A Monday much too busy.

First was Bible Study.   There were 6 of us there today.  We found that we had a lot to pray for and had a great discussion about what everybody should be doing to take care of each other - even on an international basis.   There are so many questions but the answers are not easy.   Some of them are very simple but simple does not mean easy.    Then I went to visit Mom

She looks wonderful.   She did say that she was feeling weak today.  It came kind of in waves.   I gave her communion and then took it to my other little people.   We had a super visit.  Eileen is so good at bringing and rotating pictures for her to enjoy and discuss.  Today she had one of Mother when she had her pet goat.   She had it when she was very young.  They had to send it away when it was getting a bit mean and going in the house and destroying things.   But the picture is adorable.

Then I picked up a Starbucks coffee and went to pick up my friend Sy Regan to go to the Sheboygan County Writers Club.  It was a nice meeting.   There were at least 20 people there.  We try to do an assignment every month.  This month we had - something people might not know about us.  This is what I wrote.

HOW MANY LIVES HAVE YOU LED

We all can make chapters of our lives.

Some are really exciting.

Some are mundane.

But they are all woven together

Into a tapestry of our time on earth.

To share one chapter not generally known

I must take you back to my childhood.

There was a nun, a serene, holy woman

Who taught us our Catechism as it was called 60 years ago.

Until I was eleven, she was my religious model

providing a weekly lesson of the Catholic faith.

At the age of fourteen, along with ten other besotted teenage girls,

I enrolled in the convent of the School Sisters of St. Francis

with the intention of becoming a serene, holy woman myself

Obviously, it didn't work.

I spent two and a half years in the Aspirant division of the nunnery. I am grateful for the education and values that I learned there. In time I came to know that this was not the life for me. My doubts came to a head when I went home to join my family in the baptism of my new baby brother. Holding him in my arms, it dawned on me that I would never get to hold my own baby in my arms. I had not enough experience of the world to commit to that life. I do not regret those years. I do not regret leaving.

Since then, the Sisters no longer accept girls as young as we were into the training for sisterhood. A wise move. Interestingly enough only one of the ten of us professed as a sister and she has since returned to a secular life.

Sometimes I think that I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up.

After the meeting I picked up a frame I had ordered, took Sy home,   did a bit of grocery shopping and got home.   Boy was my Roxie glad to see me.

I made a batch of Guinness Cupcakes and will make another batch tomorrow for the Tallgrass Condo Picnic.   I love to bake so this is heaven for me.

Hope your day was as good.   

Please keep praying for my friend Cindy, my ex sister in law Jacquie, my ex husband Dick and my special sweet daughter in law Barbara.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A lovely day.   It never got too hot.   There was a breeze, a gentle breeze, all day.

I baked brown bread this morning.   I had opened my house for a lesson on the perpetual calendar that my friends Cindy Matyi and Dolores Whelan put together in 2011.    Several people had asked for an explanation of how to use it.   There were three of us, so not Joan Kramer, Joan Schwabe and myself all have a pretty good understanding and are planning on getting together in a month or two to see how we are following the suggested spiritual exercises mapped out in the calendar.   Should be fun.

Please pray for my friend, Cindy, who is struggling with cancer and has been for as long as I have known her - probably 15 years now.

Tomorrow will be a usual busy Monday with Bible Study, Mom and the Sheboygan Writers Club.

Actually all of August is turning out to be busy,  I don't know how that happened.

Anyway.  Take care everybody and I will check in tomorrow.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

John Milligan Synge 1871-1909

"A man who is not afraid of the sea will soon be drowned, he said, for he will be going out on a day he shouldn't.   But we do be afraid of the sea, and we do only be drownded now and again."

It was a nice day.   This evening residents of the condos met in our common area to enjoy the summer and each other.   It was a perfect evening.   Not to hot and not muggy at all.

I was home all day and it was fine.  I did some cooking and worked on a couple of my projects.

I would ask that you all pray for my sister in law, Jacquie.   Barb called.  She has been sent home from the nursing home and has hospice checking in on her.   I will be calling her tomorrow, just to check in.   Barbara sounded pretty good.  She had a chemo on Thursday so is very tired.

Lots to be concerned with.  But as Barb quotes the old saying  One day at a time.   It is all we can handle anyway.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Wednesday, shopping day.

I slept until 7:30AM.  Then puttered around until I was ready to go shopping.   I have been yearning for a donut so went right to the bakery and got a Long John for breakfast.   When I was working , I we had meetings once a month and they always had donuts so my craving was satisfied.   Now I have to occasionally just go and get one.

Went to the Post office to pick up condo mail and then to Capelle's for some fresh veggies.

Home again, I spent most of the day almost finishing St. Patrick's Chapter.   I have one more section which I plan on doing tomorrow.    He is one of the hardest chapters because I have heard so much of him from the time I was a child.  What to include that is important and what not to include.   Some preconceived notions were proved wrong or too iffy in my research.   But I do believe that I have it.   As I say one more segment and I will go on to Brigit.

I took a walk this afternoon.  It was lovely out.   Got to visit with some neighbors - when it is so nice, people vacate their nests.

Roxie has been a pest lately.   I have been brushing her more as part of my effort to keep her from choking up hairballs.   She LOVES being brushed and thinks that any time I sit is a good time for me to brush her.   You know how persistent she can be.   Of course, she is looking absolutely gorgeous with all that brushing.  My question is WHERE IS ALL THAT HAIR COMING FROM!

Another day at home tomorrow.   I want to finish Patrick, start gathering fabric for my next wall hanging which I will have ready to be assembled at IBAM in October and do some genealogy.

Sounds like a BAD storm is hitting Hawaii.   We must all pray for Matt, Kauru and the kids. 

Dia Dhuit

Mary

What a lovely day.   The weather was part of the loveliness.   First it was sunny and reasonably warm,   not too humid and enough sun to make the world alive with the green around me.

Bible study was at 9:30.   We had all but one of our people there and ended up with a wonderful discussion of the church in Peter and Paul's time as it relates to us.   It seems that it took some time for even the Apostles to accept that Jesus came not only for the Jews but for everybody.   We sometimes wonder how we might have felt.   But it is the Spirit, that Jesus told the apostles to wait for, coming to those wishing to be baptized that made them realize the truth.   We also commented on the fact that there is an Atheist church in Madison now.   We wonder why, but perhaps the Spirit will come upon them also.

Then I had the nicest visit with Mother and gave communion to several of her neighbors.   The little lady whose husband died a week and a half ago now knows that he is gone.   I told her how sorry I was and how much I enjoyed him. 

Home again.   My dryer stopped putting out heat last week, Curt from A1 Appliances was able to get here this afternoon.  It was a fuse and he replaced both of them.   So I should be fine for a while.  I had to get out my rack last Friday as it took me three tries to notice that there was no heat and I had already washed another load.    Oh Well.   I am OK now.

Spent the rest of the day  on several projects.  I am home all day tomorrow and hope to finish a couple of them.   

Happy Birthday to Richard

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Well, My halo was really shining today.  I went to Mass again this morning because I was scheduled for Lector duties.  I HOPE they have now recorded that I go to Mass on Saturday, not SUNDAY. 

I decided to be very lazy the rest of the day.  I prepared a chicken dinner that will carry me over for a couple of days and called some people that I hadn't talked to in a while.

Sundays are nice.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

My only outing today was to church this evening.    I spent the day rather lazily, but did get a lot of reading and updating on my Patrick chapter of the book.

I needed money, so swung by the bank on the way to church.   Mass was good, I met a couple that I have sat near for these years and now have two new friends, Lisa and Mike.   I was communion minister of the bread.    We have a new option, glucose free hosts for those who are glucose intolerant.  I got the ciborium  that had the glucose free hosts.   This is good.  Mike told me that one lady told him that she had not been able to take the host for 10 years. 

I took communion to Rita and Tom on my way home.   Rita is so frail.  She must be very close to heaven. 

Tomorrow I will go to mass again because they got me on the Sunday "Lector Circuit".   I hope this is the last of that.   I have told the lector scheduler twice that I go to Saturday Mass.   Oh Well. 

I have several projects that I will be working on.   Among them watering lots of plants.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I liked today.   It was sunny and warm.  Perhaps a bit muggy in mid afternoon, but I was able to leave the doors open most of the day and Roxie and I were out on the deck for a while this afternoon.

My dryer is not drying.   After trying to dry a load three times before I realized there was no heat, I called my repairman who will be coming on Monday afternoon.   So I had to get out the old drying racks and drape two loads of wash.   Too bad I didn't realize the problem before I washed the second load.   Oh well, such is life.

