Friday

It was COLD today.   We have had colder temps, but with the snow and dampness it felt terribly cold.   During the night a fast thunderstorm came through and it sure sounded like hail that was pounding on the roof.   Then, when I left the Dairy Queen at about 2PM it was snowing.   Not fair.   It was so wet that none of it stayed on the ground but none the less it was snow.

I got up at about 7AM this morning and started washing sheets and eventually towels.  Lori came to clean at 8AM and I needed to get the sheets done so that she could help make the bed.   Of course, I can.   But it is so much easier with two.   Besides, my arm is starting to hurt again.    I think I need to start the circle of health providers again.   Pooh.   

I went to the Dairy Queen to lunch with my friends at 12:30PM.   A nice visit.  There were five of us.   So we had a good time.    They make good grilled cheese sandwiches which are perfect for Lent.   Pray for my friend Marlene's husband Warren.   He is having health issues and needs it.   

I spend my spare time writing on St. David and on a bio for Mother to put on her door.   Dolores noticed that other residents have them and we think that Mom should too.

This evening, I went down to the Plymouth Arts Center for the opening of their new exhibit "Endangered Places, Historic Spaces" - Water's Edge Artists Painters for preservation.   The exhibit will be up until the end of May.    I love the openings.   Most of the artists try to get there for the opening.  I am acquainted with many of them now and it is really exciting to see their work.  I ran into Tim and Diane Ebenreiter too and think I have a place for a proper James Joyce, Bloomsday event.   Yee Haa.   Paul will be so happy.

Tomorrow will be a quiet day.   For me anyway.    I called Bobbie and invited her and Bill for Easter dinner.   They are leaving tomorrow to visit Leslie and Bill in Louisiana.    Leslie told her that it is nice and warm down there.   That will make it a super break for them.  

So,  A lovely day.   Roxie and I feel really good about it.    

Dia Dhuit

Mary

When Jack Daniels freezes, you know Hell has frozen over!

This morning, I drover to the Craverie in Kohler to have breakfast with my friend, Felicia.   She and I have been roommates on several trips, including Ireland and will be again in Scotland.   The Craverie is really pleasant.   We sat on a couch in front of a nice fire in the fireplace with a view of Kohler pond and the "Kohler Goose."   That is a comment that my sweetheart would have used as there was one lonely goose walking around on the ice looking for water.

I was home the rest of the day.    Read the final chapter for the Rediscover Catholicism discussion group that I am a part of.  We have next Tuesday and then the Tuesday August 22 and will be done.   It is an easy read but full of discussion items.  A lot going on in the church and in our world.

I did more research on St. David today also.   Have been trying to match boxes up to send the memories of Mother's house to the out of state kids.   It is hard to find boxes for memories.

I can't believe that the week is almost over already.

Til tomorrow
Dia Dhuit

Mary

Such a wonderful day.   It was cold this morning but the sun finally came out and actually it was nice being outside for a bit.    Not too long but a bit.

I went grocery shopping this morning.  That went well, then I did some baking and tried to reach people.   It seems that everybody I needed to talk to I had to leave a message for.  But eventually, it all worked out.

This evening I went to St. Paul's Episcopal church here in Plymouth for a Seder Dinner.   My friends, Bob and Barbara Mac Ewen told me about it and made the reservation for me.   It was truly wonderful, fun, educational and a good meal.   Rabbi Noah Chertkoff led us in this festive meal celebration.  We went through the whole ceremony,   toasts and all, (though as he mentioned, when we took sips to toast, the participants usually slug down the whole glass and there are at least 5 toasts.)   Sipping was better for me.  It was a treat to learn the traditions and meanings behind things and to see how much the children are drawn into the Seder.

I will share at Bible Study on Monday.

So now it is time for bed for this lady.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

What a day.   I had a doctor's appointment at 9AM with Dr. Murthy.    He checked me over and reviewed my status on shots and procedures and we have determined that despite the fact that I am recovering from a gunshot wound he is pleased with my overall health.   He did suggest that I get back to exercising.   Oh Great, another thing to DO.  But I have been intending to do that.   I know they have a sit down exercise at Generations and will try that.    When my foot heals I intend to get walking again.   Sure wish I had a doggie.

