Today was shopping day. By the time I got everybody fed, medicined, walked and cleaned it was after 8:30AM. So I went to the bank and then to Piggly Wiggly for the shopping.

I spent the rest of the day working on small projects and reading. I am trying to get some reading in every day to get back into the habit and the pleasure of it.

Bonnie from Bonnie's Housekeeping came by at about 12:30 to give us an estimate of her costs. Her service is the one that cleans for Mother so I feel pretty confidant. They are less expensive than Merry Maids. They do use my equipment and cleaning products. Merry Maids uses their own. With the experience Mom has had I think I will feel comfortable going to Bonnie's. She will call me at the end of the week to tell me what she has available and we will go from there. They have a minimum of 2 hours which should work quite well for what I want done. I can probably even have them do extra stuff in the extra time. That will be a relief. I just have trouble keeping up and frankly, my knee hurts when I vacuum.

I did some more reading this afternoon and watered the plants in the front of the condo. The new grass planted beside the road is doing so well and we have not had rain for several days to I felt that I wanted to give it a drink so it will stay healthy.

Dick's blister is still draining so I called Dr. Moreno today and we will see him tomorrow at 3PM. Tomorrow will be very busy though everything is nicely spread out.

Mom had her eye doctor appointment at 9:30AM, then Bobbie will be over for lunch and to work on wine. We have peach, rhubarb, white Zin and lemon balm to be working with. We can easily put off the white Zin if we need to as Dick had to be at the doctor at 3. Actually that is more than enough time to get the racking done.

Tomorrow evening is the last practice of the Blessed Trinity choir before the Celtic Faire on Sunday so I will be going to Sheboygan Falls at 7PM for that.

Now I am going to watch the president speak. Then it will be close to bedtime and I can listen to the opinions of his speech tomorrow.

Have a nice evening. This is such beautiful weather, it is hard to think that winter will rear its lovely head soon.

Something very special happened today. When I took Chelsea out on one of her walks today, imagine my delight and surprise to find, perched jauntily, like a lovely green hat, on the stump carving that I have on my front stoop, a BEAUTIFUL rosemary plant. I do not know for sure who left it but I have my suspicions. Bob Fleming and talked at length about herbs and he said he had several on his deck. Perhaps he wanted to give me that moment of pleasure. It would be so like him. Such a good friend. Now I must work very hard to keep it alive until next year.

Love and enjoy your evening.

Mary

This was a very busy day. Chelsea and I had a lovely walk this morning. It was cool again and very clear.

This morning, Dick followed through on his promise to spend some time outside the house. We drove over to Kmart and spend about an hour just looking around the store. Of course, we bought a few things that we needed. It is always good to have a purpose or the shopping isn't any fun. He did well. We spent almost an hour in the store and found a heating pad, a coffee pot and a couple of other things we needed. We got home in time to have a light lunch before Nancy picked me up to go shooting pistol.

That was fun. I had three good targets. All 30 on the paper and 28 in scoring position with several in the black. Nancy is having trouble with her pistol not chambering the bullet. We lucked out, though. When we got upstairs, Jerry and Nancy Coenen and Pat Becher and her husband were pulling in to practice too. So Jerry is looking at and going to check out her gun to see why it is jamming. It looks like it is catching on the magazine, but we, Nancy and me, don't have any idea what to do to correct that.

Then I napped.

I fixed Dirty Rice with Italian Sausage for our dinner. The critters started bugging me while I was messing around in the kitchen. Then I noticed a little bit of catnip left in the jar that Bobbie had brought several months ago. It was tucked behind some other stuff on the counter and I had forgotten about it so I gave it to Roxie. Was she ever funny. She started eating it and ended up lying on her side with her head just barely able to get to the last of the catnip in bowl. A total experience. She was the happiest kitty I ever saw.

So a busy day. I am glad it is over now and am about ready to hit the bed. Mother used to say "Up the wooden hill to four corners." Of course we lived in a two story house so it was a bit more appropriate.

Love

Mary

What a nice Labor Day this turned out to be. I was busy this morning with my usual stuff. Stuff is such a nice inclusive word. I had to walk two doggies, (Our neighbor, Dick , was Up North enjoying the color change so I had Katrina to walk too.) Katrina is funny. She stops every ten feet or so to just give kisses and love. She pees funny too. She squats and then lifts one leg or the other to relieve herself. We had several good walks. I tried to take her on different routes and to just be with her has she was alone in the house. She, as our Chelsea, is used to having SOMEONE in the house most of the time.

Chelsea was not neglected either. Chelsea is doing better than she was a couple of days ago. She is still old but some days seems more subdued than others.

I talked to Bret today. I had forgotten to tell him that his cousin, Brit, is moving to Los Angeles in October. She will be the head of two areas of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. A nice leg up. She sill be head of Photography and Works on Paper. I know that she did her main studies in Photography. I still need to ask her if she would like to see the stereoscopes of my friend Bob's parent's wedding. She did her Masters on Stereoscopes, as I remember. I hope that she and Bret can get together once in a while for a lunch or dinner or holiday as they are family and it is good to have SOMEONE of blood close by. I know how much it has meant to Vikki, my niece on the Johnston side that she and Bret are connecting more. Blood is thicker than water.

