The snow they promised came.   I had hoped to go to see Mother this afternoon but decided to be wise instead and stay off the slippery snow covered highways.

I actually did to Sheboygan Falls for Bible Study.  I thought it would be OK in the morning as the snow was not due til later in the morning.   I took highway 23, dropping off a little teddy bear for Haley, my pen pal at Horizon School.  The wind was really bad and there was a stretch of highway that the snow was blowing so hard I felt like I was driving in fog.  

Got to bible study OK.   There were four of us today.   We will be down in numbers for a bit as Tom and Kathy are in Texas and Joseph had both of his knees replaced last Tuesday.  'We had a good discussion anyway.   Started off talking about the Evangelism movement in the diocese which fit in nicely with the section of the Acts that we are reading.

The I went over to Mom's to be sure that everything was OK and to pay her bills.

 By that time it had started snowing - I decided to head home for sure at that point.

So I have spent the afternoon trying to get the Scotland trip booked and straightening our my desk. 

Our little Marcus is getting his ear "procedure" this week.  Pray for him he is just a little person.  But if it helps him be healthy, this is what he needs.    Health providers love the word "procedure".   It sounds less scary.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Sunday, a tread water day EXCEPT

I had a perfect day.    Bobbie and Bill picked me up at about 11AM to go to the dinner theater called Memories in Port Washington.   We had a lovely meal.   We sat down to a crisp delightful green salad.  The meal was chicken, barbecue ribs, potatoes, rice and veggie medley.   The play was definitely adult because of the content but not gross at all.   It was called Swing Dance.  We laughed so hard.  We had a delicious lemon poppyseed torte for dessert at intermission.

I loved it.   We have four other dates for plays throughout the year at the same place.   What a treat.   This was especially nice with all the cold and snow that we have been having lately.

Bobbie brought me some of her famous raspberry heart valentine cookies.   I LOVE THEM.

We are supposed to be getting quite a storm tomorrow again.   I intend to go to Bible Study, Mother's so gather mail and pay bills and writer's club in Plymouth.   I am also having lunch with my friend Peggy.  If is is not as bad as they say, I will go to see Mother, otherwise, I will go on Tuesday instead.

I don't have a lot of out of the house errands coming up this week.   I am glad, the past two weeks have been just TOO busy.

Have a nice week yourself and pray for my cousin Greg and my friend Joseph, who have health issues.

Dia Dhuit

Mary.

Saturday

I had a really good day.  

This morning was nice and quiet.   I just baked some pumpkin scones with maple cream cheese frosting for the CWI Movie Meeting that was this afternoon.

Becky and Elizabeth stopped by close to noon.   They were at the Walmart in Plymouth selling Girl Scout cooking and will be there tomorrow if you don't have yours yet.   They delivered mine.   I think that Elizabeth did pretty good.    I gave them some of the scones to take home with them. 

There were only four of us at the movie afternoon.   I was a bit surprised as I expected more from the enthusiastic response I got online and at our last meeting.  Oh Well.  They missed out on super snacks, chicken, hummus and dip, pumpkin scones, olives and cheese and wine while we watched the Quiet Man.   I watch it every year about this time and it was fun to watch it with friends.   We watch it and realize what a hunk John Wayne was and how gorgeous Maureen O Hara is.

So tonight I am making trip plans for the year and just Jelling.   Tomorrow I will go to the 9:30 Am Mass and then be picked up at 11AM for the first of my Christmas Present  programs from Bobbie and Bill.   The first one is called Swing Dance.    I have not been to a live performance in so long.  

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A successful day.

I was busy most of the day.   I got up at about 7:30AM and worked on the New York trip and other computer things.  

Bonnie came at about 9AM to clean.   I left at  10:30AM to meet the realtor at Mom's.   Kary Kapellen is doing a market evaluation for us.   As I explained to Jeff, this is the best way to get a probable market price for a home.   You can get an appraisal, but appraisers charge for the work.  Realtors do their evaluation as a free service.   If you pay for an appraisal and a buyer comes along, they will require another appraisal with another fee.  Kari said that I am lucky to be out of that rat race.

I came home after meeting Kari and took care of the mail and Roxie before joining my friends at the Dairy Queen.  My friend, Betty who broke her hip recently was there with her daughter.  She looked great.

Next I drove up to Meadow View Manor to just check in with Mom.  She was in the beauty shop getting beautiful, so I just said HI and dropped off the Sheboygan Falls and Plymouth papers for her.

Home again, I took a nap.  I woke up just in time to feed Roxie and go over to my neighbors for a wind and cheese gathering.   I brought them all a piece of Brigit cloth with the explanation.   Bob and Peggy had a carnation for each lady as we left.   Wow.  I got two Valentines and a flower.  I am indeed loved.   Thanks Bob and Peggy, Bobbie and Joan.

Happy St,. Valentine's to all of you

Did you know that St. Valentine's bones are in Ireland?

Dia dhuit

Mary

I had a full day today.

I decided to try exercising again.   It went quite Well.   I did what Dr. Leben said and didn't reach with my arms at all.

I went to Horizon School at 11:30 AM to read and play games with my pen pal Haley.    We had a good time.   She is a lovely little girl.

I was able to stay home the rest of the day.

I am working on my plans for New York in May.   and on my plans for Scotland in September.

Supposedly we are getting warmer weather and less snow for a while.   Actually I feel sorrier for the people in the East.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Busy Busy

Another busy day.   I had trouble getting up again.   I find that my best sleep time is in the morning but if I get up it is also my most productive time.   Hmmm  Sleep Hmmmm productive.   Both sound good to me.

I was up in time to get the trash out and then went to St. John's for the first discussion group on the book by Matthew Kelly called Rediscovering Catholicism.  It is a lively discussion as we are a mixed enough group some of whom wish we could go back to the 50s with the Latin Mass and what it held and some who think that we are just fine.    There are five more discussion groups set up - should be interesting as it all stems from the Evangelism movement that Fr. Dan is very in to.

Then I shopped and came home until 1:30 when I went to Aurora for therapy.   My therapist is Jaren who was Dick's therapist years ago.   He is going to try to give me exercises for home which I intend to follow religiously, (Mom is the perfect example.)   He is hoping that this will work so I don't have to come in so often which is expensive.   What a great guy.   He remembers Dick well.

I just about have my New York trip for May determined.   Tomorrow I will book, all things considered.   Main things.   Liberty Island and Ellis Island and Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedra.

Called Les and Bill tonight.  They are waiting for a big snow storm following and Ice storm.    Hopefully they will be able to huddle safe in their home warm against the storms.   We are all pretty blest.

Til tomorrow.  Everybody stay safe and warm.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Well, I am exhausted.    Mondays are usually busy but today was a true marathon.

I started off with three errands before I even got to Bible Study at 9:30AM.   We were five strong and has a super discussion on the enthusiasm of the first Christians.   They were converting hundreds at a time.   Why does that not happen now?   Perhaps because we are all so much more concerned with the "world" and/or how things look.  

Then I went over to Mom's and make sure all of the bills were paid and pick up a few things that she needed.   

I grabbed a half sandwich from Ella's Dela and then  picked up Sy Regan for the Sheboygan Writers Club meeting.   That was a  good hour and a half.   I read two of my poems one of which is accepted for the 2015 WFOP Poets Calendar.  

Then I took Sy home and drove to Meadow View to see Mom.  Aunt Kathleen was there for a while.   I went over the papers for admission with the office and Mother.   Looks like all in in order and will provide what she needs now.   We are all doing such a good job of communicating.  Not the easiest thing since there are so many of us.   However it is the numbers of us that makes the actual work load light and shared worry is easier to cope with.   We are a truly blest family.  Thanks to Mom and Dad.

Anyway, I am exhausted and will be heading for the bed any minute.   Tomorrow, I will be able to catch up around here.   

Did I tell you that the venison  and Guinness I made this year was SOO good.  I did one thing differently.   Just before serving I melted butter with flour and thickened the liquid in the pot like I do with my Beer and Beef Stew.    Nummy Nummy

Dia DHuit

Mary

Sunday.   Because of the Wild Game Dinner yesterday, I went to Mass at 9:30AM this morning.   It was a nice mass.   Fr. Dan is still slowly recovering from his back surgery.   We had the pleasure of Fr. Van Beeck, our previous pastor, as our presider this morning.   It was good to have him back, even for one Sunday or so.    He is rather frail but looks good.