I voted on my way home.   Not much to vote for but I like to do my civic duty.

Home again, I fixed a pasty for lunch.  Then I drove to Joan Kramer's house for a reflexology treatment.   It was great.   I fell asleep as she got into the actual foot massage.  Ended up all relaxed and ready for anything.   I think it will even help me get to sleep tonight.   I have been having trouble with that.

Tomorrow is rather quiet but I will be going to St. Paul Episcopal church tomorrow evening for a Jewish Seder that they are putting on.   A Rabbi is in charge of the event so it will be very special.   It is good to learn rituals and their meanings.

So.  Time to wind down again.

Vikki called tonight we had a great talk.  We are both so anxious for our New York Trip.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Monday

Boy what a wonderful day.

Started early.   I went to the bank before going to Bible Study.   Our Tom and Kathy Keyes are back from Texas so we had a pretty good group.    Still discussing St. Stephen's speech in the temple.    Lots to talk about there.

Then I stopped for just a minute at my friend Barb Mac Ewen's house to pick up my Mary Kay on my way to Meadow View Manor to spend time with Mother.    I brought her copies of the poems in large print that I have on display at the Ebco Center.    I knew she would like the Onion River.   She remembers cooking those bullheads for our supper.   She deep fried them and even left the heads on.   They were easy to eat as the meat just peeled easily off of the bones and tasted so good.

Got home and had lunch, then rested a bit as I left here at 4PM to go to Silver Lake College in Manitowoc to enjoy my niece, Samantha's Senior Art Show.    She got a whole room for her show.   I am so impressed with her.   Not only did she produce the art, but she has written stories and poems to go be an extension of many of the pieces.   Talented little girl.  Guess I shouldn't call her little.   She is after all 21 years old already.

Finally, I left there to go to Redeemer to practice for the show at Plymouth Arts Center in May.  It went pretty well.   We have gotten through all the music now.    Need to practice, practice and get the soloists to volunteer and get our dress ready.  We like to have a kind of loose uniform look.

So.  It is late, and I am ready to go to bed.   I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow at 9AM.  So have to be rested.

I didn't have time to figure out how to send more pictures but will tomorrow and will send a copy of the second poem that I have in the Poets and Artist's display.

Dia Dhuit

Mary  

Poets and Artists in Cahoots

Here it is almost 7PM on Sunday evening.    A beautiful day.   The sun shone all day and the temperatures got up into the high 40's maybe even the low 50's though I did not see that.   The next few days are supposed to be bringing another cold and snow spell.   Will it NEVER end. 

As I said briefly, Friday night was a success.   There were 18 artists and 16 poets represented in the show.   Each artist has a poem created around one of his or her works and each poet had a piece of art created by one of the artists.  For a show consisting of 34 pieces of art and 34 poems. 

There were over 150 people who came to the opening.  I arrived at about 5:30PM.  The show started at 6PM, but I wanted to deliver the baked goods that I donated to the show.   I think I told you I had Lime Scones and chocolate cupcakes in pretty cupcake cups with white frosting and a Hershey's kiss on each one.   They WERE impressive and everybody was pleased.  I am not sure who brings them, but we also had Black Forest Cupcakes.   I guess they are really easy but who does not get excited over cherry chocolate cupcakes that don't even need frosting.

At 7:30PM, the poets read their work.   As we read them we had the artist do a Vanna White to the piece of art that inspired the poem, or was the inspiration.    I will put one in today and one tomorrow.  The first is based on a watercolor of the Onion River painted by Keary Kautzer.   Keary had injured his leg, so his wife stood and pointed at our work.   He tore his Achilles tendon playing volleyball.   When he found out how I hurt mine,  he felt better.  I got the opportunity, however, to tell Keary how grateful I was that he brought the memories back to me.

LESSONS LEARNED ON THE ONION RIVER

Where the Onion meets the Sheboygan

down behind the abandoned slaughterhouse

Dad took us fishin'.

Carrying long bamboo poles

with a red and white plastic bobber

tied above the hook,

we'd hunker down

on the moist green bank.

