WELL.   Tomorrow I leave for IBAM in Chicago.    I am not packed yet, BUT I have lists and I have done all the out of home errands that have to be done prior to a trip so I have ALL day as I do not have to be to the airport here in Lawton until quarter to 5 or so.

I am looking forward to being with old friends.   I am looking forward to the Irish experience that IBAM offers.   I am working on getting the Celtic footprint here in Lawton,but it takes time and I am "old":).   I should not be expected to break new ground in a new land:)

Today was busy.   I had Mass and Bible Study this morning.   I will not be able to go next week because I have a medical test on Wednesday morning.   This afternoon, I saw Dr. Toy, my chiropractor, who REALLY fixed my poor sore neck and back.   I will be much more comfortable on the trip.  I got my Powerball ticket.   Can't forget that.

Bart stopped by for a bit this afternoon to be sure we have tomorrow set as he and Barbara are taking me to the airport.

The only things I have to do tomorrow are to finish packing and do my Fantasy Football picks.   A nice quiet day and a day spent with Nicky.   He loves being with Bart and Barb but when I come home, you wouldn't believe the noises that come out of that dog.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Just got home from the Quilt Guild Halloween quilt airing and pot luck.

Barb drove and we picked up another friend of hers, Karen, who I will probably see again.  My friend, Judy, from bible study was there also.   I am knowing more of the club members too so am feeling a part of the group.

That was all the excitement today, so I will just say Good Night and I love you all.

Dia DHuit

Mary

This has been an odd day.  I went to mass at 8:30AM with a stop on the way to give Bart his meds.   He had a bad day today.   We were going to be together, but he was so tired, that I just checked in with him often to be sure he didn't need any thing.  

I am getting ready for my Chicago trip.  Tomorrow  will be the day I get serious.  Have a couple calls to make to be sure that I get to my hotel.   Talked to my friend, Maureen Smith today and will be there to help her set up the Literary Salon for IBAM.  We will be going to the special dinner together again.   It is always fun and I figure it is a treat for myself.   I would not lightly consider a 100.oo dinner usual.   Fun to hob nob with the people who are active in our Irish heritage.

So tonight I am tired.  Tomorrow will be going to a pot luck for the Wichita Mountain Quilters, so I will be making broccoli/cauliflower salad in the morning.

Have a lovely evening.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

What a nice day I had.    I spent parts of it with Bart.   Barb is at her quilting retreat (Well deserved) so Bart and I had things planned over the weekend.    Today,  we rested in the morning as Bart did not feel too well, but this afternoon, we went to Octoberfest here in Lawton.  We had a great time listening to the music and eating brats and just  chattering.

We also did some checking on my phone to see why I have so much trouble with it.  We have some solutions.

We got to his house at about 4PM.  Then he stopped by this evening for a bit.   He misses his Barbara and I miss someone too so to just be "with" is a good thing.

We have had the most beautiful weather. 

I can't believe that I will be leaving for Chicago in four days.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A happy day.    Bart and I drove down to the Wells Fargo Bank in Wichita Falls and I have paid off the mortgage on this house.   We sent a certified check which will be received on Monday so as of Monday I will be free of debt again.   Ya Hoo!

I also consolidated a couple of accounts as long as I was there.    Now, I will be setting up a funeral trust in the next week or two, then investing the rest of the proceeds.   Dick would be so pleased that I don't have a house payment any more.

It was rather chilly today, never got over the low 70s.   Actually, it was in the low 50s when I took Mr. Nicky out this morning.   Nice for walking, except that it was quite windy as we had a storm go through during the night.   No hail or damage here.  Thank heavens.   So sorry for the people on the east coast.   We need to pray.

Barbara is at a quilting retreat this weekend.   So glad for her.   She really needed some time and will enjoy that so much.   Bart and I are going to Octoberfest here in Lawton tomorrow.   That will be fun.

Dia dhuit

Mary

It was HOT today and muggy.  But altogether not a bad day.  I went to Mass and Bible Study this morning and got a lot of people praying for me.   I am still having trouble with my tummy.

Then I  came home after grocery shopping and worked on some business.  

Bart and Barb were here this evening for a while.  Always happy to have bodies in the house.  Bart is going to take me for my tests tomorrow.  I would be fine, but it is nice to have someone along.   As my friend Kathy always said.  Two sets of ears are better than one.

DiaDhuit

Mary

Just a note as it is 9:30PM and I just got home from Writer's Club.     I read a couple of Matt's poems and one of my own which will go in our anthology.   Heard some good stories too.  Most of these people write fantasy/Sci Fi, interesting and good writing, but not my main expertise.   As they are willing to listen to and critique my poems, I am glad to be a part of the whole.

Had a new cleaning lady start today.   She was recommended by Barbara and seems very efficient.   She does this for a living so it will be more dependable and consistent.

