Boy what a day.

I started off by joining my friends Joan and Janet at the Roadside Inn for breakfast at 8AM.  We had a nummy breakfast and accomplished what we set out to do.   It was for CWI, our Sheboygan County Branch.    We will meet again on Saturday at the Plymouth History Museum on Mill Street in Plymouth for the 6th Annual Christmas Tea that we host in conjunction with the History Museum and the Sheboygan County Historical Research Center.   It will be on from 1PM to 3PM if you want to come and enjoy the Craic.

After breakfast I drove to Sheboygan Falls for Bible Study   There were 8 of us there this morning so it made for good conversation.  As the Psalm discussed David's wanting to build a "house" for the Arc of the Covenant, we got into a really good discussion about the Arc itself.    Joseph has been to Jerusalem and was able to tell us some about the temple itself.   We also discussed the contents of the Arc itself, which were the 10 Commandments, Aaron's Rod and some Manna.   The Arc of the Covenant is "lost".   Some believe it was destroyed in the temple destruction and others think it is hidden - this being the source of such stories as the Indiana Jones movie.

Then I went to Mother's to visit and catch up.   I brought her some meatballs, potatoes, veggies and gravy for supper.   I had to leave a bit early to take my sewing machine to the Sewing Machine Shop because it was really not working for me.   Part of it was my fault, but the bobbin holder is pretty worn, so I replaced that  and will take the machine back after the holidays when I can take a break from sewing for a bit.

Then I hurried to Rocky Knoll and got there shortly after noon, but in time to have lunch with Dick.   I bought the lunch there today.    Then Dick and I played some cards and talked until I had to leave.   I stopped at the bank on the way home and have been just catching up on putting things away and working on some of my computer work.   Tonight I feel I have regained control.

So tomorrow, Dick has an appointment with the pulminologist.     If we get back in time, Tim from Wisc. Prosthesis will check his legs.    Otherwise, Tim will come back Wednesday morning.   I sure  hope we are back as I  won't be able to be there on Wednesday morning as I am getting the car serviced and winterized and I am going to to to Gibbsville for Christmas cheese for Mother and me on my way back.

Oh Well,  What is - Is.

God love you

Mary


“If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence, try orderin' somebody else's dog around.”                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Here I am settling down for the night with a soft sweet kitty cuddling into my arms and purring up a storm.   Of course, tomorrow at 4:30AM when she thinks it is time for breakfast, I may not think she is so sweet.   But tonight she is comforting and a real blessing.

It was a busy but tranquil day.   I spent the morning putting things away and bring up things so that I can get Christmas organized.  Then at 11:00AM I went to Rocky Knoll to have lunch with and spend the afternoon with Dick.    Bobbie and Bill came to visit too and Bobbie had some really interesting information on Dick's mother's side of the family.  Ancestry is such a fun thing to work on.  I wish I had more time for my searches.

The CNA's are now instructed to take Dick for walks twice a day.   He went three times today.   First he walked over 50 feet.  Then he ASKED Michelle to take him again and went for 25 feet.   When he called me tonight the CNA came in as we were talking and asked if he wanted to walk. and he said YES.   I am so proud of him and his walking is much more natural and easy for him.

I put the Christmas lights on the front porch after I got home.  They look quite cheerful.   I do not have them on a timer this year so will have to remember to switch them on and off.

I am so proud of myself too.  (More proud of Dick for his walks) But I was able to cross off everything on my list today.  WOW.

God love you and keep you safe this week and through then end of the year.  Then we can start again.

Love

Mary

Today was a very rainy day.   Not too cold though so it was bearable.  

I slept until shortly after 8AM this morning.   After yesterday, I was just so tired that it was very easy.    Got up to feed the pest and went right back to bed.

I spent the morning sewing and putting things away from the past two days.   Then I went to have lunch with and spend the afternoon with Dick.   We had a pleasant quiet time.    He walked in the hallway with Michelle, one of the CNAs.   He did well, over 30 feet.

We played Rummy for a while, then I left to go to Mass at St. John's.   I was scheduled to be4 a Eucharistic Minister so decided to just go.   That means that I can sleep late tomorrow too if I want to.


Hope your day was as pleasant.

God love you

Mary

This was a long and busy day. The early morning was actually pretty peaceful.   I got up at about 6:30AM so that I could get ready for the day and be ready to fix breakfast for Richard, Brenda and me before we headed on our journeys.

I headed to Mom's house, via Rocky Knoll where I had left my purse, to help butcher the three deer that the deer hunting party had harvested this year.

Richard and Brenda headed to Madison, via Rocky Knoll to see Dick and Evans in Kiel just for fun.

I arrived at Mom's house at about 9:45AM.   Randy, Jeff and Lee had two of the deer already skinned and were beginning to quarter them.    Bobbie came in right after I did, and so did Jason and Cory and we all got to work.  Cory's son Rhett, who is about 10 stayed with his Dad and helped with the trimming and cutting up of the meat.   He really wants to be able to go hunting with his Dad.

It was a really nice day.   We worked awfully hard but it is a good feeling for Bobbie and me to do this.   It is a chance for us to be with our buddies, even if we have stopped hunting and they can really use our help.    We were done at between 3:30 and 4PM.   Without us they would be at least and hour or two longer.    Since we all have a great time it is definitely a win win for all.

Bobbie and I got to hear Lee tell his tale of how he bagged his first buck this year.   Not his first deer but his first BUCK.   So he is excited to have a nice rack to mount and is going to have gloves made out of the hide for he and his wife.   Nice touch.

I came home and put the meat in the freezer than went to Rocky Knoll to have supper with Dick.

Now it is time to go to bed.   Bret just called and we had a super talk.    I miss my kids that are so far away.   Thank heavens Richard and Brenda and Bobbie and Bill are closer.    AND   Jim and Michelle will be home for Christmas too.

God love you

Mary

What a lovely day.    The weather was only a small part of the loveliness.    The temperatures got up into the 50s this afternoon.    I was glad that I put the turkey in downstairs so the house did not get too warm.

I put the turkey in before I left for Mass.    It cooked much faster than I expected and actually fell off the bone when I brought it up.    Lots of good juices for gravy too.

Mass was very special.   The adult choir and the children's choir joined their voices for us which always makes it impressive and touching.   I was excited to be able to tell several of my friends, including Fr. Van Beck, that Dick would be home for the afternoon.

Bob, from Rocky Knoll brought him shortly after 11AM so he was in plenty of time for the Packer Game.   It was a great game.   The Packers trounced the Detroit Lions.

The dinner turned out really good.   Turkey, stuffing, corn, mashed red potatoes, mushroom and Guinness pie, Acorn Squash and both pumpkin and hickory nut pies.     We are all pleasantly STUFFED.

Dick was picked up at 3PM to go back to Rocky Knoll.    I am so glad that he was here, even if for just those few hours.    We were able to determine where he needs some support bars in the bathroom while he was here and he practiced some transfers.

He also asked Richard and Bill to put up the Christmas tree, so it is up and ready for decorating.

Roxie seemed a bit confused by Dick and she did not finish her supper.   I suppose with all the people and confusion she is just a bit off.   Perhaps she will find the leftovers at 5AM instead of pestering me.

We got to talk to Jim and Michelle and Bart and Barb as they were touring Fort Sill after eating Dinner on base.   Sounds like they had a great time.    Bart sent a short video of Jim and Michelle and Marlise (Barb's mom) and Fred (Barb's brother.) at the table.

Then Barb called tonight so we could have a little talk one on one so that she could find out how Dick's day went.   I am so glad that it turned out a success.   This will inspire him to work really hard.

Richard and Brenda are still here.   We are watching Horton Hears a Who.   When I was in High School, I memorized that story and entered a Forensics contest with it.   I placed.   Not bad.

Tomorrow, Bobbie and I will join the hunters at about 10AM to help butcher the deer.  Bobbie and I will both be bringing meat slicers.

Can't wait to hear Lee tell how he got his buck.

God love you all.