Shadows from gently swaying trees

embraced us from above.

Let's be quiet now, Dad would say.

We learned to swing the long pole

over the bubbling, moving river

to spots that looked good.

The bobber sinking!

A tug on the line!

You got one! Dad would say,

then tell us how to bring it in.

Wonder of wonders,

we hauled fish out of that river!

Mostly bullheads , I remember.

Bullheads have sharp horns.

I was gored by a couple.

When there was enough for a meal,

we carried them home in a bucket to Mom.

Mom praised us for our gift.

We learned great life lessons

while fishing on the Onion.

It is good to gather your own food.

Fresh tastes best.

Dads know everything.

For My Dad – Hutz Deeley, a true poet

 

I do have a copy of the picture that I can show you.  I wish I could afford the original, but then I don't have room for it anyway.  

 

I figured out where to put the spoons that I got from Mom and Dad's collection. Up on that narrow rack where all my little stuff seems to go.

 

The other poem is called Falcon.   I will share it later.

 

Yesterday I slept really late because I had been out late the night before.   The only time I went out was to get the mail and then I remembered that I had some things that had to go in the mail today for sure.  So I drove to the drop box in front of the Post office and then dropped some baskets and vases off at Kate's home.   I haven't talked to her in such a long time.   Ron took the baskets and vases and paperwork about the Gathering.     So I am sure she will get the word.

 

I went to Mass this morning.  I was lector for the second time at St. John's. I hope she gets me on Saturday's from now on.  Everything went well, BUT I read the Saturday intentions and it is SUNDAY.  The family were upset.   I apologized profusely but still feel bad about it.   Fr. Dan forgave me though.

 

So.  I have been working on the Patron Saints book in my spare time and trying to study for the Rediscover Catholicism discussion.   Instead of giving things up for Lent, I am trying to be a better Christian.   Hope it works.

 

Tomorrow will be a typical busy Monday.   I will even have more, as I am going to Silver Lake College to see our Samantha's Art Show that is part of her graduation from Silver Lake.

 

So Until tomorrow.  

 

Dia Dhuit

 

Mary

 

P. S.  I am going to try to send some pictures of the EVENT.

 

 

Last night was wonderful.   I got home too late to post.

Tonight I let the day get away from me and Now I am too tired to do much more than tell you all is well.

Tomorrow I will catch you up.

I have pictures on the phone and just need to figure out how to show you.

Until tomorrow.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I went to Aurora here in Plymouth for my Mammogram.   Wonder how long I will have to get them.   I seems to me that after a certain age, what difference does it make.

I stopped at Walmart on the way home to pick up some toilet bowl cleaner that I forgot yesterday and I got the spare gas cylinder filled while I was there. 

I was able to stay home the rest of the day.    It was damp and chilly and rainy all day so I was glad to be in.   I went on a baking frenzy.   That always cheers me up on a rainy day.   I baked some lime scones and made cupcakes to take with me to the Poet's and Artists in Cahoots event tomorrow night at the Ebco Art Space in Sheboygan.   We got a really good article in The Sheboygan Press today.  I am pretty pumped.

Hope we get a good turnout.   I did send a preview of the event to several of my email lists.

I will attach a copy here if I can.

Time to wind down for the night. 

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Making It Speak: Poets and Artists in Cahoots”

Seventeen Sheboygan Visual Artists and sixteen poets of the Mead Library Poetry Circle accepted a challenge. They used each other’s art form to inspire new works of poetry and visual art. These works will be featured in a unique, collaborative exhibit at EBCO Artworks, 1201 Erie Ave, Sheboygan. “Making It Speak: Poets and Artists in Cahoots” will open as a Final Friday event with a reception from 6-10pm on March 28. There will be a poetry reading beginning at 7:30pm. This event, complete with refreshments and valet parking, is open to the public, free of charge.

The exhibit can also be seen Saturdays and Sundays, March 29 & 30, April 5 &6, and April 12 & 13 from 10am-4pm.

For more information, please contact Erico Ortiz at 414-587-3474, Marilyn Windau 920-467-6614, or SVA at 262-416-1ART (278).

