Why are Mondays so wild?     It was nice though.   But COLD!!   The wind just roared all night and was still not settled down for most of the day.   That made it feel even colder.

I went to Bible Study at 9:30AM.  We seemed very disjointed today but talking about Peter helping the lame man to walk set off a lot of discussion.   We did find out by reading an Old Testament reference from a previous chapter that we looked up "by accident" turned out to be the Shema, a traditional prayer of Jewish life Deut 6:4-9 which is just what Jesus preached.   Of course, he was a Jew.   It starts off as "Listen, Israel! The Lord our God is the only true God."  It goes on to tell us how to be right in this world by following God's laws.

Went to Mom's next.    Mom seemed really tired today.    I am concerned for her.  She looked just beautiful though.   Her hair, freshly permed last Saturday, was coiffed perfectly and shining silver.   When I told her how good she looked, she perked up a bit.

Then I went to the Exchange Bank to have lunch with my friend Peggy before we walked over to BookHeads for our Cream City Writers meeting.   We have a couple of new members, Pattie Mc Kensie and Craig, I forgot his last name but he is a friend of Jena's.   He is a pleasure and sharing assignments from a class he is taking and his own experiments.  

Got home at about 2PM.   I rested for a while.   The got a couple of phone calls, One from my friend Paul Hanson and one from Nancy Roehre.

I have been working on the CWI newsletter.   Want to get it out tomorrow after I review what I wrote.

So.   Dancing with the stars is half over.   I am going to watch the rest of it in bed.

Roxie is getting used to the new arrangement.    I think I have made things pretty kitty friendly for her.   Tomorrow she will have to put up with carpet cleaners and the moving of furniture in the living room.   I suppose she wonders if this agony will ever end.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A beginning of another week.

It has been a lovely beginning.    

Wenig Funeral home, who took care of Dick's funeral for me conduct a memorial service about this time of the year.    I received an invitation of course and was delighted to go as I have been feeling a bit down as the weather glooms up and the holidays approach. 

It was at the Gibbsville Reformed Church - which is lovely, I had never been there before.   The service was so comforting and ended with names birth and death dates and pictures of all those who Wenig helped inter since last year.   The Blessed Trinity Bereavement committee helps John with this event so it is ecumenical which makes it even more special.  

I cried.   But that is OK.   They gave ideas on how to face the upcoming holidays which I will ponder.  Some are very good and we will all benefit from them as we miss our guy so much.

I even got an angel ornament to display this year and for years to come.  

So it has been a hard day but one of those days where one feels lot of support and camaraderie.  I am truly blessed.    I was even reminded of my Tony and am so glad that I went to his resting place this year.   It was long needed and Bret told me how much it meant to him.   He has even gone back.    I wonder what Tony would have become.   He will always be my sweet little baby.

Enough.   Tomorrow will be a good day as I will see Mother and will go to the Cream City Writers.   I am also having lunch with my friend Peggy, whose husband was across the hall from Dick at Plymouth Care and passed away three years ago.   She is a fellow poet and very expressive.

Roxie is slowly accepting the new office.    I figure after the livingroom is cleaned and the furniture finally where it should be she will be just fine.    I am thinking of putting a chair in the bedroom for her to have a place to retreat to.  Though, of course, if I am in the office, she can be alone in the living room.   AHA.

Dia dhuit

Mary

"In my many years I have come to a conclusion that one useless man is a shame, two is a law firm and three of more is a congress."   John Adams

This is going to be short. 

This afternoon, the Celtic Women had our book discussion meeting on a book we read called Norah by Cynthia Neale.   We got off into the firtst two books chat Cynthia wrote, which were really pre Norah.  The one we read does stand alone but the first two, which were actually written for young people, do tell Norah's story.

We are going to start the Country Doctor Series by Patrick Taylor.    On the line of the James Herriot books, they take place in Ireland and are totally charming.   When I was making sure that I had the first one, I found out that I am two behind.   

Then I went to Mass where I was Eucharistic Minister, subbing for a friend.

Home, I fed Miss Roxie and then trove to the Bull where the Gathering Place was having a big event.   I stayed for two hours, long enough for me.  You know my bedtime.  Good music, good food, good company and lots of fun things to bid on for silent auction.    Good wine too.

But I am tired and glad to be safe at home with my kitty.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Just a note

I just am checking in to let you know that I am still around.    It was a lovely day in the 50s.   I went out for lunch and then over to Rocky Knoll to visit my neighbor and friend Jan Wilkerson.   She had back surgery.

This evening Alison and I were invited to our neighbors Pat and Roger's home for Heavy hors d'oeuevres and wine.   Mainly because Pat wanted us to test the Irish Cream Cheesecake that she is going to make for an Irish Christmas event at the Plymouth Arts Center. 

All was delicious we gave our approval.

Now it is bedtime for this lady.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Another Full Day

I went to Generations again this morning to exercise.   I put my right hand in my pocket so I couldn't use it and everything went just fine.

After exercising, I came home and continued putting things from the tables and chairs back into the desk and wherever I can find new homes for them.   Roxie feels lost but relaxed a bit when I put her icewater on the desk.   I left for Mom's at about 11:30AM to meet Jeff and finish up a couple to papers that needed signatures.   As I was having lunch with Felicia and Joan at 12:30PM at the Atrium Tea House in the Richardson Furniture Store, it seemed like a good time to connect with the two of them.  Jeff brought me another spaghetti squash and an acorn squash.    Nummy.

The lunch at the Atrium was good and the company was better.   We were discussing the book discussion meeting this Saturday at 1st Congregational.   I am bringing several books for suggested reading and we are also thinking of an Irish film gathering sometimes.    I was shocked to find that these women have never seen The Quiet Man.    This needs to be rectified.

At about 4PM I went to the funeral home.   Pat O'Reilly died on Sunday.   His voice and unending joy will be ever missed in the Irish community and beyond.  His dear wife Joan passed in April.   I think he must have been so very lonely.

Then I came home and ate before going to St. Thomas Aquinas in Elkhart Lake for the last talk by Rich Kearns on The New Evangelism.   My neighbor Jean rode with me.   I am glad that I have been able to hear two of the three talks that he gave.   I was in Louisiana when he gave the first one.
Super speaker.    Gave a lot of direction.  Made us all realize how much Jesus loves us all.

So After 9PM again.   This lady needs to go to bed.

Until tomorrow.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Oops

I have been going all day long.    I had an appointment with Dr. Leben today.    On my way there, I stopped at Bobbie's and dropped off a container of Gumbo for them to try.

Dr. Leben gave me new shots in my neck and shoulder and arm We will see how that goes.  Right now it hurts worse than before.

I then drove to Howards Grove, the Log Cabin, for lunch withe the Class of 58.  I had a fresh Chicken, apple, walnut salad with raspberry vinaigrette.   It was scrumptious.   One of our classmates, Tom Thuene, told me that I look just like he remembers my Mother looking 50 years ago.   Quite a nice complement, I would say.

Home again, I emptied my desk.   Two young men from the wrestling team at the High School came over to move furniture for me.    They were Isaac and Eric.   They moved the chairs out of the "office", took the exercise bike downstairs, took the extra desk out into the garage and moved the other two desks into the office for me.  I am so very proud of myself.    I have the computer all hooked up and working.    HOWEVER.  I seem to have disconnected my phone and I cannot figure it out.    If you need to call me use my cell.   920-912=5345, in case you don't know it.  

I also had to go to Mead Library, via Sy Regan's home , for the Poetry Circle.   We had a nice big group of people.   18 or 19.    Lots of good reads.

And so it is almost ten and I can't stay up any longer.   Tomorrow will be soon enough for this problem and I need to call Ed for carpet cleaning too.    Til tomorrow

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Cold, but the sun was shining some

I woke up and it was in the teens outside.   Roxie tried to convince me to open the deck door so that she could look out.     She was disappointed today.