I had lunch with the bank ladies at Dairy Queen.   I was hungry for MEAT so I had a bacon cheeseburger.   Boy did it taste good.   I stopped on the way home and picked up some catnip for my Roxie.   She still nuzzles the catnip bag from over a year ago so I decided it is time to refresh things.

I didn't have any deadlines so I just worked on various things as the mood hit me.

I was just thinking about dinner when one of my neighbors, Judy, called and asked if I was going to Praise in the Park tonight.   I did not know about it.   The Christian Radio puts on a Christian Band concert.   I was delighted with the chance to go out to a musical event with somebody, so joined her.   I had exactly $6.84 left in my wallet.   I spent $6.  on a single brat, a coke and for two ice cream bars, one for me and one for Judy.   Such a deal.   The music was super and it is encouraging to see so many people of faith enjoying a lovely evening.

Now you know why I liked today.   What was not to like.

Tomorrow should be good.   I am going to mass on Saturday AND Sunday as the Lector people at church seem to not get the message that I go to the Saturday Mass.   I have communion ministry on Saturday and Lector on Sunday.  

 Oh well, it is good for me.

Until tomorrow then

Dia Dhuit

Mary  

My shopping day.   I decided to go to the Exchange Bank for coffee and company again.  My friend Joan Kramer joined me and we discussed the Celtic Women.    An altogether good way to start a day.   With a purpose.

Then I did my grocery shopping and went to the Drug store before coming back home.

I worked on the genealogy today.   Got a lot done.   I also baked some bread and some cookies.

This evening I finished a book that has been interesting but a hard read.   I sat out on the deck to read and had the joy of seeing a hummingbird feasting at my lavender.   He was beautiful with his flashes of green and red.   I truly felt that I got a special blessing. They are like a delicate flitting jewel.

So today I feel that I have accomplished a lot. And you all know how happy that makes me.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A wonderful Monday.   Visit with Mom - always pleasant.   She looks wonderful and did so enjoy last week with George and Betsy here.

Bible study was something.   We had a full crew of eleven.   This makes for interesting conversations.   We had a question, what do we think about the changes in the church.   The part of Acts we are studying is when Gentiles were allowed as members. for the first time.  A big deal for them.

The rest of the day at home, I worked on genealogy, the trip to Scotland and CWI.

Tomorrow I see Dr. Leben about my headaches.

Wish me luck.

Dia DHuit

Mary

What a strange Sunday.   It was rather warm this morning, but I decided to take a walk at about 10AM because I should walk every day and stretch it out for the next couple weeks.    I am going to walk in the Cheesehead Run at Hilbert on August 23rd.  I will be doing the 5K walk with Kathy.   Registrants get a goody bag and a Tshirt.   They must have known that I would be a sucker for that.

I say strange because about an hour after I got back home, it started to rain.  By rain I mean - first hail and rain, then a super downpour that looked like a waterfall coming down from the roof.    I had just watered everything because it was dry and I didn't believe the weather predictors any more.  So.  Watered everything is.

I have about finished the genealogy sheet that Aunt Joan wanted me to update.   I will double check a couple of  dates when I go to see Mom tomorrow.   She has everything in her bible.

Aside from that, I can't really figure out what I did today, but I was busy.   It was nice not to have deadlines.

Tomorrow starts a typical Monday.   No writers club meetings so I will be home early in the afternoon.  

Mom had a busy week last week with George and Betsy here.   I saw them on Friday and will hear all about it from Mom tomorrow.   I know how much that means to her.

I am going to make lavender cookies this week.   Seems a good season for them as the lavender is blooming now.

So until tomorrow.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

  A warm muggy day.    I did not have to be out in the air really, so it was no bother to me.    I spent the day working mainly on Genealogy.   I just about have the information checked for Aunt Joan.   Just need a couple of birth years and to talk to Eileen and Denice.

I went to Mass at 4PM and was one of the wine ministers.  A nice mass, greeted several friends and then took communion to Rita and Tom.   Please keep praying for them.   Rita is hanging in but with ALS, we all know that it is a matter of time.

Had my leftover lunch from yesterday for my evening meal.  Then I went for a walk.   I was making my last round at the end of Tallgrass when the Hurrie's, Bob and Peg, waved me in for a glass of wine.   So we rounded out our evening with a glass and conversation.   I am truly blessed.

Roxie is glad that I am home however and it is close to sleep time.  So until tomorrow. 

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Jean Shepherd, author of The Christmas Story, said: "Some men are Baptists, others Catholics. My father was an Oldsmobile man."

This was a perfect day.   I had lunch at Antoinette's with George and Betsy and Jeff and Kathy.   So happy that I was able to spend time with George and Betsy.   I remember coming home when I lived out of state and trying to see everybody.   It was a great lunch and a great visit.  They look so good and we caught up on children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

I received in the mail today a picture of my three newest great grandchildren, Cooper, Toby and Troy from Leslie's daughter Courtney.   They are so very handsome.   I am truly blessed.

This evening I went to the Final Friday at the Ebco Center, a fundraiser for the Sheboygan Visual artists.   Ran into lots of friends and picked up a piece of art that I bought a ticket for.   Just what I need.  I hooked up with my neighbor, artist Judy Roblee, and we left there and went to Pour Vino in Plymouth (a wine bar) for a glass, in my case a fleet, of wine and a visit.  

A wonderful day and I am tired.  So to bed I will go.

Dia Dhuit.

Mary

The weather today was gorgeous.    Comfortable temp, low  70s and a nice breeze.

I kind of lazed around all day.   For one thing, after I fed Roxie at 6, I went back to bed and it was almost 8AM when I woke up again.   So I am quite rested.

I did some work on the book and on genealogy, folded clothes and sorted some of my sewing things.  Then at 4PM I went over to the Tallgrass gathering that we do every week.  We had a nice group this week.  I had sent out a reminder and a couple residents who had not been there before showed up.

Then Linda Arends, a fellow board member, asked if I was going to the German Night at Plymouth Park.  I had not planned on it, but she said that she was thinking of it so I went with her.    It was super.   The High School German Band played followed by the city German Band.  They are both excellent and I met so many people that I know and met more because Linda knows EVERYBODY.  Her kids were in the High School band.

Anyway, I am home again and tired.   I think I will sleep well again tonight.

Dia DHuit

Mary

Monday

It was one of the hottest and muggiest days of the year.   Thankfully, I did not have to be OUT in it.   I wandered all over the county but was mainly in air conditioning.

Started at 9AM going to Sheboygan Falls for Bible Study.   There were 10 of our 11 there.   A good group.   We got into a very good discussion of peace in our world that drew from the Acts when Peter is bringing the Gentiles into the mix.    We got into the world condition because it seems that not much has changed in the middle east from then to now.   There are still the prejudices and when are we going to finally accept all people as out family.  All we can do is keep crying out for peace.

Then I went to visit Mom.  She looks wonderful.  She said that she is having quite a bit of joint acheness but I don't know what we can do about that.  ( I guess Acheness is not a word,  sound it out.)

I then joined my friend Peggy for lunch at the Exchange Bank before our Cream City Writers meeting.   Good to visit with her.   The meeting went well.   Everybody had something to share.  Beverly informed me that the Cream City Writers are now 10 years old.  We are going to plan an event and I agreed to do a publicity article for the papers.

Home again.   I had to go over to Bob's house for some Condo business, but spent the major time working on ancestry.   I want to get it all caught up (The Francis Deeley part) so that I can get that information to Aunt Joan.

So Now it is time to head for bed and reading and writing.  My winddown.

So Until tomorrow.  Dia Dhuit

Mary  

This was a lovely day.    I was home all day and accomplished a lot.

I slept until a little after 8AM which was nice.   I am not sure Roxie liked it.   I fed her and went back to bed.   Then she came back and pestered me.   I told her quite politely that I really wanted to stay in bed.   She finally accepted my request then when I was ready to get up she was lying on my feet and not happy that I disturbed her.

I spent a good portion of the day updating information for Aunt Joan on the genealogy sheet that she sent me.    I need to verify a few dates from my brothers and sisters and then can get it to her.

It was so nice that I sat out on the deck for about an hour reading with Roxie enjoying the sun and fresh air too.    It was fun just watching her enjoy it.

I took a walk too.

So the day is winding down and so am I. 
Tomorrow starts a rather full week, especially Monday, of course.   I will leave at 9AM and get home at about 3PM.  Almost like working.   EEWW>

Dia dhuit

Mary

A beautiful day

What a lovely day.  One of those days when one realizes why we live here.

