Ash Wednesday.    No snow and comfortable.    I got up with Roxie at 6AM.  She actually started bugging me at about 5AM so I was not too happy with her little fat self.

Since I couldn't go to Mass tonight because of the Poets Corner at Mead, I went to the 8AM Mass.  Walked around proudly with my ashes on my forehead just like I used to do when I was a little kid.    There was a time in our church that people who did not bother coming to Sunday Mass would have died before missing the Mass on Ash Wednesday.   They HAD to get those ashes on their forehead.   I guess the tangible is kind of comforting.

I did my grocery shopping, went to the bank and the post office and then came home by 10AM.  Yea.  I was able to stay home until just after 5PM when I left to pick up Sy for the Poetry Circle.  There was a nice group there tonight.  Just about everybody read something.   I read the poem I read at Writer's Club on Monday.   I will be able to use it next week at the Plymouth Club too.  Getting a lot of mileage out of it.  

So now it is after 9PM, a busy day and I am ready to rest.   Tomorrow I get to be home all day.  I am working on a big writing project.

Michelle called shortly after I left for the Poetry Circle.    I had called and missed them the other day.   We will eventually connect but in the meantime, Jim is having dental hell, so pray for him.

Til tomorrow

Dia Dhuit


Mary

Today was rather pleasant.   It was pretty gray and we had some flurries this morning but by noon, the sun was peeking through and the rest of the day was very pleasant.

Today, I joined Jeff at Mother's house at 10AM to help him take her to see Dr. Hancock.  I am so glad that everything was dry.  Jeff was able to back his van into the neighbor's driveway for a spot with NO ice.   Dr. Hancock did a bit of adjusting on her meds.   Nothing too drastic, but they may help a couple of concerns.   He is generally satisfied.

Then we stopped and got lunch at Mc Donalds.   I haven't been there in ages especially for a hamburger.  Kind of fun.   We took it to Mom's and ate lunch together.  Kathy sent WONDERFUL mint brownies and some muffins for us.   I know what I am having for breakfast tomorrow.

Then I went to Joan Kramer's house for a reflexology appointment.   I felt SO good when I left.   Now the neck is getting sore again.  We always have such a good visit too.   Joan is great.   

That is all.   I have been just working of writing and general STUFF since I got home.   Roxie is absolutely goofy tonight.  Seems to be having fun though.

Til Tomorrow

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Well, this day did not go as planned but it went.

I went out to drive to Bible Study and the battery was dead.  I called Van Horn.  They came out and got me charged within an hour but I erased  Bible study and a morning visit to Mother from the day.

I spent this time working on Mom's Cathedral Window Quilt.

So at noon, I left for Sheboygan County Writers meeting. On the way, I dropped the last form I need for taxes off at Mark Miller's office and picked up supplies for Mother at Aurora Superior Drug store.

The meeting was great.  I read the entry that won for the 2014 WFOP Calendar and an "assignment" poem on the senses from Sheboygan County Writers.   Then later in the open reading, I read the INTRO to my cookbook.     They liked it and Sylvia said to infuse a bit more humor into the intro to pique interest in the reader.

Next, home stopping on the way to drop Mom's supplies for her.   Finally, a stop at the bank and then HOME.

I am so tired.   So well be going to bed early.  The Westminster Dog Show starts at 7PM .   I will go to bed and watch that.

Til tomorrow.   I will be going with Jeff and Mother for her doctor appointment.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

It was a Sunday at home.   Just Roxie and me.   The only time I left the house was to get Jean's paper for her.   She is my neighbor and I think I told you that she fractured her leg and I have been picking up he mail and papers for her.   She generously shares her papers with me ALL of the time.  

I had not paid any attention to the outdoors until just a few minutes ago.   I started watching the news and found out that rain is passing through.  Sure enough.   It is raining.   It is not supposed to get too cold, so I am banking on it being warm enough to keep from freezing.   Then it is supposed to be windy which will help dry the roads.

I kept myself pleasantly busy today.    I baked some butternut squash bread.   I fixed myself a good lunch.   I spent time sewing on a neglected wall hanging that has been on the quilt rack for years and I started mending Mother's Cathedral Window quilt.   It is such a treasure and years of use have resulted in lots of broken points.    I figure I will do a little every other day or so and have it ready for her when she wants it.   She is already worried about it being ready for spring.

I also worked on several CWI projects.

So I am ready to use the rest of the day doing NOTHING.  (Wonder if that will work?)

Can you believe that Wednesday will be Ash Wednesday already?

Dia Dhuit

Mry

By the time I got up, the condo roads and the driveways were plowed, so I knew that I could go ahead with my plans for the day.

Jody came at 8AM and cleaned the house.   I did a couple of loads of wash,  got everything that I needed ready to take with me when I left and worked a bit on the projects that I have restarted.    One thing is the fun of studying St. David of Wales and St. Piran of Cornwall, who are the patron saints of those countries.     I think I mentioned that I am working on a book about the patron saints of all seven Celtic Nations.    I am doing this "rush" study because March 1, is St. David's Day and March 5, is St. Piran's Day.   The Sheboygan CWI branch is going to meet for the session and dinner at 52 Stafford.    I promised a meeting and a presentation of the lives and history of these two gentlemen.
Fun, Right?   Want to come.   We are meeting at 6PM on Wednesday, February 27th.

I left shortly before 11AM to fill the tank in the car, it was just below a half a tank and I have been ordered to fill it at that level in the winter.   Usually, I wait until it is a quarter of a tank.   Then I stopped at Walgreens to pick up a prescription, then on to the Twisted Root to have lunch with my friend Ione.    She and I had a great lunch and a mutual encouraging conversation.   Her Don passed away on Christmas Day.   So we understand.   I got a black bean burger this time and it was SOO good.

Next I went to Mother's to take care of a couple of things for her and to bring her a piece of the pineapple pie that I made yesterday.  I gave a piece to Ione also.    I wanted to make a pie and since I was meeting Ione and going to Mother's it made sense to bake it yesterday as I could find a home for part of it.

Finally, I dropped some lap robes off at Rocky Knoll.    I visited a bit with Kim Loose.   We have been friends since Blessed Trinity days.   She is in charge of patient care or something like that at Rocky Knoll.    I am slowly going through EVERYTHING and finding homes for a lot of things.  Others I am setting aside to sell.  There is no hurry and there are some things I don't want to do yet.

My arm is very sore today.   So I am going to bed with heat and cold this evening and hope that rest will help.   I don't know if it is the weather or what, but I am mighty tired of it.

The weekend is quiet.  Roxie will like that.   She doesn't like it if I leave her alone.  I wish I could get her a little friend.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

"The fundamental job of a toddler is to rule the universe."  Anonymous

















































































































Maryundamental job of a toddler is to rule the universe"  Anonymous

I was able to be home all day today.    It snowed all day but did not seem so much of a winter storm as they had predicted.

Al I did not go out, there is not anything exciting to report.    I was busy, busy all day.   Lots of catching up, lots of my creative endeavors that I am trying to reinstate in my life.

So all is well.    I intend to be in bed soon and read for a while before sleeping for the night.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I really waited too long to start this.   I am exhausted.     It was a very busy day.  A nice day but a busy one.

I had a massage today.   Debbie O'Grady's daughter Heather did it for me.   It felt really good.   I will try to have them kind of regularly for a while to see if it will release the tension in my body.

Then I grabbed lunch - a taco and coke from the Mexican restaurant next to my friend Mark's Tax service.    Next I went to Mark's and we got things going.   That is another load off of my plate.   I put Mark in charge.   We have been friends for a LONG time.    Sara, and Nora - do you remember when I took you to the JC's Haunted House in Sheboygan when you were just little kids?   Mark was the guy I hugged and you looked so shocked.  

On the way home I got my car washed.  I hurried home to keep it clean.  I don't have to go out until Friday and that will be after the storm that is coming tonight and tomorrow.

So, home again.   I had bank work to do, phone calls to make and letters to write.

Whew.

I am exhausted.

So Good Night

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A haiku

The end of the day
Brings a search for solitude
A quiet corner.

Today was not nearly as exciting as yesterday, but it did have its moments.

I am juggling several projects around the house these days, some creative and some just going through things and/or cleaning.    Today was trash day.   I got my trash and my neighbor Jean's out around 9AM.    Jean got good news from the doctor yesterday.    She no longer has to wear her boot around the house.    This is a bit step.   I teased her and said that it should probably be spring before she can leave it off outside.   Safety, you know.

