It was in the mid 80s today. The wind blew pretty steady and we got a little rain tonight. Quite an odd weather day. Chelsea took some different paths on our walk this morning. Sometimes I just let her lead me wherever (with a little guidance of course.)
Then I transcribed the "spillings" from the poetry weekend into the computer so I won't have to worry about bits of paper all over the place.
At 10:00 Chelsea and I left the condo for her "day of beauty". I left her with Gina at 10:30 and went to Joanne's Fabric for some glue and a few things. I got back at about 11:30 and she was just about done. She is gorgeous, of course, and all ready for her summer season. Actually she seems a bit subdued. I think it always takes a day or so after the cut for her to feel really comfortable in her skin. I will put a picture from yesterday on the blog tonight and take a new one tomorrow to share with you all.
We stopped at the Hunters Glen property on the say home and I replaced air fresheners and ran the water. We need to stop by with batteries for one of the fire alarms tomorrow or the next day. There is yard work to do also. I will have to just plan a day or two to go over and trim bushes. Thank heavens, the Regenwethers are mowing. We will have to give Patrick a generous gift when the house sells.
The dandelion wine was ready, so Dick and I racked into the secondary. Sometime over the weekend we will bottle the Riesling and then we can mix up the White Zinfindal. We have determined that as long as we work on only one big batch at a time, we can handle it because we can keep the big jug UP ON the bench and use the pump to rack. Are we clever? of what?
A good chunk of the afternoon is now spent unwrapping, soaping and rewrapping Dick's legs. At least we do see some results after all is done.
Now it is night and we are winding down. I am really tired as Chelsea got me up at 5:45AM and I really could not sleep when I tried for a nap.
Guess that's all.
Believe in yourself
If you can dream, you can soar.
Fly like the wild goose.
Love
Mary
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
We had to get up at 6 this morning. We usually do anyway, but we had to do so today. Dick had to be at the new clinic at 8:15AM for his first full session of the message therapy.
We were very pleased to see that his legs do look much better. The measurements were down overall on both. Sandi showed me again how to do the massage. This time I did one side while she did the other. Then he had the compression machine on both legs and we rewrapped them. Now we will do the massage every time we change the wrappings. We don't know what this is leading too but it is a relief to see that the swelling CAN be controlled.
Then we got his blood test as long as we were there and went on to the grocery store. We got home at about 11:30 but were able, after the long morning to stay home the rest of the day.
I saw a little toad out in the front garden this afternoon. Chelsea never sees anything. Probably a good thing for the toad.
We have used up most of the leftovers now, so I will actually have to cook tomorrow. I am going to send you a picture of the trilliums that are in the woods between us and Lion Park. They are so beautiful.
The last of Words Women Use for you.
7.) Thanks: A woman is thanking you, do not question, or faint. Just say you're welcome.
8.) Whatever: Is a women's way of saying F@!K YOU!
9.) Don't worry about it, I got it: Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking, "what's wrong " , for the woman's response refer to #3.
Send this to the men you know, to warn them about arguments they can avoid if they remember the terminology.
Send this to all the women you know to give them a good laugh, cause they know its true.
Love
Mary
We were very pleased to see that his legs do look much better. The measurements were down overall on both. Sandi showed me again how to do the massage. This time I did one side while she did the other. Then he had the compression machine on both legs and we rewrapped them. Now we will do the massage every time we change the wrappings. We don't know what this is leading too but it is a relief to see that the swelling CAN be controlled.
Then we got his blood test as long as we were there and went on to the grocery store. We got home at about 11:30 but were able, after the long morning to stay home the rest of the day.
I saw a little toad out in the front garden this afternoon. Chelsea never sees anything. Probably a good thing for the toad.
We have used up most of the leftovers now, so I will actually have to cook tomorrow. I am going to send you a picture of the trilliums that are in the woods between us and Lion Park. They are so beautiful.
The last of Words Women Use for you.
7.) Thanks: A woman is thanking you, do not question, or faint. Just say you're welcome.
8.) Whatever: Is a women's way of saying F@!K YOU!
9.) Don't worry about it, I got it: Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking, "what's wrong " , for the woman's response refer to #3.
Send this to the men you know, to warn them about arguments they can avoid if they remember the terminology.
Send this to all the women you know to give them a good laugh, cause they know its true.
Love
Mary
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Hi. It is Tuesday and did we ever have a productive day. We were at the new Plymouth Aurora Clinic at 9:45AM. Dick got his first massage therapy. I have had it demonstrated how to massage his legs to get the fluids directed to the "center" so they disperse the way they should. He got his first sequential pump treatment which is rather interesting but very boring. We are now wrapping from mid calf to upper thigh. Whew.
I had lunch with four of the ladies that I graduated from High School with this noon at Culvers. That was a lovely break.
When I got home, I spent a bit of time getting planters out on the deck and planting some seeds and bedding plants that were sitting around.
By the way, I bathed poor Chelsea this morning. She is going to get her annual haircut on Thursday morning, but Dick felt that she was too dirty to take anywhere. (I had to agree.) So she is the prettiest little girl you ever saw tonight. She has a brand new red collar which everybody will be able to see after she gets shaved down. When I took off her collar, I realized that we did not renew her doggy license. (Don't tell the City of Plymouth. ) We will go in next week and take care of that.
So it has been a busy day and tomorrow looks just as busy.
By me.
Three more words the Women Use. Take Note.
4.) Go Ahead : This is a dare, not permission. Don't Do It!
5.) Loud Sigh: This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to #3 for the meaning of nothing.)
6.) That's Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a women can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.
Wednesday - mid week. Lottery day. Enjoy.
Mary
I had lunch with four of the ladies that I graduated from High School with this noon at Culvers. That was a lovely break.
When I got home, I spent a bit of time getting planters out on the deck and planting some seeds and bedding plants that were sitting around.
By the way, I bathed poor Chelsea this morning. She is going to get her annual haircut on Thursday morning, but Dick felt that she was too dirty to take anywhere. (I had to agree.) So she is the prettiest little girl you ever saw tonight. She has a brand new red collar which everybody will be able to see after she gets shaved down. When I took off her collar, I realized that we did not renew her doggy license. (Don't tell the City of Plymouth. ) We will go in next week and take care of that.
So it has been a busy day and tomorrow looks just as busy.
Emotions
The baby giggles.
Succulent spring green grass
Flutters on his cheek and tickles.
Emotions
By me.
Three more words the Women Use. Take Note.
4.) Go Ahead : This is a dare, not permission. Don't Do It!
5.) Loud Sigh: This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to #3 for the meaning of nothing.)
6.) That's Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a women can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.
Wednesday - mid week. Lottery day. Enjoy.
Mary
Monday, May 21, 2007
I had a very special birthday today. Dick took me out for breakfast, lunch AND dinner, so I did not have lift a finger for any housework today.
We got up at 6 and I took Chelsea for a nice long walk. We found it a bit cool, but Chelsea likes cool weather A LOT. Then went to the Shoppes on Mill Street for breakfast. Next was Bible Study. It was cold as blazes in the rectory. They turn off the boiler on May 1st and it does not help when the days are so cold now. But we had a good study and they sang Happy Birthday to me.
I stopped at Mom's. She looks great and was hosting her Canasta group this afternoon. That is the slow one so by the time they got done, she figured that someone would suggest that they go out for an evening meal. I hope she is not to tired to go. She went to church on Sunday too.
When I got home, Dick and I went over to the Exchange Bank for lunch. Good sandwiches. I got egg salad and Dick got a BLT wrap. We cut and shared.
Next was the Plymouth writers club meeting. Sy Regan has his 2nd book in print. It is a pocket book of psalms. He did a cinquan for each of the 159 psalms for an easy reading "Book of Days". I told them about the workshop with Ellen. She had so many tips such as "spilling". Spilling is taking a word or looking at a picture or using a phrase and just writing without thinking for a set period of time. You get lots of ideas on the paper if you just can forget form or order or how it looks. Then you read it over and pull out what can be built on or rearrange to form something. We did that several times and it was a fun exercise. If did a list of her suggestions for the club. I did not bring enough copies so I will bring more next time.
Ellen also makes little books and prints her poems in them for gifts. She showed us several ways that she does this.
Another haiku
Teeny Gothic city
Perhaps a home for gnomes
My doggy would know.
(Chelsea senses little people, you know. That is why Mother and I figured that she would not go into Mother's kitchen for a long time. We have decided that the little people must have left or else, Chelsea just decided that they aren't as scary as she thought at first, because she goes into the kitchen now.)
Tonight Dick and I went to Dee O'Malley's for dinner. We have leftovers from four meals in the refrigerator. I will not have to cook for at least two more days.
Aside from all my meals out I received lots of both e mail and paper greetings from people that I love and I am so happy love me. Bart called this evening and Aunt Kathleen called this morning. I also received a beautiful vase full of flowers from Dick and Brenda. It is convenient that Mother's Day is just a week before my birthday. The birthday flowers are just about done and now there are new beautiful blooms on the counter. I received a present from my sister-in-law Jacquie too. She sent two pair of PJs. So WOW. Was it a great day or what!!!!
All my love. Talk to you tomorrow
Mary
We got up at 6 and I took Chelsea for a nice long walk. We found it a bit cool, but Chelsea likes cool weather A LOT. Then went to the Shoppes on Mill Street for breakfast. Next was Bible Study. It was cold as blazes in the rectory. They turn off the boiler on May 1st and it does not help when the days are so cold now. But we had a good study and they sang Happy Birthday to me.
I stopped at Mom's. She looks great and was hosting her Canasta group this afternoon. That is the slow one so by the time they got done, she figured that someone would suggest that they go out for an evening meal. I hope she is not to tired to go. She went to church on Sunday too.
When I got home, Dick and I went over to the Exchange Bank for lunch. Good sandwiches. I got egg salad and Dick got a BLT wrap. We cut and shared.
Next was the Plymouth writers club meeting. Sy Regan has his 2nd book in print. It is a pocket book of psalms. He did a cinquan for each of the 159 psalms for an easy reading "Book of Days". I told them about the workshop with Ellen. She had so many tips such as "spilling". Spilling is taking a word or looking at a picture or using a phrase and just writing without thinking for a set period of time. You get lots of ideas on the paper if you just can forget form or order or how it looks. Then you read it over and pull out what can be built on or rearrange to form something. We did that several times and it was a fun exercise. If did a list of her suggestions for the club. I did not bring enough copies so I will bring more next time.
Ellen also makes little books and prints her poems in them for gifts. She showed us several ways that she does this.
Another haiku
Teeny Gothic city
Perhaps a home for gnomes
My doggy would know.
(Chelsea senses little people, you know. That is why Mother and I figured that she would not go into Mother's kitchen for a long time. We have decided that the little people must have left or else, Chelsea just decided that they aren't as scary as she thought at first, because she goes into the kitchen now.)
Tonight Dick and I went to Dee O'Malley's for dinner. We have leftovers from four meals in the refrigerator. I will not have to cook for at least two more days.
Aside from all my meals out I received lots of both e mail and paper greetings from people that I love and I am so happy love me. Bart called this evening and Aunt Kathleen called this morning. I also received a beautiful vase full of flowers from Dick and Brenda. It is convenient that Mother's Day is just a week before my birthday. The birthday flowers are just about done and now there are new beautiful blooms on the counter. I received a present from my sister-in-law Jacquie too. She sent two pair of PJs. So WOW. Was it a great day or what!!!!
All my love. Talk to you tomorrow
Mary
Well, I came home yesterday afternoon with a pile of stuff ending up on my desk that you wouldn't believe. I sorted and sifted and have manageable chaos left BUT I forgot to blog. I will catch you all up on the last day of the workshop tonight. It was wonderful and Dick took me out for dinner last night.
He is treating me to all three meals today for my birthday present so I won't have to do any housework at all. Isn't that a great present.
Have a great day.
Mary
He is treating me to all three meals today for my birthday present so I won't have to do any housework at all. Isn't that a great present.
Have a great day.
Mary
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Today was the first day of the workshop at Kohler Art Center with Ellen Kort. The morning started as usual with an early walk for Chelsea and me. Then I fixed breakfast and puttered on the computer. Actually it became more than a putter because I managed to get down the rough start of a poem that came to my mind on the walk.
I arrived at KAC at 10AM for the workshop. When they were considering canceling, they were short two and they actually got three so we did have a security person. The group are all women and are all interesting people. Two came from Port Washington. We all introduced ourselves and then Ellen began her teaching. She spoke for a while, then we were taken on a short tour of parts of the museum by Lisa Vejos, a member of the staff. We then went outside into the gardens around the museum itself for a session of writing haikus (or really any short poem) on what we observed or felt out there. We then reconvened and shared some of our poems.
Here is one of mine:
Amid the daffodils
And flowering white crab trees
Dwelt a dandelion.
The writing and sharing IS the most fun part. Putting into practice what she talks about.
We then had lunch (I had a nummy Caesar wrap and a cookie) and shortly after that headed to the James Tellen Sculpture Garden in Black River. I did not even know that this existed. It is a garden with cement (at least I think they are cement) sculptures arranged along a pathway through the property. It is fun. I must take Dick there sometime. Some of the sculptures are quite good and they are all interesting. We spent some time wandering that path and writing whatever struck us there too. I came up with a couple of writings there too. Only one related to the sculptures, I will share that with you too.
Standing Stones
Built by God or man
Would knowing the builder
Change the beauty
Standing Stones.
Then we had some more words of wisdom, teaching and suggestions from Ellen before we scattered for the evening. Tomorrow we meet back at the Art Center at 10AM. So I will go to the 8AM Mass and hurry home to fix a quick breakfast for us.
Dick is going to take me out for dinner tomorrow night and for every meal on Monday for my birthday. Isn't that a fun idea.
Tell you more tomorrow. Today was beautiful. Tomorrow is iffier as far as the weather. Sure glad we did most of our outdoor stuff today. Tomorrow we are going to make an embellished personal keepsake book. Dick is sure impressed with that.
Love
Mary
I arrived at KAC at 10AM for the workshop. When they were considering canceling, they were short two and they actually got three so we did have a security person. The group are all women and are all interesting people. Two came from Port Washington. We all introduced ourselves and then Ellen began her teaching. She spoke for a while, then we were taken on a short tour of parts of the museum by Lisa Vejos, a member of the staff. We then went outside into the gardens around the museum itself for a session of writing haikus (or really any short poem) on what we observed or felt out there. We then reconvened and shared some of our poems.
Here is one of mine:
Amid the daffodils
And flowering white crab trees
Dwelt a dandelion.
The writing and sharing IS the most fun part. Putting into practice what she talks about.
We then had lunch (I had a nummy Caesar wrap and a cookie) and shortly after that headed to the James Tellen Sculpture Garden in Black River. I did not even know that this existed. It is a garden with cement (at least I think they are cement) sculptures arranged along a pathway through the property. It is fun. I must take Dick there sometime. Some of the sculptures are quite good and they are all interesting. We spent some time wandering that path and writing whatever struck us there too. I came up with a couple of writings there too. Only one related to the sculptures, I will share that with you too.
Standing Stones
Built by God or man
Would knowing the builder
Change the beauty
Standing Stones.
Then we had some more words of wisdom, teaching and suggestions from Ellen before we scattered for the evening. Tomorrow we meet back at the Art Center at 10AM. So I will go to the 8AM Mass and hurry home to fix a quick breakfast for us.
Dick is going to take me out for dinner tomorrow night and for every meal on Monday for my birthday. Isn't that a fun idea.
Tell you more tomorrow. Today was beautiful. Tomorrow is iffier as far as the weather. Sure glad we did most of our outdoor stuff today. Tomorrow we are going to make an embellished personal keepsake book. Dick is sure impressed with that.
Love
Mary
Friday, May 18, 2007
Another busy day. This morning, I cleaned the kitchen while getting the meat and onions all browned for the Calico Beans that I made for the Bust Up dinner at Rhine Plymouth tonight.