Mary

I have been busy since I got up this morning.     Getting ready for tomorrow mostly.   I did do a couple of loads of wash too and I went to Rocky Knoll at about 10:30AM so that I could be with Dick with his therapy and have lunch with him.

Tomorrow should flow quite smoothly.    Dick will be brought home at about 11:30AM.  We will eat at 1PM and he will be picked up at about 2:3PM.   I asked if he wanted to stay longer, but he feels that he will be tired by then and need to rest.   That is just long enough for a trial run.   

We are going to do some surveying on what aids we think might help him when he gets home.

So.   That is all I have for today.   Happy Thanksgiving Eve.

God Love You

Mary

It was cold today.    It is supposed to be warming up for Thanksgiving though.   They are saying that it will get to the upper 50s on Thursday and that it will be sunny and dry.    Good deal, except that they might have to ice down the deer for the day.

I told you that there are three, didn't I?   Bobbie and I will go to help butcher on Friday morning.   Jeff said that we have to hear Lee tell how he got his very first buck.   He has gotten deer before but not a buck til now.

I had a chiropractor appointment at 9:40AM.   He worked on my muscles this time and I will go to see him again in a week and a half while continuing the exercises that he has me doing twice a day.

Then I went to Rocky Knoll so that I could have lunch with Dick.   Tim from Wisconsin Prosthesis had been there to check his left leg.   Dick has gotten a couple of blisters and nobody can figure out why.    Tim, the therapist and the nurses all agree that they don't think it is the prosthesis, so they have contacted Dr. Sharon to see how we should proceed from here.

He had therapy at 1:30PM so I was able to be there for that.   Then we went to On the Rocks for our date.   Kim Losse, brought me the flag that had been in the picture slot where they now have Dick's picture on the wall of honor.  I asked if I could keep the flag and they said sure.  

Home again, I am getting some things ready for Thursday.   I can hardly wait to have Everybody here Including Dick.

Got to tell you what happened last night.    I went to bed at about 9PM.   I spent a part of the evening going in and out of the garage getting the trash ready.    Roxie did not come to bed with me which surprised me as she usually joins me when I crawl in but she is an independent little creature and I assumed that perhaps she wanted to be alone.   When I woke up at about 4AM and she was still not there, I thought I had better check.   I couldn't find her so I started looking in closets and downstairs.   Then I heard a rather frantic meow or two and by golly, that little snip must have sneaked past me when I was taking trash out and there she was.   She had been there for about 7 hours in the dark.     I doubt if she learned anything.   Now I have to add one more check to my night.    Be sure to know where the cat is.

God love you

Mary

A busier than usual Monday.    At least the weather was with me.    It never got above the mid 40s but there was no wind and some sun.   I find that kind of a Fall day, quite acceptable.

I had to leave at about 8:30 so that I could pick up something for Mother and get to Bible Study on time.   There were 9 of us there today.     We had a wonderful discussion of the Psalms as they relate to today.   Why they still relate.   People don't change much and the lessons are there for the taking.   We still are fascinated by Kings.   The Jewish people still think they have a Promised Land, not realizing the heaven is really the Promised Land.

Then I went to Mom's for my Monday visit.   She is looking good.    I understand that she had one of her weak spells on Saturday, but she knew it was coming and sat down immediately.    I am so proud of her.   And she is taking it easy just to be sure. 

Next, I dropped off the cookies that I baked for the Plymouth Historical Society Cookie sale and then continued on to the Exchange Bank to have lunch with Peggy and Kate.    We had a lovely lunch and visit and I picked up Alterra Coffee so that I have good coffee for Thanksgiving.  I could only eat half the sandwich so had the rest at Rocky Knoll with Dick for supper.    

I got to Rocky Knoll at about 3PM.    We had time to play a game of rummy before supper.   Dick was a bit weak today, but I hope a good night's sleep will perk him up.

I got home finally at 6PM to a very irritated Roxie.   After she was fed and cuddled, she settled down and is just glad that I am here.

So.   Tomorrow will be a little bit quieter but still quite busy and I will be getting things ready for our Thanksgiving dinner.    I sure do love to cook.

God love you


Mary

Hi Lord, its me.    We are getting older and things are getting bad here. Gas prices are too high, no jobs, food and heating costs too high. I know some have taken you out of our schools, government and even Christmas, but Lord I'm asking you to come back and re-bless America . We really need you!    There are more of us who want you than those who don't! Thank You Lord, I Love you.    If you agree, send it on---if not just delete. Only you & the Lord will know.    "Life without God is like an unsharpened pencil - it has no point."

 

 

A pleasant Sunday.   Kind of cold but the sun did bless us for a while today.

The Packers beat Tampa Bay and I am not doing too bad on the Fantasy Football league.   Dick is doing OK.

I baked cookies for the Plymouth Historical Society Cookie sale and mixed up the pie crust for the pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving.

So it has been a full day.   And I will be going to bed soon to be ready for a very busy tomorrow.

Bless you all.   And lets think of all we have to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.   I am so thankful that Dick will be able to be with us for our dinner.

God love you
 Mary

What a lovely November Day this turned out to be. 

Last year I went deer hunting for the last time.   I decided that it is usually too cold and I am not officially and "older person" who should consider these things.    Today would have been lovely.  The temperatures were in the upper 40's and though it did rain, the rain came late in the afternoon.   A perfect year.

Home this morning, I got a LOT done.   I am working on Christmas presents and also trying to catch up on writing and communicating with dear friends who attended the IBAM or just have been sending messages to me.

Like my sweet Vikki , a niece from my 2nd life who is so very special to me.   I am also behind on acknowledging birthdays.   Not to bad, as Jacquie and I have been running late off and on for years.

I enjoyed lunch and two walks with my sweetheart today.   He did very well.   I think I told you he will be home for a couple of hours on Thanksgiving and I am SO excited.  Roxie will be beside herself.

I left Rocky Knoll at about 1:30PM and drove to Kate Herman's house for our CWI book discussion.  It was a lively afternoon, I must say.   We discussed the book, and lots of other things.   Deciding when we closed up to read Wild Girls by Patricia Monaghan for our next selection and gave a suggestion for those who wanted to, to get John O Donohue's Anam Cara for a daily meditation book.   We are going to "book club" four times a year as this was do successful.  Kate had a lovely afternoon snack table of sweet breads, fruit and tea for us to enjoy.   She is such a good hostess.

I was home at 5 and had chili for supper.   It is good chili.   I thought I might have to spice it up a bit but it really tastes good as it is.

So tomorrow will be a rather quiet day.   I talked to Shane this evening.   The hunt was quite successful.   Three deer in the party.   a doe and two bucks.   I will be getting the livers.   Yippee.   Of course, Dick will not approve of them, but venison liver is about the best there is.

So until tomorrow.  God love you

Mary

Tonight is a lonely night.   I wish my sweetheart was home.   BUT ---- he will be here for a few hours on Thanksgiving. I talked to his therapist and the nurses and have made arrangements for him to be transported on Thursday at 11:30AM to be here for our dinner, which I am serving at 1PM.   He will be picked up again at 2:30PM.    I figured that this is long enough for him to be home, but short enough that he won't get too tired.

This was a good day for therapy.   He seemed really exhausted but still managed to do some strengthening exercises and pushed himself to walk for two long walks.    I am so proud of him.

I made a big pot of chili today.   I am hungry for chili and that does freeze well.   So I decided to do it.  Then I will have a "couple or three" meals all ready when Dick comes home.   I am sure the chilly weather is what has make me hungry for the meal.

I can't believe that it is almost Thanksgiving already.   I  have the meal all planned and have already begun to prepare those foods that can be prepared early.   Bobbie is bringing Hickory Nut Pie which is SO good.

I intend to spend the rest of the evening just cleaning up my desk and corresponding with people that I need to touch with.    I need to send my Lavendar Cookie Recipe to the Fairy Queen.  I think I will post it for you too.