This afternoon, I went to the Kettle Country Quilt club meeting for the first time in months.   I shared a picture of the wall hanging of Mother's crazy quilt squares with the group.    They liked it which made me feel good.    The club is working on a wall hanging for the new NICU at Memorial.   I was not able to participate in the sewing of the squares that make up the background.   Nest our applique experts will applique a mother holding her child onto the pallet.    It is going to be SO beautiful.  At least I got to help pin and tear the papers off of the paper pieced hearts.

Then I did the grocery shopping for the week.    I brought fruit which was on a good sale.   Pineapple,and strawberries and cantaloupe.    Num Num.

I also did a bit of research on what to do with the van.   It is rather silly for me to have a handicapped unit when someone might have use of it.     So I am exploring possiblities.    Nice not to have deadlines.

Dia Dhuit until tomorrow.

Mary

Whew! What a Monday! 

Eileen called this morning from Mother's house.   Mom was not feeling very well late yesterday and evening, so Eileen spent the night.    She was glad she did stay as Mom got up three times during the night and the first two she was very wobbly.   Thankfully the third time found her much more steady and by morning she was actually pretty good.

Eileen and Mary, the morning caregiver, and Mother pretty well decided that perhaps someone should be there with Mom all night.   So - Eileen asked that I call Companion Care (because I have done the arrangements in the past) to get this set up.   I called them this morning to be sure that this service would be available.

Then I went to Bible Study.   There were four of us this week.   With the weather, and some illness, we hope to be up to normal next week.  It is actually nice with a small group.   We really get deep into whatever tangent we go on.   Psalm 118, if you are interested.   Very poetic and very challenging. 

Then I went to Mom's.   I was pleased with how bright and alert she was then.   I reviewed what she and Eileen had discussed as to all night care and she said that she definitely wanted this.   So.   I called Trish at Companion Care and they are starting tonight.    I think Mother is actually a bit frightened to be alone at night, at least when she feels unsteady if she wakes up.   It is hard and scary to be alone in the dark when you don't feel all that strong.  They will come at 8PM and stay until she is up and ready for the day.  We are all so relieved.   I know that I always took a deep breath after 8AM if I had not received a phone call.

Then I dropped my sewing machine off at the Sewing Machine Shop in Sheboygan Falls.   I have never had it fully serviced and decided that since I have intentions of really getting back into sewing a lot, I needed to start with a machine that is as ready as I am.

Home again.   I have been busy with bank calls and finishing up the arrangements for Mom and some other loose ends.    I am feeling very proud of me because I got so much done.

I look forward to tomorrow with only a Kettle Quilters meeting.    It will be good to go and interact with these creative ladies.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Are you watching the big game?   I kind of am.   This was a lazy day for me.   I decided to do as little as possible and it is working.

I slept until 8AM, then got up and got ready for church.  My neighbor, Jean, called and asked if I would bring her communion.    It is so cold and there are slipper spots out there.   She fractured her leg a month or so ago and I have been bringing her paper and mail to her.    I am always honored to bring the Eucharist to people so that was great.

I did go downstairs to the hall for the KC's coffee and donuts.  I sat with my friend Darrel Dombek, he is a Rhine Plymouth guy, and then Janet and Rich Bieschke joined me.  So it was a nice morning break.

Home again, I did lie down for a nap about 1PM.  Slept til almost 3.   I wonder if I will ever get rested.   My soul is still pretty weary.

I gave Fr. Dan a piece of the Brat Bhride after Mass.  The Brigid cloth.    At the Wild Game Dinner, I gave a piece to each of the families as a blessing  along with the abridged story of the cloth.   Denise and the family were here this year.   I can't believe how big Jack has grown.   He is taller than I am now.   Samantha was there too.   She is old enough and participated in the beer tasting contest.   I told her that I love her art.   I saw some on Facebook.   I told her I wanted a piece for my collection.    I also mentioned to Erin, that I would like a piece of her art too.   After all, I reminded her, she told me years ago that we have a special bond because she is my Goddaughter.

I gave Erin the wall hanging that I made out the last crazy quilt squares that Mother made.  I was happy to find that she was really happy to get it.   She is just moving into a new apartment, in Chicago now, and plans on hanging it there.

Samantha is very interested in Irish culture and art and was SO excited about the cloth..   I will introduce her to the Celtic Culture that I know.    It would be fun to have a young gal like her to share with.

So tomorrow starts another week.    Reasonably busy, but a couple of days are unscheduled too.

I can do that.

Love you all.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

What a Day.  Still very Cold and there was snow during the night.

I got up at 7AM.  Had to get the venison roast into the crock pot and bake some bread.  

Then at 9:30AM, I left and dropped some of the cooked liver off at Mother's for her and Shane to eat for lunch today.   Then I drove to Kurt and Jody's house to drop of the food and beer for the Wild Game Party.   Then on over to Eileen and Fred's for the baby shower.   Eileen and Mary Margaret fed us a really good build your own sandwich lunch with cupcakes and a mint chocolate dessert.  WOW.

After lots of visiting, Holly opened the gifts for the future twins.   She is looking beautiful.   She has less than two months to go now.   The opening of the gifts is always my favorite part of a shower.  The baby things are so cool now.

Then we all migrated over to Kurt and Jody's for the Wild Game Dinner.   I am too tired to tell all about that.   I will tell bits and pieces over the next couple of days.   FYI- Jody won the beer tasting contest with a taste off between her and Kurt.   Weird. and Funny.

Til Tomorrow

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Talk about cold.    I looked at thermometer at 6AM when I fed Roxie and it was -3.   Yes MINUS 3 degrees out there.   As far as I can tell, it never got over 7 degrees.   Fortunately, the wind they predicted did not materialize.   The sun DID help to cut the chill.   It still got into the bones though.

I generally picked up around the living room and house and tried to make sure that I am ready for tomorrow.    Tomorrow will be a Marathon Day for all the Deeleys.    I think you all know that tomorrow at 11AM there will be a baby shower for two little twin boys that will soon come into this world to join their parents John and Holly Michels.    With two, I rather imagine that Holly is hoping for sooner rather than later.  (Not too soon, of course.)

From Fred and Eileen's house and the shower, we will all troop over to Kurt and Jody's for the Annual Wild Game Feast and Beer Tasting Party.  Looks like there will be quite a crowd again this year.    We are all so happy that Denise and family and Stenn and Bing are coming.

I will prepare the venison roast in the slow cooker early and then drop it off  to finish at the Thuemmlers  on my way to the baby shower.   I decided to also make a loaf of brown bread for the crowd.

This morning I met my friends, Betty and Ceil in the Fleet Farm parking lot and rode with them to Blue Harbor for the Mayflower Tours annual program.   They served coffee, tea, juice and sweets along with a long program hilighting the tours for 2013.   A good program really.    I wanted to go because I will beging treveling eventually and wanted to see what they had to offer.   Lots of fun trips out there, but fortunately none on my bucket list so I was not tempted but still got a feel for prices and places.   Altogether a good way to spend a couple of hours.   Saw a couple of other friends too.

The three of us joined Marlene at Dairy Queen for lunch and then I came home.   I did have to traipse out again later because I received some items that I had to go to take care of at the bank.   I could have waited until Monday, I guess, but you know me.    Impatient and I don't like loose ends.

So a full day and tomorrow will be a whole play day.   The cooking is as much fun for me as the parties.

Til tomorrow

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A whole day at home.     It was cold but not as windy and snowy as I expected.

I did some more work on the wall hanging and a bit of writing.

Nora called this afternoon.   We had a great visit.    Too bad we live so far apart.

I had a lot of fun preparing the dinner for tonight.    Bobbie and Bill came.   Bobbie and I had liver and I prepared meatballs and gravy  with the mashed potatoes for Bill so we were all happy eaters.

Cherry pie for dessert and just a nice visit for the rest of the evening.

So.  Until tomorrow. 

Dia Dhuit
Mary

Snow, snow, snow.    Not as much as they predicted originally gut we have two to three inches and it is coming down again.    I understand that there is a cold spell coming through also that will put us back to single digits or below.   I went and got the few groceries and supplies that I needed this morning so I will be able to stay in where it is warm all day.  

I can just do anything as I have nothing planned except cooking a lovely liver dinner for Bobbie and me.   If the weather is too bad we will put it off.   Safety above all.

As I said, I went grocery shopping.    It was a bit slippery, so I drove very carefully.   After the Pig, I went to The Exchange Bank to pick up some Alterra Coffee for me.   I am almost out of the Kickapoo that Richard and Brenda gave me for Christmas.  

I worked on the new wall hanging that I have in my mind.   I have the background ready to sew.   Then I can make the picture.   I need to be doing things with my hands.