This afternoon Bobbie and I went to see Julie and Julia. It was charming and wonderful. Bobbie had gotten interested in the blogs that Julie did during the year that Julie did Julia Child's recipes and blogged. She said that she could see why Julia was not too excited about meeting Julie. There was a lot of oddness and melt downs in the blog. And after all, Julia was in her late 80s and early 90s at the time. But it was a beautiful story and well worth seeing, if only for Meryl Streep's performance. I want to get her cookbook now.

Jim and Michelle called tonight. They spent a day with Bart and Marlise and Don. I am glad that they are connecting. They took "Chip" Kunert their new dog with them and that was an adventure. It went quite well, after all Chip is just a puppy. Apparently some blood was shed but they couldn't tell from whom so it could not have been too important. They are doing well at their job and looking for others. There are prospects but I gather that they are grateful that, in this market, they are in the position that they can deep looking until it is right as they have an income coming in.

Did I tell you that I saw a Blue Heron, several flights of geese and two hawks flying overhead in the past two days? It is the onset of Autumn and I imagine the critters are trying to figure out the signals that are changing day to day. I am amazed that it is so gray at 6AM when I get up. Soon it will be really dark and I won't be thrilled about taking my girl out. She does not seem to worry as she knows that her MOM will take care of her. Guess that is how I feel about my God. I get scared sometimes but know that in the end Jesus will take care of it and it will all be for the best.

Take care and go into the week with joy.

Love

Mary

Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea.
- Robert A. Heinlein

This morning while I was watching Good Morning America, Bill Weir said that he was a Cheesehead. They featured the Packers meeting with the kids who bring their bikes to the practices for the opportunity to interact with the players. This has gone on for years. Anyway, he ended the segment saying, "Eat your heart out, Brett Favre, The Vikings eat children."

It was indeed a quiet day. I took Katrina, our neighbor's dog, out a couple of times today today. She is such a loving doggy but I am glad that we have Chelsea. Katrina leaks when she gets excited and I would not be happy cleaning up after a piddling pup.

I spent some time on getting ready for the Celtic Music Workshop that I am going to conduct on September 17 her at our house. If any of you want to come, you are welcome. It is for the Celtic Women but we welcome anyone that has an interest in our purpose, even for one evening or one event.

I a made a blueberry cheesecake today and is it ever good. I hope I can find someone to help us eat it. As usual it is SO big that it will last much too long.

It was a nice warm day today and some of my tomatoes are starting to ripen. That is good. I hope to be able to eat them fresh and perhaps preserve some of them. I am thinking Braciole de Manzo. To die for. I do love to cook.

Tomorrow I will go to see the movie Julie and Julia with Bobbie. I do like Meryl Streep and it is based on a great book so I am looking forward to it. Always good to spend time with Bobbie too.

That was the day so tomorrow is Labor Day. I am going to put the flag out to celebrate the day. Enjoy it. Remember the reason for the day. Did I ever tell you that Bret was born on Labor Day? I remember getting to the delivery area. There must have been six women all in labor at the same time and one of the nurses said. "Just because is it Labor Day didn't mean that you all had to come in a the same time."

Love

Mary

As quiet a day as the critters will allow. Roxie has taken to being somewhat of a nag in the wee hours of the morning but she goes away when I cuddle her too long. I got up at about 6:30AM. (Of course there is always that little potty break for Chelsea earlier.)

I cleaned the kitchen floor this morning. Dick slept until almost 9:30AM so it was really quiet around her. Chelsea and I had a really great walk this morning. It was nice and crisp and clear and dry. The rest of the day she has been a bit lethargic. Not a lot of zip and she has an OLD look about her eyes. This happens to her every so often. Even her tail droops. But usually after a day like that she perks up a bit again. Lets hope. We always feel so sorry for her when she is like that.

Today was Dick's shower day. That is still a production though we are getting really good at it. The callous with the blister on his foot is now oozing a bit. We are concerned, of course. Wounds we don't need. We are going to check it twice a day for a while and see if it will dry up faster. I put a bit of Neosporin on it today just in case.

I went to Mass at 4PM. Now I think I have some strength for the coming week. It is not too busy but a lot of preparation is needed for the next week. This week I just have to take Mom to the eye doctor on Thursday and work at Rhine on Friday which is the beginning of league. Nancy and I want to go out to practice once more before league starts. We didn't do TOO bad on Wednesday but are rusty.

So that was our Saturday. Busy but just us. It was nice and tomorrow will be more of the same it looks like. I will be watching out for our neighbor Dick's dog Katrina tomorrow and Monday. He and his friend are going to drive up north to try to catch some color.