I got out of bed at about 7:30AM.   Kind of goofed off and just got organized for a while then at 9AM I was at  my friend Joan's house for a reflexology session.  That was marvelous.   I am feeling so relaxed and ready for the week ahead.   I must learn to bring myself to peace with the lessons I learned from Joan.

Home again, I just worked on getting ready for the next week, had lunch and then went to Mass at 4PM.  Mass was really nice and I took communion to my friends Rita and Tom on my way home.

So here we are .  8PM on a Saturday night.  I am ready to go to bed and hopefully sleep.   Last night was difficult.  I am going to use the tips that Joan gave me if I have trouble tonight.

Dia dhuit

Mary

What a day

Started out with a new cleaning lady.   I am so glad that Lori, who is going to work something else, was able to come with the new person and run her through what needs to be done.    Lori was a wonder - I sure would have liked to keep her.

Then I had an appointment with Dr. Fehrman at 10:30AM.  It seems that surgery is at this point not needed.   The shot he injected in my shoulder joint has helped a lot.   There is still some pain and weakness, but he said as good as it is, he is reasonably sure that it is the ligament which is healing.  I could try another shot in three months from the first one if it seems to be regressing.   If it starts hurting just before Scotland, we could fudge it and get me through the trip.
The pains in my neck and under the shoulder blade are muscle,  I need to see Dr. Leben again about them.  I told him that I feel that each doctor has a piece of me.

Home again, I sorted some craft items from downstairs.  Then I had lunch with my bank friends.

When I got home I went on the computer and got a message.   I thought it was from Norton - it had a Norton Logo and was telling me to call a number which I did.   As I proceeded with this call, I even let the guy in my computer, then he started making me suspicious, so I got hold of Richard and Brenda and they saved me.    I turned everything off and called ExcelNet.  Their store is open until 7PM and Matt let me bring it in.  He found no naughty addons and ran the REAL Norton and we rebooted twice without getting that bad message or the message from this bad man.  Besides Richard and Brenda, I must have some good guardian angels.   Richard and Brenda are the best..

Now I am home and exhausted.   Tomorrow morning, I am having a reflexology treatment.   I think I need it.

So til tomorrow.   Dia Dhuit

Mary

A day at home, and it was a beautiful day.   I had the doors open until late afternoon.    When it gets over 75 outside it gets muggy in the house and I close things up.

I spent the day cleaning various things and working on the book.   At 4PM I walked over to the Tallgrass summer gathering.   Those who can and want to bring a chair and something to drink.   Some people bring snacks and we just gab.

Looks like things are bad overseas again.   That sure filled up a good hunk of the day.   I'll check the news before I go to bed but rather imagine the information will be different than it was this noon.

So. Til tomorrow.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Just a short note.   I spent the evening with my Celtic Friends at 52 Stafford.   We had SUCH a good time.  I sang two songs tonight.   I sang the Water is Wide and Whiskey on a Sunday.
\


I did not feel well most of the day.  Just felt squishy.  So I rested a lot as I had to be at this meeting.   I did well.  Started to feel goofy once, but it passed.   I am home again and ready for sleep.  I am hoping for a good nights sleep as this squishy feeling started during last night.

Anyway.  I am a happy girl.

Dia dhuit

Mary

Home all day.  Roxie was ecstatic.  I spent the day washing, working on condo stuff and writing letters.

I called Barbara this afternoon.  She is doing well as she can.  Such a wonderful example.   She has her first chemo this week and will probably have at least one more before the surgery is scheduled.   She is definitely going to have a double mastectomy.  Please pray as this is, according to the doctors, providing a 98 % chance of elimination of the cancer but is still such a dramatic solution.   98% is worth it to keep our Barbara.

I went down to the beginning of the railroad line on Highland today to meet with Jackie Jarvis, a candidate for the assembly who tried to stop the railroad, and members of our complex who thought the railroad is a mistake.   I cannot see the economic benefit so I went.

That was the day.

I am feeling quite relaxed and ready for the week which except for Monday is quiet.   Tomorrow I will have Bible Study, Mom and the Sheboygan Writers club.  

So. it is time to call the day.  I have decided to give you a recipe today for Scottish Shortbread cookie which are so easy and so good.



Dia Dhuit


Mary



1 Cup butter
1 Cup Shortening
1 Cup Brown Sugar
4 1/2 Cups Flour



Preheat oven to 325 degrees

Cream butter, Crisco and brown sugar.   Add 3 to 3 3/4 cups flour.  Mix.
Sprinkle flour on a board or other surface and knead for 5 minutes adding flour as needed to form a soft dough.   Roll in a square to about 1/2 inch thick.  
Cut into squares or rectangles.  Prick with a fork and place on ungreased cooking sheet.  

Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes.

Remove from oven and transfer to rack or brown bag on counter to cool.

A perfect day.   Somewhat cloudy but if the sun had been out, it would have been very muggy.   Too much moisture in the air.  

I drove in to Bobbie and Bill's this morning and we went the Sheboygan Area Garden Walk.   It said rain or shine and thankfully we had just nice overcast and sunshine combination.   They had nine home gardens on the tour this year, which I understand is a lot.  It did not seem like too many.

I am amazed at the ideas that these people have and how much effort and love is but into these gardens.   Of course, I don't know why I feel that way,   my Dad and Mom's gardens were always full of color and imagination.   And look at our Bobbie, whose gardens are always spectacular.   Remember, last year she was a part of this Garden Walk.  My neighbor Kathy is a member of one of the garden clubs that sponsored this and worked at one of them.   I think I have a way to use a wind glass that broke and that I don't want to throw away.

I picked up Christmas ornaments on the way home (Can you believe that Hallmark has their big sale in JULY>) and then went to Mass and brought communion to Rita and Tom.   Now I can be home until Monday.  Super.

Til tomorrow

Dia Dhuit

Mary   

An interesting day,   not too much going on which was a good thing because for some reason, I am exhausted.

I got up expecting my cleaning lady to come.  Got a call from Bonnie, the owner.   Lori, who has been cleaning is very sick.   I also found out that today was going to be her last day.  Oh darn.   She is REALLY good.   But I guess she wanted something different.  Bonnie asked if I minded if a week was skipped.    I said no, it was fine.  She would have come later, herself, but I figure a week isn't that big a thing.   I did the toilets and will hit anything that bothers me.

I did get a lot done today,  the board minutes, washing clothes, changing the sheets.  It has been like pulling teeth because I have been so tired.  

I had lunch with the bank ladies at the Dairy Queen and picked up some special food for Roxie at the vet.

Around five, I took a good walk hoping to perk up.   It felt good but didn't work.    I believe early bed and reading will be the order of the night.   Tomorrow I will be going to Sheboygan to go to the Garden Walk with Bobbie and Bill.    That should be fun.  I have never actually been on a Garden Walk.   My neighbor Kathy is working at one of the gardens so I probably will see her.  She went on the Garden Club Preview yesterday and said it is really a nice selection.

So. Until tomorrow. 

Dia Dhuit

Mary

 

I read the Writers Almanac every day.  It is an email of the Poets Corner on PBS.   Keillor does a wonderful daily column at 

 writersalmanac.publicradio.org

Enjoy

 

Taken from The Writers Almanac

Garrison Keillor

June 10, 2014

Today is the birthday of the city of Dublin, founded in 988. The area had been occupied, more or less, since before the Roman invasion of Britain, and it appeared in Ptolemy's Guide to Geography in the year 140, but the first verifiable settlement came with the Vikings in about 831. They called it "Dyflin," which came in turn from the Irish Dubh Linn, which means "black pool." The reason it's considered to be founded in 988 rather than 831 is because that's the year the Irish king Máel Sechnaill reclaimed the city for Ireland. It's also the year he first forced people to pay him taxes, so Dublin has belonged to the Irish ever since, bought and paid for.

Dublin's contribution to literature alone has been remarkable. Ireland was one of the first countries to produce writing in the vernacular, and it's long had a tradition as a nation of scholars. A partial list of writers who are from Dublin, or who adopted it as their home, includes Jonathan Swift, Francis Bacon, Samuel Beckett, George Bernard Shaw, James Joyce, W.B. Yeats, Bram Stoker, Patrick Kavanagh, Oliver Goldsmith, Oscar Wilde, Sean O'Casey, Brendan Behan, John Millington Synge, and Seamus Heaney.