So the day is over.     It is so lonely around here.  I am finding it hard not to have my sweetheart to talk to  and just be here.  Busy is the answer and I am really trying.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

This was a very busy Tuesday.    First, of course, it was trash day.  I didn't have much today so took it out when I left at 10AM for all of the errands that I had to do in Sheboygan.   It had rained a lot during the night and it was VERY foggy.   All the way in and out of Sheboygan - very little traffic though.

First, I stopped at the Social Security office to drop off a copy of our wedding certificate.  I could have mailed it but as I was going to Sheboygan anyway, it seemed just as easy just to take it there.

Then I went to see Atty. Voss and finished all of the legal things such as wills and powers of attorney.

Then home again.    I can pretty much stay home now until Friday.    There is a lot to do in the rainy, snowy, icy days At home in the next couple of days. 

Jeff stopped by on his way home from Mom's and finished hanging the door to the coat closet as you come in the garage.  That is nice to have it done.   Wasn't a big deal but it looks better.    Kathy sent some banana cake that I had for dessert.   It was SO good and very welcome.

Bret called tonight - so good to hear his voice.   

Happy Birthday to my sister Nora.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

It was much warmer that the past few days but not really warm enough to melt all the ice.   I was out until 1PM and had several stops with tricky walking because of the ice on the streets and driveways and parking lots.  Yea.   I managed to stay on my feet.

Went to Bible study first at Blessed Trinity.   There were just three of us and we had really intimate comforting discussion.    Talking about our roll as "older" more experienced people and our relationships with younger members of our world.   We finished Psalm 92 today.  It is a beautiful Psalm - very comforting.

Then I drove to Sheboygan to pick up some things for Mother at Aurora.   I had a chance to visit with Barb, who is a friend and a pharmacist there for a bit. 

Then to Mother's.  We had lunch together, we paid her bills, I put out the pills and then she was ready for a nap so I came home.

Had a short nap and then I have been cleaning and picking up.  Tomorrow is trash day and I need to be ready.

This is a sad night for me.   But I know I will have those days.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Yesterday was a truly relaxing, stimulating and informative day.    Mike and Debbie O'Grady picked me up shortly after 9AM for a drive to the Irich Heritage Center in Chicago for Maureen Smith's Chicago branch of CWI Brigid Celebration.   

We aimed to get there by noon so Debbie and I could help Maureen set up for the event which started at 1PM.  I had met with another of our Celtic Women, Janet, to pick up several of her collection of Brigid as Saint and Goddess for display.   She will be so pleased to hear that she has one statue that Fr. Dennis O'Neill does not have.   I believe that he is jealous.   I brought my Bridget Icon and the wall hanging that I did of Brigid.   During the latter part of the program, Maureen had me explain the motivation and the influences that helped me to do the wall hanging.  I read a couple of the poems inspired by the Brigid trip of 2011.   Here is one:

Alone in the darkness together
We are surrounded by the ancient chant
Hidden until this time,
I find it in my heart.

I felt a bit intimidated as I was reading poetry at an event dedicated to our friend, Patricia Monaghan, poet, author and Celtic and earth expert.    Her husband, Michael Mc Dermott, and his daughter were there.   He read excerpts from their new book which I have on preorder and her poems were read throughout the event.  

Fr. O'Brien started the whole thing actually with stories and history of Brigid.    He is an expert on Brigid and I must get some of his books.    There were so many other things packed into the day. 

Mike, Debbie and I stopped for dinner on the way home and arrived here at about 8:30PM.   Roxie was sure glad to see me.     I decided to get ready for bed as my neck and arm were really hurting so that is why I did not post last night.

Today was much quieter.   I went to Mass this morning.   Mary Kaye Evans had asked if I could serve communion this morning for her.   I think I needed that.   Giving the Lord to people never ceases to amaze me and I was a bit down this morning.   I just suddenly became very lonely.

It is better now and I had a very nice day, sorting things and napping and baking.

So I am ready for tomorrow and the new week.

Bless you all

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Today was a very good day.  Jody came at 8AM to clean.

I cleaned the desk for the week and worked on taxes and getting ready for the call from SSI that was scheduled for 10:30AM this morning.  When they called, I DID have everything I needed at hand and we were able to get everything done by phone.   The only thing I will have to do is send our marriage license for review and they will be sending an envelope for that.

I had lunch with Betty, Marlene and Ceil at Dairy Queen today.   That was pleasant as usual.   We have been friends and work mates for SUCH a long time.  Good to have old friends.

Then I came home and napped.Tonight I picked up Kate and we went down to the Plymouth Arts Center for the opening of their new show called Paint Color Blend - The Garret Girls.   Are really great showing of 10 Wisconsin artists.   All talented.  All I need is another painting.   There were two that might have tempted me.  No way though.

So Home again I am heading for bed.  Tomorrow I am going to Chicago for the Brigid Celebration at the Irish Heritage Center.
\
Dia Dhuit

Mary

I finally figured out (again) how to import a picture from Picasa into Blogger.   So. I can finally deliver on my promise to show you the completed wall hanging that I made of the four crazy quilt squares that Mother had finished before it became too difficult for her to sew any more because of her vision and the discomfort in her hands.     I am quite pleased with the finished product and have decided what I am going to do with it.    

Today was very busy but fruitful.    I had a dentist appointment at 9AM.   No cavities and I now have the cleanest teeth in the family.  Janelle, my hygienist, was also Dick's so it was a bit hard for us.   You know how people loved him, but we both shared and hugged and felt better for the time.

On the way home I did a few errands and then had lunch.

After lunch, I drove over to Kate's house and we went to Hobby Lobby.   Kate is getting ideas for her 50th wedding celebration and I was after a case for Dick's flag.    I found a case.   It was even on sale.    I have to stain a little chip but will be glad to have the flag safely ensconced.   I also found some birds for the Kevin wall hanging, and a light table, which I have secretly wanted.  It was only $10 so you know it is a very small one, but that will do for my projects.   Oh, we also found an Irish hanging for the door or wall that looks great.    We both got one as it was somewhat unique.   It looks like a huge bottle cap with a greeting on it.   This was just a fun shopping day.   I haven't done that in ages.

I had an appointment with Dr. Murthy this afternoon to discuss how we should move with the treatments of my neck/arm/shoulder pain.   He has referred me back to Dr. Leben, who had done some good for my ribs.   The trouble is, I won't see her until February 22.    So I am going to keep trying various things, for example, massage and hot and cold applications and stretches.     I am just sick of aching.

Tomorrow I will be home until evening.   Then I will go to the Plymouth Arts Center for their opening.   I do have a telephone appointment with SSI at 10:30AM.   That is one of the last loose ends to tie up.    Soon I will be done with all that stuff and can move on.

Rest easy tonight.   Rest is so healing.
\
Dia Dhuit

Mary.

Another cold day.   It is supposed to start warming up, tomorrow, I think.  

I did stay home all day today.    So nothing terribly exciting came about.    I was busy all day but nothing to shake up the world about.  

I did bake some raisin bran muffins.    I think I have all the food in this house now in some control.   I will not need meat for months.   If anybody is hungry, just let me know the night before and I will gladly feed you.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

We are still in the deep freeze here.   I looked at the thermometer just a few minutes ago and it was back down to 1 degree from 4 degrees this morning.  I am running a heater in the garage to cut the cold a bit.

I had not intended to leave the house today, except to get the mail and put out the trash, BUT I was out of cat food and Roxie insisted that I had to get her some.    So off I went to the Pig and now I am set for at least a week with the few things that I need.    I WAS out of lettuce and really like to have salad almost every day.

So it was a good day.   I cleaned a couple of closets, baked a cake, got some items ready for this weekend and even for the next weekend.

Tomorrow I also get to stay in out of the cold.     I have several other projects that I want to get to.   Roxie loves me home.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Paddy  was coming through the customs at the airport  carrying a large bottle.
"What have you there  ?" said a suspicious customs officer.
"T’is  Lourdes Holy Water. I am bringing it home with  me," said Paddy.
The officer took the bottle  and tried some. “Why, it's Irish whiskey !!" he  spluttered.
"Lord bless me,” said Paddy,  "another bloomin`miracle  !!"

Happy 97th Birthday to Mom!!!

The weather was brutal today.   I don't think the temperatures ever topped 4 degrees. It was as low as 1 degree.    Brrrr!

We had 6 people at bible study today and had a really good prayer session and then a nice discussion on a psalm that was actually featuring prayer. 
And what a nice group we have.    Helen brought one of her homemade birthday cards for Mother for all of the group to sign for her.

I also showed them the wall hanging that I put together with her picture and the Crazy Quilt Squares.

Next on to Mother's.   I gave her her present, a nice bottle of Madeira wine and my card along with the card from the Bible Study.  She seemed very pleased.   There were already tons of cards on the dining room table.   She is a very popular lady.  Had a couple of bills to be paid and we watched a bit of the inauguration.    Then I came home.

