Called my stockbroker this morning and asked him what I should be buying.

. . .. He said "Canned Goods and Ammunition".

I got this in an email today and I liked it so I decided to share.

It was kind of chilly today. Today is Dick's bath day. That is quite a chore but is getting easier all the time. We found a problem today. The callous on the side of his foot looks like there is a blood blister under it. I am afraid. It is Saturday and there is no way to get in touch with Dr. Moreno now. (If it was an open wound , I would take him to emergency.) I will call first thing Monday but we have put his walking on hold until Dr. Moreno and the prosthesis people look at it. Not a good thing. He has been walking more and now this. Seems to me like there is some pressure and rubbing where it shouldn't be.

Our friend, Bob Fleming, brought over two dvd's that he thins I will enjoy. He got them from he library. He called yesterday to tell me that he had them so I invited him for lunch. He is a nice man and just lost his special friend so I am glad to spend time with him. Dick likes him too. He brought us a beautiful bouquet of flowers from the Farmer's Market. I prepared a tasty (if I do say so myself) chicken/cucumber salad with blueberry scones and brown bread for our lunch. I had some Zucchini Chocolate Cake left from Wednesday so we had some of that for dessert.

After Bob left, I took a short nap after calling Mother. She is doing fine. Betsy is in town. I will try to reach her before she goes back to Texas.

I went to Mass at 4PM. It was the first time that I was at St. John's since the surgery. The Mass was very nice. Fr. Van Beeck does do a nice service. The reading were nice. The first reading has one of my favorite verses. Joshua 24:the last verse in 15 "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." The third reading from John after many Jesus disciples leave because they don't like what he is saying has Peter in Chapter 6, Verse 68 saying "Lord, to whom shall we go?" when Jesus asks if they want to leave too. I think I will just hang in there too.

The Packer pregame is on. I don't know if I will make it through the whole thing but wo far it is really exciting. We scored first. Isn't it interesting how we fans say "we" scored first. As if we were out on that field.

Have a lovely Sunday. I should be able to stay home ALL day.

Love
Mary

I got up at my usual time. Proceeded through the normal morning routine. Chelsea and I took a very short walk because it was raining. It was really just misting but if we had gone the full circle, we would have been soaked. I decided that I do not need a cold on top of everything else that I am trying to heal, so we came home quickly.

I spent the morning cleaning. I got the bathrooms done and managed to prepare our noon meal. We had baked haddock, colcannon, beets and cole slaw. Num num.

After lunch I drove in to Bobbie and Bill's house. Obviously the outdoor plants needed not watering as it has been raining every other day since they left on their vacation. I hope it has not been raining on their parade. But they have lots of things that don't require sunshine anyway.

When I walked into the back yard a bit black cat ran out toward 9th street out of their yard. I saw it on Tuesday in the back yard. That day it headed out into the alley. I picked some ripe tomatoes. This is such a pleasure when Bobbie and Bill are on vacation. I must tell you that the cherry tomatoes that I harvested are like candy. Dick and I are enjoying them no end. When I left, a rabbit showed up heading for the back yard. He saw me and I saw him and we had quite a conversation before I decided that perhaps I should head home. It is amazing how comfortable wildlife in the cities can feel with the humans that occupy their universe. This rabbit seemed to feel quite secure.

On the way home, I picked up prescriptions and then went to Capelle's for corn. The corn this year is really spectacular. We will have our Friday corn/tomato supper as long as I can get the corn. Eat your hearts out anyone who does not live in Wisconsin. The four seasons make some meals very special because they ARE seasonal.

I ran into Dick walking his Katrina dog today. He commented on meeting our Roxie. He says she is a fat kitty. Apparently she greeted him quite enthusiastically when Dick walked Chelsea last Sunday.

Did I tell you that I called Bart last night? Barbara is safe in Germany. I have an address. She is, for a week or so, at a place that will not allow computer hookup unless one pays 20 Euros a day. Oh My God? What Are they Thinking.? At least she has hookup at work and she and Bart can contact at least that way. In a week or so they are supposed to be moving to another place that does have hookup. She will be back for Christmas but may have to to back again. If they offer a permanent position, Barb will probably take it, if it offers an increase in grade. Then Bart would move over there until she is done. Sufficient unto the day.

The weekend is very quiet. The only scheduled event is Mass. I will go on Saturday evening and am designated Eucharistic Minister. I am pleased with that. I never get over being able to give the sacrament to the other members of the faith community.

Guess that is all for now. Til tomorrow then.

Mary

Another lovely day. I got up at my usual time. 6AM. I took Chelsea out before feeding her and Roxie because there was a 2:30AM request from Chelsea to go out and relive herself and I think that is long enough for her.