The bust up went very well. We had lots of food left over but the club is putting on a Lewis Shoot on Sunday so can use most of it at that event. I got a plaque for first place as sharpshooter in the pistol league. It is quite a nice plaque and I will hang it. My shooting fell apart in the middle of the league because I was so tired and couldn't get focused BUT with the decent beginning and the fact that I was settling down at the end, I DID end up with a 50.2 average so I ended up over 50%.
I am really tired tonight and am so looking forward to the poetry workshop at Kohler Art Center with Ellen Kort. I was rereading the summary and see that we will spend time writing and create an embellished personal keepsake book. (Doesn't that sound oh so cool!) That will also be a fun thing to share to the Plymouth writer's club on Monday.
Hope all is well with you.
Words Women Use:
1.) FINE: This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.
2.) Five Minutes : If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.
3.) Nothing: This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in fine.
I will send you some more words tomorrow.
Love Mary
The bust up went very well. We had lots of food left over but the club is putting on a Lewis Shoot on Sunday so can use most of it at that event. I got a plaque for first place as sharpshooter in the pistol league. It is quite a nice plaque and I will hang it. My shooting fell apart in the middle of the league because I was so tired and couldn't get focused BUT with the decent beginning and the fact that I was settling down at the end, I DID end up with a 50.2 average so I ended up over 50%.
I am really tired tonight and am so looking forward to the poetry workshop at Kohler Art Center with Ellen Kort. I was rereading the summary and see that we will spend time writing and create an embellished personal keepsake book. (Doesn't that sound oh so cool!) That will also be a fun thing to share to the Plymouth writer's club on Monday.
Hope all is well with you.
Words Women Use:
1.) FINE: This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.
2.) Five Minutes : If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.
3.) Nothing: This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in fine.
I will send you some more words tomorrow.
Love Mary
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Sunshine all day. Chelsea and I trotted all around the neighborhood and through the park to day. Several areas had been mowed and she came home with a lovely green tinge on her paws and underbelly. She is not a happy girl when I have to towel her off.
Dick got his finger blood test from Sue today. His count is still just a bit low, so his meds are changed again. Now he is back to the dosage that kept him stable for all those months. We are hoping that now that he is off of the antibiotics this will settle him down.
We stopped at Evans to pick up a few plants. I still need to find some Lavender. I actually have some seeds planted but they are not coming up very good so far. We stopped at Mom's on the way home too. I took her some muffins, scones and broccoli/cauliflower salad. She looks good. Yesterday, was the first day that the cleaning person came. Mom seemed pleased with the results and I know that it is a load off of her mind. I dug up some of her lemon balm to plant out in the back garden.
I picked up the Nescos from Rhine after lunch and dropped them off at the Pig so that they can fill them up with chicken and potatoes and Matt can pick them up tomorrow for the bust up dinner. I will make the beans tomorrow too.
Then I did a bit of planting. First I had to get some more weeds out of the bed. I just have one more stretch left. Today, I found green onions amid the weeds. Some must have gone to seed last summer and come up on their own. Anyway, I planted the lemon balm. Those beds are going to take a lot of work and I have to decide how much of them I REALLY want to keep.
I also planted the hanging pots that will go on the hooks in the front flower bed. I will wait until tomorrow to hang them because it may be a bit too cold tonight. No sense taking chances.
Got a call from Michelle this afternoon that Barbara, the kid's mother, had to go back in for more surgery. Apparently she has pneumonia and possibly a tear in the intestines. Jim and Michelle came home but did not tell us what is happening. I can only pray for her and my step children. It is so hard to watch someone you love in distress.
I received a nice letter from Nora today. She was going back to training on Monday. If all goes well, she will graduate on June 8. Let's all root for Nora and give her all the support we can. She is really determined and I am proud of her.
The Mother's Day flowers from Leslie and Bill are still beautiful and brightening our lives.
Love
Mary
Dick got his finger blood test from Sue today. His count is still just a bit low, so his meds are changed again. Now he is back to the dosage that kept him stable for all those months. We are hoping that now that he is off of the antibiotics this will settle him down.
We stopped at Evans to pick up a few plants. I still need to find some Lavender. I actually have some seeds planted but they are not coming up very good so far. We stopped at Mom's on the way home too. I took her some muffins, scones and broccoli/cauliflower salad. She looks good. Yesterday, was the first day that the cleaning person came. Mom seemed pleased with the results and I know that it is a load off of her mind. I dug up some of her lemon balm to plant out in the back garden.
I picked up the Nescos from Rhine after lunch and dropped them off at the Pig so that they can fill them up with chicken and potatoes and Matt can pick them up tomorrow for the bust up dinner. I will make the beans tomorrow too.
Then I did a bit of planting. First I had to get some more weeds out of the bed. I just have one more stretch left. Today, I found green onions amid the weeds. Some must have gone to seed last summer and come up on their own. Anyway, I planted the lemon balm. Those beds are going to take a lot of work and I have to decide how much of them I REALLY want to keep.
I also planted the hanging pots that will go on the hooks in the front flower bed. I will wait until tomorrow to hang them because it may be a bit too cold tonight. No sense taking chances.
Got a call from Michelle this afternoon that Barbara, the kid's mother, had to go back in for more surgery. Apparently she has pneumonia and possibly a tear in the intestines. Jim and Michelle came home but did not tell us what is happening. I can only pray for her and my step children. It is so hard to watch someone you love in distress.
I received a nice letter from Nora today. She was going back to training on Monday. If all goes well, she will graduate on June 8. Let's all root for Nora and give her all the support we can. She is really determined and I am proud of her.
The Mother's Day flowers from Leslie and Bill are still beautiful and brightening our lives.
Love
Mary
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
It was really chilly today. Chelsea decided to take a short cut on our morning walk (which didn't break my heart at all.) She cut into Lions park after we finished walking around Cattail Court. There is an entrance to the park over the railroad tracks at that juncture and once in a while she decides to go that way. It was cold enough that I was just as glad to have a shorter walk.
We had our fourth diabetes class over at Valley View. There were five diabetics and two spouses at the class this time. That is the biggest attendance that we have ever had. The discussion this time was on cooking, portions, substituting ingredients and that type of things. One of the diabetics is really struggling with the whole concept. It does take a lot of thinking and involves changing eating habits. Dick is doing pretty good. Probably because when things got serious, he got that infection which resulted in NO appetite which has kind of gotten him used to smaller portions and making things count.
Then we went to the bank, grocery shopping and to get his blood test done. We got ALL of that done by 11:00AM. I was really proud of us.
Then I fixed us lunch (It wasn't too difficult, we had picked up a fruit salad at the Pig and I split it up on two plates with a scoop of cottage cheese.)
I am trying to clean out the freezer of the older things and found some cranberries so I went on a baking frenzy. We now have scones and muffins. I also made a nice big Broccoli and Cauliflower salad. Tomorrow on our way back from the clinic we will stop at Mom's and give her some of each.
We worked more on the guest toilet, but it is leaking and still making that noise so I guess we will have to call a plumber. We are going to stop at Menard's tomorrow to see if there is any advice or recommendations. We will also look for plants unless it is raining.
Mary
We had our fourth diabetes class over at Valley View. There were five diabetics and two spouses at the class this time. That is the biggest attendance that we have ever had. The discussion this time was on cooking, portions, substituting ingredients and that type of things. One of the diabetics is really struggling with the whole concept. It does take a lot of thinking and involves changing eating habits. Dick is doing pretty good. Probably because when things got serious, he got that infection which resulted in NO appetite which has kind of gotten him used to smaller portions and making things count.
Then we went to the bank, grocery shopping and to get his blood test done. We got ALL of that done by 11:00AM. I was really proud of us.
Then I fixed us lunch (It wasn't too difficult, we had picked up a fruit salad at the Pig and I split it up on two plates with a scoop of cottage cheese.)
I am trying to clean out the freezer of the older things and found some cranberries so I went on a baking frenzy. We now have scones and muffins. I also made a nice big Broccoli and Cauliflower salad. Tomorrow on our way back from the clinic we will stop at Mom's and give her some of each.
We worked more on the guest toilet, but it is leaking and still making that noise so I guess we will have to call a plumber. We are going to stop at Menard's tomorrow to see if there is any advice or recommendations. We will also look for plants unless it is raining.
A Church goer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday. "I've gone for 30 years now,"
he wrote, "and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But
for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them. So, I think I'm
wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at
all." This started a real controversy in the "Letters to the Editor"
column, much to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until
someone wrote this clincher: "I've been married for 30 years now.
In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life of
me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I
do know this. They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to
do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically
dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would
be spiritually dead today!" When you are DOWN to nothing.... God is UP to
something! Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible and receives
the impossible! Thank God for our physical AND our spiritual nourishment!
"When Satan is knocking at your door, simply say,
"Jesus, could you get that for me?"
Mary
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
It rained most of the day today. Not expected. The forecasts said scattered showers and from the maps, I truly expected them to be either north or south of us, but here they are. We can use the moisture so I won't complain. I had, however, planned on doing my plant shopping today. I don't like to do that when it is raining so it is put off to a sunnier day.
Chelsea and I timed our walk perfectly, well before the rain. We waved at Jim and Michelle as they left this morning.
Since we couldn't go shopping, I cleaned the refrigerator instead. That is always a job and now I know what is there and that it is all good stuff.
This afternoon, Dick and I filtered the Riesling. Now we can wait a couple of days and then bottle it. Then we can mix up the White Zinfindal kit that we have down there. We have decided to continue wine making. You can all exhale. We are just going to pare down a bit. We will only have ONE 5 or 6 gallon batch going at one time so that we can keep it up on the bench and so that Dick will not have to be lifting those heavy jugs.
Today was the first day that I wrapped Dicks upper legs. I wrapped a bit tighter than we did yesterday and they more or less stayed. He finds that he has to be very careful when he pulls down his sweats as this jiggles everything. But I think we are making headway.
I am going down to watch Dancing with the Stars and to quilt. So I will sign off now. This morning I heard a wonderful quote from Rob Lowe. Not his quote, but something he lives by. "If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans." Makes me think anyway.
Have a great Wednesday. We will be busy again.
Love
Mary
Chelsea and I timed our walk perfectly, well before the rain. We waved at Jim and Michelle as they left this morning.
Since we couldn't go shopping, I cleaned the refrigerator instead. That is always a job and now I know what is there and that it is all good stuff.
This afternoon, Dick and I filtered the Riesling. Now we can wait a couple of days and then bottle it. Then we can mix up the White Zinfindal kit that we have down there. We have decided to continue wine making. You can all exhale. We are just going to pare down a bit. We will only have ONE 5 or 6 gallon batch going at one time so that we can keep it up on the bench and so that Dick will not have to be lifting those heavy jugs.
Today was the first day that I wrapped Dicks upper legs. I wrapped a bit tighter than we did yesterday and they more or less stayed. He finds that he has to be very careful when he pulls down his sweats as this jiggles everything. But I think we are making headway.
I am going down to watch Dancing with the Stars and to quilt. So I will sign off now. This morning I heard a wonderful quote from Rob Lowe. Not his quote, but something he lives by. "If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans." Makes me think anyway.
Have a great Wednesday. We will be busy again.
Love
Mary
Monday, May 14, 2007
It was hot today. I saw a maximum of 86 degrees. I am sure that Bret would disagree with me as their temps have been up in the 90s or more and they are in a drought situation. That is why there are all the wildfires.
I was very happy yesterday. Bart called about 8:00PM to wish me a Happy Mother's Day and I told you that Bret had called at about 4:30PM. Bart and Barb had just gotten home from Lubbock Texas. They were there for a very illustrious and special occasion. Barb's son, Timothy graduated from college. The first four years anyway. I must ask Barb if he is done or has to go on for a specialty. But he has the degree now and can map his path. I am proud to call both of her boys step grandchildren. Timothy is handsome, smart and very charming and Adam is handsome, smart and doing well in the Navy and has also provided me with three beautiful step GREAT granddaughters.
Dick had his evaluation at the Lymphadema Clinic. He will be going back for four weeks for continued therapy, including wrappings, massage therapy (involving the compressions that Leslie told us about) and several other things. We are trying to bring down the swelling in the upper legs.
I went to Bible Study this morning. We had a full table. The readings for next Sunday are about the Ascension of our Lord. It will be interesting to see what Fr. Van Beeck has to say. I will be distributing communion this Sunday.
I got a call this afternoon from the Kohler Art Center. The workshop with Ellen Kort is ON. They got at least the two more participants that they needed to go on with the program. They called to ask what I wanted for the lunches that they are providing. I opted for a chicken/Caesar wrap on Saturday and a strawberry spinach salad on Sunday. We will meet at 10AM on Saturday and move from there to the Tellen Sculpture Garden in Black River. Saturday is from 10 to 4 and Sunday from 10 to 2.
Tonight I went to the Sheboygan Falls Library to hear my friend and fellow writer John Textor give a talk on the story he wrote called Phoenix - the Fateful Journey. He have a lot of insight on the conditions and types of travel and some information that turned up after the book published. He hears from descendants of survivors often. John is co president of the Sheboygan County Writers this year.
I am not going to be any more clever than the above tonight as it has been a full day. I did want to mention that we will be wrapping Dick's legs from the feet to the upper thighs now and he will look somewhat like a mummy. To top it off, today the ace type bandages started unwinding and he looked rather like a decrepit mummy. Must master that problem.
Mary
I was very happy yesterday. Bart called about 8:00PM to wish me a Happy Mother's Day and I told you that Bret had called at about 4:30PM. Bart and Barb had just gotten home from Lubbock Texas. They were there for a very illustrious and special occasion. Barb's son, Timothy graduated from college. The first four years anyway. I must ask Barb if he is done or has to go on for a specialty. But he has the degree now and can map his path. I am proud to call both of her boys step grandchildren. Timothy is handsome, smart and very charming and Adam is handsome, smart and doing well in the Navy and has also provided me with three beautiful step GREAT granddaughters.
Dick had his evaluation at the Lymphadema Clinic. He will be going back for four weeks for continued therapy, including wrappings, massage therapy (involving the compressions that Leslie told us about) and several other things. We are trying to bring down the swelling in the upper legs.
I went to Bible Study this morning. We had a full table. The readings for next Sunday are about the Ascension of our Lord. It will be interesting to see what Fr. Van Beeck has to say. I will be distributing communion this Sunday.
I got a call this afternoon from the Kohler Art Center. The workshop with Ellen Kort is ON. They got at least the two more participants that they needed to go on with the program. They called to ask what I wanted for the lunches that they are providing. I opted for a chicken/Caesar wrap on Saturday and a strawberry spinach salad on Sunday. We will meet at 10AM on Saturday and move from there to the Tellen Sculpture Garden in Black River. Saturday is from 10 to 4 and Sunday from 10 to 2.
Tonight I went to the Sheboygan Falls Library to hear my friend and fellow writer John Textor give a talk on the story he wrote called Phoenix - the Fateful Journey. He have a lot of insight on the conditions and types of travel and some information that turned up after the book published. He hears from descendants of survivors often. John is co president of the Sheboygan County Writers this year.
I am not going to be any more clever than the above tonight as it has been a full day. I did want to mention that we will be wrapping Dick's legs from the feet to the upper thighs now and he will look somewhat like a mummy. To top it off, today the ace type bandages started unwinding and he looked rather like a decrepit mummy. Must master that problem.
Mary
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Mother's Day is almost over. I got up at 6:00AM and Chelsea and I had a very nice walk. I am trying to figure out WHY it had to be 36 degrees out there in the middle of May. But there was no wind to speak of so we were quite comfortable. As a matter of fact, Chelsea really does enjoy it when the temps are a bit cooler.
