Hi Youall.

I know that Youall should be spelled differently but I  don't care.   You all know what I mean.

A busy day.   I caught up on all my wash.     Went to a Celtic Meeting from 2 to 4PM which was great.   We went to a local German Restaurant called Mutti's.   I had a bratwurst which was pretty good.  not Johnsonville but a good substitute.   There were 8 of us and I told them about the history of Dolmans in Ireland and the Celtic Nations and showed some pictures.     It was fun.    We are debating whether we will  meet next month.  If four or more want to, we will.

Also still working on the virtual speech I am doing for IBAM in Chicago.    We just have to be sure to get it recorded properly so that Maureen can edit, if necessary.

Tomorrow another day.     Sufficient UNTO the day.

Love you all

Stay safe and well.

Dia dhuit

Mary

Disease,

Riots and hate.

What has happened to life

As we knew it in the REAL world.

SAVE US!

 

Home again

from Writer's Club.    We were all four of us there tonight and all had something to read.    I is nice for us to have this group to keep us motivated.   To try to produce something every week is helpful to getting started.   I am impressed with my fellow writers

Had my yearly nurse checkup from Humana today and all is well.   My vitals were fine and she says that I am doing quite well.     So I will continue taking care of myself.    Don't want other people to feel that they have to take care of me anyway.

Also, Dean from SWOK Tree Service came and cleaned up my yard, trimmed my trees and hauled everything away.   I am so glad to see a yard again.    He has a bit of trimming to do on one tree but will finish that on Saturday.     He does such good work.

Hope all is well with you.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

The trees all maimed by ice and wind

Are being brave with sun to love

Perhaps with time they 'll somehow mend

And shield from sun too hot above.

Wonderful weather

I only had to wear my jacket this morning.  The sky was a vivid blue with whispy clouds scattered all over it.   Vita and I both liked our walks.   I did not turn her down oncs:)

 Went to Bible Study this morning.    We spent a good time praying for each other's needs and our courtry, then got into reading more of Job.   We still aren't done, but decided to leave it up to each person if they want to finish it.    We are going into a book that is called, The Jesus We Missed by Fr. Patrick Reardon.   I have read a bit of it and it is really fascinating.
We definitely seem to lean towards the New Testament.   We do want to get a bit more versed in the Old Testament too.    

I got my hair cut at 1:00PM so couldn't go to Mass today.   Sure glad that is done.  Oklahoma has not shut down those personal care people  and now I have at least 6 weeks in case they do before I look to shaggy:)

Home all day during the day.    Writers Club at 6:30PM  so I WILL see people.

Dia dhuit

Mary

 

Sunshine lights the dark

The Earth rejoices in it

And blooms green and lush

 

\

A rather productive day.

I did some cleaning.  I am working on getting the inside of my windows cleaned.   Figure I will hit the outside in spring, unless it stays as nice as it has been for a while.

Went over to Bart's this afternoon and he helped me with a computer communication problem that I have been struggling with.  To each day its lesson.  

We are all well and are not having our usual bit Thanksgiving get together.   I will miss it but had decided not to attend anyway because of the numbers and the diversity/   We all love eachother any way and will not put each other at risk.

Perhaps we can have an after coronavirus  when this is all over.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Nice little dog

In my life to care for

Caring for something is good.

Knowing that I AM needed.

Yes.   She is a nice little dog.

It was COLD This morning

 But it warmed up to a very pleasant afternoon  which seems to be what we are facing for the next week or so.

Saw Dr. Toy, my chiropractor, and he put me back in place.   ( I Hope.)   I seem to be maintaining anyway.

Am working on two presentations that I have to have ready by December.   One of them by Friday.    I am going to give a bit of the history of Irish Dolmens to my Lawton Celtic Group.    I have my poem and picture of the Knockeen Dolmen to share.

My other presentation is of the Patron Saints of the 7 Celtic Nations for IBAM in Chicago.  THis is the first year that they have gone virtual and is quite a challenge.      Under normal circumstances, I would have gone there and presented in person.  A whole new way of presenting for me.    Bart is going to help me.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Lovely Mass this evening

I am only gone about an hour and a half but Vita greets me as if I have been gone for days.    It is sure nice to have a living creature to welcome me home.

I was busy "putting our fires" today.    I sure will be glad when 2020 is over.    I am starting to feel like most of the world about that.

Coronavirus is increasing daily.   So far, no one I know had died from it but I am getting more and more prayer requests for those who have it.    God bless them and Lets keep praying that the vaccine comes quickly and is as effective as they think it will be.

Meanwhile.   Take care of yourself and yours.    I say it in that order because if we do not take care of ourselves, we are no good to anybody:)

 

Dia Dhuit

Mary

 

Coronavirus 

Leaves us alone and lonely

Yearning for hugs.

Friday the 13th

2020 has been bad enough.   Nothing new or catastrophic appeared today, Thank the Lord.

I was busy most of the day.   Should have a quiet weekend.    Will try to pamper myself.   I had my port flushed today and everything is good with that.

I am doing a Great Courses class on the Celts online, One chapter at a time.    I try to do one chapter a day and there are 24  chapters.    It is giving me something to plan for and to stimulate my interest.   I am on chapter 10 tomorrow.     It is a series of lectures.   Almost like being in a classroom though I sure would give a lot for a person to share with during or after the lecture.

We are supposed to get a bit of rain.   Nothing yet.   Hope we do.

Bless you all.   Take care

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Busy Day

For some reason or other there were several things that came to the front all at once.    You'd think, since I am retired, that there would be nothing urgent.   But that is not true.   I think I know what Dick meant when people would ask him what he did all day, he would say.   "I'm retired.   That's what I do."    And it is enough.

Went to writers club tonight.   We all had something that was interesting to hear.    At least they told me mine was.   I know that theirs were.  Glad I have that meeting.   I spurs me to write every week.