I went to the Generations here in Plymouth for the walking exercise class with my neighbor Pat Cook.   It was fun.   Lasts about 45 minutes.    I kept up with most of it even with my out of shape muscles and I really don't hurt EXCEPT for my right arm. That has been starting to hurt again, and this did not help.    I see Dr. Leben tomorrow morning and she can tell me if I should be doing it.  Perhaps if I strap my right arm to my body so it can't move?

When I got home I went right out to do my grocery shopping and get the lottery ticket.   Lots of cleaning stuff was on sale, so I stocked up.   Also baking things which I will be needing sooner than soon with the holidays coming.

Then I started priming the areas on the walls that Gary Anderson repaired for me.    I will do a bit each day until it is done.    I also called the high school.    Pat Cook told me that the wrestling team members will move furniture around for extra cash for their equipment etc.  The woman in charge, named Barb will call me when she can set it up.  I want to have the living room a living room for Thanksgiving.    If they can get things moved, I can get Schroeder in to clean the carpets next week.

I am also cooking my sugar pumpkins today.   Tomorrow I will roast the seeds and plan on making pumpkin seed brittle with some of it.

So needless to say, I am wearing out pretty quickly tonight.  Tomorrow is pretty busy too but part of it is lunch with my high school classmates.   I am looking forward to that.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Oh No Snow

Yep. It's true.   We had snow today and it actually covered the grass.      Oh well, it is November.

I was on the go from 9AM until I finally got home at 4PM.

My first stop was Blessed Trinity and Bible Study.   I love studying Acts.   The early Christians did cool things.   We are early and Peter just got a lame begger to walk by using Jesus name.   The guy was jumping all over the place.  Sounds so totally natural a reaction if a person just got cured.
We met in the school building as the school is not closed and they are trying to find used for it.

After the study, I went to tell Mother that I would be back at  3PM to pay the bills.   You will understand why when I finish this saga. I went back over to church to pay my respects to Bruce Berlowski, a friend, who died last week.  I wanted to give my condolences to Rose and family.

Then to the Chinese Restaurant near Festival Foods in Sheboygan and lunch with Paul and Carol from the Sheboygan County Writers Club.     We had a nice visit.   Then on to Writers Club.   I read a haiku that I had written for the day and listened to some really super writings from the others.

Then back to Mom's.   She was really tired.  We did however get her bills all paid and I left her settled comfortably in her chair.

So Home by 4PM so that I could give Roxie her Canapes and reassure her that I really amaround.

I finished the daily drudge around here and it is after 8PM already.

I have just about decided that after Christmas, I will go down to Lawton and spend the rest of the holidays with Bart and Barb.  Bart kind of hinted that he would like me for Christmas and I thought this would be the best of both worlds.

Til tomorrow then

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A whole day at home.   I did go over to visit with a neighbor this afternoon, but at least I was able to stay in the neighborhood.

I spent the day writing and I started taping things off for the priming that I have to do in the kitchen and hall.  I did some rearranging in the second bedroom.    I intend to have the carpets cleaned and the living room rearranged by Thanksgiving.

So That was it.   Nothing at all exciting.   Perhaps tomorrow which has turned out to be a real rat race will be more fun to report on.

My neighbor that I visited with gave me one of her paintings.   I am so thrilled.    All I need is another painting but as you know all of mine mean something.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

It was windy today

The wind was colder than the temperature today.   Is that the chill index?

I went on a cooking frenzy today.   Sometimes I just plain want to cook so - I made andouille and turkey gumbo.   I had a box from the New Orleans Cooking School.   The kit says to mix the package in the box with water then add cooked chicken and the andouille sausages.    I decided to add the Cajun trinity too and used my leftover turkey instead of chicken.   It is good.  

I also made blackberry scones and Scottish shortbread cookies. AND I have a loaf of no knead bread in the oven.   It did not rise like it really should have.   I think my yeast is just too old.   But it did rise so I will have a hearty bread.

I went to the 4PM mass so I can stay home tomorrow.   I am working on my Brigit chapter and she is difficult because there is so MUCH on her and the stories vary.   Too many legends.   To top it off the saint and the goddess stories are all mixed up.

So now it is time to settle in bed with a good book.


Here is something I found in a newspaper somewhere.

HOMEWORK
From a real teacher

Please do one of the following by Tuesday.

1. Master Kung Fu
2. Switch religions for a day.
3. Wear a fake mustache for 24 hours.
4. End world hunger.
5. Find your nemesis, earn their trust, then vanquish them (Preferably with magic.)
6.  In the shower, use conditioner first then shampoo just to see what would happen. (I'm curious)

Dia Dhuit

Mary

The end of a super day.

It was SO cold.   I did not realize how cold it was until I left the house with a comparatively light jacket and started walking around the Lakeland College Campus.   

Today was the first day of Karl Elder's Great Lakes Literary Festival at the campus.    It started at 11AM with two speakers, a poet Nick Lantz and a fiction writer, Allyson Goldon Loomis.  Then at two thirty each of the speakers held a workshop.    I went to lunch in Elkhart Lake with Beverly Shellhaass from the Cream City Writers and a few ladies from Karl's Poetry Circle at Mead.   Then most of us returned to participate in a workshop by one or the other speaker.

I went to Nick Lantz's workshop and found it quite helpful.

When I got home, I had received a call from my neighbor's, Bob and Peg.   This is Thursday and they invited me over for a glass of wine.    Evie, one of our other neighbors, came over too.   The even fed us.   Was a lovely hour.

Lastly, I drove over to church for the 2nd talk by Rich Curran about Catholicism, Creating Stronger Families.    A lot to absorb but the main thing I got out of it is that it is so very important to extend blessings and love to those we care about.    Not just thinking about it but actually expressing it.   So. to each and every one of you.   You are my greatest blessings from God and I pray that you will be safe and that you remain healthy and strong in body and spirit.  And I love you so much.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A good Wednesday

Eileen, Dolores, Nora, Me, Mother
For those that might not know.

Just looking at old pictures and found this one.   Can you believe how young we were?

Bobbie and Bill just left.   We had dinner and they changed the bulbs in my kitchen light.    They had been blinking for a week or so.   Yesterday the blinking stopped but when Bill took the cover off, two were burned out.

We had Venison and beer stew with salad, beer bread and pumpkin cupcakes.    That is such a good stew.    I remember when I couldn't make a stew to save my soul.     Dick and I bought the best stew meat and veggies.   I cooked it all up.   It looked beautiful but was totally tasteless.   It is the beer that saved me.

I do love feeding people.    This way, I could fix a stew.   Sent some home with them, could freeze some and still have a meal or two in the next week.

Bobbie brought me a jar of fresh lemon curd.    I must make some scones but it will taste good on the beer bread tomorrow morning.

So.  Time to get ready for bed.  Tomorrow will be busy.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Well, this has been a very busy Tuesday.

To start with, is is trash day, so I had to get the last of that gathered and out to the pick up place.

Then I filled out a couple of forms and cleared a whole slew of "questions" off of my desk before calling Norton because of two charges for service.   I have that all squared away now.

Then I went to the post office to pick up the Condo mail, the Kettle Country Quilt club's meeting to turn in my placemats that we are donating to the Plymouth Meals on Wheels, then to church to drop off raffle tickets.

On my way to the grocery store, I stopped at Kate's to leave two local newspapers that had her picture in them.   She invited me for a cup of tea.   Nice visit and she also gave me a container of fresh cream of veggie soup.   I had that for my supper.  It was SO good.

I did the grocery shopping next and for my last errand, went to the Kettle Moraine Vet Clinic to get Roxie's supplement.

Whew.   I am glad I get to stay home tomorrow.   Still, as always, lots to do and Bobbie and Bill are coming for supper.    I will be putting a Venison Beer stew into the crock pot in the morning.    I love that stew.

So until later

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Dinner with Bobbie Bill and John Mc Givern

Yesterday was so busy and rather disjointed.    I went over to St. John's to peruse the annual Craft Fair.   It was even bigger than last year.   There were lots of people there, I hope it turned out to be a profitable venture for St. John's and all the crafters.

