I only stepped out of the house once today, that was to get the mail.   It was very cold again so that was a good call.

I got a lot of wash done today and cleaned the kitchen and went through some of the food that I had to rush down to the freezer downstairs.  (I don't have any idea what is happening with the font as I am typing.  Really weird.)   Curt from the appliance repair company came with the right fuse and put it in this afternoon.   Should be good for quite a while again.   It has been a really good refrigerator.

 

A new Hells Kitchen started on Fox.   I mended on the Cathedral Window quilt while I watched it.    Want to get that done for Randy and Donna.   Donna will put it on Mom's bed.  They took the bed frame.

 

Tomorrow will be a little busier and I am going to join Nancy Roehre at the Plymouth Arts Center for Shamrocks and Shenanigans, an Irish song fest that another friend of ours, Mary Calvey, puts on each year.

 

Just the beginning of the St. Patrick Day festivities.  Culminating with the Walk on Monday.

 

Dia Dhuit

 

Mary

 

 

We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office

~Aesop~

 

If we got one-tenth of what was promised to us in these State of the Union speeches, there wouldn't be any inducement to go to heaven.

~Will Rogers~

I am watching Roxie finishing off my milk.   I got onto a phone call with Leslie and Bill and didn't protect my glass.   She is happy but struggling to get to the bottom of the glass.

It was not so busy today.   I went to see Mom at about 10AM and stayed until she was ready for dinner.   She is still after me because the bottom of the glass is just beyond her tongue's reach. 

Mom is doing well.  We talked about a lot of things.   She is concerned that the letters and documents fromyears past are treated with respect and I was able to reassure her that Jeff is going through everything to be sure that all important things are kept.

I took a long nap this afternoon.

Today is my Great Grandson Marcus' birthday.  He is two already.   What a handsome young boy he is and I am so happy that he is blessed with such loving parents who will help him grow to all that he can be.

Happy Birthday Marcus.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Busy Day

I know, I know, they all are.   But this was a really weird one.

Started off pretty good.    I got the trash out, checked the fridge and it had seemed to be working so I went to St John's for our Rediscovering Catholicism discussion.   Nice a group of people, the clergy should put us in charge.

I had therapy right after that and Jaren is really happy because I could tell him and now tell you that my right arm, neck and shoulder are doing very well.   So he told me to continue and let him know in a couple of weeks how it is doing then.

Then grocery shopping.  By then I was really tired, so I came home and opened up the fridge.  It was actually sending warm air out.   So I called Curt from the appliance repair and he came right over.   This time he was able to tell that the fuse was broken, so he replaced it with a temporary one, (he has to order the right one, but this one will work til he gets it).   He told me not to expect ice for a while, but lo and behold the first cubes dropped out at about 3PM.  I was so excited that I called to tell him the good news.  I cleaned the refrigerator and dumped anything that I had any thought might have suffered from the lack of cold.

I had a nurse from United Health Care for a free annual checkup they offer.   She was very pleasant.   Roxie liked her too.   I know she likes it when  we get visitors.

So.  A busy day. 
Tomorrow I have absolutely nothing scheduled but will go to visit Mom as I was not able to go on Monday.   She likes it if I keep tabs on her bills and so on.

She had a good day today too. Jeff watched the Quiet Man with her.

So.  Bless you all.   My foot is definitely improving.   As it has to heal all the way through the foot, I expect it will be a bit before I can call it healed.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Just home from the second day of mission at church AND a practice for the Plymouth Arts Center Spring concert.   My foot is itching like crazy and I am exhausted.

I had to have a repairman for the fridge today and then went to the Sheboygan Writers Club meeting this afternoon.

I am going to bed after rubbing coconut oil on my foot (not the wound itself) just the skin.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Except for going to St. Thomas in Elkhart Lake this evening for the first of two nights of a Parish Mission, I was home all day.    I was decadent and slept until almost 10AM.  Roxie was not pleased about every half hour she would come and start stroking my face and mewing.   I would just pet her and talk to her until she lay down again. 

It was a good day.   I got letters written emails sent, reading done and cooked full meal of rabbit for my lunch which will provide the center of a couple of meals this week.   It was one of two rabbits that my friend Jerry Coenan gave me.   Pretty good too.  I cooked it with a recipe out of my New Orleans creole cooking book by Big Kevin.   The recipe is called Ya Ya Rabbit.

The meeting tonight was quit interesting.   I am also in a book group at St. Johns studying a book called Rediscover Catholicism by Matthew Kelly.  The priest who is conducting our mission was right on with the chapters I just read for our Tuesday study.   Funny how that often works.  Basically we just have to be and continue to be the best version of ourselves.  

Tomorrow will be busy ALL day.  A Monday Plus.  

Until then  Dia Dhuit

Mary

Another busy day.

I had fully intended to stay home today, but Jeff and Kathy and Randy and Donna were working at Mom's so I went down to help out there.

Before I went, I called Meadow View about Mom's colostomy supplies.   Long story, but I ended up calling Aurora Superior to see if they had any in stock and taking the long way to Mom's house.   I went to the drug store, to Meadow View and then on to Mother's.   Got another special little visit with Mom that way. 

We got all the cupboards empty.   I swear that cupboards and cabinets are reproducing in that house, but we think we finally have them all emptied.

I came home at about 2PM and make a few phone calls.   I brought all the baskets and vases that nobody wanted home to give to my friend who makes baskets for fundraisers and can use all that stuff.   It means she doesn't have to buy it.

I went to the 4PM Mass at St. Johns, stopped off at Rita and Tom's with communion and am now ready for bed.   I want to go to bed early so am kind of glad we are losing an hour.   I can pretend it is an hour later.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A super day.    It was "warm".   When I left the Dairy Queen at 1:30PM it was 46 degrees.   Yee Haa

I spent the morning at home.   The cleaning lady was here from 8 to 10.   I did some wash and bookwork and reading while she was working.   I was up and down a lot and got really worn out and sore so I took a pill and a nap.  

I left at about noon for the Dairy Queen stopping at Walgreens for the last of my prescription refills.   There were four of us for lunch today.   Marlene, who I saw at church on Ash Wednesday, was not there so Betty, Ceil and Barb had not heard about my foot.   Another telling.   We had a great visit.   Lots of things going on in our lives.   This retirement stuff is hard on a person.

I went from there to see Mother.   She was sound asleep when I got there.   She got a perminant this morning and looked so pretty.   We had a good visit and Aunt Kathleen joined us about halfway through my visit.   Mom has not noticed my foot so nobody say anything.   She doesn't need to be worrying about me.

I am, by the way doing quite well.   I can tell there is improvement from day to day and am able to control the pain by resting and an occasional pain pill.

Tonight I rode with Nancy and Warren to Rhine for the Bust up party for the Trap and Pistol leagues.   We had a lovely dinner of fish or chicken, fries and coleslaw with nice desserts.   I got my share of ribbing.  It is nice to have all those people who are really concerned about you and so encouraging.  My friend Bill Olson, said that everything is OK as long as I keep shooting.   We had a good time and now I am glad to be home and will be here until Mass tomorrow at 3:30PM or so.  

Tomorrow will be beautiful.   I am feeling ready to plunge ahead again.   I am not sure whether that is a good or a bad thing, but at least I feel good.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

 Whew.   This was quite a busy day for me.    I dis more wash, cleaned the kitchen, baked some bread, and researched more on St. Colm Cille.  He is the current Patron Saint that I am working on and had a VERY eventful life.  

After a nice lunch of leftover pasty, with corn and sliced tomato and a bit of strawberry dessert, I headed out on a slew of errands.

First I went to Walgreens to pick up a couple of prescriptions, dental floss and vitamin supplements.   The to the bank to deposit a check for me and one for Mom.   I stopped at the Plymouth Arts Center and got a ticket for Mary Calvey's Shamrocks and Shenanigans for Friday May 14th.   It will be the beginning of a St. Patrick's Day weekend.   Bobbie and Bill and I will be going to the second of the plays in my Christmas present series on Sunday afternoon.  The play is called Getting Sara Married.   Then finally on Monday the annual Irishman's Walk in Plymouth, always on St. Patricks Day will occur.  I won't be able to march yet.   I can't imagine that my foot will be well enough to take that long a walk.   So I will be wise about it.   I will meet my Celtic Ladies as usual.   I can, if needed, drive them up to the start place and then  come back and reserve a table for us.