It was really pleasant today.   Tomorrow is supposed to be cooler and perhaps a bit of rain, which we dearly need.

Get my port flushed tomorrow afternoon.   Sure be glad when I don't need that any longer.

Take care of you

Love

Dia Dhuit

Mary

 

If love

Alone could heal

Those I love would never

Suffer from fear, pain or illness

Ever.

Hump Day

 Hump Day from my working years.    

It has been a busy week for me, but I am down to one major project - the recording of my virtual speech for IBAM (Irish Books Art Music) in Chicago.    My dear special friend, Maureen, is helping me get it ready for recording.   She has the pictures I need to be inserted.   It is going to be on the 12 Patron Saints of the 7 Celtic Nations.    I am excited to share.

Went to Bible Study today at 10AM.  We read from Job, which has been our challenge for the short haul.  Those of us who could stay, went to the Noon Mass.   It is a short mass, but we always get a lovely little talk from our Fr. Seeton.   I love receiving the sacrament mid week and am glad we have started doing that.  

So many of the prayer requests are rather suddenly COVID.    And I understand that the next several months, until April will be heavy with that disease especially with the holidays, where we all tend to huddle.   A bad thing as the Covid Virus LOVES huddling.  

Thank God.    A vaccine seems close.  God has provided us with so many really great scientists that know how to work on this and seem to be close.   I remember it used to take YEARS before vaccines were developed.

Sure will be glad when this presidential stuff is over..      I pray for all of us.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

My Love

He still makes me smile

Although it is his memory

That brings me this joy.

Great Quilt Guild Program

Just got home from Quilt Guild.   We had a ZOOM presentation from a wonderful quilt designer, instructor and just nice person called Karen Combs.    She has done a series of Celtic Designs.   The book is out of print but it is available on an ebook something or other.    I will try to figure it out as I have kind of (in this post cancer/chemo) become a bit lethargic as to my quilting.   This has me interested.   So I WILL follow up.

I was home the most of the day except for a couple of errands earlier this morning.   Worked on clearing my desk.   I can't figure out, since I am retired, how things pile up, but they do.    It was in the low 70s today and sunny, but we had a brisk breeze which kept things quite comfortable.  

I called Dean, who will be clearing my back yard from the ice storm damage and salvaging my trees, and he will be here either the end of this week, or early next.    I just wanted to be sure that I was still on his radar.    The city still has not picked up the limbs and trees that are lining the streets.     One of my neighbors said that she called and they are out of funds and trying to figure out what to do.   Sounds ominous.

Busy tomorrow.   Mainly at home, but I will have to go to the store.

Stay well and safe

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Bless all of you, this lovely Sunday

At least I hope your day was lovely.   We were at 76 degrees and sunny.   It was a bit windy, but with the warmth that was not a problem for Vita and me.

 I cleared up a couple of problems and went for a few walks today.   I also rested a couple of times as I did not necessarily feel great.   I am fine now.   Some days are just iffy.   I have a great meal of chicken,  mashed potatoes and veggies ahead of me so am feeling good.

Called my friend, Barb, today because we ARE friends and I needed a voice.   We are of an age, where we understand that.

Bart called me, as he always does.   Those were my voices today.   I did see a couple of neighbors out when Vita and I walked so got to say HI>

Love you all

Take care of YOU.

 

Dia Dhuit

Mary

 

Ah Miss Fluff

I do miss you, my feral friend.

Who came to dine with me at my home every afternoon

Rewarding me with purrs and hugs.

You were my companion

As I walked around the block.

After all those years, I thought

You would live forever.

Finding your poor dead body

Was almost more than I could bear.

You were special to someone.

ME!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

a

What a Day

 Well, we have a new president.    I am glad that the election is over.   I will never tell how I voted, but with a lot of prayer made my choice and felt that if I was overruled, it was all my fellow citizens that did it.   Wow what a turnout.    I am just glad that we are in a country that we CAN make a choice.   

About ready to go to bed.   I can watch the rest of Biden's speech there.    I suppose we will have a few weeks of dissention about all that has happened but if we can make it to January, we will see if the nations choice is able to bring a sense of peace to our nation.

Went to Mass tonight .   Always makes me grateful for the week.    So glad that I can turn things over to Jesus after I have made the best decision that I can with what I know.

Bless you all

Stay Well

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Peace and joy to you

May life be loving and safe

In this world of change

Our warm weather is continuing

 It really is nice, but I may have to water the front lawn and get it mowed again.

Vita is really pushy about her walks.   I know I get a dog to "walk me" but REALLY!

Did four loads of wash today.   Then I had a doctor appointment.    Dr. Aiku says I am doing very well.    We are going to schedule one test to see if my esophagus has to be tended to but my vitals are great and I have not lost any more weight.   Haven't gained any either but I am maintaining.  Yea.

I am working on a virtual talk that I will be giving at IBAM in December.    Having trouble remembering how to load stuff on the computer and then move it on.   Also still don't know how to forward pictures from my phone.   

Oh well.   There is time and I am stubborn if nothing else.

Hope you are all well and happy.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Bless the day and night

Let then achieve their purposes

Of activity and rest.

What a day!

 My bible study met for the first time since February, (I think) when the Coronavirus first reared its ugly head.    Boy, were we ever glad to see each other.    We prayed for each other, and reorganized in the sense of deciding to meet weekly for the foreseen future and what we will be studying.     How good to have my prayer support close again.

We followed it up with Mass which Fr. Seeton offers each Wednesday at Noon. So, I got my "meal" twice this week.

Home again I caught up on all my bills and several other things.   Bart came by after lunch and we had a great visit.    I am always so glad to have people in the house and there are not that many people except  Bart that I know are safe.   We always have a lot to talk about.