God love you

Mary

Lavender Cookies

1/2 cup shortening
1/2  cup butter - softened
1 1/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 1/4 cups all purpose-flour
4 teaspoons dried lavender flowers
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. In a large bowl cream the shortening, butter and sugar.  Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.   Beat in extracts.   Combine the flour, lavender, baking powder and salt.  Gradually add to the creamed mixture and mix well.Drop by rounded teaspoonsfull, 2 inches apart onto baking sheets lightly coated with nonstick spray.   Bake for 8 to 10 minutes.

3. Cool for two minutes before removing to wire racks.

4. Store in airtight containers.

Servings: 24
Yield: 24

Cooking Times
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1/24 of a recipe (1.3 ounces).
Percent daily values based on the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) for a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutrition information calculated from recipe ingredients. One of the recipe's ingredients was not linked. This ingredient is not included in the recipe nutrition data.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 162
Calories From Fat (47%) 76.75
% Daily Value
Total Fat 8.62g 13%
Saturated Fat 4.3g 22%
Cholesterol 28.06mg 9%
Sodium 124mg 5%
Potassium 19.95mg <1%
Total Carbohydrates 19.47g 6%
Fiber 0.32g 1%
Sugar 10.47g
Protein 1.77g 4%

Recipe Type: Cookies

Today was another Yahoo day for Dick as far as walking and transferring.    After the one poor day on Tuesday, he seems to have really improved.

I worked at home until about 10:30Am, then ran a couple of errands before meeting him in therapy at a bit after 11AM.     We then had lunch together and then played a couple of games of Rummy.    I won the first and he won the second.

Then I cam home and tried to nap.   That did not work too well so I am going to bed really early tonight as I did not sleep well last night.

So this is short and sweet.

Everybody enjoy your Friday and I will hopefully be more chatty tomorrow.

Love

Mary

A very successful day, I thought.  

Slept until after 7AM.  Then I ate breakfast and spent the morning preparing for tonight's poetry circle and cleaning.

I left for Rocky Knoll at 10:30AM.    Dick's walking and other therapy went VERY well today.    Corrie trained three of the CNA's as to how to walk with Dick and he got onto the bed from the chair and back again.   When the first walk went so well he told Corrie and me call Tim.   I think I told you that yesterday, when Time was there to see how Dick was walking, he was SO tired and in pain and couldn't do too much.

We had lunch together again.   There were a LOT of visitors, so I sat on a corner again, which works just fine when I bring my own food.   Nice that there are visitors.

We both took a bit of a nap after lunch, then I left at 2:30 so that I could go to Just Jane's to that Jessica could cut my hair.   I feel much lighter now.

Then home again for time with Roxie before I left to pick up Sy Regan for the Poetry Circle that Karl Elder hosts at Mead once a month during the school year.   We had a lively bunch tonight.    Several veterans poems - really impressive.   I read the poem that Dad wrote for me  and one of my own.    They were both much lighter and a nice note to end on. 

I was delighted that Karl said that he thought my poem had native American undertones. The Irish and the Native Americans have similar beliefs.

I will post that one at the end of this post.    It is a bit late for me now and I still have to exercise.

God love you

Mary

An Áit Anam

I went to the eating place

To nourish my body.

I went to the sleeping place

To rest from the toil.

I went to the growing place

To plant and to harvest.

I went to the learning place

To fill up my mind.

I went to the healing place

To bind up my wounds.

I went to the loving place

To be with my love.

I went to the friendship place

To share with companions.

Finally, I searched for the praying place

And found that I had been there all along.

I am glad that today is winding down.

Trash day.   So I couldn't dawdle in bed this morning.   Then I went grocery shopping next.  Didn't need too much but one must keep a schedule.   At least, it works for me.

I made it to Rocky Knoll at about 9:45AM so that I was there when Tim from Wisconsin Prosthesis came.    That did not go as well as expected.    Dick was sore and achy today and was not able to walk as much as would have been useful for Tim's observation.    But we know that the stump is still shrinking and that the healing is good.   Tomorrow will start another day.

I came home shortly after 1PM and took a nap.   It was not enough.   But then I had a lot to do around here.   I did some sewing, some baking and my exercises.  There is always something.

 I often wonder how anybody can possibly get bored.

So until tomorrow, which is supposed to be a beautiful day.

God love you

Mary

I don't know how to do the video,   This is one panel.

Mary

Am I ever glad that today is winding down.    I am still tired for the weekend and this was a quite busy day on its own.

I thought I had Writer's Club this afternoon.   I was wrong, it is next week.   But because of that I left the house shortly after 8AM to visit Dick because I figured that I would not be able to get there until 2:30PM or so and missed him because I had not seen him since Friday.

I got there while he was still eating breakfast and stayed until 9AM when I headed for Blessed Trinity and Bible Study.   We have finally, after about a year, finished the first book of the Little Rock series on Psalms and now are starting book 2.    We figure that we are now fast approaching our 10th year as a Bible Study group.   No wonder we are such a prayer help for each other.


I then went to Mom's and we got a lot of things done.   She is looking great and healthy.   She always says that she is "just the same", meaning weak and tired, but does perk up when we are with her.   There is always a lot to talk about.

I went over to visit Dick at 2:30 and came home at 4PM.   I have everything from the weekend put away and the bills paid so now I just need to rest up from all the excitement.

It was, as I said a truly lovely weekend.  I was able to get part of my presentation recorded with my camera.    The disc was not big enough for it all but part is better than none.     I will post it after I am done here.

The two readings that I had went well.   Of course, when I look at the recording, I think 1.   Who is that old woman?   and 2.   my goodness, speak up, Lady.   But the audiences seemed very receptive and I was told by some of the audience that they related to individual poems, which always makes me feel that I am doing OK.

Sunday, I really did not get to see much else,   A bit of the Yeats poetry recited and sung,   a couple of good lectures and some really good poets.

Saturday, I did see more what with the dancing, a musical presentation by my friend, Jimmy Keane, a couple of panel discussions etc.    Too much to do, too little time.   Isn't that wonderful?   I told my friend, Maureen, who booked and managed the Literary Salon that I would obviously have to call her to really be able to talk.

My friend, Cincy Matyi was there.  So was Dolores Whelen.   Cindy, a Celtic artist, and Dolores, a Celtic Spirituality educator, have combined  with a perpetual calendar, which I purchased and have a give of one for Mother too.   She will find it interesting.

I met several authors too.   Mary Pat Kelly was there and we reconnected.   I met Patrick Taylor who wrote the Country Doctor series that I love.    I got my barm brack recipe from his book.  It was an over saturation and I loved it.

So, I met a fellow poet at the announcement of the winner of the poetry contest.  (I did not win but Jerry O Neill, who I met two years ago at the first IBAM, did win.   We traded books then and were glad to see each other again.   His poetry is full of simplicity and a raw honesty that makes you really think.)  He was tied for 2nd place.   I also met a woman who said she just started writing poetry and had sent one in.    I told her that it did not matter a whit if she won or not, her poem was probably just as good as the winners anyway.   Judges are looking for certain things and they don't always choose the best.  OR all are the best and they just have to choose.  She said that that was encouraging.     I told her about one poem that I had read earlier that had touched a woman in the audience and that is when I feel that I have written something worth while.   I gave her my blog address and will put that poem at the end of this blog.   It is now time for this to end.

Hope this lovely November weather continues for just a bit more as I have a couple of outside things yet to do.

God love you

Mary


Here is the poem, Linda


TONY

He left while I slept

Without a sound.

Sometimes I think

He might have stayed

If I had only heard.

How could I have missed his leaving?

I was there at his coming.

Would he have stayed

If I had only awakened.

Just a note.    I am home from IBAM.   An absolutely wonderful weekend.    My readings went very well.

It is late, I am going to bed and will tell you all about things tomorrow night.

God love you

Mary

It was a cold day but the sun shone and the promised wind did not blow so it was tolerable.

I left at about 8:30Am for my chiropractor appointment which was at 9:20AM.   I had time to go to Aurora Superior to pick up some supplies that Mother needed too.   I knew she was getting low and decided to get them and drop them at her house on the way to Rocky Knoll.

