Isn't she gorgeous.

- This is a Highland Cow or as I prefer to pronounce it because it sounds so sweet a "Heiland Coo".  The owner said that they liked to be petted, so I tried.   She pushed my arm away, gently, thank God, with her horn as if to say "Do not touch my body."  So I wisely backed off and instead took this fantastic picture.  I now love Heiland Coos.

Dia Dhuit

Mary


Confucius"It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop,"

Monday Monday

A whew, busy day.     Kathy Paul came by early this morning with the CWI Tartan Banner so that I can get it down to Chicago for IBAM this weekend.   She was kind enough to take it home from Irish Fest as I was staying later and that way did not have to carry it around. We had tea and a good visit.

Bible study was great.   Everybody was there except Felicia.   One of our ladies, Janet,  had been sick for a long time so we were surely happy to have her back.  We had a very interesting discussion of the fact that the Apostles seemed to be able to gather crowds with their excitement and why does that no happen today?   Good question, no answer.  We also got a real kick out of the expression "shaking the dust off your shoes" as you leave a place if you have not been welcomed there or feel that it is a BAD place.   An expression that was apparently used commonly back then.    The Jews used to shake the dust off their feet if they traveled in an area of Gentiles.

Mom was just fine.   I shared more Scotland.  She loved the pictures of the Highland Cows.   I will put a picture that I took on the blog tonight.  My neighbor, Jean, invited me to go with her to the Weill Center for a concert by the Moscow Jazz Orchestra.   I thought, why not.    I love going to concerts.   How nice of her to ask.

My Roxie is still not normal, a bit unsettled in her tummy.   I picked up a renewal to the medicine that was for intestinal trouble.    It was a short term med, but was renewable if she started in again.    I stopped on my way home from Mom's to get it.

Got lots of phone calls today.   The best was from my Bart.   He just called to check in and we had a good talk.

Tomorrow the Condo board meeting but at least I don't have to leave the neighborhood and can get caught up some more.

Almost time to go out to meet Jean for the drive to the concert so.   Love you all and

Dia Dhuit

Mary 

Hey, Here is ONE picture it is Eilean Donan Casle.

Well, another day and I am still exhausted.   I got my pictures uploaded to Picasa but am having trouble blogging the pictures.

The trip was so wonderful.   My only problem was that I got a stomach but the third night and my appetite was pretty off the whole trip.   We saw so much.   Our guide, Graham Bruce, was a font of knowledge and kept us informed of the areas we were traversing, both the history and the natural beauty.    He is a retired teacher and has had so many fantastic experiences because of his historical and his political involvement in his home area. 

He wears a kilt always and calls himself the Sweetie Man as he shares each day a different kind of candy with us.   The Scots and I know the Irish also refer to candies as sweets.   So we had quite a variety in two weeks.

I will tell more each day and eventually get pictures in.   Today, I went to Sheboygan to the Glas Haus on 14th Street for the 4th Annual 100,000 Poets for Change.  There were events like this all over the world.    I sang The Island as my other poet's contribution.   Then at the open mike portion read I Watched the Trees Die and Cellophane People as my own contributions.

They were all received well.  Tomorrow I only have to leave to attend Mass in the morning and hope that by Monday I will no longer be so tired and more centered.

Hope everybody is well.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Whew

Felicia and I were frustrated by our airport experience (mostly because of the length of it and for some of the odd customer service).   However,  I am today feeling very blest when I read what is happening at OHare today.   Looks like we really dodged a bullet.   We got there.   Ground travel is always more feasible.   You know Dick always said.  "If God had intended people to fly, He would not have invented the automobile."


I started this on Friday and did not get finished.   Exhaustion took over.   It is Saturday morning and I am preparing for the 100,000 poets for change event in Sheboygan and must rest again.

I promise to do SOMEthing on here tonight.

Dia Dhuit

I'm Back

It is 9:44PM on September 25.  Just returned from my grand tour of Scotland.   Have been up almost 24 hours so am tumbling directly into bed.   Well expound the next few days.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Last night in the U. S for Two Weeks

Just like everything, things seem so far off and then all of a sudden, it is here.

Joseph and Felicia will be picking me up at about 5:45AM.   I am all ready except for the last minute toiletries.   Felicia and I have been roommates before and do well.   Joseph will drop us off at the transfer in Milwaukee.   We arrive in Scotland at 6:55AM their time.   So we will be a long time traveling. 