I suddenly this afternoon, remembered that the family across the street are having their baby today.   Ceaserian.    I ran out and bought a present for the new one, so that when I go over to see him, I will be able to come bringing gifts:)

Bless all the babies

Dia DHuit

Mary

Blessing

I thank the Lord

For all he's given me

Each sunrise granting one more day

TO BE

I voted. Hope you all did too.

Bart was nice enough to drive me over to my polling place at about 9:30AM.    It was reasonably busy but not too bad and everything went smoothly.   I did not spend more than an hour.   HOWEVER,   my understanding from the news broadcasts that the early morning voters had the longest waits of the day.  (perhaps after 5PM things will line up a bit.)   But it is nothing like the horror stories that we have seen around the company.    I think all the pre voting and the mail in really made things fairly easy today.   I did not mind my hour.  I was glad that Bart took me though.

As we are going to gather for our first Bible Study at Holy Family since the beginning of this pandemic, I did my grocery shopping today so that I can enjoy this first time in so long.    We are a great support group for each other and I have missed the community prayers and discussions.   We are meeting at 10 AM and Mass is at 12 so I will probably go to Mass too.   I baked scones today and will bring them to the Bible study so that I can eat SOMETHING an hour before communion which is the time suggested.    I need food regularly, so when I get home at about 1PM I can gorge:)  We are not supposed to bring food, but I will bring the tin and just let everybody decide how they feel about it.

I HATE this pandemic.  I miss hugs and people.   I even love when vendors come:) Today some guys came to update my ADT.     Vita loved them and it was such a pleasure to have someone in the house.

Well.   That is my day.    Hope you are all well.

Miss you so much

Dia dhuit

Mary

A prayer I love

Lord I shall be very busy this day.

I may forget Thee but do not Thou forget me.

Sir Jacob Ashley

 

 

All Souls Day

Just got home from church and Mass for all the Souls that have gone before us, especially those we lost in the past year.   It was a lovely mass.

Saw Dr. Toy this morning.    I seem to be doing much better.  We apparently have hit a threshold.   Hope this keeps up, then I won't be waking up in the wee hours of the morning in pain.

Got my Virtual Talk for IBAM finished, now Maureen is going to help me get it on Zoom.

Got to figure out how to transfer pictures from my phone to the computer and then how to email them.   Used to know that. Can anybody help me?

We are having lovely weather - hope it lasts for a while.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

 

Bless the day and night

Let them fulfill their purpose

 Of activity and rest.

A quiet Sunday

The only people I saw today were people who happened to be out when I walked Vita.    There were several so I got to say HI to some of the neighbors.   Some of them were walking, Johnny, next door,  was cutting up the branches that fell in his front yard and stacking them for the garbage people to pick up.   I have the guy that took out my middle tree coming when he gets me on his schedule and he will try to save my trees which really got a beating.

I was busy all day.   Pretty much finished a virtual talk that I am giving at IBAM Chicago.   Now I have to call Maureen so I can get it to her and figure out if ZOOM will work and get her pictures.

Gave Via a bath.   She got into something stinky.    She was very unhappy with me but I don't like stinky doggies.

Hope your day was as pleasant.

Love you all

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Vita

My puppy Dog

Always is full of joy

Jumping like on a bouncy house

My friend.

Happy Halloween

Here I am, at home, waiting for trick or treaters.     I have had several groups and for a bit thought I might run out of candy.   But it is now 7:20PM and I have not had anyone for the past half hour.   I suppose there may be an influx close to 8PM when they have to stop according to the city, but I will be fine.    If not, I will just have to turn of the lights and close the door.

Went to Mass tonight.    We are celebrating the 40th year of our parish.   I was impressed with Fr. Seeton's service celebrating the anniversary and All Saints Day.

Tomorrow, a day at home.    I am going to be working on my speech.

Love you all

Dia Dhuit

Mary

This seemed appropriate for Halloween.   Wrote it years ago.

PICNIC IN THE GRAVEYARD

Have you ever picnicked in a graveyard?

It is okay, you know.

As long as the residents are relitives 

Or friends

They will enjoy the company 

And so should you.

Am I ever glad!

  Am I ever glad that today is over.   I had so many odd problems to tackle today.    Why does this always happen.

My plumbing was acting up again.     Sometimes the toilets don't work properly and it is the sewer between me and the back yard.   Guess what.   Over the backyard fence is an apartment building.    One would think that I might have been smart enough to think of that, but I didn't.   AND I still love my house and my neighborhood.

Mike, my plumber, said that until the apartments were put in there was not a problem in this area.

My Vita is going to get pretty bored when I don't have workmen over every day to love her.

I will be so glad when we are over this election mess.    I will be voting on the 3rd, as I like tradition and have  always voted at the pole on election day.    I still can, so I will.    I am planning on taking the walker so if there is a long long line, I can use it.

Bless you all

I love you

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I believe the sun

Is an antidote to gloom.

It cannot be faked!

Just home from Writer's Club

All four of us were there tonight.   I had to read a poem from the past as I spent my writing time working on the Virtual Speech that I am giving at IBAM next month.  

I didn't feel bad as Karlos read an older piece too.   Debbie had not heard it and I enjoyed it as much this time as the first time.   Debbie had a column and Marti had an prose piece that was fascinating.

I sure was busy today.   Got an estimate on getting all the branches cut and removed and trying to save the two elms in the backyard, got the house cleaned, Bart was over to help me refine the Vivint apps and got a delivery.    I swear that my doorbell never HAS rung that much in one day.

Tomorrow, I will be home all day and have a plumber coming to check a toilet that is starting to back up, a recurrent problem.   I hope they can come up with a solution.

Take care of yourselves.    We are supposed to be having warmer weather for the next week or so and no precipitation.   Good thing as we have to recover from the ice storm.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

An older Haiku from one of my books.