I bought $5.00 in raffle tickets and made a bid on a basket in the Silent Auction.   I did get the silent auction bid.    All of you will probably EVENTUALLY enjoy the fruits of it.   I have there mini-Christmas Cake pans.   SO CUTE.

Then I went home, did a few things and went to Mass at 3:30PM, picking up the bid that I had won on the way.   Took my friends Tom and Rita communion, fed Roxie and then drove to Grace Episcopal church to have dinner with Bobbie and Bill at the Friends of Mead dinner.   Bernie Markevitch prepared the meal which is always a treat.   Then we were entertained by John McGovern talking to us about his growing up days.   He is a total hoot.

Home again, I was just too tired to do anything but go to bed.   I did remember to change the clock that I look at.   It has really big numbers.   I got it for Dick so that if he woke up he could see it well.  

Today was much quieter.   I started writing St. Brigit's chapter and moved St. Anne's chapter from the laptop to the desktop so they are all together.  I went to Tom and Rita's to view a show that they wanted to share with me.

Then home and I just did a couple things like wrap and sort for the day.   It is now 8PM which was 9PM last night so I am feeling the sleepy coming on me.  

Til tomorrow

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Rain

It was a gloomy rainy day again.   I felt better today though.  

I got up at about 7:15AM.   Jody came to clean at 8AM. 

I had an appointment to have the car serviced and winterized at Van Horn's at 10AM.  Everything went well there.   There were friendly people in the waiting room.   I decided to have lunch at the Dairy Queen with the bank ladies.    Hadn't been there for three weeks so had a lot to catch up on.    A cheese burger tasted good too.

I spent the afternoon writing on the Saints book.   Got a lot done.

I was just thinking about warming something up for dinner when my friend, Nancy called.   She was going to the bust up party at Rhine and wondered if I would like to come along.    I figured, why not.   Got to see a lot of friends.  I believe I am healed enough to shoot in the winter league which starts on January 4th.

   Tomorrow morning I can work on the book again in the morning..   Then will be going to church to look at the big craft show.   After Mass I am meeting Bobbie and Bill at Grace Episcopal Church for the Friends dinner.

Sunday should be an at home day.  I will be ready for that by then.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Thursday

I didn't like today.    It was gloomy and made me very funky feeling.

I did attend a meeting at Holiday Inn Express on the changes in the AARP Medicare supplement that Mother and I both have.    I know they send these massive books with volumes of writing but it is so much more useful to be able to have the highlights pointed out to you.

I got home at noon and took a nap after lunch.   See, a gloomy day and I was beat.    I am still beat.   Tomorrow I have to do something to perk myself up.   I will be taking the car in for maintenance.  Maybe that will help.

I am working on St. Anne tonight.   I am behind now.   I wanted to have the first draft of her chapter done BY November 1st.   But I can adapt.   I have extended the deadline to Sunday.

So until tomorrow, perhaps I will be perkier.

Dia Dhuit

Mary


"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page." St Augustine of Hippo

Home late - for me anyway.

Today was a day at home until tonight.    I got a lot done on the Saints book.    Tomorrow I will tackle another segment of the chapter on St. Anne.   She was supposed to be "easy" because there is not much documentation on her.   Sure!   It is terribly interesting though.   I want to finish her by Monday so that I can start on Brigid.    I have agreed to give a talk on Brigid on her feast day eve or the day for the Milwaukee branch.  Her feast day is February first so I want to have her done by the end of the year.   Once I have things in perspective, I can talk about her.   Unlike Anne, there are a lot of traditions connected with her.   Though Anne is revered in many cultures because of her status at the mother of Mary and the grandmother of Jesus.

Tonight I went over to 52 Stafford to enjoy the music at 7:00.  Next time I will go at 7:30 which is when the music officially starts.   Peg and Bob Feider joined me with some friends and Kath Schemrich and her husband David were there also and a friend from Wells, Sandy.  I always send out notice to the Celtic Women when I go.  But if nobody comes, I just have a glass or two of wine and enjoy the music.  They let me sing a song during the sets which makes me very happy as I think of my Dad and how he loved the Irish music and would have been right up there singing too.

This was a special night with all the friends there.

So now it is after 10PM and you know what an early to bed gal I am.

Until tomorrow.  I have an appointment in the morning and then want to work on St. Anne again.

Dia dhuit

Mary

Cold

It was COLD this morning.    Bed felt really good, but I got up at about 7:30AM so that I could be ready to leave for bible study.    I also stopped by the city drop off with a couple of bags of weeds and tomato plants that I had cleaned out of my gardens.   It was a busy place this morning. Guess lots of other people got busy this weekend.

We had a pretty full group at bible study.    Please keep praying for Helen's husband.   He is getting antibiotics four times a day but at least is out of intensive care and Helen said that the doctor told her that things are looking good.  We are still at the beginning of ACTS and discussed the part that tells of the very early days when everybody was pooling their resources and taking care of everybody from the pool with kindness and the love of Jesus.    As we discussed, even then it only worked for a while.   Eventually human nature seems to always goof up the very best of intentions.   Somebody feels that they are not getting their share, or that they are working and someone else is just sitting around or somebody wants to be in charge.   The glow of good intentions fades and somehow it just doesn't work.   We remember times in our life when all seemed perfectly balance, the love of God, family, work, whatever - Perfect - but we are always in a state of "living" and things change.  

One only needs to  remember that if you keep coming back to the good, it all works out.  Love is the most important thing.

Enough of my preaching.

Mom was fine.   We got her bills paid and discussed the Deeley family tree of Grandpa Mike's brother John.   She was able to clear up a bit but much the dates that I do have were before she and Dad were together.

Home again.   I finished clearing up from Samhain.   You see, a bag of things that I had brought to IBAM, came home with my friends, Dick and Joan.   So I had all of that to go through and put into their proper places.

Dancing with the Stars tonight.   I have missed so many, but tonight I can really be involved.   I have to really pay attention, or I miss the dances, then I feel I shouldn't vote.

I was going to sweep leaves off the deck this afternoon, but when I looked out, God sent to wind to do it for me.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Samhain Sunday

The sun was shining, it was chilly, but not windy.    By the time late afternoon came, it was in the mid 50s and quite nice.

I worked this morning on Condo stuff, and ancestry.   Then after lunch I prepared the colcannon for the Samhain Dinner with my CWI friends this evening.

We started gathering at about 4PM.   There ended up being an even dozen people around the table.   We enjoyed wine and/or coffee/or tea while we caught up with old friends and introduced ourselves to new.   The food, as in all potlucks, was exceptional.   Good harvest foods.   The colcannon, a veggie casserole full of fresh veggies, a harvest soup, a potato casserole, fresh wheat bread, scones and for dessert an apple bar, a pumpkin bar and a cheesecake.    Anybody who went home hungry had noone to blame but themselves.  This is a fun annual event.    I should have thought to invite you all.   I carved a rutabaga into a Jack O Lantern and them read the legend to the attendees.    I have a nice container of rutabaga for my veggie this week and the Jack O Lantern will last until then.  