So enjoy your Labor Day weekend. I talked to my Bret yesterday, his birthday, you know. He is out at his place on the Colorado River and sounded happy as a clam. He said his Aunt Jacquie called him for his birthday too.

Take care

Love
Mary

Except for going over to Capelle's to get our fresh corn and tomatoes, we got to stay home all day. Was that ever nice. Chelsea got to ride to Capelle's with me so she was a happy happy little doggy. She has been very tired most of the day.

Actually, between 3 and 4 AM, Roxie came in to pester me. She is getting used to Chelsea getting me up for a bathroom run by 4AM. Finally at 4:30AM, I got up to peek at Chelsea to be sure she was OK. I was beginning to think that maybe Roxie was trying to tell me something. She was - she wanted a snack. The little minx, Chelsea, saw me so I did take her out and then went back too bed til 6:30AM.

I mixed up the beginning of a batch of lemon balm wine in the primary fermentor today. That is a rather complicated process as this wine required boiling and then steeping the lemon balm leaves then straining the cooled water into an also boiled mixture of water, sugar and lemon juice then adding other things. Before I go to bed, I have to add the yeast. I also checked the Specific Gravity on the peach and will do that for the next few days until it is right.

The nights are cool now. It is only in the mid 40s when I wake up though it did get into the mid 70s today. Some of the tomatoes are showing color, I just hope they ripen before the first frost.

Tomorrow will also be a quiet day, I hope. I will end with PART of an email I got today. I liked this message.

Mary

My Dear Friends,
'Life isn't about how to survive the storm,
But

"How to dance in the rain.."

Well, Chelsea got her bath today and it sure took the zip out of her. She seems exhausted and has been coughing a lot. She was having a rough time about the time I woke up so I know the bath did not cause the problem. She sure looks pretty all white and fluffy.

I got my first bid for having someone come in to vacuum and do the floors for me. I have two others that I will look at before we make up our minds. I still want to be sure that we can work it into the budget. I just know that right now, I never get caught up - my knee hurts very badly when I vacuum. That must be just the wrong leverage. We will see. I hope it works.

I dried some basil today. That plus some that I froze will provide enough basil for the winter. I will try to keep a couple plants alive over the winter too. Next I will dry some thyme, oregano and rosemary.

The rest of the day was very quiet. I took a nap, did some quilting and worked a bit on the Celtic Music workshop that I will be giving in two weeks. I have chosen the music for the Manx and Galacian samples. Not to hard as I only have one Manx song and two Galatian songs. Next I will pick the Irish and Scottish.

Packer game tonight. The last of the pre season. I am gathering my information for the big first game next week. Have to have my picks in by the 10th. Hope I do well this year.

Have a nice evening and enjoy your Friday. Remember to wear red to honor our GIs over seas fighting a police stating for us. We need to honor them and pray for their safety.

Love

Mary

Grocery Shopping day. I went early and was back before 9AM. I did not have as much to get as usual so the trip was quick.

I picked up a really cute little miniature rose plant for Mother. The cut flowers just looked droopy and this has the prettiest little white roses on it. Mom was delighted. It is her and Dad's anniversary you know. They would have been married 70 years this year. Isn't that just amazing.

When I got home, I fixed gnocchi for lunch with spaghetti sauce. Bobbie came for lunch as she was working on the peach wine today. So we had gnocchi with sauce, salad and pumpernickel bread with cream cheese, tomato and basil leaf. As Bobbie explained to Dick, a smaltsy smaltsy treat. It sure was good. Then Bobbie and I went down and added the sugar and additives to the peach juice and racked it into the primary fermentor.

By then it was 1:00PM so I left to pick up Nancy to go to Rhine Plymouth to practice pistol shooting. We both did pretty well. My second one was not good but I was able to somewhat correct my aim on the third one. League starts a week from Friday. We want to go out one more time before it starts for one more practice. I also would like to get a new site on my gun and if I could have someone be sure that it its sited in correctly.

When I got back, Bobbie was still her so we got more chance to visit and be sure that all is well with the wine. I will be checking specific gravity so Bobbie will know when she needs to come back. It is SO nice to have her coming out regularly.

I took a nap when she left and have been reading and catching up on email since then. The day is almost over and again, I am very tired and my knee is sore. I guess over all things are better but it is SO slow. God is teaching me patience.

Love

Mary

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT REGARDING RAISING CHILDREN!

1. You spend the first two years of their life
teaching them to walk and talk. Then you spend
the next sixteen telling them to sit down and shut up.

2. Grandchildren are God's reward
for not killing your own children.

3. Mothers of teens now know why
some animals eat their young.

4. Children seldom misquote you.
In fact,
they usually repeat word for word
what you shouldn't have said

5. The main purpose of holding children's parties
is to remind yourself that there are children
more awful than your own

6. We childproofed our homes,
but they are still getting in.

We were really busy today until noon anyway.