CONWEBS

Friend from long ago

Do you ever think of me?

You stroll through my mind.

Thank the Lord

The ice storm is over.   I heard that it is the worst storm in 40 years.

All I know is that my back yard is full of branches broken by the weight of the ice and still covered with ice crystals though it is better.   We are having warmer weather coming up and the moisture today was all rain.

Don't know what I will do about the branches literally blanketing my back yard.  I know some will be able to go out on the curb, but will I be able to get the there?

Sufficient unto the day:)

Talked to Richard and Brenda tonight.  What a pleasure.   I am so blessed to have all these "extra Kids" that like me:)   AND I love them all.

Home all day tomorrow.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Love comes in many colors

Sometimes pastel, sometimes vivid.

Pastel is soothing and gentle

Vivid full of fire and intensity.

What a day

This has been a cold, icy and sleety day.

I have had several branches fall from the weight of the ice into my back yard.   Thank God, they have not hit the house.

I did go out this morning and blessed my yard with holy water and a prayer.

I did think of going out and shaking the ice off of the branches, but knew that Dick would kill me:)

 

Hopefully faith will help.

Hope you are all well.

Dia dhuit

Mary

 

He still makes me smile.

Although it is his memory

That brings me joy.

ice storm today

My yards look like they have some snow on them but it is ice.   We had an ice storm.   Sure glad that I did not have to go anywhere today.

 

Kept myself busy with a new online class that I am taking and with working on preparing for the speech that I am giving virtually at IBAM this year.

 

Tomorrow should be just as quiet, though I may venture out to get my lottery ticket.

 

Hope you are all well and safe.   Stay that way.    Had nice phone visits with my sister, Nora and my friend Barbara.   How blessed am I.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

 

Caring

For each other

Is the most improtant

For if we care for each other

Love IS.

A Quiet Sunday

 But a nice Sunday.   Bart and Barb came by to visit me this morning so I had company, which is always welcome.   Bart and Barb are so good to me and are helping me get my phone and system cooperating.

I did several things today, such as working on my speech for IBAM which is coming up.   It is going to virtual this year and I am one of Maureen's speakers.   She is going to help me.   Tomorrow I am going to take pictures to forward to her for a power point.   She is so talented.

I will be probably confined to home because of weather the next three days.   We are supposed to be experiencing icy rain and slippery roads.    I will probably suggest to my Kerry, who cleans my house, that she not endanger herself.

I am going to start a course from Great Courses on the Celts.   That will give me an incentive to do SOMETHING.

Hope you are all well.   I miss you.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

My dog

My companion

I would be so alone

Without her sweetness in my home

With me.

Hope everybody is well

Things are good here.   Woke up to thunder and rain.    Vita not happy at all but we really need the rain.   After temps in to 80s it was in the low to mid 40s today.

I had enough to do to keep me busy today.    If I hadn't - Vita was a pest for walks today.    I don't know why as the wind was really bad.    I know I got a dog to walk me but REALLY>   Could somebody talk to her?

I brought in a couple of my plants as it may get to freezing tonight.   I keep a few things in my Sunroom.   I have several plants that I keep there all year long.    Dad would be so proud of me:)   I am keeping plants alive.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

 

I believe in love

Where peace and passion can meet

In perfect comfort.

Just got home

from Writer's Club.    Four of us were there tonight and we all read some really good stuff.    (At least they said that mine was good.)  I read the segment of my Patron Saints book on St. James the Apostle.   The last one.    Now I have to REALLY be sure that I have maps and pictures of the saints for the book so that I can present it to publishers.

Got home Just in time for the actual debate.    Shucks.    I was hoping that the debate actually started at 7PM so that I could pick up the last of it.    So I missed the pre start.

Home all day tomorrow.

Bless you all.

Dia dhuit

Mary

p. S.   Remember, it is Jim's birthday.   Wish he could have been here but he is hoping to come down for the election.

Our world

Has sure become

A place of loneliness

We must hang on to each other

Somehow

Dr. Toy got my spine back in place again.

 He gave me a few hints as to how to help ease the pain when my hips and back start hurting in the night.    I will try them.    Hope I won't have to for a day or two anyway.

Had my mammogram today.    They are far less uncomfortable than the last time I had one.   She didn't see anything so I am feeling good about it.

Worked on a Quilt Guild project about the COVID19.    Just need a label so I feel good about that.

Yea  - a feel good day:)    Hope you all had the same.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A friend sent me a bunch of timely quotes    - thought I would share one, hopefully to make you smile.

You know when you buy a bag of salad and it gets all brown and soggy?   Cookies don't do that.

A Sunday at home with my Vita.   She took me for a lot of walks.    It was really nice this morning, but this afternoon it has turned chilly and worst of all, very windy.

Spent a good chunk of the day sewing.  Almost have a project done.   I am having trouble with the bobbin tension on my machine, so am, at this point, doing my hand work.

Tomorrow, I see Dr. Toy ( hope he can help my back and neck, they are not TOO bad, but I do have some trouble sleeping.)   Also my mammogram is due so tomorrow is the day.   Does one ever get too old for those things?   I hate getting squished.

Hope all of you are well.    I worry especially about my Wisconsin friends as COVID is thriving there.  Prayers every day

Dia Dhuit

Mary

 

We just might become

Like some hermits of the past

Praying all alone:)

This was an Iffy Day

I am irritated.   My sewing machine is acting up.   The bobbin tension is goofed up and I don't know how to adjust that(:

 Aside from that , all is well.    I am feeling good.    Bart came over to check my phone, so I had company.    Food is easy:) because I have leftovers from Olive Garden.

Went to church tonight.    A very comforting mass.    We prayed for all of us and for the end of this pandemic.    I now have a prayer to say every day.