"When I came back to Dublin I was court-martialed in my absence and sentenced to death in my absence, so I said they could shoot me in my absence." — Brendan Behan

Strange day as far as weather

The temperature was nice and mild.  We had a breeze, not a strong wind most of the day.  There were sporatic showers, not very heavy but there.   I believe that they have pretty much make their way out over Lake Michigan.

I planted some giant Iris that Jean Steiner, you know her, Jim and Michelle, your neat neighbor, gave me.  I put them in the spot where I lost most of the plants.   The berm really looks good actually and things are blooming.   I also have buds and a couple of tomatoes on my plants out front.   The beans on the deck are doing well also.

I went to the Exchange Bank this morning as I told you, two friends, Rosalie Hartman and Felicia Roselund-Reindl joined me so I had people to talk to.   I always bring paper and pencil just in case I am alone and I write poetry.  Either way it is a change of scenery.

Then I walked up to Klips and Tips for my haircut.   I like it and it is good to be shorter as the heat is coming.

I then drove up to St. John's for a funeral.   I really never met this person, but she is a relative on my Dad's side.   The Ziegler Family was huge.  Rose Ziegler married a Whiffler and this is the side of the family that were there.   Jean Steiner's first husband was a Whiffler and my cousin Lorraine Schmidt and her husband were there also.   I just felt that it wouldn't hurt to go to the Mass.

I pulled out the genealogy that I received from David Mann whose wife was the decedant and am updating Ancestry.

So.  A busy fulfilling day.   Tonight I will listen to Jimmy Keane at 8PM on Concert Window.   Then go to bed.   A good day.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Monday Monday

A typical Monday morning.  It was supposed to bet up into the 80s today and I just might have.  I left at 9AM for Bible Study.   Picked up 7 hosts for the Catholic residents an Meadow View.   I always get them before the study while the Holy Dusters are still cleaning the Church.   Last week they were done early and I had to ask Jeannie in the office to unlock for me.   Today, I just made it. 

We had 8 of our studiers there today.  A nice group with lots of discussion material.  We were trying to figure out where Peter went in Chapter 10 to meet Cornelius.   I am going to bring a map book I bought several years ago with maps of the regions then with overlays of the countries as they are now (at least how they were when the book was published.)

Then I went and had a very nice visit with Mom and giving communion to the other residents.  I almost ran out, I had to break them in half.   A couple people were added to the list and one couple had visitors.   Whew.  Mom looked beautiful and we had a nice talk.

Home again I fixed lunch, took care of the mail and other things that needed to be done at the beginning of the week.   Shortly after 4PM, I left to go to a friend's funeral.   I had not seen him in a while but his wife and I were seatmates when I went to the Mary Shrine in Champion.   Don was failing then but as Carmen said, it seems to go so fast.    She said that he was ready though.  As was my guy.

So Home again.   I am going to prepare for bed soon.   I went down after the Mass for the remembrance time and the meal.   I think it means so much to the families.   It puts off the finality of things a bit and I firmly believe that the souls are very close to us yet.

So.  Tomorrow I will get my hair cut and am going out for breakfast at the Exchange Bank at 8AM.  If you want to join me, I would be delighted.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I finished Brittany

Finally.   I am at a point with the book that I just want to get it done and then start over with a grand rewrite.   I need to rewrite each chapter and edit and make sure that there is consistency in presentation.  I may be done by the end of July which was my first goal.   If I am not.   Who cares.

It was a quiet day.   I went for a walk this afternoon.   Kind of warm and muggy but it was cloudy.   I did not see the sun peek through even once.   There is apparently a chance of rain and thunder later tonight.   Won't bother me.

I swept out a quarter of the garage again.   I sweep in quarters you know.   When I am done this time, I want to wash off the salt that accumulated over the winter.   I cleaned off the shelf that is up high in there too.  Only have to go through the shelf unit near the ramp now.

I need to find a home for Dick's desk.   How bothersome. 

Ready for the week.

I am eager for activity.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

"An Irishman will always soften bad news, so that a major coronary is no more than 'a bad turn' and a near hurricane that leaves thousands homeless is 'good drying weather'."

Hugh Leonard

Not a very busy day, but I did get several things done.   I am about done writing short summaries of the Celtic Nations to include in the book of Celtic Saints for somewhat of a background of what the active missionaries faced and  why they and the other non missionary saints were chosen as patron saints.

The sun was out all day, but there is a nice comforting breeze so humidity is not an issue.  I took a nice walk after lunch.   See. I am getting better about that.

The only other "event" was Mass.   I went to the 4PM Mass and took communion to my friends Rita and Tom. Rita was very weak but her spirit just shines in her eyes.  We had a missionary priest, from the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, who is working in the province of Ghana.   He was very interesting talking about his ministry in two war situations in Africa.

So. Now I am ready to wind down for the night.   My goal tomorrow is to finish my mini Celtic Nation Backgrounds and print them so that I can review them all and be sure that they follow the same general format.

So I am going to sit out on the deck for a little bit and then get ready for bed when it starts getting dark.

Hope your long weekend has been wonderful.  

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I liked today.   I was able to stay home all day.   I did wake up with a headache and sore neck, but managed to control the pain by 10AM.  Had lots of people to talk to today.   I talked to my neighbor Kathy this morning.  She was going to the Farmers Market and picked up some fresh strawberries for me.  When she brought them we had a nice visit.   She lived in the Cross Creek Condos when we were there many years ago.   So our paths have crossed twice.   She belongs to one of the garden clubs who arrange the Garden Walk in Sheboygan.   She also quilts and belongs to the Sheboygan County Quilt Guild.  Surprisingly, we did not really know each other until she moved out here.

This evening at 4PM the Tallgrass residents met in the common ground for a gathering.   We have set this time 4PM on Thursday for a weekly meeting just to visit and enjoy during the summer months.
There were about 16 of us this week, we will keep spreading the word and hopefully it will bet bigger.   It is not intended as an obligation, just as an opportunity to get to know each other better.

It was fun tonight.  I brought some snacks tonight.   We seem to be alternating that quite well too.  Nobody seems obligated, but there is plenty for everybody.

Tomorrow is the 4th of July.   I am going to put my flag out in the morning. 

I am going through linens and that type of thing to see what I can cull from the collection.   Not  quite the right terminology, but it sounds good.   I have so very much STUFF in this house.  Need to get rid of some of it.

So until tomorrow.

Dia Dhuit

Mary


I       

Another rainy day and rather cool.   I don't think it even got over 65.   And cloudy ALL day.   Ick.  Sunshine sure would be welcome.  Then we will be complaining about the humidity since it is so wet.

Roxie had her doctor appointment for a recheck of her blood today.   We are going back to two pills a day from 2 1/2.   I know she will like that.   She absolutely hates it when I shove those things down her throat and she is such a picky eater that I can't hide them in food and she did not even acknowledge that pill pockets existed when I tried them.  She has been throwing up lately, often with hair balls coming up.    I gave her butter Monday.   Dr. Connors gave me a tube of stuff to rub on her foot for her to lick off that will help hairball problems without adding fat.   She has regained most of the weight that she lost so that is important.  Dr. Connors also really wants her to eat the KD food so I have two brands of canned that she hasn't tried.   However, she isn't thrilled with the first one which actually smells pretty good.   It is chicken and gravy and smells like its name.   I will leave it until morning as my girl is not fond of trying new things.  

The rest of the day was quiet.   General chores.  Dusted the desk, washed some clothes.   Fixed a really good lunch.   I will just be heating things up for the next few days.

I went for a walk this evening.   I was feeling loggy and needed some fresh air so went for a walk.   My neighbor, Marilyn, was handing out some notices to non computer members of our condo assn. so I caught up with her and we chatted.   Nice to hear voices of an evening.

Some of you may remember the Norwegian Blessing I found years ago.   When I was in Ireland several years ago and shared it, the guide told me he felt that it must REALLY be and Irish Blessing.

And lo and behold I found it in an Irish book of proverbs and blessings.

"May the light always find you on a dreary day
When you need to be home may you find your way
May you always have courage to take a chance
And may you never find frogs in your underpants."

Dia Dhuit

Mary

July ALREADY

What a day.   Threatened at least twice with rain, but the clouds just passed on by.   It was rather muggy but I sat out on the deck this afternoon for about an hour reading and writing and it was just perfect.   A nice breeze moving the air around gently.   Boy were the birds ever happy.  Since I came in and have finished preparing and eating supper, it did rain a bit because the deck is all wet now.  Glad I went out when I did.

I spent most of the day just cooking and writing.   I made a rhubarb pie.   I had mixed up a pie crust a couple of weeks ago and used part of it so I HAD to use the rest or throw it away.   You know how I hate to throw things away.  