In case you don't know the legend of the Jack O Lantern, I will end with it.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

The tale—and there are variations—is of a no-good drunkard named Stingy Jack who invited the Devil to have a drink.
Stingy Jack, not wanting to pay, convinced the Devil to turn himself into a coin so he could pay the barkeep.
The Devil did so, and Stingy Jack promptly dropped the coin into his pocket, where he also kept a silver cross, which prevented the Devil from retaking his original form.
In order to free himself, the Devil promised to leave Stingy Jack alone for a year and to swear he would not take Jack’s soul upon death.
A year later, Jack again tricked the Devil. This time, Jack convinced the Devil to climb a tree to fetch an apple. Jack trapped the Devil in the tree by carving a cross into its trunk.
The Devil promised to leave Jack alone for 10 years so Jack would free him from the tree.
Time passed and Jack died. Because of his ne’er-do-well lifestyle, though, Jack was turned away from Heaven. The Devil, remembering Jack’s tricks, kept his promise and wouldn’t claim his soul.
Banished to walk the world as a spirit trapped between life and death, Jack was given one burning coal to light his way. Forlorn, he placed the coal inside a hollowed out turnip and was left to wander for all eternity.
Stingy Jack soon became known as Jack of the Lantern. The name was eventually shortened to Jack O’Lantern, and the Irish and Scottish began the custom of carving scary faces into turnips or potatoes to decorate their doors and windows in order to ward off evil spirits.
The tradition made its way to the United States and soon pumpkins—larger and easier to carve—replaced potatoes and turnips as Halloween’s most notable decoration.

More from New Orleans

A Memorial in one of the St. Louis Cemeteries.

Street Musicians

The St. Louis Cathedral  I went to Mass on Saturday evening here.

More street musicians

It was pretty easy to feel comfortable in the French Quarter of New Orleans with all the music and food smells and friendly people.  

Today was a pleasant day.   The sun was out most of the day but it was cold and kind of breezy.   The wind was really really loud last night.  
I was home all morning working on some writing then at 1PM, I went over to Reed Street for the dedication of two houses by the Plymouth Historical status.   One was on Reed, then the second dedication was my friends, Ron and Kate Herman's lovely home.   There were articles in the Plymouth Review about it.    Kate, as usual had to be the perfect host, she is a wonder, and had cake and punch for the people who came to hear the dedication.   She had a beautiful cake made with the house pictured on it.    It was absolutely perfect and tasted wonderful.

After that I went to Mass.   Home again, I am here until tomorrow at 4PM when the annual CWI Samhain pot luck will be celebrated.   I have no idea how many people are coming.  Haven't heard from many but we will see.   I am making Colcannon at any rate and I LOVE that.

So. another day done.   My headaches are coming back.   I am not very happy about that.   Well, maybe it is just an adjustment thing.

Dia Dhuit

Mary 

Louisiana near New Orleans

Look at this beautiful old tree I loved whole avenues of them

Alligator on the Bayou Tour

The Bayou - A new beauty for me

"Gator Bait"  Think about it.

He greeted me with joy at the Aquarium


More tomorrow.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Gators, Leslie, Bill and me

Me holding Baby Alligator

Bill with Same Alligator.   The gator liked me best.

Leslie feeding goats at the Gators and More place.

I have decided to post a couple of pictures every day for a while of my trip south.

These were at the Gater and More place.   I should send the one of me sliplining over the gater pond.   Tomorrow.  The only way you will know it is me is because of the green pants.

Today I had to go and get the permanent filling put in my tooth.    It only took about a half an hour including the drive.   Everything was fine with the xray and Dr. Tim just had to dig out, smooth and fill.    He has a clingy kitty too.    His snores very loudly.   My Roxie has a very lady like snore.

My desk is finally down to a managable level again.   It is amazing how things pile up when there is noone EVEN HERE.   But they do.    I also am caught up on my wash and general cleaning.    Tomorrow I will also be home most of the day so can write and continue cleaning.

I sure wish I could find a home for Dick's desk.   I have to get this carpet cleaned and will have to do it twice if the desk is not gone and things are not rearranged.

Til Tomorrow
Dia Dhuit

Mary

Under the Oaks and a carved tree

 

 

I was home all day today.  It was so nice.    Tomorrow I have to go to the dentist.  I tried to sleep in this morning but the yard people started trimming bushes and trees very loudly at about 7:30, so that became impossible.

Nothing too exciting today.   My  desk is clearing.   I made some green tomato/bacon soup with the green tomatoes left on my plants, and some cranberry scones with fresh cranberries that my neighbor gave to me.  

After the dentist, I will catch up on the desk work so that I can get back to my book.   I was able to do some while I was at Leslie's but need to get busy if I want to stay on my schedule of one saint a month.

So til tomorrow.

I am going to send a couple of pictures of the trip.

Dia Dhuit

Mary




Robert Bridges wrote the lines:
My delight and thy delight
Walking, like two angels white,
In the gardens of the night:

My desire and thy desire
Twining to a tongue of fire
Leaping live, and laughing higher;
Thro' the everlasting strife
In the mystery of life.

I am home save and sound.   I arrived at the door at about midnight and it took a couple of hours before I was able to settle down enough to sleep.

I got up at about 7:30AM and spent my time at home today putting things away and starting the wash.   I went to see Mom at about 10:30AM.    Wanted to be there at abut that time because I could check her bills etc and keep her on her lunch schedule and let her get her after lunch nap.

She looks beautiful.   She seemed a bit tired and is so frustrated because of her sight problems. 
When I got home, I ate lunch myself then went to the grocery store.   I had to.   Roxie had just enough canned food for tonight.    Now I won't have to go anywhere until Thursday.   Yea.

Tomorrow I am going to upload my pictures to the computer and will start putting some of them on the Blog.   I had SUCH  a good time.    You know most of what I did with Leslie and Bill.   

I went on a city/cemetery tour and a bayou tour in New Orleans.   I attended a Cooking School and toured the Aquarium.   I went to Mass at the St. Louis Cathedral and I at at Emeril's restaurant Nola.

It was great.  But I am so glad to get home to my sweet Roxie.   Thank you, Bobbie and Bill for having her here for me.   She was glad to see me and we have been catching up on petting and such.

Til tomorrow.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Gators

This was such a cool day.    We went to the Gators and Friends park to see alligators and loads of other creatures.      Sheep, camels, goats, donkeys, llamas, ostrich, etc. etc.    We got to feed them and know them very well.   I also did my very first Zipline.   WOW.   I did a four section Zipline and next time will do ALL THEY HAVE AVAILABLE.   It was so very wonderful.   The two guys who were my guides were so cute and took such good care of this older woman.    I loved it.

Then we went to dinner at Les and Bill's favorite restaurant,  Ralph and Kacoo's.   We ate such Good Cajun dishes.   I ordered Bacon Wrapped Shrimp with Cajun Rice and Cajun potato.   We have enough for lunch tomorrow.   We decided that  we will just enjoy our time together tomorrow. and be.

I will be leaving for New Orleans in the afternoon.   The adventure continues.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A great day.

We have had a great day.    We lolled around most of the morning.   I made a batch of Cranberry Orange scones which we had for breakfast.

Shortly after noon,  the three of us drove over to the Red River Boardwalk.  We ate at Copeland's Cheesecake Restaurant.   I ate my first jambalaya  with a salad and garlic bread.   Then we wandered through the stores.   I found a new tea ball.   I had ruined my old one.

We got home shortly after 4PM.   Leslie fixed a great supper of pork. carrots and salads.  The for dessert, we shared a piece of pumpkin/pecan cheesecake that we brought home from Copeland's.

Tomorrow I will get to hold and alligator.

Dia Dhiuit

Mary

Hi

Already Tuesday of my week of adventure.  

Chicago IBAM was great.  I reconnected with so many people and met so many new friends.   My presentation in the Literary Corner went very well.  I had a reasonable sized crowd, you never know.   Perhaps, blessing bundles piqued some curiosity.    People liked the IDEA of them.    I have lots of the papers for presentation cones, so am going to make them for the Samhain dinner on the  28th.  If you want to come to the dinner, let me know.   We will have a harvest potluck.   Bring a dish and your ancestors.

I also had the opportunity to read three of my poems at an Open Mike.   Mary Pat Kelly was the moderator.   It was so cool.   I read SHE WAITS,  SUMMER EVENING MUSIC and THEY SOAR.   I will be contacted to become a part of an Irish Author's group.  I am just all atwitter.

Arrived safely in Shreveport with my welcoming committee there to meet me.   Bill, Leslie and I arrived at their lovely home and sat up until MIDNIGHT catching up.     