This evening I called Bobbie.  Her picture is in the Current at the side of the article they put in about the Celtic Women.  She and Bill are going to visit Leslie and Bill next month.    A good time for a break.  

So that is my day.   Tomorrow I will go to see Mom and in the evening will go to the Bust Up for the pistol league.  That will be interesting.

Dia Dhuit

Mary



When we are confined inside
The dark house of suffering
That moonlight might find a window.  

From John O'Donohue's To Bless the Space Between Us.

This morning I took advantage of the fact that I had nowhere to go early so I stayed in bed until 9AM.   I haven't done that since I was a teenager.   I did keep dozing off so must have needed it.

Finally got up and went about the business of the house.   I took care of several  loose ends on CWI, the Tallgrass Board and my own banking stuff.

I cleaned the kitchen counters and sink and fixed some tuna for lunch as it is Ash Wednesday and should be meatless.  

I sorted the rest of Mom's stuff that came home with me and washed and folded some clothes.

I went to the 7PM service at St. John's.  Fr. Van Beek was our officiant.   It was a nice service.   I was communion minister so felt a big part of it.   We all got ashes of course.   Some of them looked like little black shamrocks on people's foreheads.  I was able to take communion to my neighbors, Tom and Rita and also mark them with the ashes.   I have some ashes left and will bring them to Mom when I go to visit her on Friday.

So.   I am drinking a bit of tea and my foot is very sore.   Time for bed.  I always feel best rested.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I am afraid that I overdid a bit today.

I went to see Dr. Fehrman today.   He was very encouraging.  He said that if I wanted to visit with him, I didn't have to go to such measures.   At any rate, my foot just has to heal.   Right now I know that I have done a bit to much.

It was a good day.  Good news from the Doctor, an evening meal with friends and a card from Brenda and Richard.   But I am sore and tired so will just cut this short and go to bed.

Love you all

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I got home from the Plymouth Arts Chorus practice about a half an hour ago and am really tired.

I went to bible study this morning and then to see Mother.   She did not notice my foot, so I didn't say a word.  I actually tries to hide it from her.  She does not need to be worrying about anything so silly so don't anybody say anything if you talk to her.   You probably would not but just in case.

The practice went well and as I said, I need to be in bed.   I am supposed to see Dr. Fehrman, the orthopedic guy tomorrow.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Home almost all day and I rested my foot.

I did go to Mass at 9:30AM this morning.  I went a bit early so that I could get a parking place hear the front door.   Didn't want to have to walk through any ice or wet.

Mass was lovely.  Fr. Dan is back, at least for masses and clerical work.   He really looked quite good.

I stopped at the Engel's with their communion and then came home and STAYED.

Got a couple of calls today,  Richard and Brenda and my sister Nora, and Jeff.   Makes me feel good.   I am so blessed to have so many people who care for me.  I napped a couple of times as too much moving around made me sore and tired.

I am going to bed now with the Oscars on.   That way my feet will be up and I cab rest.   Thanks for all the concern.

I love you all
Dia  Dhuit

Mary

Oops

Well.  I will get to the oops in the order it occurred, last.

I had a pretty good day until this evening.  Got up at 7AM.   My cleaning lady came at 8AM.   I got the minutes of the board meeting just about ready while she was here.   Then at 10:30AM, I drove to Meadow View to visit Mother.   I stopped on the way to pick up a bottle of Moskato for her as I wanted to be sure she had enough wine.   She had a half bottle left so should be fine for quite a while now.  We had a good visit.   She is very tired and did fall asleep once while we were talking.   I just waited.  She wanted to talk about the house and the things in it.   We also talked about the news as she was reading the paper when I came in.

I drover back to Plymouth and had lunch at the Dairy Queen with my Bank Lady friends.   We had a great visit.   It is so good to have Betty back after her broken hip.

Then I went home and took a short nap before going out to Rhine to shoot my last four targets for the Winter Pistol League.   And this is where it all went wrong.  Diane and Harold were there.    Harold was waiting for me to go down to shoot our last targets.  I had four left.   They even invited me out for dinner with them which sounded great.

So Harold and I went down to the range.  Harold asked if we could shoot the way he usually shoots with other guys.   Trading shots.   I usually shoot my ten all in a row, pausing after three or so but without training.    I did just fine until the 7th shot of the 4th round.    Somehow, when I dropped the gun, I didn't get my finger off the trigger, it went off as I was bringing it down and I shot my left foot.
I am so embarrassed.    It was bleeding, of course, so I wrapped my sock around the would for a compress and put my shoe on to help the compression.   I drove myself to urgent care. 

An Xray later determined that the bullet did break a bone, but it is not displaced. They washed and cleaned the wound but  there is debris in there so I will go to see Dr. Fehrman next Tuesday for more examination.    I have it wrapped and a surgical shoe with instructions to keep it up and dry.   I also have antibiotics.

Of course, every gunshot wound has to be reported to the police.    They were very kind and made me feel better.   It is true - Accidents do happen.  

Anyway, now you all know my OOPS.   Please pray for your wounded warrior.

Dia Dhuit
Mary

Well, I didn't get everything done that I wanted to do but did get quite a lot done anyway.

I got up at 7AM.   Sure hope I get a bit more willing to get up mornings soon.  Just did the normal morning things until 8:30AM when I arrived at Generations for my walking class.   We, lots of older persons spend a half hour working out together to a video that keeps our bodies hopping.  Since I don't have a doggie to walk, I need to do something so I don't turn to flab.

Home again, I worked on the minutes of the Tallgrass Board meetings.   I make a strawberry Impossible pie for myself.   You can all come to visit if you want some.

I put talked to or left messages for all of my boys today.    Reached everybody but Jim.   I just get lonely for them, you know.    Richard and Brenda are back from their Florida trip.  A good time but the weather was goofy there too.

I am tired now so will do my exercises and then go to bed.

Tomorrow I will take a drive into Sheboygan to see Mom.  Then have lunch with my Bank lady friends and go shooting in the evening.

This was supposed to be a quiet week.  What happened.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

\pYesterday, the day got away form me.

Today.  It almost happened again.   BUT.  Here I am.

I had a busy morning.  It was hard to get out of bed because the bed felt so warm and the outside was so cold.    But I got up at about 7AM and started on the day.

I had a haircut appointment at 9AM. My first appointment of the day.   On the way home, I stopped at the Police Department to dispose of the meds from Mom's house, picked up the condo mail at the post office box and the grocery store.   

Home again, I spent the day shredding.  I had started going through a group of papers and just got hung. up in that.

I am also trying to figure out why my Quicken Account and my bank are not communicating.

At about 4:PM I joined several of my fellow condo owners at the new wine bar in town.   After a bit, we left there and Alison and I went to 52 Stafford for a meal and I stayed for about an hour of the music with my friends Kathy and Dave.

Glad the day is over and that it was a fun day.

Until tomorrow then

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A really really busy Monday.    Started off with Bible Study.   There were just three of us today, Ione, Helen and myself, but we had a good study anyway.    A couple are out of state on vacations and Joseph is recovering from his double knee transplant.

I went to Mom's to see if there was any mail.  There wasn't but Jeff, Kathy and Shane were there.  They were doing what they could with the house before taking Shane to catch a plane to Florida to see old friends.

Then I went to see Mom and had lunch with her.    I brought her communion too.   She was so pleased. 

I went from there to Progressive Rehab to visit Joseph from the bible study for a bit.   I sat with him through some of his therapy and he wanted to say a decade of the rosary together.    I know he likes to pray the rosary with people.   I have the rosary that Barbara got me at the swap meet in Oklahoma and that I had the priest at Good Shepherd in Lawton bless with me.  So we did that and then I came home

I got home about two.  Rested a bit then did some laundry and general stuff.

Tonight I went to the first rehearsal of the Spring singers for the Plymouth Arts Center.    I did that last year too.  We are back on Broadway with songs from several old musicals.   Should be fun.   The first rehearsal is always awful.