Mass was very nice. Fr. Van Beeck spoke eloquently about the relationship of a mother and child being comparable to the God/us relationship. When I got home we had a nice brunch and then I cut Dick's hair. Strange thing, the hand razer trimmer that used to be in the kit that I used to do all my fine tuning with has disappeared. If we can't find it, I will HAVE to find another as it is very hard for me to finish without it.
This afternoon, Bobbie and I were on again at Rhine. I had promised Tom Lawaan that I would bring some of my pepper jelly for him to try. So I brought crackers, cream cheese and jelly. Worked out quite well for a little snack. It was a very slow day. We had very few shooters. Mother's Day of course. I did some cleaning in the ladies room.
Bobbie gave me my birthday present - a week early but we were together this weekend. We don't usually give birthday presents but she found a tshirt. It is a lovely purple and says A Very Fine Vintage across the front. She said she couldn't resist. I will wear it with pride.
Dick took me out for dinner tonight. We WERE going to go to the Wilderness but they apparently decided to only be open for brunch on Mother's Day so we went down to the Family
Restaurant. I had roast chicken and Dick had meatloaf. Both good. (Dick still likes my meatloaf best though.)
We are going to play scrabble again tonight to finish off the day. My Bret called at about 5:00PM to wish me Happy Mother's Day. He is a good son and I love to hear his voice.
Tomorrow will be a busy day too. We start early because Dick has to go to a test at the Lymphedema Clinic here in Plymouth. They might provide some answers to some of the swelling in his upper legs.
Have a nice week.
According to Victorian Etiquette, "Do not tattle. Do not carry gossip from one family to another."
Good advice under any circumstances.
Mary
Mass was very nice. Fr. Van Beeck spoke eloquently about the relationship of a mother and child being comparable to the God/us relationship. When I got home we had a nice brunch and then I cut Dick's hair. Strange thing, the hand razer trimmer that used to be in the kit that I used to do all my fine tuning with has disappeared. If we can't find it, I will HAVE to find another as it is very hard for me to finish without it.
This afternoon, Bobbie and I were on again at Rhine. I had promised Tom Lawaan that I would bring some of my pepper jelly for him to try. So I brought crackers, cream cheese and jelly. Worked out quite well for a little snack. It was a very slow day. We had very few shooters. Mother's Day of course. I did some cleaning in the ladies room.
Bobbie gave me my birthday present - a week early but we were together this weekend. We don't usually give birthday presents but she found a tshirt. It is a lovely purple and says A Very Fine Vintage across the front. She said she couldn't resist. I will wear it with pride.
Dick took me out for dinner tonight. We WERE going to go to the Wilderness but they apparently decided to only be open for brunch on Mother's Day so we went down to the Family
Restaurant. I had roast chicken and Dick had meatloaf. Both good. (Dick still likes my meatloaf best though.)
We are going to play scrabble again tonight to finish off the day. My Bret called at about 5:00PM to wish me Happy Mother's Day. He is a good son and I love to hear his voice.
Tomorrow will be a busy day too. We start early because Dick has to go to a test at the Lymphedema Clinic here in Plymouth. They might provide some answers to some of the swelling in his upper legs.
Have a nice week.
According to Victorian Etiquette, "Do not tattle. Do not carry gossip from one family to another."
Good advice under any circumstances.
Mary
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Today was a bit cooler but still very pleasant and there was no rain, so I was able to do some gardening. Unfortunately, the gardens were let go last year, I am sure and now are so overgrown that I am having great difficulty determining what is a plant and what is a weed and for that matter, where the gardens begin and end.
I drove to Falls today and took Mother her card and a bottle of wine. We are giving her the season tickets to the Sheboygan Theater Company again. She said today that maybe that is too expensive. I told her that we only asked her if she wanted them again because we were afraid that maybe it might be too much. But she and I went over things and we can take our time getting down into the seats and then take our time getting back to the car. She never goes to bed before 10PM anyway, so we won't be keeping her up much later than her normal bedtime. Dick and I would miss our evenings with her anyway.
I stopped at the cemetery on my way to her house and threw the flowers that Courney had for her birthday away. They were completely dried up. I kept the pot they came in. It is truly lovely.
This afternoon the door bell rang and there was a delivery of a beautiful floral bouquet from Leslie and Bill. I was so delighted. They are perched right under the skylight on the counter where I see them every one of the "hundred" times I walk by. I also got a wonderful card from Bobbie today. I love to be remembered. Sometimes one wonders if one does a good job in our little vocations.
Tomorrow will be fairly quiet, though I do have to work at Rhine with Bobbie. Dick is going to take me out for dinner in the evening. That will be so pleasant. We do like our dates.
Love
Mary
I drove to Falls today and took Mother her card and a bottle of wine. We are giving her the season tickets to the Sheboygan Theater Company again. She said today that maybe that is too expensive. I told her that we only asked her if she wanted them again because we were afraid that maybe it might be too much. But she and I went over things and we can take our time getting down into the seats and then take our time getting back to the car. She never goes to bed before 10PM anyway, so we won't be keeping her up much later than her normal bedtime. Dick and I would miss our evenings with her anyway.
I stopped at the cemetery on my way to her house and threw the flowers that Courney had for her birthday away. They were completely dried up. I kept the pot they came in. It is truly lovely.
Then I spent a couple of hours in the gardens in back. The weeds from the woods have completely covered the gardens that the person before Judy Richards put in. I am finding the edges which are surrounded by rocks and trying to determine what are weeds and what are actually remnants of the original plantings. Anyway, I am exhausted tonight. That was really hard work.
This afternoon the door bell rang and there was a delivery of a beautiful floral bouquet from Leslie and Bill. I was so delighted. They are perched right under the skylight on the counter where I see them every one of the "hundred" times I walk by. I also got a wonderful card from Bobbie today. I love to be remembered. Sometimes one wonders if one does a good job in our little vocations.
Tomorrow will be fairly quiet, though I do have to work at Rhine with Bobbie. Dick is going to take me out for dinner in the evening. That will be so pleasant. We do like our dates.
Love
Mary
Friday, May 11, 2007
Today was a whirlwind. Chelsea and I went for our walk at 6AM. It was just beautiful. If only ALL mornings could be that beautiful. I saw two cranes and heard them circling over to the south.
Then I cleaned the kitchen. The floor was filthy as Chelsea has been hauling crud in for a week.
I left the house at about 9:15. Stopped and dropped off the last items Mark needs to finish our taxes, went to Kohls and had to get a rain check on a weather radio and headed over to the Blood Center. Today was the annual blood drive my friend Peggy Feider puts on in memory of her son Joe. I now have my second bracelet that says A Gallon or so for Joe. They got about 100 donors coming in today. Quite a successful drive. Our friends, Ione Gregiore, her daughter Debbie and Shirley Moioffer came in for the first times. Shirley couldn't give as her iron count was low but we had a lot of fun anyway. This year they had some hand painted tiles that say thank you, I think made by patients who have received blood. Mine says Thank you Your on the spot. I love it.
Then I went to the house to run the water, air the place out and do a bit of garden freshening. Soon I will have to trim the bushes. Sure wish that place would sell. It is SUCH a nice place. We were very happy there. I hate to think of it empty and alone. Pray for new residents.
Tonight I worked the last day of league at Rhine. The shooters were done by 8PM and Bobbie and I left at about 8:45PM. Then when I got home, I zipped over to visit with Boots as Jim and Michelle are spending the night away from home while they visit a friend in Lake Geneva. I hope they take advantage of a trip round the lake while they are there.
The kid's mother is doing pretty well, considering the seriousness of the surgery. She MAY be leaving the hospital on Sunday. It will be determined if she can go home or should go to a nursing home until she is stronger and able to hold food a bit better. Please continue prayers for her.
I don't think that I ever shared the following poem with you. If I did, that is just how it is. I love it. It was writte by a Leo Marks.
The Life That I Have
The life that I have is all that I have,
And the life that I have is yours.
The love that I have of the life that I have,
Is yours and yours and yours.
A sleep I shall have
A rest I shall have
Yet death will be but a pause
For the peace of my years
In the long green grass
Will be yours and yours and yours.
Have a great weekend.
Love
Marymom
Then I cleaned the kitchen. The floor was filthy as Chelsea has been hauling crud in for a week.
I left the house at about 9:15. Stopped and dropped off the last items Mark needs to finish our taxes, went to Kohls and had to get a rain check on a weather radio and headed over to the Blood Center. Today was the annual blood drive my friend Peggy Feider puts on in memory of her son Joe. I now have my second bracelet that says A Gallon or so for Joe. They got about 100 donors coming in today. Quite a successful drive. Our friends, Ione Gregiore, her daughter Debbie and Shirley Moioffer came in for the first times. Shirley couldn't give as her iron count was low but we had a lot of fun anyway. This year they had some hand painted tiles that say thank you, I think made by patients who have received blood. Mine says Thank you Your on the spot. I love it.
Then I went to the house to run the water, air the place out and do a bit of garden freshening. Soon I will have to trim the bushes. Sure wish that place would sell. It is SUCH a nice place. We were very happy there. I hate to think of it empty and alone. Pray for new residents.
Tonight I worked the last day of league at Rhine. The shooters were done by 8PM and Bobbie and I left at about 8:45PM. Then when I got home, I zipped over to visit with Boots as Jim and Michelle are spending the night away from home while they visit a friend in Lake Geneva. I hope they take advantage of a trip round the lake while they are there.
The kid's mother is doing pretty well, considering the seriousness of the surgery. She MAY be leaving the hospital on Sunday. It will be determined if she can go home or should go to a nursing home until she is stronger and able to hold food a bit better. Please continue prayers for her.
I don't think that I ever shared the following poem with you. If I did, that is just how it is. I love it. It was writte by a Leo Marks.
The Life That I Have
The life that I have is all that I have,
And the life that I have is yours.
The love that I have of the life that I have,
Is yours and yours and yours.
A sleep I shall have
A rest I shall have
Yet death will be but a pause
For the peace of my years
In the long green grass
Will be yours and yours and yours.
Have a great weekend.
Love
Marymom
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Chelsea is bugging me to go to bed. It is 9PM and she doesn't like it when I stay up too late.
It was very warm today, up in the 80s. This morning it was comfortable and a bit foggy when we went for our walk. I started cleaning the "wine cellar" and added the yeast to the dandelion wine this morning.
Dick saw Dr. Hodous for his feet today at 9:45AM. They are very slow healing, the diabetes contributes to that, but we are slowly making progress. We stopped at Mother's on the way home so I could give her some of the chicken chili and cornbread for a meal or two. I know that Donna is always bringing her food too. She will forget how to cook pretty soon. I am going to bring her the recipe for the "Omelets in a Bag." That will be a great easy supper for her sometime.
When we got home, I finished cleaning the "wine cellar", the bathroom and my desk. Got a nap in too.
I hung the beautiful pot of pansies that Dick and Brenda gave us on the front porch so they can be seen by everyone driving by. Nothing like being smiled at by a whole pot of beautiful smiling flowers.
We just had leftover veggies and rice with Polish sausage for supper.
Tonight I had the wonderful opportunity to go to the Kohler Art Center to hear Dr. Arthur Derse, professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Ellen Kort, the past Poet Laureate of Wisconsin speak on the importance of training physicians in the humanities along with the clinical studies that they do. The program has been in place for quite some time and is met with mainly positive but sometimes mixed reviews. Some of the students say, Why do I have to take this when I have spent all this time avoiding it in the past. Others love it. It is good for physicians to listen to the "stories" that their patients tell them.
I am really looking forward to the workshop with Ellen Kort on May 19 and 20. There is still a small doubt that it will take place as they need 6 people to sign up and as of Tuesday they only had four. BUT, they handed out several applications tonight and they were interested. Anyway, when I left I told Ellen that I was planning to spend my birthday weekend with her.
When Bret was a little boy, he saw a women wearing a red dress one day and said to me. "Oh Look Mommy. That lady has a dress just like yours only it is shorter, doesn't have sleeves and is a different color."
Love
Mary
It was very warm today, up in the 80s. This morning it was comfortable and a bit foggy when we went for our walk. I started cleaning the "wine cellar" and added the yeast to the dandelion wine this morning.
Dick saw Dr. Hodous for his feet today at 9:45AM. They are very slow healing, the diabetes contributes to that, but we are slowly making progress. We stopped at Mother's on the way home so I could give her some of the chicken chili and cornbread for a meal or two. I know that Donna is always bringing her food too. She will forget how to cook pretty soon. I am going to bring her the recipe for the "Omelets in a Bag." That will be a great easy supper for her sometime.
When we got home, I finished cleaning the "wine cellar", the bathroom and my desk. Got a nap in too.
I hung the beautiful pot of pansies that Dick and Brenda gave us on the front porch so they can be seen by everyone driving by. Nothing like being smiled at by a whole pot of beautiful smiling flowers.
We just had leftover veggies and rice with Polish sausage for supper.
Tonight I had the wonderful opportunity to go to the Kohler Art Center to hear Dr. Arthur Derse, professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Ellen Kort, the past Poet Laureate of Wisconsin speak on the importance of training physicians in the humanities along with the clinical studies that they do. The program has been in place for quite some time and is met with mainly positive but sometimes mixed reviews. Some of the students say, Why do I have to take this when I have spent all this time avoiding it in the past. Others love it. It is good for physicians to listen to the "stories" that their patients tell them.
I am really looking forward to the workshop with Ellen Kort on May 19 and 20. There is still a small doubt that it will take place as they need 6 people to sign up and as of Tuesday they only had four. BUT, they handed out several applications tonight and they were interested. Anyway, when I left I told Ellen that I was planning to spend my birthday weekend with her.
When Bret was a little boy, he saw a women wearing a red dress one day and said to me. "Oh Look Mommy. That lady has a dress just like yours only it is shorter, doesn't have sleeves and is a different color."
Love
Mary
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Such a beautiful day. The temps got up to 78 (at least at our last look). The house did not get too hot and it was not too humid.
Chelsea and I went on our walk at about 6Am more or less. It was a perfect walk. When we stepped out of the door there was a pair of geese in the green space honking away. Chelsea was very excited but lost interest immediately when I headed her towards our usual route. (Not much of a hunter, that one.) The rest of the walk was pretty normal. I took note of all the dandelions in Lions Park.
When I got home and we were organized, we went grocery shopping, (after breakfast at the Family Restaurant. I had a pecan waffle that was excellent, and a stop to fill up the gas tank.) We got home at about 10:30AM.
At 11:30AM we went to the Plymouth Clinic for Dick's weekly blood test. Then we had lunch and I headed out into Lions Park and harvested a container of dandelion blossoms. Seemed silly to let all that harvest go to waste. I now have a gallon batch of dandelion wine fermenting in the "winery". I still have to construct or find a sign for that room in the basement to designate it as the "MaryE.R. Winery."
It took me about an hour and 1/2 to harvest the blossoms. If the wine is good, next year I will do two batches. Got to try it first.
We had Chick Chile and Corn Bread Muffins for supper tonight. I kind of adapted a Chicken Chili recipe to use up some leftovers and it was wonderful. We have two more meals of it. That is getting to be quite a problem. There are just too many leftovers. Oh. Well. We, or I, will work it out eventually.
From the Essential Handbookof Victorian Etiquette by Professor Thomas E. Hill.
From the Chapter The Rules of Conduct that Govern Good Society
Do not when narrating an incident, continually say "you see? " "you know" etc.
Do not use profanity, vulgar terms, slang, phrases, words of double meaning, or language that will bring the blush to any person.
I think that these rules sound basic and should be in force now. We have become too entrenched in the right of everybody to say anything they want under the umbrella of
"free speech". What about "free hearing."
Regarding the first. There was a saying on the wall at St. Brendan's that says "Profanity is ignorance made vocal." I love it.
May you sleep easy and deep tonight and wake up rested for the day.
Mary
Chelsea and I went on our walk at about 6Am more or less. It was a perfect walk. When we stepped out of the door there was a pair of geese in the green space honking away. Chelsea was very excited but lost interest immediately when I headed her towards our usual route. (Not much of a hunter, that one.) The rest of the walk was pretty normal. I took note of all the dandelions in Lions Park.