Travis from Steger arrived at 8AM. He was doing the winter check on the furnace. Everything is OK. The furnace filter is fine but he did have to change the filter on the humidifier. I never knew they had filters. Originally, he was going to order it and come back, but they had one in stock so he came back and finished the job this morning.

Then at 10, just as we finished getting Dick all ready for the day, the bell rang again and it was Ed and his family workers from Servicemaster here to clean the carpets. They did most of the moving that was necessary and did a great job. They finished in less than 1 1/2 hours. The animals were fascinated and the cleaners enjoyed them too. The temperatures were in the 40s when Chelsea and I went out this morning but did get up into the low 70s today. That was good because I left the doors open for several hours after Servicemaster left to speed the drying.

After they left, I fixed lunch then we took naps. I could not sleep unfortunately and am feeling it now. It is only a little after 7 and I am exhausted.

I am investigating the costs of getting a cleaning service in to vacuum and do the floors for me. It would free up a lot of my time once I am healed and perhaps help me heal as when I vacuum, I always am very sore the next day. Hopefully it will work out.


Guess that is all for now.

Tomorrow will be busy too. Shopping and shooting and going to Mother's with some money and pills.

Love

Mary

 

This is a picture of the flowers in the berm at the front of our unit that are all squished down. Remember, Jim and Michelle? It is the same this year. Perhaps it is some creature that lies in them or perhaps, as Bobbie said, the weight of the flowers just causes the stems to collapse. I like the first theory best but have to admit I have never seen any critters near them.

Mary

A very active day today and I am ready for bed. However it is only 7PM and I have to wait until 9 so that Chelsea can get her last try at the bathroom. Since she sometimes gets me up at 2PM even when I do take her out at 9, I don't want to do it any sooner.

I had bible study this morning. We are such a good group and really support each other in prayer. We discussed the fact that Jesus was so accepting of the handicapped and put them right in the middle of things for acceptance and /or healing. This was the story of when he healed the man with the withered hand after the Pharisees asked him if he was REALLY going to do this on the SABBATH.

Then I went over to Mom for a visit. I took her some turkey and stuffing for a meal. We had our usual nice conversations and I got a couple of errands to do for her. As usual she said there is no hurry but, of course, since Wednesday is her and Dad's anniversary, I will take a run down there in the morning to bring her flowers as I have since Dad passed. I also have a box of candy for her. That will be fun. I do believe that this would have been their 70th anniversary if our Dad was still with us. We talked a bit about how cold it is this year and she remembered again how hot it was on their wedding day and the weekend following.

When I got home Bobbie was here already working on the wine. She had looked at her calendar and realized that three of her wines needed racking along with the two big ones we have working down there. So she had finished racking the three gallon batches before I got home. Then after lunch of Irish bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwiches she and I went down and racked my 5 gallon White Zin and her 6 gallon that I keep forgetting the name of. They both smell good and the racking went quite well. Roxie joined us. She complained for a while, then just hung around and observed. Bobbie also started peaches fermenting for a peach wine. There is a lot going on down in the MaryER winery. Wonder what Bobbie will call hers.

We are going to a Taste of Home event at the Weill Center at the end of September. We are excited. You get to taste stuff AND get a bag of goodies AND get in on a drawing.

Tomorrow will be a super busy day but it is all at home. Steger is coming to check the furnace for winter and Servicemaster is coming to clean our carpets.

My knee really hurt in the middle of last night and was pretty sore most of the day. I seem to have good days and not so good days. Tomorrow will be better, I hope.

Yesterday I told you about Miss Spratt. Mom reminded me today how scared Nora was of her. She hated kindergarten. Miss Spratt's father, George, was the last living Civil War Veteran from Sheboygan Falls.

Sleep tight.

Mary

It was a quiet day. I would not have left home at all, except that Nancy and I had intended to do some shooting so she picked me up at 1PM. We drove out to Rhine and discovered that there was a private party using the place so we turned around and came home and rescheduled, tentatively, for Wednesday. We know that league will be starting soon and haven't shot in weeks so we want to at least be sure our guns are working.

Dick had his shower today which is always somewhat of an ordeal though it is getting easier all the time. He is able to do more for himself as he becomes more mobile.

After I got home, I took a nap then read for a while. I am trying to make a point of reading every day and sewing every day. I have been pretty good about writing every day, even if it is only this blog. Doing this does keep me doing other things. So you are all good for me.

Now I am watching the Daytime Emmy Awards. I loved the lifetime award to Sesame Street. The cast sang their song and it was such a pleasure watching as they panned the audience and you could see all those grown people, actors mostly, become children again and mouth the words along with the song. If they didn't grow up with it, their children did. Would you believe that Sesame Street is 40 years old.


I was remembering my grade school days. I went to kindergarten in the same school that my Dad did. I even had the same teacher. Her name was Miss Spratt. Her family was quite prominent in early Sheboygan Falls and she was a spinster lady. I remember her as being quiet and very old. The school was a two story brick building with wooden floors and stairways. That is all I remember about the building. I remember having milk and graham crackers for snack in kindergarten and lying on mats for a rest. We were little people you know.

