend Ione.    She and I had a great lunch and a mutual encouraging conversation.   Her Don passed away on Christmas Day.   So we understand.   I got a black bean burger this time and it was SOO good.

Next I went to Mother's to take care of a couple of things for her and to bring her a piece of the pineapple pie that I made yesterday.  I gave a piece to Ione also.    I wanted to make a pie and since I was meeting Ione and going to Mother's it made sense to bake it yesterday as I could find a home for part of it.

Finally, I dropped some lap robes off at Rocky Knoll.    I visited a bit with Kim Loose.   We have been friends since Blessed Trinity days.   She is in charge of patient care or something like that at Rocky Knoll.    I am slowly going through EVERYTHING and finding homes for a lot of things.  Others I am setting aside to sell.  There is no hurry and there are some things I don't want to do yet.

My arm is very sore today.   So I am going to bed with heat and cold this evening and hope that rest will help.   I don't know if it is the weather or what, but I am mighty tired of it.

The weekend is quiet.  Roxie will like that.   She doesn't like it if I leave her alone.  I wish I could get her a little friend.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

"The fundamental job of a toddler is to rule the universe."  Anonymous

















































































































Maryundamental job of a toddler is to rule the universe"  Anonymous

I was able to be home all day today.    It snowed all day but did not seem so much of a winter storm as they had predicted.

Al I did not go out, there is not anything exciting to report.    I was busy, busy all day.   Lots of catching up, lots of my creative endeavors that I am trying to reinstate in my life.

So all is well.    I intend to be in bed soon and read for a while before sleeping for the night.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I really waited too long to start this.   I am exhausted.     It was a very busy day.  A nice day but a busy one.

I had a massage today.   Debbie O'Grady's daughter Heather did it for me.   It felt really good.   I will try to have them kind of regularly for a while to see if it will release the tension in my body.

Then I grabbed lunch - a taco and coke from the Mexican restaurant next to my friend Mark's Tax service.    Next I went to Mark's and we got things going.   That is another load off of my plate.   I put Mark in charge.   We have been friends for a LONG time.    Sara, and Nora - do you remember when I took you to the JC's Haunted House in Sheboygan when you were just little kids?   Mark was the guy I hugged and you looked so shocked.  

On the way home I got my car washed.  I hurried home to keep it clean.  I don't have to go out until Friday and that will be after the storm that is coming tonight and tomorrow.

So, home again.   I had bank work to do, phone calls to make and letters to write.

Whew.

I am exhausted.

So Good Night

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A haiku

The end of the day
Brings a search for solitude
A quiet corner.

Today was not nearly as exciting as yesterday, but it did have its moments.

I am juggling several projects around the house these days, some creative and some just going through things and/or cleaning.    Today was trash day.   I got my trash and my neighbor Jean's out around 9AM.    Jean got good news from the doctor yesterday.    She no longer has to wear her boot around the house.    This is a bit step.   I teased her and said that it should probably be spring before she can leave it off outside.   Safety, you know.

This afternoon, I went to the Kettle Country Quilt club meeting for the first time in months.   I shared a picture of the wall hanging of Mother's crazy quilt squares with the group.    They liked it which made me feel good.    The club is working on a wall hanging for the new NICU at Memorial.   I was not able to participate in the sewing of the squares that make up the background.   Nest our applique experts will applique a mother holding her child onto the pallet.    It is going to be SO beautiful.  At least I got to help pin and tear the papers off of the paper pieced hearts.

Then I did the grocery shopping for the week.    I brought fruit which was on a good sale.   Pineapple,and strawberries and cantaloupe.    Num Num.

I also did a bit of research on what to do with the van.   It is rather silly for me to have a handicapped unit when someone might have use of it.     So I am exploring possiblities.    Nice not to have deadlines.

Dia Dhuit until tomorrow.

Mary

Whew! What a Monday! 

Eileen called this morning from Mother's house.   Mom was not feeling very well late yesterday and evening, so Eileen spent the night.    She was glad she did stay as Mom got up three times during the night and the first two she was very wobbly.   Thankfully the third time found her much more steady and by morning she was actually pretty good.