So To bed with me.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Did some more cleaning at Mom with Eileen, Dolores and Donna.   Most of the trash is in plastic bags ready to go.  We have a lot ready for Goodwill too.    I have the old meds ready to take to the Plymouth PD for disposal and have brought here bill holder and check book home so that I can, after the mail goes directly to Mom, work from here.

That was really all I had time for today.  

Tomorrow will be busy too.   The usual Monday stuff.  Then an evening meeting

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A very productive day, I would say.

I did sleep late.   Vikki called this morning so we could coordinate our flight to New York in May.   She booked and let me know what time she would be coming in and leaving.  Then I could book my flight so I get there about the time she does and our hotel.   I also found transportation from the airport to the hotel.   We are staying at the Sheraton on Times Square which Kathy Deeley recommended.   Looks central and close to lots of things.

I have started to research the Colm Cille chapter of my book.   He was a very interesting Irishman.

I left a bit early for mass as I needed to stop at Walgreen's to pick up a couple of prescriptions and a birthday card.   I also found St Patrick day rings for the little girls in my life.

Mass was very nice.   I was a communion minister, which always makes me feel so good.   Fr. Van Beek, our old pastor was our celebrant.  Fr. Dan, our pastor is home from the hospital after his back surgery.   Hopefully that is a good sign.   Home should mean healing.  God willing.

Now, I am watching a Cadfael episode.    We have decided as a family, that anything that we gave to Mom and Dad, we can have back if we wish.    Dick chose the Cadfael tapes for Mom as they both enjoyed them so.

Please pray for Jacquie too.   She had a  heart attack.   She is recovering as I saw from a picture of her Todd sent on Facebook.    Pray for him too.   He has so much on his plate.   

Tomorrow, more cleaning at Mom's.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

What a day.   I have a new gal cleaning the house.  She seems very nice and very efficient so I am pleased.    Jody, who was cleaning both Mother's and my house, is still sick and I believe Bonnie said going to have heart surgery so probably won't be back.

Then I loaded stuff up and went to Mom's.   I got there at about 10:30AM.  Randy and Donna, Eileen and Dolores were there going through things as we are trying to get rid of all the junk and clean things up.    We got SO much done and Eileen, Dolores, Donna and I are going back on Sunday morning to do some more.

I brought some things that I had given to Mom and Dad home with me.    A Mrs Santa china doll, a nativity and Cadfael tapes.  I need nothing but some things just mean a lot to me.   The Mrs. Santa will be neat with all the other Santas that Dick gave me over the years.

Then I went to see Mom with a box of things that she had asked for.   She looked so beautiful.   Her hair was freshly curled and she just looked great.    We put the things that I had brought for her away, I filled out an address change request for her and we just visited for a while.   Then I went home with a stop at Mark Miller's to drop off a couple of things he needed for my taxes.

Home again, I couldn't find my wallet.   I called Meadow View to see if I had left it there.   No luck.  So I headed down to Mom's again.  Halfway there I realized that my key to the house is IN my wallet so I went to Randy and Donna's and sure enough my wallet was at Mom's.  They had texted me but I did not hear the phone do its texting noise.   Got to get used to that.   Anyway, I borrowed Randy's key, got my wallet, returned the key. and headed to Rhine Plymouth to shoot for pistol league.

The good thing about it all is that I got to see Randy's mounted bear head.    It is magnificent and looks so good over their gorgeous bar in their den. 

I am shooting left handed now and I found out that it is not surprising as I seem to be left eye dominant anyway.  I do need to get some left hand grips for the Browning.

So I am home, fed and tired.  Tomorrow will be a very quiet day.   I am home ALL day except for going to Mass at 4PM.  Roxie will be delighted.


Dia Dhuit

A small Haiku

Sunshine greeted us
Toying with our emotions
As the cold persists

I was home almost all day.   I got up in time to get to Generations in time for the walking class that I have been going to.   That went well.  My neck and shoulders got kind of sore, probably because I am not good at relaxing.   That all eased up when I came home an put cold paks on  them.

I cleaned some of the kitchen today.  I am trying to get the cabinets cleaned and the top of the cupboards and the items that I have displayed there.

I took a long nap this afternoon.   Must need it.

I called my sister Nora tonight.   Just to update and to hear a voice.  Sometimes the evenings get really long and a voice is so welcome.   Nora is a good person to call.   We are all so proud of Mother for being so accepting of this big change in her life.   We are such a blessed family.

Dia Dhuit

Mary


I saw a survey about the safety of elderly drivers.   It referred to drivers over 70.   Since when is that old and in addition to my protest the rates of accidents for my age group is down 60%.   So there.

It was warm today.  Actually almost hit 40 degrees.   I was out in it a bit.   I really salted the front walk a lot today to get rid of the built up ice.   There is an ice dam above and constant dripping  which freezes.  We are supposed to have warm for a couple of days, then back to the deep freeze again.   Not fair.
  

I went to Pleasant View Realty this morning. to meet with Kari, who did a market evaluation for us on Mom's home.   She did a nice job and I passed the information on to Jeff and Randy.   We chose her because she has been looking for something for Jeff for a while.

There is a bunny, that Kari has named Penelope, who hangs around their office.    Kari feeds it carrots.   When I was leaving it was sitting under the bushes so she showed it to me.   Penelope just sat there being admired.   She is quite a chubby little thing and very tame.   Glad she is safe and cared for.

Next on to the bank and post office before I did my grocery shopping and came home.

I feel like I was on the phone all afternoon.   So many loose ends on so many things.  But tomorrow should have less deadlines. I am going out to the exercise class at 8:30AM but will be home the rest of the day.  

I have to get back to my book - that will be my goal for tomorrow.  

My neighbor, Pat, brought over some Irish Soda Bread that I can have for breakfast tomorrow.
 Good thing, I was all out of breakfast breads and I do love my breakfast breads.

So I am ready for a good night's sleep so I can hit tomorrow running.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

This WAS supposed to be a quiet day, but it got away from me.

I got up early.  I went to Generations to exercise at the 8:30AM walking class.   It is power walking and we always do two miles.    So it does get the blood pumping.   This I need.   I can't do any of the arm motions but I just keep on a walkin'.   I finished that and went home with enough time to book my trip to Scotland in September.   Yippee.   I am really excited about that.  

Next I went over to Mom's to do some cleaning out with Jeff and Kathy.    We are all coming when we can to get rid of the trash and stuff like that.   We also gathered St. Patrick Day decorations for her room and some other things to brighten it up.

I brought cookies and Jeff and Kathy picked up Sub Sandwiches.   After lunch, I went to see Mom for a while.   I updated her on the bills that I had paid for her and then we just visited until she got tired.   Jeff and Kathy were coming too so I said goodby and let her rest for the "decorating" that she was going to have to direct.

Home again, I made a few phone calls most notably to Jacquie.   She is not feeling too well.  Not a surprise, I guess.   She has Dick and Keith both there.   And she did say that a nurse is coming by now.    All I can do is to pray that she heals well and gets used to things.

Tomorrow morning will be busy again.  but Thursday and Friday are clear of appointments.   I need a day off.

At least there was no snow today and it was above freezing, Just.   It is supposed to be warm the next couple of days.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

The snow they promised came.   I had hoped to go to see Mother this afternoon but decided to be wise instead and stay off the slippery snow covered highways.

I actually did to Sheboygan Falls for Bible Study.  I thought it would be OK in the morning as the snow was not due til later in the morning.   I took highway 23, dropping off a little teddy bear for Haley, my pen pal at Horizon School.  The wind was really bad and there was a stretch of highway that the snow was blowing so hard I felt like I was driving in fog.  

Got to bible study OK.   There were four of us today.   We will be down in numbers for a bit as Tom and Kathy are in Texas and Joseph had both of his knees replaced last Tuesday.  'We had a good discussion anyway.   Started off talking about the Evangelism movement in the diocese which fit in nicely with the section of the Acts that we are reading.

The I went over to Mom's to be sure that everything was OK and to pay her bills.

 By that time it had started snowing - I decided to head home for sure at that point.

So I have spent the afternoon trying to get the Scotland trip booked and straightening our my desk. 