Then I went to Rhine shortly after lunch to shoot the pistol league.   I am using my left hand and not doing too well.   I need to take the gun in and get the grip changed to a left hand grip for one thing.

I talked to Vikki today.   We are planning a trip to New York in May.  

Then this evening, my Nora called.   She wanted me to know that our Marcus is going to have to have tubes in his ears.   He is just having too many infections.   Poor little man.   This should solve things.  We all need to pray for the little guy in February 18th.   He has his birthday this next week too.

Tomorrow I will see Mom in the afternoon and will update you then.   I didn't want to go today because there are still family in town for the Wild Game Dinner and she was very busyI am sure.

I got a return call from Aunt Kathleen today.   They were out or town.   She said she will also go over tomorrow.   I called Uncle Pat and Aunt Joan today too to let him know.   They will probably be over sometime this week.

Busy day busy week ahead.

Dia dhuit

Mary

Just got home from the Annual Deeley Wild Game Dinner and Beer Tasting Contest.   As usual, it was a spectacular event.    We had turkey, rabbit and squirrel, bear and venison plus desserts, beans and potatoes.   Way too much food as usual but there was nothing we would have eliminated as it was all so good.

There were 25 entrants in the beer tasting contest this year and 21 beers.   Georgina and Becky tied at 10 correct and it took three taste offs to finally determine that Becky is the winner.   Elizabeth, her daughter, was so happy.   She and Morgan, Todd's daughter and the boys Brandon, Jack Shawn and Even helped by washing glasses and helping serve.   It is quite the endeavor.

George and Betsy are here for the Dinner and were so glad they chose to come as they are here to visit Mother as she settles in at Meadowview and as decisions are being made.

I am really tired now.   Tomorrow, I will be going to Mass and to shoot the pistol league.   I will go to see Mom on Monday afternoon.   She will have lots of visitors tomorrow as well as today so it is best that I go after I check the bills and such at the house on Monday.

It was so good to have such a super family day.  We do have a lovely and loving family.

Take care.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

This is the prayer that I read to start our Beer Tasting and dinner.

(10th century Poem attributed to Brigid herself)
I'd like to give a lake of beer to God.
I'd love the heavenly
Host to be tippling there
For all eternity.
I'd love the men of Heaven to live with me,
To dance and sing.
If they wanted, I'd put at their disposal
Vats of suffering.
White cups of love I'd give them
With a heart and a half;
Sweet pitchers of mercy I'd offer
To every man.
I'd make Heaven a cheerful spot
Because the happy heart is true.
I'd make the men contented for their own sake.
I'd like Jesus to love me too.
I'd like the people of heaven to gather
From all the parishes around.
I'd give a special welcome to the women,
The three Marys of great renown.
I'd sit with the men, the women and God
There by the lake of beer.
We'd be drinking good health forever
And every drop would be a prayer.

You did not hear from me last night because I was in Milwaukee.    I left about 3PM to get to the Irish Center for a Scottish trip meeting.   That was followed up with a meeting of the Shamrock Club.   My friend Gail had asked if I would give a talk about St. Bridget at their meeting.   

It was fun.   The club had a chile cook off as part of the meeting.  I spoke after the general meeting and people seemed to enjoy the talk.   I shared the Brigit flame and cloth with them along with a general history of Brigit from Goddess to Saint.

They even paid me.

The worst part of yesterday was this.   I got a call from Mom's caregivers.   Mom was having some spells where she kind of fades out and doesn't respond well.   I went right over.   Randy was already there and Eileen came soon after I did.   We spent some time discussing the situation, called the doctor and the VNA and finally with no direction from them called an ambulance to take her to emergency.  Dr. Hancock said to bring her in.   He did not seem to understand that it was not safe for us to try to get her dressed and then transport her ourselves to him when we KNEW he would agree that she needed help.

The decision was make after he came to the hospital to send her to Meadowview again.   Now we have time to discuss what is best for her among ourselves and with her.

I don't believe that she is safe at home alone any longer, but we will see.

So. A busy two days.

Tomorrow is the wild game dinner.   I am making a beef and Guinness Roast.

Til tomorrow.

Love

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Well, this turned out to be quite a day.  Got up at about 8AM.   Ate breakfast then got a,  call from a friend, LuAnn who was in town and wondered if I'd like to have coffee with her.    You know me.   Of course I did.   So we met at the Exchange Bank.  After a bit she remembered that I am friends with Rita, who I bring communion to every weekend. Lu Ann wondered if I would go with her to visit as she had not seen her in so long and knows that she is ill.  So we stopped at Rita's home and they had a very nice visit

Home again, I ate lunch intending to go to Quilt Club at 1PM.   That didn't work because I got a call from one of my condo neighbors and by the time I finished with that it was too late.

At three, I left for a 4:15 appointment with Dr. Leben in Sheboygan.   I had two errands that I figured would take up the time.    They didn't quite but I managed to waste a bit of time wandering through one of the stores, I actually found a new floor cleaner that I had been looking for so it was not wasted time.

When I told Dr. Leben about this new pain in my right arm she said Oh No sounds like you blew a tendon.   She looked at my right bicep and wouldn't you know, I have a Popeye arm.  She has decided that I am very fragile.   I will be starting therapy and am to baby that right arm no matter what.

My final stop was at Mark Miller's office to leave and go over my taxes.   They are now in his hands and we had a nice visit.   We have been friends for over 20 years.    We were also in Optimist Club together and the Sheboygan Optimists are celebrating 90 years in existence this year.  I received an invitation as past member and past president. and will be going.    It will be good to see lots of old friends again.

Tomorrow will be much quieter so I will prepare for my talk and the Scotland meeting on Thursday evening.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Hopefully I will get my desktop back tomorrow or the next day.   I really am limited on this one.

A very very quiet Sunday.   I didn't have anywhere to go anywhere at all.   I did go out to scrape and salt my walk where the ice always forms.    Don't want anybody, even me falling on their duffs if they come up to or go out the front door.

I sorted out my hunting ammo closet and have all my Christmas fabric things into one of the suitcases that are too far gone to use for traveling anymore.   Somebody suggested that and I think it is a great idea.

I also worked on writing about St. Petroc, one of the Cornish Patron Saints.    I am a bit limited as my other computer has  most of the things that I have been working on.   I had started Petroc in Oklahoma so I had started on him.

Tomorrow morning will be really busy.    I have a breakfast date, Bible Study and Mom.      All things I like to do. So I won't complain.

I am kind of without my complete addresses because they are on the other computer.   Oops.  

Dia Dhuit

Mary

"Don't grow up.   It's a trap."  Ireland
 

What a goofy day.    I got a call from a bad person or persons who kept me stringing along for a while before I realized what they were.    Fortunately, I did.   I called Richard and Brenda immediately.   They can't help me from there so told me to go to the laptop and to take the desktop to someone local.   Richard pulled up a couple and the first was Excelnet.   Yea.   I know them.   So I called and they have the computer.   I took it right over.   I should get it back mid week and will be OK with the laptop til then.

Thanks Richard and Brenda.    I must be more alert.

Went to the 4PM Mass.  Pray for Fr. Dan.   He had back surgery last Sunday and will be gone for a while.   Also pray for my cousin Greg who has very severe back problems also.

Tomorrow should be quiet.   Most of the week is very busy.
 Thursday, I will be going to the Irish Heritage Center in Milwaukee to meet with hopeful travelers to Scotland and then to have dinner with and give a talk on Brigit to the Shamrock Club.   I will be spending the night with my friend Gail and her husband Tom before coming back sometime Friday.

Monday is usual and Tuesday afternoon has become too busy.

Anyway.   I am going to wind down and go to bed and read for a while.

Be well

Dia Dhuit

Mary








 

Hello World

I just got home.   I went out to Rhine at 5PM to shoot league.    Harold Diedrich came in at the same time so I had someone to shoot with.   Haven't had a chance to visit with him for a while.   And I received the two rabbits that Jerry Coenen had promised me. We don't need them for the Wild Game Dinner so I will be cooking them one at a time, of course.   Anybody want to come for dinner?   I found a super Creole recipe that I want to try.

I left there and went right to the Plymouth Arts Center for the opening of their new show.   It is all photography.   Five Artists.  I met three of them.   All good, though I am a bit confused why one did all black and white.   Some made sense, but not all.   Lots of neat techniques and media.