The only other memory I have is that I wanted high top black shoes for school. When I got there noone wore high tops and girls did not wear black high tops. Kids teased me. So Mom had to get me a new pair of shoes.

Have a save end of August and beginning of September. The months are flying.

Love
Mary

I learned a few things today.

Yesterday and the day before, I did some vacuuming. My knee hurt like Billy be Damned. Today, I did virtually nothing and it feels much better. I am a slow learner or as Dick says a slow accepterer (not a word but you KNOW what I mean.)

We had a very sedate day, watching the pre funeral and the funeral Mass for Ted Kennedy. Even his foes respected him. He spent 47 years in the Senate and never wavered from his beliefs in all those years. He never tried to hide his warts and never worried about what people thought of him if he had a mission. He believed that those who have been given much have an obligation to help those to whom little has been given. That does not mean giving up your place in society or not expecting others to help themselves. It means that help needs to be offered.

I found out that in 1954 when he was a Junior at Harvard (albiet with a rocky start) he was sent a recruiting feeler from the Green Bay Packers. WOW. He passed, deciding to go for his law degree. I am sure that most of you heard the wonderful tributes from his sons and President Obama. All three of his children had medical problems and he was a rock for them during them all. I know that he suffered himself from constant pain from his back injury, something that I can understand as my son Bart also suffers from constant back pain.

I always felt a bit of a kinship with the Kennedys. They are Irish, we are Irish, they had nine children, we had nine children, they were Roman Catholic, we are Roman Catholic. John and Jacquie Kennedy lost a baby the same year that my Tony died. Ted's humor reminds me of my Dad's humor. My he rest easy in the palm of the Lord's hand.

So, I spent most of the day watching the tributes.

I made a turkey breast and stuffing for our supper. Boy was that good. I have lots left. We will be eating turkey for quite a while and I can share.

Tomorrow is another quiet day. I am going pistol shooting with Nancy in the afternoon but the rest of the day will be spent at home.

Take care and let me know of anything exiting in your lives.

Two little quips I got in my email:

1. What part of Europe are you from. The part whose ass we saved or the part whose ass we kicked.

2. Question: How many retirees to change a light bulb?
Answer: Only one, but it might take all day.


Enjoy your Sunday.

Love

Mary

It is still too chilly for August. It will, as my friend, Peggy Feider says, heat up just when the poor kids have to head back to school.

But it makes for nice morning walking. Everything is beautiful, green and blooming, after all the rain we have had. I believe some warmer temperatures might help my tomatoes to ripen. We have plenty to eat, some still from Bobbie and I was able to freeze one bag but there are lots on my plants if they just ripen.

I got a little bit of cleaning done today and one load of wash. There was SO much clutter on my desk and around it AND on the counters that I feel I accomplished a lot. Of course, the table has several piles on it now, but much of that is destined to be filed or returned and I will take care of much of that tomorrow.

I only had to leave the neighborhood once and that was quick. I picked up a prescription for myself and the fresh corn from Capelle's for our supper. Boy is it good this year. We always wonder how long it will last. I have put some of that in the freezer also.

I went downstairs and cut out the pattern for the kitty square that I am going to quilt. I actually have a bit of ambition these days. It has been a long time coming. Then when I get started, my knee hurts or I just plain wear out, but at least I did something today. Maybe tomorrow will be even better.

I have a nice quiet weekend ahead also. Tomorrow I just have to go to Mass and Sunday I am going shooting with Nancy. Sounds good to me.

Take care and enjoy your weekend. Perhaps yours will be really exciting. That is always nice too.

Love.

Mary

One of the many things no one tells you about aging is that it is such a nice change from being young. Ah, being young is beautiful, but being old is comfortable..

It was chilly today. We have hardly had a summer. Mother said she talked to Nora today and it is HOT in Dallas.

We spent the morning getting everybody fed and cleaned up and I made a couple of important business calls. Then Dick had to be at the Plymouth Clinic at 10:30AM for his anti coagulation check. Yippee! The count was 2.7. Just right so we don't have to go back for a whole month.

We had more of that chicken for our lunch - Got a fridge full of salads and leftovers. Tomorrow we will have our usual summer corn and tomatoes for supper.

Tonight I went to choir practice for Celtic Mass at Blessed Trinity. It was good seeing my friends and singing with them again. Beth put the words that I wrote from St. Paul to the tune of The Water is Wide on paper and we will sing it at the prelude. I have a couple of credits in the worship folder, two songs and the introduction. Isn't that cool?

I actually spent about an hour this afternoon reading. I have been planning to set time aside each day to do so and hopefully this is the beginning of putting this plan in motion.

Saturday Ted Kennedy will be buried. He has, I believe, been a man of honor. He made some mistakes but stood up to them and lived them down with service. I loved the Irish expression that is being used, he grew old enough to comb gray hair. He, in his elegy to John Kennedy Jr. regretted that John did not grow to that stage of life.