Our little Marcus is getting his ear "procedure" this week.  Pray for him he is just a little person.  But if it helps him be healthy, this is what he needs.    Health providers love the word "procedure".   It sounds less scary.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Sunday, a tread water day EXCEPT

I had a perfect day.    Bobbie and Bill picked me up at about 11AM to go to the dinner theater called Memories in Port Washington.   We had a lovely meal.   We sat down to a crisp delightful green salad.  The meal was chicken, barbecue ribs, potatoes, rice and veggie medley.   The play was definitely adult because of the content but not gross at all.   It was called Swing Dance.  We laughed so hard.  We had a delicious lemon poppyseed torte for dessert at intermission.

I loved it.   We have four other dates for plays throughout the year at the same place.   What a treat.   This was especially nice with all the cold and snow that we have been having lately.

Bobbie brought me some of her famous raspberry heart valentine cookies.   I LOVE THEM.

We are supposed to be getting quite a storm tomorrow again.   I intend to go to Bible Study, Mother's so gather mail and pay bills and writer's club in Plymouth.   I am also having lunch with my friend Peggy.  If is is not as bad as they say, I will go to see Mother, otherwise, I will go on Tuesday instead.

I don't have a lot of out of the house errands coming up this week.   I am glad, the past two weeks have been just TOO busy.

Have a nice week yourself and pray for my cousin Greg and my friend Joseph, who have health issues.

Dia Dhuit

Mary.

Saturday

I had a really good day.  

This morning was nice and quiet.   I just baked some pumpkin scones with maple cream cheese frosting for the CWI Movie Meeting that was this afternoon.

Becky and Elizabeth stopped by close to noon.   They were at the Walmart in Plymouth selling Girl Scout cooking and will be there tomorrow if you don't have yours yet.   They delivered mine.   I think that Elizabeth did pretty good.    I gave them some of the scones to take home with them. 

There were only four of us at the movie afternoon.   I was a bit surprised as I expected more from the enthusiastic response I got online and at our last meeting.  Oh Well.  They missed out on super snacks, chicken, hummus and dip, pumpkin scones, olives and cheese and wine while we watched the Quiet Man.   I watch it every year about this time and it was fun to watch it with friends.   We watch it and realize what a hunk John Wayne was and how gorgeous Maureen O Hara is.

So tonight I am making trip plans for the year and just Jelling.   Tomorrow I will go to the 9:30 Am Mass and then be picked up at 11AM for the first of my Christmas Present  programs from Bobbie and Bill.   The first one is called Swing Dance.    I have not been to a live performance in so long.  

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A successful day.

I was busy most of the day.   I got up at about 7:30AM and worked on the New York trip and other computer things.  

Bonnie came at about 9AM to clean.   I left at  10:30AM to meet the realtor at Mom's.   Kary Kapellen is doing a market evaluation for us.   As I explained to Jeff, this is the best way to get a probable market price for a home.   You can get an appraisal, but appraisers charge for the work.  Realtors do their evaluation as a free service.   If you pay for an appraisal and a buyer comes along, they will require another appraisal with another fee.  Kari said that I am lucky to be out of that rat race.

I came home after meeting Kari and took care of the mail and Roxie before joining my friends at the Dairy Queen.  My friend, Betty who broke her hip recently was there with her daughter.  She looked great.

Next I drove up to Meadow View Manor to just check in with Mom.  She was in the beauty shop getting beautiful, so I just said HI and dropped off the Sheboygan Falls and Plymouth papers for her.

Home again, I took a nap.  I woke up just in time to feed Roxie and go over to my neighbors for a wind and cheese gathering.   I brought them all a piece of Brigit cloth with the explanation.   Bob and Peggy had a carnation for each lady as we left.   Wow.  I got two Valentines and a flower.  I am indeed loved.   Thanks Bob and Peggy, Bobbie and Joan.

Happy St,. Valentine's to all of you

Did you know that St. Valentine's bones are in Ireland?

Dia dhuit

Mary

I had a full day today.

I decided to try exercising again.   It went quite Well.   I did what Dr. Leben said and didn't reach with my arms at all.

I went to Horizon School at 11:30 AM to read and play games with my pen pal Haley.    We had a good time.   She is a lovely little girl.

I was able to stay home the rest of the day.

I am working on my plans for New York in May.   and on my plans for Scotland in September.

Supposedly we are getting warmer weather and less snow for a while.   Actually I feel sorrier for the people in the East.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Busy Busy

Another busy day.   I had trouble getting up again.   I find that my best sleep time is in the morning but if I get up it is also my most productive time.   Hmmm  Sleep Hmmmm productive.   Both sound good to me.

I was up in time to get the trash out and then went to St. John's for the first discussion group on the book by Matthew Kelly called Rediscovering Catholicism.  It is a lively discussion as we are a mixed enough group some of whom wish we could go back to the 50s with the Latin Mass and what it held and some who think that we are just fine.    There are five more discussion groups set up - should be interesting as it all stems from the Evangelism movement that Fr. Dan is very in to.

Then I shopped and came home until 1:30 when I went to Aurora for therapy.   My therapist is Jaren who was Dick's therapist years ago.   He is going to try to give me exercises for home which I intend to follow religiously, (Mom is the perfect example.)   He is hoping that this will work so I don't have to come in so often which is expensive.   What a great guy.   He remembers Dick well.

I just about have my New York trip for May determined.   Tomorrow I will book, all things considered.   Main things.   Liberty Island and Ellis Island and Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedra.

Called Les and Bill tonight.  They are waiting for a big snow storm following and Ice storm.    Hopefully they will be able to huddle safe in their home warm against the storms.   We are all pretty blest.

Til tomorrow.  Everybody stay safe and warm.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Well, I am exhausted.    Mondays are usually busy but today was a true marathon.

I started off with three errands before I even got to Bible Study at 9:30AM.   We were five strong and has a super discussion on the enthusiasm of the first Christians.   They were converting hundreds at a time.   Why does that not happen now?   Perhaps because we are all so much more concerned with the "world" and/or how things look.  

Then I went over to Mom's and make sure all of the bills were paid and pick up a few things that she needed.   

I grabbed a half sandwich from Ella's Dela and then  picked up Sy Regan for the Sheboygan Writers Club meeting.   That was a  good hour and a half.   I read two of my poems one of which is accepted for the 2015 WFOP Poets Calendar.  

Then I took Sy home and drove to Meadow View to see Mom.  Aunt Kathleen was there for a while.   I went over the papers for admission with the office and Mother.   Looks like all in in order and will provide what she needs now.   We are all doing such a good job of communicating.  Not the easiest thing since there are so many of us.   However it is the numbers of us that makes the actual work load light and shared worry is easier to cope with.   We are a truly blest family.  Thanks to Mom and Dad.

Anyway, I am exhausted and will be heading for the bed any minute.   Tomorrow, I will be able to catch up around here.   

Did I tell you that the venison  and Guinness I made this year was SOO good.  I did one thing differently.   Just before serving I melted butter with flour and thickened the liquid in the pot like I do with my Beer and Beef Stew.    Nummy Nummy

Dia DHuit

Mary

Sunday.   Because of the Wild Game Dinner yesterday, I went to Mass at 9:30AM this morning.   It was a nice mass.   Fr. Dan is still slowly recovering from his back surgery.   We had the pleasure of Fr. Van Beeck, our previous pastor, as our presider this morning.   It was good to have him back, even for one Sunday or so.    He is rather frail but looks good.

Then I went to Rhine shortly after lunch to shoot the pistol league.   I am using my left hand and not doing too well.   I need to take the gun in and get the grip changed to a left hand grip for one thing.

I talked to Vikki today.   We are planning a trip to New York in May.  

Then this evening, my Nora called.   She wanted me to know that our Marcus is going to have to have tubes in his ears.   He is just having too many infections.   Poor little man.   This should solve things.  We all need to pray for the little guy in February 18th.   He has his birthday this next week too.

Tomorrow I will see Mom in the afternoon and will update you then.   I didn't want to go today because there are still family in town for the Wild Game Dinner and she was very busyI am sure.