Fortunately, my friend Felicia came over so that we could get our last  payment to the Scotland Tour company sent off and I sent a couple of pieces home with her.  Now we are all set for the trip.   Just need to wait and pack and go.    I am so excited.

I took some venison out of the freezer today.   I marinated some of it in teriyaki sauce
for today and have enough left for one more meal  with the fried rice I had left.   Boy is it good.   Tomorrow, I will fix the rest of the meat in another way so I can add variety to my meals.

Roxie has a veterinarian checkup tomorrow at 8AM.   Good.   That will get me up and out of bed at a decent hour.   I do like to laze in these days.  Though it is getting better as my shoulder DOES seem a bit better.   I am crossing my fingers.

So. Til tomorrow

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Monday

The last day of JUNE already.   This year is half gone. And it has been a full one.

I am still getting calls and notes from people about my Facebook invasion.   It should be OK.  I can only pray that nobody fell for it.   I got the most fun response from Suzi.   She DID refriend and ended up seeing the "big news" that my love had changed and thought maybe I had a boyfriend.   We both had a good laugh about that.   That sure would be a big change, and not one I am really interested in.  But Big.

We had almost a full crew at Bible Study.  With an animated conversation about the Jewish dietary laws and how when the Apostles were presented with the fact it was NOT evil to eat some foods, it was hard for them to accept.  Mainly because we Gentiles are ALSO part of Jesus's chosen ones.

Then on to Mother.  She looked really good today.   I distributed communion to my little people there and then we had a super visit.   I showed some pictures from the 50thJubilee and gave her the mass folder that we brought for her. On the way home I stopped off to just say Hi to Dolores and Ken.   Dolores and I had a cup of coffee together and just gabbed.  

So.  I was home a bit later than usual.   Had lunch and have been working on generally coordinating things around here. 

A storm is passing over this evening.   It is a doozy.   Lots of thunder and rain by the bucket loads.  It was very warm and muggy.  It still is muggy but the temperature has dropped because of the rain.

Speaking of rain, makes me think of the farmers.   I am seeing corn growing now.   I think SOME of it may be knee high.   As the 4th of July is in 4 days, this is encouraging.  My beans and tomatoes and herbs are really doing well.  THey seem to love this weather.

Dia Dhuit until tomorrow.

Mary

Today was both wonderful and annoying

The day was wonderful because it was a sunshiny day and not too hot with a lovely breeze blowing.  AND I was out at St. Michael's Church in Parnell for Fr. Mike Shea's Golden Jubilee of his Ordination to holy priesthood.  

We celebrated a Mass under a tent in the parking lot of the church under the sky.  At least six of Fr. Mike's priest friends and classmates were there to cocelebrate with him.   There was a small choir, those left from the closing of Our Lady of the Angels where Fr. Mike actually grew up.  My cousins, his siblings, Kevin and Brigid were there, of course and lots of other cousins that I never met before.
And just people who know him and wanted to be there.    The meal was wonderful.  Choice of pork or chicken sandwich, beans, potato salad, coleslaw and appetizers.   They had beer, Bloody Marys and water and coke to drink.  I was stuffed.   Had a short visit with Fr. Mike.   He is going to see Mother next week.   I sat with Uncle Pat and Aunt Joan, they will bring him to Mother.  Aunt Kathleen was there too.   And my friend Peg Payne.  I loved the beauty of the day.

Then I got home.   When I went on line and checked my mail, I found that someone had hacked my Facebook.   If anybody gets a friend request from me and you are already my friend.  IGNORE IT.   It is some kind of a scam.    I changed my passwords on Facebook and on both of my email accounts so (I checked with Richard and Brenda) Everything should be OK, as long as people don't respond to that request.   EEEEEUUUUUUUUU.  I hate stuff like this.

So. I have done all I can do and have had all the fun I can think of so will head into tomorrow ready to roll.  

Dia Dhuit

Mary  

A whole Day at Home

This has its good and its bads.   I Like the ability to not have to answer to anybody else and I miss not having to answer to anybody else.   Does that make any sense at all?

I slept until 8:AM and lo9lled in bed until 8:30AM.   Spent the morning on writing.  I am still trying to figure out a second poem to send to the Irish Fest Poetry Contests. Following lunch, I took a nap but it was way to hot to go the whole route that I usually take .   I may go out again tonight.  If I put it in writing I guess I have to.

Roxie and I sat on the deck for a while.  I read and she enjoyed the fresh air.   Now the trouble is going to be explaining to her when it is NOT nice to sit out there.  I am sure she thinks I control that too.

So, I kept myself amused.  

Tomorrow is the 50th Anniversary of my cousin, Mike Shea's ordination out at St. Michaels in Parnell.   So that will be a busy day.   I am looking forward to being with the Shea cousins and whoever else is there.

Dia dhuit

Mary

Michael Kelly " In a land where there are no musicians; in a land where there are no storytellers; teachers and poets; in a land where there are no men and women of vision and leadership; in a land where there are no legends, saints, and champions; in a land where there are no dreamers, the people will most certainly perish."

I had a really really nice day.   The weather was fine, I had the front door open most of the day. 

Went to lunch with my Bank Ladies at the Dairy Queen and did a few errands.   Cat food from the vet for our Roxie, mailed a couple things at the post office.   And I also stopped at Fleet Farm to pick up some varied slats that I think I can use to frame that HUGE copy of my painting called I Watched the Trees Die. 

This evening I went to the Ebco ArtSpace for the SVA Final Friday.  It was fun.   I painted a small piece that will be a part of the drawing at next month's Final Friday.

So.  it is almost 9PM and my bed time.    Tomorrow should be rather quiet and I am glad as Sunday is Fr. Mike Shea's 50 Anniversary of his Ordination at St. Michaels.   That will be fun.  Will se e lots of relatives and friends there.

Dia Dhuit

Mary


"In a land where there are no musicians; in a land where there are no storytellers, teachers and poets;  in a land where there are no men and women of vision and leadership; in a land where there are no legends, saints and champions; in a land where there are no dreamers, the people will most certainly parish."   Matthew Kelly

Finally, a beautiful day.

It was not to cold, not to hot.  Not humid.

I was home all day and Dick is probably fussing in his urn, I had the doors open almost all day.

I fried out some brats and hamburgers for the next few meals and cooked up a bunch of dump sauce.   It tastes good so I will eat it over noodles or rice.

I entered a poetry contest and worked on the book.

This evening , the condo complex had its first gathering.  We started this last year.  Whoever is available and wants to comes to our open area with a chair and a drink and perhaps a treat to just visit.  Not bad we had a bout 10 0of us there for the first day and it was so lovely.

Now I am winding down for the day.

So.  Good night and God be with you

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I am content

Just arrived home from having dinner with Nora and Leif at "our" restaurant, The Blind Horse in Kohler.   We had visited there the past two times they came to Wisconsin so why change a good thing.

We had such a great visit with a wonderful meal.   Nora had Walleye, I had Salmon and Leif had Filet.   then we shared tasted of everything.   They serve their own wines so we shared a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc.  It is scrumptious and the bottle is unique too.   When we finished, we walked to the back of the property and found the wine bar, which is also a wonderful place.    Next time, we will start there for a wine tasting and then go up for dinner.   I bought a bottle of the Sauvignon because it was so good.   We found out all bout the place from the server and then he gave Nora an etched glass from the place to take home with her.   Now we will SURELY remember, as if we needed an excuse.  

The early part of the day was mildly active.  I went grocery shopping, washed some sheets and did general work around the place.

Roxie seems very needy today.   She was fussy when I got home but was very happy when I gave her a bit of salmon.   That girl has good taste in food.

Tomorrow will be an at home day until late in the afternoon.  If it is not a rainy day, the Condo residents are going to meet in our open space for our summer afternoon gatherings.  They were fun last year.   Whoever was around and felt like it came with a chair and something to drink and we visited.   No obligation, but a good time to get to know each other better.

Now, it is 9:30PM.  past my bedtime.   That is good.   I hope to sleep well .   Today, my shoulder was not to painful.   Keep your fingers crossed.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Sun and Rain

It was undetermined as to whether I would be busy today or not.    My neighbor,Jean, called at about 8AM to see if I was going to Mass today.   I did know that today is the Feast of St. John the Baptist, our church's patron saint.   However, I had not noticed that there was a mass being celebrated at 10AM at the cemetery.  There was no reason not to go and Jean was driving so I went.    It was cloudy and muggy while we were there, but did not rain and the sun even came out for a bit.