After shower, feeding, pills and cleaning the cat box, since Dick was still asleep, I decided to go grocery shopping. It was by then almost 8 so I shopped and then swung by Mc Donalds for breakfast for Dick and me. That was a nice treat. We enjoy that and do it so seldom these days.

After breakfast and putting the groceries away, I took a nap. We had ham, colcannon and cole slaw for our lunch. Boy do we like colcannon.

Then I left for Mead Library. Jerry Apps, a professor emeritus of Agriculture at UW Wisconsin and a prolific writer about Wisconsin, gave a workshop in the Quiet Reading Room about memoir writing. It was VERY helpful. I have lots of nice hints, we did some exercises that were fun too, much like the spillings that I learned in the workshop with Ellen Kort several years ago. We have an assignment to writ a short story in 6 words. I will let you know if it works. The example he gave was "For Sale - Baby Shoes - Never Worn." Doesn't that break your heart. I will try to find one that is not so sad.

Now I am very tired and intend to be in bed by 9PM no matter what.

Take care of yourselves.

Mary

Today was a very nice day. I got up at 6AM as usual. The mornings are always busy with feeding everybody and getting us all cleaned up and all.

Chelsea and I had a nice walk. My knee was pretty sore today but my hips don't hurt much anymore.

At 10, I went out to Rhine Plymouth for the bust up party for the Summer Trap League. It was a nice time. We had roast pork sandwiches, beans, potato salad and desserts for lunch. I brought some home for Dick. It was fun visiting with all the shooters and members of Rhine. Jerry Coenen thinks that Bobbie should come back to the club as she "promised" that she was going to take a year off and it is more than a year now.

When I got home, I took a nap on the couch which, of course, thrilled Roxie no end.

I then spent the rest of the afternoon being kind of lazy. I did clean the kitchen counters and prepared several emails for CWI.

Tomorrow, I will be driving in to Mead Library to take a class on memoir writing from Jerry Aps. I am looking forward to that. Seems practical to take advantage of free education that is of interest to me. I have to grocery shop in the morning too.

So the day is over and we are possibly going to get more rain. Trying to make up for all the dry days at once.

Love

Mary


~DEATH~
WHAT A WONDERFUL WAY TO EXPLAIN IT .


A sick man turned to his doctor as he was preparing to
Leave the examination room and said,
'Doctor, I am afraid to die..
Tell me what lies on the other side. '

Very quietly, the doctor said, ' I don ' t know. '

'You don ' t know? You ' re, a Christian man,
and don ' t know what ' s on the other side? '


The doctor was holding the handle of the door;
On the other side came a sound of scratching and whining,
And as he opened the door, a dog sprang into the room
And leaped on him with an eager show of gladness.
Turning to the patient, the doctor said,
'Did you notice my dog?
He ' s never been in this room before.
He didn ' t know what was inside.
He knew nothing except that his master was here,
And when the door opened, he sprang in without fear.
I know little of what is on the other side of death,
But I do know one thing...
I know my Master is there and that is enough. '

I feel pretty good about today. My goal was to clean "Roxie's room" and I did get that done. I am trying to take a room at a time. Things have really gotten behind with all this leg stuff.

This afternoon, I went to my friend Joan Kramer's and she gave me a truly marvelous reflexology treatment. My hips and knee are much better I feel just so relaxed. Usually it takes about an hour but she spent over twice that on me. What can one do with such good friends that take such good care of us. Then I swung by Bobbie and Bill's house to check out the plants and all. I picked a lot of delicious cherry tomatoes which will make great snacks for the next couple of days.

Part of the treatment is a pedicure so I have pretty toe nails again. Joan and I always get to talking and then into the relaxation part of the treatment before I pick out a nail color, so she has picked it out the last three times. I think it is meant to be. The color she picked today is called Happy Anniversary. I asked her how she knew that Dick and I had our anniversary Sunday. 23 years. That is cool. I was married 23 years the first time too. So in 4 years I will have 50 years in. Right?

I did a lot of computer work this morning also. I still have an update to do for the Sheboygan County CWI group on the Irish Fest and our next couple of meetings.

We had Slim Veggie Soup for supper. It is SO good, had virtually no calories and if lots of veggie portions. A win win if ever there is one.

Love

Mary

Hello again.

I went to bible study this morning. We had a nice group. The study of Mark is really interesting. It is amazing how often things kind of work together. This part of Mark has the Pharisees questioning Jesus eating with tax collectors and sinners. The first reading yesterday was about Wisdom preparing a feast with wine and great food and inviting the simple to dine.

Then I went to Mom's. She is still kind of recuperating from last week. It was a busy week for her but she is very happy with the events that she attended. Time with family is always so important for her. I brought her the worship folder from the Mass at Irish Fest and the booklet that I put together about the Clifford family for the Clan Reunion. I know she will enjoy trying to put that together in her head. It is hard to get one's head around but fun.