When I got home and we were organized, we went grocery shopping, (after breakfast at the Family Restaurant. I had a pecan waffle that was excellent, and a stop to fill up the gas tank.) We got home at about 10:30AM.
At 11:30AM we went to the Plymouth Clinic for Dick's weekly blood test. Then we had lunch and I headed out into Lions Park and harvested a container of dandelion blossoms. Seemed silly to let all that harvest go to waste. I now have a gallon batch of dandelion wine fermenting in the "winery". I still have to construct or find a sign for that room in the basement to designate it as the "MaryE.R. Winery."
It took me about an hour and 1/2 to harvest the blossoms. If the wine is good, next year I will do two batches. Got to try it first.
We had Chick Chile and Corn Bread Muffins for supper tonight. I kind of adapted a Chicken Chili recipe to use up some leftovers and it was wonderful. We have two more meals of it. That is getting to be quite a problem. There are just too many leftovers. Oh. Well. We, or I, will work it out eventually.
From the Essential Handbookof Victorian Etiquette by Professor Thomas E. Hill.
From the Chapter The Rules of Conduct that Govern Good Society
Do not when narrating an incident, continually say "you see? " "you know" etc.
Do not use profanity, vulgar terms, slang, phrases, words of double meaning, or language that will bring the blush to any person.
I think that these rules sound basic and should be in force now. We have become too entrenched in the right of everybody to say anything they want under the umbrella of
"free speech". What about "free hearing."
Regarding the first. There was a saying on the wall at St. Brendan's that says "Profanity is ignorance made vocal." I love it.
May you sleep easy and deep tonight and wake up rested for the day.
Mary
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
It was a nice quiet day today. We did not have to go anywhere. Chelsea and I went for our walk at 6AM. The weather was perfect for walking and we really enjoyed it. The temperatures got up to 79 Degrees and it was still and rather muggy. Dick tested out the air conditioning this afternoon. It works, but now we have the conditioner off and the windows open.
I spent the day cooking and gardening. It was fun. Could have gotten more done if I had pushed myself but decided not to. The caregivers need to take care of themselves too.
Yesterday, when I was at Mother's, she sent the two books that I bought for her at Galena home with me so that I can read them. They are The Essential Handbook of Victorian Etiquette and The Essential Hanbook of Victorian Entertaining. She commented that the rules said that if a lady went to tea, she was to keep her gloves and hat on but if she went to a dinner it was permitted to take them off.
We are sure these rules were only practiced by the "upper class" though ---- Even when I was in High School, when Mother, Nora and I went to church, we word gloves and a hat. There were gloves in many colors to match the various outfits that we had. We were remembering a time when there was a hat that all three of us just loved. It was a straw hat with a wide brim with four large cloth roses in different colors in the brim. We all went to different masses on Sunday so that we could wear "the Hat."
We were remembering that when girls went to the prom they also had matching gloves to go with their formals. The gloves were long and reached way beyond the elbow.
Times have changed.
Love
Mary
I spent the day cooking and gardening. It was fun. Could have gotten more done if I had pushed myself but decided not to. The caregivers need to take care of themselves too.
Yesterday, when I was at Mother's, she sent the two books that I bought for her at Galena home with me so that I can read them. They are The Essential Handbook of Victorian Etiquette and The Essential Hanbook of Victorian Entertaining. She commented that the rules said that if a lady went to tea, she was to keep her gloves and hat on but if she went to a dinner it was permitted to take them off.
We are sure these rules were only practiced by the "upper class" though ---- Even when I was in High School, when Mother, Nora and I went to church, we word gloves and a hat. There were gloves in many colors to match the various outfits that we had. We were remembering a time when there was a hat that all three of us just loved. It was a straw hat with a wide brim with four large cloth roses in different colors in the brim. We all went to different masses on Sunday so that we could wear "the Hat."
We were remembering that when girls went to the prom they also had matching gloves to go with their formals. The gloves were long and reached way beyond the elbow.
Times have changed.
Love
Mary
Monday, May 07, 2007
I did not post Saturday or Sunday because we were celebrating Dick's 77th Birthday.
Saturday, Dick and Brenda, Bobbie and Bill and Jim and Michelle took us to the Villager for dinner. We had such a pleasant evening. Good food, good company and all that love can't be beat. Dick and Brenda then spent the night with us and were able to stay a bit later this time because they were not stopping to visit the other parent places on the way home. The kid's mother, Barbara, had surgery today. Our prayers are with her as it is a serious surgery. I placed her name on the prayer chains at both Blessed Trinity and St. John's. I don't know her personally but she raised four people well who mean the world to me.
The omelets in a bag were WONDERFUL. They come out just perfect. People can make them custom for their own taste AND they are all ready at once. I wouldn't have believed it but they DO just roll out of the bag, a perfect shape and really nummy. The Grandma Pekarski cake was good too. Brenda says now she KNOWS there must have been some Polish in my background. I don't think so actually. I am not sure WHO Grandma Pekarski is actually but she sure had a good coffee cake.
Dick and I left on his surprise getaway at 3:30PM. I took him to the Outback in Appleton where we used the gift certificate that Bret had given us for Christmas. They DO have good food. We were in the mood for steaks. The fillets were tender and tasty. They had a salad with a dressing with cinnamon covered pecans in it that was SO good.
After dinner we drove on to Green Bay to St. Brendan's Hotel, one of the four owned by our friend Rip O'Dwanny. I had booked a "romantic" weekend special. (A room with a whirlpool, a walk in shower, champagne and a full breakfast in the morning for a really good rate.) We had been talking about spending a night there and I felt this was a good way to GET away with not too much stress or activity for Dick. He really enjoyed it too. We were home before noon, rested and content.
The drive home was so pleasant with green all around us. We know why we live in Wisconsin. As we were driving along and Dick was dozing, I remembered the three things about farms that I know for sure.
1. If the cows are all lying down, it is very probable the it is going to rain.
2. Look at the round blue metal silos. If there is an American flag painted on it, it means it is paid for (Bart told us that.)
3. When corn tassels out, you can tell feed corn from sweet corn. Feed corn tassels out brown and sweet corn tassels out white.
And that's the truth.
Mary
Saturday, Dick and Brenda, Bobbie and Bill and Jim and Michelle took us to the Villager for dinner. We had such a pleasant evening. Good food, good company and all that love can't be beat. Dick and Brenda then spent the night with us and were able to stay a bit later this time because they were not stopping to visit the other parent places on the way home. The kid's mother, Barbara, had surgery today. Our prayers are with her as it is a serious surgery. I placed her name on the prayer chains at both Blessed Trinity and St. John's. I don't know her personally but she raised four people well who mean the world to me.
The omelets in a bag were WONDERFUL. They come out just perfect. People can make them custom for their own taste AND they are all ready at once. I wouldn't have believed it but they DO just roll out of the bag, a perfect shape and really nummy. The Grandma Pekarski cake was good too. Brenda says now she KNOWS there must have been some Polish in my background. I don't think so actually. I am not sure WHO Grandma Pekarski is actually but she sure had a good coffee cake.
Dick and I left on his surprise getaway at 3:30PM. I took him to the Outback in Appleton where we used the gift certificate that Bret had given us for Christmas. They DO have good food. We were in the mood for steaks. The fillets were tender and tasty. They had a salad with a dressing with cinnamon covered pecans in it that was SO good.
After dinner we drove on to Green Bay to St. Brendan's Hotel, one of the four owned by our friend Rip O'Dwanny. I had booked a "romantic" weekend special. (A room with a whirlpool, a walk in shower, champagne and a full breakfast in the morning for a really good rate.) We had been talking about spending a night there and I felt this was a good way to GET away with not too much stress or activity for Dick. He really enjoyed it too. We were home before noon, rested and content.
The drive home was so pleasant with green all around us. We know why we live in Wisconsin. As we were driving along and Dick was dozing, I remembered the three things about farms that I know for sure.
1. If the cows are all lying down, it is very probable the it is going to rain.
2. Look at the round blue metal silos. If there is an American flag painted on it, it means it is paid for (Bart told us that.)
3. When corn tassels out, you can tell feed corn from sweet corn. Feed corn tassels out brown and sweet corn tassels out white.
And that's the truth.
Mary
Friday, May 04, 2007
Well, I went out to the field at 5AM again this morning. I still have not harvested a turkey, BUT did see four of them today. It was sunny but a bit breezy and none too warm. Uncle Kenny was there and we stayed until 10AM. Ken had a meeting at work at 1PM so couldn't stay the day. I told him that five hours is really quite long enough as far as I was concerned.
I started the day facing the field in back of me, looking for the big Tomzilla that I saw on Wednesday. As day broke, I noticed a decoy directly across from me and decided that perhaps I had better turn back to my primary field. Two people aiming at the same bird would not be a wise thing.
Later I saw a bird WAY down field towards 57, way out of range, who was soon joined by a nother much bigger bird that I could see was a Tom. It is always easy to determine if they are a Tom or hen if you see them together. All of them were way out of range, but at least I saw some.
I am done for the year. Tomorrow will be just too busy with the birthday and all and I don't want to get up at 4AM again so soon anyway.
I had lunch at Dairy Queen with the gals from the bank. Mary Schroeder was there this week. She is busy and doesn't always come so it is good to see her. I brought a cheeseburger home for Dick's lunch. He liked that, which made me feel good as he is so hard to feed these days.
Tonight I went and shot my last three targets for pistol league. I was still pretty bad but am starting to settle in again. Perhaps by next fall when we start again, I will have my groove back.
Tomorrow we will be celebrating Dick's birthday at the Villager in Sheboygan Falls. Dick and Brenda will spend the night and tomorrow I am going to bake a Grandma Pekarski Cake. It is a recipe I got from Auntie Helen that is a family recipe and a really nice coffee cake. We will have that and omelets in a bag, (something new and fun) for breakfast in the morning. Anyone else who wants to come and try them just let me know and I'll tell you what time to come.
Mary
I started the day facing the field in back of me, looking for the big Tomzilla that I saw on Wednesday. As day broke, I noticed a decoy directly across from me and decided that perhaps I had better turn back to my primary field. Two people aiming at the same bird would not be a wise thing.
Later I saw a bird WAY down field towards 57, way out of range, who was soon joined by a nother much bigger bird that I could see was a Tom. It is always easy to determine if they are a Tom or hen if you see them together. All of them were way out of range, but at least I saw some.
I am done for the year. Tomorrow will be just too busy with the birthday and all and I don't want to get up at 4AM again so soon anyway.
I had lunch at Dairy Queen with the gals from the bank. Mary Schroeder was there this week. She is busy and doesn't always come so it is good to see her. I brought a cheeseburger home for Dick's lunch. He liked that, which made me feel good as he is so hard to feed these days.
Tonight I went and shot my last three targets for pistol league. I was still pretty bad but am starting to settle in again. Perhaps by next fall when we start again, I will have my groove back.
Tomorrow we will be celebrating Dick's birthday at the Villager in Sheboygan Falls. Dick and Brenda will spend the night and tomorrow I am going to bake a Grandma Pekarski Cake. It is a recipe I got from Auntie Helen that is a family recipe and a really nice coffee cake. We will have that and omelets in a bag, (something new and fun) for breakfast in the morning. Anyone else who wants to come and try them just let me know and I'll tell you what time to come.
Mary
Thursday, May 03, 2007
I hope somebody missed me yesterday. I realized this afternoon that I had forgotten to post!
Yesterday, was EXCEEDINGLY busy.
I got up at 4:15AM in order to be able to meet Kenny and Randy out at J and 57 to go turkey hunting. We were not successful yesterday. BUT I did see Tomzilla. Across the field in back of me, up against a small woods, I saw a huge Tom strutting his stuff. I tried to call him, but he just fanned his tail at me and went back into the woods. I suppose he figured that he had enough fancy hens over there and didn't need to look any further. The rest of the day produced only hens. I had to leave at about noon. It was getting pretty chilly anyway as it got windy and cloudy.
When I got home, I fixed lunch, took a shower and helped Dick get ready for his doctor visit at 3:45PM. We found out that his foot is probably not infected. The fact that the seepage he is are getting is a clear fluid is indicative of that. He took a culture and told us to proceed as we have. He did give me a couple of tips as to how to keep it fairly clear. Then we stopped at Walgreens to restock on first aid supplies. BOY are we ever going through them.
I fixed dinner and cleaned up the kitchen and then was exhausted and was in bed by 8:30PM. I did call Bret and had a nice visit with him.
Today, Dick got his finger prick test. His count is a bit low but they decided to keep his dosage the same because he is no longer taking antibiotics and it probably will level off. We have to go back in two weeks. Then we shopped and went to the bank. After lunch I went out to the hunting fields again. Randy and Kenny had gone out early again. I got there at about 12:30PM. It was really beautiful out there though a bit windy. At first I saw nothing, then a hen showed up grazing it's way across the field and back. At about 2:30PM I heard two shots, then I saw two birds flying past me, at least one looked like a Jake, so I shot at it. I missed, darn, but I am not too good at moving targets and felt good that I at least got a shot. The two shots were Randy and he got a nice 18 lb Jake. They were ready to leave then and I was not unhappy about that. Two to five hours is more than enough for me.
Kenny and I will be out there again at 5AM. He has to leave at about 10AM which is fine with me. I won't stay out alone and as I said that is long enough anyway.
I am going to post myself facing the spot that I saw that big Tom for the first hour or so. Perhaps he will show himself and I can lure him over a little closer.
Now you know why you didn't hear from me yesterday. As I said, I hope somebody missed me.
Bret and I were remembering when he and Bart were little and the fun things that we did together. I remembered one jeep run when we let the boys take their bicycles. Someone said to look up on the top of a big hill will a narrow path down it that was just above our camp. There was Bret with his bicycle just getting ready to start down the hill. I couldn't look. He made it though and this was one of the beginnings of his love of hill climbing.
When he was about five or six years old we went, as usual, out to the Yuma Dunes for New Years. He asked his Dad if he could drive the jeep, so his Dad took the jeep and Bret out about 100 yards from the camp and told him that he could drive in a circle around the camp. Bret was in that jeep every minute it was light that we were not out on a run. I swear that he ran out a tank of gas. He couldn't go very fast because he couldn't reach the peddles and therefore couldn't shift, so he had to stay in first gear. Every once in a while I would see him looking toward camp and then he would turn the jeep towards a little rise in the terrain (a hill) and "climb" it. He was a car person from the time he was able to walk and talk. When he took driver's ed in high school, the instructor had him drive once, then asked him if he minded letting the other students drive during class because they needed it and he didn't.
Have a nice Friday.
Love
Mary
Yesterday, was EXCEEDINGLY busy.
I got up at 4:15AM in order to be able to meet Kenny and Randy out at J and 57 to go turkey hunting. We were not successful yesterday. BUT I did see Tomzilla. Across the field in back of me, up against a small woods, I saw a huge Tom strutting his stuff. I tried to call him, but he just fanned his tail at me and went back into the woods. I suppose he figured that he had enough fancy hens over there and didn't need to look any further. The rest of the day produced only hens. I had to leave at about noon. It was getting pretty chilly anyway as it got windy and cloudy.
When I got home, I fixed lunch, took a shower and helped Dick get ready for his doctor visit at 3:45PM. We found out that his foot is probably not infected. The fact that the seepage he is are getting is a clear fluid is indicative of that. He took a culture and told us to proceed as we have. He did give me a couple of tips as to how to keep it fairly clear. Then we stopped at Walgreens to restock on first aid supplies. BOY are we ever going through them.
I fixed dinner and cleaned up the kitchen and then was exhausted and was in bed by 8:30PM. I did call Bret and had a nice visit with him.