My appointment with Dr. Holmes went quite well.    He is pleased with my progress and has given me another exercise to do.   I will not see him for a week and a half which is good.   I am healing.

I had a nice visit with Mom when I brought her the supplies.

I got to Rocky Knoll in the middle of Dick's therapy.   He walked and moved from his wheel chair to another chair and back.   So it was a very successful day.  After lunch we went to the main activity room for a special celebration for the resident veterans.  It was a great ceremony.   The Plymouth High School chorus provided music,  Representative Mike Endsley,  Representative Steve Kestell and Senator Joe Leibham were all there to express their admiration for the veterans.  I saw several members of the Legion that I know.    Don Blake, Greg Ziegler and Ed Schroeder.   They had a 21 gun salute at the end of the program.   I was impressed and Dick has his name, branch of service and a list of his medals on a plaque on the honor wall in the entry.   I was so pleased for him.   I will bring a picture to put with the plaque.  Dick really liked it.

Then we went to On the Rocks for our Friday afternoon "date."   That was very pleasant since I won't see him for two days.    I left right after On the Rocks was over, finished packing and got things ready for tomorrow.

Jim and Michelle called.    They are excited about coming and had just talked to Dick.    He needs that contact.   It helps keep his spirits up.

Then I got dressed for Bill and Shirley's wedding.   It was a lovely wedding.   She was beautiful and he was handsome.    I was surprised at how many of my friends are friends of Bill's, besides the writers group.  We met their families, most of them had part in the ceremony.    Their grandchildren are cute as buttons.   A nice ceremony, they wrote their own vows.    Then we had a nice chicken dinner with veggies, stuffing and mashed potatoes.

I left just before 9 so that I can finish this, call Dick and get to bed for some sleep before that 5AM getting up time that will come way too soon.    You will not hear from me until Sunday evening.   Think of me Sunday when I present my poetry in the Literary Salon.

God love you and Good NIght.

Mary

What a day.    It flurried most of the day.   Not really snow.   Nothing stayed on the ground  But it flurried all day and it was cold.  Never above 38 degrees.

I spent the morning packing for my trip to Chicago this weekend.  I need to bring everything I need but not any more than I need as room in the car will be at a premium.    I refined my presentation and spent time with my Roxie.

I got to Rocky Knoll at 11:00AM.   We sent down for PT right away and it was a very successful session.   He is walking pretty good.  Lifting the legs and making good steps and going 32 feet or more each time.

I am beside myself with excitement.   This is great.


Dick sent me home at a bit after 2PM because he was worried about the weather and me.   Isn't he the sweetest thing?

I spent the afternoon with a bit of sewing. (I have two projects that have to be done by December 6th, com hell or high water.) 

I went over to the neighbors, Don and Jan, to be sure that Jan was on for this weekend to take care of our Roxie.   She loves Roxie.   We visited a bit and shared a glass of wine.    Then I came home to finish up for the evening.  I told Jan that if her grandsons want to come and visit Roxie, they are welcome.   He grandsons are two of the nicest young men that I have met in a long time.

So I will try to get some extra sleep tonight as tomorrow is a very busy day and the next morning I leave for IBAM.

So rest yourselves also.   God love you

Mary

Snow.    It started coming down when I was at the Roadside Inn with my fellow 1958 graduates. 

My plan today was to stay home until lunch at 11:30, then go to Rocky Knoll.   So I did bill paying etc and washed all the sheets and started working on my Football League.   Then drove to the Roadside as planned.    Had a nice visit and lunch with a good number of my fellow graduates and their spouses.   I ordered a Gyro, I had not had one in years and it looked good.   Was good too.   I have half for lunch tomorrow.

When we left, it was rain,snow, sleeting like crazy.   I WAS planning on going to Rocky Knoll anyway but when I got onto the road it was already slushy, so I called Dick and we decided that it would be best if I just came home.  So I did and we are both safe and sound and off the road.    The grass is almost white and there is at least an inch, perhaps more on the deck railings.   Pretty impressive for a first snow.

I was able to lie down for a rest as I was home early enough.  Couldn't sleep, but did unwind.  Then I went down into the den to do a little more on my quilting projects.

Now, Roxie is very irritated with me as I am NOT feeding her.   She still has not accepted daylight savings time.  She still has to wait for 20 more minutes.    At least she has stopped poking at me at 4AM.   She is back to 5.

That is all the news today.    I think I mentioned that Jim and Michelle are coming for Christmas.    They are coming by bus which will put the driving on and expert.   That will be a nice blessing.  I look for the day we can ALL be together.  But to have 8 of us at the table will just makes me feel SO good.

God love you


Mary

A day on the run but a very successful one.   It was raining when I woke up and kept raining most of the morning.

I got the trash all gathered and out before leaving to be at Rocky Knoll by 9:15AM so that I could be sure Dick was ready for his Eye Doctor appointment.    Tim came to pick him up at 9:45AM.   It was easy to keep him dry loading him up because of the overhang.   But we had to scramble a bit with the umbrella to get him into Advanced Eye Care as they do not have a sheltered entrance.  We made it pretty easily and the rain had really let up quite a bit by the time the appointment was over.  Things went pretty well.   There is a slight change in his vision, and that pesky lash was back but continuing with the drops and occasionally the ointment seems to be helping.

We got back at about 11AM and I took off immediately to do the grocery shopping, banking and stop at the pharmacy for more drops for Dick.    Managed to get it all done and be back at Rocky Knoll by 1:15PM so that I could be there for his PT.  We were SO excited.    He was able to walk again.   He walked twice - once he went 32 feet and the second time 16 feet.    He also stood between the bars and practiced swaying back and forth and marching to strengthen his hips and knees.    His voice is still very weak but that really bad physical weakness seems to have diminished. 

At 3PM we went down to On the Rocks for our "date".    That was pleasant.   We sat with a very nice gentleman and were able to visit with other attendees.   I came home shortly after we left there.   

I have been able to get the house picked up, find a book and get some wash done.   Roxie is so glad to have me home.    She is so funny.   I have two exercises that I do on the floor.   She finds that very interesting and always comes to talk to me about it.

So, tomorrow will be less crammed.  I am having lunch with friends and will spend the afternoon with Dick.

God love you

Mary


My sister in law sent me the following.    It is funny.

Bad news for you!

 
 
To save the economy, on December 30, 2011, Congress will announce that they are ordering the immigration department to start deporting old people (instead of illegal’s) in order to lower Social Security and Medicare costs.

Old people are easier to catch, and will not remember how to get back home!

I started crying when I thought of you...

.....see you on the bus.

 

A rather UP day for a change.    I left before 9AM for Bible Study.    My bible study group, and there were 8 of us in attendance today, let me do a short preview of the talk that I will be giving at IBAM next weekend.   I so appreciated their help.   We have such a supportive group in prayer and just plain caring.  

Then I went to visit Mother.   She always says that she is "just the same."   But as we visit she always perks up and we end up having great visits.    Today, I filled her medicine box for the week and paid a couple of bills and we still had time for a nice visit remembering Ginny Rammer, whose wake I attended on Saturday, and all the wonderful times we had in the old neighborhood on Pinehurst Court all those years ago.  

She remembered a story that I had heard before but shows the difference in our lives today as they were then.   Randy was just a little guy and had gone out to play in the yard.   Mom went out to check on him and he was gone.   The neighbor saw her and called her over.   The husband in that household was a night worker and slept during the day.   The wife took Mom into their bedroom and there was Randy, sound asleep on her side of the bed .   The two women just  laughed and when Randy woke up from his nap, the woman brought him home.

 I love that trust.   Today we do not seem to trust anybody.  But what a tender moment to know that if a little guy gets tired he can take a nap with a Dad, who may not be his own , but knows that little guys need their rest can do so.

I made it to Rocky Knoll just in time for lunch.   Dick was already in the lunch room so I think he had given up on me.    I took a bit of a nap on his bed after lunch and then we played Rummy before I came home.

