I kept myself busy at home all day.    Had the preparations for the trip to the Texas Irish Fest to finish and then Bart and Barb came over for supper.

I was so excited to host a meal in my new home and glad that they were my first guests.   I prepared chicken breasts in a creamy veggie sauce with noodles, broccoli and raw veggies.

It is good to have people to eat with. 

You won't hear from me until Sunday evening as I will be leaving tomorrow at about 9AM.   I have informed Nicky that he will be at the Johnston's.   Hope he has been listening:)

Til Sunday.  

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Another beautiful day in Oklahoma.

I got a lot done today.    Sent my tax info to my accountant.   Hung a few pictures.   The man who wanted my boxes came by and picked them up this afternoon.


I am feeling clean and  very organized.   Wonder how long this will last?

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Another comfortable sunny day.   There are trees blooming already.   How nice is that.   I know I won't be so enthusiastic when it is over a hundred this summer, but it is surely great now.

I voted for the first time in Oklahoma.   Oklahoma is part of the Super Tuesday sweep.  On the way home, I did a bit of grocery shopping.

This afternoon, Bart and I went to Walmart and I picked up a couple of hoses for the yard and a couple of other things I needed for the house.  

I am also working on my Taxes.  I will be sending my package of stuff off to Mark, my accountant, tomorrow or Thursday.    I believe that I have everything now.

The sliding doors on my pantry came off their tracks.   I thought I could fix it but couldn't.   The local handyman, Nate, that Bart and Barb and my realtor, Joe, recommended is coming over this evening to reset it for me. 

Nicky seems to have decided that it is time for bed.   He has been heading there at about 7:30PM to 8PM lately.   I actually have to call him to take him out for his last little potty break:)

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Another beautiful day.   They are talking about a possible storm tonight with hail the size of golf balls.   Lawton is on the very far edge and these things normally blow over, but I had to rearrange my garage and get those boxes stacked on the far side.   After seeing Dick, many years ago, standing in our garage on CreekSide watching the pea sized hail pummel the Camero, I am not taking any chances.

I had an early morning chiropractor appointment.   I am feeling better and the pain is moving to my extremities.   Dr. Toy says that he will have me put back together soon.

I was busy all day.   Things are coming together nicely.  

Tomorrow is Super Tuesday.   I will be voting as Oklahoma is one of the Super Tuesday states.  Still don't know exactly what to do but will not give up my voters right.

So it is dark outside and time to wind down for the night.

Bless you all.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A beautiful day in Oklahoma.   It was in the low 70s with little wind, which made it very special.

I went to Mass at 8:30AM then had donuts and coffee with my fellow worshipers.  I am starting to know some of them and feel good about that.

The rest of the day was at home.  I keep putting things away and have found two items that I have been searching for so feel VERY good about today.

I talked to Richard and Brenda and some of my friends today so was not lonely.

Until tomorrow.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I have been terribly negligent in posting the past couple of days.   

I got tired of reporting the same old same old stuff.    Unpacking, cleaning etc.

Still much the same, but that is OK.    My home is becoming more me every day.  

Thursday, I went to the Bible Study class on John at Holy Family.    Fr. Phil is very interesting and knowledgeable.   I have found that priests come in to and out of my life simply because of the movement amid the diocese.   But now it is also because of geography.  I think I mentioned some of the differences in this parish.    For one thing.   They use the bells, or chimes, during the Mass at the consecration of the Eucharist.   Also, when a song is sung during or before the service, we sing ALL the verses.   I guess it is a southern thing.   At my past several parishes, we would only sing, for example, maybe two verses of the entrance hymn, then dive right into the mass.   People aren't in such a hurry here.

I like these things.    I am going to give myself some time before I decide what areas of the parish I will become active in.    I must remember my sweetheart would remind me not to volunteer for EVERYTHING.  He used to say that I had "Pick Me" on my forehead. 