The early part of the day was all at home.   Bonnie came and did the cleaning.   I worked on the book,  I have started St.  Colm Cille.  He is an interesting soul.

I have put the Brat Bhride out.  (The cloth to be put out on St. Brigit Eve so that it can be blessed by the saint as she walks the earth before her feast day.

So I am now ready to settle in for a warm night of sleep.   It was 7 degrees again when I was driving home from the Arts Center.

So. Until tomorrow.

Dia Dhuit

Mary.

Home all day.   Same old.  Same old.  Until tonight.

I watched John Mc Givern at 7PM on channel 10.   He featured Sheboygan Falls and Kohler.    Beth and the Research Center were featured really well.  Beth Dippel did such a good job showing it off.   Evans also was show with Ed Evanoff speaking about the store.    We all like it.

Then John interviewed Tom and Kathy Keyes in front of their beautiful home at the corner of Pine and Park with the lovely corner garden that is maintained by a group of gardeners.  

I LOVED the show.   I am working on mending the back of Mom's Cathedral Window quilt.  A nice winter project.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Cold is still with us BUT it did get up to double digits by this afternoon.

This morning I left at about 9:30AM for my errands.   First I went to Fleet Farm.   I was out of all cooking nuts, raisins and dried cranberries.    I buy them there because they are very reasonable and nice and fresh.  From there I stopped at the post office to pick up the Condo mail.   Just the free paper again.   Next I drove around the corner to city hall and dripped off the first half of the RE taxes.

Last.   The Pig for what little groceries I needed and to by my lottery ticket.  Finally got home at 11:30AM.  I ate the last of a fajita dish that I had made for lunch yesterday.    This time I could add some salsa to it.

I called my sister, Nora, to wish her a Happy Birthday, then worked on the Michael chapter for a while.  I started the mending on Mom's Cathedral Window quilt.   I know she will probably want it back in April or May.   Seems like a lot of time, but if I don't start, it won't get done.

Richard and Brenda called this evening.   Always good to talk to them.   They are well and going for their Florida vacation in February.  I know the warmth will be welcome.   They enjoy Florida, one of their favorite vacation places.

So, I am ready to head to bed.   Nothing scheduled tomorrow so I will work on the book and on the prep for a talk that I am giving to the Shamrock Club in Milwaukee on February 6th on Brigit.   So close after her feast it is a good time to do this.   I can give them a piece of the Brat Bhride, the Brigit cloth along with the legend.

Until tomorrow then.

Dia Dhuit  I love you all

Mary


Thomas Paine said, "He that would make his own liberty secure, must guard even his enemy from oppression; for if he violates this duty, he establishes a precedent that will reach to himself."

Cold beyond imagination.  It never went over -1 degrees.    I stayed home all day only leaving the house to put out the trash and get the mail.

I spent the day working on CWI things.   I believe I am all caught up on that now.   Both the local and the international.    I also made a Brigit bread that I wanted to try as a treat to go with the talk I am giving at ICHC in Milwaukee on February 6.  

I was also able to take care of some bills and set up my errands for tomorrow.    Taking the first half of the taxes in for one thing.

So nothing too exciting.    I am plugging away at the book here in there.   Figured how to insert pictures from Picasa which is quite a relief.  

Hope the world gets warmer soon.

Dia Dhuit

Mary



Quote from Maxine "I don't know how to act my age.  I've never been this age before."  And I say AMEN.

Monday Chill

It is very cold.    The last time I looked it was -4 which it pretty much has been all day.   The temps are supposed to drop at least 10 degrees during the night.    Schools and all those type of things are closed.    It is too cold for man or beast out there.   I pray for the critters and especially for the homeless who are afraid or cannot find a place to be warm.    I am praying for our brave snow removal and salt spreader people who are working so hard to keep our roads open and safe.

We have not had a year like this for such a long time.

I did go out this morning.   I went to Blessed Trinity for bible study.   There were three of us.   Ione, Joseph and me.   It was good.   It always is.   Acts is an interesting study.  It tells about the early days of the church just after Jesus left for heaven.

Mom was fine.   We took care of bills and a couple of things that were bothering her.   She likes things uncluttered and just the way they have been for each season of the year.   She shared the pictures that George and Betsy sent of their most recent trip and of them with Shawn, Bekki and the children.   They are beautiful kids.   Just want to hug them.  It is wonderful to have so many beautiful new lives around and some of them are mine.   Especially our little Marcus and his California cousins.

So tomorrow I will hunker here in my little cave and work on computer, CWI, BOOK, BRIGIT TALK, stuff.  

If you get a call from me it is because I am lonely.    Roxie is a terrible conversationalist.  She has one word.   A few inflections but she is very limited.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Hello again

I'm baaack.    I was invited to a Robert Burns party at my friend's Bob and Barb Mac Ewen's home last night.    I got home close to 10PM and was just too tired to blog.

I had an appointment at Generations with a physical therapist for an evaluation.    All I learned is that I should get a doctor's order from Dr. Leben and go to therapy again.   She, Kelsey, thinks that with proper therapy my non sore muscles could take over for the sore muscles until they get a chance to heal.   Sounds probable.   I see Dr. Leben on February 4th.    So we will see.   Today seems OK.  But I have been really careful.

Then at 6PM I went to Bob and Barb's.   Barb had a spread of heavy hor de ouerves.    She avoided haggis by calling her wrapped wienies haggis.   Not a bad idea.   There was a great group of people, mainly from their church, Grace Church in Sheboygan.   I knew several and several of them know Bobbie and Bill.   The pastor, Father Karl C. Schaffenburg, and his wife and Bernie Markovich to name three.   Also, Francoise and Jeurgin Pietzner, friends from Blessed Trinity.  Francoise brings communion to Mother during the week.  One of their friends, named Gary, led us in song, Auld Lang Syne and sang a tune or two of Burns for us too.

Today was also rather busy.   I had an appointment with Carolyn and Rich from Tailwind Destinations about the Scotland trip.   A couple of my fellow travelers joined us so we have more ears than mine.   If you are interested, please let me know and I will include you on future emails. or call me.    It is going to be exciting.

I had the afternoon home and then went to Mass at 4PM.   It is beastly cold outside.   And is supposed to remain so for some days.

God be good to anyone who's sleeping out tonight.   Tuck them in and keep them warm and don't put out the light.

One of my poems was selected for the 2015 Poets Calendar from WFOP .   Yea.


Dia Dhuit

Mary

> Jay Leno: 
> 
> "With hurricanes, tornados, 
> fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the 
> country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist 
> attacks, are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?"

Time for bed

Would you believe that I am still up?   It is 9:30PM

Had a lovely evening.   I met my neighbors, Pat and Roger and my friend Peggy at Pour Vino on Mill Street for a glass of wine.  Then we went down the street to 52 Stafford for dinner and to enjoy the Irish Session there.

I sang Whiskey on a Sunday and Inishfree durning the evening.   Totally relaxing.

Tomorrow is going to be SO cold.   I do not have to go anywhere and will not.   Time to hole up in our caves until the weather is more receptive to being out in it.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Whew

It was terribly cold today and tomorrow is looking like more of the same.

I went to exercise class today and had to stop because my neck and arm started hurting.   I wasn't using them.   I keep my right arm in my pocket, but this time it made no difference.   I am very discouraged.  Fred, the director of the program, said that he will help me work our a program that may help.   I am seeing the physical therapist on Friday and he will get her recommendations.

I went grocery shopping before going home.   I put everything away and made my lunch then I lay down on the couch and slept for almost three hours.    I feel better now.   I baked some carrot muffins this afternoon and mixed up the dough for a loaf of country bread.

Baking and cooking always lift my spirits.   I will have to share some of this.   Tomorrow I am having breakfast with friends and going to 52 Stafford for music and dinner in the evening.    It will be good to get out for entertainment.  

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Just a note to tell you that I am just fine.



I had Bible Study, a visit with Mom, Nora and Leif this morning.   Went to lunch with my friend Peggy at the Exchange Bank.   We then went to Book Head for the  Cream City Writers Club.   On the way home I stopped and had a cup of tea with Kate.

Kate gave me a cute little owl that someone had given her that she felt looked scary. 

Then home again.  At  6:15PM I met Nora and Leif for a wonderful evening at the Blind Horse for dinner.   I so enjoy spending time with them.    We have so much to share.