I had a quick lunch then picked up Lynn and Jena for Cream City Writers   We had very good news.  Both Lynn and Bev had poems selected for the 2014 Poets calendar.    Isn't that just super?    Lynn is so excited.   This is her first acceptance to the calendar.  

We had a short meeting because there were just the four of us.  So. I came home in time to get a lot of cleaning done around here.  

Bart and Barb called at about four.   They have both been fighting sinus infections.   Must pray for them. 

My friend Kate invited me over for supper tonight.   That was a nice change.   We had pork chop, stuffing and apple casserole and carrots.   SO good.   We had a nice visit too.   Hadn't had much of a chance for that lately.

So.  A typically busy Monday that made me feel good.

Now it is time for Night Night.

]Dia Dhuit

Mary

Such a pleasant Sunday.

It was cold and the wind blew like there was no tomorrow, all night.   But the sun shone and the sky was just radiant.

I spent the time at home finishing the wall hanging that I have assembled out of the four crazy quilt blocks that Mom made.   She said they are her last sewing project because of her sight so I felt they need to be preserved.    I'll send a picture of it.

At about 11AM, I drove to the Wierl Wind south on 67 to meet the rabbit hunters after their morning of hunting.   I got there shortly after 11, figuring that the cold would drive the guys to the bar before their noon deadline.   I underestimated their resolve.    They arrive at noon, almost exactly.   I was able to find people to visit with while I waited  (surprise, right?)  Then Jeff recruited me to help him and Shane prepare the several venison sausage offerings for judging.    I don't know if you know this, but every year after rabbit hunting this group of guys, and anyone else who wants to, bring in the venison sausage made that year from the deer hunting.    Then all in the bar taste and rate as to their favorite.    This year there were 5 entries.    The guys are going to let me know which sausage won.   I was ready to come home before the final eaters voted.   It was a really fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon.     I don't hunt anymore but would probably not get to see those guys that I hunted with all those years and came to be so fond of.    They always seem glad to see me too!

So, home again, I made a Roxie cat very happy.   I napped for a bit and then got things ready for tomorrow which is a VERY busy day - at least in the morning.

Hope you have an excellent week.
Dia Dhuit

Mary

They said we might have rain today but I did not see any.     It was quite warm but I understand that the next three or four days are going to make up for it.    One night it will drop to the minus degrees.    Of course, I remember, years ago, my ex husband and the boys and I came to Wisconsin and it was below zero, as much as -16 almost every day we were here.

I am always thanking God for the nice warm homes that we have and for the warm clothes and safety. Wasn't always so easy.

I drover to John Michael Kohler Art Museum today for their Family Festival China.   I met Bob Fleming, my artist friend there and ran into my friends Richard and Joan Kramer.     We all kind of interacted together until we all had to leave at different times.    I was a nice festival.    I made a Chinese Lantern, a Dragon Mask and did some Calligraphy.    The food provided was really good.   AND I got to sit through an explanation of a Tea Ceremony.    This is very interesting to me as I did participate in a High Tea in Ireland.   Veru different, of course, but still fascinating that such ceremony surrounds tea in different parts of the world.

I barely got home when I got a call from them telling me that I won a ticket to Shen Yun 2013 at the Milwaukee Theatre for February 19.   Of course, I had to buy an adjacent ticket and now will have to see who can come with me.  This show features 5000 of Chinese dance in one night.   I am excited.

Home again, I took a nap, then drove to Mass.  

Hone again, I have been just picking up pieces and getting things organized for tomorrow.     Tomorrow will be nice, I am meeting the rabbit hunters at the Whirl Wind for a sausage tasting.   Will be good to see the guys.  It is going to be COLD so I don't imagine they will be out too long.


Dia Dhuit

Mary

Such a full day.    Mixed feelings.    Suddenly I realized that today it is a month since he is gone.   Why do these milestone days make it more real?   I kept really busy today and that helped.   But the missing is in me.

Jody came at 8AM and got the house vacuumed and scrubbed for me.

Today I finished the binding on the wall hanging that I am making out of the four crazy quilt squares that Mom finished just before she decided that her sight just makes it to difficult for her to sew.  I am pleased.   Just need a label and an embellishment to complete it.     I hope to do that this weekend.  It is really coming together.

Then I went to Dairy Queen to lunch with the bank ladies.   That was fun.   We always have so much to talk about.  Having known each other for so long, it is a nice break in the week.   After lunch, I had several errands.    I took all the Dick's meds and expired stuff over to the Plymouth Police station for disposal.    Yesterday, I cleaned out the first aid supplies and gave extra pads and lotions to someone that I knew could use them.  I now have a reasonable first aid supply.   VNA also stopped by and picked up excess books and brochures and a couple of medical kits that I can't use but are still sealed. The frugal person in me just won't let me throw everything away.

Then I stopped in at the Sewing Basket for a couple of photo fabric pieces and finally went to the trophy shop to kind of firm up what we want on the plaque.   By next Friday, they will email me a mock up of what we think will work best.    Then I can forward it to the kids and we can either say Yea! or fine tune.

Home again,  I finished a lot of straightening up.   I don't have a real plan, but have been finishing any project that I start so it is kind of like a puzzle coming together.  

After supper, I drove over to Rhine for a visit with friends.   That was fun.  One of my friends gave me four packages of venison steak.   I am set now.   I only had a couple of packages and these will get me through the year because they have to be three pounds each or so.   I am so grateful.

Speaking of which.   Only two weeks til the Wild Game Dinner.     The shower too.  I have presents for the twins, just need to wrap them.   I know that the shower is at 11:00AM but still am not sure what time the Wild Game Dinner starts.

So, today was busy and it made me feel better.   Starting to be creative is helping too.  It took a while to want to.  

Love you all and thank you for being there

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I was home all day today.  

I ended up spending most of it sorting my 2012 receipts and gathering for tax season.    I hadn't really planned on doing it all, but once I got started it mushroomed.   I also now have my left had desk drawer all cleaned and my various projects and things that need to be finished all in manageable groupings.

So it wasn't too exciting a day.   I have things ready for a couple of errands tomorrow and someone from VNA is coming to pick up some things that I have and hate to throw away.    I am such a "green" person.   

Heard from Nora and Leif and from my friends Sheila, Rosemary and Gail with encouraging cards.    So I had a smiley time when I came in with the mail.

Glad that chore is over with.   I love having things organized.

Dia Dhuit

Happy Friday

Mary

Hello Again.

Quite a day.    I spent the morning with phone calls.   Talked to my friend Bob Fleming for one.   He sent  the lovliest sympathy card with a poem he wrote  for Dick and me.    Bob and I had a good talk.

I left at about noon to pick up a prescription for Mother and then get to Sheboygan Falls to Blessed Trinity for Mass.   Joseph and Felicia Reindl, my bible study/Celtic friends had ordered a Mass for Dick.   I was pleased to see that the Mass was also for Fr. John Theisen.   He was pastor at Blessed Trinity while I was a member of the parish.   He was so helpful to Dad.   Fr. John was at Rocky Knoll while Dick was there this last time.   I had walked down to the lunchroom to get a cup of coffee and saw him at dinner so went to talk to him.    He was a dear man.   I am sure Dick and he have found each other.

Stopped to say Hi to Mom.   Then did a bit of grocery shopping and picked up Mom's birthday present.   Her birthday is Monday and I bought her a really good bottle of Madeira wine for her present.   She always said that this is her favorite wine.

This afternoon I did some sewing and then called Jacquie because I had not talked to her in so long.    She sounds good.   I hope to go to visit her in the future.   Doris, my other sister in law lives with her too.

That was the day.   Tomorrow I will be home all day and have lots of projects I want to get to.   One day at a time.

Dia Dhuit
Mary

Cold again today.    I got up at about 7:30AM because it is trash day an I wanted to be sure it was out.  This week, and from now on, I put it in the back of the car so I don't have to carry heavy bags all the way down to the corner.   Trying to heal the arm you know.

I spent the morning paying bills.  I feel good about everything.    Then at about 11AM, I took Kate's trees back.   I also gave her the ornaments that I culled from my still immensely big Christmas collection. She builds baskets for St. John the Baptist's winter Craft fair.   A lot of money is made at this event.   There is a silent auction, tons of vendors, a bake sale, food and a raffle of super baskets.   Kate puts together many of these baskets and I know that she will put the ornaments to good use  and money will be earned for the church.

Then I went to the Trophy shop to get my initial information on preparing a plaque for Dick to be hung at Mead Library.    Now I have direction and have sent the information to the kids so that they can input.