Despite the fact that it was cold today,   in the 20s, may have gone up to the 40s,  the sun it out and spirits are rising all over the place.

I decided to go to the Exchange Bank for coffee and a scone before going grocery shopping this morning.   Sometimes it is really good to just get out of the house and eat around people.  Real people.  I brought a notebook and did a bit of writing.   Very pleasant. 

Then I did my grocery shopping.  Didn't need too much but cat food and a bit of fresh fruit later, I left the store.   I swung by Walgreens because I had a $10 coupon that had to be used by Friday.   I had to spend at least $30, but that was not hard.    An ink cartridge and some rechargable batters and I was about there.

Home again, I put groceries away and started lunch.   I got out a pound of hamburger.  I made two burgers, one for today and one for Saturday and browned the rest for a tostado for tomorrow's lunch and whatever.   I will get at least two meals out of the browned meat.   I also roasted some sweet potato wedges.    It was good.

I worked on the book this afternoon and do feel that I got quite a bit done.   I also did some more mending on the Cathedral Window Quilt that Mom made.   I want to get it done so that I can give it to Donna and Randy.   They have a place for it and three girls to claim it eventually.

I liked today.    Tomorrow I have a mammogram.  EWWWW!  But I get rid of it early in the morning so I will most of the day to recover. 

Hope your tomorrow is starting out better than that.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Arghh

What a day.  Started off easy.   I went to the Rediscover Catholicism discussion group that I told you about.  We only meet every two weeks so it is not hard but seems to be coming up awfully fast.   There are two more meetings.   It is really interesting, we have such a diverse group of Catholic,   some of them know exactly what to do to fix the problems:)   Would that it was as simple as talking about it.

I then drove into Sheboygan and picked up my taxes.   For the first year, I have to pay.  This was a test year and I am not surprised but it is still a disappointment.   I kind of earmarked last years refund for such a possibility but I really didn't want to spend it on that- again:)   (I am doing a smiley face, aren't I)

Home the rest of the day, I made chicken for lunch and spent a good chunk of the day shredding and rearranging so that I have a place for Mom's banking and important documents.   I cleared off a shelf in the office closet.  

I also went through some books to donate.   It is really hard for me to give any up.  But really, I can't see moving ALL of them in the future.

Talked to Bart and Jeff today.   Bart sounded pretty good.  And Jeff and I discussed some of Mom's appointments.   I have received a call from Aurora confirming an appointment for Mother which we thought was cancelled.    I pushed the button to have them call later, and will cancel it then.   Wanted to be sure as Jeff handles those appointments.  Don't know why they are calling me.  Probably still from when I was taking her to her appointments.

Anyway, I have decided that I am going to the Exchange Bank tomorrow morning at 8:30PM for coffee and something and then will stop at the post office and do the grocery shopping.   I can then be home the whole day and it is going to be a writing day.

It was cold but sunny today.   Snow fell last night that left the roads covered in ice this morning, but it was all dried up by noon.   Supposed to hit 60 on Sunday.   

Dia Dhuit

Mary

John Wayne said:  "Life is hard:   it's harder if you are stupid."

A Monday

I felt pretty good today.   I am much more alert and my foot is not hurting as much.   It is almost a normal size and color.

Had a really fun Bible Study.   Just Joseph, Shirley and I.   Everybody else was either sick or on vacation.    Happens at this time of year.  We read Chapter 7, the speech that St. Stephen made that got the pharisees so angry that he was stoned to death.   I have heard pieces of his speech but swear I never read or heard the whole thing in its entirety.  He is always considered the first martyr because he is the first mentioned to be killed for standing up for his faith in Jesus.

Then I went to Meadow View Manor to visit with Mom.   I brought her the Eucharist.    We had a great visit.   She is so very tired but loves to talk about things.   We had lunch together too.

Tonight, I went over to Redeemer Church on Eastern to practice for the Spring Concert at Plymouth Arts Center.  It went pretty well, we have gotten through all the music now and have 8 or 9 more practices to refine things.   Good thing, we are pretty rusty yet.   I have been going downstairs and singing with the keyboard.   Helps a lot.