So now it is past my bedtime and I better get to bed.   Roxie is so glad I am back home.  Last night after I went to bed she went, as Jim used to say, MENTAL and was running back and forth in the living room like a crazy cat.  She even knocked over Bobbie and Bill's picture which I have on the hearth.    I heard the picture fall and went out to see what was going on.   She looked at me like she wanted me to mind my own business.


Dia Dhuit

Mary

Pasties

Well, a day at home all day.

This afternoon at 1PM,  three of my Celtic Women Friends came over and we enjoyed a really super visit as we put together a bunch of pasties to share.    A great way to spend the afternoon.   I make some scones to snack on and Kathy brought donuts and Peggy brought homemade Irish Cream.   So good.   After enjoying Irish Cream and sweets we sipped tea until everything was done.   We split the pasties and my friends left at about 5PM.    Such a great afternoon.

That is really all I have for today.

Tomorrow I am going to church and breakfast and then out to shoot at Rhine.

Should be a much fun as today.\

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Another Week

Another week almost gone.

Today was not too busy.   I just sorted things and cleaned the desk and caught up on some correspondence.

Had lunch with the Bank ladies at Dairy Queen and then picked up the mail for the condo assn. from the Post Office.

I made the pasty dough this afternoon for tomorrows CWI event.

So a quiet day;.   Almost time to go to bed now.   So until tomorrow, God bless you all.

I talked to Jacquie today and she sounded pretty good.   Long time healing ahead thought.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

 This turned out to be quite a productive day.   I went to the exercise class this morning.   I had to keep my newly "shot" arm in my pocket, but was able to do everything else.   I am hoping this will stop my hips from aching during the night.  Twice since I came home from Oklahoma, I have had to get up and soak my hips in a hot bath.   Exercise seems to help.

Then Bonnie and one of her girls came and cleaned the house.   A day early, Bonnie had called yesterday to ask if she could come today because of a conflict.   Jody will be out for at least two more weeks.   She is really a sick puppy.

I fixed a tuna steak for my lunch.   Roxie was willing to taste bits of it too.   Then I went to the Sheboygan County Research Center to look up the Vollrath Zoo as I want to do a poem about the time I remember going there.    I told Beth I would do an article for their newsletter too as long as I am at it.  

I worked for a while on St. Michael for the Patron Saint book and on the Poem for the Spring exhibit at the Ebco center.    I think I am finally getting some enthusiasm back.  

Now it is after 7PM and I am going to turn everything down and watch The Taste on channel 12.   I like it and just want to kind of gel.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

"Whoever said that diamonds are a girls best friend, never owned a dog." Anon.

It has been a busy day.   I had an 9 AM hair cut.  Terri does a good job and is right down town in Plymouth.   She is interested in CWI too.  With her business, she keeps emailing that she hated to miss the events after they are over.     Everything unto its time.

Then I went to the Sheboygan Clinic for my appointment with Dr. Leben about my arm.   I got there at 10:15am for my 11:45AM appointment.   Good work, right?  They couldn't fit me in, but they did try.   So I went to the Glas House Coffee shop for a cappuccino and wrote out the bones of a poem that I need to have done by the end of February.  Assignment poems need to whirl around in what is left of my brain for a while and often collide with inspiration.  I like this beginning and have plenty of time to hone and rewrite.

My appointment went well I think.    Apparently, sometimes shots are the only way but we are still hoping that my muscles, ligaments or nerves, whichever it is will calm.   She got a new spot in my arm itself to try to get rid of that pain.  She is supportive of the therapist who will evaluate me at Generations for suggested exercising.   I always love it when one of my neighbors, well meaning but thinks that anything that worked for her should work for everybody, tells me what I should be doing.
Anyway, I am in a LOT of pain now because the night of the shots and sometimes the next day are a bit hard.

Home again, my niece, Vikki, called.  She was on her way home from seeing Jacquie and things are not good.   She has her good times,  Vikki experienced one while she was there.   But other problems cause sever mood swings and then she becomes very angry and suspicious.     Vikki doesn't see how she can ever go home.   Poor Todd.    Vikki talked to her Uncle Dick, my ex, and he actually was talking.    He doesn't know what he is going to do.   He says he has nobody.    I don't think he realizes that the boys, especially Bart are concerned for him.   Bart will do as much as he can.   Neither of them can have him live with them.   Dick will have to share his situation with them so they can work it out.

Another worry.    Just because I divorced him doesn't mean I don't care.   He fathered my children and he is a human being in need of help.

Guess that is all for now.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A bit of humor.


"Why does it take five Irishmen to change a light bulb?  One to change the bulb.  Four to remark about how GRAND the old bulb was." www.irelandcalling.ie

That is why it is a good thing if at least five people are around when you die.   One to bury you and five to remark about how grand you were.

Tuesday

We had snow today.   Not as much as predicted but snow in any case.   This means that it was somewhat warm, but we are being told that the cold is coming back.   Not the sub zero but below 20 degrees.    Sometimes I wonder why I came back to Wisconsin.   I left because I was young and looking for adventure.   Sunny California was sure nice for chilly bones.  Wouldn't like to live there now.  But getting away from these winters would be a joy.

I went grocery shopping this morning.   The first time for myself since before Christmas.   I still didn't need much.   I stocked up on some paper products and needed some salad items and cat food. 

Home again, I finished getting all the Christmas items downstairs and I cleaned and sorted the Christmas boxes and have that wall of shelves all organized.   I put ribs and sauerkraut into the crock pot this morning for supper.   It was really good.

Tomorrow I get a hair cut and have a doctor appointment.   Sure hope Dr. Leben has some hope for my arm.   I am pretty discouraged myself.

So the living room is back to its non Christmas status and I feel good about that.  Saturday I will be making pasties with my Celtic Friends.   Not as many as last time.   If you want to come, grab a couple of root veggies and come on over.


Dia Dhuit

Mary

This has been a very busy Monday.

First I had to go to the bank and  Walgreens on the way to Sheboygan Falls for a couple of errands for Mother.     I got to Blessed Trinity just on time, though we do operate a bit on Irish time and I am using that cushion.

We are, as I mentioned, studying the Book of Acts of the Apostle.   Very interesting.   We are in Chapter 4 Verses 30 and on when the disciples of Jesus had joined together and pooled everything and it was wonderful and no one was in need or hungry.    We discussed the fact that even so close to the time that Jesus was among them, this utopia did not last too long.   The trouble with utopia is that someone has to be in charge and also some people be their nature will allow everybody else to do everything.  Power brings problems and corruption and so does apathy and laziness.  We also discussed that this is actually communism which in its pure form seems like an ideal way to live.  Unfortunately there are always people on both ends of the scale who will take advantage of the situation.

Then I went to Mom's.   She is fine.   Kind of tired and is having some trouble remembering things.    It seems to be because she doesn't always hear things or because of her tiredness it doesn't stick.   She is still reading the paper as best she can and keeping up with news.   We got her bills paid and I put a few things back in their places from Christmas.   She does not like to wait.  Always sweet about it but sometimes I just do things because I don't like her fretting about it.

Then I went to pick up Sy Regan and we went to the Sheboygan Writers together.   That was fun.   I did have a short poem to read.   I have been rather dry the past month of so but did write one on my way home from OK.

I am not putting it here as I may want to submit it somewhere and they want unpublished items.

I would like to share one of my brother Matt's poems.   I have been reading them lately.

THE NOMAD

the nomad has
been had
his hiways have been used
and he's been refused
in the bars
and saloons 
of a society 
he never made
the nomad has 
been had
all thru these recent years
and has cried too many tears
because all he hears
is how the 
nomad
has been had

His poems were usually dark and he used no capital letters or punctuation.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Sunday

Today was Sunday all day.   I went to Mass this morning. The School Kids planned and did all the readings and led the singing for the Mass.   It was very impressive.   It is Catholic School week so we were all invited to visit the school.    I had to get going though.    I took communion to my neighbors, Tom and Rita.    They had to take their grandson home so wanted to leave before noon.   Keep them in your prayers.   Rita looks pretty good but is obviously more frail.   I think she is at peace.
Rita gave me a Christmas gift.   I think she likes to thank me.   I feel that it is such a privilege to carry Jesus in my very own car to share in some one's very own house, that I don't need gifts.   But she is a giving soul and accepting is also a gift to the person who gives.  I hope that makes sense.  
I took the rest of the day rather easy.   I have everything Christmas downstairs now.  (I think).   Now I will be spending time in that back room each day stashing and sorting things. 

