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