So tired time.   I have to get up and put the trash out by 7:30AM.   No nap today so I really need my sleep.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Hello all.

A nice Saturday.   I slept late.   Felt good.   Then I got up and spent the day writing, doing some house things and reading.
Mass was at 4:00PM.   Fr. Dan was the priest.    He is working part time as he is recovering from back surgery.   So we got him this week, and St. Thomas gets him next week.   He does a nice sermon. I was a communion minister,  I always enjoy that.  And I took communion to Rita and Tom on the way home.    She is so thin.   She tires very easily and has trouble holding her head up.   She has a collar but it gets uncomfortable so she wears it until it hurts then removes it for a while and she rests a lot.

I did some calling on New York too.   I will call Vikki tomorrow with what I have found out.   I talked to Sara Deeley, Jeff's daughter who is living and working in New York.  We will hook up with her as much as we can too.


I plan on mapping out an "agenda' of how I think things should be then let Vikki approve.

Fun Fun Fun

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Subject: Cute, short and not political



What's in a name?

Do you remember the famous Olympic skier Picabo Street (pronounced Pee-Ka-Boo)?
Well, Picabo is not just an athlete. She is now a nurse currently working at an Intensive Care Unit (I.C.U.) of a large metropolitan hospital.

She is not permitted to answer the hospital telephones any longer. It caused too much confusion when she would answer the phone and say, "Picabo, I.C.U."       (Admit it ... You're smiling)

Still tired

Still tired but am beginning to think it is mainly the antibiotics that I am taking.    I got so sleep at about 9AM, and I felt a bit squishy so I lay down until about 10:30AM.   

I did have a few calls this morning and had a couple of Tallgrass Board things to do as well as writing things.

Decided to go our to lunch and the lunch plus the time elapsed with the pills helped.  I was able to get a few things done around here.   Had a nice visit with Betty,  Ceil and Barb.   I'm excited.   I can wear shoes again.  I picked my most stretched out slip ons and it worked just fine.

Bret called.   We had a good visit.    He and his buddies are at Nascar in California.   He sounded like he was having to much fun.    I had facebooked him on Tuesday evening and told him to call because I was lonely.    He didn't call til Friday, but in between, his (and my) friend Shannon told him that he had better call or she would kick his patoot. I too have tood friends in the mobile home park that he lives in.  That's because I'm Bret's Mom.

Tomorrow is quiet except for Mass in the evening.  I need to disburse the items that I brought home from Mom's and continue going through my things.    Tomorrow I will take a bunch of things to St. Vinnie.  It is still too cold to clean the garage, but I can do some inside stuff.

Dia Dhuit

Mry

I am glad I had the whole day at home.   I am very tired and really took it easy today.

Hopefully tomorrow I will have some zip back.  I have started " Making Lists."   That's a good sign.   I at least care.

Bless you all until tomorroe

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Bed is calling me

I woke up rather apprhensively, as yesterday I was in pain when I urinated and I had pink pee.   There has to be a story in that.   A gross story, to be sure, but a story none the less.

I had an appointment with a physician assistant Lynett Wilderman.   Dr. Murthy, my doctor was not in today, but had ordered the urine test.    I found Lynett to be very impressive.   I do have a bad bladder infection and will be on antibiotics for 7 days.   So, as I dodged the bullet, and did not get a yeast infection by taking the antibiotics to prevent infection in my bullet wound.   (Did you see how clever I was in wording that.   The point is I had to pick up a couple of things at the store, I got yogurt.   I am not big on yogurt but will try.   I also got Cranberry supplement.   I might be over reacting but I never had a bladder infection before and they hurt and burn.

I rested most of the afternoon.  Ate a scrambled egg for supper and then picked up Sy Regan for our Poets at Mead gathering.    There were a couple of new people, one who must write from the time he  wakes until he hits the bed.  When it got to me, I told them I was reading an old poem because I have not done much the past month as I was recovering from shooting myself in the foot.  They react like everybody else, then when they see that I am OK, they want details.     I thought Karl Elder was going to fall off the chair.   Can't say I blame him.