Eileen and Mary, the morning caregiver, and Mother pretty well decided that perhaps someone should be there with Mom all night.   So - Eileen asked that I call Companion Care (because I have done the arrangements in the past) to get this set up.   I called them this morning to be sure that this service would be available.

Then I went to Bible Study.   There were four of us this week.   With the weather, and some illness, we hope to be up to normal next week.  It is actually nice with a small group.   We really get deep into whatever tangent we go on.   Psalm 118, if you are interested.   Very poetic and very challenging. 

Then I went to Mom's.   I was pleased with how bright and alert she was then.   I reviewed what she and Eileen had discussed as to all night care and she said that she definitely wanted this.   So.   I called Trish at Companion Care and they are starting tonight.    I think Mother is actually a bit frightened to be alone at night, at least when she feels unsteady if she wakes up.   It is hard and scary to be alone in the dark when you don't feel all that strong.  They will come at 8PM and stay until she is up and ready for the day.  We are all so relieved.   I know that I always took a deep breath after 8AM if I had not received a phone call.

Then I dropped my sewing machine off at the Sewing Machine Shop in Sheboygan Falls.   I have never had it fully serviced and decided that since I have intentions of really getting back into sewing a lot, I needed to start with a machine that is as ready as I am.

Home again.   I have been busy with bank calls and finishing up the arrangements for Mom and some other loose ends.    I am feeling very proud of me because I got so much done.

I look forward to tomorrow with only a Kettle Quilters meeting.    It will be good to go and interact with these creative ladies.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Are you watching the big game?   I kind of am.   This was a lazy day for me.   I decided to do as little as possible and it is working.

I slept until 8AM, then got up and got ready for church.  My neighbor, Jean, called and asked if I would bring her communion.    It is so cold and there are slipper spots out there.   She fractured her leg a month or so ago and I have been bringing her paper and mail to her.    I am always honored to bring the Eucharist to people so that was great.

I did go downstairs to the hall for the KC's coffee and donuts.  I sat with my friend Darrel Dombek, he is a Rhine Plymouth guy, and then Janet and Rich Bieschke joined me.  So it was a nice morning break.

Home again, I did lie down for a nap about 1PM.  Slept til almost 3.   I wonder if I will ever get rested.   My soul is still pretty weary.

I gave Fr. Dan a piece of the Brat Bhride after Mass.  The Brigid cloth.    At the Wild Game Dinner, I gave a piece to each of the families as a blessing  along with the abridged story of the cloth.   Denise and the family were here this year.   I can't believe how big Jack has grown.   He is taller than I am now.   Samantha was there too.   She is old enough and participated in the beer tasting contest.   I told her that I love her art.   I saw some on Facebook.   I told her I wanted a piece for my collection.    I also mentioned to Erin, that I would like a piece of her art too.   After all, I reminded her, she told me years ago that we have a special bond because she is my Goddaughter.

I gave Erin the wall hanging that I made out the last crazy quilt squares that Mother made.  I was happy to find that she was really happy to get it.   She is just moving into a new apartment, in Chicago now, and plans on hanging it there.

Samantha is very interested in Irish culture and art and was SO excited about the cloth..   I will introduce her to the Celtic Culture that I know.    It would be fun to have a young gal like her to share with.

So tomorrow starts another week.    Reasonably busy, but a couple of days are unscheduled too.

I can do that.

Love you all.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

What a Day.  Still very Cold and there was snow during the night.

I got up at 7AM.  Had to get the venison roast into the crock pot and bake some bread.  

Then at 9:30AM, I left and dropped some of the cooked liver off at Mother's for her and Shane to eat for lunch today.   Then I drove to Kurt and Jody's house to drop of the food and beer for the Wild Game Party.   Then on over to Eileen and Fred's for the baby shower.   Eileen and Mary Margaret fed us a really good build your own sandwich lunch with cupcakes and a mint chocolate dessert.  WOW.

After lots of visiting, Holly opened the gifts for the future twins.   She is looking beautiful.   She has less than two months to go now.   The opening of the gifts is always my favorite part of a shower.  The baby things are so cool now.