I called Jacquie today.   First I got Todd on her phone that kept breaking up.    But Todd called me back on his phone.   She sounds GREAT.   I am so relieved.   We want to keep praying, but we can throw thanks in along with the prayers for continued healing.   

Tomorrow I will have a usual Monday with Sheboygan Writers Club thrown in.   I will be picking Sy up again.  

I have made a vow to get back to my writing this week.    Not too big a goal.   I can start a bit each day.

Hope all is well with you.    We had temperatures hit 40 DEGREES today.  A heat wave.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

What a day.     My cleaning lady, Jody, is still sick, but her boss, Bonnie came at 8:30AM and cleaned the house.   

May arm is so sore.   I called Dr. Murthy to see if perhaps I could help by using a sling.   He said that it was Ok but to let it out of the sling regularly so it doesn't get stiff that way.   I just want to stop reaching for things with it.   I don't imagine that Duct Tape would be very practical.

I went to Falls and Mother's at 10:30AM because the VNA were coming.   They have determined that she is too healthy for their services at this point.   Poor Mom.   The nurse, the social worker, me, Dolores and Ken and Mary Margaret's Mike were all wandering in and out or the house.   The VNA will come two more times.     I went down because Pat, the Social Worker, wanted one of us there to be sure Mother understood what they were saying.    Her hearing is so bad you know.   If I had known that Dolores would be there, I wouldn't have come.  Dolores will be there next Friday when they come for the last time and will help her sign off and everything.

Home again, I started putting Christmas away.   I can do that with one arm if I put the right arm in a sling so I remember not to use it.

This evening, silly me, I went out to Rhine to shoot pistol.   I got our on Hwy C before I realized the the weatherman was right, nobody should be out in that icy mess.    I did make it to the club and did shoot.   By then the salters had been out.  I followed my friends Bob and Pat Becher as far as Plymouth so am safely home and they are too.  One of the guys at the club gave me his phone number in case I did get stuck or became unable to move.    I was sure grateful and called to tell him that I was safe.   People are good to me.   I am truly blessed.    On the way home I decided I needed an Angel guarding me so called on Michael.    I told him that since I am writing about him as Patron of Cornwall, he really should protect me from harm so that I can finish.   I helps to have friends in high places.

So

Time for bed.

Dia dhuit and stay safe.

Mary

Kind of a nice day.   It started off with temps WAY below zero, but by the time I had to go out at 10AM, it had warmed up considerably and there was no wind.

I just had to go downtown anyway for my dental checkup.   All went well and I now have the cleanest teeth in town.   Then I drove to the post office to mail a package, pick up the condo mail from the box and get some stamps for me.  I got some cash from the ATM as I was down to less than $10 cash.  Last I picked up some prescriptions at Walgreens.

Home again I ate lunch, rested for a bit and then made some scones to take to Kate's for her party tonight.   I also made a batch of blueberry/rhubarb refrigerator jam this morning to spread on them.  

The party started at 7PM.   She puts on a good  spread.   It was a nice party with lots of friends from church.  A very pleasant evening.  

Tomorrow will be kind of busy too but manageable.

So until then.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A Catch Up Day

It was a catch up day.    I emptied my suitcase and have almost finished the wash.

I cleaned up the kitchen and got the mail sorted and the bills paid.

I went to see Mother and have her bills all checked and taken care of. 

Now I feel pretty good about everything and will start going forward in the morning- after my dentist appointment

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I'm Home

I arrived after an easy trip at about 7PM.   Am going right to bed now.

Til tomorrow

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Last Day in Oklahoma

We Just got back from dinner at the Samuri, a Japanese restaurant where they cook the food on the griddle in front of you.   It was excellent.I had salmon and it came with soup, salad, rice and stir fry veggies.  So good.

It has been a refreshing time of rest away from everything that is a responsibility and mundane.   Now I plan on hitting my life at home as if it is, which it is, a new beginning.   It is still at the beginning of the New Year. fresh and untouched.

It will be good to be home.   Home is after all where we have carved out our lives.   I miss my Roxie and having my own home around me.   I did look at several homes for sale here.   There are one or two that I could see myself in.   Time will tell.    I well be where I need to be.

I will be home by this time tomorrow night and sleep in my own bed.

Dia Dhuit

You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.
C. S. Lewis
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/c/c_s_lewis.html#fj8faMXozo2ZMO18.99

Mary

You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.  C.S. Lewis

You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.
C. S. Lewis
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/c/c_s_lewis.html#kxPgSATKUXBrUjoB.99

You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.
C. S. Lewis
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/c/c_s_lewis.html#kxPgSATKUXBrUjoB.99

You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.
C. S. Lewis
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/c/c_s_lewis.html#fj8faMXozo2ZMO18.99

A rough Day :)

I hope that symbol means smile.   Bart, Barb and I drove to Midwest City, near Oklahoma City to meet Jim and Michelle for lunch and a journey to a Flea Market.   I guess it has been going on for 30 years or so.

We had lunch at a restaurant called Monterey Jacks.  I had enough food for dinner and supper.   Spinach enchiladas with rice and beans.   Nummy.   The flea market was big and interesting.   the "rough day comes from the fact that there were several puppies looking for homes.    One could hold them and I cuddled a black Labrador retriever pup.   Bart asked to hold him, and I said sure but the puppy just snuggled deeper under my chin and hung on.   I was only able to say no to him because what would I have done with him now.   Later, Bart was talking and petting another dog and when he said he couldn't have it, the puppy whimpered.    I thought Bart was going to melt into a puddle.   We are all such critter people.   But we did manage to make it out of the place unpuppied.   (Is that a word?)

So it was an altogether lovely day.  Quality time with two of my boys at the same time and with their wives who I love.It was in the mid fifties, so a good day for a flea market but as we were arriving back in Lawton, the temperature was dropping.   The wind is howling now which means a quick drastic drop is happening.     Barb said that now I know what the song from Oklahoma means.   "the wind goes sweeping ore the plains."

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Friday

This vacation is very nice.   

It is not exactly warm but MUCH warmer than at home. It looks like I will be returning to sub and near zero temperatures on Tuesday.


Last night Barbara and I went to Geronimo to visit with Adam, Lexie and the girls.   My little grand daughters, Adria and Abbie.   They have grown so much since I was here last.  I brought them my American Girl doll, Felicia, and all her belongings.    Adria has an American Girl doll that looks like her.  So my present to her was my Cabbage Patch Girl, Marcia Madge, and her belongings.    They were very happy with them.   A neighbor girl, Kate, was spending the night.  She informed me that I should bring her a doll next Christmas.   I told her, very kindly, that her grandma should be bringing her dolls.  I also had five American Girl Cookbooks that I hope they enjoy with their mom.

Today,  Bart drove me around Fort Sill just to kind of tour and see changes.

Tomorrow we are going to Oklahoma City to lunch with Jim and Michelle and go to a flea market.

We are watching the Hunger Games.  I never saw it and always wanted to.

So that is the news here.

Hope all is well with everybody I love and that the New Year is promising.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I am in my glory.   I have two puppies sitting on the couch beside me.

New Years Day

Happy New Year.   2014 is here.  Can you believe. 

I am in Lawton enjoying much better weather than at home.   It was in the upper 50s today.   Barbara, Marlise and I went to Dillard's for their crazy New Year sale.    Everything that is permanently reduced is further discounted by 50%.     We had a good time.   I bought a nice outfit, a new denim jacket and a couple of things from the kitchen department.    It was a lot of fun.  I am not a big shopper but do enjoy it with other people.   

Then the three of us went to a Vietnamese Restaurant.   We all had Won Ton Soup.    It was a HUGE bowl.   I will be eating it for lunches.  I don't mind at all as it  was very good.  I have had a request for the Kunert Spinach,Noodle Casserole from Bart.    It will be our Sunday dinner.

We are planning to go to see my Grandson Adam and his wife Lexie and my great grand daughters Adria and Abbie tomorrow.    I have presents for them and am really looking forward to seeing them.

Barb made a super pizza for supper tonight.   I have finished the mint brownies so had one of them for dessert.

Have to check things you know.

Til tomorrow

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Monday

Another cold day, but the sun is out and there is little or no wind chill.

Bart and I went out to the Mall and for lunch.   We are mainly just relaxing and "being with".

So nothing exciting to report.