Anyway, I read the Knockeen Dolmen from my first book in honor of St. Patricks Day.   I am now home.   I am exhausted.   I get to be home all day tomorrow, Good Lord Willing.

So Good Night

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Sharing below a poem about old houses with coal furnaces and gravity heat the only source to go into a second story.

OUR KITCHEN

The fire in the old coal furnace

in the old farm house

Barely lasted until dawn,

Winter being what it is.

Poor Mother had to get up in the cold

trek down to the basement

to throw more coal on the ashes.

Then she shut the doors to the kitchen

and lit the oven.

We, her munchkins, woke one by one,

left the cozy caves of our quilt topped beds

and stumbled down the stairs

to the warm cocoon that she had prepared.

We huddled, all of us, in that place

eating our breakfast and drinking hot chocolate

until the newly stoked fire sent its fingers of warmth

through the house and we could again

Venture forth.

Happy St. Patrick's Dau

It has been a great day.    I got up and just had coffee and got ready as Janet and Rich Bieschke came to pick me and the wheel chair up at 9:00 to go to the fun by 9:30AM.   The Celtic Women had a meeting from 9:30 AM to about 10:30, then some walked to the parade start and Richard drove Janet, Kathy and me.   We got the wheel chair out and all decorated and were right in front of the Fire Engine all the way to 52 Stafford.

Some of us stayed at the Inn and mingled and ate and had a nice time, at about 1:30PM Janet and Rich decided to move on and frankly, I was to tired, I was glad.   I slept for two hours then went back for a couple of hours to visit with some other friends that I knew were going to be there and listen to some music.   I left again about 5:00PM, came home, fed Roxie and me and then went to practice with the group for the Plymouth Arts Center Singers. 

I was considering going back to the Stafford for some more music and to see if my friend Peg did come back but I am so tired and rather sore and I could hear my sweetheart wishing that I use my head and come home to rest.   So I am here and ready to crawl in.

It was a lovely day.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A perfectly lovely Sunday

It was cold today, but the sun shone enough of it to pick up one's spirits.  Perhaps spring will come.

I kind of lazed around this morning, puttered at the desk and read a bit.   at about 10:30AM the phone rang.  It was my friend, Barbara Sadler, who went all through school with me, and to the convent in our early high school days.  What a treat, we had a nice long sharing talk.    I am blessed to have several friends that have stayed "best" friends through the years.   

Bobbie and Bill picked me up shortly after 11AM for our outing the Memories Dinner Theater on Port Washington for the second of the series of plays and dinner that they gave me for Christmas.   Salad is always on the table when one arrives.  Then they bring a concoction called Fluff that they are famous for.   They have a different flavor each time.   It seems more like a dessert than a palate cleanser to me and they always give the recipe.   This was called Pistachio Fluff and featured, pineapple, pistachio pudding, whipped topping and mini marshmallows.   We had potatoes, rice/noodles/ fish/tips and gravy and veggies for dinner.   Then at intermission they bring dessert.   Today an Oreo Dessert.

The play was a really well done funny comedy called Getting Sara Married.  I had never heard of it before.  It is about a  woman whose aunt is trying to get her married in the most bizarre way.  Had us laughing throughout.

Home again, they helped me bring up the wheel chair for the walk tomorrow.   My friends Janet and Rich have said that they will push me so I don't have to miss being a part of the walk.    It is supposed to be cold tomorrow too but no precipitation, so we will just have to dress warm.   I have knee sox and my green Irish Knit sweater ready.

Happy St. Patrick's day

Dia Dhuit

Mary

This has turned out to be a wonderful day.   I came home from my night out so tired and then couldn't get a sound sleep last night.   I stayed in bed until after 9AM and then sat around in my nightgown until lunch time. 

My friend, Maureen Smith, from Chicago called at about 10:30 and we talked for over an hour.   We are going to take an evening at the gathering and just catch up for real.   She is such a great gal.  She may come to stay with me at the end of the month and go to the opening of the Making it Speak event that I am participating in at the Ebco Art Fair.  I will attach a copy of one of the press notices for you.   I will have two poems that I am sharing.    One, an artist has created a piece to go with it and one that I created a poem to go with the piece of art.     I think I am happy with my pieces and hope that you are too.