A last stop was at the bank where I cleaned up one more loose end.   Will they ever end?

Then I came home, lunched and took a nap.

This afternoon, I sewed on the Crazy Quilt wall hanging and washed and folded some clothes.    Too bad these mundane jobs keep interrupting creativity. :)

( I hope that is a smile,   not too good at the symbols.)

So it is wind down time.    I feel good about today.    Tomorrow is a special day.   I will go to Mass in Sheboygan Falls at 1PM.   My friends Joseph and Felicia have dedicated tomorrow's Mass there to Dick.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I am back to marathon Mondays.   Started out OK.   I left the house a bit after 9AM for Bible Study at Blessed Trinity.   We had a nice group of 6.  Our little lady, Jan, was back.   Joseph was able to pick her up.   We ladies were hesitant to bring her in the winter as she is so frail and we worried about being able to help her if she had trouble.  

We are discussing Psalm 73.  The discussion was the criteria that we use to determine self worth now as compared to what determined our self worth as children.   Think about it.

I went right to Mother's and we got her bills paid, her pills laid out and had time for a bit of a visit before it was time for her Meals on Wheels.   I left from there and went on to Sheboygan for a Sheboygan County Writers meeting.  I have not been able to go to one of them for probably four years (except for the parties).  This year because of circumstances, I missed the Christmas party too.   There were not too many familiar faces but enough that I felt at home.    I read the Tree and the Christmas poems and got good response.    Good to get back to real creativity.

Home again, I am still able to keep quite busy with general cleaning and all of the things necessary to bring my life to that of a single person and get the finances squared away.

Ann Pirrung,  a dear friend, was there.  She was a page at Mead at the age of 16 and remembers "Mr. Kunert" with great fear and trepidation.    I know that Dick used to wander through the library occasionally just to "Make His Presence Known."   I can imagine what a 16 year old would think of that.

So life goes on.   I can hear Dick saying to lay back and take it easy.   They mentioned that they need a secretary for the Sheboygan Writers and I "heard" him telling me to just shut up.  So I did.  He would be so proud of me.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

What a nice Sunday.    I slept until 8AM.   I slept much better than I have for quite some time.   I hope that this will continue tonight.   I used to go to bed and sleep until morning.   

Lately I have trouble getting to sleep and then I wake often.

I did some mending and general cleaning before Rosemary Mugan picked me up at 11:30AM to go to Lincoln.    The world of Plymouth was encased in a thin layer of ice but she made it and the main roads were pretty well melted or salted by then.  The movie was fantastic, so now I can cheer for it whenever it receives a Golden Globe or Oscar.

Home again, I have just been being really lazy and flitting from one little thing to another.   Since my lunch was popcorn and soda, I fixed a small casserole of hot dog, broccoli, noodles and cheese for supper with a salad on the side.

Tomorrow will be busy until about 3PM.     I will leave it all for a surprise for you tomorrow.

Roxie is sprawled out on the desk, not under her lamp as she was accustomed to, but right smack in front of me on whatever papers that I am working on.  She probably missed our nap today.    Not that she didn't have HER nap which is usually most of the day.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Haiku by me

Sunny sky so blue
The naked trees sillouettes
Like pencil sketches.   

My quiet Saturday got perked up a bit this morning.   My friend Peg Payne called.   She had an extra ticket to see Beef Tea at the Plymouth Art Center this evening.    So after Mass, I met Peg and our friend Joan at Culvers for a hamburger before we went down to the concert.

Beef Tea is a very good local band.  They started out Irish, then added Bluegrass and now are doing a kind of modern folky country along with bluegrass and Irish.    I really liked the concert.   I left a little early because my arm and neck started hurting quite badly.   I think I liked them better a bit more Irish though.   My friend Nancy's son-in-law is in the band.   Nancy and Warren were there and another friend, Gary Anderson and his friend Sue.

The early part of the day was spent sewing and baking. 

This morning another friend, Rosemary Mugan, called and wondered if I would like to go see the movie Lincoln with her tomorrow.   I jumped at the chance.   Dick and I both wanted to see that one.  So she will pick me up just before noon tomorrow for that.

A quiet weekend has become quite eventful.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Woke up this morning to temps in the high thirties, that crept up to the high forties as the day went on.  Of course, the warm air and the rain make the morning VERY foggy.   

Jody came to clean at about 8:15AM.   She was able to give me a status report on the roads as I had to leave at 9:30AM for a 10AM appointment with Attorney Voss.   We have everything legal set up.   I will go back at the end of the month to sign the new will and powers of attorney.   He will file the will and see that the deed is recorded in my name alone.   Another big item crossed off.   Only a couple of necessary things to do then I can start making other decisions.

After I left there, I did some other errands and then joined the other bank ladies at Dairy Queen.   We had a really good visit this week.   I ordered a chicken quesadilla.   It was good.   I have 1/2 of it left for tomorrow.

This evening I rode out to Rhine with Warren and Nancy to visit with friends while they shot.    That was a pleasant way to spend an evening.

So.  Heading into a quiet weekend.    I plan on doing some sewing and more organizing.

It has been a good day.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

William James wrote: "Common sense and a sense of humor are the same thing, moving at different speeds. A sense of humor is just common sense, dancing."

This was a really nice day.   Bobbie and I met for lunch at Field to Fork in Sheboygan.    We hadn't seen each other for some time and it was a perfect time to visit and exchange information and cards for the Memorial fund.     We had a good lunch.   I love Field to Fork.  

Then we walked to Mead so that I could see the placque that is dedicated to Marie Barkman.  It is like an open book with her name and the dated of her service and her title and then a nice quote on the other side.   Gives me a direction to go.   I will go to a trophy shop next week to see if they can help me with the design.   Then I will let the kids know and get approval from the library.

I had a quiet afternoon with a very good nap.

I was telling Bobbie that this morning, I walked past the extra room upstairs where I have the wheelchair and the stand lift.    The wheel chair was turned on.    Dick is playing games with me. I did not turn it on and it was not on long because it was fully charged.     What a trickster he is.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I feel good about today,

This morning was very busy.    I went grocery shopping first and then went to Klips and Tips to have my hair cut.    A stop at the bank and then home.

I spent the rest of the day finishing putting Christmas put away.    I have a whole box of nice ornaments that I have decided not to keep.    Now I have to decide what to do with them.    Some of them are VERY nice and they are all in good shape.   I also finished cleaning out the pantry and have discovered several cans and boxes of dated food.     I guess this happens and the past year I have not done the cooking that I did before because Dick's appetite was so reduced that we had to cut back on quantities and some things were just not being made.    I feel like a bit oops.   But I have it under control now.

Jeff stopped by on his way home from Mom's this afternoon.   The door to the closet is almost ready to be put back on.   He just needs a strong pair of arms to help get it hung.  He brought me a container of homemade wild turkey soup.   I had some for supper and it is very good.

Tomorrow will be a good day.    I am having lunch with Bobbie at Field and Fork.   We are going to talk about the use of Dick's memorial funds.   It will be so good to spend time with her.

So until tomorrow.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I was home all day today.   It was a pretty quiet day.    I got all of Christmas down and have a whole box of ornaments that I would like to find a home for.   

Not too much else happened.   Except, my neighbor, Jean, called this morning.   She broke her leg and asked if I could take out her trash for her.    Poor lady.   I will be picking up her mail and paper for a few days too.    It is not a really bad break but she is wearing a special shoe and has to take it easy.

So I got a LOT done today and am hoping that I sleep tonight.   I have been having trouble sleeping. 

Bless you all

Dia Dhuit

Mary

This morning was very busy.    I got a call from Eileen at about 8:30AM.   She had gotten a call from Mother as Eileen's was the first number that came into Mom's head.    Mom's caregiver was not there again.    Eileen doesn't have their number so I called to find out what was up. 

There was a "mix up" AGAIN.   This is not the first time that Trish has not communicated to her caregivers and I let her know that we are not happy.   This is our mother.   She gets distressed when they are not there.   She ends up having to get out of bed by herself at least by 8AM which is one of her vulnerable times.     I let Trish know that we expect something to be done.    Eileen, Dolores andI have discussed the fact that there are other care giving services out there.  

I left shortly after 9AM for bible study.  There were 6 of us there.   With Tom and Kathy in Florida this will probably be our winter group.    Please pray for my friend,Helen's daughter who has MS and has taken a turn for the worse.

Then I went to Mom's.   She actually weathered this morning pretty good.   We got her bills paid and stowed away the December Bills.   I am bringing something to put the old ones in and store it down in the basement.

I left when her Meals came.   She doesn't like her schedule messed with and with the late care givers, she did not get her excercises done this morning which really distressed her.