I have to remember that one of my BIG priorities is to establish a Celtic Women Branch here in Lawton.   They have very little to none Irish shops, bars, restaurants, but lots of people I talk to claim to be Irish.   So Perhaps there is a thirst for the Celts in this area.    I may be able to satisfy a THIRST!!!

I know, I know.   I can hear Dick's eyes rolling from heaven.

Talked to my friend Peg Payne today.   She is a Celtic Lady from the word go and we date back to our mothers.   Her mother went to the Normal School (teacher's college) in Sheboygan Falls when Mother was a child.  She lived with Mom's family in their home while she went to school, as the families were friends from out in the "Holy Land" of Sheboygan County.   This is what you did then.  And there were not cars or buses, so daily travel was impossible.   Wow,   Not so long ago either.

Hope all are well.   I am looking forward to Texas Irish fest and Deeley's next weekend.

Dia Dhuit

Mary  

Got my security system installed today.  He just finished and it is 8:30PM  I am exhausted and hope I remember everything.

Nicky is ready for bed.   He was a good boy.    Warmed up to the guy towards the end, but very protective of me.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I have met my new dentist.   I had my first appointment this morning and will go back on March 9 for cleaning and to start replacing the cap that popped off while I was flossing just before I left Wisconsin.  As I am not experiencing any pain, he did not want to fix it as he could not have followed up on it.   As it turns out, it will be cheaper here anyway.

P. S.  Flossing is dangerous:)

Bart was at the house when I got home from the dentist.  We worked on getting my printer communicating with my computer.   We did get them talking but It would not print?

He had to leave for an appointment so we suspended our efforts.   Then I called HP because I was having trouble getting my ink ordering plan in place (found out it was a simple error on my part for THAT)  The person, Jeff, that I got on the line fixed EVERYTHING.  I can print and scan and am all registered.   Yippee.

Then I went across the street to the Target Mall and got a halter for Nicky so that I can take him for walks on busy streets.    He can slip out of his collar, and I was afraid to take him on any busy streets.  His neck is so big compared to his little head.   Now he can be safe.   I also picked up Erin and John's wedding present and some printer paper at Target.  

So a busy day again.

We are supposed to get some much needed rain tonight and the warm weather is over for a while.

A quote from Grandma Bowser (My Mom's Mom for those of who who might not know, though most of us are family.  "Words left unsaid will fall back dead, but once they are said, not even God can take them back."

Dia Dhuit


Mary

This has been a gentle day.

I went to Mass at 8:30AM.  Then I stopped at the grocery store to be sure that I had what I needed in case I needed to feed people.

As it turned out, Barbara has a  fever today and is not going ANYWHERE.   She needs to let her body heal and get strong.  

I cooked some rabbit that my friend, Jerry Coenan gave me before I left Wisconsin.  I thought I had better cook it before it became freezer burned.  Boy is it good.  I have enough for a meal or two so if you want to join me tomorrow or the next day, just let me know.    


Tomorrow, I have a dentist appointment.  Slowly, things are falling into place.   After the dentist, I just need a doctor.   Unless something comes up, I already have an appointment for my "wellness exam", with Humana.   Hopefully   all will stay stable until I have that exam.   Except for arthritic pains, I am feeling quite healthy - Thank God.

I don't miss the cold, but I miss the nearness to my family and friends in Wisconsin .  Know that I love you all and miss your nearness.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Another day in the 80s.   Unusual even for Oklahoma, the weather reports are saying.   This is the last of the unseasonable warmth they predict, so I must prepare for some cooler weather. 

I got the car washed today and put my brand new Oklahoma license plate on it.   Now, as I have my driver's license also, I am truly a resident of this state.  

I hung a few more pictures in my office today.   Slowly but surely things are becoming more homelike.

My office is still shambles.   Actually things are sorted, but there are far too many piles.   I need to get pared down and am gradually doing that as the settling in becomes taken care of.