I went to Mass at 4PM.  Brought communion to Tom and Rita again.  Then I fed Roxie and went to see Mom and bring the sacrament to her.   She was so happy.   I wish there was a service or regular communion at Meadow View.  I think she feels a bit lost.   But we had a nice visit and I left her tired but content.

home again, I am winding down for the night.   Oops forgot a capital letter.  Oh Well.  

I tried to call Jacquie tonight and got her.  Yea.   She is in a rehab center and not too happy.   She knows she cannot be alone but is trying to figure out what to do.   Please pray that all goes well for her.  After all the  people she cared for she surely deserves the best of care for herself.

So. I am done.  I will add that press release.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

“Making It Speak: Poets and Artists in Cahoots”

At the invitation of EBCO Artworks founder, Tim Ebenreiter, the Sheboygan Visual Artists (SVA) and Mead Library Poetry Circle will present a unique, secretly collaborative exhibit which is free, including valet parking, and open to the public. The March 28 event at EBCO, 1201 Erie Avenue, Sheboygan, will showcase poems inspired by art and art inspired by poems.

Refreshments will be served during a reception from 6-10pm. Poems featured in the exhibit will be read beginning at 7:30pm.

Most of the seventeen participating artists and sixteen poets have never met. They have also never seen one another’s response to their art form. Artists and poets each randomly selected an envelope from event co-chairs Erico Ortiz, Georgia Ressmeyer, and Marilyn Windau, which contained three poems or photos of three art works. The artist read the poems and picked one as the starting point for a new artwork. Likewise, the poet studied the photos and chose one to serve as the prompt for a new poem.

The creative process is different for everyone. Dawn Hogue reacted spontaneously, somewhat intuitively to Christopher Tucker’s painting “The Woman with Red Lips.” Her poem quickly spilled onto paper. A passage in a book Clarke Ross was reading added further definition to his poem about Richard Biemann’s photograph “Steps.” Georgia Ressmeyer researched World War I before writing her poem to photographer Dianne Frounfelker’s “From Wisconsin to Argonne.”

“It was a fun process,” said poet Mary Kunert. “One of Keary Kautzer’s works popped out at me, reminded me of childhood experiences. I tried to paint his picture with my words.”

Ray Hagerman described on canvas Ross’ poem “The Toy Sailboat.” In both painting and poem more than a small boy trimming sails is presented. Youthful passage and future life struggles emerge in rapid, churning waters just upstream.

Sylvia Cavanaugh wrote to Paul Otto’s photograph “Duplex” in which his “interpretations and meanings were inherently imbedded.” She feared that “if my interpretations were too different, it might be disrespectful to the creative vision of the artist.”

Silk painter Patty Aker said, “I loved the challenge, but it’s a big responsibility. My art needed to honor the poet’s words.

“The arts are like lasagna,” said Marilyn Windau. “They can be sensory feasts. If you look beyond the bubbling surface, if you take time to cut into lasagna, delve down through the layers, you find treasures to savor. So, too, in poetry, painting, all the arts, there are layers of meaning, smooth or biting textures in words, transparent symbols in pigment, complexities of composition. We invite the public to explore our offerings.”

“Making It Speak: Poets and Artists in Cahoots” may also be viewed on Saturdays and Sundays, March 29-30, April 5-6, and April 12-13 from 10am to 4pm.

For more information please contact Erico Ortiz at 414-587-3474, Marilyn Windau 920-467-6614, or SVA at 262-416-1ART (278)

This is going to be short.   It is 11:41PM and I just got home.   Are you shocked?

I worked on my book for most of the day and then tonight picked up my friend, Nancy to go to see Mary Calvey's Shamrocks and Shenanigans show at the Plymouth Arts Center.   It was great.   I got to be part of the show by holding up a sign that said MORE every time we heard it in the Wild Rover song.

Then Nancy and I went to 52 Stafford for another drink and more visiting.  Just a wonderful evening.

A great beginning to the weekend.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

 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