So I came home and have been just working on Christmas stow away AND getting the desk stuff in order.    Tomorrow I am home all day.   Yea.

So on to the rest of the week.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A rather unexpectedly busy Saturday made me forget to post yesterday.

It started out quietly enough, then Jeff called at about noon.   Mother was complaining of discomfort in her abdomen and was convinced that her kidneys were acting up.    I went to Falls and got on the line with a nurse to see if she thought it was wise to bring her to Urgent Care.  She thought perhaps we should.   However,  Mother wanted to see HER doctor and she wanted HER doctor to check JUST her kidneys and her bladder.  

She agreed finally to go to Urgent Care and Randy came over to help me take her.   We went to Plymouth and I knew the nurse and the doctor which seemed to make Mom feel better about the whole thing.  They listened to her and just checked here kidney and bladder function and except for a bit of urine concentration she is just fine.     This seemed to really relax her.  Randy and I got her home before 5PM.    I saw that she had fresh water and gave her her pills.    Than we left her to rest as she was just having soup for her supper and it was in a cup ready for the microwave when she was.  
I am sure glad that we could comfort her.

Today was OK.   I went to Mass this morning at 9:30AM and have spent the day taking down ornaments and napping.   Yesterday left me very tired.   I even had trouble keeping my eyes open in church.

This evening, my neighbor invited me over with some other of the ladies in the neighborhood for cheese and wine.  That was delightful.   We had such a nice visit.  We will have to to that again,   Some of us are alone and some still have their spouses but we had so much to talk about.

I feel that this week will be the first real normal week since Dick went to heaven and I better start out good.    It is not a really busy week but I will have plenty to do both at home and out in the world.    Things are coming together and by mid February, I think everything will be all settled.

You all have a good week too.   Bless you for all your love.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

It was a fruitful and fun day.   Jody came and cleaned this morning.   She helped me roll up the big desk mat and get it out into the garage.   

I now have all the banking either clear or well on its way.   By the end of January, I will be able to set up a good budget and know what is coming in.   What is going out will be a bit more difficult.    Many things will be eliminated and many things will be reduced.    I am going to try to estimate myself this next week.

I have finished all the thank you notes.   Today more lovely flowers arrived with a card from the people at Advanced Eye Care.   All his caregivers wrote their sympathies.    They were always SO good with Dick and really enjoyed his humor.

I also got a card from Beth at the Sheboygan County Historical Research Center.   They are putting a rose bush in their garden dedicated to Dick.   I am so touched.

 Today, I joined my Bank Lady friends at the Dairy Queen.   There were five of us, Marlene, Betty, Barb, Ceil and me.   It was fun.   I ate a bacon cheeseburger which tasted great.  Had a lot of catching up to do.  

Then this evening, I drove out to Rhine Plymouth.   It was the first night of league.    I have decided not to shoot the winter league so that I can give my body a chance to heal, but will be going out some Fridays to visit.    Hopefully I will be not hurting when Spring league starts because I do like shooting.   I even bought ammo this week because I was close to Gander Mountain and thought I should stock up a bit.

So it was a good day.    Now the weekend and I will continue putting Christmas  away.    I am doing it slowly this year as I am going to sorting and give away things that I really don't have a strong attachment too.  

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I am tired tonight and I have good reason.   Dick would be proud of me.

I had a lovely gathering with three of my Celtic sisters at the Exchange Bank this morning.    How wonderful is the sisterhood of woman that can just BE for their sisters that are going through a rough time.  Rough time.  That is not quite a description of what happens when your best friend goes ahead to eternity, but you know what I mean.   I was glad that Janet, Joan, LuAnne and I met for this breakfast as I went on to take care of ALL the bank things that have to be settled  after Dick went on to heaven.

I took care of most of the Investment stuff and all of the banking stuff today.  I also have an appointment for the legal stuff and the SSI stuff.   Wow am I good or what. Again, Dick would be proud of me.    He always said that whatever I did he was proud of me.   Who will be proud of me now?

Roxie gets quite distressed when I am gone for too long.   I will try to reassure her.  After all, I should have at least 20 more years.   Much more than she will stay with me.

Bart called this afternoon.   How nice is that.   I need my kids and they are being really great.

How lucky am I.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Guess I forgot to post yesterday.    I am going to be a bit disorganized for a while, so be patient with me. 

Yesterday and today were at home days.  I am just doing things as I feel like it.   There is a lot of nervous energy here, but I am trying to hear my sweetheart telling me to rest.

Yesterday afternoon, my cousin Chris and her husband Ron dropped by for a short visit and Ron took all of the wine bottles and gallon jugs from the wine making.   Ron was so sweet, he made sure that I wouldn't be making wine any longer as he didn't want to take what I might need.    I was able to tell him that this was a hobby that Dick and I had enjoyed together.   The memories brings smiles and I still have some wine that we made left but I wouldn't want to be doing it without him.   We all agreed that it is really wonderful that Bobbie has taken over the "wine business" for the Kunert family.
They were SO impressed with her label.

All of the thank you notes are done.   I am still receiving some and am writing the notes as they come in.     So many loving people who remember Dick so fondly.

Today I worked on a quilting project for about an hour.   That was a pleasant hour.   I am going to finish the wall hanging of Mother's Crazy Quilt squares by next Monday.   My intention is to take one UFO at a time and finish it.    Then I can feel that I am back quilting again.

I will in the next few days roll in some writing and reading also.  I thing, schedule person that I am, I will try to schedule for these things that I want to do and see how it turns out.

Jeff stopped by on his way home from Mother's this evening with an acorn squash and some desserts from Kathy.   I am getting spoiled.   

Tomorrow I will go out for the first time really.   I will have breakfast at the Exchange Bank at 8AM with Janet and whoever else can come.   Then an appointment at the bank in Sheboygan at 10, a couple of quick errands in Sheboygan as I am there.   Then finally an appointment with a personal banker at 12:30PM in Plymouth.   

Time to get back into the world

Dia Dhuit

Mary
  

I can't believe that it is New Years Eve already.     The end of 2012 is down to the last  5 hours.   There is something about the beginning of a new year that provides the feeling of new beginning.  Perhaps this is my gift.    Starting new at the beginning a a new year.   Wow.    Dick would be so proud of me.

Had the nicest call from Jim and Michelle yesterday.   We were able to review the funeral.   They knew most but it was good to share with them.  Bart and Barb have the funeral folder and an obituary for him. Also his and Michelle's name tags.    So sad they did not come but the weather just got away from them.   Jim and I were talking about Zero - how he used to wait for me at the door when the guys got home first, no matter how long.    I have this vision of Dick crossing that Rainbow Bridge and having this swarm of critters run to greet him.  I can see Zero greeting him and then going back to the bridge and sitting to wait, all the time glancing back at Dick as if to say,  "OK.   where did you leave her?" 

Jim and Michelle have been having some difficulties too.    Hope that this New Year turns the tables for us all.

I drove to Sheboygan Falls to see Mother today.   I brought her lunch.   We had Barb's Goulash with mashed potatoes and an apple salad with a pumpkin cupcake for dessert.    Got all the bills paid and the pills in the box.   We had a really good visit.   We now share the missing of our guys.   I am grateful for her courage and hope I can be as brave.

I got home in time to take a nap before it was time for Mass.   A lovely Mass.  I sat with my friend Ceil.    She is one of the bank ladies.    I will start meeting for lunch with them at the Dairy Queen on Fridays again.

Tomorrow I get to be home all day.   My cousin Chris and her husband Ron are stopping by sometime during the day.  It will be good to have a visitor.   Ron makes wine and will be taking some of the leftover wind jugs and bottles.   Then the rest will go in the trash because Bobbie already took all she wants.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL

Dia Dhuit


Mary


 "For last year's words belong to last year's language and next year's words await another voice."
  T. S. Eliot

What a sweet day.    I slept until about 8:30AM when Roxie started to think that perhaps I should be getting up.

We were lazy.    I didn't even shower!!!.    I had breakfast and then spent the day going from one easy project to another.    I wrote some of the thank you notes.  I cleaned out one of Dick's desk drawers.  I cleaned the kitchen after I had lunch.    I had steak, potatoes, carrots and broccoli salad for lunch.

I took a nice nap this afternoon and had phone calls from Jim and Michelle, Nora, Eileen and Jeff today.   AND Bart and Barb checked in at 4:30PM, they were between Tulsa and Oklahoma City.   Then they called back at 7:30PM, passing Ft. Sill on their way home.   All they had to do was pick up some milk and then home to their critters.

Now I can relax,knowing that all of my children are safely home.