Tomorrow, Sunday.    I will go to the 8:30AM Mass and have the rest of the day.   Bart and/or Barb are going to help me get my printer online.   I can only get so far without instructions.

In two weeks, I will be in Texas for the Dallas Irish Fest.   George and Betsy are also coming to Plano.  I may have told you that but I am so excited that I will see them along with Leif, Nora, Stenn and Bing.   AND an Irish fix too.

Dia dhuit\

Mary   

I am now an official Okie.  I have my car with an Oklahoma license and my driver's license is Oklahoma.  That should be the last of the BIG changes.

Typical of DMVS - I spent two hours waiting for my place in line to get my changes recorded.  DMVS around the country should be ashamed of their service.  The young lady that FINALLY serviced me was wonderful but there is no reason for the time spent waiting for service.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Just got home from the Bible Class on the Gospel of John that my pastor is teaching during this Lent.   I am getting to meet people in the church and learning at the same time.

I was busy today, of course.    I went and got some rods to hang my quilts and wall hangings from.   Now I have to figure out how to hang the rods:)

Tomorrow, I will get my auto license and driver's licenses changed to Oklahoma.

Then I will be a true Okie?

Dia Dhuit

Mary

It is supposed to get up into the 80s tomorrow.   Unseasonably warm even for Oklahoma with a fire hazard warning in place.

A pleasant day.    Finished unpacking the books.   That is a feat in itself.   Bart and I did a bit of shopping today and a couple of other errands. 

A repairman is coming  tomorrow and church, the bible class is in the evening.  So it will be a busy day.

I have decided to go to Dallas the first week in March for their Irish Fest.   Nora and Leif invited me.  Stenn and Bing go also so it will be fun.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

   

Today, Marlies,  Barb's Mom (I think you all know that) guided me down to Wichita Falls, TX so that I could get to a Wells Fargo Bank.   I had three checks to be deposited and did want to know where the bank is.    We left at about 8:30AM and were back shortly after 11AM so Marlies was able to make a luncheon with her friends.    She is a good friend to have around here.  

So it took only a little over two hours including my time in the bank.  I do know that there is a marvelous grocery store somewhere in Wichita Falls also.   So as I can do most things online and if I get as smart as my smart phone, can even deposit checks online, it will not be inconvenient at all not to have a branch in Oklahoma.

I am continuing with my putting things away and organizing.    It seems endless.  I ordered a workbench from Walmart for the garage that I will have by the end of the month.  It just seems more practical than piling everything on shelves with no way to spread out.   I found one that is not too expensive and will easily suit my needs.

Tomorrow, Bart and I are going to see about getting my auto and drivers licenses taken car of.   I also need to apply for the homestead credit that Oklahoma has which will help with RE taxes.

I did register to vote - just in time too.   So now I do have a government ID with my OK address on it.
 Guess that makes it official.

A few things are going up on the walls as I feel comfortable with them.   

So things are falling into place.

I am already involved in a church group (albeit, the class is only during lent, but will lead to something, I know.)  and Barb's quilt group.    Perhaps that will encourage me to finish the half finished projects in tubs all around.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Today, I met my new chiropractor, Dr. Toy.    He seems very nice and did adjust me.   I was really out of whack so hopefully will feel better now.    He will check on Friday to see how things have stabilized.

I was home the rest of the day.   Now that I have my ice maker hooked up, I am able to put pots and pans and dishes in the lower cabinets.   I was avoiding that because I would have just had to take them out for Nate to work anyway.    I have lights working on the garage too.   Yippee.  

Two young neighbors were supposed to come by today, as it is Washington's Birthday and a school holiday, to rake.   They stopped last week and asked if they could do jobs like that to as one of them said. "Keep them off the streets."    But they did not show up so I am figuring that this is not going to work.   I have another source to take care of the lawns, but would not mind having the neighbor youth doing it.  Oh well.

Did get a lot put away and even hung a couple of paintings here and there.  