AND I WILL

Please, all of you, keep yourselves safe.

 

Dia Dhuit

Mary

 

I know that I posted this before but I WANT to do it again.

Reopening the schools is important, but reopening the pubs is importanter.

 

Safe and sound at home

 After a lovely Writer's Club meeting.    There were just the three of us, Marti, Karlos and me but we all read and enjoyed it    It is so nice to get encouragement from others.   I am ready to send my book to a publisher,   Need to do some research as to how to present it and search for a market.

Tomorrow I will be meeting with my Celtic friends and am looking forward to that too.    Have a couple of interesting things to present.   One, a famous Irish Poet -Derek Mahon died.   He wrote about the pandemic.

EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE ALL RIGHT

How should I not be glad to contemplate

the clouds clearing beyone the dormer window

and a high tide reflected on the ceiling

There will be dying,there will be dying,

but there is no need to go into that.

The lines flow from the hand unbidden

and the hidden source is the watchful heart:

the sun rises in spite of everything

and the far cities are beautiful and bright.

I lie here in a riot of sunlight

watching the day break and the clouds flying.

Everything is going to be all right.

by DEREK MAHON

Dia dhuit

Mary

Another HOT DAY

Hopefully, this will be the last of the 90 to 100 degree days  This Wisconsin girl does not want to live with days and days of -0 degrees but over 90 is just as uncomfortable and one can only take off so many layers of clothes:)

 Vita and I had a nice day.   Lots of walks.   But that is good for me.   

I worked a bit on a wall hanging that I am working on and also figured out my next project.

Did a bit of writing.   Tomorrow is the Writer's Club.  

Bill Smith called me this evening.  What a pleasure to have someone to talk to.   We had a bit to catch up on..   He is doing pretty well.    Glad we are able to share the memorird of our Leslie.  But he is, as Leslie would want, going on with his life.   He deserves the best.

Love

Dia Dhuit

Mary

 

Dreaming

At home alone

I do a lot of that

Pretending he is here with me

Again

dreamin

A clean house

Kerry came today and cleaned my house.   Always nice to have things vacuumed and scrubbed.  I am grateful for her and that I am able to have her come.   

The rest of the day was quiet, though I did keep myself occupied and Vita and I went for several walks enjoying the day.   It was up into the 80s, but after 100 plus, this was very pleasant.    Supposed to be 90s tomorrow, then drop to Autumn temperatures.

I switched the quilt on my bed.   I found that quilt that I made in 2004 and it is quite cheerful and bright so I decided I wanted cheerful and bright:)

 

Dia Dhuit

Mary

 

LIFE

Yesterday's river is gone

emptied into the ocean of today.

We swim in the choppy sea

Towards an ever elusive tomorrow

Making our way to eternity.

 

Finally done for the day.

 Was busy most of the day.     Desk and bills and stuff in the morning.

Then I got a call from Shawn, who is doing several jobs around here.  He was able to come over today and he finished installing the new door on my storm shelter.   Sure glad that is done, the old door was rotting and had leaked inside.   Now I can clean in there and the door is a mite lighter so I can even open it myself if need be.

Tonight was Quilt Guild.    We had an indoor quilt airing.    People brought quilts and we voted on our favorites, not knowing whose was whose.     Mine didn't win, but am I glad I found it.    It was a quilt that I made in 2004 and had folded into my cedar chest.     I like it and it is big enough to go on my bed.   I need a change.

Dia Dhuit

God love you

Mary

Now the day is ebbing

The gentle night embraces

My soul as it rests.

by the way

 The Blessing of the Animals.

It was outside.   EVERYBODY was wearing masks and we were pretty well social distanced (with a couple of conversation glitches.)

A busy and fullfilling day:)

You can tell that I like those kind of days.  

I worked on communicating with my Lawton Celtic Friends as to our meeting next Friday at 2PM at the Olive Garden.    If you want to come, Just let me know:)

This afternoon, Holy Family Parish offered a Blessing of the Animals celebration.   Of course, I took my Vita.    She was an angel as were most of the other animals.   AND the only disturbance was a couple of barking dogs, but since some dogs are barkers this is not BAD but their nature.     A lovely prayer service, quoting from the bible the love of God for his creatures other than humans.  Then Deacon Mike blessed each pet with holy water.   I think Vita wanted more water.  There were many dogs, several cats and a turtle and a bearded lizard.   I was blessed and delighted to be a part of it.

 Tomorrow, the holiday doesn't ,mean much to me, except that I don't get mail.   Bart and Barb are going to come over to help me with a new system that I have.   I now have an alert button.   That is not the name but I am sure you know what I mean.    Bart felt that he would be more comfortable if I could press a button for help if I need it.    I think it is a good idea.    Mother had it much older than I.   I feel like her.  I will only press it if I cannot handle it myself.

Take care of yourselves and I love you all.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

 

A lovely day

Sunshine and gentle breezes

Freshness all around

Settling down for the night.

 It was a lovely day,   A bit warm for me but I did not have to sit out in the sun so it was fine.    As I say, thank God for air conditioning.

Cleared out a lot of things that have been cluttering around the house.   I want to get all that junk out to the curb  - Oh Oh.   Just realized.   Monday is a holiday, we will not have trash pickup.    Ouch:)

 

Oh well, worse things have happened in my life.

Went to  Mass tonight.   Will be glad when this pandemic is over.   I go but so many people don't.   I can't blame them, it is a real fear.   But I need communion, Jesus gift to us.

Tomorrow they are having a blessing of the animals at church.   I am taking my Vita.

 

Will report

Dia Dhuit

Mary

 

I saw a squirrel

Running into the tall tree

Scared by my presence.