I went to the doctor this afternoon because of the pain I have been having in my stomach and some other symptoms.   We are waiting for the results of a couple of tests and I have to go talk to they doctor that did my colonoscopy to see if I need the stomach scoped.   I may have an ulcer and of course we can't have that hanging on:)

I got my flu shot while I was there.

That is all.

Pray that my tummy feels better.  I can use all the help I can get!!!

Dia Dhuit

Mary

An extremely quiet day.  No appointments.   BUT my friend, Kate, called and we had a very good conversation.   Haven't talked to her for quite some time so we had a lot to catch up on.

Our bible study leader, Judy, is gone this week and assigned myself and Mary Beth to lead the Wednesday morning meeting which is also the first week of the Parish Bible Study  of the Good News of God's Mercy (Luke)   So after I read and studied a bit, I called Mary Beth.   We talked and have come to an agreement of how to approach the day.   Sure will be glad to have Judy back next week, but we will do just fine.   After all, Jesus is supposed to be in charge:)  RIGHT.

Tomorrow is extremely busy.   Will tell you about that tomorrow after Writer's club.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I am surely going to sleep well tonight.    I went with Barb, this afternoon, to walk in the 11th Annual Spirit of Survival Walk.    The walk culminates the end of a day that begins with a half and quarter marathon and a 5K run.     Then in the afternoon, they have Kids Marathon and end with the mile spirit walk.  Barb did the quarter marathon and did it in 55 minute.   Ya Hoo to Barb.   I was not up to getting to the park by 6AM in the morning to walk or run at 7:30AM.

BUT I wanted to participate in this wonderful fundraiser.  So walked a mile.   I have a neat yellow t shirt and a medal.   I am so proud.  Barb as a survivor wears a red shirt.   She is a true wonder.   Even helping people on the walk who got too tired.     We are truly blessed to have her.

I went to mass this morning and stopped for coffee and donuts afterwards.   I like that here.   This is how I have met many of the parishioners.  With that and Bible Study, I ALMOST feel at home.   It does take a while though, doesn't it?   This isn't my first rodeo.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A busy morning.   I signed up for the Spirit Walk.  This is the third year of the event which includes half and quarter marathons and kids marathon events and this Spirit Walk which is in the afternoon.  I is a breast cancer fundraiser so I really wanted to participate.  Barb will pick me up at about two tomorrow and we will walk together.    I even get a tshirt:)

This morning after I got back from that, the door bell rang and there was a policeman at my door.   I put Nicky in the office, first thing.   He actually was "off" a house.  They had gotten a call about an object in someones backyard.    It was my neighbors.  They found a machete like object in their back yard.  I found out how good my neighbors are.  Those who saw the police car came over to be sure that everything was OK.  Am I blessed - or WHAT!!!

Quiet the rest of the day.   Had a nice talk with Bart tonight.

Now I am ready to rest.   Am fighting a bit of a physical problem.  Nothing serious, but uncomfortable.  Only mention it because I love getting prayed for:)

Love you all

Dia DHuit

Mary

It is a happy day.  The closing on the condo in Plymouth happened today.   I now only own one home.  Yee Haa.

All went smoothly and it is over.  That means that I am stuck in Oklahoma:)

We had an absolutely beautiful weather day today.  I aired out the house for hours.

Next week will be busy distributing the funds from the sale.   Mainly, paying off this house.

Dia dhuit

mary

A gorgeous day in Lawton.  The temps were in the mid 70s and so perfect.

I was home most of the day.   Only had one errand. late this afternoon which took all of 20 minutes.   I love my little house so this is OK.

I had a lot of "business" to attend to.   Banking, wash, some cleaning.   I have contacted a person recommended by Barbara who cleans houses.   The previous person was not working out.   She did a nice cleaning but I could not rely on her to be here when I expected her and was getting too sucked into her personal problems.  My cleaning lady should be just lat.

I can't believe that in two weeks, I will be interacting with many of my Celtic friends from so many years when I go to IBAM.  I miss my friends from there.

The past two days have brought several calls from that time of my life and it makes me feel that my efforts there are not for naught.   (That is a funny phrase but I kind of like it.)

I worked on the President's Challenge for the Wichita Mountain quilt shoe and my quilt that will take forever.

Tomorrow is a another quiet day.    I have ( you know me) set several goals so I will not be bored.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I am sure you get bored with me.  My days are much the same. 

Today was rather lovely, weather wise,  a bit hot and muggy but not bad.

I went to Mass and Bible Study this morning    We had a lively discussion on how we expect God to answer our prayers.   Just like in business:) we have to remember that when we do only what is required of us, we cannot expect big rewards:)

 It was a wonderful day for me as far as communication.  Two of my dear friends from my Wisconsin life called me and we had such good talks.    I miss all my friends and when they call ME, I know that the friendship meant something.  They called at different times too   Whoo Hoo so I did not have to cut someone off OR call back and take a chance of missing them.