Yesterday we went antiquing.  I found the cutest little Celtic Tea service.   The teapot is probable less than an inch tall and you won't believe the cups and saucers.   I also found a broken teeny tiny manger set.   All of the figures are intact and so cute.   I will revamp it and add it to my collection.

Today we just went to lunch a a favorite deli and grocery shopped.   I love this vacation.   It is new things with different places but still a lot of "hanging out" .    So fun

Each evening we are connected to Colorado Springs and our Marcus, Nora and Ernie.    Marcus is turning into such a little BOY.   The baby has almost disappeared.    He is so smart and so cute.

That's it.   I am not guaranteeing when I will post again.   So don't worry if you do not hear for a day or two.

I love you all

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Chicago

A perfectly lovely drive to Chicago this afternoon with Richard and Joan Kramer and Felicia Reindl.

Bobbie picked Roxie and me up this morning and dropped me off at the Kramer's about 11:30AM.  Roxie was not thrilled as you probably figured out.   She will be fine in a day of so after she resettles in at the May's.   I know that she will get lots of love and sympathy anyway.

We arrived at just about the time that some of our other Celtic Women, Gail and her husband Tom, Rebecca and Rosemary.  So we got to our rooms and settled in, then at about 5PM we went down to the Harry Carey Restaurant for dinner. I had a super salmon dinner with spinach and artichokes.  

Now back in our room it is about 7:30 and I am deciding just what I should do.   Tomorrow will be a very full day.

So until then.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Two More days

Soon I will be on vacation.   I am looking forward to all of it.

Tomorrow I will take a short run over to Mother's house.    I will pack.   I will gather the last of the herbs that I need for my talk.

Today was goofy.   I had little energy.  But I have two of my tours in New Orleans scheduled.   Tomorrow I will finish the last of the plans.   I washed my clothes too.   So packing should be easy.

Tonight I picked up Sy Regan at about 5:45PM and we went to Mead for the Poet's Circle.   There were only 9 of us this time, including Karl.   Last month there were 18.   We had a great time and shared our poems.   Either a small group or a large group works.   They both have their special qualities.

That's all she wrote.   So.  Until tomorrow.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

After I got to bed last night, I realized that I had forgotten to post to the blog.    I decided not to get up.   So there.   Bed felt pretty good about then.

It was a usual busy Monday.   It is always hard for me to get up as my deepest and best sleep is always after Roxie pesters me to feed her at 6AM.  So, as usual, I went to Sheboygan Falls for Bible Study.  Mom needed a couple of things from the grocery store, so I stopped at Park and Shop to get them.    We had a lively Bible Study.    We are way at the beginning of Acts.   Peter and his buddies have just left the closed room after the Spirit came upon them and he is telling the crowd that they are not drunk.   It is only morning he says.    You see Peter never heard that it is 5Oclock somewhere.    Anyway, it is amazing and we talked a lot about that, how hyped up those people were and how fast the word of Jesus spread at that time.   Wow,  the base of 12 men started all that. 

I am so excited too.   Pope John XXIII will be canonized in April.   I thought that should have happened some time ago.

Next over to Mother's.   She is healing up very well.  Still bruised but it is fading and the wrist is healing too.  We got her bills all caught up.   I helped her pick out her evening TV.   The print and the format is too hard for her to tackle, so whoever is there during the day helps her sort it out.

The rest of the day I just kept working on the trip and what will happen as soon as I get home.    I now have transportation and lodging all confirmed and ready.   Tomorrow, I will book my tours in New Orleans as I have some idea of where everything is and how to space them out.

Today I went grocery shopping after I took the trash out.   After lunch, I had the followup for the "reconstruction" of my tooth in Sheboygan at 12:30PM.  So I spent about three hours with a cheek and jaw that felt numb and dumb. 

The Condo Board meeting was at 3PM at Alison's house.    We had a lot to discuss as the budget is coming up soon.   But I was home shortly after 5PM.  

Now I have had supper and am going to get ready for bed in about an hour.  Tomorrow I will be home until evening.    The Poetry Corner will be at Mead at 6:15PM.   I will be picking up Sy Regan and going to that.  

Until tomorrow then.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I decided to stay home today.   There was a poetry event that would have been interesting, but I decided that I needed to be quiet and still today instead.

I slept late, it was after 8:30AM when I finally dragged myself out of bed.  Of course, you know that Roxie became really insistent that I should be up taking care of her long before her breakfast time of 6AM.    She mews and poked me in the back and then came to my face and brushed my eyes with her paw (thank God she is declawed, no matter what they say).   She knows that if I open my eyes she's got me.

I am almost ready for my week + trip to Chicago, Bossier City and New Orleans starting next Friday.  
I will be able to get into Chicago, New Orleans and home without any problem.   There is the question of where I am staying. I had reservations.  Then my dear friend, Maureen's daughter Katie, did not feel that was safe, so she is finding something else which will be closer to the center where I want to be and be safe.    I am so grateful for friends.   I was able to get a complete refund on the reservations that I HAS made.    I will be going to the Aquarium, a cooking class, a city and cemetery tour, a swamp tour, mass at the Cathedral and whatever I can get in between.   This will be a big one off of my bucket list.

Today I also have things organized for the talk that I will be giving in the Literary Salon at IBAM.   I only have to gather the five herbs that will be available for the listeners to make their own Blessing Bundles.   Herbs and their meanings are such  wonderful ecological, ancient custom and ethnic history.

Anyway,   I am settling down for a long busy week.   I talked to Barb, Jacquie and Leslie today.   Left a message for Bret.  

I am looking forward to me escape and hope to gain a lot of knowledge of this world that the good Lord has given us.   Pray that Hurricane Karen is indeed settled down to a mere murmer.

Love you all

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Boy, did we ever have a storm come through Plymouth today.    It rained last night too.   BUT.   I had to go in to Sheboygan for some supplies for Mom around noon and when I got home decided to rest for a bit as I had been busy sewing and arranging things all morning.

I barely got down on the couch when thunder started off in the distance - then it started to rain, then the thunder kept coming closer and getting louder and the rain just tried to outdo the noise of the thunder.    Water was just pouring off the edges of the house despite the gutters.   Sure don't have to worry about watering.

It stopped before I left for church.    Actually there was a bit of mist but I didn't need my umbrella and decided that if it was raining when I came out, God must think I needed a bath.   And He must have felt that I was clean enough.

I brought communion to my Rita and Tom.   Rita can't swallow the host without too much danger of choking, so we broke a little sliver off of Tom's host and she could dissolve it on her tongue.   Jesus is in any piece of it.   I also brought my River Jordon water to bless them with.   

We are starting an Evangelization  movement in the Catholic Church.   About time.   

Tomorrow, I could go to an event in Sheboygan but I think I will just stay home as I still have a lot to do before Friday and want everything just right.

I am going to close this and actually prepare myself a little dessert of Irish Cream and Decaf coffee.
It just sounds good on a gloomy night.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

  Remember... Four boxes keep us free: the soap box, the ballot box, the jury box, and the cartridge box.
  
THIS SHOULD GO AROUND THE UNITED STATES SO PEOPLE CAN SEE JUST WHAT IS GOING ON. MAYBE EVEN THE POLITICALLY BLIND ONES WILL LEARN SOMETHING FROM IT.

"Any man who thinks he can be happy and prosperous
by letting the American Government
take care of him;
better take a closer look at the American Indian."
Henry Ford

Friday

Today was a delightful day.    I woke up to rain.   Perhaps that is why it was to hard for me TO get up.  I finally staggered out of bed at about 7AM.  I showered and got all ready for the day before Jody arrived to clean at 8AM. 

She came just as the sky opened.   She made it in without getting too very wet.  By the time she left, however, that storm had passed.   At least my tomatoes got good and watered.  I have several on my plants,  one is actually getting ripe.   I will have to figure out what to do with green tomatoes before the frost comes.   I don't need any more jam.   I MUST try fried green tomatoes.