On the way home, I did a couple of errands, most importantly getting the first sweet corn of the season for our supper. I got home to late to fix it for our noon meal, so we had leftover meatloaf and potatoes then. But that corn and sliced tomatoes for our supper was taste from heaven. The corn from Capelle's is absolutely delicious already.

I took a nap this afternoon after lunch and totally forgot the it was the Cream City Writer meeting day. Bill, one of our poets, emailed me that it was Sy Regan's last meeting. His sight is now so bad that he can no longer drive at all and he is regrouping his life and eliminating some things, among them the Writer's Clubs as he will be getting help with aids to assist him in writing and reading and needs to concentrate on learning and moving on. I felt bad missing the meeting so I called him tonight. We have been friends for a long time. My Dad was Sy's Boy Scout leader. That was before Dad and Mother were married. My Grandfather was Sy's Confirmation sponsor so the family ties are over 70 years.

I made a veggie soup today. One of my favorites called Slim Veggie Soup. If I have everything, I will probably make Zucchini Chowder tomorrow. Then we will be really stocked up on soups again. We eat soup at least four times a week and it is nice to have a homemade variety.

We got a refreshing steady rain today. Such a blessing. The morning news said that it was going to miss Sheboygan County but we are grateful that they were wrong and it managed to come all the way up here. We ate our first tomato off of our own tomato plants today. There are others ripening. I have never done too well with tomatoes so this is a real thrill.

Til tomorrow. Take care of yourself.

All my love

Mary

Got back from Irish fest at about 6:30PM. I am tired, but it was very much fun.

Bob Fleming picked me up at 8AM on the dot and we got into the Amphitheatre almost at 9:30 on the dot, just in time for Mass. The Mass, as always, was spectacular. The celebrant was Bishop Anthony J. Farquhar of Ermiana, Northern Ireland. He gave a marvelous sermon. He spoke of the progress made for peace in Ireland, both North and the Republic. One story he told really impressed me. He told of a woman of our faith who was wakened at 2AM in the morning to be told that her son had been shot by a Protestant. The woman, in her grief, thanked God that her son was not the one that had done the killing. How is that for faith that your child is in the hands of God.

After Mass we worked our way over to the festival grounds and got breakfast. I ran into Rosemary Bauman and Betty Gavin who joined Bob and me for breakfast. We had already found Bob's friends but they had gone off to look for some other mutual friends.

Then Bob and I walked to the north end of the grounds, listening for a while to the Jeff Ward Band, getting ourselves a glass of mead, and generally shopping. I got some tea, some Walker Shortbread cookies, a jar of whiskey mustard for Dick and a shirt. I picked up two fairy stones for gifts and the place that had the fairy stones promised me they would have cranes next year. I did look at Claddagh rings but after my experience with the place last Christmas when I never did get my Christmas ring from Dick and it cost us a minor fortune in phone bills, I have decided I no longer want a Chaddagh ring. I think I would like a Harry Potter Griffindor ring. That would be lots of fun.

Anyway, on my way to the song circle which is south of the Dog Area, I stopped and listened to Carmel Quinn sing one song and shake her hand. Yes, I know that she is at least 300. But she looks great and sounds wonderful. I bought one of her CDs later. Had fun at the song circle. I was number 19. We sang so many old favorites and I led the singing of Whiskey on a Sunday.

Moved on after I sang to the Poetry event in the Hedge School. The first part was a lovely tribute to James Liddy an Irish born poet teacher who landed and graced Milwaukee for many years. He died last November 5 and had been always active with the Poetry events at Irish Fest. A very memorable quote from him the I hear today. "I have no problem with abortion as long as the foetus doesn't object." Then they read some poems from well known Irish poets followed by the winners of the two poetry contests offered every year at the fest. Then they kind of ended the event. I was not a winner this year but was under the impression that all entrants who were there could read their poems. My friends Kathy, Barb and Bob had come to hear me so I mentioned it to Nancy and she said that I should go ahead. So I did. I will put one here for you.

Bob and I then got something to eat and headed home. It was a lovely day. I am going to bed soon exhausted but content.

Love

Mary

LEGEND OF A COUNTRY CHURCH

The conversation swirled around us,
Third and fourth generation from Ireland.

We spoke of many things,
This family,
The Priest and his cousins over a meal.
A memory.
A legend.
A curse.
Placed on an IrishCatholic parish
By a circuit mission priest in the mid 19th century.

Someone offended him, you know.
Perhaps he was not housed properly.
Or perhaps he was defied in some way.
The details are gone with the dead.
But he cursed them and future generations
With a curse that shook the community.

“For 100 years you shall not have a priest come from your midst.”

Large farm families of Irish birth
Expected to give a gift to God
Of a son or a daughter for His harvest.
And now this curse.