Then we all migrated over to Kurt and Jody's for the Wild Game Dinner.   I am too tired to tell all about that.   I will tell bits and pieces over the next couple of days.   FYI- Jody won the beer tasting contest with a taste off between her and Kurt.   Weird. and Funny.

Til Tomorrow

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Talk about cold.    I looked at thermometer at 6AM when I fed Roxie and it was -3.   Yes MINUS 3 degrees out there.   As far as I can tell, it never got over 7 degrees.   Fortunately, the wind they predicted did not materialize.   The sun DID help to cut the chill.   It still got into the bones though.

I generally picked up around the living room and house and tried to make sure that I am ready for tomorrow.    Tomorrow will be a Marathon Day for all the Deeleys.    I think you all know that tomorrow at 11AM there will be a baby shower for two little twin boys that will soon come into this world to join their parents John and Holly Michels.    With two, I rather imagine that Holly is hoping for sooner rather than later.  (Not too soon, of course.)

From Fred and Eileen's house and the shower, we will all troop over to Kurt and Jody's for the Annual Wild Game Feast and Beer Tasting Party.  Looks like there will be quite a crowd again this year.    We are all so happy that Denise and family and Stenn and Bing are coming.

I will prepare the venison roast in the slow cooker early and then drop it off  to finish at the Thuemmlers  on my way to the baby shower.   I decided to also make a loaf of brown bread for the crowd.

This morning I met my friends, Betty and Ceil in the Fleet Farm parking lot and rode with them to Blue Harbor for the Mayflower Tours annual program.   They served coffee, tea, juice and sweets along with a long program hilighting the tours for 2013.   A good program really.    I wanted to go because I will beging treveling eventually and wanted to see what they had to offer.   Lots of fun trips out there, but fortunately none on my bucket list so I was not tempted but still got a feel for prices and places.   Altogether a good way to spend a couple of hours.   Saw a couple of other friends too.

The three of us joined Marlene at Dairy Queen for lunch and then I came home.   I did have to traipse out again later because I received some items that I had to go to take care of at the bank.   I could have waited until Monday, I guess, but you know me.    Impatient and I don't like loose ends.

So a full day and tomorrow will be a whole play day.   The cooking is as much fun for me as the parties.

Til tomorrow

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A whole day at home.     It was cold but not as windy and snowy as I expected.

I did some more work on the wall hanging and a bit of writing.

Nora called this afternoon.   We had a great visit.    Too bad we live so far apart.

I had a lot of fun preparing the dinner for tonight.    Bobbie and Bill came.   Bobbie and I had liver and I prepared meatballs and gravy  with the mashed potatoes for Bill so we were all happy eaters.

Cherry pie for dessert and just a nice visit for the rest of the evening.

So.  Until tomorrow. 

Dia Dhuit
Mary

Snow, snow, snow.    Not as much as they predicted originally gut we have two to three inches and it is coming down again.    I understand that there is a cold spell coming through also that will put us back to single digits or below.   I went and got the few groceries and supplies that I needed this morning so I will be able to stay in where it is warm all day.  

I can just do anything as I have nothing planned except cooking a lovely liver dinner for Bobbie and me.   If the weather is too bad we will put it off.   Safety above all.

As I said, I went grocery shopping.    It was a bit slippery, so I drove very carefully.   After the Pig, I went to The Exchange Bank to pick up some Alterra Coffee for me.   I am almost out of the Kickapoo that Richard and Brenda gave me for Christmas.  

I worked on the new wall hanging that I have in my mind.   I have the background ready to sew.   Then I can make the picture.   I need to be doing things with my hands.

So the day is over.     It is so lonely around here.  I am finding it hard not to have my sweetheart to talk to  and just be here.  Busy is the answer and I am really trying.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

This was a very busy Tuesday.    First, of course, it was trash day.  I didn't have much today so took it out when I left at 10AM for all of the errands that I had to do in Sheboygan.   It had rained a lot during the night and it was VERY foggy.   All the way in and out of Sheboygan - very little traffic though.