Home again, I worked on the book until lunch time, then ate and went out to do some errands.   When I got home, I rested a bit but got up when I heard the thunder that preceded a really heavy rainstorm.   It poured.  I wish I had a rain gauge.   Sure glad we are not in a flood zone.    I talked to a couple of people not far from here and they had no rain.   It took a narrow very wild path.  Now it is evening and the sun is out again.   I am going for a walk.

I'm back.  It was a nice walk.   Sunshine!  and I ran into people to talk to and walked part way with the Cornell's.  Couldn't ask for more.   Now that I am going more often, it is getting easier.   I really miss a furry companion, but this is OK.

So tomorrow, will have dinner with  Nora and Leif.  I am so looking forward to that.

Until then,

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A usual busy Monday.   It poured last night but there was no rain during the day.   Also very little sun.

I left at about 9 AM for bible study.  I had to drop things off at one place and pick things up at another on my way. We have a new member in our study group.   Barbara.   I knew her and she knows Mom.   We will be in Acts for a LONG time yet and this week were talking about the spirit of giving and sharing.

Then I drove to Sheboygan to spend time with Mom.   She looked good.  We had a lovely visit, remembering.   Jeff usually has a couple more pictures from the sorting to identify.  This week one was easy for me.  It was Grandma Bowser and me  on the occasion of my First Communion.

I had lunch with my friend Jena from the Plymouth Writers club than was able to be home the rest of the afternoon.

I am tired now.  Worked on the book and a bit of digging out of some chives in the garden.

So.   Until tomorrow.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I am not giving an opinion on this but it is interesting.

The Arctic Ocean is warming up, icebergs are growing scarcer and in some places the seals are finding the water too hot, according to a report to the Commerce Department yesterday from Consulate, at Bergen, Norway

                               

Reports from fishermen, seal hunters, and explorers all point to a radical change in climate conditions and hitherto unheard-of temperatures in the Arctic zone. Exploration expeditions report that scarcely any ice has been met as far north as 81 degrees 29 minutes.

Soundings to a depth of 3,100 meters showed the gulf stream still very warm. Great masses of ice have been replaced by moraines of earth and stones, the report continued, while at many points well known glaciers have entirely disappeared.

Very few seals and no white fish are found in the eastern Arctic, while vast shoals of herring and smelts which have never before ventured so far north, are being encountered in the old seal fishing grounds. Within a few years it is predicted that due to the ice melt the sea will rise and make most coastal cities uninhabitable.

* * * * * * * * *

I apologize, I neglected to mention that this report was from November 2, 1922, as reported by the AP and published in The Washington Post; 93+ years ago.

I was home all day, except for a short walk after lunch.     I decided that since it was Sunday, I would rest.  

I worked on the book a bit and called a couple of people, but basically, I just rested, read, played games.  

Tomorrow will start out as a normal Monday.   Back to Bible Study followed by a visit with Mom.

So. with nothing exciting, I will say goodnight to you all.

Dia Dhuit

mary

It was a gloomy day

Actually it was raining when I got up but that did not last too long.   But it remained a cloudy, cool yet muggy day anyway.

I went to the Exchange Bank for coffee and a piece of bakery.  I let people know that I was going to be there but this time noone came.    I got all the thank you notes for the Bloomsday event written and picked up some coffee beans for me.   I was almost out of my good stuff.

Home again, I mailed the notes, did some wash and made some phone calls.   Lori came to clean at about 11:30AM.   I joined the bank ladies at the Dairy Queen at 12:30.  I dropped off some clothes at St. Vinny's and picked up some meds for our Roxie on my way there.  

Home again, I rested for a while, then baked some bread and cupcakes.   I wanted to try something, and it worked.   I used a coffee stout instead of water in a chocolate cake mix.   I had to bake the bread because there was some beer left.  I made my simple beer bread - self rising flour, sugar, salt and beer.    I simply cannot waste.  

This evening,  I drove over to UW Sheboygan, to view an art exhibit.   My friend from Poets at Mead, Lisa Vihos' father, artist Georg Vihos, passed away in September of last year.   This is an exhibit of his works which are for sale.   It will be at the UW until July 25.   I had seen Lisa and her sister on Bloomsday, gathering his things from his studio at Ebco and she told me about the exhibit.   I was impressed and was glad to have an hour of enjoyment of beautiful art.  You can see some too at georgvihosart.com


So a full but pleasant day.   The rest of the weekend will be quiet.   I have several projects and wrap up things to do.  Then Monday will start a pretty normal week.    I look forward to seeing Nora and Leif on Wednesday as they swing back into Sheboygan County before heading back home. 

So another day of June is rolling over. 

Dia Dhuit

Mary

 

 Sign in a store.    No Senior Discounts-You have had twice as long to get the money.

A long day

It seems that way anyhow.

I was busy all morning with finishing up Bloomsday, except for thank you notes, and actually, I make a thank you note.

Then after lunch, I took the thank you note to Sun Graphics to copy and to get envelopes for.  I also went to the bank, the post office, dropped things off at St. Vinnies and went to Walmart for some office supplies.   Whew.

So much to do around here, but after dinner, I decided to take a walk.   I am trying to go on one at least three times a week and the weather was perfect for it today.    I could ear the kids playing baseball as I walked too.   I love that.

Tomorrow, I have decided to get up early and go to the Exchange Bank for morning coffee.  One way to get me up and onto the day.

Til tomorrow then

Dia dhuit
Mary

Storm

Well, if we needed rain, I think we have enough now.   Boy, thunder, lightening, wind and it poured this morning.    I was glad that I had no commitments today.   Around lunch time, I did go over to the Pig to pick up a couple of things and buy my lottery ticket.

I slept quite late this morning and now am finally feeling kind of normal after my odyssey on Monday.  The storm made my arthritis hurt.   First I was thinking that the shot was not working at all but then realized that it was my neck, not my shoulder.    That pain leaves in the sunshine.

I got several things done to wrap up Bloomsday.  By the way, we made the front page of the Sheboygan Press.  Mother was delighted.    I like to make her smile.

Tomorrow I have to run a few errands and finish thank you notes for all of our readers at the Bloomsday event.   They were spectacular.

Happy Thursday

Dia Dhuit

Mary




The books we think we ought to read are poky, dull, and dry;
The books that we would like to read we are ashamed to buy;
The books that people talk about we never can recall;
And the books that people give us, oh, they're the worst of all.

Carolyn Wells

post Bloomsday

After the storm last night it was sure nice to have sunshine.   It was a bit muggy, but could have been so much worse.

I went to the 8AM morning Mass so that I could pick up the sacrament for Mother and her fellow Catholics at Meadow View.   Then I gassed up the car and went home for breakfast and an hour nap.  (I am recovering from 24 hours of Bloomsday.)    I left for Meadow View and Mom at about 10:30AM.   Delivered the sacrament to her and the other residents then we had a visit.   I left after helping her down to the dining room for dinner.    I know that Nora and Leif were coming to visit this afternoon so did not want her tired out.

Home again, I had a lunch and then rested before heading over to my neighbor Linda's home for a party, a gathering, for the old and new boards of the the Tall Grass Condos.   It was fun.   While there, Bob and Peggy invited Alison and I to join them at the Black Pig for dinner.   I had not other plans so why not.   Their son owns the Black Pig in both Sheboygan and Elkhart Lake.

We had a great dinner and wonderful company.  What I did not expect was they treated us.   They are such fun and lovely people.

I had steak.   When we got there, I realized that I had been hungry for MEAT for a while.   This was great too.  Served over spinach and mashed potatoes.

So that is the day.

Til tomorrow

Dia Dhuit
Mary

The wind was pretty strong today

I rested as much as I possibly could today, between baking my last batch of scones and loading the car for the "Big Bloomsday Marathon."  It is really NOT a marathon but will seem that way to me as I will be surviving tomorrow on naps.

It is 6:30PM.  I am going to bed at 7PM and have set the alarm for 10PM.   I can take my shower, and finish loading the car so that I can get to Ebco to open up and get things set up.   We need to start the reading at midnight and keep things moving.  Not much in the papers though I send two press releases and Paul contacted the stations.   Jane, from the Press is coming to cover the event but that will be kind of after the fact.   We are hoping for word of mouth and the many sites that we have tried to cover.

Come if you can even if only for an hour or so.

I think the pain in my arm is easing.   Hope it isn't just wishful thinking.  I should know if it has helped in a week or so.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

ouch

I have been sore all day.   Dr. Fehrman did tell me that this might happen.   I hope it is the storm before the calm.   I know, I know, I reversed it.  