Today, Dick got his finger prick test. His count is a bit low but they decided to keep his dosage the same because he is no longer taking antibiotics and it probably will level off. We have to go back in two weeks. Then we shopped and went to the bank. After lunch I went out to the hunting fields again. Randy and Kenny had gone out early again. I got there at about 12:30PM. It was really beautiful out there though a bit windy. At first I saw nothing, then a hen showed up grazing it's way across the field and back. At about 2:30PM I heard two shots, then I saw two birds flying past me, at least one looked like a Jake, so I shot at it. I missed, darn, but I am not too good at moving targets and felt good that I at least got a shot. The two shots were Randy and he got a nice 18 lb Jake. They were ready to leave then and I was not unhappy about that. Two to five hours is more than enough for me.
Kenny and I will be out there again at 5AM. He has to leave at about 10AM which is fine with me. I won't stay out alone and as I said that is long enough anyway.
I am going to post myself facing the spot that I saw that big Tom for the first hour or so. Perhaps he will show himself and I can lure him over a little closer.
Now you know why you didn't hear from me yesterday. As I said, I hope somebody missed me.
Bret and I were remembering when he and Bart were little and the fun things that we did together. I remembered one jeep run when we let the boys take their bicycles. Someone said to look up on the top of a big hill will a narrow path down it that was just above our camp. There was Bret with his bicycle just getting ready to start down the hill. I couldn't look. He made it though and this was one of the beginnings of his love of hill climbing.
When he was about five or six years old we went, as usual, out to the Yuma Dunes for New Years. He asked his Dad if he could drive the jeep, so his Dad took the jeep and Bret out about 100 yards from the camp and told him that he could drive in a circle around the camp. Bret was in that jeep every minute it was light that we were not out on a run. I swear that he ran out a tank of gas. He couldn't go very fast because he couldn't reach the peddles and therefore couldn't shift, so he had to stay in first gear. Every once in a while I would see him looking toward camp and then he would turn the jeep towards a little rise in the terrain (a hill) and "climb" it. He was a car person from the time he was able to walk and talk. When he took driver's ed in high school, the instructor had him drive once, then asked him if he minded letting the other students drive during class because they needed it and he didn't.
Have a nice Friday.
Love
Mary
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
I woke up this morning to THUNDER!!!. Poor Chelsea was just frantic and ended up down in the basement as far from it as she could get. Dick turned the stair light on for her but I don't think she would have carded one way or another. I literally heard the crystal in the china cabinet ringing as the glasses plinked against each other. It was all over by noon thank heavens and the thunder was pretty much over by 8AM. Chelsea and I had a very short but productive walk at about 6AM between the storms.
I spent the day mainly at home, thought Dick and I did go to Office Max to pick up some photo paper and ink cartridges. Boy did I get some good deals. For a while they were offering a ream of paper for every empty ink cartridge. Now they are giving $3 credit for each one, up to five. I used five and have four left for another trip. I also ended up with some of my photo paper free because of the purchase of double packs of the cartridges. I LOVE bargains.
We racked the five gallon jug of Riesling today too. Next week we should be able to filter and then bottle it. We are trying to figure out a way that Dick will not have to be lifting those heavy jugs up onto the bench. We are going to use the electric filter as a racking rod and see how that works. Then we can leave things ON the bench and not have to rely on siphoning.
Do you know that we have been here for nine months. In that time no one from the association has come to see us, except when we first moved in and the treasurer came to deliver regulations and tell us when the dues were expected. I feel cheated. Who would ever know that Roxie and Oscar were here? No one. But I am too worn out to argue with someone about that.
Chelsea has been coughing that funny cough lately. Sunday and Monday mornings were really bad. We were all set to call the vet to see if there is something he could give her and then this morning she did not cough at all. So we decided to wait. This evening she had a little episode. Since from now to Tuesday is REALLY packed, we will observe her and if it continues will make an appointment for next week.
I will be meeting Randy and Kenny out at 57 & J to go turkey hunting at 5AM tomorrow morning. We want to be out at our sites by 6AM as shooting is permitted a short time after 6. I can stay until about noon, then have to come home to be able to take Dick to the clinic to have Dr. Sharon look at his feet and to get a blood test. That right leg really had me worried. It just doesn't seem to heal.
Dick is unable to print from his computer. I tried to check the trouble shooting section of the control panel but only came up with another puzzle that says it is not spooling. I emailed Dick and Brenda. They had solved that problem once before. They said they will call tonight. We are also having trouble with Dick being unable to get into My Quicken. But they will be here this weekend and we can figure that out then. Being unable to print is a bigger problem.
God's Wings
A little something to put things in perspective. An article in National Geographic several years ago provided an interesting picture of God's wings. After a forest fire in Yellowstone National Park, forest rangers began their trek up a mountain to assess the inferno's damage.
One ranger found a bird literally petrified in ashes, perched statuesque on the ground at the base of a tree.
Somewhat sickened by the eerie sight, he knocked over the bird with a stick. When he gently struck it, three tiny chicks scurried from under their dead mother's wings. The loving mother, keenly aware of impending disaster, had carried her offspring to the base of the tree and had gathered them under her wings, instinctively knowing that the toxic smoke would rise.
She could have flown to safety but had refused to abandon her babies. When the blaze had arrived and the heat had scorched her small body, the mother had remained steadfast. Because she had been willing to die, so those under the cover of her wings would live.
He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge." (Psalm 91:4)
Hope I get a turkey this time.
Mary
I spent the day mainly at home, thought Dick and I did go to Office Max to pick up some photo paper and ink cartridges. Boy did I get some good deals. For a while they were offering a ream of paper for every empty ink cartridge. Now they are giving $3 credit for each one, up to five. I used five and have four left for another trip. I also ended up with some of my photo paper free because of the purchase of double packs of the cartridges. I LOVE bargains.
We racked the five gallon jug of Riesling today too. Next week we should be able to filter and then bottle it. We are trying to figure out a way that Dick will not have to be lifting those heavy jugs up onto the bench. We are going to use the electric filter as a racking rod and see how that works. Then we can leave things ON the bench and not have to rely on siphoning.
Do you know that we have been here for nine months. In that time no one from the association has come to see us, except when we first moved in and the treasurer came to deliver regulations and tell us when the dues were expected. I feel cheated. Who would ever know that Roxie and Oscar were here? No one. But I am too worn out to argue with someone about that.
Chelsea has been coughing that funny cough lately. Sunday and Monday mornings were really bad. We were all set to call the vet to see if there is something he could give her and then this morning she did not cough at all. So we decided to wait. This evening she had a little episode. Since from now to Tuesday is REALLY packed, we will observe her and if it continues will make an appointment for next week.
I will be meeting Randy and Kenny out at 57 & J to go turkey hunting at 5AM tomorrow morning. We want to be out at our sites by 6AM as shooting is permitted a short time after 6. I can stay until about noon, then have to come home to be able to take Dick to the clinic to have Dr. Sharon look at his feet and to get a blood test. That right leg really had me worried. It just doesn't seem to heal.
Dick is unable to print from his computer. I tried to check the trouble shooting section of the control panel but only came up with another puzzle that says it is not spooling. I emailed Dick and Brenda. They had solved that problem once before. They said they will call tonight. We are also having trouble with Dick being unable to get into My Quicken. But they will be here this weekend and we can figure that out then. Being unable to print is a bigger problem.
God's Wings
A little something to put things in perspective. An article in National Geographic several years ago provided an interesting picture of God's wings. After a forest fire in Yellowstone National Park, forest rangers began their trek up a mountain to assess the inferno's damage.
One ranger found a bird literally petrified in ashes, perched statuesque on the ground at the base of a tree.
Somewhat sickened by the eerie sight, he knocked over the bird with a stick. When he gently struck it, three tiny chicks scurried from under their dead mother's wings. The loving mother, keenly aware of impending disaster, had carried her offspring to the base of the tree and had gathered them under her wings, instinctively knowing that the toxic smoke would rise.
She could have flown to safety but had refused to abandon her babies. When the blaze had arrived and the heat had scorched her small body, the mother had remained steadfast. Because she had been willing to die, so those under the cover of her wings would live.
He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge." (Psalm 91:4)
Hope I get a turkey this time.
Mary
Monday, April 30, 2007
Monday and the last day of April all to onest. (Did I spell onest right? Is it even a word?" It was a bit cooler today and we are experiencing a rather iffy thunder storm. Either Chelsea has chosen to ignore it or doesn't care anymore but she is not really pacing anymore.
Bible Study at 9:30AM. We had a good group and Liz Holtz has returned. She was in the group a couple of years ago but had to drop out because of a commitment to Caregiving of Alzheimer patients. At the time her husband was alive and a victim of that cruel disease. He is gone now and she spent time helping others but decided it was time to as she said move on. We are so glad to have her back.
Dick and I bottled the Gewurztraminer today. Geewhizzer as Dick named it. It is very good. So now we have wine to give away again. The stock has been dwindling fast. Tomorrow we will rack the Riesling and do a check of our space. As soon as we have room, we will mix the box of White Zin. Got to either get moving or get out of the business.
I went to Blessed Trinity tonight to see Lyra, a traveling Russian group of 5 vocalists, who were her two years ago and had asked to come back. They are truly wonderful and this year had a CD of their folk music. I had purchased the church music at the last concert. They sing totally a Capella. They explained that in Russia there are no accompanists for the choirs in the churches.
Also Lyra means Love in Russian.
Now I am back, safe and warm, in our own little home with Dick and Chelsea. Such a good place to be.
Saw Mother twice today. She looks good but seems weary. That is her only complaint too. She hates missing all the things that are going on. Like the Lyra concert. But she has decided to take it very easy this week. She is trying to do gentle walking (being very careful to use her walker) and did go around the back yard yesterday when it was SO beautiful. I took her a venison brat patty and a venison Italian sausage patty so that she has a couple more easy meals when she needs them. Took her a piece of Rhubarb Pie too.
Dick's right foot does not look too good so we are going to call the doctor tomorrow.
Ride the breeze to rebirth!
Robins protesting cold mornings
Loudly punctuate
The Joy of Spring.
(by me)
Have a nice Tuesday.
Bible Study at 9:30AM. We had a good group and Liz Holtz has returned. She was in the group a couple of years ago but had to drop out because of a commitment to Caregiving of Alzheimer patients. At the time her husband was alive and a victim of that cruel disease. He is gone now and she spent time helping others but decided it was time to as she said move on. We are so glad to have her back.
Dick and I bottled the Gewurztraminer today. Geewhizzer as Dick named it. It is very good. So now we have wine to give away again. The stock has been dwindling fast. Tomorrow we will rack the Riesling and do a check of our space. As soon as we have room, we will mix the box of White Zin. Got to either get moving or get out of the business.
I went to Blessed Trinity tonight to see Lyra, a traveling Russian group of 5 vocalists, who were her two years ago and had asked to come back. They are truly wonderful and this year had a CD of their folk music. I had purchased the church music at the last concert. They sing totally a Capella. They explained that in Russia there are no accompanists for the choirs in the churches.
Also Lyra means Love in Russian.
Now I am back, safe and warm, in our own little home with Dick and Chelsea. Such a good place to be.
Saw Mother twice today. She looks good but seems weary. That is her only complaint too. She hates missing all the things that are going on. Like the Lyra concert. But she has decided to take it very easy this week. She is trying to do gentle walking (being very careful to use her walker) and did go around the back yard yesterday when it was SO beautiful. I took her a venison brat patty and a venison Italian sausage patty so that she has a couple more easy meals when she needs them. Took her a piece of Rhubarb Pie too.
Dick's right foot does not look too good so we are going to call the doctor tomorrow.
Ride the breeze to rebirth!
Robins protesting cold mornings
Loudly punctuate
The Joy of Spring.
(by me)
Have a nice Tuesday.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Went to the 8AM Mass this morning. Fr. Van Beeck was in fine form. I was very please that during the request for prayers he specifically mentioned that all of the intentions that WE have been preparing to pray for at this mass be part of EVERYONE in the church's prayer. I had a LOT this week and really needed the extra help.
It was very warm today. The high was 86 degrees. So I did a lot of work out in the gardens. I pulled a lot of weeds around the lilac bushes and planted spinach and beets between the bushes. I happened to notice that the seed package does not say you have to wait until danger of frost is over but says to plant as soon as you can work the soil. So I did.
I also got the second big pot that I took from Hunters Glen out of the garage and on to the deck.
Then I took a quick trip to Rhine to shoot a couple of pistol league targets. I found out that I actually have one extra week but since I have to work on one of them, this is better. When I got home I sat out on the deck for about an hour and wrote and read. Dick came an joined me for a bit. He needs to get out more and I hope to convince him to do a bit of walking now that things are warmer and dry.
We played a game of scrabble tonight. It was close but I did win.
Tomorrow will be mildly busy. We need to keep working on the wine.
Have a Great week
Love
Mary
It was very warm today. The high was 86 degrees. So I did a lot of work out in the gardens. I pulled a lot of weeds around the lilac bushes and planted spinach and beets between the bushes. I happened to notice that the seed package does not say you have to wait until danger of frost is over but says to plant as soon as you can work the soil. So I did.
I also got the second big pot that I took from Hunters Glen out of the garage and on to the deck.
Then I took a quick trip to Rhine to shoot a couple of pistol league targets. I found out that I actually have one extra week but since I have to work on one of them, this is better. When I got home I sat out on the deck for about an hour and wrote and read. Dick came an joined me for a bit. He needs to get out more and I hope to convince him to do a bit of walking now that things are warmer and dry.
We played a game of scrabble tonight. It was close but I did win.
Tomorrow will be mildly busy. We need to keep working on the wine.
Have a Great week
Love
Mary
Saturday, April 28, 2007
It was warm today. I was glad that we had replaced the front storm with a screen. We left doors open much of the day.
I went shopping at about 9AM and got potting soil and the planters for the deck. Then I finished cleaning the rest of the garage and filled the planters. I did plant some seeds but hate to do too much. You know the old adage that one should not plant before Memorial Day because there is always a chance of frost. I usually manage to last until at least the middle of May. Being that this weekend is half over with and next will be busy with Dick's birthday, I think I will make it this year too.
We are finally getting to work on wine. We have racked all of the small batches that I made from scratch and are ready to bottle the Gewertiziminer any day now. Then we need to rack the Riesling and mix the White Zin.
I made a rhubarb pie today with the last of my frozen rhubarb. As the rhubarb in the back yard is really taking off, I figured I had better clean out the old stuff. I made a rhubarb sour cream pie and it is GOOOOD! When I was little, we used to pick stalks of rhubarb and dip them in a cup of sugar and eat it raw. Fruits and veggies are all so good fresh out of the garden.
We also had leftover stroganoff and veggies so did not have to work too hard on supper.
Anyway lots of busy physical work and I know that I will sleep well tonight. I called Mom this afternoon. John and Eileen had come out at about lunch time. They brought lunch and then Eileen stripped Mom's bed, put on a new mattress pad and her summer sheets and blankets. She will feel all fresh and comfy when she crawls in bed tonight.
Have a good Sunday.
Since I went to church in Galena last weekend, it will be good to hear Fr. Van Beeck again. The new gold cross that was donated by some members was put up on the steeple last week, this will be the first week I get a good view of it driving up the hill. I am really glad that I went the Sunday it arrived and that I have the printed napkin commemorating the event.
Love
Mary
I went shopping at about 9AM and got potting soil and the planters for the deck. Then I finished cleaning the rest of the garage and filled the planters. I did plant some seeds but hate to do too much. You know the old adage that one should not plant before Memorial Day because there is always a chance of frost. I usually manage to last until at least the middle of May. Being that this weekend is half over with and next will be busy with Dick's birthday, I think I will make it this year too.
We are finally getting to work on wine. We have racked all of the small batches that I made from scratch and are ready to bottle the Gewertiziminer any day now. Then we need to rack the Riesling and mix the White Zin.