What a cool Writer's Club

All four of our regulars were there and we all read something.   This is what gives us a push to do something for the next week.    I brought everybody the directions on how to construct a Pantoum poem which is a poem based on specific rules that is fun to do, especially if you don't have a particular idea.   Hard to explain, but if you want to know, I'll talk you through it:)

Was busy most of the day with some book work, some cleaning and working on the Football Fantasy pool.

Hope your day was as good.

 

Dia Dhuit

Mary

 

Coming to Friday

I have filled the week with joy

Lots of love in it.

Boy was I ever busy today!!!!!

Spent the first part of the morning getting wash started and cleaning a bit, then went grocery shopping.    After a quick lunch I had a appointment with Kandi to get my hair cut.    It was getting to a length where my natural wave was kicking in and it was starting to stick out in odd places.    I go about every six weeks and it seems to work.   I like Kandi, Barb recommended her to me.

Then I went over to Bart and Barb's for a bit to go on an errand with Bart.    

Home again, I am happy.   Tomorrow Vita goes for her "beauty treatment."   She will not be happy with me.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

 

Love comes in sizes

It has to - to fit all needs.

Open your heart to love.

A frustrating day

 Am I ever glad it is over.    Walgreens told me that a prescription I really need would be here today on Friday.   Today, after waiting on the line for over a half an hour they told me they don't have it and don't know when they will get it.

I got my doctor to transfer it to another pharmacy.  That was somewhat of an ordeal as the Doctor was in with patients and I waited forever to talk to a real person there too, then wait til the doctor was able to approve the order.

But miracle of miracles.   I have my prescription and believe I will just transfer my account to this local pharmacy as they were REALLY nice and caring.\

It was a lovely day weather wise.   Vita and I went for several walks and she tried to talk me in to more, the little pest. 

Since I was on the phone most of the day, I didn't really get anything else done.    Tomorrow will be better and I am getting my hair cut, so I will feel beautiful by the end of the day:)

Hope your day was better than mind.   Love you all.

After this COVID thing, I want hugs from everybody.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

After the turmoil

Finally A quiet Day

To let me relax

(Perhaps tomorrow)

Today was totally uneventful

I did to to Walgreens to pick up some of my vitamins and some birthday cards for October birthdays, but that was the only excitement there was.

I did some sewing on my project but really wasn't in the mood.    I think it is just one of those days when I felt a bit lonely.   Such is life.  My Vita does help me and I know that I could to over to Bart and Barb's but just wanted to be that way for a while, I guess.    Tomorrow I will reach out and get myself going again.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A day in the life

Not a spectacular day

But a pleasant one.

A Lovely Day

 The temps were not too high and not too low.    I spent a bit and I mean a bit of time weeding my sculpture garden.

Dan and Han came today and mowed my lawn.   I will have to start watering tomorrow but it is really starting to look good.  After three years, real grass is taking over the Bermuda and I am so proud.   Dan is such a help.

Worked on my current quilting project.   Want to get it done by the Quilt Guild Meeting.

Went to the 4:30PM Mass at Holy Family.    Was a very nice mass and I bought a book at the bookstore called A Travel Guide to Heaven.   The Bible Study is going to discuss it in between the actual Scripture Studies that Fr. Phil likes the parish to have.

 Home all day tomorrow.

Stay well and lets all pray for our president and our country and all who are affected by the coronavirus.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A jewel of a day

Presented with clear blue skies

And delicate clouds.

A day at home

 Another day at home.   I did quite a bit of cleaning and caught up on the wash.

Tomorrow will also be quiet though I will go to mass in the evening.

Hope you are all well and have a quiet a life as mine is.   (though a little bit of action would not ne turned away)

 

Dia Dhuit

Mary

 

 

After the turmoil

Finally a quiet day

To let me relax

Felt squishy today.

 Often happens in the morning but I am usually just fine by 10 or 11 AM.   Not today, so I decided not to go to my Writer's Club meeting.  Darn.   I had something to read too.

I was able to accomplish some things today despite the discomfort.   I am cleaning the garage. 4 feet at a time.  I am working on a quilt project and I am writing.    But today, a goodly chunk of the time was spent resting, trying to settle my body.   I do NOT have a fever and I do not vomit.   I just feel like hell.   Probably just as well not to be around my writer friends. anyway. Just in case.

Tomorrow I am home all day and will see how I feel.  Otherwise, I will move up my doctor appointment.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I may have shared this before, but it deserves a second printing if I did.

Lord.  I shall be very busy this day.   I may forget Thee but do not Thous forget me.

Sir Joseph Astley

Home all day again.

Vita LOVES that.   She does not like it when I leave.   When I come back she is like a pogo stick, bouncing up and down and getting all excited.    I always take her for a nice walk after I am gone for a while.

I have always said that I get dogs to walk me, and Vita is no slacker.   She would go for a walk every hour on the hour if I asked her.  

I have been making a list of things that need to be done around here each evening for the next day and am getting a lot done.    I am definitely feeling much better and am actually getting creative and eager to do STUFF.     Isn't that great?

Tomorrow I will get my flu shot and go to Writer's Club.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

 

Haiku

A warm wind blowing

Plays the house until it hums

Like a happy child.

A lovely day

 Got a bit warm this afternoon,  80's, but now that I have my air back, I don't even care:)  Vita and I were quite comfortable.

Kerry came to clean today.   I always feel good when things are vacuumed and cleaned.   I keep up the appearances, but don't get too deep unless a "tragedy" occurs. Vita loves company and adores Kerry.

Didn't have to go anywhere today.    It was pleasant enough that I probably let the dog take me out more than I should have but the walking is good for me.

Talked to Bill Smith today.   He is doing well.    He will always be my son in law as he loved our Leslie SO much and took such good care of her.    I also got a call from my friend Barbara in Minnesota.   She was excited.    She got her port out this week.    That is so cool because the doctors figure that she won't need it again.    Super Yea!