Barb stopped by this evening too so my evening was full.   I am so blessed.    She had her hair done to day and it looked GORGEOUS.   So soft and flattering.

She saw what I have been working on for the "President's Challenge" for the quilt show that the Wichita Mountain Quilt Guild does.  She likes it.  And she showed me her plan.  Boy are We GOOD>

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Just got home from Writer's Club.    Now that they are meeting regularly again and there are more than three people and I have gotten to know the attendees, it is fun.    I read a couple of poems this week and gave Jed the zip drive of my short story.   We have a couple of members who are reading chapters from their books.   We do seem to have a preponderence of Sci fi and fantasy, but that is fine.  They are receptive to all genres so I feel at home.

The early part of the day was busy, I worked on a quilt project, baked some scones and ran a couple of errands.

Tomorrow is bible study.  

Dia Dhuit   Stay well

Mary

It was cool today.  The temps never got over the mid 70s.  No rain either.

A totally lovely day.

I was home most of the day though I did go shopping and for a visit with Bart.   Tomorrow will be
 much the same, though I will go to Writer's Club in the evening.

I am SO very tired, but hope that I can stay awake for the big debate.

Dia Dhuit

Mary 

A cool and misty day.

I went to Mass this morning at 8:30AM and then to coffee afterwards.  This has become an important part of my life as I am interacting with others.

Then home.   A reasonably quiet day.  I WAS busy.   Had several projects.   Talked to my friend, Janet for a while.   I don't know whether I mentioned, but our mutual friend,John, was killed in a yard accident and we are praying for and trying to be there for his wife, Toni.   I also talked to Barbara and Kathy today. 

The coming week is quiet, but I have determined a couple of project deadlines which always keep me on track.    I am so blessed in my life. 

Dia dhuit

Mary

The weather is at least 10 degrees cooler, but we are getting warnings of severe thunderstorms.   So far those storms have not hit Lawton.  At least my part of Lawton.

Barb and I went to the International Fest here in Lawton this afternoon.  We met Lexie, Adam Adria, Abbie and Jackson there.    I am a bit confused as to why it is an International Fest.  I guess the stages feature dancers and music from many nations and I did see some really great Native American dancing.   But there were no booths or areas to feature the various ethnic backgrounds that settled and grew this area.  There was a great variety of food.   Mostly food trucks which I am not knocking.  They had a nice variety of really tasty ethnic food.   But I would have liked to share the history of the food.    I think I expected something different.     It is always good to spend time with Barb and her family.


So Sunday rolls around again.   I actually ran into a gal, Pam, who I have met at church while at the festival.  It gives me hope.    When in Sheboygan County, I knew somebody everywhere I went.    I get lonely sometimes.

But it will be OK.   I am tough and will gradually find a place where I belong here too.  This isn't my first rodeo.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

just had an odd experience.  I started out of the bathroom and my belt loop hooked on the door handle:)

Very disconcerting.  Who else has this happened too.  I hope it is not just ME!

A quiet day.  Not as hot as it has been. Nate mowed the lawn this afternoon.  I did not have to go anywhere.  Finished a couple of projects and planned for some more.

 A good day.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Well, I went to see the doctor today.  I have had an itchy rash on my upper arms.   No where else, Just my upper arms.   I have been trying to heal it myself but it has been a week now.   The nurse practitioner and I have come to the conclusion that when I raked out the leaves from the shed in my back yard, there must have been spores there that landed and gave me the rash.  I have meds that should clear it up.   I HATE it.  Guess I should not be doing yard work:)

Bart came over today and had lunch with me.   I had made Green Meatballs and since Barb hates pea soup, this seems like a nice treat for Bart and me.   We had a nice visit.   I much prefer having meals with other people.

Tomorrow is a quiet day.  Bart may have me run an errand with him.  

The sound is out on my computer.   I am going crazy trying to get it to work again.

Dia DHuit

Mary

I am watching the news these days and feeling very sad.   Dick said at one time that when he was young and in the Korean War, he thought that things would get better for our species as we continue on this world but he was losing hope.

I am watching the events that are taking place.  Slightly different but still the same.    I was in Southern California, Costa Mesa actually, during the riots in Watts in 1992.   Santa Ana, not that far from where I lived was also affected with the violence.   It was a long HOT summer and people were on edge.   Poverty, anger, racism (I find THAT hard to justify in my neighborhood and faith community) are rampant.  We have a police force that is 90+ % dedicated to keep the communities they protect safe.   

Unfortunately, there are abuses.   We need Martin Luther King Jr. to come back and teach us AGAIN peaceful demonstration.  I remember looted stores, burned cars and stores and horrible violence in LA and in Santa Ana.   Haven't we learned anything.  That was 51 years ago, for Heaven's sake and my heart is breaking.   Destroying is not going to solve anything. 

Why can't we all just appreciate our differences and love the things that are the same.

Sorry for the Rampage.   NO! I am not.

Dia Dhuit

Mary