Well. It is now time to sleep.

Tomorrow will be a quiet day, I hope to wax creative.

Love

Mary

It was a very pleasant day today. Not to warm, not too cool. The morning was really busy. Had the usual stuff to do just to get started.

I watched all of GMA this morning because I wanted to hear all the tributes to Senator Kennedy. I was not at all surprised at his death. When he was unable to attend his sister Eunice's funeral, I knew that there was not much time. They are a family like ours. He would have been there if there had been any way. God bless him and his family. It will be interesting to see how the next few days unfold and what happens to his place in the senate. Wow. He held that post for 47 years.

At 9AM, I went grocery shopping. I bought a rotisserie chicken for our lunch. They are so tender and good and it was on sale. We will be eating on that the rest of the week.

I did take a nap before lunch. I was so tired and had a busy afternoon ahead of me.

At 2PM, I drove out to Rocky Knoll for the Amputee Support Group. We had a nice turnout and two speakers. One was Gary Wright who told about a swimming class for disabled swimmers at Central starting in October, the other was Dick Ruh, from A&J Vans. He is the one that I talked to about possibly making the Explorer or some other van handicap accessible for Dick. Then it turned out that the Passat was more practical and works very well. I was pleased to meet him and be able to tell him how much I appreciated his help. I did pick up some information on hand controls for cars. This could be useful if Dick ever wants to drive again.Did you know that you have to be able to use the emergency brake with the hand controls too? That reminded me of a story about my Dad. He used cars only because he HAD to. He did not like them. He came home from work one afternoon madder than a wet hen. He had to park on a hill and set the emergency brake. The only problem was that he did not know how to release it. SO. He twisted the thing like a pretzel trying to release it and finally drove home with it on. Jeff was fuming until I started laughing. I could just see Dad trying to pull the thing loose. Fortunately, Dad never drove fast enough to do any permanent damage and he learned how to release the brake for the next time.Boy was he strong.


On the way home, stopped a the Sewing Basket and picked up the first block of a Kitty Quilt. There are 8 in the set so far and the Sewing Shop will be doing one a month. I will do mine at home and use hand applique. They are adorable. I picked one called Kitt'ney Bean. They are hard to describe. This one has a kitty on a kidney shaped rug and is adorable. The kitty has a Rosie expression. Each one has a recipe. This one is Tuscan Pasta and Bean Soup. So this will be a fun project and something I can do by hand upstairs. I will cut it out tomorrow and maybe start on the had quilting of the project I have on the quilt rack. I must be feeling better because I am getting excited about things again.

Tomorrow will be pretty quiet. We just have to take Dick to the Plymouth Clinic for his anti coagulation test.

By the way, I DID tell Dick about our upcoming trip to the Fireside. He took it OK. We just have to figure out a couple of things and it will be OK as Janice has wheelchair seating for the guys so he won't have to be walking or anything. It will be fun. I have decided that I would like to go to Chicago at the end of October for an event at the Irish Center for Irish Artists. I will be selling my book along with the other CWI members who wish to feature their CDS or books. I need to start planning that soon.

Have a good Thursday.

Mary.

Today was an exhausting day. We had to get Dick all washed and changed and inspected before 10AM. His appointment with the prosthesist was at 10:30. I got up at 6:15AM but there is so much to do just to get to breakfast every morning.

The callous that has the blister, looks much better now. It is still drying up but has not opened into an open sore. For this I am so grateful. Tim replaced the strap on the shoe on Dick's leg. We needed to shorten the strap. So far it seems to be helping keep the foot in position. We have to stop him from rolling the foot.
It went well, I think. We found out how long things should last and that they will notify us when regular inspections are needed. We can always call if there are problems that need to be addressed, but mainly, we are done. All we need to do is get Dick on his feet and walking.

I have this little problem. Three or four months ago, I bought tickets for a play at the Fireside with Lee and Janice Lemkuil, they are part of the Amputee Support Group that I go to and that Dick should be going to. At that time it seemed very reasonable that he would be walking and able to be more mobile. I still want to go. We have almost a month yet to prepare. So tomorrow I have to tell him what I did and face his discomfort. He loves the Fireside and we would be using wheelchairs. Lee is a double amputee. The seating allows for this. So wish me luck.

We had slow cooker pork chops that were just super for lunch along with colannon. Tonight we had soup. Boy are we lucky.

I spent the afternoon starting to get ready for the workshop that I am going to do for CWI on Music of the Celtic Nations and catching up on emails and things for the Celtic Mass on September 13. Thursday will be the first choir rehearsal. That will be fun. I miss choir but don't want to be committed to being away from home one night of every week. I didn't tell you this, but when I took the worship folder to Sandy with MY changes, she told me Fr. Bob's changes and he wants to give credit to me for writing the front page. I have never asked for that but think that it is nice and will be pleased to be acknowledged for it. I think it is good this year. Though other years have made me happy too. I like to share Celtic customs and beliefs with others. After the Faire, I will print it here for you all. It would be nice if you could come to the Mass and Faire. They are really fun.