It was fulfilled

The priest who told the story that night
Was one of the first TWO priests that came
From this same faith community
Exactly 100 years later.

For a quiet day at home, it really got quite busy, but I guess most of you who know me expect that.

Chelsea and I had a rather nice walk this morning. It was in the upper 60s and felt good. She is still like a puppy when we are on our walks. Nobody can believe how old she is.

We had a nice breakfast and then Dick walked for a bit. We got his shower in today too. That is always kind of a chore for both of us. So with a haircut and a fresh shower he is irresistible.

I fixed a mini meatloaf for lunch so we could have something special with the first fresh green beans of the season for us. Sure was good.

I did take two naps today. I am really trying to be rested for tomorrow's day at Milwaukee Irish Fest. Kathy and Barb, two of my Celtic Women, came to pick up the two passes for Irish Fest that I won't need because I am bringing food for admission to the Mass in the morning. Now they know how to get to my house when I host the September meeting at which I intend to share what I learned about Celtic Music over the years, especially through that class at the UW Madison.

Tonight it will be difficult to get to sleep because ---------The First Green Bay Packer Pregame is on at 7PM. They are playing the Browns. I will still go to bed at 9PM and if I fall asleep, I fall asleep. I suppose I should be paying attention because the season starts in four weeks. And so will the Fantasy Football league.

When I was a little girl, there was a woods in back of our neighborhood. We kids played in that woods a lot. There was in the middle, a tree that we called the Tarzan Tree. It was called the Tarzan Tree because you could climb up into its branches and there were vines growing all over the tree. Then you could grab one of those vines and swing from the crook of the Tarzan Tree to another tree across the way. It was a lot of fun.

One day however, I was playing with a couple of my friends and climbed the tree for my swing. The vine broke and I landed on my solar plexus knocking the air right out of me. I could not get my breath and was naturally terrified as were my buddies. I obviously managed to get my breath back but still remember that fear and the expressions on the faces of my buddies as they, one on each side, helped me out of the wood.

Love

Mary

Today was a tired day. I don't know why I am so tired but I am, so this will be short and probably dull.

Dick got his hair and beard trimmed at Shear Delight over at the Plymouth Care Center. We saw Lori and Leah, the physical therapists, and updated them on his progress. When he gets to walking 10 minutes at a time a couple times a day, we can see about restarting therapy to train him to walk with a cane. This will be a happy day.

I took a nap when I got home, then went over to Dairy Queen to have lunch with the bank ladies. I left there tired too and took another nap.

Well, I have tomorrow with no errands so I can rest as much as possible to be ready for Sunday when I am going to Irish Fest. I think I have that planned with walking interspersed with good times to sit and rest too. We will see. Sunday is our anniversary -23 years. I will find him something special in Milwaukee.

I called Barbara tonight - it is her birthday. Also, she leaves for Germany tomorrow. That sure went fast. I got to talk to her mother, Marlise too. She will miss her daughter. It is only supposed to be for four months and is a big feather in Barbara's career resume. Bart did well when she was in Florida and will have to take the reins now. He will go to visit her in late November, as I understand. So that will break up the separation.

So, I ached this evening and took a nice soaky bath in water as hot as I could stand it. Now I am sipping some decaf tea, took a pill and will go to bed in about a half an hour. I'll bet a good long sleep will make a new woman out of me. As Dick would say. Who will I be?

Love

Mary

This was a nice day. I felt pretty good most of the day. My knee is somewhat sore from using it but overall it is much better. My arm, however, from the blood donation bruise is really really sore. My whole arm below the elbow is a ghastly purple.

Chelsea and I had a good walk this morning. I just am going down the first cul de sac but that is enough for now. We go slowly. She is a good girl and does not pull me but just does her sniffing and running back and forth within the length of the leash.

I went grocery shopping this morning. That went well. I did the bulk of it today because they had such good specials that were not available on my usual Wednesday shopping day.

Then at about 11AM I left for Sheboygan Falls to meet the family for lunch with Fr. Shea. Pat and Joan and Fr. Mike were already at Mother's when I arrived, then Kathleen and Bob and Jeff and Kathy came and we sent down to the Other Place in Falls for a wonderful lunch and visit. WE all still call the Other Place, Fitz's and actually the dining room was my Uncle Jack's clothing store called Deeley's Men's Wear. Lots of history in that old place. We are wondering if the bowling alley is still down in the basement. Jeff used to set pins in that alley as a boy.

Fr. Mike is full of stories and reports on his mission in Thailand. He now has 6 houses and 160 children under his care. This does not count his out reach program which provides medical and other support for AIDS infected families who stay in their own homes but need help. In the past week they have just had 6 month old boy added to their rolls. I told him that I would like to learn how to cook Thai and he said that I should come for a visit and he would have the cooking people teach me. He said I should bring Mother along. I told him that Thailand is on my list of places that I want to go.