I got a return call from Aunt Kathleen today.   They were out or town.   She said she will also go over tomorrow.   I called Uncle Pat and Aunt Joan today too to let him know.   They will probably be over sometime this week.

Busy day busy week ahead.

Dia dhuit

Mary

Just got home from the Annual Deeley Wild Game Dinner and Beer Tasting Contest.   As usual, it was a spectacular event.    We had turkey, rabbit and squirrel, bear and venison plus desserts, beans and potatoes.   Way too much food as usual but there was nothing we would have eliminated as it was all so good.

There were 25 entrants in the beer tasting contest this year and 21 beers.   Georgina and Becky tied at 10 correct and it took three taste offs to finally determine that Becky is the winner.   Elizabeth, her daughter, was so happy.   She and Morgan, Todd's daughter and the boys Brandon, Jack Shawn and Even helped by washing glasses and helping serve.   It is quite the endeavor.

George and Betsy are here for the Dinner and were so glad they chose to come as they are here to visit Mother as she settles in at Meadowview and as decisions are being made.

I am really tired now.   Tomorrow, I will be going to Mass and to shoot the pistol league.   I will go to see Mom on Monday afternoon.   She will have lots of visitors tomorrow as well as today so it is best that I go after I check the bills and such at the house on Monday.

It was so good to have such a super family day.  We do have a lovely and loving family.

Take care.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

This is the prayer that I read to start our Beer Tasting and dinner.

(10th century Poem attributed to Brigid herself)
I'd like to give a lake of beer to God.
I'd love the heavenly
Host to be tippling there
For all eternity.
I'd love the men of Heaven to live with me,
To dance and sing.
If they wanted, I'd put at their disposal
Vats of suffering.
White cups of love I'd give them
With a heart and a half;
Sweet pitchers of mercy I'd offer
To every man.
I'd make Heaven a cheerful spot
Because the happy heart is true.
I'd make the men contented for their own sake.
I'd like Jesus to love me too.
I'd like the people of heaven to gather
From all the parishes around.
I'd give a special welcome to the women,
The three Marys of great renown.
I'd sit with the men, the women and God
There by the lake of beer.
We'd be drinking good health forever
And every drop would be a prayer.

You did not hear from me last night because I was in Milwaukee.    I left about 3PM to get to the Irish Center for a Scottish trip meeting.   That was followed up with a meeting of the Shamrock Club.   My friend Gail had asked if I would give a talk about St. Bridget at their meeting.   

It was fun.   The club had a chile cook off as part of the meeting.  I spoke after the general meeting and people seemed to enjoy the talk.   I shared the Brigit flame and cloth with them along with a general history of Brigit from Goddess to Saint.

They even paid me.

The worst part of yesterday was this.   I got a call from Mom's caregivers.   Mom was having some spells where she kind of fades out and doesn't respond well.   I went right over.   Randy was already there and Eileen came soon after I did.   We spent some time discussing the situation, called the doctor and the VNA and finally with no direction from them called an ambulance to take her to emergency.  Dr. Hancock said to bring her in.   He did not seem to understand that it was not safe for us to try to get her dressed and then transport her ourselves to him when we KNEW he would agree that she needed help.

The decision was make after he came to the hospital to send her to Meadowview again.   Now we have time to discuss what is best for her among ourselves and with her.

I don't believe that she is safe at home alone any longer, but we will see.

So. A busy two days.

Tomorrow is the wild game dinner.   I am making a beef and Guinness Roast.

Til tomorrow.

Love

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Well, this turned out to be quite a day.  Got up at about 8AM.   Ate breakfast then got a,  call from a friend, LuAnn who was in town and wondered if I'd like to have coffee with her.    You know me.   Of course I did.   So we met at the Exchange Bank.  After a bit she remembered that I am friends with Rita, who I bring communion to every weekend. Lu Ann wondered if I would go with her to visit as she had not seen her in so long and knows that she is ill.  So we stopped at Rita's home and they had a very nice visit

Home again, I ate lunch intending to go to Quilt Club at 1PM.   That didn't work because I got a call from one of my condo neighbors and by the time I finished with that it was too late.

At three, I left for a 4:15 appointment with Dr. Leben in Sheboygan.   I had two errands that I figured would take up the time.    They didn't quite but I managed to waste a bit of time wandering through one of the stores, I actually found a new floor cleaner that I had been looking for so it was not wasted time.

When I told Dr. Leben about this new pain in my right arm she said Oh No sounds like you blew a tendon.   She looked at my right bicep and wouldn't you know, I have a Popeye arm.  She has decided that I am very fragile.   I will be starting therapy and am to baby that right arm no matter what.

My final stop was at Mark Miller's office to leave and go over my taxes.   They are now in his hands and we had a nice visit.   We have been friends for over 20 years.    We were also in Optimist Club together and the Sheboygan Optimists are celebrating 90 years in existence this year.  I received an invitation as past member and past president. and will be going.    It will be good to see lots of old friends again.

Tomorrow will be much quieter so I will prepare for my talk and the Scotland meeting on Thursday evening.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Hopefully I will get my desktop back tomorrow or the next day.   I really am limited on this one.

A very very quiet Sunday.   I didn't have anywhere to go anywhere at all.   I did go out to scrape and salt my walk where the ice always forms.    Don't want anybody, even me falling on their duffs if they come up to or go out the front door.

I sorted out my hunting ammo closet and have all my Christmas fabric things into one of the suitcases that are too far gone to use for traveling anymore.   Somebody suggested that and I think it is a great idea.

I also worked on writing about St. Petroc, one of the Cornish Patron Saints.    I am a bit limited as my other computer has  most of the things that I have been working on.   I had started Petroc in Oklahoma so I had started on him.

Tomorrow morning will be really busy.    I have a breakfast date, Bible Study and Mom.      All things I like to do. So I won't complain.

I am kind of without my complete addresses because they are on the other computer.   Oops.  

Dia Dhuit

Mary

"Don't grow up.   It's a trap."  Ireland
 

What a goofy day.    I got a call from a bad person or persons who kept me stringing along for a while before I realized what they were.    Fortunately, I did.   I called Richard and Brenda immediately.   They can't help me from there so told me to go to the laptop and to take the desktop to someone local.   Richard pulled up a couple and the first was Excelnet.   Yea.   I know them.   So I called and they have the computer.   I took it right over.   I should get it back mid week and will be OK with the laptop til then.

Thanks Richard and Brenda.    I must be more alert.

Went to the 4PM Mass.  Pray for Fr. Dan.   He had back surgery last Sunday and will be gone for a while.   Also pray for my cousin Greg who has very severe back problems also.

Tomorrow should be quiet.   Most of the week is very busy.
 Thursday, I will be going to the Irish Heritage Center in Milwaukee to meet with hopeful travelers to Scotland and then to have dinner with and give a talk on Brigit to the Shamrock Club.   I will be spending the night with my friend Gail and her husband Tom before coming back sometime Friday.

Monday is usual and Tuesday afternoon has become too busy.

Anyway.   I am going to wind down and go to bed and read for a while.

Be well

Dia Dhuit

Mary








 

Hello World

I just got home.   I went out to Rhine at 5PM to shoot league.    Harold Diedrich came in at the same time so I had someone to shoot with.   Haven't had a chance to visit with him for a while.   And I received the two rabbits that Jerry Coenen had promised me. We don't need them for the Wild Game Dinner so I will be cooking them one at a time, of course.   Anybody want to come for dinner?   I found a super Creole recipe that I want to try.

I left there and went right to the Plymouth Arts Center for the opening of their new show.   It is all photography.   Five Artists.  I met three of them.   All good, though I am a bit confused why one did all black and white.   Some made sense, but not all.   Lots of neat techniques and media.

The early part of the day was all at home.   Bonnie came and did the cleaning.   I worked on the book,  I have started St.  Colm Cille.  He is an interesting soul.

I have put the Brat Bhride out.  (The cloth to be put out on St. Brigit Eve so that it can be blessed by the saint as she walks the earth before her feast day.

So I am now ready to settle in for a warm night of sleep.   It was 7 degrees again when I was driving home from the Arts Center.

So. Until tomorrow.

Dia Dhuit

Mary.

Home all day.   Same old.  Same old.  Until tonight.