So this is the day.   Tomorrow he goes to see the Eye doctor in the morning.   I have to rearrange the schedule again.    I figure that I will take a bread after the  doctor appointment to do the grocery shopping and then go back so that I will be there for his afternoon therapy and that  we can have our Date at 3PM at on the rocks.

I am winding down.  I will watch Dancing with the Stars and then go to bed.

Have a great week.

God love you

Mary

Sunday.  It was cloudy most of the day, but got up to 58 degrees.   Actually, I can not say that it felt that warm.  We have not gotten the rain they suggested might come.

Richard, Brenda and I had breakfast at about 8AM and had a nice visit.    Then they prepared to leave so that they could stop and visit Dick one more time on the way out.    Dick called shortly after 9.   He had told his dinner companion that I would take him down to Mass this morning.   He had forgotten that I had gone to mass last night at St. John's so that I could stay home until noon today to give Richard and Brenda more visiting time one on one.    So.  I hurried up and got there to take Jerry down.  I am glad that I did as Jerry seemed in need of someone who he could talk to and he feels he knows Dick and me now.  I always enjoy the mass at Rocky Knoll.   Guess an extra mass or two won't hurt me.

After Mass, Dick and I went to the therapy department, since someone was in there, so that he could do some OT exercises to keep his arm strength up.    Usually noone is in on Sunday but we were lucky today.

He seemed a bit perkier today.   I think that Richard and Brenda's visit and the family dinner last night helped.   We will see what transpires this week.   I hope he gets a little stonger.

I came home in time to watch the Packer Game.   They won but it was a rather close game.   They were ahead except for the first quarter but San Diego was close on their heels the whole game.

So this week will be kind of busy but not frantic.   Next weekend is my trip to Chicago for IBAM.

I am excited about that.

God love you

Mary

It was COLD today but the sun shone which made it bearable.      I slept until 7and then had to get out of here to be at St. John the Evangelist in Kohler for the funeral of a friend, Virginia Rammer.   The Rammers were neighbors across the street on the old gravel road.     I wanted to be there to see the family, all the kids that grew up with me and my brothers and sisters.      Ginny had a rough last few years, suffering from dementia.   LuAnn said that she was talking about their Dad, Gordy, the past week or so.   Perhaps he was there waiting for her.

Then I drove to St. John the Baptist to be a part of the annual Craft Fair.   I bought some chances for the baskets, put my name on a couple of silent auction items, bought a Jar of Raspberry Jam and a copy of the choir's new CD, then picked up some cookies and then went to Rocky Knoll to have lunch with Dick.

I was so tired that I laid down on his bed and slept for an hour after lunch.  That helped a bit.  Richard and Brenda arrived at about 2:30.   We visited the four of us until I had to leave for Mass at 3:30PM.   I stopped and fed Roxie on my way back to Rocky Knoll.   Richard and Brenda bought dinner at Sweet Basil and Bobbie and Bill came with wine so it was a lovely evening.    It was good for Dick and I hope it perks him up a bit.   

Monday I will be checking into things to do to help his weakness and exhaustion.

God love you all.

Richard and Brenda and me have just enjoyed a Jamison Irish Coffee and will be heading for bed soon.

Tomorrow will be another busy day.

Mary

It was VERY cold when I woke up this morning but did warm up later in the day.  The sun was a welcome sight and really does help warm the middle of the bones.

I left at 10:30AM to get gas in the car and then went to Sheboygan Medical Center for my appointment with Dr. Holmes.   He is pleased with my progress and has given me a new exercise to add to the two I am doing.    Roxie is a very confused little kitty when I get down on the floor to do them.

Since my appointment was so late, I decided to have lunch with my friends at Dairy Queen.   There were six of us there and I feel a bit caught up with the news now.    Ceil, Joyce and Betty are going to Branson next week and are quite excited.  

So. I arrived at Rocky Knoll around 1:30PM.   Corrie had suggested to Dick that since he has been SO tired, he take today of to give a three day weekend.   He is using the stand lift for going the the bathroom so the legs are being used.    We went down to therapy this afternoon and he used the pulleys and weight lifts for arm strengthening for over a half hour though so I was pleased with his effort.   I know how hard it is for him.

We had supper together and then I came home.  

Tomorrow will be a nice day for Dick.  Richard and Brenda and Bobbie and Bill are all coming to visit him and we will eat our evening meal together.  

So until tomorrow  May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Mary

It was sunny today but very chilly.    I spent the morning working of bills and the like and then went over to Rocky Knoll at 11:00AM.   Dick's therapy was scheduled for afternoon, so I sat with him til lunch.    I had a sandwich and some coleslaw.    He gave me his cookie dessert.

I went with him to therapy at 1:15.   He practiced getting up from the chair and sitting back down about three times.   Then he rested and attempted walks.   He seems to be having more trouble lately.   He has trouble keeping his knees straight and therefore taking the steps.   Hopefully it is just because he has been so tired.  

Before I had left home, Alicia called from Mother's house.    Jody, our cleaning lady, was there too.   Jody had opened the microwave to clean it and it turned on all by itself and the cancel button did not work.    I remembered that we had a microwave that we had purchased for a gift several years ago that did not work, so I told them to tell her not to use it and I would be there this afternoon.  Before I went to Rocky Knoll, I loaded it in the car and then went right to Mom's when I left and set it up for her and told her how to use it.     I set the old one on the floor and Randy will get it out of there.    It is very similar to her old one so it will be easy for her to use.    I knew we'd find a use for that thing one of these days.

Home again, I am winding down again.    I will go to bed early and read.   This morning I slept until a little after 8AM.   Can't do that tomorrow.   Too much to do.

God love you

Mary

A friend sent this to me today.    I simply had to share

A smile - is a sign of joy.
A hug - is a sign of love.

A laugh - is a sign of happiness.

And a friend like me????

 

Hell....that's just a sign of good taste!!!!

A rainy gloomy day.    I don't really feel justified in complaining when I hear that there are people in the New England states, still without power after the snow storm that occurred several days ago.   

I was home until 10AM.     After picking up a couple of things at Walgreens, I stopped at Kate's to drop off three little Kitty Cucumber figurines for he to put in baskets that she is putting together for the craft fair at St. John's.   I can't help with much, but am able to donate things to help make it a success.

I got to Rocky Knoll at 11:AM.   No surprises this time.    Corrie came to the room today and Dick worked on transferring from the chair to the bed and back again.   And then they brought in the stand lift and Dick is now able to go to the bathroom IN the bathroom as long as both of his prostheses are on.    Yea.   This will help with many things.

We played a game or two of rummy before I came home at 3PM.  Then I called Alison, our board president here at Tallgrass, and a good friend.    I had told her I would have her over for an Irish coffee.    So, we did.   I found out that the gal who bought Dick Kastburg's place was a neighbor at Creekside.    I don't exactly remember but will look forward to meeting her.   She is a quilter too.   Then Alison and I decided that the three of us could meet occasionally.   Nice to have good neighbors.

Today, as I mentioned, is a holy day for us Catholics,  All Saint's Day.   So it filled up and already busy day.

I went grocery shopping at 8AM as I usually do.    I picked up a donut for breakfast as I had slept until after 7AM.   Quite a slug-a-bed am I.  As it was also trash day, I had to be back from shopping and have everything put away in time to get to church on time at 10AM.    No glitches but I had to move pretty steady.   Mass was a good chance to settle my soul.   It was the school children's mass also, which is always a treasure.    Such a joy to see all those lovely healthy children gathered in one spot for good.

Home again, I had lunch, dropped of some items for Kate for the church craft fair and went to the Kettle Quilters meeting.  We had a nice meeting.   I didn't have anything new done.  (I have about four projects in various stages of completion downstairs.)    So, I brought the spiderweb wall hanging that I had made several years ago.   I had not shared it before and they all liked it a lot.  I am six squares behind on this years block of the month which has turned out to be 2 blocks of the month.    I may not finish it until next years.