They have rather large gardens to help feed the kids and the kids are supposed to help. He said they don't like it much, especially the girls so I had Mother tell Fr. Mike how much I hated gardening when I was a little girl. She delights in telling that story on me SO much.

I got home at about 3 and immediately took a nap. I was totally exhausted. I woke up to a phone call. It was Doc Blake, a friend from Rhine Plymouth. He offered to pick me up next week for the bust up party for league. I was unable to finish because of my knee but want to go to the party. Nothing wrong with that. He goes early, but I can bring a book to help pass the time til people get there.

Talked to Bob Fleming this evening. He will pick me up at 8AM on Sunday to go to Irish Fest. We plan on leaving the grounds by 6PM so it will be just long enough. Lots to see but most of the things I want to do will involve a long sit after a walk so should work fine.

Now, I need to sleep. Tomorrow, Dick gets a haircut and I hope to go to lunch with the gals at the Dairy Queen. Someone, probably Ceil, had a Mass said for my recovery by the Franciscan Fathers. Maybe that is why my legs are finally feeling better. Tomorrow I hope it is even better.

Later.

Mary

Chelsea got up rather early this morning but I was able to get back to sleep so that is worth it. I did a bit of shopping this morning, prescription, lottery tickets and Capelle's farmer's market. Then home to put things away and relax until it was time to head to Sheboygan Falls.

I had lunch at the Villager with the members of my high school graduation class that could attend. We are meeting quarterly for lunch nowadays, dear Lorraine lets everybody know and those can come do. There were close to 20 of us this time. It is always pleasant. I had a grilled cheese and tomato basil soup for lunch. I had left Dick lunch of noodles, beef and gravy so he did not miss me at all.

I was exhausted when I got home so I laid down right away and had a good nap. Roxie knocked things off of my desk trying to get over there. She does love our naps. I did feel better today than I did yesterday. So my hope is that this is a turning point.

This evening, I walked over to Lions Park with a dump cake that I baked this morning for the Tall Grass summer picnic. They supplied chicken and coffee and we all brought side dishes. If anyone went home hungry, they were certainly foolish, we had such a nice array of good salads and desserts. Alison, one of the neighbors and our president, walked me home so I didn't have to carry my pan and all. It was fun and I had nice visits with several of the residents. BUT my hips are really aching now.

I am going to be taking a vicadin and going to bed soon. I only take them at night now so that I sleep better. Sleep will help me heal.

Tomorrow I will finish shopping then have lunch with Fr Shea and the relatives.

I sure hope Dick can come with me. I miss having him along.

I saw a monarch butterfly yesterday and a blackish one today. They sure are lovely. We have a lot of dragonflies around lately. I hope they are doing their job and eating all the mosquitoes



Love

Mary

Here we are at the end of a quiet day, a whole day spent at home.

I woke up aching and really ached all day. It seems every other day is good. Chelsea seems content to be home and has settled into her old routine. We are not able to walk the walks she was getting with Bobbie, but we will build up our distance as I can. I miss the morning walks too.

I am able to feed Chelsea and Roxie both in the kitchen. Never thought that would happen, but they both finish their meals and neither is particularly interested in the others while the meal is being served and they both finish their meals.

I got a lot of computer work done for Celtic Women and other things. I also made some cookies. I had six egg yolks left from making a dessert that called for 6 egg whites. I fortunately have found a cookie recipe that uses the exact 6 egg yolks that are left. So we have cookies coming out of our ears right now. We had grilled T bone steak for lunch. I also grilled some brats which will make the rest of the week easy. The steak sure was good. I am so glad that the Pig had a sale. We have a couple in the freezer still.

Tonight we ate the chicken soup that I made yesterday for our supper. I am now reasonably stocked up on soups after having completely deleted the stock while I was laid up.

This is a week for birthdays. Tomorrow is Leslie's birthday AND it is also her and Bill;s anniversary. Then Friday is Barbara's birthday. So lots of things to be grateful for.

Tomorrow will be a bit busier. Some shopping, a lunchan engagement and a picnic. The weather should be perfect. As a matter of fact we are supposed to be having nice summer weather through Sunday which will make Irishfest by the lake quite pleasant.

That is all for now.


Mary


THE CAT IN THE HAT ON AGING...

Just incase you weren't feeling too old today.

The people who are starting college this fall were born in 1989.

They are too young to remember the space shuttle blowing up.

Their lifetime has always included AIDS.

The CD was introduced two years before they were born.

They have always had an answering machine.

They have always had cable.

Jay Leno has always been on the Tonight Show.

Popcorn has always been microwaved.

They never took a swim and thought about Jaws.

They don't know who Mork was or where he was from.