I made a rhubarb pie today with the last of my frozen rhubarb. As the rhubarb in the back yard is really taking off, I figured I had better clean out the old stuff. I made a rhubarb sour cream pie and it is GOOOOD! When I was little, we used to pick stalks of rhubarb and dip them in a cup of sugar and eat it raw. Fruits and veggies are all so good fresh out of the garden.
We also had leftover stroganoff and veggies so did not have to work too hard on supper.
Anyway lots of busy physical work and I know that I will sleep well tonight. I called Mom this afternoon. John and Eileen had come out at about lunch time. They brought lunch and then Eileen stripped Mom's bed, put on a new mattress pad and her summer sheets and blankets. She will feel all fresh and comfy when she crawls in bed tonight.
Have a good Sunday.
Since I went to church in Galena last weekend, it will be good to hear Fr. Van Beeck again. The new gold cross that was donated by some members was put up on the steeple last week, this will be the first week I get a good view of it driving up the hill. I am really glad that I went the Sunday it arrived and that I have the printed napkin commemorating the event.
Love
Mary
Friday, April 27, 2007
Another busy day. Dick and I racked the Marigold Wine this morning and he sanitized a 5 gallon jug so we can filter the Gewertziminer. I believe that when we finish the Gerwertziminer, the Riesling and the White Zin (that is not mixed yet) we will be out of the wine making business except for the small batches that I can do the lifting on. It is just too hard for him to lift the jugs AND to get up and down the stairs. (Though that part is probably good for him. Don't tell him I said that.)
Then I went to Hunters Glen to run the water and check things out. I also left three rocks that Kate picked up on our trip that were part of foundations of churches build by Venerable Samuel Mazzuchelli with a prayer and a wish. I will use all methods at my disposal.
Next on to pick up Mother for her doctor visit. She did not have a stroke after all but fainted. There is a long name for the episode that I don't know. He said that all of her vitals are good for her age and that she can do anything she feels up to. He did tell her to keep the walker as she is unsteady when she walks, but aside from that she is quite strong. The weakness is to be expected. She must learn to relax, take her time and, he said, drink more water.
I did join the gals at Dairy Queen for lunch. There were just four of us today. A welcome break.
A bit of shopping and then home. I made some cole slaw and mixed up a pie crust. I want to use the last of last year's rhubarb as the crop is doing really well in the back of the condo. Soon we will have new fresh stuff.
I went to Rhine and shot three targets for league. The first two were pretty bad but the third was quite good. That gives me hope. Perhaps I will settle in again soon. Last league I was doing quite well.
I did some quilting tonight while I watched Ghost Whisperer and sewed a Kindred Spirit Doll body together.
Just going to finish with a quote from Cadfael's Book of Days for April 27 - today. I am so often impressed with Ellis Peters. And Robin Whitman did such a good job pulling them out and setting them up as daily readings.
"Even the pursuit of perfection may be sin, if it infringes the rights and needs of another soul. Better to fail a little, by turning aside to lift up another, than to pass by him in haste to reach our own reward, and leave him to solitude and despair. Better to labour in lameness, in fallibility, but holding up others who falter, than to stride forward alone."
We are supposed to have a beautiful warm weekend. I intend to do some yard work.
Love
Mary
Then I went to Hunters Glen to run the water and check things out. I also left three rocks that Kate picked up on our trip that were part of foundations of churches build by Venerable Samuel Mazzuchelli with a prayer and a wish. I will use all methods at my disposal.
Next on to pick up Mother for her doctor visit. She did not have a stroke after all but fainted. There is a long name for the episode that I don't know. He said that all of her vitals are good for her age and that she can do anything she feels up to. He did tell her to keep the walker as she is unsteady when she walks, but aside from that she is quite strong. The weakness is to be expected. She must learn to relax, take her time and, he said, drink more water.
I did join the gals at Dairy Queen for lunch. There were just four of us today. A welcome break.
A bit of shopping and then home. I made some cole slaw and mixed up a pie crust. I want to use the last of last year's rhubarb as the crop is doing really well in the back of the condo. Soon we will have new fresh stuff.
I went to Rhine and shot three targets for league. The first two were pretty bad but the third was quite good. That gives me hope. Perhaps I will settle in again soon. Last league I was doing quite well.
I did some quilting tonight while I watched Ghost Whisperer and sewed a Kindred Spirit Doll body together.
Just going to finish with a quote from Cadfael's Book of Days for April 27 - today. I am so often impressed with Ellis Peters. And Robin Whitman did such a good job pulling them out and setting them up as daily readings.
"Even the pursuit of perfection may be sin, if it infringes the rights and needs of another soul. Better to fail a little, by turning aside to lift up another, than to pass by him in haste to reach our own reward, and leave him to solitude and despair. Better to labour in lameness, in fallibility, but holding up others who falter, than to stride forward alone."
We are supposed to have a beautiful warm weekend. I intend to do some yard work.
Love
Mary
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Guess what. Dick had a doctor appointment this morning at 8:15. I had the calendar positioned incorrectly, didn't see it and he had to reschedule for mid June. What a bummer. This is an appointment to see if the implants in his eyes can be "polished" as they are getting cloudy. I will have to be sure that I am seeing the WHOLE day when I make my list and plan our outings.
As it was we went to St. Mary Cemetery to take pictures of Courtney's flowers. They are beautiful. It was raining as we drove over there but I asked Courtney, Dad and Aunt Helen to see if they could arrange with the Lord to suspend it long enough for pictures. It seemed reasonable as I saw no reason why George and Betsy shouldn't see them. And of course, it was dry while I was there and the pictures turned out just fine.
Then we had breakfast at Parkview, went to the bank for some cash and on to the Pig in Plymouth to do our grocery shopping. When we got home, I cleaned another quarter of the garage. Basically, I moved everything and swept. In the corner, I found a dead mouse corpse. EEEEWWWWW. It was stuck to the cement so I scraped it up and sprayed with disinfectant and deoderant spray.
This afternoon, I went over to my friend Kate Herman's house and helped her get her submissions ready to send into the Writer's Digest Contest. She used Word but is really a novice as far as using the formatting and editing functions. It is fun to show someone the wonders that can be done with those word processing programs. I have learned much "by guess and by golly" and by building on what I learned with the earlier simpler programs. Having done all those fliers for work and assignments from various classes didn't hurt either. Anyway, we got her all set. She and her husband Ron are restoring one of the old beautiful homes on Collins Street here in Plymouth. It is known as Yankee Hill and was where the"people of importance" years ago built. They are doing a lovely job of restoring. Just doing what they can afford as they go along. She is a professional decorator which does help them find things and meet the right people to do the work.
We had venison stroganoff for dinner tonight. It is really good. Dick is always happy to have something with noodles.
I spent about an hour on the kitty quilt while I watched a good old Stephen King movie Thinner.
It is supposed to rain more tonight and tomorrow and then be nice on the weekend. Good. I plan to do a bit of planting and planning. Can't do too much because there is still danger of frost into May but one does get a bit antsy when April winds down.
Have a good Friday.
Mary
As it was we went to St. Mary Cemetery to take pictures of Courtney's flowers. They are beautiful. It was raining as we drove over there but I asked Courtney, Dad and Aunt Helen to see if they could arrange with the Lord to suspend it long enough for pictures. It seemed reasonable as I saw no reason why George and Betsy shouldn't see them. And of course, it was dry while I was there and the pictures turned out just fine.
Then we had breakfast at Parkview, went to the bank for some cash and on to the Pig in Plymouth to do our grocery shopping. When we got home, I cleaned another quarter of the garage. Basically, I moved everything and swept. In the corner, I found a dead mouse corpse. EEEEWWWWW. It was stuck to the cement so I scraped it up and sprayed with disinfectant and deoderant spray.
This afternoon, I went over to my friend Kate Herman's house and helped her get her submissions ready to send into the Writer's Digest Contest. She used Word but is really a novice as far as using the formatting and editing functions. It is fun to show someone the wonders that can be done with those word processing programs. I have learned much "by guess and by golly" and by building on what I learned with the earlier simpler programs. Having done all those fliers for work and assignments from various classes didn't hurt either. Anyway, we got her all set. She and her husband Ron are restoring one of the old beautiful homes on Collins Street here in Plymouth. It is known as Yankee Hill and was where the"people of importance" years ago built. They are doing a lovely job of restoring. Just doing what they can afford as they go along. She is a professional decorator which does help them find things and meet the right people to do the work.
We had venison stroganoff for dinner tonight. It is really good. Dick is always happy to have something with noodles.
I spent about an hour on the kitty quilt while I watched a good old Stephen King movie Thinner.
It is supposed to rain more tonight and tomorrow and then be nice on the weekend. Good. I plan to do a bit of planting and planning. Can't do too much because there is still danger of frost into May but one does get a bit antsy when April winds down.
Have a good Friday.
Mary
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Another day mainly at home. I slept until 6:30AM. A record. At that point I woke up and heard poor little Chelsea kind of moaning outside the closed door of the bedroom. There had been some rain but it had stopped some time earlier and we had a very nice walk.
I spent the day doing more "stuff" around the house. I did a little work on organizing plantings. We cleaned the back left hand quarter of the garage so that we could get the front storm door stored out there. I replaced it with the screen yesterday. The previous owners had stored it down in the basement but we felt it would be easier for us to get it in and out of the garage. It fits nicely. I need to find an old blanket or throw for some more protection.
Dick had his weekly blood test today. That was uneventful too. I even took a nap this afternoon.
I picked up 1/2 dozen yellow roses in a beautiful brown crockery pot to put out at St. Mary's Cemetery for Courtney on her birthday tomorrow. I wanted them there tonight so they would be there the entire 24 hours of her birthday. Rick, the florist, assured me that the flowers will spend tonight as if they were refrigerated. I also made a Anna Bandanna doll for her out of one of the neckerchief's that I had acquired when we were all in Texas for Shawn's wedding. This was the last time I spent time with Courtney and I thought it would let her know that I remembered that. I got half way home and realized that I had forgotten my camera. Dick and I will get some tomorrow when on our way grocery shopping. I would like to send a picture to George and Betsy.
I found a nice quote but don't know who to attribute it to.
"There isn't enough darkness in all the world to snuff out the light of one little candle."
Go light your candle.
Mary
I spent the day doing more "stuff" around the house. I did a little work on organizing plantings. We cleaned the back left hand quarter of the garage so that we could get the front storm door stored out there. I replaced it with the screen yesterday. The previous owners had stored it down in the basement but we felt it would be easier for us to get it in and out of the garage. It fits nicely. I need to find an old blanket or throw for some more protection.
Dick had his weekly blood test today. That was uneventful too. I even took a nap this afternoon.
I picked up 1/2 dozen yellow roses in a beautiful brown crockery pot to put out at St. Mary's Cemetery for Courtney on her birthday tomorrow. I wanted them there tonight so they would be there the entire 24 hours of her birthday. Rick, the florist, assured me that the flowers will spend tonight as if they were refrigerated. I also made a Anna Bandanna doll for her out of one of the neckerchief's that I had acquired when we were all in Texas for Shawn's wedding. This was the last time I spent time with Courtney and I thought it would let her know that I remembered that. I got half way home and realized that I had forgotten my camera. Dick and I will get some tomorrow when on our way grocery shopping. I would like to send a picture to George and Betsy.
I found a nice quote but don't know who to attribute it to.
"There isn't enough darkness in all the world to snuff out the light of one little candle."
Go light your candle.
Mary
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
I got to stay home all day today. It is a day with no MAJOR cleaning assigned (You DO know that I schedule these things, don't you.) So it was pleasant.
I DID a lot. There was the watering of the plants, a bit of sewing, sorting out the things that I have committed too do at my meeting with Beth Dipple of the Historical Research Center and the Celtic Women, catching up on emails and phone calls AND cleaning off my desk.
I called Mother this afternoon after I got a call from Dr. Murthy telling me that my heart is just fine. (I was pretty sure of that but when he reminded me that I had been taking premerin for 18 years, he shook my faith in my good genes.) Mom sounded a bit weak. She is looking forward to her visit with Dr. Hancock on Friday. She has lots of questions. She wants to know if this weakness will be temporary.
It started to rain late this afternoon and is supposed to continue for a couple of days. Dick took me out to dinner to Antoinette's downtown. I had veggie lasagna and Dick had spaghetti. Both were really good. We used the coupon that we had gotten in our Welcome Wagon Package. Pretty much used them up now.
To finish the conference. We got up at about 7 and went to another good Irish breakfast at 8:00AM. We were all together again for the last time during this trip. Lots of goodbyes and thank yous and all that. I read my Winter Song poem. They liked it. Then Kate and I rushed off to mass. We got lost going there and then going to the museum afterwards but accomplished both. The museum is absolutely FULL of treasures including great art and artifacts and a wonderful selection of books and gifts. I got two books for Mother and some Hollyhock seeds that have been harvested from right around the museum. I remember hollyhocks from when I was a kid but never had them myself.
We headed home right from the museum, stopping twice, once for lunch and once for a potty break and to buy a lottery ticket. Perhaps Kate and I will be very rich on Wednesday night. Neither of us knew how to fill the darn thing out so it was really quite an adventure.
I put my pictures on the computer and will send one to you tonight.
Have a great Wednesday.
Love
Mary
I DID a lot. There was the watering of the plants, a bit of sewing, sorting out the things that I have committed too do at my meeting with Beth Dipple of the Historical Research Center and the Celtic Women, catching up on emails and phone calls AND cleaning off my desk.
I called Mother this afternoon after I got a call from Dr. Murthy telling me that my heart is just fine. (I was pretty sure of that but when he reminded me that I had been taking premerin for 18 years, he shook my faith in my good genes.) Mom sounded a bit weak. She is looking forward to her visit with Dr. Hancock on Friday. She has lots of questions. She wants to know if this weakness will be temporary.
It started to rain late this afternoon and is supposed to continue for a couple of days. Dick took me out to dinner to Antoinette's downtown. I had veggie lasagna and Dick had spaghetti. Both were really good. We used the coupon that we had gotten in our Welcome Wagon Package. Pretty much used them up now.
To finish the conference. We got up at about 7 and went to another good Irish breakfast at 8:00AM. We were all together again for the last time during this trip. Lots of goodbyes and thank yous and all that. I read my Winter Song poem. They liked it. Then Kate and I rushed off to mass. We got lost going there and then going to the museum afterwards but accomplished both. The museum is absolutely FULL of treasures including great art and artifacts and a wonderful selection of books and gifts. I got two books for Mother and some Hollyhock seeds that have been harvested from right around the museum. I remember hollyhocks from when I was a kid but never had them myself.
We headed home right from the museum, stopping twice, once for lunch and once for a potty break and to buy a lottery ticket. Perhaps Kate and I will be very rich on Wednesday night. Neither of us knew how to fill the darn thing out so it was really quite an adventure.
I put my pictures on the computer and will send one to you tonight.
Have a great Wednesday.
Love
Mary
Monday, April 23, 2007
Bible study this morning. It rained a good bit of the morning, but was quite comfortably warm. Dick and I went out for breakfast to the Shoppes on Mill Street. That was a pleasant way to start a week. Tomorrow and the next day are at home days. So far no out of home obligations.
On the way home yesterday, one of the little bridge protectors fell off of my glasses. I stopped in at Advanced Eye Care and they fixed it right up. Sure like that eye doctor.
Bible study was very interesting. The second reading and third readings referred to the Good Shepherd. One verse is " My sheep hear my voice, I know them and they follow me." I remembered learning at a study that the shepherds in Israel took their sheep to a "community" pasture where the sheep grazed together all day, then at the end of the day the shepherds would call and their sheep would come to them. Indeed they do know the voice of their shepherd. Peggy Feider, one of our group, affirmed this. She was a "shepherdess" for 20 years. For 20 years they had sheep, as many as 60 at one time. She said that they did know her voice and the voices of her children. If the children showed the lambs or sheep at the fair, when they spoke the animals came but ONLY their animals, not the others owned BY others.