I went right from the meeting to Rocky Knoll.  Lots of excitement there.   I got there and did not see Dick in the room but the bathroom door was shut.  I was putting things away when I heard Dick's voice from the bathroom.    I went to open the door and it was locked.   So I went for the first nurse that I could find who opened the bathroom door and we found Dick sitting on the floor.

As it turned out he was trying to surprise me by going to the bathroom by himself.    Well ---- He did surprise me all right.    He had managed with little problem until he tried to get up and back into the chair.   He ended up on the ground on his bottom, with the right prosthesis, the one with the sleeve, tucked under him.    Several of the nurses came in and after much discussion and trying different things, they got him back in bed to recoup.  I waited outside because I have to admit, I was pretty upset.    Except for a minor scrape, he is just fine.  He has been reminded that he is not released to DO THAT YET!

After he was in bed and checked over, I went down to the On The Rocks and brought us each back a glass of wine.   We were both glad that this was available today.    We relaxed and visited until it was time to go to supper.    I came home shortly after we ate and am now winding down for bed.   Dancing with the Stars, the Results is on tonight.    I will go to bed after that is over.

Tomorrow is a quiet day.   I will be at Rocky Knoll about 11AM and get home by 3PM.   I need some rest.

God love you all.  
Mary

Monday Monday.

Started off busy and stayed that way.   I took care of some financial problems before heading out to Bible Study at 9AM.    When I got there, Helen Morgan helped me get in the door as I had enough Blessing Bundles for all of my  fellow prayer partners and for the Blessed Trinity staff.   We had a good showing and a lively discussion of that is the value of "things".   We are trying to discern what really has value.

I next stopped at Mother's and we took care of a lot of her financial items.  We managed to get in a good visit while I was in between phone calls.  Good thing as I had to leave in time to go to have lunch with Dick.   I brought the Irish Meatloaf for my lunch and Dick had a taste of it.    He said that he liked it but likes my meatloaf better.   I need to think about that.

So  Home again.   I am still putting things away from the Samhain dinner.    And also trying to pack away the Halloween decorations.    I took my Spider Wall Hanging over to Rocky Knoll to share with the workers.   I wore all my Halloween clothes and jewelry and will pack it away until next year.   The fun thing I got this year was a Spider ring.    It has green "stones" in it and was a real bargain at Hallmark.   That and my Kmart bat earrings made me a real hit.

The rest of my evening will be spent trying to find a book I seem to have misplaced.   I need to share it with a friend.   I know I had it last week.   There are little people in my house hiding things on me.

God love you all

I prayed for everybody with my prayer friends this morning.

Mary. 

He had therapy at 1:15PM.   Things went quite well.   We figured out a bit of a plan and Corrie has a goal of having him getting out of bed and into the bathroom without the hoyer lift by Friday.   At least during the day time.   This will require lots of transferring and walking practice.

We played Rummy and I beat him for a change.   I was home before 4PM and have been putting things away that accumulated over the weekend.

Did you miss me yesterday?   I just plain forgot.    That is not normal but I did go to bed early and had a lovely night's sleep.   So I guess that is worth it.

Saturday was not too eventful anyway.    I prepared things for the Samhain Dinner which was tonight.  And I spent the middle of the day with Dick at Rocky Knoll.    We had lunch together and played some cards before I went home.

This morning I finished all the preparations except for the cooking of the food I was bringing to the Samhain Potluck.   Then I went to Rocky Knoll for Mass and my visit with Dick.    I helped bring a couple residents down for Mass.   It was a very special Mass.   Father gave a lovely sermon and everybody seemed to be involved.   I was reminded that Tuesday is All Saints Day and a holy day of obligation.    I figure that I can to to the 10AM Mass at St. John's and still do the grocery shopping before Mass.   I will go to Rocky Knoll AFTER the Quilt Club meeting which is at 1PM and be with Dick for the On the Rocks and will have supper with him.       See how things work out.   Thank heavens there is NOTHING scheduled for either Wednesday of Thursday.  Sleep late days.  Yippee.

Dick seemed a bit weak today and his knees were hurting again.   I hope that will work out when he gets up on his feet in therapy tomorrow.

I came home at 1:30PM to cook the meatloaf and the colcannon for the dinner tonight.   About mid afternoon, the phone rang.   It was our Nora, returning my call from last week.    She sounds so wonderful and is so excited about this precious baby that she is carrying in her tummy.   Did I tell you she posted a picture on Facebook and she looks adorable.
 
It is a boy, they know and she is planning everything for his room and to be sure that he is will clothed and cared for.   I will be so delighted to be a great grandma again and of a boy this time.    She and Ernie are hoping to come to Wisconsin when Leslie and Bill do next August.   She would like a five generation picture with Mother and me and Leslie and her and little Marcus.   Won't that be great.

Our potluck was really nice.  I found for Irish Meatloaf.   It has beef and pork and apples and it covered in potatoes mixed with broccoli.  It is a keeper.  Debbie brought Mushroom Guinness pie and Sweet Potato Apple Soup.   Joan K brought Potato Soup and Cranberry scones.  Janet brought Irish Whiskey Cake, Joan B. brought cheese and crackers and pumpkin bread, Rosemary brought Reuben Dip and rye crackers,  Gail brought a molded jello salad,  Peg brought a pumpkin bar and somebody, I think Joan brought chips and a great dip.

We had several placemats set up for our ancestors.   Every year more people participate in that.   Their table looked really good.   I made blessing bundles for everybody again.   It is a nice harvest gift.  I made enough to take to bible study tomorrow.

So that is the day and a bit of yesterday.   I will be signing off until tomorrow.   I loved today.

God love you

Mary

Today was a rather lucky day.   I beat Dick at Rummy today for the first time in about a week AND I saw a line of wild turkey hens crossing the road on my way home from shooting at Rhine tonight.  

I left for Rocky Knoll at 9:30AM so that I would be there when Tim from Wisconsin Prosthesis got there at 10AM.   Tim was on time.    He checked the final left prosthesis and declared it done.   Then Corrie, Tim and I helped Dick get up and walk so that Tim could check the right prosthesis that is still in the shrinking stages.    He made some adjustments that we feel will help Dick distribute his weight better and place his feet more correctly.   Now - Practice - Practice - Practice.

After lunch and playing cards for a while, I headed for Sheboygan.   I left at about 1:30PM.   I stopped at Glander Drug to pick up something for Mom, then went to the Memorial Mall to spend my 16 dollars in credit from Hallmark.   I got some nice paper plates and matching napkins and the neatest plaque for Halloween.

I picked up some feathers and small rickrack at Hobby Lobby, then went to The Clinic for my appointment with Dr. Holmes.   My rib pain has shifted some but when I told him how it was feeling, he said that this is what he was hoping would happen.    The nerve that was injured is slowly healing and I need to continue with my exercises to keep up the healing.   I was relieved because this is such a slow thing to be healing anyway.

I finished earlier than I thought I would so I stopped at Woodlake on my way to Rhine and picked up some choriso, Revolution Earl Grey with Lavender and a couple of bottles of wine.  

My last stop WAS Rhine where I finished the last two targets for pistol league and visited a bit with the guys.   I showed them (especially Doc) the pictures of me with the corn snakes draped around my neck in Dublin.

Home for the night,  after making my apologies to Roxie for being late, I fixed supper and now am settling down for the night.  

Have a great weekend.   This is the weekend of our Samhain dinner.   Prelude to Halloween.  Looks like we will have a pretty nice group there.

Til tomorrow then.   Love and God love you all.

Mary

Hello everybody.    I got up this morning and the heat had not come on for the daytime warmup.    At first I thought perhaps I had the time of the change wrong, but that was not it.   

SO I called Steger, the place that had installed the thermostat, and talked to the guy who did the installation.  He went over the settings with me and then suddenly a light went on in his head and he told me to go downstairs and see if he had flipped  the furnace switch on when he was done.     Oops,  he had not.   I flipped the switch and it warmed up in nothing flat.

I went to Rocky Knoll at 11:AM.   Dick was already in therapy.    Today he did the strengthening, then we practiced standing in the bars and getting those hips to do their share of supporting his body.   His knees are not as straight as they should be as he needs to do some of that shifting.