I watched John Mc Givern at 7PM on channel 10.   He featured Sheboygan Falls and Kohler.    Beth and the Research Center were featured really well.  Beth Dippel did such a good job showing it off.   Evans also was show with Ed Evanoff speaking about the store.    We all like it.

Then John interviewed Tom and Kathy Keyes in front of their beautiful home at the corner of Pine and Park with the lovely corner garden that is maintained by a group of gardeners.  

I LOVED the show.   I am working on mending the back of Mom's Cathedral Window quilt.  A nice winter project.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Cold is still with us BUT it did get up to double digits by this afternoon.

This morning I left at about 9:30AM for my errands.   First I went to Fleet Farm.   I was out of all cooking nuts, raisins and dried cranberries.    I buy them there because they are very reasonable and nice and fresh.  From there I stopped at the post office to pick up the Condo mail.   Just the free paper again.   Next I drove around the corner to city hall and dripped off the first half of the RE taxes.

Last.   The Pig for what little groceries I needed and to by my lottery ticket.  Finally got home at 11:30AM.  I ate the last of a fajita dish that I had made for lunch yesterday.    This time I could add some salsa to it.

I called my sister, Nora, to wish her a Happy Birthday, then worked on the Michael chapter for a while.  I started the mending on Mom's Cathedral Window quilt.   I know she will probably want it back in April or May.   Seems like a lot of time, but if I don't start, it won't get done.

Richard and Brenda called this evening.   Always good to talk to them.   They are well and going for their Florida vacation in February.  I know the warmth will be welcome.   They enjoy Florida, one of their favorite vacation places.

So, I am ready to head to bed.   Nothing scheduled tomorrow so I will work on the book and on the prep for a talk that I am giving to the Shamrock Club in Milwaukee on February 6th on Brigit.   So close after her feast it is a good time to do this.   I can give them a piece of the Brat Bhride, the Brigit cloth along with the legend.

Until tomorrow then.

Dia Dhuit  I love you all

Mary


Thomas Paine said, "He that would make his own liberty secure, must guard even his enemy from oppression; for if he violates this duty, he establishes a precedent that will reach to himself."

Cold beyond imagination.  It never went over -1 degrees.    I stayed home all day only leaving the house to put out the trash and get the mail.

I spent the day working on CWI things.   I believe I am all caught up on that now.   Both the local and the international.    I also made a Brigit bread that I wanted to try as a treat to go with the talk I am giving at ICHC in Milwaukee on February 6.  

I was also able to take care of some bills and set up my errands for tomorrow.    Taking the first half of the taxes in for one thing.

So nothing too exciting.    I am plugging away at the book here in there.   Figured how to insert pictures from Picasa which is quite a relief.  

Hope the world gets warmer soon.

Dia Dhuit

Mary



Quote from Maxine "I don't know how to act my age.  I've never been this age before."  And I say AMEN.

Monday Chill

It is very cold.    The last time I looked it was -4 which it pretty much has been all day.   The temps are supposed to drop at least 10 degrees during the night.    Schools and all those type of things are closed.    It is too cold for man or beast out there.   I pray for the critters and especially for the homeless who are afraid or cannot find a place to be warm.    I am praying for our brave snow removal and salt spreader people who are working so hard to keep our roads open and safe.

We have not had a year like this for such a long time.

I did go out this morning.   I went to Blessed Trinity for bible study.   There were three of us.   Ione, Joseph and me.   It was good.   It always is.   Acts is an interesting study.  It tells about the early days of the church just after Jesus left for heaven.

Mom was fine.   We took care of bills and a couple of things that were bothering her.   She likes things uncluttered and just the way they have been for each season of the year.   She shared the pictures that George and Betsy sent of their most recent trip and of them with Shawn, Bekki and the children.   They are beautiful kids.   Just want to hug them.  It is wonderful to have so many beautiful new lives around and some of them are mine.   Especially our little Marcus and his California cousins.

So tomorrow I will hunker here in my little cave and work on computer, CWI, BOOK, BRIGIT TALK, stuff.  

If you get a call from me it is because I am lonely.    Roxie is a terrible conversationalist.  She has one word.   A few inflections but she is very limited.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Hello again

I'm baaack.    I was invited to a Robert Burns party at my friend's Bob and Barb Mac Ewen's home last night.    I got home close to 10PM and was just too tired to blog.

I had an appointment at Generations with a physical therapist for an evaluation.    All I learned is that I should get a doctor's order from Dr. Leben and go to therapy again.   She, Kelsey, thinks that with proper therapy my non sore muscles could take over for the sore muscles until they get a chance to heal.   Sounds probable.   I see Dr. Leben on February 4th.    So we will see.   Today seems OK.  But I have been really careful.

Then at 6PM I went to Bob and Barb's.   Barb had a spread of heavy hor de ouerves.    She avoided haggis by calling her wrapped wienies haggis.   Not a bad idea.   There was a great group of people, mainly from their church, Grace Church in Sheboygan.   I knew several and several of them know Bobbie and Bill.   The pastor, Father Karl C. Schaffenburg, and his wife and Bernie Markovich to name three.   Also, Francoise and Jeurgin Pietzner, friends from Blessed Trinity.  Francoise brings communion to Mother during the week.  One of their friends, named Gary, led us in song, Auld Lang Syne and sang a tune or two of Burns for us too.

Today was also rather busy.   I had an appointment with Carolyn and Rich from Tailwind Destinations about the Scotland trip.   A couple of my fellow travelers joined us so we have more ears than mine.   If you are interested, please let me know and I will include you on future emails. or call me.    It is going to be exciting.

I had the afternoon home and then went to Mass at 4PM.   It is beastly cold outside.   And is supposed to remain so for some days.

God be good to anyone who's sleeping out tonight.   Tuck them in and keep them warm and don't put out the light.

One of my poems was selected for the 2015 Poets Calendar from WFOP .   Yea.


Dia Dhuit

Mary

> Jay Leno: 
> 
> "With hurricanes, tornados, 
> fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the 
> country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist 
> attacks, are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?"

Time for bed

Would you believe that I am still up?   It is 9:30PM

Had a lovely evening.   I met my neighbors, Pat and Roger and my friend Peggy at Pour Vino on Mill Street for a glass of wine.  Then we went down the street to 52 Stafford for dinner and to enjoy the Irish Session there.

I sang Whiskey on a Sunday and Inishfree durning the evening.   Totally relaxing.

Tomorrow is going to be SO cold.   I do not have to go anywhere and will not.   Time to hole up in our caves until the weather is more receptive to being out in it.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Whew

It was terribly cold today and tomorrow is looking like more of the same.

I went to exercise class today and had to stop because my neck and arm started hurting.   I wasn't using them.   I keep my right arm in my pocket, but this time it made no difference.   I am very discouraged.  Fred, the director of the program, said that he will help me work our a program that may help.   I am seeing the physical therapist on Friday and he will get her recommendations.

I went grocery shopping before going home.   I put everything away and made my lunch then I lay down on the couch and slept for almost three hours.    I feel better now.   I baked some carrot muffins this afternoon and mixed up the dough for a loaf of country bread.

Baking and cooking always lift my spirits.   I will have to share some of this.   Tomorrow I am having breakfast with friends and going to 52 Stafford for music and dinner in the evening.    It will be good to get out for entertainment.  

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Just a note to tell you that I am just fine.



I had Bible Study, a visit with Mom, Nora and Leif this morning.   Went to lunch with my friend Peggy at the Exchange Bank.   We then went to Book Head for the  Cream City Writers Club.   On the way home I stopped and had a cup of tea with Kate.

Kate gave me a cute little owl that someone had given her that she felt looked scary. 

Then home again.  At  6:15PM I met Nora and Leif for a wonderful evening at the Blind Horse for dinner.   I so enjoy spending time with them.    We have so much to share.

So now it is past my bedtime and I better get to bed.   Roxie is so glad I am back home.  Last night after I went to bed she went, as Jim used to say, MENTAL and was running back and forth in the living room like a crazy cat.  She even knocked over Bobbie and Bill's picture which I have on the hearth.    I heard the picture fall and went out to see what was going on.   She looked at me like she wanted me to mind my own business.