A bit more about the conference. On Saturday morning, we all met for a "kind of " Irish breakfast. At least we had eggs, mushrooms, tomato, Irish sausages (including black and white pudding) and scones and brown bread. We also had this special breakfast on Sunday. After that Mary Schultze, our president, gave a presentation on Fr. Mazzuchelli, an a Italian priest who was a missionary/priest from Green Bay to Galena. He established many parishes and a Dominican Nunnery. He has been made Venerable and there is a drive to see that he is made a saint in the future. During the afternoon, we toured two churches that he built. When I get my pictures onto the computer, I will post a couple. One is no longer being used, is very old and being restored by the KC's of the area. The other has his grave site.
We also had a presentation by a Tracey Roberts, who gave the history of Galena focusing on women and the Irish and Celtic settlers. She also sang several ethnic songs, all a Capella and also a couple in Gaelic.
A trip to Mineral Point for a lunch of pasties and figgy hobbin, a tour of the Green Lanturn (A gallery that is featuring the art of Cindy Matyi, Patrick Gallagher (dear friends) and Steve O'Laughlin and Kelly Kirin took up the part of the afternoon not dedicated to Fr. Mazzuchelli.
After dinner in downtown Galena, we retired to the pub at the Irish Cottage for the music, some camaraderie and a Tarot reading. It was my first and I was not too impressed, I could have told myself and have everything that she did and did not feel that she had too much insight into me now, though Kate felt that she really read her.
Betty did a great job arranging the weekend. I hope to go again some time. Maureen would like to have us go as a group to Ireland sometime. Sounds like a great idea to me.
Hope you had as nice a Monday as I did.
Love
Mary
On the way home yesterday, one of the little bridge protectors fell off of my glasses. I stopped in at Advanced Eye Care and they fixed it right up. Sure like that eye doctor.
Bible study was very interesting. The second reading and third readings referred to the Good Shepherd. One verse is " My sheep hear my voice, I know them and they follow me." I remembered learning at a study that the shepherds in Israel took their sheep to a "community" pasture where the sheep grazed together all day, then at the end of the day the shepherds would call and their sheep would come to them. Indeed they do know the voice of their shepherd. Peggy Feider, one of our group, affirmed this. She was a "shepherdess" for 20 years. For 20 years they had sheep, as many as 60 at one time. She said that they did know her voice and the voices of her children. If the children showed the lambs or sheep at the fair, when they spoke the animals came but ONLY their animals, not the others owned BY others.
A bit more about the conference. On Saturday morning, we all met for a "kind of " Irish breakfast. At least we had eggs, mushrooms, tomato, Irish sausages (including black and white pudding) and scones and brown bread. We also had this special breakfast on Sunday. After that Mary Schultze, our president, gave a presentation on Fr. Mazzuchelli, an a Italian priest who was a missionary/priest from Green Bay to Galena. He established many parishes and a Dominican Nunnery. He has been made Venerable and there is a drive to see that he is made a saint in the future. During the afternoon, we toured two churches that he built. When I get my pictures onto the computer, I will post a couple. One is no longer being used, is very old and being restored by the KC's of the area. The other has his grave site.
We also had a presentation by a Tracey Roberts, who gave the history of Galena focusing on women and the Irish and Celtic settlers. She also sang several ethnic songs, all a Capella and also a couple in Gaelic.
A trip to Mineral Point for a lunch of pasties and figgy hobbin, a tour of the Green Lanturn (A gallery that is featuring the art of Cindy Matyi, Patrick Gallagher (dear friends) and Steve O'Laughlin and Kelly Kirin took up the part of the afternoon not dedicated to Fr. Mazzuchelli.
After dinner in downtown Galena, we retired to the pub at the Irish Cottage for the music, some camaraderie and a Tarot reading. It was my first and I was not too impressed, I could have told myself and have everything that she did and did not feel that she had too much insight into me now, though Kate felt that she really read her.
Betty did a great job arranging the weekend. I hope to go again some time. Maureen would like to have us go as a group to Ireland sometime. Sounds like a great idea to me.
Hope you had as nice a Monday as I did.
Love
Mary
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Well, I am home after an absolutely wonderful, relaxing (probably not the best word as I did get to do and see a LOT) weekend.
First, on Friday, I had the second half of my stress test. What a mess. We started it at 11:00AM. Unfortunately, some part of my bowel was covering part of the heart and we had to retest. I was, needless to say, REALLY disappointed. I called Kate, my traveling companion and she very calmly said not to worry, to just come as soon as I was done and we would get on our way. The worst part was that in order to retest, I had to drink four glasses of water. How is that for someone who is going to spend four hours on the road to Galena?
Kate and I did get on the road by 1PM. The trip was easy, though rather long. We were surprised that it was not greener further south and that there were not more flowers in bloom.
We got to the Irish Cottage Inn at about 4:30, checked in and joined the others for a wine and cheese reception. I reacquainted with old friends and met, in person, those that I had only met by voice on the telephone conferences. Kate got to meet everybody and as I knew, fit in just fine. Maureen had two chores for us.
First: we got a piece of paper entitled "Worry List" We wrote ALL of our biggest worries on this list and then put them in a box which she closed and put aside. We were told that we could pick them up when we were ready to go home. (I forgot mine.)
Second: she gave us a list of statements such as "Who lives in Chicago." "Who quilts for does crafts" "Who plays an musical instrument?" We went to each other and filled in a name for each question. A good way to find out a bit about each other.
Then we went the pub/restaurant on the premises for dinner. They do have Irish food. I had bangers and mash and really enjoyed it. At nine PM, I was so tired and the wine got me kind of spun, so I opted to got to the room and go to sleep. The next day was scheduled to be very busy and I wanted to enjoy it to the fullest.
I will tell you more about the trip tomorrow when I am more rested. We had a safe and pleasant trip home and I pray that the others did too. We were a bit worried about Jean Whelan who does seem frail, came alone and had to drive back to Wynona Minnesota. I am glad to be involved with these women. It looks like I have a good core group for a local chapter of CWI with Kate, Beth Dippel, Lu Ann from the History Museum and a Joan, recommended by one of the other CWI women. Hopefully after a couple of programs we can get a nice thing going.
I called Mother when I got home. She sounded really tired. Her friend Helen Murphy, took her to another friend, Bea Visser's birthday party. She was glad she went but it really took a lot out of her. She has decided to not do anything else outside her home, until after she sees De. Hancock on Friday.
Called Barbara tonight too. She sounds really strong. She couldn't really talk because Adam is visiting and needed the phone, so I told her I would call tomorrow night as I am really tired.
Here is a short spring poem.
Spring
Innocence is the color green.
Robins perch on spiny tree branches
Waiting for fresh life to burst forth
And worms to emerge upon the path
New life!
Til tomorrow
Mary
First, on Friday, I had the second half of my stress test. What a mess. We started it at 11:00AM. Unfortunately, some part of my bowel was covering part of the heart and we had to retest. I was, needless to say, REALLY disappointed. I called Kate, my traveling companion and she very calmly said not to worry, to just come as soon as I was done and we would get on our way. The worst part was that in order to retest, I had to drink four glasses of water. How is that for someone who is going to spend four hours on the road to Galena?
Kate and I did get on the road by 1PM. The trip was easy, though rather long. We were surprised that it was not greener further south and that there were not more flowers in bloom.
We got to the Irish Cottage Inn at about 4:30, checked in and joined the others for a wine and cheese reception. I reacquainted with old friends and met, in person, those that I had only met by voice on the telephone conferences. Kate got to meet everybody and as I knew, fit in just fine. Maureen had two chores for us.
First: we got a piece of paper entitled "Worry List" We wrote ALL of our biggest worries on this list and then put them in a box which she closed and put aside. We were told that we could pick them up when we were ready to go home. (I forgot mine.)
Second: she gave us a list of statements such as "Who lives in Chicago." "Who quilts for does crafts" "Who plays an musical instrument?" We went to each other and filled in a name for each question. A good way to find out a bit about each other.
Then we went the pub/restaurant on the premises for dinner. They do have Irish food. I had bangers and mash and really enjoyed it. At nine PM, I was so tired and the wine got me kind of spun, so I opted to got to the room and go to sleep. The next day was scheduled to be very busy and I wanted to enjoy it to the fullest.
I will tell you more about the trip tomorrow when I am more rested. We had a safe and pleasant trip home and I pray that the others did too. We were a bit worried about Jean Whelan who does seem frail, came alone and had to drive back to Wynona Minnesota. I am glad to be involved with these women. It looks like I have a good core group for a local chapter of CWI with Kate, Beth Dippel, Lu Ann from the History Museum and a Joan, recommended by one of the other CWI women. Hopefully after a couple of programs we can get a nice thing going.
I called Mother when I got home. She sounded really tired. Her friend Helen Murphy, took her to another friend, Bea Visser's birthday party. She was glad she went but it really took a lot out of her. She has decided to not do anything else outside her home, until after she sees De. Hancock on Friday.
Called Barbara tonight too. She sounds really strong. She couldn't really talk because Adam is visiting and needed the phone, so I told her I would call tomorrow night as I am really tired.
Here is a short spring poem.
Spring
Innocence is the color green.
Robins perch on spiny tree branches
Waiting for fresh life to burst forth
And worms to emerge upon the path
New life!
Til tomorrow
Mary
Thursday, April 19, 2007
A comparatively quiet day and an absolutely gorgeous one. We found temperatures as high as 58 this afternoon and it is supposed to get up to the mid 60s tomorrow.
We went grocery shopping this morning. I DID get to sleep until 6:15AM which is quite a change from yesterday's 5. I slept well too. Tuesday night was awful. But I woke quite rested this morning.
After we got home, I started packing and getting things ready for tomorrow's trip. At 1PM I had my teeth cleaning appointment with my new dentist office. That went very well and I was home by about 2:30PM. Then Dick and I went to Hunters Glen to run the water and check out things at the house. Everything looks really good. Hope we get some lookers this weekend as it is supposed to be beautiful.
We had ham for supper, with roasted potatoes, veggies and salad.
Tomorrow I have to be at Valley View at 9:30AM for my shot of radioactive dye and then back at 11:00AM for the pictures of my heart. I can glow green on my way to Celtic Conference, seems appropriate.
Brenda reminded me of Limburger (Stinky) cheese in an email. It reminded me of two incidents in my life.
When I was little I would go to church often during the week with my Grandma Deeley who lived right across the street from St. Mary's. (I may have told you this.) After church, I would join her for breakfast and we always had cheese. One time she wanted to give me limburger, but Aunt Helen wouldn't let her so I never ate it. Mother never did have it.
Later when I was in the Johnston Family, Aunt Ruth and Aunt Lib (my mother in law Lily's sisters) used to eat it. I think they got the taste for it from Grandma Anna Eisman, their mother. (Must be a German thing.) Every once in a while, the sisters would get some Limburger and have a binge. They always said that the trick was to get the first bite down. then it tasted good. Frankly, if it smells that bad, I kind of wonder WHY. But Dick and Brenda have apparently decided the same thing.
Remember, I will be gone until Sunday Night. I hope you miss me, but not too much.
Love
Mary
We went grocery shopping this morning. I DID get to sleep until 6:15AM which is quite a change from yesterday's 5. I slept well too. Tuesday night was awful. But I woke quite rested this morning.
After we got home, I started packing and getting things ready for tomorrow's trip. At 1PM I had my teeth cleaning appointment with my new dentist office. That went very well and I was home by about 2:30PM. Then Dick and I went to Hunters Glen to run the water and check out things at the house. Everything looks really good. Hope we get some lookers this weekend as it is supposed to be beautiful.
We had ham for supper, with roasted potatoes, veggies and salad.
Tomorrow I have to be at Valley View at 9:30AM for my shot of radioactive dye and then back at 11:00AM for the pictures of my heart. I can glow green on my way to Celtic Conference, seems appropriate.
Brenda reminded me of Limburger (Stinky) cheese in an email. It reminded me of two incidents in my life.
When I was little I would go to church often during the week with my Grandma Deeley who lived right across the street from St. Mary's. (I may have told you this.) After church, I would join her for breakfast and we always had cheese. One time she wanted to give me limburger, but Aunt Helen wouldn't let her so I never ate it. Mother never did have it.
Later when I was in the Johnston Family, Aunt Ruth and Aunt Lib (my mother in law Lily's sisters) used to eat it. I think they got the taste for it from Grandma Anna Eisman, their mother. (Must be a German thing.) Every once in a while, the sisters would get some Limburger and have a binge. They always said that the trick was to get the first bite down. then it tasted good. Frankly, if it smells that bad, I kind of wonder WHY. But Dick and Brenda have apparently decided the same thing.
Remember, I will be gone until Sunday Night. I hope you miss me, but not too much.
Love
Mary
A comparatively quiet day and an absolutely gorgeous one. We found temperatures as high as 58 this afternoon and it is supposed to get up to the mid 60s tomorrow.
We went grocery shopping this morning. I DID get to sleep until 6:15AM which is quite a change from yesterday's 5. I slept well too. Tuesday night was awful. But I woke quite rested this morning.
After we got home, I started packing and getting things ready for tomorrow's trip. At 1PM I had my teeth cleaning appointment with my new dentist office. That went very well and I was home by about 2:30PM. Then Dick and I went to Hunters Glen to run the water and check out things at the house. Everything looks really good. Hope we get some lookers this weekend as it is supposed to be beautiful.
We had ham for supper, with roasted potatoes, veggies and salad.
Tomorrow I have to be at Valley View at 9:30AM for my shot of radioactive dye and then back at 11:00AM for the pictures of my heart. I can glow green on my way to Celtic Conference, seems appropriate.
Brenda reminded me of Limburger (Stinky) cheese in an email. It reminded me of two incidents in my life.
When I was little I would go to church often during the week with my Grandma Deeley who lived right across the street from
We went grocery shopping this morning. I DID get to sleep until 6:15AM which is quite a change from yesterday's 5. I slept well too. Tuesday night was awful. But I woke quite rested this morning.
After we got home, I started packing and getting things ready for tomorrow's trip. At 1PM I had my teeth cleaning appointment with my new dentist office. That went very well and I was home by about 2:30PM. Then Dick and I went to Hunters Glen to run the water and check out things at the house. Everything looks really good. Hope we get some lookers this weekend as it is supposed to be beautiful.
We had ham for supper, with roasted potatoes, veggies and salad.
Tomorrow I have to be at Valley View at 9:30AM for my shot of radioactive dye and then back at 11:00AM for the pictures of my heart. I can glow green on my way to Celtic Conference, seems appropriate.
Brenda reminded me of Limburger (Stinky) cheese in an email. It reminded me of two incidents in my life.
When I was little I would go to church often during the week with my Grandma Deeley who lived right across the street from
A comparatively quiet day and an absolutely gorgeous one. We found temperatures as high as 58 this afternoon and it is supposed to get up to the mid 60s tomorrow.
We went grocery shopping this morning. I DID get to sleep until 6:15AM which is quite a change from yesterday's 5. I slept well too. Tuesday night was awful. But I woke quite rested this morning.
After we got home, I started packing and getting things ready for tomorrow's trip. At 1PM I had my teeth cleaning appointment with my new dentist office. That went very well and I was home by about 2:30PM. Then Dick and I went to Hunters Glen to run the water and check out things at the house. Everything looks really good. Hope we get some lookers this weekend as it is supposed to be beautiful.
We had ham for supper, with roasted potatoes, veggies and salad.
Tomorrow I have to be at Valley View at 9:30AM for my shot of radioactive dye and then back at 11:00AM for the pictures of my heart. I can glow green on my way to Celtic Conference.
We went grocery shopping this morning. I DID get to sleep until 6:15AM which is quite a change from yesterday's 5. I slept well too. Tuesday night was awful. But I woke quite rested this morning.