They never heard: 'Where's the Beef?', 'I'd walk a mile for a Camel ',
or 'de plane Boss, de plane'.


McDonald's never came in Styrofoam containers.

They don't have a clue how to use a typewriter.


P.S. Save the earth. It's the only planet with chocolate.

I was able to go to bible study today. What a joy. We are into the second chapter of Mark. There is a lot to discuss and the study guide we have is full of information. I amused them today because we were talking about the fact that we must pray. However, God does expect us to use our own talents to solve the situations we face in this world. I told them a quote that I got from a man at an AlAnon meeting probably 30 years ago. "You can pray until Hell freezes over and you can pray on the ice. But unless you get up off of your ass you'll never get goosed by the Holy Ghost."
This tells us that God gave us a lot of gifts and resources and they are also answers to prayers.

Then I drove over to Mom's for a visit. She is tired but looks good and we discussed the previous day's festivities at St. Michaels. That was a fun time. I was ablt to bring her some cookies. I try to bring her leftovers, but she didn't need them this weekend. She got lots from Randy and Becky.

Home again, Dick and I had Tastefully Simple Potato soup for lunch.

Bobbie came over this afternoon and brought our Chelsea home. I sure am glad to have her back home again. So far so good. She is sleeping now. I will have to wake her up in about an hour to take her outside so that I can go to bed. She seems content and Roxie seems indifferent to her. So life is back to somewhat normal again. We are complete.

Bobbie and I also racked her rhubarb and rhubarb/elderberry wines. At the end of the month, she and I are going to do a marathon and rack the two kit wines. That will be 11 gallons total so it will be a full day's work.

Tonight we had chicken and fresh asparagus with a potato casserole and fresh cucumber salad. Love Summer and all the fresh veggies and stuff.

Be happy. Tomorrow I get to stay home.

Love

Mary

 

A family grouping.

Betsy, Aunt Kathleen, Mom, Aunt Joan, Me, George, Ron, Christine, Kathy, Sara, Jeff and Uncle Pat peeking over Kathy and Sara.

You can see the T shirts in this picture.

Mary

What a lovely day. I slept pretty well last night - kind of made up for the night before. Good thing because the 5 hours spent at the Reunion of the Clans sure wore me out. It was worth every ache though.

I left for St. Michael's at about 10AM and got there in plenty of time. First, I took the Cherry Dream Pie that I baked for dessert down to the kitchen. With whipped cream and cherry pie filling, it had to get into a cool area right away. Then I took the wine up to the sacristy. Rosemary had already left the hosts. Rosemary, Fr. Mike and I met shortly thereafter along with Tom and Kathy Keyes to get the chalices, the lectionary and the other Mass accessories set up. We started at 11AM, almost exactly on time. We figured out how to ring the bell and get attention and then Lori Luther and Mary Calvey started the music. Mass was wonderful. Fr. Mike gives a nice sermon and there is nothing more lovely than hearing this crowd sing the ending song. It is to the tune of Danny Boy, then we always finish WITH Danny Boy. Kind of schmaltzy but everybody knows it and really sings out.

Here are the words to the sending song.

Celtic Song of Farewell (Danny Boy)

May choirs of angels lead you into paradise
and may the martyrs come to welcome you
To bring you home into the holy city
So you may dwell in new Jerusalem
May holy angels be there at your welcoming
With all the saints who go before you there,
That you may know the peace and joy of paradise
That you may enter into everlasting rest.

Then with a steady stream of visiting, we all,(by all, I mean my family, I listed them yesterday,) met downstairs for the meal and more visiting. A lot of the Celtic Women were there too. I think I got them all to sign or signed for them in our little book. To my surprise and delight, Gail McAleese, from Milwaukee. a member of our CWI International board and her husband Tom, who will be St. Patrick in the parade at IrishFest in Milwaukee, were there. They know the Slatterys too. I was SO glad to see her and have her and Tom meet my family.

I got to share a folder about the Clifford ancestors that I put together this morning with a couple of people too. Several of us were wearing the tshirts that Jeff put together last year. They feature the Clifford Crest and have CLIFFORD printed above the crest and BOWSER below. My cousin Christine asked about the Clifford/Bowser connection, so we went upstairs where I had left the folder and I was delighted to be able to share the Clifford family tree as I have it. It is pretty complete, though as she noticed, her kids are not in it. I told her I can put them in if she sends them to me. I just did not have the details.

As an aside, Aunt Kathleen looked through the book too. I have a picture of Great Grandpa Joseph Bowser and Great Grandma Mary Clifford Bowser in the folder. Aunt Kathleen has mentioned that Great Grandma Bowser (the Clifford connection) was a very severe lady and scared Aunt Kathleen to death when she was little. She says she remembers Grandpa Joe picking her up for a hug but that she never remembers a hug from Grandma Mary at all.