First, I stopped at the Social Security office to drop off a copy of our wedding certificate.  I could have mailed it but as I was going to Sheboygan anyway, it seemed just as easy just to take it there.

Then I went to see Atty. Voss and finished all of the legal things such as wills and powers of attorney.

Then home again.    I can pretty much stay home now until Friday.    There is a lot to do in the rainy, snowy, icy days At home in the next couple of days. 

Jeff stopped by on his way home from Mom's and finished hanging the door to the coat closet as you come in the garage.  That is nice to have it done.   Wasn't a big deal but it looks better.    Kathy sent some banana cake that I had for dessert.   It was SO good and very welcome.

Bret called tonight - so good to hear his voice.   

Happy Birthday to my sister Nora.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

It was much warmer that the past few days but not really warm enough to melt all the ice.   I was out until 1PM and had several stops with tricky walking because of the ice on the streets and driveways and parking lots.  Yea.   I managed to stay on my feet.

Went to Bible study first at Blessed Trinity.   There were just three of us and we had really intimate comforting discussion.    Talking about our roll as "older" more experienced people and our relationships with younger members of our world.   We finished Psalm 92 today.  It is a beautiful Psalm - very comforting.

Then I drove to Sheboygan to pick up some things for Mother at Aurora.   I had a chance to visit with Barb, who is a friend and a pharmacist there for a bit. 

Then to Mother's.  We had lunch together, we paid her bills, I put out the pills and then she was ready for a nap so I came home.

Had a short nap and then I have been cleaning and picking up.  Tomorrow is trash day and I need to be ready.

This is a sad night for me.   But I know I will have those days.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Yesterday was a truly relaxing, stimulating and informative day.    Mike and Debbie O'Grady picked me up shortly after 9AM for a drive to the Irich Heritage Center in Chicago for Maureen Smith's Chicago branch of CWI Brigid Celebration.   

We aimed to get there by noon so Debbie and I could help Maureen set up for the event which started at 1PM.  I had met with another of our Celtic Women, Janet, to pick up several of her collection of Brigid as Saint and Goddess for display.   She will be so pleased to hear that she has one statue that Fr. Dennis O'Neill does not have.   I believe that he is jealous.   I brought my Bridget Icon and the wall hanging that I did of Brigid.   During the latter part of the program, Maureen had me explain the motivation and the influences that helped me to do the wall hanging.  I read a couple of the poems inspired by the Brigid trip of 2011.   Here is one:

Alone in the darkness together
We are surrounded by the ancient chant
Hidden until this time,
I find it in my heart.

I felt a bit intimidated as I was reading poetry at an event dedicated to our friend, Patricia Monaghan, poet, author and Celtic and earth expert.    Her husband, Michael Mc Dermott, and his daughter were there.   He read excerpts from their new book which I have on preorder and her poems were read throughout the event.  

Fr. O'Brien started the whole thing actually with stories and history of Brigid.    He is an expert on Brigid and I must get some of his books.    There were so many other things packed into the day. 

Mike, Debbie and I stopped for dinner on the way home and arrived here at about 8:30PM.   Roxie was sure glad to see me.     I decided to get ready for bed as my neck and arm were really hurting so that is why I did not post last night.

Today was much quieter.   I went to Mass this morning.   Mary Kaye Evans had asked if I could serve communion this morning for her.   I think I needed that.   Giving the Lord to people never ceases to amaze me and I was a bit down this morning.   I just suddenly became very lonely.

It is better now and I had a very nice day, sorting things and napping and baking.

So I am ready for tomorrow and the new week.

Bless you all

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Today was a very good day.  Jody came at 8AM to clean.

I cleaned the desk for the week and worked on taxes and getting ready for the call from SSI that was scheduled for 10:30AM this morning.  When they called, I DID have everything I needed at hand and we were able to get everything done by phone.   The only thing I will have to do is send our marriage license for review and they will be sending an envelope for that.

I had lunch with Betty, Marlene and Ceil at Dairy Queen today.   That was pleasant as usual.   We have been friends and work mates for SUCH a long time.  Good to have old friends.