After we got home, I started packing and getting things ready for tomorrow's trip. At 1PM I had my teeth cleaning appointment with my new dentist office. That went very well and I was home by about 2:30PM. Then Dick and I went to Hunters Glen to run the water and check out things at the house. Everything looks really good. Hope we get some lookers this weekend as it is supposed to be beautiful.
We had ham for supper, with roasted potatoes, veggies and salad.
Tomorrow I have to be at Valley View at 9:30AM for my shot of radioactive dye and then back at 11:00AM for the pictures of my heart. I can glow green on my way to Celtic Conference.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
What a day. To begin with, I had a terrible night. My hips hurt so that I had trouble sleeping. Tonight I am going to take a nice hot bath and two Tylenol just before I go to bed. Dr. Murthy said that he is sure it is arthritis and I know how hard this damp rainy weather is on that.
Had to get up at 5AM to be at Valley View at 7:00. Including the break after the treadmill part of the stress test, we were home by 10:30AM. This gave us an hour before we had to go to the Plymouth Clinic for Dick's blood test. THEN home again.
I had lunch then went to Van Horn in Sheboygan for the maintenance on the Santa Fe. After the servicing, I stopped at Memorial to see Mother for a bit. Aunt Kathleen and Uncle Bob were there when I got there, then Mary Margaret and her daughter, Margaret came in too. I stayed about an hour then came home and collapsed. I did stop for gas at a station in Sheboygan that still had gas priced at 2.83 pg. Everything else I saw showed 2.87 so I really feel that I got a bargain. Who would have ever thought that anything over $1.00 a gallon is a bargain.
Now I am all serviced and fueled for the Galena drive on Friday. Kate and I will be leaving as soon as I can get done with that second part of the stress test.
I received a call a few minutes ago from Mother. Yea. She is home and she sounds really good. I am sure she is relieved. There was no sign of any heart trouble and they did find that there is arthritis in her lower spine which is the cause of the pain in her leg. She will just have to take painkillers when it is bothering her. From my experience with arthritis, when it gets warmer and not so stormy, she will feel a lot better even without meds.
Tomorrow will be much quieter. Thank Heavens!!!
Mary
Had to get up at 5AM to be at Valley View at 7:00. Including the break after the treadmill part of the stress test, we were home by 10:30AM. This gave us an hour before we had to go to the Plymouth Clinic for Dick's blood test. THEN home again.
I had lunch then went to Van Horn in Sheboygan for the maintenance on the Santa Fe. After the servicing, I stopped at Memorial to see Mother for a bit. Aunt Kathleen and Uncle Bob were there when I got there, then Mary Margaret and her daughter, Margaret came in too. I stayed about an hour then came home and collapsed. I did stop for gas at a station in Sheboygan that still had gas priced at 2.83 pg. Everything else I saw showed 2.87 so I really feel that I got a bargain. Who would have ever thought that anything over $1.00 a gallon is a bargain.
Now I am all serviced and fueled for the Galena drive on Friday. Kate and I will be leaving as soon as I can get done with that second part of the stress test.
I received a call a few minutes ago from Mother. Yea. She is home and she sounds really good. I am sure she is relieved. There was no sign of any heart trouble and they did find that there is arthritis in her lower spine which is the cause of the pain in her leg. She will just have to take painkillers when it is bothering her. From my experience with arthritis, when it gets warmer and not so stormy, she will feel a lot better even without meds.
Tomorrow will be much quieter. Thank Heavens!!!
Mary
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
I know I am a little early tonight, but decided to get it in because I want to get to bed a bit early, at least, as soon as I take Chelsea out for her walk at 9PM. I am having the first half of a stress test tomorrow morning and have to be at Valley View at 7AM. (Isn't that a pain. Just getting everything that I have to do of a morning done by 6:45AM will provide enough stress. Maybe I can talk them out of the treadmill.) I think I mentioned that Dr. Murthy feels that as stomach pains can sometimes be heart related, especially in women, he recommended a stress test. I told him that Deeley's don't have heart problems (we always said that but Dad actually had a heart attack.) Dr. Murthy did point out to me that I have also taken Premerin for 18 years and this CAN sometimes cause heart difficulties. I really feel fine except for the pain in my stomach but am always pleased to reinforce the fact that I am in good shape.
We had to be up at 6AM today because we went south to Mequon to National Pedorthics to pick up Dick's "summer shoes." We were back home by 11AM. Then at 1:00 the next shoe dropped.
Donna called about 1PM to tell me that Mother was in the hospital. She had fainted while getting herself together this morning. She bumped her head but came too very quickly. She tried to call us but we had already left so she called Dolores and she and Ken got there in just a few minutes. Dolores immediately called an ambulance.
I went over to Memorial right after a scheduled meeting with Beth Dipple of the Sheboygan County Historical Research Center (I'll tell you about that after I finish about Mom.) She is weak but her color is good. I can't see any obvious damage, but it has been determined that she had a mini stroke. They are doing a battery of tests on her to be sure that nothing else is wrong, including kidney x rays, heart monitoring, and all the other blood and other tests that they do. She is already talking about being home but she did say that if we all agree that she is unable to stay home alone she would acquiesce. She also told me that she told them that if her heart stopped she would want them to try to get it started again. However, she reiterated that she does not want any extraordinary methods used to keep her body going. So what she is saying is that she is not quite ready yet. Pray for my little Mom. I am worried about her. We are not ready yet either.
While I was there, her sister, my Aunt Kathleen came in for a bit, followed closely by my sister Eileen. My brother George called from Texas and Jeff called from Hawaii. (Eileen could hear little baby Alana crying in the background.) So she is not being neglected. I should be able to stop up to see her after we get the car serviced tomorrow afternoon.
My meeting with Beth Dipple was quite productive. We now have a core Celtic Women Sheboygan Group. Beth and I have tentatively scheduled the next Irish program. We are planning on three a year. With three and St. Patrick's Day, Irish Fest and the Mitchell Reunion, we have 6 events a year that is a lot. The next we hope to schedule for May 12 and are trying to book John Gleason of UWMilwaukee to talk of Wisconsin Irish History and perhaps beginning Irish Literature. In September we want to do a cemetery tour and in December a music program (I am going to talk to Jim Wilsing and see if we can get him.) I have three people interested in being part of Celtic Women and with Beth an I we have a good core group. Want to be part of us? Let me know.
Guess that is all. Quite enough I would think.
Love you all.
Pray for Mom (and me if you have time.)
Mary
We had to be up at 6AM today because we went south to Mequon to National Pedorthics to pick up Dick's "summer shoes." We were back home by 11AM. Then at 1:00 the next shoe dropped.
Donna called about 1PM to tell me that Mother was in the hospital. She had fainted while getting herself together this morning. She bumped her head but came too very quickly. She tried to call us but we had already left so she called Dolores and she and Ken got there in just a few minutes. Dolores immediately called an ambulance.
I went over to Memorial right after a scheduled meeting with Beth Dipple of the Sheboygan County Historical Research Center (I'll tell you about that after I finish about Mom.) She is weak but her color is good. I can't see any obvious damage, but it has been determined that she had a mini stroke. They are doing a battery of tests on her to be sure that nothing else is wrong, including kidney x rays, heart monitoring, and all the other blood and other tests that they do. She is already talking about being home but she did say that if we all agree that she is unable to stay home alone she would acquiesce. She also told me that she told them that if her heart stopped she would want them to try to get it started again. However, she reiterated that she does not want any extraordinary methods used to keep her body going. So what she is saying is that she is not quite ready yet. Pray for my little Mom. I am worried about her. We are not ready yet either.
While I was there, her sister, my Aunt Kathleen came in for a bit, followed closely by my sister Eileen. My brother George called from Texas and Jeff called from Hawaii. (Eileen could hear little baby Alana crying in the background.) So she is not being neglected. I should be able to stop up to see her after we get the car serviced tomorrow afternoon.
My meeting with Beth Dipple was quite productive. We now have a core Celtic Women Sheboygan Group. Beth and I have tentatively scheduled the next Irish program. We are planning on three a year. With three and St. Patrick's Day, Irish Fest and the Mitchell Reunion, we have 6 events a year that is a lot. The next we hope to schedule for May 12 and are trying to book John Gleason of UWMilwaukee to talk of Wisconsin Irish History and perhaps beginning Irish Literature. In September we want to do a cemetery tour and in December a music program (I am going to talk to Jim Wilsing and see if we can get him.) I have three people interested in being part of Celtic Women and with Beth an I we have a good core group. Want to be part of us? Let me know.
Guess that is all. Quite enough I would think.
Love you all.
Pray for Mom (and me if you have time.)
Mary
Monday, April 16, 2007
I am really tired tonight. My hips even ache so as soon as I get Chelsea out for her final walk, I am going to soak in the tub.
Went to Bible Study. We are still getting readings from the Acts of the Apostles and Revelation. Acts is nice because it tells some of the trials that the early Christians experienced. They became very courageous about spreading the word. Fr. Van Beeck pointed out to us that all of the apostles except for John the Evangelist were martyred.
This afternoon was Plymouth Writers Club. They liked my personal essay about the deer hunting trip that I sprained my ankle on and I am going to send it to the Writer's Digest Contest along with a poem for another area of the contest.
I fixed spinach, noodle,egg casserole for supper. Sure is good.
I was remembering Aunt Helen today, because Mom received a report from an insurance company that she has had a paid up policy with for years. She gets a check every year from them and at her age has made out pretty well. But I remembered Aunt Helen telling me that she was glad she lived so long. She had fought for so many things with that Insurance company. She was training the managers for years and at one time or another felt that she should have gotten the position. Once they told her that "after all, he has a family." Can you believe that flying today?
They eventually established a pension for her. When she retired, she got a small amount each month. It wasn't much but they paid for years and she was paid out MUCH more than they put in because it was scheduled for her lifetime. I was pleased to know that. She and many women like her made it possible for women like me to go much further in the business world.
Tomorrow we go to Mequon to pick up another pair of shoes for Dick.
Have a good day yourself.
Mary
Went to Bible Study. We are still getting readings from the Acts of the Apostles and Revelation. Acts is nice because it tells some of the trials that the early Christians experienced. They became very courageous about spreading the word. Fr. Van Beeck pointed out to us that all of the apostles except for John the Evangelist were martyred.
This afternoon was Plymouth Writers Club. They liked my personal essay about the deer hunting trip that I sprained my ankle on and I am going to send it to the Writer's Digest Contest along with a poem for another area of the contest.
I fixed spinach, noodle,egg casserole for supper. Sure is good.
I was remembering Aunt Helen today, because Mom received a report from an insurance company that she has had a paid up policy with for years. She gets a check every year from them and at her age has made out pretty well. But I remembered Aunt Helen telling me that she was glad she lived so long. She had fought for so many things with that Insurance company. She was training the managers for years and at one time or another felt that she should have gotten the position. Once they told her that "after all, he has a family." Can you believe that flying today?
They eventually established a pension for her. When she retired, she got a small amount each month. It wasn't much but they paid for years and she was paid out MUCH more than they put in because it was scheduled for her lifetime. I was pleased to know that. She and many women like her made it possible for women like me to go much further in the business world.
Tomorrow we go to Mequon to pick up another pair of shoes for Dick.
Have a good day yourself.
Mary
Sunday, April 15, 2007
It was a beautiful day. Almost up into the 60s. And the sun shone most of the day.
Chelsea and I had a beautiful walk. Birds were singing and we saw bunnies running all over the place.
I went to the 8AM Mass and was a communion minister today. The children's choir sang. They are VERY good. On the way in to mass, Fr. Van Beeck told me that he could read my mind. He said that he could tell that I liked today's weather MUCH more than the snowstorm on Wednesday.
His sermon mentioned that St. John The Evangelist was the only one of the apostles who lived to be an old age and did not die a martyr. I thought that was interesting. It supports the fact that either he or one of HIS disciples wrote his gospel and that he wrote Revelations while in exile on Potmos.
I helped out at Rhine this afternoon. Bobbie worked too. This was the week of a Lewis shoot and the team that was assigned this week is two short because a couple of the members are ill. Since we did not have to work on Easter, we kind of wanted to help. It was steady most all day and we ended up with over 20 teams. This makes a very successful shoot for us.
Dick and I played a game a Scrabble tonight. I won, but only because I managed to get all my tiles down on the last play and Dick had to subtract the tiles he had on his tray. We will try again, maybe tomorrow.
Mother called this afternoon. Jeff called from Hawaii, where he and Kathy had gone to be there to help Kaoru and Matt with the new baby that was due next Friday. (Yea sure, they wanted to be there to play with that baby.) But guess what, Alana Nomi ( I hope I have the second name right, it is Japanese and Alana is Irish.) came TODAY. She weighs 6 lb. 7 oz. A nice baby. We will eagerly look forward to pictures. I told Jeff and Kathy to take my email and forward a picture or two that I can print and take to Mother.
Boy - Three babies in one year will be a record. Here is Alana. Kurt and Jodi are expecting in August AND Becky and Brian in October.
I remember almost 40 years ago when BRET was born. He came on September 4th and I thought it would be fun to send a telegram to my parents to announce his birth. Imagine their surprise when they got the telegram. Nine days before they had heard that they had a new granddaughter, BRITT Salvesen, my sister Nora's child. How we ever picked those names, so close to each other is beyond me. But it does make a person believe and understand that minds do have power and do connect and communicate. After all Nora and I are sisters and do have a strong bond.
The Easter Lily has another bloom open. Only ONE more to go. I checked on the net and I should be able to deep the plant alive, if I plant it in the garden and am patient. However, one site did say - WHY!
Have a great week.
Love
Mary
Chelsea and I had a beautiful walk. Birds were singing and we saw bunnies running all over the place.
I went to the 8AM Mass and was a communion minister today. The children's choir sang. They are VERY good. On the way in to mass, Fr. Van Beeck told me that he could read my mind. He said that he could tell that I liked today's weather MUCH more than the snowstorm on Wednesday.
His sermon mentioned that St. John The Evangelist was the only one of the apostles who lived to be an old age and did not die a martyr. I thought that was interesting. It supports the fact that either he or one of HIS disciples wrote his gospel and that he wrote Revelations while in exile on Potmos.
I helped out at Rhine this afternoon. Bobbie worked too. This was the week of a Lewis shoot and the team that was assigned this week is two short because a couple of the members are ill. Since we did not have to work on Easter, we kind of wanted to help. It was steady most all day and we ended up with over 20 teams. This makes a very successful shoot for us.
Dick and I played a game a Scrabble tonight. I won, but only because I managed to get all my tiles down on the last play and Dick had to subtract the tiles he had on his tray. We will try again, maybe tomorrow.
Mother called this afternoon. Jeff called from Hawaii, where he and Kathy had gone to be there to help Kaoru and Matt with the new baby that was due next Friday. (Yea sure, they wanted to be there to play with that baby.) But guess what, Alana Nomi ( I hope I have the second name right, it is Japanese and Alana is Irish.) came TODAY. She weighs 6 lb. 7 oz. A nice baby. We will eagerly look forward to pictures. I told Jeff and Kathy to take my email and forward a picture or two that I can print and take to Mother.
Boy - Three babies in one year will be a record. Here is Alana. Kurt and Jodi are expecting in August AND Becky and Brian in October.
I remember almost 40 years ago when BRET was born. He came on September 4th and I thought it would be fun to send a telegram to my parents to announce his birth. Imagine their surprise when they got the telegram. Nine days before they had heard that they had a new granddaughter, BRITT Salvesen, my sister Nora's child. How we ever picked those names, so close to each other is beyond me. But it does make a person believe and understand that minds do have power and do connect and communicate. After all Nora and I are sisters and do have a strong bond.
The Easter Lily has another bloom open. Only ONE more to go. I checked on the net and I should be able to deep the plant alive, if I plant it in the garden and am patient. However, one site did say - WHY!
Have a great week.
Love
Mary
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