I am trying to prepare meals that will leave no fresh veggies and or fruits and no leftovers in the fridge.   I know a week seems like a long time, but I am only one person.   I think I will leave things in pretty good order.   If I get down to the end and have nothing left, I will go out to eat.   So there.

The Plymouth Arts Center had an opening of a show called Total Print.   A show featuring 24 Wisconsin printmakers.  They do their prints in so many beautiful media.   I was blown away.   I met several of the artists.   Wish I could add one to my collection but a bit over my mark and also WHERE WOULD I PUT IT.  I already have at least 8 pieces that I would love to find a place for.  I love going to the openings.   They are always well put on with so many wonderful artists.   They have a spread to nosh on, they have wine available.   I always find people that I know to talk to and I don't have to have somebody to go with.  Such a deal.   I met several of the artists.

 I also had a nice visit with my cousin Peter Ullrich.   We share grandmothers who were sisters.  His daughter is the keeper of their history and one day we will get together to share that.

So a good day.   I am truly blessed.

Dia Dhuit

Mary  

Thursday

Can't believe that it is October 3rd already.    One weed from tomorrow, I will be on my way to Chicago and beyond.  I feel like the Toy Story character Buzz Lightyear.   "To Infinity and Beyond!"

I am looking forward to the IBAM weekend and to traveling to see Les and Bill and then into even more new territory, New Orleans.   Wow.

Today was interesting.    I wrapped up the St. Ivo of Kermartin first draft chapter and pulled out St. Anne who I will be tackling next.    I picked her because this IS a busy month and I know that there is really not too much actual documentation historically for her so I will not be spending as much time with her.   Hope I find more that I think.   It always makes the chapter much more fun.

I met my friend, Paul Hanson, at the Bread and Bean for lunch.   He wants to combine with us next year to do a 24 hour reading of Ulysses on Bloomsday.   I know I probably won't get a lot of commitment from the Celtic Women, but I am sure that some of them would be willing to come to hear some of the day and would like having our name associated with it.  We had a good lunch and covered a lot of ground.   There is not too much we can do now until February or so as Paul is going to see if he can get College drama students and maybe even high school to participate in the readings.

I took a bit of a nap after I ran a couple of other errands as I had a slight headache again.   I am a concerned that they seem to be coming back, but it is not bad yet so I will ride it out for a while.

Then I decorated for Halloween.   I need to go and get a sugar pumpkin for the front porch.   It will look good until I cook it.   I am going to carve Jack O Lantern's out of rutabagas.   One for me and one for Mom -  in the Irish tradition.

So time to wind down for the evening.   I will be home all day tomorrow though I may go to the opening of the new exhibit at the Arts Center tomorrow night.    I get tired of being home all day and today I forgot to go to see if the Tall Grass People met.   Darn.

Oh  Well.  

Dia Dhuit

Mary

It is still summer.   Today was gorgeous and yet the early turning trees are dropping their leaves already.

I got my hair cut today.  Good thing.   Wait til you year this.   I was cutting a butternut squash to cook for my lunch when an accident happened.  I decided to use my butcher knife.  I lifted up and slammed it down on the squash, missing most of it and shaving off a bit of my thumb.  It bled like crazy but did not hurt too much.   I clamped it and though I had it stopped and covered but while I was getting my hair cut it started bleeding again.  Teri helped me bandage it properly.   I am going to leave it alone, covered with gloves when I get in water until it gets a chance to scab up.  

Teri is all excited about New Orleans and is figuring out if she can join me.  I have a room for two.   I am slowly but surely narrowing down what I want to do and timing everything.     There are MUSTS and hopefuls.   Perhaps there will be another trip, but with my bucket list as it is, that is a maybe.

I spent the afternoon finishing St. Erwan of Brittany.    I will be reviewing and editing each chapter after I am done with the 12.   Isn't it interesting that there were 12 Apostles, 12 Tribes of Israel and 12 patron saints of the Celtic Nations?

This gets more fun all the time.

Next is St. Anne.  She is also a patron saint of Brittany.

Tomorrow is again quiet except for lunch with a friend, Paul Hanson, who helped with Bloomsday and has great plans for next year.

So until tomorrow

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I am beginning to think that autumn has forgotten us.   Except for the trees turning, we have had a couple of cool nights though no frost, things have been lovely.  It was 78 on my car thermometer today.   Strange for October 1st.

I spent the morning washing clothes and starting to plan my days in New Orleans.    With just 2 1/2 days I want to see as much as possible.    My friend Maureen's daughter Katie lives in New Orleans and can get me tickets to the aquarium.   That would be such fun.    I will be doing a city tour, hopefully a s bayou tour and going to a cooking class.    I also want to go to Mass at the St. Louis Bascilica which was established in the 1700s.   Of course it has been changed since then but is an old old place anyway.     I am excited.   

I will be with Leslie and Bill from Sunday night to Friday.   Shreveport and Bossier City are new to me too.    It will be fun to be with them.   

This afternoon, I went to the Kettle Country Quilt Club.  We were working on the placemats for Meals on Wheels.   I told you that I made 6.   Two pair for the Meals on Wheels project and two for Mother. Their next project is not for me.   They are making wheelchair bags.   I made them once before and just didn't like the project at all.

Tomorrow is quiet except for my getting my hair cut shortly after lunch.   I have bangs down almost over my eyes, so it is definitely time.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Another beautiful day.   Not too hot, not to cold.   The trees seem to know that it is autumn, at least some of them as there is more color everytime I go out.

I went to Sheboygan Falls this morning for Bible study which was very interesting.    We are in Acts, just starting and marveling over this Spirit coming down on the apostles and this speaking to people and them understanding them in their own language.    That would sure be a handy gift.   Perhaps a lot of world problems would be solved if people understood each other.

Had a good visit with Mother.   But she was so very tired.   I found out that she had fallen this weekend and bruised up her face and cut her arm.   She pushed her button  and the emergency people reached Randy and Donna who came right over.   She didn't break anything so they covered her cuts and got her settled.     She said that she wasn't faint, she just fell.  I told her she must know how to fall because she has never broken anything though that one time she dislocated her shoulder.

I left there and went in to Sheboygan to take care of my home owners insurance.

Then home and was it nice to be home and to stay here.    Tomorrow,  I have a lot to do here and will go to the quilt club at 1PM.

So. time to wind the day up.

I am watching Dancing with the Stars.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

It worked out.   I was able to spend the whole day at home.   Am I lucky and Roxie is very pleased.   She permitted me to pet her tummy for a very long time this afternoon.

I stepped outside only once.   My neighbor is gone for a couple of days and I am collecting her papers and mail for her.   No mail today of course but there were the two Sunday papers.

I had fun.   I sewed, I baked, I wrote.   I transcribed some notes. and I just feel rested but more organized and ready for the week.

Time to wind this up and get things ready for tomorrow.   It will be a rather busy morning but I should be home by 2PM or so and be able to wrap up a couple of other loose ends.    The trip is coming up pretty fast.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Today was gorgeous and I was able to spend the afternoon enjoying it.  One of those days to keep in your heart to bring out on a cold stormy winter day.

I slept until 8:30AM.   It was not a bad night.   Yesterday was so exhausting I don't think my body could have stayed awake any longer.

So when I got up I ate breakfast did a bit of straightening out in the soon to be office and then left for Generations, down the street here in Plymouth, to enjoy the Sheboygan County Quilt Guild's annual quilt show.   It was totally special, as usual.   So very many quilts and quilt treasures.   Such talent in our community.   I ran into so many friends.   Several that I have not seen since I left the Guild. 

I left there to drive to Mead for the 100 Thousand Poets for Chance event.    I loved it.    First I went up the the third floor to be sure sure I didn't miss anything.   Good thing I did.   They had a little event which invited poets to pick books off the shelves to make a poem and stack them on the window sill on both sides of Dick's plaque.   You know me, I have to do everything.   I picked out four.   The titles formed the following.