Dia Dhuit
 Mary

Sunday

It is cold here.   Perhaps not as cold as other parts of the country.  The wind, which started during the night, sounded like a banshee howling around the house.

I slept a bit longer than I probably should have, but then I am on vacation.

The three of us went to Bart and Barb's church for sacrament service this morning.   I like their services.  They consist of testimonies, hymns, blessing and sharing of the sacrament and blessing.

Can't go wrong with any of that.    I noticed something this year that I did not notice last time.    They refer to God the Father as Father Almighty, not THE Father Almighty.    I like that.   He is not a "the" but our actual Father.

Bart and I came home after the service, Barb stayed for some other events.  We just hung around home.  I made lemon bars for Bart.    Later this week, I will make some mint brownies.   Special requests. 

Barb made a delicious taco soup for our supper. 

Talked to Todd this evening.   Jacquie is supposed to be going to a rehab center in Bullhead tomorrow.   She was very sick today though, unable to hold anything down.    We must keep on praying.

That is all the news I have.  Only two more days left in 2013.

Athbhliain faoi mhaise dhuit!

Mary

  

A WARM Day

It almost got up to 60 degrees today.   Almost a heat wave.   Bart and I went out for breakfast this morning.   Barb and Marlise, her mom, had errands to run.    Barb always helps her mom on Saturday mornings.   Bart and I went to a restaurant called Jimmy's Egg.   I had sweet potato pancakes with bacon and an egg.    So good.   Bart had Eggs Benedict.    I wanted to go to breakfast with him because that was a tradition with us when he was in high school before he got his car.   We always enjoyed that time together.

We got home at about 10:30.    Jim and Michelle came down and got here shortly before noon.  We had a nice afternoon catching up.   Barb and I fixed a late lunch of steak, barbeque beef, salad and beans.   Then we had a wonderful cheesecake with fresh strawberries for dessert.   They had to leave about 4PM to be home before dark.     Jim has a bad back and knee and the ankle, we know.   Yesterday he slipped off a ladder trying to take Christmas down.   He twisted things so is very uncomfortable.

We are thinking of going to Ok City next Saturday and will hook up with Jim and Michelle at a huge flea market if we do.     Barb and I went to the store to pick up a couple things that I needed to make some bars that Bart wants me to bake.   Got home in time to get to Mass at 5: 30PM.    Fascinating Mass.   It was Bi Lingual.   Some parts were in English and some in Spanish and the sermon was translated.  Loved it.   Then at the end of Mass we had a couple celebrating their 50th Anniversary renew their vows.    I think this is a very active church.

So the day is over .   Tomorrow will be rather quiet, but I am planning on going to service with Bart and Barb tomorrow.

Time to wind down for sleep

Dia Dhuit
 Mary
 

Oklahoma

I arrived here safe and sound.   The trip was OK. (notice my little pun.)   I  was picked up by Rite Way at 3:30AM to be at Mitchell Field for my 6AM flight to Dallas.  When we arrived, I traipsed and took the shuttle to the gate assigned for the next leg of my flight - straight to Lawton.  I grabbed a snack and some coffee and after an hour or so, the airline in their wisdom decided to move us to another gate halfway down the hall.   Bart was waiting for me in Lawton and we headed to the house after stopping for lunch.

We spent a quiet afternoon.  Barb got home in the late afternoon.   We ordered pizza for supper and all went to bed early.   This was Barb's first day back to work since her surgery and she was totally exhausted.  Today Barb had to work again, and Bart and I stayed home and computered and watched TV and I hugged and petted doggies and kitties to my heart's content.

Tomorrow we will get out a bit before cold weather comes in on Sunday.  Jim and Michelle may come down.   Jim slipped off of a ladder taking down Christmas lights.   If his back is OK (there I go again.) they will come.   Otherwise, we will see how we can manage in the next week I am here.

Anyway.   I am so happy to be here.  I love all my kids so much. I am really the luckiest girl in the world.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Merry Christmas

Hope your holiday has been as lovely as mine.   I was able to get packed and a bit of cleaning done around here so that when I come back there is not a mess to contend with.

The limo company called.  They will be picking me up at 3:15AM, which gives me a whole extra hour to rest.

Went over to Bobbie and Bill's at about 3:30PM.  Roxie was a very sad kitty.   She meowed all the way but seemed quite content when we opened the carrier at Bobbie's and after making sure that everything was where she thought it should be settled down very well.

Richard and Brenda arrived shortly after I did so we had a fine visit and opened presents over appetizers and some drinks.   Then a great dinner and more visiting with Christmas carols in the background

Home now and will try to get some rest before my pick up in the morning.  You will hear from me either tomorrow or the next day.

I hope your day was a nice as ours.  

Nollaig Shona Duit

Mary

Christmas Eve

Cold again today and the roads were slushy and kind of slippery.    I spent the morning cleaning things up so that everything will be mostly in order when I am gone.

I went to Mother's at about 11:30AM with her lunch.    We had Gumbo and Risotto with pumpkin cupcakes for dessert.    I also brought her a tuna sandwich for her supper.     I took care of her current bills and then we had time to visit too.  Shirley Carpenter dropped in for a bit.   She is a good friend.  She brings communion to Mother almost every week.

I gave Mom her present too.   A nice bottle of wine.   She looked very pleased.

Then when she got sleepy, I came home again and wrapped  the rest of the presents and finish most of the packing.    Tomorrow I will finish the packing and clean the kitchen floor before I leave.   With this weather, it needs at least a rinsing.

I went to the 6PM Mass for Christmas.   I was a communion minister which is always so important to me.   I feel so close to God when I can share him.

The music was beautiful.   We had the folk choir singing and leading us.

Until tomorrow.   And let me wish you a Merry Christmas Eve.

Nollaig shona duit.

Mary

Monday

I can hardly believe that there is only one day left until Christmas. 

This was a lovely Monday.  Bible Study at 9:30AM.   We are, as I said, doing the study of Acts.  We are just at the beginning.   One of the questions was "What pressures do Christians today experience that might lead to a silencing of convictions."   Pretty interesting question at any time in history.

Mom looked beautiful today.    The Nurse came while I was there.   We paid the bills after she left and still had time to visit before the Meals came.   Tomorrow and Christmas are no Meals on Wheels days.   I am taking her meals tomorrow and Christmas is also covered.

I finished wrapping all but one present that I still don't have -- EWWW-- getting nervous.   I talked to both Bart and Bret today.   My package from Bret arrived today.   I can tell what two of the packages are but will not open until Christmas morning.   Roxie and I will enjoy that.

So, until tomorrow. 

Nollaig Shona Duit

Mary

Hi

The past two days have been spent Mainly at home, though Saturday, I went to Mass and then at 7PM down to the Art Center to enjoy their presentation of A Celtic Christmas.    It was very well put on and worth seeing.   The show featured, as they put it, Traditional Celtic and English Christmas Carols.   There was a chorus, consisting mainly of children,  three feature soloists and three musicians accompanying.   I loved it.   I went with my neighbors Pat and Roger Cook and after the event we went over to the new wine bar in town called POURVINO.   It is quite the place and I hope it stays open.  Pat's grand daughter works there.  Pat and I have decided that we will go back for one of their "flights of wine" along with a meal one evening.   It was fun.

The promised snow came during the night and bless the Lord, I was able to stay home all day.    Mark and his crew have plowed us out so tomorrow I will have no trouble getting to Sheboygan Falls.    I did part of my packing today.   Roxie is suspicious.  

Tomorrow will be a pretty normal Monday.   Tuesday, I will go to have lunch with Mother and bring her something for her supper.   I will bring her Christmas present also.   I am getting her some wine.   I have also renewed her Reader's Digest large print.

So.  The wait for Christmas is almost over.   It is bitter sweet this year.  I am so glad that I will be with my children, at least four of them during the holidays.   It will make it special and give new memories, I know.

Bless us every one.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Another day closer to Christmas.   They keep talking about ice storm.    So far so good though.

I went out this noon for lunch at the Dairy Queen,   stopped at Walgreens.   The rest of the day was quiet.   I have been rather lazy the past few days and am glad of it.

Tomorrow I am going to a Celtic Christmas at the Plymouth Art Center.  That will perk me up.  I have heard good things about it.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Here I am again

Yesterday was a year since my love went up to heaven and I was just glad to be home and be.   I received a couple of phone calls that were helpful.    My sister, Nora, called and my dear friend, Ione, whose husband joined Dick on Christmas, knew and called me too.   I received a call from my lovely granddaughter too, but was unable to get to the phone in time.   I called her today and we also had a really lovely talk.   Marcus got home from day care just about when we were done talking so I got to say hi to that little man too.  