I took Roxie to Bobbie and Bill's this morning.   She wasn't as noisy as she is most car rides and seemed relatively undisturbed by being there.  She checked everything out and settled in a front window for a view of the world.    She is eating somewhat better but seems to lick all the gravy off and leave the rest.   I would say she is having tooth troubles except when I gave her some nice pieces of chicken from my dinner yesterday, she chowed them down like no tomorrow.   Bobbie said the Molly did much the same when her kidneys started failing, so we will just have to make sure that SHE is comfortable and go with that.

I went to Rita's wake tonight.  The funeral is tomorrow so I am glad that they had this tonight.   I would have felt bad not to express my condolences in to the family.   Tom of course, knew that I an leaving tomorrow.

I will be going to bed soon so that I can get up with some sleep under my belt.  You probably won't be hearing from me, at least not often.   I will try to post occasionally so that you can tell where I am.  I remember one trip to Ireland, Dick said he could follow my credit card all over the island.

So until I return,  I love you all.

Dia dhuit

Mary

I understand that my blog was unavailable for some time during last night and this morning.    I was also having trouble with my Thunderbird but both seem to be OK now.

A busy Monday as usual.    I went to Bible Study.  A good group again.    For the next two weeks, Felicia and I will be gone to Scotland.   I have decided to light candles for all of the people I worry about in all of the cathedrals and churches that I enter.    With my Barbara and Mom and my friends Cindy and our dear Rita, I figure there should be flames of love and asking for help everywhere.

Roxie seems to be eating a bit better but has become Miss Fuss Budget.  She is picking at her food but lapped up all the water drained from the tuna can I opened tonight.   She is also very demanding of love and hugs and brushing.    Bobbie may be sorry to have her, the little pest.

It was Bobbie's Birthday today.  Happy Birthday again!!!!!

Leslie sent several pictures of our Nora settling in in Washington in her intern position.  Her office, some of her friends etc.  She will be working on the Wounded Warrior program for four or five months.   A real honor and a great experience for her resume.   So proud of her.

I went to a class at St. John's tonight for certification of a program that would permit me to work with the youth of the parish if it ever came up.   I have not done that in many years but sometime I might and then would not have to worry about being approved.   Interesting and frightening.  It is terrible how predators coerce children and we all need to be more aware of the signs.

So, a long day.  Tomorrow I will be home all day and will pack.   The next day has some commitments and I do want to rest a bit too.     There will be a wake for Rita in the evening.  

So good night. and sleep well.

Dia dhuit

Mary

I am sad today.   This morning, I received a call from my neighbor Tom.  Our Rita, my friend with ALS, his wife, passed away during the night.   I was her last visitor.  

How glad I am that I was able to see her and to tell her that I loved her and to have the communion host laid in her hand before I gave it to Tom on Saturday night.  Her faith meant so much to her.   I will miss her, but I am so happy too.   She no longer has to be trapped in that body that was giving up on her daily.   Tom told me that during the night he had been sitting with her, saying a decade of the rosary with rosaries that her grandchildren had given to her the previous week whenever she seemed to be "there".  It was apparently a very gentle and quick leaving of her spirit.   She will be with Tom until he is OK.  I know that because Dick is here when I need him.   Isn't faith wonderful.  

I can't do more tonight.  It is very hard even when I know she is safe in the hands of God.   We get kind of lonesome for our friends you know.

Dia dhuit
Mary 

  

I am very tired tonight.

Roxie is feeling better.   At least she is eating again.  She is taking advantage of my worry to insist that I almost constantly cuddle and brush her.

I had lunch with my Scotland travel partner, Felicia, and we are all set for the big travel day. Joseph will drive us to the shuttle place and pick us up.

My ribs and back are hurting tonight so I will try some cold and heat on the areas.  It started when I was walking.

So until tomorrow.  Dia Dhuit

I am going to the Plymouth History Tea with friends from the neighborhood.

Mary

This will be short.

Forty seven years ago, I gave birth to my Bret.   My children are my pride and joy.   An old cliche but it is the truth.   I know that I have given two special people to the world.  I love them so much and they make my life worth while if nothing else does.

Our Roxie has not been eating for the past four days.   I took her to see Dr. Connors today.  All of her blood readings are normal so we are baffled.  She has added a couple of appetite pills and we are going to wait a few days to see what happens.  She is not uncomfortable or in distress so it is worth seeing what happens. I leave for Scotland next Thursday so this is quite a concern.  Bobbie and I will talk after a few days and we know whether the meds are helping.   Poor Baby Girl.

So. I am tired and am going to bed.   I have been working on being ready for Scotland and have almost everything settled.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A comfortable day

I got up this morning at about 7AM.    I had an appointment with Dr. Leben at 9:45AM.  I told her that my headaches and neck are still hurting.   We are going to try a muscle relaxant along with the pain pill and ice packs to see if we can get this thing healed as the shots weren't doing too much for me before.   we will try this for a month through the Scotland trip.