Dark End of the Street
The Dangerous End of Things
Foolish Undertaking
When the Lion Feeds

The exciting stuff took place in front of the library.   There was reading and music off and on all morning, I understand.   I got to that area at 1PM.    Just in time to hear Wisconsin's  current Poet Laureate, Max Garland from Eau Claire speak and read his poems.    Very nice.   Now I have heard two of them.   

After he was done, we had over an hour of open mike readings and music.    It was super and I too read two of my poems.  

As soon as it was over, I headed back to Plymouth as I was the lector for the Saturday night mass and wanted to get there early so I was sure that I knew what to do.   It went well.   I was not quite sure when to put the book on the altar but it all worked out and I do enjoy being a part of the mass.

I am truly tired again but not a frantic tired like yesterday.   I feel content and ready to move to the next challenges.

Tomorrow I will be home ALL day and plan to hide if I have to.

Guess what,  I sent my passport renewal from and all in on September 13 and I HAVE IT ALREADY. 

Want to go outside of the U. S.   I can go now.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

This has been an endless day.  

I had a very bad night's sleep to begin with.   Then things started getting weird.

The morning was not too bad.  I have my homeowners/auto insurance decided for the next year.  Jody cleaned and I have cleaned the carpet in the 2nd bedroom which will soon be my office,  I did that so that I can have the desk and computer moved into it and the living room clear enough to have Schroeder's come to clean the rest of the carpets in the house.    I have found a home for the desk, but need to wait until it can be picked up.   I donated the stand lift to Rocky Knoll.   I have moved the wheelchair out into the garage so things are progressing albiet slowly.  At. least to me.

Then I got on the phone with Expedia.   I have ordered my hotel room through them and there was supposed to be a +1Expedia package that included a city/cemetery tour, food at a restaurant and discount on limo fees.  Somehow or other the person who I booked with did not include it.    I have gone through holy you know what for hours but finally have my voucher.  

I got disrupted in the middle of this by Jeff.  We have a new TV for Mother and a new carrier.   Jeff got a bundle from ATT which includes TV with Dish TV.   They installed it this afternoon and I had to go to Mom's to be there to explain it to her.   Sounds simple, right?    Not so.   The TV Jeff got does not want to communicate with the dish the way it should so at this point Mom still has two remotes.    She can do everything and has all the promised channels but two remotes.

Mom is not a happy camper.   She loves the sharpness of the TV BUT she still has two controllers and all but the main channels have DIFFERENT numbers.    She does not react well to change and frankly I can understand.   Anyway.  Tomorrow or next week will bring a resolution.

In the mean time, I am exhausted.   Tomorrow will be a play day.   I am going to the Sheboygan County Quilt Guild show and then to 100 Thousand Poets For Change at Mead.

I did go for lunch at the Dairy Queen with my bank lady friends and we laughed and laughed today.   We were all remembering goofy things that have happened to us.   What a blast.

Dia Dhuit

Be happy

Mary  

Well, it is 6:30PM.    I have been on the go since 7:00AM.

Totally busy day.    I got to Mother's at 8:30AM.   She had to be at the clinic by 9:30AM for her first appointment with Dr. Nytis, the ear doctor.  Jeff went in with her there.    Dr. Nytis adjusted and cleaned her hearing aids.   She reiterated that there is really not other solution to the hearing loss.  Mom has the best available so we will continue to be sure that she is not in situations where there are too many voices, she will have difficulty.   The aids are somewhat better but we still have to be sure to talk at Mom is she is supposed to be hearing us.

Next we went to the lab for a blood test, then up to Dr. Hancock's office for her checkup.  All of her vital signs and the lab work show that she is maintaining very well.  So she got a good bill of health.

Then we went to her house and Jeff, Mom and I had lunch together.   Then I came home.   My computer was down again.   I called Time Warner and we bypassed the wireless and it seems OK.   I will either wait until I can talk to Richard and Brenda or perhaps, if they suggest call Rob, who came in before and upset Roxie with the shorter narrower tower.


At 4:30PM I went over to the meeting place for the condo residents.   It was beautiful out there and I brought home presents.   My neighbor Pat gave me Brussels Sprouts and Peggy gave me batting for a quilt.   I forgot to say that Jeff and Kathy gave me a spaghetti squash, a butternut squash, pears and cherry tomatoes.   

I am in Harvest Heaven.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Sorry I haven't posted for two days.    I forgot on Monday night and last night I suddenly could not get  an internet connection.  I have been on the phone twice today to get things ok again and am not really sure it is right yet.

Monday was a normal busy morning, followed by an afternoon at home doing the usual cleaning up and so on.

Tuesday, I had to go to an Endocontic Specialist who checked a tooth that Dr. Tim Joseph suspected of having an infection.   The tooth has a root canal and apparently there was a silly sneaky root that was missed.    I have not had any pain or discomfort from it yet, which is good.   So Dr. Hilt drilled into the root and cleaned it all out and put stuff to kill any germs in it and sealed it temporarily.   I have to go back in two weeks to have it checked again and have the permanent plug put in the tooth.   It is really important because it is anchoring my only crown.  If I think this is expensive, I would hate to have a new crown made.

Home again, after stopping at the bank I worked on the book and some sewing.

Today,  I called my doctor because my left foot has been hurting when I walk for two days or so and is getting worse.  So, I went in to have it checked because I don't want to be sore when I go to Chicago and Louisiana.   It seems that I have something called Plantar Fasciitis, which is in the foot muscles.   I just know that it hurts.   From what I am reading, I think it may be because I started walking again and should have stretched or something before I walked as far as I did.    Now stretching exercises will probably heal it and I can start walking again.    I need a doggy.   When I had a doggy, I walked as far but we stopped a LOT.

I also got my flu shot.    I spent most of the rest of the day trying to get my computer connected to the internet.    I believe that it IS okay now.

So you know my tales of woe.   It will all get better from here.    And I shouldn't complain because I am a very lucky woman. 

So until tomorrow.   Jeff and I are taking Mother to the doctor tomorrow.  Sweet little lady always hopes that he can make things better.   I told her he will probably only be able to see that she is not failing.   

Dia Dhuit

Mary



Ya gotta chuckle sometimes......


WHY SENIORS STILL NEED NEWSPAPERS

I was visiting my daughter last night when I asked if I could borrow a
newspaper.

"This is the 21st century," she said. We don't waste money on newspapers=
. Here, use my iPad."

I can tell you this..that fly never knew what hit him.

A day spent all at home.   I stayed in bed until 8:30AM.   Roxie was not happy.   For some reason there are days when she does not like me to go back to bed.

I can't tell you exactly what I did today.    Ir is a day of rest after all, but the piles of STUFF are much reduced and I Just enjoyed the day and got ready for tomorrow.

Just wanted to let you know that I am OK before I go to bed.   I did talk to Leslie and to Bart today. 

And Dave, a neighbor who is also on the condo board, came down and cut two trees down from the berm on the side of my condo.   They were growing so tall and into a lovely Maple that is out there.
Now the maple will be able to breath and there is still more than enough stuff out there.   Typical plantings.   All kinds of stuff and it looks soooo good until it grows too big.    Bushes become trees and trees are not properly trimmed.    I like it anyway.

So  Until Tomorrow

Dia Dhuit

Mary

This was a busy Saturday.   Not fun Saturday but a busy one.

We had to have a special meeting of the Tallgrass Condo residents to decide if we would accept an offer of cluster mail boxes, to be paid for and installed by the post office.    There is a reason to believe that door to door and mail boxes such as ours will be required to be  cluster boxes in the future as the post office is trying to become solvent.   At that time the post office probably won't offer to install them.  We as a board believed it to be a good idea but were voted down by a one vote margin.     I figure I won't be here when it happens but would like to see the faces of those who voted no when the association has to pay for it.  The cost now is about $8000 and will be more when the demand will support it.

So that is done anyway.   I have been sorting things again and just resting.   Mass was at 4PM and now I am home until Monday morning.  