Today was a nice day.  Pleasant temps and a nice breeze.   I spent the day gradually getting things ready for Monday.  I have to leave at 11PM so want EVERYTHING done by noon so that I can rest the whole afternoon.  (This gives a couple of hours in the afternoon if there are trailing things left to do.)

I went to the 4PM Mass.   I was a Eucharistic Minister AND took Communion to Tom and Rita so I am twice blessed today.   Kate was at Mass and worshiped with me.  It is good to be with a companion that one knows.  My cousin Greg Ziegler and his wife Kathy and family were at Mass.  Greg has been so ill but was able to walk up for communion.    I gave him and Kathy a hug on the way out.   He looks pretty good considering what his body is going through. Pray for him.

By the way, Kate just got word that her daughter in law, Becky, has breast cancer.  Surgery this week.  Please pray.   It was a shock and they are scared.

Tomorrow I will finish what I need for the next full 24 hours. AND REST.

Take care of your all.

Dia Dhuit

Mary



  

It was a beautiful day

The weather was wonderful today.    A cool breeze was no problem because of the wonderful sunshine.   The breeze died down in the afternoon anyway.

My friends, Barb and Dick, left for Minneapolis at about the same time that I headed to see Dr. Fehrman at the Clinic.  He and I discussed the x-ray and MRI of my shoulder.   There is obvious damage.   I had choices.  Wait (not an option), try a shot in an area that Dr. Fehrman thinks May help, or surgery.    I decided with his council.   That the shot with a followup in four weeks would be the best now.   I told him that I had to be healed or at least able to travel in September for Scotland.  

This will work.   If I need the surgery, I would have time to heal, at least well enough for travel by Scotland.

Now, the weekend is free to be ready for Midnight on Sunday at the Ebco Center.

I am still getting response and it is going to be a go.   

Til tomorrow

I am sore and tired and sad.  Just want to sleep and not ache.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

It was a lovely day.   Sunshine and gentle breezes.   Dick would have been horrified, I had the doors open almost all day.

Barbara and Dick left rather early for Manitowoc to visit her cousin, so I had the morning to myself.   I worked on Bloomsday and the Book and just rested after a bit because for some reason, after an almost comfortable day yesterday, my arm and shoulder are really hurting today.

When they came home, Barbara and I went to Sheboygan to visit Mother.   It was a nice visit.  Lots of remembering for the three of us.   We left about four thirty as Mom was getting tired.  But what a joy. 

A nice visiting evening for the three of us.   We had soup and Pasties for supper and more visiting.   They are leaving early and I have an 8:30AM doctor appointment so sleep is being sought by all of us.

Til tomorrow.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Just a note.   I am heading for bed.   My friends are here and it is so good to be spending time with them.  It is good to have people in the house too.

More tomorrow

Dia Dhuit

P. S.  Someone from the Press is going to come to do an article on the Bloomsday event.

Yea.

Mary

On a cloudy day

I was a cloudy day and stayed in the lot 60s.   I found it quite comfortable.   Don't mind wearing a jacket, especially my newest denim jacket.

I was home all morning.  Didn't feel too well so I rested on the couch for a while.   I think it was the pill that I am taking to offset the allergy to iodine that left me a bit woozy.

My appointment with Tim Ebenreiter so that he could give me a key and educate me on the alarm system for the Ebco ArtSpace on Monday was at 1:30PM today.    Remember,  A 24 hour reading of the book Ulysses by James Joyce.   Bloomsday.  I am pleased that we have the day pretty well covered could use someone between 11AM and 1PM and 5PM to 6PM.   Anybody chomping at the bit to read

From Wikipedia:
Bloomsday is a commemoration and celebration of the life of Irish writer James Joyce during which the events of his novel Ulysses (which is set on 16 June 1904) are relived. It is observed annually on 16 June in Dublin and elsewhere. 

I did stop at Hobby Lobby and the bank on the way to the Ebco appointment, then on to Sheboygan Memorial for my MRI. I had taken all my pills so we could do the procedure.  It went well.   I don't get alarmed in the tube with all the noises and just try to relax.   I may have even drifted off.   It was almost four when I was done.   I did my grocery shopping on the way home.   Forgot Gorganzola Cheese for Monday.   No problem, the store is not going anywhere. 

Tomorrow, my friend Barbara and her husband Dick are coming to stay for a day or so.   They have relatives in Milwaukee, I think Barb's aunt is in a nursing home or something.   We have been friends since grade school.    Were even in the convent together.   She did stay longer.

I am doing this early so that I won't forget.   I ache all over today so will take a nice hot bath before I go to bed.   I will see Dr. Fehrman on Friday to evaluate my shoulder.

So.   Until tomorrow.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

 

 

Lovely day

I made up my mind to be busy today.   Actually, I woke up kind of miserable.   Aching and not feeling well.   So I rested for a while and read the paper, then started baking scones and I make pancakes and ham for lunch.

This got me moving so I decided to go out to Rhine to shoot some pistol.   With no league, I figured I could do a bit of practicing without inconveniencing anybody.   I am still using my left hand.   With the new grips and shooting very carefully by myself, I am training my left hand to follow the rule.   (Finger only on trigger when shooting.)   It went well.   If I do end up having surgery on my right shoulder, this will slow me up a bit, but I do hope to rejoin the league in the Fall.

A typical super busy Monday

I started off by leaving the house a little before 9AM.   I stopped at Sun Graphics.   I had a picture of James Joyce and a map of Bloom's Dublin enlarged so that I can mount them on a poster board.  I also got the updated Tallgrass directory copied for distribution.   Next stop

Blessed Trinity.  I picked up the hosts for Mom and the other Meadow View Catholics and went to the Bible Study meeting.   We are still studying Saul's conversion.    Lots to talk about, not too many people get knocked off of their horses and struck blind.  We are trying to figure Paul out.  He was obviously an extremely intense guy, probably hard to get along with but great to have on your side.

Next I drover to Meadow View to spend a bit of time with Mom and give her communion.   Dolores and Ken were there when I got there.   Then when I got back from giving the sacrament to the other residents, Jeff, Kathy, Sarah and Shane were there, so I just stayed for a little bit and got the bills all figured out.    She will be down to just Meadow View and doctors soon.

I picked up Sy Regan after stopping at Perkins for a sandwich and we went to the Sheboygan County Writers.  I picked up another reader for next Monday.   Just a couple of slots left now.

So I am pretty sore now, always am in the evening so I will go to bed.   The MRI is tomorrow afternoon.   I start taking pills at 1:30AM so have set the alarm.

Til tomorrow
Dia Dhuit
Mary

Saturday

I went for a walk just before lunch.    I am trying to get out at least three times a week, more if possible and I walk for about a half an hour.   It isn't much fun without a doggie, but I do run into people in the neighborhood here and there so it is not too lonely.

I do like looking around at nature and hearing the sounds of the birds and today, the bats at the baseball fields.   The sound of the bats make me remember fondly when Bart and Bret played ball.   Those were happy days for me and I think for them.    We spend most afternoons and evenings at a practice or game during that season.   I was always so proud to see my boys playing and flowering.  Good exercise and other skills.

I did a lot of scheduling for Bloomsday.  Still could use some readers.  Can I tempt anybody?  Things are coming together.  

I went to Mass at 4PM.   I got a call to substitute for a Eucharistic Minister so got to give communion  again.   I am assigned to next week.   I love that and fear that if I have surgery, I will be unable to for at least several weeks.   Oh well. 

Tomorrow I will finish up the board minutes for Tallgrass and work on a chapter of the "book"   It is moving slowly now.   When I take the quotation marks off you will know that it is no longer a chore.

We are supposed to get some rain tonight.   I really hope so.  It would be just a nice treat for the pots I have planted.   I have way too much chives so am going to thin them a bit.   Still no sign of Oregano though.   I am so shocked.   I thought it was impossible to kill oregano.   It is kind of like Lemon Balm.  Once it take root, it is a forever plant.

So.  Sleep tight.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

 

Today was beautiful.   I had the doors and open for most of the day.

Sorry I didn't do anything yesterday.   I just felt rather funky and down.   I had an appointment for an MRI for Thursday morning.   When I got there they discovered that since I have a reaction to iodine, which the nurse should have caught and ordered a  regimen of pills to take so I would not break out in hives, I could not do the procedure then.   We have had to put it off until Tuesday of next week, which is when I was SUPPOSED to see Dr. Fehrman to see if there is anything that can be done.    I just want to know.   If they can't do anything, then I learn to live with it.  One of my faults is that I get pictures and deadlines in my head and as Dick used to say,   Change is BAD.   Oh Well.   I am over my snit now and will just keep plugging along.