Take care.

Love

Mary

When I left for Bible Study, Dick was still in bed. I left him with some juice, iced tea, a pear and a scone. Pretty good service if you ask me.

We had nine people at bible study. A nice showing. Mark is an interesting study that leads us to all kinds of current problems that I am sure the early Christians faced too. We touched on the health care initiative among other things. One thing that struck me in the commentary today was the statement that the early Christians were not dealing with the Old and the New Testament or any conflicts. The New Testament didn't exist, it was BEING WRITTEN. Isn't that some thing to wrap your mind around.

Mom and I had a nice visit. I brought her some scones, brown bread, mac and cheese and a sausage and she gave me some of Jeff's corn on the cob which we had for dinner tonight. BOY was it good. She is feeling good and is going to the Senior Center tomorrow for lunch. Good for her and good for Lucy, her friend who drives them. Lucy had some health problems but is apparently back on track. Pray for Lucy. She is so sweet and refers to Mother and a couple of other older ladies as "Her Ladies".

When I got home, we had lunch and then I took a nap. Betsy called me back this afternoon. Her mother, Dorothy, had moved into Pine Haven Assisted Living and there are SO many details that have to be taken care of. Fortunately, Dorothy is not unhappy about the move. She has said that she really likes the food. At least the family knows that she is in a safe place. But Betsy is really tired. There is always more than we realize when such big transitions take place. We had hoped to have lunch or something while she was here but there is no time. So. I can be glad that we had a good telephone visit and next time will plan better.

I called Dr. Moreno about Dick's callous this morning. We are OK. I am much relieved. We need to keep checking it, BUT it was probably caused from a fold in his sock which caused irritation. I have to watch it. We have to be very careful of things that can irritate. He can start walking again. We will see Tim the prosthesis man tomorrow and he can double check the inside of the shoe. I am so relieved. I don't believe that I can go through another open sore event. I am way to tired.

So I am saved from that this time.


Take Care

Mary

I received this as an email and thought it funny.



Word is out that the Vikings got
$4,500.00 for Bret Favre
from the Federal Government.

Cash for Clunkers!

We got to be homebodies all day. I did go over and have a cup a tea. Jan was in the hospital for 5 days last week. They have finally determined that she had adult onset asthma. It took that long for them to get her breathing under control and determine that her heart was not at risk. We had a nice visit and I got to meet her sister who was visiting.

I spent a completely lazy day so have no exciting adventures to relate at all. I did make a mac and cheese for lunch that was quite good.

So I have something rather clever that I heard in the past two days to share with you. Dorothy Parker was kicked out of parochial school for referring to the Immaculate Conception as Spontaneous Combustion.

Dick and I BOTH loved that.

Love you and have a great week.

Mary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love
Mary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Guess that is all for now. Til tomorrow then.

Mary

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

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

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

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

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

Take care of yourselves.

Mary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love

Mary


~DEATH~
WHAT A WONDERFUL WAY TO EXPLAIN IT .


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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

Love

Mary

Hello again.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Til tomorrow. Take care of yourself.

All my love

Mary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love

Mary

LEGEND OF A COUNTRY CHURCH

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

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

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

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

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

It was fulfilled

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love

Mary

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love

Mary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Later.

Mary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



Love

Mary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That is all for now.


Mary


THE CAT IN THE HAT ON AGING...

Just incase you weren't feeling too old today.

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

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

Their lifetime has always included AIDS.

The CD was introduced two years before they were born.

They have always had an answering machine.

They have always had cable.

Jay Leno has always been on the Tonight Show.

Popcorn has always been microwaved.

They never took a swim and thought about Jaws.

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

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


McDonald's never came in Styrofoam containers.

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Be happy. Tomorrow I get to stay home.

Love

Mary

 

A family grouping.

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

You can see the T shirts in this picture.

Mary

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

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

Here are the words to the sending song.

Celtic Song of Farewell (Danny Boy)

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

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

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

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

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

Tomorrow I can go back to Bible Study.

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

Take care

Love

Mary

 

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

Mary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hope your Sunday is as nice as mine will be.

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

Love

Mary

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

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

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

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

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

PET'S TEN COMMANDMENTS....

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

This was a red letter day.

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

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

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

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

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

Guess that is all for now.

Take care

Mary

Today was OK. I never felt too much pain.

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

Have a good day.
Love

Mary

When I woke up this morning, I noticed that I had no pain. I was totally delighted. I stretched my muscles and slowly got up and still felt great. So, silly me, I thought that I had finally crossed a bridge. But the knee and hip started hurting within an hour or so and by 3 PM I finally broke down and took another Vicidin. I will take one just before I go to bed and see how tomorrow turns out. I see the doctor tomorrow and will find out if this is normal. I am sure it is as the pain is definitely reduced - it is just so constant.