I heard a man say that "When I am grieving, I am remembering."   It is so true.   I don't like to cry but sometimes one has to and with Dick, I usually remember something he did and then I end up smiling with the joy.    

Today was nice.   I went exercising at Generations this morning.   Then I cleaned up the kitchen and left at about 10:30AM to buy some better walking shoes on my way to Bobbie and Bill's.   Bobbie had invited me over to help her bottle the batch of Gewurtztraminer Wine.    It is just gorgeous.  
She filtered it despite the fact that it looked pretty clear already but with the filtering it is absolutely sparkling.  Our "testing taste" was actually quite pleasant.  It should mature into something just fantastic.

Bobbie fixed lunch too.   Split pea soup and pretzel sandwiched.  
Really good, she made the pretzels herself.  
We had balls of death for dessert.     A nice way to spend the day.

We were going to do dinner, but with the projected bad weather tonight figured that it was better to get me home before the evening when it is supposed to come in.    I mixed up the dough for the Christmas Stolon tonight.   It has to sit overnight.   I plan on baking it tomorrow afternoon.   Then I am all done with the baking.  Probably too much as usual but I do like baking.

So that is what is going on around here.  I am sipping a bit of Irish Cream and trying to keep Roxie away from it.  

Bless you

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Hello

Roxie is upset.  Probably because this is not the best evening for me.   Tomorrow it will be a year since my sweet heart went to heaven.

I am so glad that he is there and no longer in pain or feeling bad, but I miss him so much.   Why do anniversaries bring up these feelings?   It is just another day.  I am not handling it well, I fear.   But I keep remembering my Bret and our mantra  "Don't worry, Mom.   Everything will be OK.   It will be all right, Don't worry. "

It isn't working right this minute but I know it will be OK eventually.

Jeff and Kathy stopped by on their way to Mom's house.  Jeff tried to fix my storm window but he did not have the proper tool either.  I went to the new Ace Hardware in Sheboygan Falls and they got it repaired and they didn't even charge me.   When I got home I called my neighbor's, the Hurries. and Peggy sent Bob over to put it in for me.   So I am insulated from the cold.

People are really good to me.  It is really hard for me to ask for help.  But I am learning.   Several years ago, my doctor, Dr. Murthy, told me to ask for help if I needed it.  I am trying very hard but I am a stubborn person and like my Mother keep thinking "Mind over Matter."   Most of the time it works.

Tomorrow I am home all day and will try to get my head together.   

I think I sent all of you my new Christmas Poem called Nollaig Shona.   If I didn't let me know and I will send it to you special.

Here is an old poem that is not exactly Christmas but kind of fit.

BOY CHILD

by Mary Kunert

Did He spin in circles

His arms outstretched

His face towards the sky

A smile on his lips

Calling

Mama, Mama

Look at Me?

Did He bring home a puppy

A kitten or a toad

And say in a breathless voice

A smile on His lips

Begging

Mama, Mama

Can I keep him?

Did she tuck Him in

Kiss His cheek

Inhale the sweet moist smell

Of the Boy Child's hair

Whispering

Jesus, Jesus

I love you?

Pray for me please and remember Jacquie, my sister in law too.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Monday

The morning was pretty typical.    9:30AM, Bible Study and then a nice time with Mother.   The VNA Nurse was there when I arrived, so I took care of the bills which were really none, just some filing and a check for me for the cheese that she bought for Christmas presents. 

Next I came back to Plymouth and went to my fellow poet and member of the Cream City Writer's Club for a pot luck and Christmas party.    We had a great time.   A daughter of one of our poets, named Hope, who often comes to the meeting, but has never written anything before had a poem about a cotton candy heaven that was charming.  We even sang carols.    AND had a fabulous meal.

I did my first transcribing of the minutes of condo meeting today.   I will review tomorrow, make a couple of calls to find out a couple of things that I didn't get down and then send them to the board for review.   I would like to get them to the members before I go to Oklahoma.

Roxie has been doing a quick race around the house once or twice a day.   She sounds like a herd of elephants and I am so glad.   The exercise, little as it is, is good for her.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Weekend

It was a pretty good weekend.


The Tallgrass Condo board meeting was yesterday morning, which probably is what wore me out and made me forget to post last night.  The meeting went well.   I am planning on having the minutes done and approved by the board members to review so I can get them to the residents before I leave for Oklahoma.

I went to Mass in the evening and then Roxie and I just relaxed and enjoyed ourselves.    I think I got my Christmas Cards done.    I have been so muddled and did not write everything down, so if you didn't get one, let me know and I will forward immediately :)

Today has been a super Sunday,    I slept in some, then I baked an apple pie (I had a crust in the fridge and know that Mom loves apple pie) and mixed up a small meatloaf for my supper.   I figure that is that last whole meal that I will have to cook before I leave.

At noon, I went to the Glas House in Sheboygan.    I dont know how long they have been there but my friend Mary Wagner was speaking there about her photo art.   She is the one who wrote Running with Stilettos, Heck on Heels and Fabulous in Flats.   I really enjoyed her talk and after she finished, Keary Kautzer, a water color artist that I also know, spoke about his art.    A super way to spend a cold Sunday.  Incidentally, The Poets at Mead are doing another event at Ebco.   18 of us are submitting three poems that we seal in an envelope.   The artists involved put pictures of three of their works in a sealed envelope.   The artists randomly pick and envelope and have to do a piece of art about one of the three.   The poets randomly pick an envelope and have to do a poem about one of the art pieces.   We will each have two items in the end exhibit which will be in March.   I go into that because I picked Keary's art envelope.   I have the copies on my file cabinet so that I can absorb them before I write.   I am torn between two.

So the day is winding down and so am I.    I called the Sunrise Hospital in Vegas and found out that my sister in law, Jacquie has to be retested tomorrow.   They were unabl to complete the test today.   She may have colon cancer, so pray for her.  I have placed her on all my prayer chains.   My list is getting long again.

Until tomorrow.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

One of the parents of one of the children who died at Sandy Hook said something very wise.

"When I am grieving, I am remembering."   I feel this way too.   It is only tree days from the anniversary of my  sweet guy making his way to heaven.   I grieve, but I remember with joy and laughter.    I used to tell him that as long as he could make me laugh I would keep him around and he never stopped making me laugh.   Even now.   What a blessing I have.

Home day (Almost)

I did go to exercise class at 8:30AM but aside from that, I never left the house.

It was very cold again, I even turned on the fireplace to take the chill off of the living room this afternoon.    I love fireplaces.

I got the packages all done today.   Yea.   Now I will go to the post office tomorrow and get them off.   I still have a few cards to do but they will get done.  

I called Leslie today.  She sent some Kunert's Fine Wines coasters.  How fun is that.

Bobbie's picture is on the fron page of the Plymouth Review.   She is checking out the food table at the Christmas Celtic Tea the the CWI and SCHRC put on at the Plymouth History Museum.  And that is REALLY fun.

Hopefully it will begin to warm up soon.  Doesn't look too positive though.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Deep Freeze

It never got into the teens today.  I went grocery shopping this morning and picked up a few more Christmas cards. 
Then I spent the day working on Christmas presents and generally cleaning.   I realized that it is only two weeks until Christmas and I will be leaving the day after so I want the house in order and everything kind of organized before I leave. 

I will have quite enough to come back to.

This evening I went to the Poets at Mead meeting with Sy.   He and his Nora are such a dear couple.   They always want to give me things and worked it out good this time.  Nora sent a bottle of Bushnell Irish Honey with a lovely thank you note for helping out her Sy.   I enjoy taking him to these poetry events.   He is good company.   I am having a nice little shot of that Irish Honey tonight to ward off the cold. 

So that is pretty much the day.   It was Zero degrees when I pulled into the garage.  It will probably dip below before morning.   We had two poems tonight about the warmth of a home.   Clark's about the home being a warm "capsule" against the winter and Sy's being a lovely story of he and Nora in their home today after 69 years of marriage - alone again as at the beginning and so content with each other.   It was lovely.

Stay warm.   About everybody in the country has to try to do that.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Success

Today was very successful.  I went to exercise at 8:30AM over at Generations.    I am trying to make a habit of this as I do not have a dog to walk me.   I do need exercise.