Today as I said was gorgeous.    Roxie and I sat out on the deck for a while this morning.    This evening, I went to the Plymouth Arts Center for the opening of their new show, an annual juried exhibition called Alive in the Arts.   Several familiar artists were in the show, notably, my cousin Joseph Bowser.    None of my friends got the awards, though I knew they were the best.

I had met Kate down there and ran into lots of other friends as I knew I would.   

Did I tell you that Jeff brought me some tomato plants and I have them safely planted in the front garden to which I added compost and manure this year which I hope will give them an extra boost.

The weekend should be quiet.   Mass tomorrow and home the rest of the days.

I have plenty to do.    Just have to get too it.

Dia dhuit

Mary

Quite a day.  Roxie tried to wake me up at 5AM again.   But it did not work.  I woke up around 6 and went in to feed her and turn on my coffee.  

The morning was quiet.  I worked on various projects until it was time to leave to meet Jeff and John Wenig at the funeral home.   We set up a trust for Mom for her funeral.   I told Mom yesterday that I was going to the Funeral home and she asked me who's funeral.   I started laughing and  told her it was hers.   She laughed too.   We are setting up a trust for her funeral so that no matter what , she will have the funeral she wants.   Hopefully, it will not be soon.   I know that she does not necessarily feel that way.  I know that she is tired.

Then I went to the bank and the grocery store and home.

Tomorrow I will be home all day.   I intend to write a bit and just get my strength up for the next few days with the MRI and then the followup next Tuesday with Dr. Fehrman.  It is just that the arm aches most of the time.  If it can't be fixed, I need to know so that I can come to grips with it.

Jeff brought me three tomato plants so I will plant them in the front tomorrow.   I mixed in some compost and manure, so I hope they will do better this year.

Everything looks good actually.   After all the winter, it is good to finally see life.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

It rained yesterday and today.   Today, it started just pouring while I was visiting Mother around lunch time.    It was a bit chilly during the rain, but when the rain stopped it immediately started to heat up and get humid.   

I am thinking that Roxie is not feeling too well.   She tried to wake me up at about 5AM, then went back to sleep with me and I woke her up at 7AM.  Now if she would just get up at 7AM EVERY morning, I think that would be very civilized.

We had Bible Study this morning after a week off because of Memorial Day.   We are in Acts of the Apostles, as I told you.   The Sunday readings are also including a reading from Acts.  Today, we got to the part where Paul was converted.   It is pretty dramatic, as he gets struck blind and thrown off of his horse.   Blindness is a hard thing to cope with.   We talked a bit about that.    One of our members, Tom, just had eye surgery.   He is healing, but it is slow.   We are all just praying for a complete recovery of sight for him.  So. you add your prayers too.  

Then I went to spend some time with Mom next.   She was really good today.    I told her all about the trip to the Marion Shrine near Green Bay and gave her a book about the shrine.   I picked up a children's book.  As I told her the print is larger and she can read that.   I also brought her a picture of me and Bishop Hying.   I went with a group of St. Vincent de Paul members and Bishop Hying is the spiritual leader of the St Vincents here.   I stayed til lunch time.   I helped her to her table and then came home.

Spent the afternoon writing and resting.  My arm and shoulder made me rest.

Tomorrow I will see Jeff and Kathy.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

June 1

A quiet Sunday.   It was warm but pleasant most of the day.   Roxie and I spent an hour or so on the deck in back.   I read and Roxie napped and surveyed her domain.

I also finished the first draft of my St. Piran chapter of the Saint book.

Kind of satisfying.

Tomorrow Bible Study after a two week hiatus.   I will be wearing a new TShirt I bought at the Marion Shrine.   It says.   I am to Die For.   Just ask Jesus.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Well, it was a quiet day and a nice early evening.

It was rather warm.   I lift the doors open until it got into the mid 70s.   After that, this house just gets too warm and stays that way.

I worked on the book this morning and went through the books.   I am giving lots of them to St. Vinny's.   If anybody would like to go through them first, let me know.

A nice mass this evening.   I was the lector today.   My second time at St. John's.   I kind of like doing that.   Kate had called last night and asked if I would like to go to dinner with her after Mass.    I took communion to Tom and Rita and then met her at Antonettes.   We had a nice dinner and a good visit.   She was treating me for a belated birthday present, which was very sweet.  

The evenings are always long for me and this helped.

Til tomorrow.   If anybody wants to volunteer to read some of Ulysses on the 16th, I would be SO happy.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I seem to have neglected the blog.

This has been a strange and busy week.  

I think I mentioned that I was going on a day trip to the Marian Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help not too far from Green Bay near Champion.    Our Lady appeared to a young Belgian girl name Adele Brise in 1859.     Just recently the sighting with the work of Bishop David Ricken, was declared worthy of belief by the Catholic peoples.    During the Pestigo fire, the 6 acres that are the site of the shrine, were saved from burning by the believers marching around the site with a statue of Our Lady.   Not a soul within the area was hurt and they say the grass and trees were emerald green amid the blackened ground that surrounded it.    I have been wanting to go to the shrine and a friend who is a St. Vincent volunteer invited me to come on their tour.   Bishop Hyink was on the tour also.   It was a wonderful day.

Wednesday I had a doctor appointment with Dr. Leben.   My shoulder and arm are getting much worse.   She has concluded that the shots are not providing long enough relief, so is referring me to a surgeon, Dr. Fehrman.  He was Dick's doctor.   I know that my range of motion is diminishing and that I am hurting more and having trouble sleeping.   I had an x ray done on Wednesday and will have an MRI on the 5th then I will see Dr. Fehrman on the 10th to see what can be done.

Yesterday was all a flutter as we closed on Mom's home then.    It is such a relief that it went smoothly and quickly.    I am sure Mom has mixed feelings but I know that she is very happy that the neighbors bought it.   They stopped to see her last week and she told them that if they had any questions about anything they should not hesitate to come and ask her.  But not having to think about maintaining or having us maintain the house will be a relief to her.

Today, I had lunch with the bank ladies and then passed out several posters for the Bloomsday event.
Anybody want to spend an hour reading on June 16th.

So that is all for now.   I have started walking of an evening.   It really does not seem proper without a doggie, but I am doing it anyway.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

What a day.    I left, in beautiful weather, for St. Fridolin's Church in Glenbeulah.   The Memorial Day Mass was held there.   St. Fridolin's is only a chapel now, like St. Michaels is to Shepherd of the Hills.   It is nice to have a service there every so often.   It is a lovely little church.   There was a nice crowd there too.   I picked up the hosts that I needed to take to Mother and her fellow Catholic residents at Meadow View.    I had to go around twice, once when I got there and once later as a couple of them were asleep.  There is one new lady just down from Mother too.

She and I had a nice visit.   John and Holly came in with Jack and Sam while I was there.   They are almost walking alone and growing like weeds.   They are a couple of very handsome dudes.   I love seeing the babies.

Home again, I have been working on the book and cleaning things in the garage and house.  
There is so much to do.     Tonight I fried some brats and venison steaks outside.  So I have meals for the next week that just need sides.

Tomorrow I am going on a bus trip from St. Peter Claver to the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help in Champion, one of the places that is supposed to be dear to Our Lady.   I have been wanting to go and a friend told me about this trip.   The only instructions.   To bring your rosary.   Lunch is provided too.

So. I will go to bed at my usual early time and read as I have to be at St.Peter Claver's at 7:45AM. 

I never have to worry about WAKING up, Roxie takes care of that.

Dia Dhuit

Mary


Philip Neri prayed, "Let me get through today, and I shall not fear tomorrow."

It was a beautiful day. The sun shone and the temperatures were up in the 70s most of the day. It was Sunday so I decided to treat it as such. This morning I finished the hard work about my "gardening" by putting the compost/manure in the bed in the front that I will plant my tomatoes in. I did put the basil in the bed . I know a little and am sure that tomato and basil make good companion plants. I watered everything that needed watering and spent the rest of the day watering and washing clothes. Tomorrow is Memorial day. I am going to Mass at St. Fridolin's parish in Glenbeulah and will bring communion from the mass to MeadowView for Mom and her companion residents. This afternoon, I sat out on the deck for quite a while reading with my Roxie enjoying the fresh air and sunshine too. She does like to be out there. So until tomorrow Dia Dhuit Mary