Then I came home and napped.Tonight I picked up Kate and we went down to the Plymouth Arts Center for the opening of their new show called Paint Color Blend - The Garret Girls.   Are really great showing of 10 Wisconsin artists.   All talented.  All I need is another painting.   There were two that might have tempted me.  No way though.

So Home again I am heading for bed.  Tomorrow I am going to Chicago for the Brigid Celebration at the Irish Heritage Center.
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Dia Dhuit

Mary

I finally figured out (again) how to import a picture from Picasa into Blogger.   So. I can finally deliver on my promise to show you the completed wall hanging that I made of the four crazy quilt squares that Mother had finished before it became too difficult for her to sew any more because of her vision and the discomfort in her hands.     I am quite pleased with the finished product and have decided what I am going to do with it.    

Today was very busy but fruitful.    I had a dentist appointment at 9AM.   No cavities and I now have the cleanest teeth in the family.  Janelle, my hygienist, was also Dick's so it was a bit hard for us.   You know how people loved him, but we both shared and hugged and felt better for the time.

On the way home I did a few errands and then had lunch.

After lunch, I drove over to Kate's house and we went to Hobby Lobby.   Kate is getting ideas for her 50th wedding celebration and I was after a case for Dick's flag.    I found a case.   It was even on sale.    I have to stain a little chip but will be glad to have the flag safely ensconced.   I also found some birds for the Kevin wall hanging, and a light table, which I have secretly wanted.  It was only $10 so you know it is a very small one, but that will do for my projects.   Oh, we also found an Irish hanging for the door or wall that looks great.    We both got one as it was somewhat unique.   It looks like a huge bottle cap with a greeting on it.   This was just a fun shopping day.   I haven't done that in ages.

I had an appointment with Dr. Murthy this afternoon to discuss how we should move with the treatments of my neck/arm/shoulder pain.   He has referred me back to Dr. Leben, who had done some good for my ribs.   The trouble is, I won't see her until February 22.    So I am going to keep trying various things, for example, massage and hot and cold applications and stretches.     I am just sick of aching.

Tomorrow I will be home until evening.   Then I will go to the Plymouth Arts Center for their opening.   I do have a telephone appointment with SSI at 10:30AM.   That is one of the last loose ends to tie up.    Soon I will be done with all that stuff and can move on.

Rest easy tonight.   Rest is so healing.
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Dia Dhuit

Mary.

Another cold day.   It is supposed to start warming up, tomorrow, I think.  

I did stay home all day today.    So nothing terribly exciting came about.    I was busy all day but nothing to shake up the world about.  

I did bake some raisin bran muffins.    I think I have all the food in this house now in some control.   I will not need meat for months.   If anybody is hungry, just let me know the night before and I will gladly feed you.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

We are still in the deep freeze here.   I looked at the thermometer just a few minutes ago and it was back down to 1 degree from 4 degrees this morning.  I am running a heater in the garage to cut the cold a bit.

I had not intended to leave the house today, except to get the mail and put out the trash, BUT I was out of cat food and Roxie insisted that I had to get her some.    So off I went to the Pig and now I am set for at least a week with the few things that I need.    I WAS out of lettuce and really like to have salad almost every day.

So it was a good day.   I cleaned a couple of closets, baked a cake, got some items ready for this weekend and even for the next weekend.

Tomorrow I also get to stay in out of the cold.     I have several other projects that I want to get to.   Roxie loves me home.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Paddy  was coming through the customs at the airport  carrying a large bottle.
"What have you there  ?" said a suspicious customs officer.
"T’is  Lourdes Holy Water. I am bringing it home with  me," said Paddy.
The officer took the bottle  and tried some. “Why, it's Irish whiskey !!" he  spluttered.
"Lord bless me,” said Paddy,  "another bloomin`miracle  !!"

Happy 97th Birthday to Mom!!!

The weather was brutal today.   I don't think the temperatures ever topped 4 degrees. It was as low as 1 degree.    Brrrr!

We had 6 people at bible study today and had a really good prayer session and then a nice discussion on a psalm that was actually featuring prayer. 
And what a nice group we have.    Helen brought one of her homemade birthday cards for Mother for all of the group to sign for her.