Dia Dhuit

Mary

Pasties

Well, a day at home all day.

This afternoon at 1PM,  three of my Celtic Women Friends came over and we enjoyed a really super visit as we put together a bunch of pasties to share.    A great way to spend the afternoon.   I make some scones to snack on and Kathy brought donuts and Peggy brought homemade Irish Cream.   So good.   After enjoying Irish Cream and sweets we sipped tea until everything was done.   We split the pasties and my friends left at about 5PM.    Such a great afternoon.

That is really all I have for today.

Tomorrow I am going to church and breakfast and then out to shoot at Rhine.

Should be a much fun as today.\

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Another Week

Another week almost gone.

Today was not too busy.   I just sorted things and cleaned the desk and caught up on some correspondence.

Had lunch with the Bank ladies at Dairy Queen and then picked up the mail for the condo assn. from the Post Office.

I made the pasty dough this afternoon for tomorrows CWI event.

So a quiet day;.   Almost time to go to bed now.   So until tomorrow, God bless you all.

I talked to Jacquie today and she sounded pretty good.   Long time healing ahead thought.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

 This turned out to be quite a productive day.   I went to the exercise class this morning.   I had to keep my newly "shot" arm in my pocket, but was able to do everything else.   I am hoping this will stop my hips from aching during the night.  Twice since I came home from Oklahoma, I have had to get up and soak my hips in a hot bath.   Exercise seems to help.

Then Bonnie and one of her girls came and cleaned the house.   A day early, Bonnie had called yesterday to ask if she could come today because of a conflict.   Jody will be out for at least two more weeks.   She is really a sick puppy.

I fixed a tuna steak for my lunch.   Roxie was willing to taste bits of it too.   Then I went to the Sheboygan County Research Center to look up the Vollrath Zoo as I want to do a poem about the time I remember going there.    I told Beth I would do an article for their newsletter too as long as I am at it.  

I worked for a while on St. Michael for the Patron Saint book and on the Poem for the Spring exhibit at the Ebco center.    I think I am finally getting some enthusiasm back.  

Now it is after 7PM and I am going to turn everything down and watch The Taste on channel 12.   I like it and just want to kind of gel.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

"Whoever said that diamonds are a girls best friend, never owned a dog." Anon.

It has been a busy day.   I had an 9 AM hair cut.  Terri does a good job and is right down town in Plymouth.   She is interested in CWI too.  With her business, she keeps emailing that she hated to miss the events after they are over.     Everything unto its time.

Then I went to the Sheboygan Clinic for my appointment with Dr. Leben about my arm.   I got there at 10:15am for my 11:45AM appointment.   Good work, right?  They couldn't fit me in, but they did try.   So I went to the Glas House Coffee shop for a cappuccino and wrote out the bones of a poem that I need to have done by the end of February.  Assignment poems need to whirl around in what is left of my brain for a while and often collide with inspiration.  I like this beginning and have plenty of time to hone and rewrite.

My appointment went well I think.    Apparently, sometimes shots are the only way but we are still hoping that my muscles, ligaments or nerves, whichever it is will calm.   She got a new spot in my arm itself to try to get rid of that pain.  She is supportive of the therapist who will evaluate me at Generations for suggested exercising.   I always love it when one of my neighbors, well meaning but thinks that anything that worked for her should work for everybody, tells me what I should be doing.
Anyway, I am in a LOT of pain now because the night of the shots and sometimes the next day are a bit hard.

Home again, my niece, Vikki, called.  She was on her way home from seeing Jacquie and things are not good.   She has her good times,  Vikki experienced one while she was there.   But other problems cause sever mood swings and then she becomes very angry and suspicious.     Vikki doesn't see how she can ever go home.   Poor Todd.    Vikki talked to her Uncle Dick, my ex, and he actually was talking.    He doesn't know what he is going to do.   He says he has nobody.    I don't think he realizes that the boys, especially Bart are concerned for him.   Bart will do as much as he can.   Neither of them can have him live with them.   Dick will have to share his situation with them so they can work it out.

Another worry.    Just because I divorced him doesn't mean I don't care.   He fathered my children and he is a human being in need of help.

Guess that is all for now.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A bit of humor.


"Why does it take five Irishmen to change a light bulb?  One to change the bulb.  Four to remark about how GRAND the old bulb was." www.irelandcalling.ie

That is why it is a good thing if at least five people are around when you die.   One to bury you and five to remark about how grand you were.

Tuesday

We had snow today.   Not as much as predicted but snow in any case.   This means that it was somewhat warm, but we are being told that the cold is coming back.   Not the sub zero but below 20 degrees.    Sometimes I wonder why I came back to Wisconsin.   I left because I was young and looking for adventure.   Sunny California was sure nice for chilly bones.  Wouldn't like to live there now.  But getting away from these winters would be a joy.

I went grocery shopping this morning.   The first time for myself since before Christmas.   I still didn't need much.   I stocked up on some paper products and needed some salad items and cat food. 

Home again, I finished getting all the Christmas items downstairs and I cleaned and sorted the Christmas boxes and have that wall of shelves all organized.   I put ribs and sauerkraut into the crock pot this morning for supper.   It was really good.

Tomorrow I get a hair cut and have a doctor appointment.   Sure hope Dr. Leben has some hope for my arm.   I am pretty discouraged myself.

So the living room is back to its non Christmas status and I feel good about that.  Saturday I will be making pasties with my Celtic Friends.   Not as many as last time.   If you want to come, grab a couple of root veggies and come on over.


Dia Dhuit

Mary

This has been a very busy Monday.

First I had to go to the bank and  Walgreens on the way to Sheboygan Falls for a couple of errands for Mother.     I got to Blessed Trinity just on time, though we do operate a bit on Irish time and I am using that cushion.

We are, as I mentioned, studying the Book of Acts of the Apostle.   Very interesting.   We are in Chapter 4 Verses 30 and on when the disciples of Jesus had joined together and pooled everything and it was wonderful and no one was in need or hungry.    We discussed the fact that even so close to the time that Jesus was among them, this utopia did not last too long.   The trouble with utopia is that someone has to be in charge and also some people be their nature will allow everybody else to do everything.  Power brings problems and corruption and so does apathy and laziness.  We also discussed that this is actually communism which in its pure form seems like an ideal way to live.  Unfortunately there are always people on both ends of the scale who will take advantage of the situation.

Then I went to Mom's.   She is fine.   Kind of tired and is having some trouble remembering things.    It seems to be because she doesn't always hear things or because of her tiredness it doesn't stick.   She is still reading the paper as best she can and keeping up with news.   We got her bills paid and I put a few things back in their places from Christmas.   She does not like to wait.  Always sweet about it but sometimes I just do things because I don't like her fretting about it.

Then I went to pick up Sy Regan and we went to the Sheboygan Writers together.   That was fun.   I did have a short poem to read.   I have been rather dry the past month of so but did write one on my way home from OK.

I am not putting it here as I may want to submit it somewhere and they want unpublished items.

I would like to share one of my brother Matt's poems.   I have been reading them lately.

THE NOMAD

the nomad has
been had
his hiways have been used
and he's been refused
in the bars
and saloons 
of a society 
he never made
the nomad has 
been had
all thru these recent years
and has cried too many tears
because all he hears
is how the 
nomad
has been had

His poems were usually dark and he used no capital letters or punctuation.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Sunday

Today was Sunday all day.   I went to Mass this morning. The School Kids planned and did all the readings and led the singing for the Mass.   It was very impressive.   It is Catholic School week so we were all invited to visit the school.    I had to get going though.    I took communion to my neighbors, Tom and Rita.    They had to take their grandson home so wanted to leave before noon.   Keep them in your prayers.   Rita looks pretty good but is obviously more frail.   I think she is at peace.
Rita gave me a Christmas gift.   I think she likes to thank me.   I feel that it is such a privilege to carry Jesus in my very own car to share in some one's very own house, that I don't need gifts.   But she is a giving soul and accepting is also a gift to the person who gives.  I hope that makes sense.  
I took the rest of the day rather easy.   I have everything Christmas downstairs now.  (I think).   Now I will be spending time in that back room each day stashing and sorting things. 