We had a quiet day. No one called or came over. I cleaned Dick's bathroom floor and the kitchen floor. I told you they were sticky and I couldn't stand it any longer.

We had chicken and teriyaki rive for dinner this noon. And grilled cheese for dinner. I baked some cookies with the ricotta cheese that I made. They are nice a subtle shortbread kind of cookie. I used Splenda so Dick won't have to worry about sugar.

He went down for a nap this afternoon which he has not done for several days and slept for hours. This is always a worry because sometimes his body gets to mixing up day and night. And I don't like spending my days alone.

I did some writing today - some of it successful. The past two weeks have been a bit dry, but I try every day to get something down even if it is pitiful.

I can look out the livingroom windows at the beautiful wall of trees that backs us. Today I saw several crows heading into the trees. I have noticed that they seem to gather there just about where my path really takes off over the railroad tracks to the park.

One wonders about crows. In some cultures they are brave and symbols of heroic things and in others they are bad luck and evil. I remember that the crows in California were even bigger that they are here. Zero, sweet Zero, used to love to chase birds away. One day, he came out of the house and saw a crow down the street He raced towards it barking his head off expecting it to fly. The crow just stood its ground and stared at his. Poor Zero screeched to a stop about three feet from this bird, almost a big as he, and hightailed it back to me as fast as his little legs could carry him.

Have a lovely evening and pray for me tomorrow when I get my leg checked. My appointment is at 1PM.

Mary


Zero

I am really tired tonight. The day was quite busy. I woke up at about 4AM pretty sore, so I did take a pain pill that helped me sleep until 7. Roxie was very disappointed in me. She expects breakfast to be served by her minions by 6AM and is quite concerned about the recent breakdown.

I started a pot roast right away so it would be ready by noon. I have been running out of some kinds of things upstairs. I had no onions, potatoes, chicken or fresh fruit upstairs. So I fixed the roast with the half onion that was upstairs combined with minced onion.

Bobbie got here at about 11:30AM. She went downstairs and brought up the things that I needed. Whew. The roast was good and made a really rich gravy. We had to have instant potatoes because the potatoes were all downstairs. Everything tasted good and we had brownies for dessert.

Bobbie brought Chelsea along again. She is looking great and is such a happy girl. I will be glad to get her back but we decided to wait until I at least see the doctor on Wednesday. She seemed reasonably glad to see us but she loves Bobbie and Bill and they treat her so well that she is not the least bit upset about being with them or about being away from us. Hope she wants to come home again.

I went to the bank, the drug store and the Pig with Bobbie too and got a few errands done. We were down to NO cash and needed a few groceries and a couple of prescriptions.

Tomorrow is a nice quiet day except for meeting the Tallgrass Committee at 5:30PM across the street. I am also going to try to clean the bathroom floor.

Things seem to be better but I wish the healing was faster. Wednesday at 1PM will be the test. Bobbie is going to take me.

Guess that's all for now. I am too tired to think of anything else.

Love

Mary

Hello World. It was a quiet day with a mildly sore leg for a good part of it. However, each day it is less pain so I know I am mending - finally.

I spent my quiet day making cheese and meals and washing. I made a small batch of ricotta cheese out sour milk. One would think that I would learn not buy milk in anything over a half gallon. However, every once in a while a gallon is so cheap that I can't resist and I always end up with sour milk and trying to find uses for it. Cakes and breads and cheese work but it does not always sour at a convenient time.

We got a call from Richard today. He and Brenda have arrived and are enjoying Toronto. They are enjoying a Canadian vacation for his fiftieth birthday which is on Tuesday. So far the trip is fine BUT their luggage is vacationing somewhere else. They were planning on replacing necessities today and hope the luggage will appear. I told Richard about the first two vacations Dick and I took together. They were driving vacations to see scenic sights in Wisconsin. Driving, we did not have lost luggage, but Dick forgot his shirts. So here we were on our first day of vacation in a Sears or KMart buying Dick 6 or seven new shirts. He was a very well dressed man for many years.

I was able to water the front plants a little today, I did the deck yesterday. They really need more than I carried out but this will keep them going. Maybe tomorrow I will go out and just stand and run the hose. I think I saw a start of broccoli flowers on my broccoli plants. Yippee.

Roxie and I had a very nice nap this afternoon. She is really coming to expect me to lie down after lunch.

Only three more days til I see the doctor and hopefully get released. Soon we will be able to have our Chelsea back again. She likes summer camp but I do miss her. I have to admit that I don't miss taking her out right now with the sore leg, but I think I could manage now anyway.

We'll see how it is in the morning.

Have a good week.

Love
Mary

A Pan Am 727 flight, waiting for start clearance in Munich , overheard the following:
Lufthansa (in German): "Ground, what is our start clearance time?"
Ground (in English): "If you want an answer you must speak in English."
Lufthansa (in English): "I am a German, flying a German airplane, in Germany . Why must I speak English?"
Unknown voice from another plane (in a beautiful British accent): "Because you lost the bloody war!"