Then we had lunch and played some cards.    I came home before two PM and took a nap.   I was so tired and am still very tired so will go to bed early.   Tomorrow is a very busy day.

God love you

Mary

A rather quiet day.   I slept until almost 8:30AM, except of course for feeding a pestering kitty.  I almost have my desk cleared off and am almost caught up on the immediate chores that have to be done.

I went over to Rocky Knoll at 11:00AM so that I could be in on Dick's therapy.   Before lunch he just did stretching exercises, then after lunch, he practiced getting up out of the chair to the bed and back and then from the chair to  the bathroom and back.    Quite a lot for one day but we are going to have to push it even harder eventually if he is going to get home.

I came home at about 3PM.   Cut out some pieces for a Christmas quilting project, did some wash, had an early supper and then went to Mead Library via Sy Regan's house so that he could go.    I wanted to go to Karl Elder's Poets Corner anyway but sometimes I get lazy when I get home of an afternoon.   Knowing that Sy needs a ride gives me that little push I need.   I am starting to feel very comfortable with the other poets there.

I get home between 8 and 8:30 from this Poets Corner so I now ready for bed.    I will finish sipping my tea and head there immediately.

God love you all

Mary

Another day on the run.   I started off by going to fill the gas tank and pick up groceries and taking out the trash.

Then I drove to Wisconsin Prosthesis in Green Bay and retrieved Dick's left prosthesis.    It looks good.   I got to Rocky Knoll shortly after 11AM.

We had lunch and then rolled down to therapy so that Dick could get on his feet again.   It was a bit difficult.   He is having some pain.  It seems to be in different spots in both feet and legs.

But he did stand and do some walking.

I had to leave at 1:45 for an informational session on  the changes to United Health Care for next year.   Mother, Dick and I will all be automatically renewed.   I just wanted to be sure what, the changes were.

Then I drove over to John Michael Kohler Art Center for the Meeting on the Irish Family day that I am helping with in January.    We had a lively meeting, decided a lot of things.   Assigned each other duties and will meet again at the end of January for more tightening up.   It should be really wonderful.

I got home at 5:45PM and fixed myself pizza with wine for my dinner.   I am going to watch Dancing with the Stars at 8PM and then hit the heay.   Tomorrow I can sleep as late as I want to.  

God love you

Mary

Well,  after a thunder and lightening storm that sped through last night, today was sunny, clear and beautiful.   One of those days that we remember why we live in Wisconsin.

I left at 6:30AM for Green Bay to take Dick's left prosthesis for completion.   My friend, Mary Steger, rode with me.   Isn't that great.   I had not been there before and we were leaving in the dark, so I was glad of a companion.  She is somewhat familiar with the Green Bay area also.     There was an accident just shy of the turnoff to Sheboygan Falls on 23, so we had to take a detour but still got up to Wisconsin Prosthesis at 8AM.   The man there asked what time I would be back tomorrow night and I told him that I would have to come Wednesday because I have appointments Tuesday afternoon.    He said that he can have it ready for me tomorrow by 10AM so I will go back up tomorrow to pick it up.   What a guy.    Dick will only be one full day without it.

We got back to Sheboygan Falls and stopped at the Mac Donalds there.   Mary called Bob to pick her up there  so I could get to bible study on time.    I bought us breakfast anyway.   I had not eaten and was starved.

Bible Study was great.   We only had 5 of us there but it got pretty lively.    We are still on Psalm 49 and learning a lot.    We will finish the Psalm 1 portion of this Little Rock Study in a couple of weeks.   Good thing we sent for the Psalm 2 workbooks.

Mom and I had a great visit.   We did not have much "business" so could really visit today.    I did have to set up her pill box.   She is such a pleasure to spend time with.

I got to Rocky Knoll just before noon, and caught Dick as he was finishing therapy.   SO I was able to tell him and Corrie, that I will be able to pick up his prosthesis tomorrow morning and have it there for tomorrow's therapy.   The minimum possible days without standing.    We have to keep working at that.   I say WE when it is really him, but it seems like we.

I came home about three and rested for  a while.   Shortly after 4PM, Neil from Steger Heating came to check the furnace.   He determined that the problem is the thermostat, so he replaced it.   I now have it set where the temperature should just maintain.

Now I am finishing up a couple of things for tomorrow's meetings, will watch Dancing With The Stars and get ready for bed.

Tomorrow is even busier than today so pray that my Guardian Angel keeps up.

God love you

Mary

Lots of weird adventures to relate.  I am watching the Packer game as I do this.   We have to hang on to the ball for two minutes or score again to seal this game up. 

So.  The adventures.

Last night, as I let the house get a bit cold because I opened up the doors  to air things out, I turned on the furnace. 

We have the temperature limit set, so I did not give it another thought.   Until - I woke up at about 11PM and I was sweating.   It took a while to wake up enough to realize that I had better go to look at the thermostat.  I staggered to the hall and Faith and Begorra it was 92 degrees in this house.    I checked and everything looked like it was set correctly.   The temperature that had been preset was 73.  But it was 92.   So I opened windows and doors, turned the thermostat to air conditioning and turned on all the fans.   In about an hour and a half, I was finally able to sleep.   Poor Roxie came in the bedroom and laid under the fan.   She will never figure that one out.

By the way, the Packers just won.  They beat Minnesota 33/17.   Yippee.   That's seven in a row.

Now, I will tell you the tale of the mouse.   No pun intended.    I got to Rock Knoll at 9AM and went to Mass, helping bring some of the residents down, as usual.   A lovely Mass and I met a couple of the new residents.

I arrived back in Dick's room shortly before 11AM.   He was a bit sleepy and I was reading when I saw a mouse climbing over this CPAP and the edge of the bed.    Dick said that he knew there was one around and I ran for help.    They came right down with towels and whatever else they could think of.   Dick and I got out of the room and waited.    AH, you should have heard all the banging and furniture moving and chatter going on in there until someone said,  "There it is!" and there it was,  OUT of Dick's room and along the baseboard of the hallway.   It had travelled through the walls.  So the hunt continued.   By then maintenance had joined the chase.  Up and down the hall the valiant hunters ran.   Finally it ran into one of the other rooms and Joseph from maintenance managed to scoop it into a waste basket and covered it with a towel.

At this point, Dick said that he thought it had bitten him this morning.  Then I got VERY nervous.  It turns out that he woke up feeling something and batted at it around his arm and also around his knee.   He thinks it bit him but he was so sleepy it was difficult to be sure.   He could possible been feeling little claws too.   Anyway, he told the morning nurse.   The message about the mouse was passed on, but not the fact that Dick thought he was bitten by it.  That bothers me a bit.

Terry, the nurse, called a Veterinarian and a Doctor who both concurred that mice are not rabies carriers.  The doctor said to just watch the offending area to be sure there is no sign of infection.  Bobbie and Bill came to visit while Dick and I were playing rummy as the cleaning crew cleaned his room from top to bottom and inside out.  We could have moved to another room but I can't see that a mouse wouldn't be there too.   And he is probably in the cleanest room in the facility right now. 

We had a nice visit with Bobbie and Bill.   Told Bobbie what the doctors said about mice not rabies carriers and she mentioned that they do however harbor the hantavirus.   Very reassuring.   We agreed that it takes a LOT of dry dusty mouse poop to really spread the disease, if the mouse has it to begin with.

So was your last 24 hours as exciting as ours?

Tomorrow I have to get up very early as I have to be in Green Bay by 8 Am to drop off Dick's right prosthesis for finishing. 

 So good night, sleep tight and don't let the bed bugs bite.

God love you

Mary

The hallway was full of spectators and Joseph took it to a deep empty trash can.

At this 

I waited too long to start this.   I am very tired tonight.

SO I will just tell you that it was a beautiful day.  Sunny and warm with very little wind and no rain.

Dick is doing well, but  was a bit lazy today which is OK because there is not therapy on weekends.