I called Jacquie today.   First I got Todd on her phone that kept breaking up.    But Todd called me back on his phone.   She sounds GREAT.   I am so relieved.   We want to keep praying, but we can throw thanks in along with the prayers for continued healing.   

Tomorrow I will have a usual Monday with Sheboygan Writers Club thrown in.   I will be picking Sy up again.  

I have made a vow to get back to my writing this week.    Not too big a goal.   I can start a bit each day.

Hope all is well with you.    We had temperatures hit 40 DEGREES today.  A heat wave.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

What a day.     My cleaning lady, Jody, is still sick, but her boss, Bonnie came at 8:30AM and cleaned the house.   

May arm is so sore.   I called Dr. Murthy to see if perhaps I could help by using a sling.   He said that it was Ok but to let it out of the sling regularly so it doesn't get stiff that way.   I just want to stop reaching for things with it.   I don't imagine that Duct Tape would be very practical.

I went to Falls and Mother's at 10:30AM because the VNA were coming.   They have determined that she is too healthy for their services at this point.   Poor Mom.   The nurse, the social worker, me, Dolores and Ken and Mary Margaret's Mike were all wandering in and out or the house.   The VNA will come two more times.     I went down because Pat, the Social Worker, wanted one of us there to be sure Mother understood what they were saying.    Her hearing is so bad you know.   If I had known that Dolores would be there, I wouldn't have come.  Dolores will be there next Friday when they come for the last time and will help her sign off and everything.

Home again, I started putting Christmas away.   I can do that with one arm if I put the right arm in a sling so I remember not to use it.

This evening, silly me, I went out to Rhine to shoot pistol.   I got our on Hwy C before I realized the the weatherman was right, nobody should be out in that icy mess.    I did make it to the club and did shoot.   By then the salters had been out.  I followed my friends Bob and Pat Becher as far as Plymouth so am safely home and they are too.  One of the guys at the club gave me his phone number in case I did get stuck or became unable to move.    I was sure grateful and called to tell him that I was safe.   People are good to me.   I am truly blessed.    On the way home I decided I needed an Angel guarding me so called on Michael.    I told him that since I am writing about him as Patron of Cornwall, he really should protect me from harm so that I can finish.   I helps to have friends in high places.

So

Time for bed.

Dia dhuit and stay safe.

Mary

Kind of a nice day.   It started off with temps WAY below zero, but by the time I had to go out at 10AM, it had warmed up considerably and there was no wind.

I just had to go downtown anyway for my dental checkup.   All went well and I now have the cleanest teeth in town.   Then I drove to the post office to mail a package, pick up the condo mail from the box and get some stamps for me.  I got some cash from the ATM as I was down to less than $10 cash.  Last I picked up some prescriptions at Walgreens.

Home again I ate lunch, rested for a bit and then made some scones to take to Kate's for her party tonight.   I also made a batch of blueberry/rhubarb refrigerator jam this morning to spread on them.  

The party started at 7PM.   She puts on a good  spread.   It was a nice party with lots of friends from church.  A very pleasant evening.  

Tomorrow will be kind of busy too but manageable.

So until then.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A Catch Up Day

It was a catch up day.    I emptied my suitcase and have almost finished the wash.

I cleaned up the kitchen and got the mail sorted and the bills paid.

I went to see Mother and have her bills all checked and taken care of. 

Now I feel pretty good about everything and will start going forward in the morning- after my dentist appointment

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I'm Home

I arrived after an easy trip at about 7PM.   Am going right to bed now.

Til tomorrow

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Last Day in Oklahoma

We Just got back from dinner at the Samuri, a Japanese restaurant where they cook the food on the griddle in front of you.   It was excellent.I had salmon and it came with soup, salad, rice and stir fry veggies.  So good.

It has been a refreshing time of rest away from everything that is a responsibility and mundane.   Now I plan on hitting my life at home as if it is, which it is, a new beginning.   It is still at the beginning of the New Year. fresh and untouched.

It will be good to be home.   Home is after all where we have carved out our lives.   I miss my Roxie and having my own home around me.   I did look at several homes for sale here.   There are one or two that I could see myself in.   Time will tell.    I well be where I need to be.

I will be home by this time tomorrow night and sleep in my own bed.

Dia Dhuit

You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.
C. S. Lewis
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/c/c_s_lewis.html#fj8faMXozo2ZMO18.99

Mary

You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.  C.S. Lewis

You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.
C. S. Lewis
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/c/c_s_lewis.html#kxPgSATKUXBrUjoB.99

You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.
C. S. Lewis
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/c/c_s_lewis.html#kxPgSATKUXBrUjoB.99

You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.
C. S. Lewis
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/c/c_s_lewis.html#fj8faMXozo2ZMO18.99

A rough Day :)

I hope that symbol means smile.   Bart, Barb and I drove to Midwest City, near Oklahoma City to meet Jim and Michelle for lunch and a journey to a Flea Market.   I guess it has been going on for 30 years or so.

We had lunch at a restaurant called Monterey Jacks.  I had enough food for dinner and supper.   Spinach enchiladas with rice and beans.   Nummy.   The flea market was big and interesting.   the "rough day comes from the fact that there were several puppies looking for homes.    One could hold them and I cuddled a black Labrador retriever pup.   Bart asked to hold him, and I said sure but the puppy just snuggled deeper under my chin and hung on.   I was only able to say no to him because what would I have done with him now.   Later, Bart was talking and petting another dog and when he said he couldn't have it, the puppy whimpered.    I thought Bart was going to melt into a puddle.   We are all such critter people.   But we did manage to make it out of the place unpuppied.   (Is that a word?)

So it was an altogether lovely day.  Quality time with two of my boys at the same time and with their wives who I love.It was in the mid fifties, so a good day for a flea market but as we were arriving back in Lawton, the temperature was dropping.   The wind is howling now which means a quick drastic drop is happening.     Barb said that now I know what the song from Oklahoma means.   "the wind goes sweeping ore the plains."

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Friday

This vacation is very nice.   

It is not exactly warm but MUCH warmer than at home. It looks like I will be returning to sub and near zero temperatures on Tuesday.


Last night Barbara and I went to Geronimo to visit with Adam, Lexie and the girls.   My little grand daughters, Adria and Abbie.   They have grown so much since I was here last.  I brought them my American Girl doll, Felicia, and all her belongings.    Adria has an American Girl doll that looks like her.  So my present to her was my Cabbage Patch Girl, Marcia Madge, and her belongings.    They were very happy with them.   A neighbor girl, Kate, was spending the night.  She informed me that I should bring her a doll next Christmas.   I told her, very kindly, that her grandma should be bringing her dolls.  I also had five American Girl Cookbooks that I hope they enjoy with their mom.

Today,  Bart drove me around Fort Sill just to kind of tour and see changes.

Tomorrow we are going to Oklahoma City to lunch with Jim and Michelle and go to a flea market.

We are watching the Hunger Games.  I never saw it and always wanted to.

So that is the news here.

Hope all is well with everybody I love and that the New Year is promising.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I am in my glory.   I have two puppies sitting on the couch beside me.

New Years Day

Happy New Year.   2014 is here.  Can you believe. 

I am in Lawton enjoying much better weather than at home.   It was in the upper 50s today.   Barbara, Marlise and I went to Dillard's for their crazy New Year sale.    Everything that is permanently reduced is further discounted by 50%.     We had a good time.   I bought a nice outfit, a new denim jacket and a couple of things from the kitchen department.    It was a lot of fun.  I am not a big shopper but do enjoy it with other people.   

Then the three of us went to a Vietnamese Restaurant.   We all had Won Ton Soup.    It was a HUGE bowl.   I will be eating it for lunches.  I don't mind at all as it  was very good.  I have had a request for the Kunert Spinach,Noodle Casserole from Bart.    It will be our Sunday dinner.

We are planning to go to see my Grandson Adam and his wife Lexie and my great grand daughters Adria and Abbie tomorrow.    I have presents for them and am really looking forward to seeing them.

Barb made a super pizza for supper tonight.   I have finished the mint brownies so had one of them for dessert.

Have to check things you know.

Til tomorrow

Dia Dhuit

Mary