 I am going to sort and sew and bake and write.    Lots to get ready for next week.

I was a communion minister today.  You know how much I like that.  Next Saturday will be my first time as a lector at St. John's.   I must review the readings sometime during the week.

Hope I can open the house up tomorrow.   I was able to do so for a while today but it was really a bit chilly.   Speaking of Chili,   I took our a container of Dick's chili for my lunch today.   There is still a bit of that last batch we made together.

I love these memories.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I had a good day.   It rained off and on all morning, but the temperatures were pleasant and when the rain stopped it did not become humid.  So what more could we ask.

I spent the day working on my book,  working on the promotion page,  talking to people about pending things, washing clothes and frosting my Decadent Pumpkin Cupcakes.   They are SO good, I really can't make them too often.   If you want one, better get here fast.

I forgot to mention that when I went to the music at 52 Stafford, I was able to buy a dozen free range chicken eggs from the wife of one of the musicians.   She brings them every week.   I love fresh eggs and she had brown, white and GREEN.   She has aracondas.

I also talked to my Celtic friend, Kathy, who has been having a rough time of it.   Please pray for her.   She was in an terrible accident in June and is SLOWLY recovering from that and now may need a hysterectomy.   He husband Dave is having surgery on his leg this week, so we must keep them in our prayers.

Tomorrow is the Condo meeting to decide about mail boxes.   I'll be glad when that is over.    Then After Mass at 4PM, I will be able to stay home until Monday morning.

Roxie hates it when I leave at all.

Well, that is what is going on around here.   I called Jacquie today.   She answered the phone and doesn't sound too bad but she is very very exhausted and weak.   She needs prayer too.

I love you all

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I had a very pleasant evening at the Stafford last night enjoying the music.   It started out a bit slow but by the time I left at 9PM, there were 7 musicians playing the music.   I sang a song again.   I do like to contribute and as my friend Laurel would say.   Singing, Mary, a bar.   No surprise.

Today was just fun.   I did not accomplish too much.   I did a load of wash this morning and got some things ready for baking this afternoon.  I met my friend, Barb MacEwen at the Blind Horse for lunch.   She had not been there and I was able to tell her how good it was because that's where Leif, Nora and I went for dinner the last time they were here.   Today I had a grilled cheese.   It was SOO good.   Mozzarella cheese with tomato and basil on French bread.   I also had black truffle fries.   I hear about truffle oil and taste and just HAD to try them.   They were really very good.

I then drove over to Mom's because I had a glass of wine for here and since I was so close, it seemed like a good idea.   It was.   She was glad of the company and is actually getting low on, though she is not out of wine.

Home again, I worked on the computer and made some phone calls and baked some cupcakes.   Then it was 4:30PM and time to go to visit with the neighbors at our Thursday afternoon gathering.   A small but happy group today.   It was a beautiful afternoon and so pleasant under the trees.    I got home at about six and made dinner and some pear scones.   

Now I am so tired.  Too much fun I guess.

Until tomorrow

Dia Dhuit

Mary.  

I woke up to rain.   Perhaps that is why I slept so good in the morning.   I had a heck of time getting to sleep,  I stayed up until 10PM but was unable to fall asleep until after midnight.

I worked on sewing, the book and the kitchen today.   I also have my volunteers to help me at the Saturday meeting of the Condo association.  So,  now I can be there and set up on Saturday at 9AM. 

I am going to 52 Stafford tonight for the music.    I sent a message out to my Celtic ladies.    Perhaps some will come, perhaps not but I feel comfortable there because I know some of the musicians and Shawn O'Dwanny is the barkeep and will watch out for me.

So. I decided that I would blog now so you know that I am OK

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A very productive day.     I slept until almost 8AM.   Trash day.   So I hauled that out and then went to the post office and grocery shopping this morning.

By the time I got home it was time to fix lunch.   Then I spent the afternoon working on things that I need to do for the Condo meeting this Saturday, pinning the bindings on the placemats that I am making for the Plymouth Meals on Wheels for the Kettle Country Quilters and preparing a small pamphlet for the talk I am giving at IBAM next month.

Jeff and Kathy stopped by on their way home from Mom's with pears and cherry tomatoes.   Num Num.  I am going to try pear scones.   I think I'll put a lime frosting on them.   Let you know how they turn out.   

Last I drove to Grafton to meet with the Trailwinds tour people to plan the Scotland trip.     I have it enough now that I can send a tentative schedule out that will let people know what it will be.   It is still too early to be able to firm up prices, but I want interested people to let me know and we should have the prices by the first of the year so those who want to go can prepare and give a deposit.

Busy Busy.   Tomorrow is quieter.   I am home all day.  I am going to 52 Stafford at 7PM to listen to the music.   I probably will have some company but it doesn't really matter as I am comfortable there.

I wish you sun.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Monday! Monday!   Always busy.   Today was no exception

I started off, as usual at Blessed Trinity for the Bible Study.    We had a full room plus.  Joseph's daughter Rebecca joined us for the study.   She is visiting Joseph and Felicia on her way back to California after visiting her sister in England.   She was in England for her sister's baby's baptism.  Wow, that's a mouthful.

Good bible study.    We certainly know how Matthias was chosen to replace Judas and why there had to be a replacement.

Then I went over to Mom's.   She seemed pretty good today.   We got her bills all paid.   I brought her a loaf of chocolate zucchini bread.  Her sight is so bad.  That is discouraging to her.   Whoever is there during the day helps her choose her evening television.  She is trying Meet the Parents.    I told her the premise and she seemed to think that would be OK.   If she doesn't like it she just goes to the Antiques Road Show.     But Meet the Parents is a fun show.

I zipped home and then drove to the Exchange Bank where I met my fellow poet and friend, Peggy.   We had lunch and a visit before walking over to Book Heads for the Cream City Writers meeting.   We had some very good readings and I shared the information that I received at the Poetry Circle about the 100 Thousand Poets event which will be taking place on September 28th at Mead Public Library.   Readings by Wisconsin's Poet Laureate, Max Garland, music and open mike for local poets. 

Home again, I took a walk.   It was so chilly this morning, but had warmed up to 60degrees or so and the sun was out so I decided to take advantage of it.  Had a wonderful walk.   I gathered oak leaves for my talk at IBAM next month.

Now I am settled in and watching the first show of the season of Dancing with the Stars, the only "reality" show that I watch.    Yea.

Tomorrow will be quieter but I am meeting a travel agent about the Scotland trip later in the day.

Wish me luck

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I was home all day except for a quick trip to St. John's to pick up a chicken dinner that the Knights and the Christen Women were putting on.     All I needed was more food but chicken is good and it was for a good cause.    I will not have to cook ALL week the way my fridge is packed.

The Packers won.    So it was a great Sunday all together.

I got a lot of research done for the book and am working on my IBAM/Louisiana trip which is just a month away.

Til tomorrow then

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Ah.   It was a pleasant day.   I slept in until after 8AM.   Then I did my normal waking up and morning things before taking a walk to feed Bailey.   I think I told you I am on cat duty for a neighbor.   Bailey was really glad to see me and informed me that he was starving.   I stayed long enough to give him a nice petting and some love.    He purred and purred.   He is quite a wise looking cat.

Then I cam e home and cleaned up the kitchen which was full of all kinds of projects as I am still organizing the abundance of the produce.    I froze shredded zucchini for future meals and used some of it in making some absolutely delicious fritters to go with a leftover hamburger patty and some salads.  I have cukes in vinegar  and dill dressing and a nice pasta veggie salad.

I worked a lot on the book today.  

Went to Mass at 4PM.   I brought communion to my neighbors Rita and Tom.   Love doing that.

I had a chefs salad for supper.

Tomorrow should be quiet too.   I am going to send out a message to everybody to see if someone wants to see New Orleans with me next month.   Several people had expressed an interest and now I can't remember who they are.

So. Til Tomorrow

Dia Dhuit

Mary