I got very tired by a little after two and with the usual delays did manage to head for home by 2:30PM. I led Sara to Hwy 57 so she could make her way back home to Milwaukee. It is hard to think of Sara as all grown up, but she surely is. Jeff and Kathy gave me some zucchini and some cucumbers. Num Num. Fresh Cucumber salad tomorrow.

Tomorrow I can go back to Bible Study.

And my Chelsea will come home. Bobbie is going to bring her in the afternoon and we will rack some wine. I know that I will get tired taking care of Chelsea but it will also help me build up strength.

Take care

Love

Mary

 

Richard and Brenda are back from their Niagra Falls trip. Richard sent a picture of himself on the Maid of the Mist all drenched and all. So I thought I would share a picture of Dick on the Maid of the Mist when we went on our trip to the Falls. I am not sure if everybody saw it or not but I really like this shot.

Mary

I had SO much trouble sleeping last night. Just achy. I did take a rest this morning which helped a lot but am really hoping that tonight is better.

We had a quiet day. I rested mostly. Since we had leftover cavatini for lunch and roast beef sandwiches for dinner, cooking was easy. I did make a Cherry Dream pie to take along with me tomorrow to help with dessert. I am not leaving any of it home because we have so much dessert now, that it isn't necessary, besides, I am going to make another one for Wednesday at the Tallgrass Picnic.

I did go out once to fill the gas tank and to pick up prescriptions AGAIN. They know me so well at Walgreen's. I ran into Alan Pape, a very interesting friend of mine, who is an artist and a historian and very interested and knowledgeable of the history of our area. We had an interesting visit.

It is nice to be getting out a bit. I am sure looking forward to tomorrow at St. Michael's. There is going to be a pretty big group of my relatives there this year. Mom, Jeff and Kathy, Sara, George and Betsy, Aunt Kathleen and Uncle Bob, Uncle Pat and Aunt Joan, Aunt Kathleen's daughter Chris and her husband Ron, plus a bunch of the Shea relatives. Wow. I have to be there a bit before 10:30AM so that I can help Fr. Mike get ready for Mass along with my friend, Rosemary, who is bringing the hosts. We kind of thought of having Mass outside but the church is air conditioned and it is going to be hotter than the hinges of Hades. It is better to be a little tight in the church than out in sweltering heat. We will have enough of that AFTER mass at the picnic.

I read that Eunice Kennedy Schreiber is in critical condition from a series of strokes. She was one of the people who founded the Special Olympics. I remember when the Special Olympics were very new, they had an event in Anaheim California. They send out word to the jeep clubs in teh area that they wanted volunteers to come with jeeps to carry the celebrities that were attending the event around the arena along with the participants in the parade.

So I along with a couple of others from the Orange County Four Wheelers and some from other clubs in the area trucked on up there to help. It was really fun. I was assigned to carry a wrestler named Boom Boom Mahelik. He was quite well known in the 60s. I was lucky, one of the guys had an animal act which consisted of a man dressed in his animal trainer suit and a big cougar that kept growling and clawing. He was not happy to be in the jeep. I was glad that I had Boom Boom

Special Olympics is a lasting legacy for her and she did it for her sister Rosemary who was retarded. Rosemary was cared for at St. Coletta's Home in Jefferson WI which was run by the School Sisters of St. Francis, the same order that I spent two and a half years at as a postulant. The school still exists though as St. Coletta's of Greater Wisconsin and the sisters still have a hand in it.

Hope your Sunday is as nice as mine will be.

I have decided that Monday, I would like to go and get my Chelsea. I know it will not be easy, but I miss her and want her home. Bobbie and Bill have been SO good and love her too but I am sure they will be glad to have her come home. After all if they wanted a dog, they would have one.

Love

Mary

I believe that things will be better soon. Today was not bad. I was sore but since we had two appointments today and I had to transport the wheel chair in and out of the car twice, I think it went pretty well.

I found that I can get the wheel chair into the car without twisting the ankle. We had an appointment with Tim the Prosthesis expert at 10AM. Dick has been complaining of pain on the side of the foot. Tim made an adjustment to the insert and it seems to have helped. Then we went over to the Blood Center for my blood donation. I was able to give today as my iron count was OK. Last time was the first time that it was not high enough and I was a little worried. They had a bit of trouble getting the blood to flow but with a small adjustment it went OK.

We stopped at Dairy Queen for lunch today. It is fun to do that. After we ate, I took a nap and boy did I sleep. I guess draining a pint of blood out of a person does that.

I talked to Bob Fleming today. He likes the dedication that I wrote for Steve for the Celtic Mass and Faire in Sheboygan Falls next month. We had another nice talk. He is going to let me ride with him to IrishFest next weekend. That is a big relief. Kate can come with us if she wants. She has been making noises like she is changing her mind and Dick won't let me go alone. I am glad that he is insistent on that because I would probably be dumb about it and it will be nice to have someone else driving. I am a bit concerned with the healing process. Patience is not one of my virtues and I need it for this.