I also showed them the wall hanging that I put together with her picture and the Crazy Quilt Squares.

Next on to Mother's.   I gave her her present, a nice bottle of Madeira wine and my card along with the card from the Bible Study.  She seemed very pleased.   There were already tons of cards on the dining room table.   She is a very popular lady.  Had a couple of bills to be paid and we watched a bit of the inauguration.    Then I came home.

I had a quick lunch then picked up Lynn and Jena for Cream City Writers   We had very good news.  Both Lynn and Bev had poems selected for the 2014 Poets calendar.    Isn't that just super?    Lynn is so excited.   This is her first acceptance to the calendar.  

We had a short meeting because there were just the four of us.  So. I came home in time to get a lot of cleaning done around here.  

Bart and Barb called at about four.   They have both been fighting sinus infections.   Must pray for them. 

My friend Kate invited me over for supper tonight.   That was a nice change.   We had pork chop, stuffing and apple casserole and carrots.   SO good.   We had a nice visit too.   Hadn't had much of a chance for that lately.

So.  A typically busy Monday that made me feel good.

Now it is time for Night Night.

]Dia Dhuit

Mary

Such a pleasant Sunday.

It was cold and the wind blew like there was no tomorrow, all night.   But the sun shone and the sky was just radiant.

I spent the time at home finishing the wall hanging that I have assembled out of the four crazy quilt blocks that Mom made.   She said they are her last sewing project because of her sight so I felt they need to be preserved.    I'll send a picture of it.

At about 11AM, I drove to the Wierl Wind south on 67 to meet the rabbit hunters after their morning of hunting.   I got there shortly after 11, figuring that the cold would drive the guys to the bar before their noon deadline.   I underestimated their resolve.    They arrive at noon, almost exactly.   I was able to find people to visit with while I waited  (surprise, right?)  Then Jeff recruited me to help him and Shane prepare the several venison sausage offerings for judging.    I don't know if you know this, but every year after rabbit hunting this group of guys, and anyone else who wants to, bring in the venison sausage made that year from the deer hunting.    Then all in the bar taste and rate as to their favorite.    This year there were 5 entries.    The guys are going to let me know which sausage won.   I was ready to come home before the final eaters voted.   It was a really fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon.     I don't hunt anymore but would probably not get to see those guys that I hunted with all those years and came to be so fond of.    They always seem glad to see me too!

So, home again, I made a Roxie cat very happy.   I napped for a bit and then got things ready for tomorrow which is a VERY busy day - at least in the morning.

Hope you have an excellent week.
Dia Dhuit

Mary

They said we might have rain today but I did not see any.     It was quite warm but I understand that the next three or four days are going to make up for it.    One night it will drop to the minus degrees.    Of course, I remember, years ago, my ex husband and the boys and I came to Wisconsin and it was below zero, as much as -16 almost every day we were here.

I am always thanking God for the nice warm homes that we have and for the warm clothes and safety. Wasn't always so easy.

I drover to John Michael Kohler Art Museum today for their Family Festival China.   I met Bob Fleming, my artist friend there and ran into my friends Richard and Joan Kramer.     We all kind of interacted together until we all had to leave at different times.    I was a nice festival.    I made a Chinese Lantern, a Dragon Mask and did some Calligraphy.    The food provided was really good.   AND I got to sit through an explanation of a Tea Ceremony.    This is very interesting to me as I did participate in a High Tea in Ireland.   Veru different, of course, but still fascinating that such ceremony surrounds tea in different parts of the world.

I barely got home when I got a call from them telling me that I won a ticket to Shen Yun 2013 at the Milwaukee Theatre for February 19.   Of course, I had to buy an adjacent ticket and now will have to see who can come with me.  This show features 5000 of Chinese dance in one night.   I am excited.

Home again, I took a nap, then drove to Mass.  

Hone again, I have been just picking up pieces and getting things organized for tomorrow.     Tomorrow will be nice, I am meeting the rabbit hunters at the Whirl Wind for a sausage tasting.   Will be good to see the guys.  It is going to be COLD so I don't imagine they will be out too long.