So GOOD to have people to talk to, or as I like to say, Voices in the house.

Did a bit of sewing and writing and cleaning too.   So I must be feeling better.    I don't want to spend as much time being a slug.   This is very encouraging to me.

Be well.   Be safe.   Be happy.

I love you all

Dia Dhuit

Mary 

 

Comment from my goofy mind:

Since when do social and distancing go together?

 

Whatta Day

I am so thrilled with today.    

My air conditioning is FINALLY fixed.    Of course, the big heat is on hold, but as I told the guys that fixed it, if this is what it takes, then I am happy. And I thanked them for coming:)

Vita is going to be disappointed when all these people stop coming to the house.   She is very friendly and likes to make friends.

This afternoon, I went shopping, so I am up to date on that.   Tomorrow Kerry comes to clean.

Dr. Toy adjusted me this morning.   He gave me a few hints as to how to avoid the hip and back pain I experience at about the middle of the night.    I will try what he has suggested which is simple and see if it works.

Bobbie sent me a picture of her new cat, her name is Anouska and she is beautiful.    I would love a cat but have not figured out where to put a litter box:(

Hope you are all well and not too lonely.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Aunt Ruth used to say

"He can park his shoes under my bed anytime."

Any day.

She was an old lady and it always made us laugh.

Hotter today

 And still not air conditioning.    I have been able to keep the temperatures in the house tolerable, as it does cool down in the night and I keep the ceiling fans on which keeps the air moving and cools things a bit.

I did make a quick trip to Walmart to pick up an item I needed to finish a project that I can work on tomorrow

Then this evening I went to mass.   Fr. Phil was gone.  The priest who subbed was very nice.   I miss Fr. Phil but it is nice to have a sermon from other people sometimes.   Fr. Phil sometimes has the deacon's give the sermon, that is nice too.   A bit of variety.

A really quiet day tomorrow, glad I have a project.

Love you all

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Haiku

As we walk at dawn

I wish I could ride that cloud

To eternity

Quiet

It was VERY quiet today.    I did not do much as I didn't feel like it.     Somehow, I felt like Dick was trying to describe when people asked what he was doing after he retired, and I quote:

"I am retired.   That is what I do."

What a guy.   I smile when I think of him.   I still talk to him, you know.   

Vita and I took several walks today.   Not too far but they get my blood moving and my muscles a bit looser and Vita Loves it.

Hopefully, the compressor for my air conditioner will be in by Monday and I will have it working again.   I have managed to keep the house tolerable, but I like it cooler. 

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Small thought poem

Dreams left me confused.

Built on reality, they hint

At what might have been.

Writer's Club was Great

 The day was long and uncomfortable for me.   I DID get a lot of stuff done.   My desk is clean if nothing else.

Tonight was great.    Writer's Club.    Just Marti, Karlos and I were there.   But we all read and I do believe we are getting better all the time.     The meetings encourage us to write things so we have something for the next time.     The more one does, the better one gets.      I was pleased with the critiques on my poem and saint story of St. Petroc.

I am almost done editing the Celtic saints book, then will start submitting it to editors and publishing houses.  I have a poem that I think is ready too.    If it is accepted anywhere, I will let you know.

We are supposed to get hotter over the weekend, and I still have no air.  I may have to spend time at Bart and Barb's.     I am happy to have somewhere that I am welcome, but we all know that home is best.    Vita will be so confused.

Be well.

Dia dhuit

Mary

 

Cinquain

 

My Dog

I would be so alone

Without her sweetness in the house

With me

Today was an eventful day.   At least in the morning.    I needed people, and our Bible Study met for a second time since this pandemic has holed us up in our homes.

 There were eight of us there.    We met at Judy, our leader's home.    She was generous to open up for the second time.    We met at 9:30AM with a brunch that was to die for.    Judy made her "famous" egg casserole, I bought scones, Gail brought donuts, Iris brought pineapple upside down cake and we had fruit and coffee.    Wow!!!!   Right?

We discussed many issues of the day and prayed for all that is going on and gave thanks that all of us were well and there. 

We are going to see if we can start meeting at church again, and what rules we would have to follow and we plan to go to a BIBLE STUDY.    In this confusion, we have been discussing a couple of books that have a lot of meaning in this day.     eg.   A Travel Guide to Heaven or Forty Anti-Catholic Lies.   Both very interesting.     I am reading them but Fr. Phil really wants us to do a true bible study.     I believe we are going to do a study of Paul's letter to the Hebrews.

Home again, I rested and caught up on things around here.    

Tomorrow is Writer's Club.    But I will be home all day.   That will make my Vita very happy.

Got to get my Fantasy football picks in by Saturday:)  I know even less than I knew last year.   This is really a challenge 

Have a good day.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Home All day.

That was nice.   I did not go anywhere today except for my walks with Vita.   They are what keeps me healthy, I know.   I am basically lazy and would not exercise or walk if she was not for her.

I baked cranberry orange scones this morning for our Bible Study meeting tomorrow morning.   Was afraid it would heat up the house too much as I do not have air conditioning yet.   But it is OK.

 Spent the afternoon washing and writing.

Miss you all.    Wish I could be hugging people:)

Dia dhuit

Mary

Whew!!!

What a day.    Found out that the part for the air conditioner is STILL not there and might take a week more.     That is ridiculous if you ask me.     But I am at the mercy of the vendors.    At least we are at degrees of 82 or less, at least for the next Four days or so.   I see one day where it might get up to 90, perhaps I will luck out and the part will come sooner than they think.   Pray for that for me.  Tomorrow it is supposed to be a high of 73.   That will be a pleasure.

Today, Dan and Han came this afternoon and mowed my lawn.   