We had a lovely lunch together and then he whupped me at Rummy before I came home to just BE.

So have a lovely sleep as I hope that I do.

God love you

mary

What a day, but I got a LOT done.    I am almost done with the minutes for CWI.   I need to verify a couple of things but will get them out this weekend.   Our secretary, Betty, was unable to join the meeting so I volunteered.

I washed the sheets today too because Jody helps me put them on during her cleaning.  Then I went to Sheboygan to have a chirpractic treatment from Dr. Holmes.   That went well.   I have a new exercise, that is not as uncomfortable at the ones I did last week.    He is still trying to find the best solution to the healing. 

I was delighted that I got the appointment when I did because, I was able to join my bank buddies for the first time in weeks.   Had a nice catch up with Marlene, Betty, Joyce and Barb.

I went next to Rocky Knoll.   I got there a bit before 2PM.   We decided to wander the halls because Dick seemed restless.   I ran into my friend Pat and her mother in law, coming to visit Pat's husband, Bob, who just arrived yesterday after a double knee transplant.  Pat and Bob shoot with us AND Pat is in CWI.  So Dick and I went to Bob's room so I could say HI.  Turns out that Bob sits at Dick's table.    Nice.

Tim, from Wisconsin Prosthesis got to Rocky Knoll at about 2:30PM.   A little early which was great.  He did some adjustments on his right prosthesis and we have made arrangements for me to take the left prosthesis to Green Bay for completion.  If I take it up on Monday morning early, I can pick it up on Tuesday afternoon which will only be two days without it.   If Tim takes it and sends it, it will be 5 business days including the travel time.  SO very early on Monday morning, I will be driving to Green Bay, and again on Tuesday afternoon.

We were done in time to go to On the Rocks.   I just had coke, today, of course, because I shoot on Friday evenings.   But we enjoy our time there.   Shooting went well.   Not great, but not bad.   I really felt shaky today too so am doubly pleased.

Tomorrow I have to get air in my right front tire and make sure that all three are equal.

A totally busy day, tomorrow SHOULD be really quite tranquil.

God love you

Mary



Whenever God closes a door, He always opens another,even though sometimes its hell in the hallway.

It was COLD and DAMP today.   It got into my bones.   Just a start of winter, I guess.

I worked on computer things this morning and called a friend about a Celtic Women  issue.   We are trying to get the CWI Celtic Tartan again as we have run out and apparently it is all sold.   I talked to the designer, Marjorie Warren, a talented woman, an expert on Scottish Tartan, and she and I are working on getting a bolt of the fabric woven for our use as soon as possible.  I presented it to the board and will get back to Marjorie as soon as possible.   Marjorie is recovering from knee surgery.  So pray for her.

I got to Rocky Knoll at 11:00AM.   Just in time to be around when Dick got his PT.  It was OK but he was weaker today.   I am not sure why.    He did accomplish a transfer and we did a lot of stretching exercises because of the weakness.   Dr. Sharon has reduced the number of diabetic tests for Dick because his readings have been so good for the past month or so.   Many of them 100 or less.

A Krueger came in to visit Dick this afternoon.   She worked for Eastern Shores and the Library system.   She even remembered that Mother was one of their most faithful patrons.

Tomorrow is an exceptionally busy day.   I will summarize after it is over.

I am just getting ready to enjoy a brat, beans and broccoli for my dinner.   A perfect B meal.

Love you

Mary



 

I have just been watching the evening news about the release and eventual killing of those wild cats and other animals in Ohio.   What  terrible tragedy.    Such a shame that there was no other solution other than the killing of the beasts.   I am sure glad that Jack Hanna came and has been able to explain that there was no other way without endangering human life.  His love for wildlife and the animals should quell the objectors.

There is always someone, though.   I remember being out on a jeep run in the dunes near the All American Canal.   We, the Orange County Four Wheelers, were a family club and always camped in a circle.   Children ran all over the place from camper to fire and just playing games.    A sidewinder was spotted in the circle and my ex husband got our his 357 Magnum.   As he was shooting, some strange woman, new to us, was yelling, not to kill it.  To catch it and take it out of camp.    Can you even imagine trying to "catch" a rattlesnake?   And what about all those little kids running around.

I went over to Rocky Knoll at 9AM because Dick had a project for me.   He had pulled the sleeve off of his new prosthesis and couldn't get it back on.   He was having trouble getting it stable so he could do it.   I managed to get it back on for him.   He had therapy at 11:00AM.   He got out of his chair and into bed and back out of bed and into the chair and into the bathroom, seated himself and got up again today.   He also did strengthening.     I hope he went down to therapy to use the pulleys this afternoon.    He will not be getting OT but they said that he can use the equipment.

I came home after lunch and took a nice nap.   Then I finished putting the exercise bike I ordered with bank points together and did some sewing.    I will be spending the evening doing CWI computer work.

Tomorrow I have nothing actually scheduled.   That is quite a miracle.    Hope you have a tranquil day also.

God love you

Mary

Today was supposed to be quieter but it did not turn out so.  I went grocery shopping at 8AM after putting out the trash.   I sure don't need much, but I go once a week for fresh things and to get the lottery tickets.

Then I had to be at the Sheboygan Clinic at 10AM for my chiropractic appointment with Dr. Holmes.   He was running late, but how does one know.   I was still out of there at around 11AM so was able to be at Rocky Knoll in more that enough time to join Dick for lunch and then go to therapy with him.

It was a good day, therapy wise.  He did leg strengthening, walked twice and for the first time did a transfer from the wheel chair to the toilet. ( A dry run, just to find out if he can do it.)    We are very pleased with the results. 

Today was On the Rocks day at Rocky Knoll too, so at 3PM we went down to the "bar" to enjoy a glass of wine together, before I headed home.

Roxie was really glad to see me as last night I came home after 6PM and she felt very slighted at that.  I washed clothes and caught up on about half of the items that I needed to from the telephone conference last night.   My main concern is forwarding a file to Maureen.   It is in Publisher and I am not sure that I can.

So.  I will be enjoying a nice cup of tea and then going to bed to read and just relax.  For some reason, I am even more tired than usual and just hope that extra sleep will help.

God love you all

Mary

Just a quick note as it is late and I have been on the go since 7AM this morning.

Bible Study,  Mom, lunch with some of the Writers Club gals and then out to Don Cooper's for our meeting, then over to spend time with Dick.   Had supper with him then went to pick up prescriptions at Walgreens and got home in time to feed poor neglected Roxie before getting on the phone for the CWI board meeting.

Whew.

So.  All is well.  Dick seemed good today.   I will be there tomorrow for his therapy to see if he is still able to stand by himself and perhaps even easier.   Mike, who got us the motorized chair, came and fixed the rests for his stumps so that we can get them on and off the chair easily.   Thank heavens, as it was really getting to be a chore.

So.  Until tomorrow

God love you

Mary

Packers won!!!  What a great game.    I went to Rocky Knoll at 9AM to help get residents down for Mass.   I am glad I did.   There were several new people on Moose Lane, the rehab area, and two of them were Catholic and not on the list.      Sometimes the lists are not up to date.   I was glad I was there to find that out and get them to Mass and/or blessed by the priest.

Then Dick and I worked on his standing.  He actually DID get up without help to the walker from his chair.   Then he stood for four minutes or more before sitting again.   We were elated.  Don't tell Rocky Knoll.   He is not supposed to try that stuff without therapy.

We had a nice lunch and then watched the Packer game together.   What a great way to spend an afternoon.  He is looking good.   There are some problems but we are working on them.

I came home at about 3:30PM and racked the Marigold wine.   As I said.  This is rather poinent as I do not plan on making any more wine after this batch.  It has been a fun hobby but it was more fun when Dick and I did it together.   I have to give up some things and this is an easy one.


Monday is going to be crazy.   Bible Study, Writers Club and lunch with my writer friends and then I want to get to Rocky Knoll to have dinner with Dick.   Whew!   How do I get myself in these crunches.

Til tomorrow night.

God keep you safe from harm.

Mary