Then I came home and showered before picking Kate up.   I had my annual Christmas trip to Gibbsville planned and she likes to do that too.   Nice, I didn't have to go alone.    I got Mom's order too and we dropped the ones she doesn't mail at her house on the way back to Plymouth.    Kate and I had lunch at the new Mexican restaurant.    I really like their food.  Home again,  I spent the afternoon packing the fudge and buckeyes to send to the out of state kids.   I should have everything ready to send out by the end of the week.  

This evening my neighbor Jean and I went to St. John the Baptist for the penance service.   I like to do this twice a year at least but missed the spring one.   I must check to see if any parishes have weekly confession available.

Tomorrow is quieter.   I will grocery shop and pick up my Christmas cards in the morning and then in the evening go to the Poets of Mead meeting.    I always pick up Sy Regan on my way.

It is just bitter cold and supposed to be getting even colder the next couple days.    God is good to us with nice warm homes to live in.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

"God bless anyone who's sleeping out tonight.   Tuck them in and keep them warm and don't turn out the light."

Monday over

It was very cold today but by the time I woke up out roads, driveways and walks were shoveled and Mark was finishing salting.  On cold mornings like this, it is good to be in a condo.

Went to Sheboygan Falls at 9AM for Bible Study.   I had a coupon for a free Subway sandwich so I picked that up on the way as I was having lunch with Mom.    The RN and the OT from the Visiting Nurses were both coming.   She knew about the RN but the OT (Occupational Therapist) was new so I figured I should be there to kind of introduce.

Mom did just fine.   We had a lovely lunch together, got all the bills paid.   She was checked over by the RN.  This nurse was new to Mom, the gal, Pat, who will see her the most, was off today.   This nurse, MaryAnn, goes to St. John's with me.    The OT evaluated her and told Mom that she is doing just fine with what she does now.   There is nothing she will change or recommend.  So.  The OT will not have to come again.  This is good. 

I got home at about 2PM and took a short nap myself.  

I am working on Christmas Cards and Christmas packages.    I want to be able to mail everything by next Monday.   A reasonable goal.

Tomorrow I am going to Gibbsville Cheese for that part of my gift and to get Mom's gifts ordered too.  Kate is going with me.   A couple of years ago, I had mentioned to her that I go every year and she asked to go along.   So I ask her every year.   It is good to have company out there and we will do lunch on the way back.   

So, I believe that it will still be cold tomorrow, but no snow, so we will be safe driving out there.  Hope you readers with all the snow are starting to get some relief.   This is really a very odd year.   That new storm better go somewhere else.    Not here either please.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Christmas Tea

CWI, SCHRC and the Plymouth History Museum celebrated our 8th Celtic Christmas Tea at the museum today.   It was lovely.   We had over 40 people in attendance and enjoyed the music of 4Reel, some of the musicians that play at 52 Stafford on Wednesdays.  

The goodies were, as always, so good and the company was super.   This event is the one that usually gets me into Christmas mood.   It was a bit hard this year when I went into church for Mass after the event.  I was called away last year because Dick's pneumonia had really felled him at that point.   The Celtic friends that were at the Tea and those at Mass were all supportive and though I still feel a bit "squishy"  (I can't think of a really proper word)   I feel the support and love of all those who care for me and are there if I need to call on you.   I love you all and will not hesitate to ask for help if I need it.


Mass was helpful and I was able to  remember with joy.   I took communion to Rita and Tom too.   That is such a pleasure.   I actually have Jesus riding in my car!   It was especially nice tonight because I was able to meet Rita and Tom's son Paul, his wife and son.

Tomorrow I can stay home which is a good thing because of this bitter cold that we are experiencing.  It could be worse, we could be in Oklahoma and Texas with cold AND snow.   Better clear up before I go to visit the Oklahoma kids right after Christmas.

Til tomorrow

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Fun time

It was a nice day.  The main home area  is pretty well decorated and cleaned up as Jody did her cleaning on top of all I have been doing.   The table looks cluttered because it is really the only place that I can stage and wrap the packages that I will be putting together and sending.

I made the fudge today and the buckeyes are scheduled for Sunday. 

I did go to lunch with my bank friends and had a nice hour with them.    I was hungry for beef.   All I have had since Thanksgiving is turkey or chicken.   So I ordered a mushroom burger and it was marvelous.

I just got home from the opening party for the members exhibition at the Plymouth Arts Center.  My Kevin of Glendolaugh is in the exhibit.  I am really quite pleased with it.    They always  have such pleasant music and the food was to die for.   I met so many friends so it was a totally enjoyable event.

Tomorrow is the CWI Celtic Tea at the Plymouth History Museum so it will be a busy day too.   The first thing I have to do is bake the brown bread.

Now it is time for this lady to head for bed.

Bless you all. 

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Short and sweet

It was supposed to be a day at home but things kind of got away from me as I told you last night.   I went to Mother's at 9:30AM to prepare her for the VNA people.  They got there right on time.   The nurse sent through things observing Mom as she did her normal  schedule while they were there and asking questions.   They will be coming to help her twice a week now.   It is one more visit and person to see that she is safe.

I did my grocery shopping on the way home and have been spending the rest of the day decorating for Christmas and handling lots of desk work.

I am really ready for bed tonight.   Tomorrow I should be home all day except that I am going to exercise class in the morning and will stop at Walgreens to pick up some prescriptions on the way home again.

Nora and Bart both called this afternoon and evening which made my day much less lonely.  Friendly voices fill up the void.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

It was rainy all day.    With temps getting up into the 40s it was only slippery rather early this morning.   I went to Generations for the walking class again.   The classes are Tuesday and Thursday every week and I started a couple of weeks ago at the invitation of my neighbor Pat.   She and her husband both go.   I think it will do me some good since I don't have a doggy to exercise me.  Rather walk the doggie but the people there are all fun.  It is about an hour.   Today we did kick boxing moves.   I can't use my right arm but just stick it in my pocket and do everything else.

When I got home, I showered and then continued with doing a bit more Christmas decorating.  I had to complete the present for the Christmas Exchange at the Quilt Club.   I made a patchwork  Christmas stocking out of satins with a black fur top and snowflakes and an angel on it.   

Had a fun time at the Quilters Christmas.  We always share a lunch at the December meeting.  I brought Pumpkin Cupcakes and some candy.    It was quite the spread.   Then we had our meeting followed by the gift exchange.    The present I received is a cool hot pad mitt and two crocheted hot pads.   Pretty and I can always use them.

Home again, I continued with putting things away and decorating.   Jeff and I were on the phone with a couple of things on Mom.   As it turned out, we needed to trade, so on his way home, he dropped my item off and picked his up.    I gave him some of the pumpkin cupcakes for his house.

I received a call from the VNA today.   I had called Dr. Hancock and asked if he would recommend that Mother be evaluated to see if she would qualify for palliative care under her insurance plan.   I really think she will.   She is truly the bridge patient.    She doesn't really need constant care but her weakness and  health concerns should be monitored .   Anyway, they will be out to evaluate her tomorrow at 10AM.   I will go there about 9:30AM to tell her.  She does know that I was going to call Dr. Hancock about this.

So my day at home tomorrow is now full.   Oh well, I will have the entire afternoon.  

Dia Dhuit

Mary

My Advent Calendar

Come on over to claim a candy cane and a chocolate one day.

Sunday - First Day of Advent

I managed to get the Advent Calendar that I made several years ago.  Actually while we were still in Hunters Glen.    I think you have seen it but I will send a picture.    I had to remove the first candy cane today and the piece of candy that was in the pocket.   Each day this will happen.   As I don't have a big tree this year to move the candy canes to, I will put them in a glass vase filled with stones or marbles until Christmas.   Of course, if anyone comes over, they get to that the cane and the candy out and they can keep them if they want.    I always send them to Jim each year after Christmas.   This too is tradition.

I got all the wreaths up and now my outside is totally decorated.   I am assuming that I have the timer working right.

I located the tree I got from Kate in the living room and have started moving other things up and around the house.   I had to spend part of today making a present for the Kettle Country Quilters on Tuesday.   We are having our party and exchange home made gifts.   I make a Christmas Stocking.   I still have to put the hanger on it but it is looking OK.

This coming week actually looks pretty quiet until the weekend.    A lot is happening on Friday and Saturday but I have lots of time to lead up to it.

So til tomorrow.

Dia Dhuit

Mary