My friend Janet called and we are going to meet on Thursday at the Exchange Bank for coffee in the morning.    Won't that be a nice way to start facing the world again.

Love you all and I still feel all your love.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Another day to what is now.    I think I am doing well.   I am taking each day and living it.    Thursday night we said good by to Leslie and Bill as they headed back to Bossier City.   I expect to get a call when they arrive safely home.    (Remember that, Leslie.)

Friday morning, we said goodbye to Richard and Brenda.  They HAVE made it safely home to Madison.   With the ice they were talking about that was a big relief.

This morning I said goodbye to Bart and Barb who are on their way back home to Lawton OK.  They called this evening and are making good time.  They were getting ready to stop for the night.

I saw Nora and Leif yesterday.   Twice as it turned out.   They came here to be with us a bit so that we could be together before they went back to Texas.   Then I found them at Mother's when I stopped by there for a couple of minutes.  After that I stopped at Blessed Trinity for a minute.

A friend of mine lost her husband lost her husband on Christmas and I felt that I needed to go to the church to give her a hug.    We have been Bible Study/Prayer partners for years and to lose our loves so close together at this season was to say the least hard.   We need to pray and hug each other through the next few months.

Today was pretty quiet.   Bart and Barb and I slept until between 8 and 9 AM.   Then they loaded the car and got organized for the long trip home.    They left at about 10AM.  I spent the rest of the day putting things away and getting ready for the rest of my life.  I took a lovely nap this afternoon and went to Mass at 4PM.   Now I am home and can stay here until Monday noon or thereabout and just BE.  

Feel free to call if you want.   I just don't want to leave the house and Roxie and I are looking forward to the quiet.

Bart and Barb took me to Chissy's for fish fry last night.   That was a nice comfort meal for Bart and I I.   Dick was a fish fry lover and for the first several years of our married life we went for fish fry very often and Bart loved that.    He was a good Dad to Bart.    And Bart loves him.   

That I did right.

I just got the nicest cuddle from Roxie.    She is still confused and now will probably be wondering where the "new people" ( Bart and Barb) went.   Well.   We STILL have each other and that will not change.

So. The beginning of the beginning.   I am trying to hold the big things off until January 1st because as my sweetheart would have said.   It is a tidy time to start.

Dia Dhuit  I love you

Mary

I'm still here.

Yesterday was so long.  But I was surrounded by people who love Dick and who love me.    I cannot express the comfort and support I felt during that whole day.

The gathering before the service was as I hoped, full of stories, and sharing and hugs.    Good for all of us.   Then Fr. Dan presented a lovely service for Dick to bless him and send him to heaven.   It was so special.   Finally, the Army soldiers came.   They did a 21 gun salute and played taps and opened and refolded the flag and presented it to me.    I was so touched and will treasure that flag forever.   I will get a triangle frame for it and it will stay next to his urn with me. 

We all went to The Twisted Root for lunch.   I wasn't sure where to take everybody since the Villager has sold so called Randy and Donna and Donna suggested there.   It was perfect.   The food was so good and we were able to visit more in that lovely dining room overlooking the Sheboygan River.   There were even deer walking through the trees across the river and ducks swimming.

Dick would have LOVED it.

Then we picked up the urn, the flag and the flowers and documents from Wenig and all the Kunerts and Johnstons gathered at the condo.   We just shared.   Richard and Brenda passed out their presents.  Roxie got one this year.   They gave her a packet of catnip and she really put on a show for us.

Dick would have loved that too.  We laughed and laughed at her.

Everybody helped bring up our queen sized bed and took the twin down to the basement.

I slept much better in OUR bed.   

We said our goodbyes to Leslie and Bill last night as they left early this morning.    They are in Arkansas already.   They called this evening.

Richard and Brenda came by for breakfast this morning before heading home.  They called when they safely arrived at home.    I was so glad as they were talking ice in Madison.

Bart and Barb are planning on leaving in the morning, weather permitting.   So our family is going home.   I will miss them.   But it is time for them to be in their homes and for me to begin this chapter of my life.

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers.   I will be OK.   I have been very blessed.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Only one more day until we gather to celebrate my Sweetheart's life.     It has been so great having Bart and Barb and Leslie and Bill here.

I did a few errands today and I gathered up and put things away so that I could feel comfortable with more guests tomorrow.

Barbara made Goulash for our supper tonight.   Bill and Leslie were here too.   It is delicious and she has left several meals of the goulash and the taco soup for me to be able to eat when they are gone.   I feel very loved.

So, tomorrow is the day.   I will bring Dick home again.   He is staying with me until I die, you know.   Then he will be buried with me.

Thank you all for the prayers and good thoughts.   I can feel it.

Dia Dhuit


Mary

Merry Christmas.     May you be be blessed on this special day.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I will be more consistent eventually.   At this time, I will post when I think of it.

It was a nice day,   I slept late, until shortly after 8PM.

Barbara and I went to Woodlake to do a bit of grocery shopping this morning,then came back to pick up Bart so the three of us could to to visit Mother.   She looked just beautiful in her Christmasy outfit and with her hair just done on Saturday.   We had a nice visit - not too long but she was so glad to see the two of them.

Home again,  Bart went to take a nap.    The doorbell rang and it was Leslie and Bill.   Yea.   They make better time than I thought they would.   They look wonderful.   I went to Mass at 4PM.   It was a lovely Mass.  The Folk Choir sang.   I was a Eucharistic Minister which really makes me feel close to God.    I had a lot to ask him for today so that made it especially important.  

My being gone gave Barb and Bill and Leslie a chance to get to know each other.    Barb made Taco Soup for our supper that was  SOOO good.  She made a big batch so I ell have some for meals after she leaves.  I feel so treasured.

The five of us had supper and a super visit tonight.    Tomorrow is Christmas and Bobbie and Bill will be here for dinner and the day.  

I wonder if I will ever be really rested.   Early to bed tonight again.

Love you all

Dia Dhuit

Mary

It has been three days now.    I still can't quite believe that Dick has really gone on ahead.   I have not been alone for such a long time, and I loved being with Dick.    We were a good team.

I baked today.  I always do a lot of cooking when I am under stress or troubled.    I remember one day Jim jokingly telling his Dad that they ought to think of a way to make me nervous so that I would bake some good stuff.  At least I think he was joking.

I have been going through the meds and all the equipment that we needed for Dick and am going to try to find homes for most of it.   

I went to Mass this afternoon.   That was good.    I always get comfort and strength from the Mass and from the sacrament.   Today was no exception.

Bart and Barb are going to be here tonight.   I will tell you about their arrival tomorrow as I will be up later than usual tonight and you know what a lazy bones I am.

So until tomorrow, I just wanted you to know that I am OKAY and will be OKAY.   Just takes a bit of time and believing.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Two days.    I still feel rather lost but I was very glad to be home all day today.   If I HAD wanted to go our, the snow would have prevented it.    So it is a good thing I wanted to be home.  

Lots of calls from so many friends and family that I did not have a chance to feel really alone at all.

I kept myself occupied today just going through the house to gather all the things that remind me of Dick's illnesses.    I want them out of here so that only the loving things that we shared are here to make me smile.    We had so many happy times and I am grateful that even in his bad times, he still could make me laugh.    After 26 years that is really quite an accomplishment.   I smile just thinking of this.

Tomorrow, more of the same, but I will have Jody cleaning in the morning and a couple of people will be coming to take care of a couple of things.    I will at some time to go to the Pig for a few things that I will be needing.   Not much but there is always something.

I will be in bed tonight early.   I am slowly getting rested. now that I don't have to get up during the night.   

BUT - I would rather be getting up if I had my druthers.

Love and Dia Dhuit

Mary

I have spoken to most of my readers at some time today.  There may some of you, however, that do not know that my husband, Dick, passed away last night at Rocky Knoll.  

I was there.   I was asleep on a cot next to his bed when he also fell asleep and went on into forever.   He had been failing and when he contracted the pneumonia and a reoccurance of the UTI sent him into a spin that he never recovered from.   He had practically stopped eating and I was so afraid.   For good reason it seems.  His face was so peaceful.   No more distress, or pain or worry.   It was hard for me to kiss his sweet face for the very last time.    But I know that he is no longer in pain or confused or depressed.    He is still with me and always will be.

Thank all of my friends and family for all the prayers and love that have held us up these past years. 

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Quite a day.   I got up at 6AM so that I could be all ready for the day.  

I had a PT appointment at 8:15AM.   That went well, I guess.   I am not seeing much change in the pain yet.   I told Dara, I will have the strongest sore arm in town soon.