Tomorrow, Marlies and I are going to drive to Wichita Falls, TX so that I can go to Wells and deposit some checks and get some cash.    I am also frightfully low on cash and need to get to a bank.   It is only because of the move that I have checks to deposit, so this will not be a usual problem.   There are after all ATMS everywhere.

I am watching the Westminster Dog Show.   I do like that, though lots of people don't.   I find it fun.
   

So another busy day tomorrow.  

Dia Dhuit

Mary

What  a day.

I now have my "icemaker" refrigerator hooked up and working.

Nicky was quite confused. but grew to like the people who came to get things working.


Life is much easier today.

Did dhuit.

Mary

A busy day full of fun.     Barbara picked me up shortly after 10AM and we headed for "the city".   That is Oklahoma City.    Adria, one of my great grand daughters, was in a swim meet there.   We sat with Adam, my grandson, for the event.  

It was very exciting.   Adria was in four events and came in first in the 100 meter race.   We were SO very proud of her.   She has only been swimming competitively since September and does amazingly well.

The Barb and I went to lunch at a mall,  we had gyros that were very good, and Barb did a bit of shopping.  It was so crowded and the traffic was horrible, but we were able to get to Barb's favorite quilt shop in the City so she could pick up some backing for a quilt she is ready to put together.   A good chance to share the shop with me.   I resisted buying anything as I am still not even set up for sewing and don't have any idea what my next project will be.   We got home shortly before 6PM.

Nicky was a happy boy and very hungry.

I had a nice phone visit with my friend, Joan Kramer, about Celtic Women and just stuff tonight.   We are on the nominating committee for the International Board and agreed on our nominee.   Pretty efficient meeting if you ask me.

I liked today.   Hope yours was as nice.

Dia dhuit

Mary

Another lovely day.   It is supposed to be warm for the next week or so, even getting up into the 80s next week.

The mornings are rather nippy, but Nicky and I find the nippy here quite tolerable.

I was home most of the day, putting books on shelves.   I will have to redistribute some, but have almost all at least on the shelves.  The garage is at a point that I am able to put some of the shelves together and organize those things too.   I finally located all of my tools.

Bart stopped by this afternoon.  He and I went over to Lowe's to pick up a couple of things I needed.  We also stopped at Walgreens, my waterpik broke just before I left Wisconsin and I feel like my teeth have not really been clean since then.

A quiet evening.   Tomorrow will be going to Oklahoma City for Adria's swim meet.   Nicky can have a play date with Bart and the dogs, Leo and Lily.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Another lovely day in Lawton.     I was home most of the day.    I made connections with doctors and dentists and worked on bills and putting books on shelves and finding things.

This evening I went to Holy Family for the first of the six week class that our pastor is presenting on the Gospel of John.  I do know now that there are a couple of bible studies in the parish so after Lent I can join one of them, the good Lord willing.


It was very interesting.   Different than others I have been to.   This is great as it makes one think.   This week we just discussed the first part, the prologue and he have a great basis of what is known of the writing of it.    St. John was an apostle and the only one not martyred.   He died in around the year 96 of natural causes.

So.  Until tomorrow. 

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Can't believe that Lent has already started.  Today was Ash Wednesday.   Holy Family had a noon Mass and the ceremony  marking of a cross with ashes on the forehead.    "Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return."   It was also a day of fast and abstinence.   I am over 60 and technically don't have to fast any more but I am healthy enough that I CAN do this so I do.    No meat a couple days here and there is just a reminder of the importance of Lent.

After Mass, I went and visited with Bart for a little bit.  Then came home and took care of a few more things around here.   Barb picked me up at about 5PM.   Marlies had invited us to the casino for dinner as she had coupons and a gift certificate.    Bart chose to stay home.   So it was ladies night.  We had good dinner and a nice visit.  

Tomorrow night starts a Bible Class at Holy Family.   It is on John.   I have to find my bibles.  

Dia Dhuit

Mary