Dia Dhuit

Mary

Such a full day.    Mixed feelings.    Suddenly I realized that today it is a month since he is gone.   Why do these milestone days make it more real?   I kept really busy today and that helped.   But the missing is in me.

Jody came at 8AM and got the house vacuumed and scrubbed for me.

Today I finished the binding on the wall hanging that I am making out of the four crazy quilt squares that Mom finished just before she decided that her sight just makes it to difficult for her to sew.  I am pleased.   Just need a label and an embellishment to complete it.     I hope to do that this weekend.  It is really coming together.

Then I went to Dairy Queen to lunch with the bank ladies.   That was fun.   We always have so much to talk about.  Having known each other for so long, it is a nice break in the week.   After lunch, I had several errands.    I took all the Dick's meds and expired stuff over to the Plymouth Police station for disposal.    Yesterday, I cleaned out the first aid supplies and gave extra pads and lotions to someone that I knew could use them.  I now have a reasonable first aid supply.   VNA also stopped by and picked up excess books and brochures and a couple of medical kits that I can't use but are still sealed. The frugal person in me just won't let me throw everything away.

Then I stopped in at the Sewing Basket for a couple of photo fabric pieces and finally went to the trophy shop to kind of firm up what we want on the plaque.   By next Friday, they will email me a mock up of what we think will work best.    Then I can forward it to the kids and we can either say Yea! or fine tune.

Home again,  I finished a lot of straightening up.   I don't have a real plan, but have been finishing any project that I start so it is kind of like a puzzle coming together.  

After supper, I drove over to Rhine for a visit with friends.   That was fun.  One of my friends gave me four packages of venison steak.   I am set now.   I only had a couple of packages and these will get me through the year because they have to be three pounds each or so.   I am so grateful.

Speaking of which.   Only two weeks til the Wild Game Dinner.     The shower too.  I have presents for the twins, just need to wrap them.   I know that the shower is at 11:00AM but still am not sure what time the Wild Game Dinner starts.

So, today was busy and it made me feel better.   Starting to be creative is helping too.  It took a while to want to.  

Love you all and thank you for being there

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I was home all day today.  

I ended up spending most of it sorting my 2012 receipts and gathering for tax season.    I hadn't really planned on doing it all, but once I got started it mushroomed.   I also now have my left had desk drawer all cleaned and my various projects and things that need to be finished all in manageable groupings.

So it wasn't too exciting a day.   I have things ready for a couple of errands tomorrow and someone from VNA is coming to pick up some things that I have and hate to throw away.    I am such a "green" person.   

Heard from Nora and Leif and from my friends Sheila, Rosemary and Gail with encouraging cards.    So I had a smiley time when I came in with the mail.

Glad that chore is over with.   I love having things organized.

Dia Dhuit

Happy Friday

Mary

Hello Again.

Quite a day.    I spent the morning with phone calls.   Talked to my friend Bob Fleming for one.   He sent  the lovliest sympathy card with a poem he wrote  for Dick and me.    Bob and I had a good talk.

I left at about noon to pick up a prescription for Mother and then get to Sheboygan Falls to Blessed Trinity for Mass.   Joseph and Felicia Reindl, my bible study/Celtic friends had ordered a Mass for Dick.   I was pleased to see that the Mass was also for Fr. John Theisen.   He was pastor at Blessed Trinity while I was a member of the parish.   He was so helpful to Dad.   Fr. John was at Rocky Knoll while Dick was there this last time.   I had walked down to the lunchroom to get a cup of coffee and saw him at dinner so went to talk to him.    He was a dear man.   I am sure Dick and he have found each other.

Stopped to say Hi to Mom.   Then did a bit of grocery shopping and picked up Mom's birthday present.   Her birthday is Monday and I bought her a really good bottle of Madeira wine for her present.   She always said that this is her favorite wine.

This afternoon I did some sewing and then called Jacquie because I had not talked to her in so long.    She sounds good.   I hope to go to visit her in the future.   Doris, my other sister in law lives with her too.

That was the day.   Tomorrow I will be home all day and have lots of projects I want to get to.   One day at a time.

Dia Dhuit
Mary