Then I stopped at Walgreens for a prescription and some toothpaste on my way to Bible Study.   It was a very nice study, our last until next year.   That always seems funny to say.   We started with our prayer and petitions first.   I was able to thank them all for all the prayers that have been showering heaven about Dick and me.  We then discussed the terrible tragedy in Connecticut.   Something like that always hits right in the heart.   It is hard to understand and we know there are never answers.   I am so impressed with the heroes of that day and feel that heaven really got a dose of beauty and innocence, all in one morning.  All those beautiful children.   Poor Moms and Dads.

Then I hurried home and gathered my food for the Cream City Writers Christmas lunch.   Beverly invited us to her home, we did pot luck.   It was SO good and so good to be with my friends.  It has been at least three months since I could go to the meetings.    Too much time away from Dick.   I had arranged for care during all of my club's parties.   Now that he is at Rocky Knoll, I was able to go to this one anyway.   Last week, when he was in the hospital, I skipped two of them.  I read my Christmas poem and the poem about the Trees that I wrote when they destroyed them in back of the condo to make way for the railroad.    I got a sweet candy dish full of candy for my gift.

Next, I dropped Kate at home and then drove out to Rocky Knoll.   Dick is extremely tired and somewhat confused.   I know that lot of it is due to the infection in his body but just wish he would start eating and that thick water is going to be a real problem if he has to continue with it.   He keeps telling me to bring ice and has "suggested" seriously that it is my fault that he is getting the thick water.  I stayed until he had dinner, such as it was, and then came home.   He is still only eating a few bites of things.   He did drink all of his tomato juice tonight.

So that was the day.   I am calling Dr. Sharon in the morning and plan on being at Rocky Knoll at about 9AM.   Hopefully in time for therapy. 

So keep on praying.   As I said, I am about out of strength myself and I know that it is all the prayers that are keeping me going and will bring the answers we need to make Dick well.

Time for bed now.    Just think, in one more week it will be Christmas Eve.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Sorry I didn't post last night.    I was just so exhausted and trying to get things done around the house.

Spent the morning at Rocky Knoll with Dick.    He still has no appetite to speak of and is so very tired.  And he wants ice water.    I have convinced the nurses to top the thick water with a couple of cubes of ice which keeps it cold and provided the feel of ice on his lips.  Bobbie brought him soda today and they thickened that.  She said he liked the Sierra Mist.

He just tells me he wants to go home.  I told him that we have to see what the doctors say first.    I had hoped he could be home for Christmas, but I am not seeing any improvement in his strength and I can't take care of him as weak as he is.

My friend, Joan Kramer,came over to the house today and gave me a reflexology treatment.   I am feeling much more relaxed and hope that this will help me get a really great sleep and that I will wake up rested.

A busy day tomorrow.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Well, it was quite a full day again.

I got up early as I had a 7AM appointment for therapy with Jaren at Aurora.  He really put me through my paces.   I had no idea there were so many muscles and ligaments in an arm to be strengthened.  I got home in about 45 minutes in time to greet Jody when she came to clean this morning.

So, I folded Christmas cards and washed until she left and then I loaded up Dick's motorized chair into the back of the van and took off for Rocky Knoll.   I got to drive the chair of course because it is easier than trying to steer it from the side.   It is kind of fun.   My feet don't reach the footrest though.   I was a bit later than I told Dick I would be there and he was a bit anxious.   Poor guy.

He was so very sleepy today and is still not eating.  I got him to eat exactly four bites of his dinner.   He has to drink nectar consistency liquids and is not happy about that because he wants ICE WATER.   I asked about tomato juice.  That is a thick liquid, I found out so I asked that he get a glass of that each morning and the speech therapist (swallow specialist) is prescribing an Ensure type of supplement.   He has to get vitamins and minerals and nutrients into himself.   '

He also had his PT evaluation today so will start therapy tomorrow.  

I came home at about 4PM and have been really busy around here.  Roxie is delighted that I am home and was glad to see Jody this morning.   She has been feeling out of sorts I can tell with Dick gone and most of her admirers not coming to visit her.

I can't believe that it is so close to Christmas.    I would like Dick to be home before then but I am really concerned about his weakness.  Hopefully the antibiotics will wipe out the pneumonia and ITU on this round.   That would be a huge step to his recovering.  Then, he has to start eating again.  

Guess that is all for tonight.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A friend sent me the following quote:   "God sends His angels to watch over those who sleep
But He Himself watches over those who lie awake in suffering."

He is with my sweetheart.

It has been a really long day.   

I took my Christmas Card plan over to Sun Graphics an left it to be copied while I went to Sheboygan Memorial to be with Dick.  He was So tired today.   The doctor decided that he was ready to leave the hospital.   They,  however, did not recommend that I bring him home.   They felt that he was too weak for me to take care of him, he still needs 24/7 care and lots of PT an OT to regain his strength.

I am very distressed by this, but after talking to Bobbie too, who agreed with them, decided, with Dick to let him go to Rocky Knoll for a few days of rehab.   We are hoping that it will just be a few days.   Time to be sure that the pneumonia is gone, that his UTI is cured and that he has enough PT to regain his strength.

So, they picked him up at about 4:30PM and transferred him.   I picked up the cards, went home and ate and fed Roxie and then went over with clothes and his gloves.  He is in a different section this time and there are no phones in the room.    He also did not have a TV, but Joe, one of the maintenance men found one for him.   He did not have side rails on the bed  which Joe managed to get installed.

I left at about 7:30PM and am planning on hitting the bed as soon as I finish this.   I have to be up at 6AM and off to my therapy at 7AM tomorrow.

Bless you

Dia Dhuit

Mary

James Wright said "Poetry can keep life itself alive. You can endure almost anything as long as you can sing about it."

Short tonight as there is not much to report.   Dick is much better today.   Still very weak, Still coughing, Still suffering from the UTI but there is improvement.

He is getting used to "thick" liquids, even iced tea so we won't have too much of a struggle there.   I will have to be cooking softer foods for a while, but he likes casseroles and ground meat dishes so we will manage.   We ate lunch together today and will again tomorrow.    There is a slim chance he could come home tomorrow but I frankly don't see it happening.  There are too many things unstable and I would be afraid to be caring for him.    I will not be alone though, as VNA will be here to help me along with Embrace Care.  

It was very cold today, but sunny.   It is supposed to warm up a bit during the week.  Wouldn't hurt at least when I bring Dick home.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I spent most of the day with Dick at Sheboygan Memorial.   I left the house at about 7:30AM.  Stopped to drop some things off at Mom's and payed her bills for her.

Then I went directly to the hospital.   He is doing much better today.   They have determined for sure that he has an aspiration pneumonia and a UTI again.  He is a sick guy.    We will decide day to day how he is doing.     We have found out that he will be on a special "diet" of thick water and food that is kind of ground up or easily swallowed.  That diet is called and EZ swallow diet.

I am very tired. I am just going to go to bed VERY early.  So I will be ready for tomorrow which will come soon enough.

Bless you all and keep praying for Dick.    Each day should be an improvement.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Hello.    It has been quite a weekend.  

Yesterday started off OK.   Dick was weak and having trouble with his coughing, but had no fever so I decided to to to the Condo Association meeting and see what happened from there.   I stopped at home to pick up things for the Celtic Christmas Tea that afternoon.   

Dick was a bit unsettled but he and Heather, the caregiver, agreed that I should go as she is able to do the things that he needs and he was in very good hands.   Also, I had my phone and was 10 minutes away.

The Tea went very well.   Jeff Ward, from Racine, our music was just wonderful.   He is a super balladeer and sang two requests for me.  I got to visit with lots of wonderful people, eat super treats and drink tea to my heart's content.    A lovely gathering.   We had almost 60 people there.   A good showing.

Then Kate and I drove up the hill, followed by LuAnn to go to Mass.    Just before Mass started, my phone rang.  It was Mary from Embrace Care.    Dick was running a fever and slumped sideways in his wheelchair, he was unable to sit up straight without support.   I got home as soon as I could and it was apparant that he needed to get to the hospital so we called Plymouth Ambulance Service.   They are so good, and had him to the hospital in short order.

It has been determined that he has pneumonia and his UTI has returned.  Needless to say, he was admitted and is still there.    We had a wet snow falling all day, so I stayed home and just keep calling every so many hours as it seems foolish to take a chance on an accident in the slush.   I have been taking the time to rest and get myself back on path.    The past week has been hard.

I have cancelled all my plans for tomorrow so that we can concentrate on making sure that all is OK with Dick and that he is on the road to recovery and how long he should stay and so on.   Doctors will be more available then too.

I have done a lot of resting today and made sure that everyone is up to date on all that is happening.   Another good night's sleep and I will be ready to tackle anything again.

Pray for us please.

Dia Dhuit

Mary