Home again, I fixed some lunch and worked on things for the trip.  Right after lunch, I went out to fill the tank, check for Tallgrass mail and send a package to my Sara.   I just got her address from Leslie over the weekend.  I also picked up the prescription for my muscle relaxants.  I got home and found that I had a partial order,so I called them.   The pharmacist explained that I can pick up the rest tomorrow.   I am a bit irritated that they did not inform me of this.   I would not have known had I not noticed the discrepancy. 

Tomorrow is trash day, a day late because of the holiday.  I really have a lot since I did a lot of shredding over the past few days.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING:
TODAY IS THE OLDEST YOU'VE EVER BEEN, YET THE YOUNGEST YOU'LL EVER BE SO - ENJOY THIS DAY WHILE IT LASTS.
~Your kids are becoming you.......
~Going out is good.. Coming home is better!
~You forget names.... But it's OK because other people forgot they even knew you!!!
~You realize you're never going to be really good at anything.... especially golf..
~The things you used to care to do, you no longer care to do, but you really do care that you don't care to do them anymore.
~You sleep better on a lounge chair than in bed. It's called "pre-sleep".
~You miss the days when everything worked with just an "ON" and "OFF" switch..
~You tend to use more 4 letter words ... "what?"..."when?"... "what?" . ???
~Now that you can afford expensive jewelry, it's not safe to wear it anywhere.
~You notice everything they sell in stores is "sleeveless"?!!!
~What used to be freckles are now liver spots.
~Everybody whispers.
~You have 3 sizes of clothes in your closet.... 2 of which you will never wear.
~But Old is good in some things: Old Songs, Old movies, and best of all, OLD FRIENDS!!

A nice day.   Part of it sunny and warm.  Part of it rainy, really rainy.

Fortunately.  Jeff, Kathy and I were visiting Mom during the storm.

It was a nice quiet day.   I learned how to download my pictures from my Trak Phone to the computer so that I can keep them.  I have decided that his winter will be the time that I go through pictures and get them on the computer.

Nothing else exiting .

Dia Dhuit

Mary.

A whole day at home.   Very quiet.   I took a walk after lunch.   That felt good.  It was muggy but not too hot today so pleasant.

I worked on the book today and the talk that I will be giving at IBAM.

Roxie and I sat out on the deck for a while.  She blew it.   She tarted eating leaves and upchucked.   She did stop eating leaves after that but I figured enough is enough.   At least she threw up while we were still outside.

I have been doing a bit or cleaning and throwing out every day too.   Today, I got a corner of the basement.   This winter, I will attack the pictures.

Tomorrow morning I will go to Mass at St. Fridolin's in Glenbeulah and then go to see Mother and bring communion to her and her fellow Catholic residents at Meadow View.   It is Labor Day too.  I must remember to put my flag out in the morning.    I do have the small flag in the berm.

So until tomorrow.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Saturday - Holiday Weekend

This holiday doesn't change much for me other than I will not have bible study on Monday.   I am going to Mass at St. Fridolin's in Glenbeulah so that I can pick up the hosts to take to Mom and her fellow Catholic residents at Meadow View.    I have never been to St. Fridolin's.  I understand that it is a vey lovely little church so am looking forward to it.

I took a walk just before lunch as I could not seem to get my get-a-long moving this morning.  It was muggy and warm - not hot- but there was a nice breeze and it did get me motivated.

I worked on the stitchery project that I will be talking on at IBAM.  Will do more on that tomorrow.

I went to Mass at 4PM.   Visited with several people before and after Mass.  I took communion to Tom and Rita.   Rita is failing so fast but we did get her to smile that beautiful smile of hers.  She is so brave.   I know her faith is strong, as is Tom's.   She will go gentle into the arms of God.   Please keep praying. 

I shredded a bunch of stuff tonight.   The trash people will not be happy with me.

Tomorrow another day at home.  I am feeling crafty so should be busy.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Another quiet day.    It was hot and muggy.   I was glad that this was not the day for the 5K walk in Hilbert.  The humidity was really bad.

I did some shopping today.   Picked up a couple of things that I need for the Scottish trip and some grocery shopping.

I finished getting the zucchini that Jeff and Kathy gave me used and preserved.   I still have two cucumbers to deal with.

This is the weekend of the Sheboygan County Fair.   I rally don't want to go alone so unless I hear from somebody will spend my weekend at home.

I took Roxie to the vet again today to get another lesson on giving her fluids.  She was really upset.  She hissed at Dana.  We were both very understanding to Roxie.  After all,she doesn't understand.   I did the actual input.  I wrote down the 1, 2, 3s this time.   Hopefully next Friday,  (I figure we should move it to Friday) will be OK. 