I hope to get my Chelsea back on Monday. I know that it will not be easy to handle her but I miss her so much. My friend Janet Winchester sent me the following.

PET'S TEN COMMANDMENTS....

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is
likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me..

3 . Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment.
You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only YOU.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand
your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt
you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself
if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food,
I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.

10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say
you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is
easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good
care of them.
Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without God's
critters


You do not have to wait for Heaven, to be surrounded by hope, love,
and joyfulness. It is here on earth and has four legs!

This was a red letter day.

I got up feeling pretty sore. That doesn't sound good, does it? However, things got better. At 9AM I drove (got that , I DROVE) over to Just Jane's on Eastern Avenue to have my hair cut. It went well. I came home feeling a bit tired and a little nervous but OK. After lying down for a while, I got up and puttered on the computer before fixing Dick's dinner and leaving to go to see Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince in Sheboygan with Bobbie.

We met at 12:30PM. For a while, it looked like we were going to have a private showing but a family showed up before the movie actually started and we had to share with four other people. Bobbie and I both loved the show. Bobbie wants to catch the others now, preferably in order so that she can see the build up. You can, however, see each movie individually and enjoy it. I had my popcorn and soda for lunch. Totally decadent and I loved it.

I stopped off to see Mother on the way home and dropped off her blood pressure pills. She doesn't worry about missing a day or two, but we know that he blood pressure has been SO good lately and there is no sense in messing with what is working. Did I tell you that her iron level is also up? All good signs and she does look much better than two months ago.

George and Betsy are in town. I know that I will get to see them on Sunday at Parnell. That may be it. Betsy has her family too and there are only so many hours in the day when one is only in town for four days. They may be going out for dinner with Randy and Donna sometime this weekend as this week is anniversary week for BOTH of them. August seems to be a wedding month. Dick and I will be married 23 years next Sunday. I am going to Irishfest that day. I want to be there on Sunday so that I can read my poems at the Poet's Corner during the afternoon. Dick said that is OK as long as I bring him a present. He does like his presents.

I decided to call Jacquie tonight. I was lonely and had not talked to her for ages. We had a great visit and I got caught up on a lot of people. I even got to talk to Todd for a bit. He may come to visit sometime which I could dearly love. He is a nice boy.

Guess that is all for now.

Take care

Mary

Today was OK. I never felt too much pain.

This morning I got some wash done and got Dick and I all cleaned up.

Bobbie got here at about 11:30 and we had a lunch of cavatini, garlic bread and salad.

Chelsea again came for a home visit with Bobbie. I am sure glad to see her and miss her. I was hoping to pick her up tomorrow, but Dick thinks that I need another day or two to get my strength back so I am aiming for Sunday. I know that it will be difficult. She is a demanding little girl and needs to go out a lot. We will also have to build up to really good walks and she is definitely used to good walks with Bobbie. Chelsea and I have been limiting our walks for a long time because of my knee. But she and I will work it out. I intend to build us up.

My doctor appointment was at 1:00PM. It went well. I found out that the reason my hip has been hurting so much is probably because, during this surgery, the doctor usually has to twist a person's leg like a pretzel in order to operate and it is held that way for quite some time. I happen to know that if I had to sit in the yoga position like I used to when I was younger, I would never get up and I would die right there in the lotus position. SO it seems that there is a good reason for the pain. Today was much better. I have taken no pills at all today and am only mildly uncomfortable. I will take a pill tonight and perhaps that will be the end of them. They took my three little stitches out today too and I do not have to wear that stocking unless swelling reoccurs.


After the doctor, Bobbie took me grocery shopping. So that chore is all out of the way.

Tomorrow I will try driving. I have permission from the doctor. I will go downtown to have my hair done first, which is a short hop. If that works, I will drive in to Shebogyan to see the new Harry Potter movie with Bobbie. She said she will come to get me if it is too hard to drive. I am opting for good. We will be meeting for the 12:40PM show. Popcorn for lunch. YUM YUM. It has been a long time since I have been to a movie and Harry Potter makes me really happy.

When Bret was about 11 he told me that he wanted Ocean Pacific clothes for school. (Yes, even the boys get label happy.) They were very expensive and I told him that I was sure that none of his friends would have them but lo an behold they did. Fortunately, Bret's father worked on the boat owned by the founder of OP and he let us go to the warehouse and I got lots of shirts and shorts for a song. Bret was a happy camper . I wonder if OP still exists. It was all the rage at the time. The designer had designed the clothes for the surfers and the shorts and shirts just took off.

Have a good day.
Love

Mary