My friend, Jana Winchester Hertz, is coming to Wisconsin in late October.   We are planning on her spending a day and night with me.  Then she will be at a conference for Braille.   Should be fun.   We will go to Manitowoc for an Ancestry search for her.

So the day is done.  I am hoping to sleep well and only have one outing tomorrow.  Mass at 4PM followed by taking communion to my dear Rita and her husband, also dear, Tom.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A day at home.  It was a beautiful day too.   Not too much going on.

I did some planning for the trip, baked some scones and did some wash.

This evening I joined the people who could come over in the open area on Thursdays to just mingle.  It got a bit cold but I kind of liked it as when it is cooler, my head doesn't hurt as much.

I tried to give Roxie her fluids today and failed miserably.   I am taking her back to the Vet's tomorrow for more instruction.    He fluid day will probably be changed to Fridays.


That is all there is to report today.

Dia dhuit

Mary

Home all Day

I fell asleep after Roxie finally roused me at 6AM (after bugging me from 5AM on).   Didn't wake up until after 8.   So I got up and ate breakfast first.

Then I got dressed and took care of all those morning things that have to be done. 

I was busy today but at my own speed.   I am working on a small ZINE - don't ask why.   It has just been on my mind and I decided to do one to take with me on my travels and to IBAM this year.   A Zine is a mini booklet printed on one sheet of paper to be folded in such a way that it makes a teeny booklet.  I am calling it Snippets and have six small poems in it.

I also got the BIG poem I Watched The Trees Die mounted on a backing.  It is 4 by 5 feet and was in the Cooler by the Lake event at EBCO.   I just want to put a simple frame around for defining and for stability.   Then I'll take a picture and post it.  What DOES one do with something that large.
  
Guess what.   This evening the phone rang and it was my darling grand daughter Nora.   She will be leaving for her internship at the White House at the end of the week.  She starts on Sept. 2.   She has all the info for getting into the White house and will spend the weekend learning her way around.   I am so very proud of her.    It will be hard for her to be away from our little Marcus, but Daddy Ernie will do just fine.  She is going to be working on the wounded warrior program in her months there.   Something near and dear to her heart.  We had the best visit.    I had not talked to her in a long time.   But I always feel in contact with them because of the uTube snippets of them and Marcus.  I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family.

Tomorrow is another day mainly at home.   I have plenty of projects and goals before Scotland and am grateful for these quiet days.

Dia Dhuit until tomorrow

Mary

Finally blue skies above us

I had a nice day.

First I met my friend, Janet Bieschke for breakfast this morning.   We went to the Dairy State which is on the corner of Eastern and Mill just down from the Art Center.  This is my first meal there since it has become the Dairy State.   It changes owners quite often.   The breakfast and service were both very good, though, as with most restaurants these days, the omelet I ordered was a bit overdone.   I brought half of it home,  omelets do reheat quite well.   I'll have it for dinner tomorrow.

Janet and I had a long visit, discussing CWI things.   I am no longer on the board but she, as the current president, and me as the coordinator of the Sheboygan County Branch can do a lot to help the organization grow.   The new board has lots of ideas.   Ways to offer more for the money to stimulate interest and ways to highlight more of other Celtic Women other than Irish.

As long as I was in that direction, I stopped at the post office and then at the Pig to do my grocery shopping for the week.

This afternoon, I cooked.   I made Vegetable Garden soup and Chocolate Zucchini bread with one of the zucchini that Jeff and Kathy gave me.   I also made a cucumber salad.  The season of plenty. 

Jacquie called this afternoon.   My ex, Dick, had surgery this morning for his prostate.    He is coming home this afternoon so it was an outpatient surgery.   He doesn't tell her anything.   I have asked my prayer chain leaders to put him on their lists and ask you to do the same.    Jacquie had me call the boys.  Jacquie actually sounds pretty good.

The rest of the week is rather quiet.   Something every day but manageable.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

If who we are is a gift from God.

Then who we become is our gift TO God.

Depok

 

The Quiet Day

This was the quiet day that I had hoped for.    I did not have to go ANYWHERE.   

I spent the day finishing about three projects, catching up on phone calls and brushing the cat.   She is getting awfully demanding about getting brushed these days. 

This week is a quiet one.   I hope to use it to my advantage and to enjoy the summer days.

Tomorrow is quiet.  I will go to Bible Study and then to visit Mother.   The rest of the day I will be home. Yea.   Perhaps if it is not too muggy, Roxie and I could spend a bit of time in the afternoon out on the deck.   We both like that.

So Until tomorrow.

Dia Dhuit

Mary