I told you my plumbing was acting up again.     Mike from Shields Plumbing came again and found that it is the same old thing.   The pipes back up.     I could hear it gurgling in the bathroom.     I am going to have them come out every six months from now on just to avoid this mess.   This IS an old house and I suppose it just needs more love and care:)

Bart came over when the plumber was here, just to be with me.   I am so glad that he is so close and so willing to be here.

 Worked a bit on my Patron Saints book today.  Getting there.    Then I need to find a publisher.   

Dia Dhuit

Mary

 

Nothing exciting

 Actually, that is a lie.   My plumbing is acting up and I am really struggling with that AND my lack of air conditioning.     I am looking forward to Monday when all should fall in place.

Went to Mass tonight.   It is always comforting to me.    Please pray that tomorrow goes well.    I am tired and going right to bed:)

Love you all

Mary

 Just got home from Writer's Club.    We had some good works shared tonight and they liked my chapter on St. Michael the Archangel, a patron saint of Cornwall.

It is still hot and no word from the Air Conditioning Company.   I will call them tomorrow.    I am tolerating, but it is really uncomfortable.   Without the ceiling fans, we couldn't stay here.

Tomorrow I have my port flushed and and going to the Celtic Club meeting.    Poor Vita can't go with me and has to stay here.  At least she can find a place with moving air and just stay there.

Til tomorrow

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Sure will be glad to get my air conditioning back!

I am able to keep the temps tolerable, but tolerable is not very comfortable.     With the ceiling fans on and closing things up when the temps get high, I am managing.     Soon the temps outside will drop and I will open up all the windows again and let thing cool til tomorrow.     As soon as AllTech gets the compressor, they will be out to replace it and get things cool again.    I can hardly wait.

I  made a small batch of chili today.   Was just hungry for it and realized that I don't HAVE to make a huge batch of it.    Enough for a couple days and it keeps well.   Actually it is one of those recipes that matures as it ages.

 Did some sewing on my Quilt Guild project for the COVID19 event.   Have all the embellishments and embroidery to do and then assembly and quilting.     Glad I have projects.

Take care of yourselves in this strange world.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

 

Rain, lifes bare necessity

A gift from the heavens 

Inundating the earth with life

Not always enough, sometimes too much.

An Active Day Got a Lot Done

 I kept myself busy all day today.

Kerry came to clean at about 9:30AM.    I spent the time she was here working on the computer and sewing on the COVID19 quilt wall hanging that I am doing for the Quilt Guild.    I have one more square to do the MAIN theme than will spend time embellishing them to make them look good.    I hope it turns out like the picture in my head:)

It is still warm (thank God not into the 100s as it was a couple of weeks ago.)   With no air conditioning, I am trying to work with fans and by cooling things off during the night.   So far everything is tolerable.   I hope I hear from AllTech tomorrow to know how we are to proceed.

At 2:30PM I went back to Lawton Chrysler to find out why my  low tire light was still on.   Just my luck, they had trouble with some of THEIR equipment.    They told me it was ready and when I got in the car, the light was still on.   SO they took it back and worked for another half hour or more and finally discovered that they had a problem and it is all fixed not.    Whew.   But that was another two hours sitting at a car dealers.    They are very pleasant but REALLY.

So now I get to stay home until Thursday night when I go to Writer's Club.   Vita will be a happy girl..   She is not happy when I leave her.

Sure is something else when we have problems with fires in the west and water in the east.

   God bless us and protect us all.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I don't know if I shared this with you , but I guess it is worth repeating if I did.  I read it somewhere.

Education is important.

But opening the pubs is importenter.

Lots to do today

 Had a morning appointment with Dr. Toy.    He had quite a bit of adjusting to do.    Sure hope I sleep through til morning without that hip pain.

This afternoon, the guy from AllTech came to check the air conditioner.    It needs a new compressor.   He has to present this information plus the other things he found to American Shield to see what they will do and he will get back to me.    Sure glad the 90 and 100 degree weather is not with us but 80's get pretty warm too.     I keep windows open all night when it gets down to the 60s and use the ceiling fans all the time to keep the air, such as it is, moving.    It is tolerable and if it gets too bad, I know we can go over to Bart and Barb's.     I really would rather stay home.

Quilt guild tonight.    Lots of good Drag and Brag items.   I did bring my wall hanging of St. Piran.

Tomorrow will be busy too, but Wednesday I am home all day.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Yipee

I got to stay home all day today.    No air conditioning, but I had cooled things down during the night and managed to keep things reasonable with the ceiling fans.  Soon I will open things up as the temps go down and prepare for tomorrow.     American Shield has assigned All Tech to come tomorrow.  They will be here between 1:30PM and 3:30PM.    So I will be saved then.

 I kept busy today with sewing and cleaning and computer updates.  Called a friend this afternoon and we had a great visit.    Wish I could go north for a meeting with my Celtic Friends up there, but am so grateful for phones.

Tomorrow I see Dr. Toy for an adjustment.  Sure glad as my hips have been sore.

Quilt Guild tomorrow.  I think I will go.   They have social distancing and I have masks.

 

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Oh NO

 My air conditioner has stopped working.     Thank God it is "Only" 89 degrees out there, not 110 degrees.

I called American Shield and they will have someone here on Monday.   I have turned on all the ceiling fans and will open the windows when the temps get down to 80 degrees.   It is supposed to get into the mid 60s overnight so I will close everything up again when the temps start to rise again tomorrow.   And PRAY  - because I will have to do it all over again tomorrow.

A good day.   I made a potato salad with one potato and celery, onion, pickle and mayo.  Boy is it good.   I am having some tonight with a burger.   Haven't had American Potato Salad for a while.   Usually, at fry outs, we have German Potato Salad, because Barb and Marleis make to SO good.    I really prefer American potato salad, but we always had German too because Grandma Bowser made it.   When she was gone, they asked me to make it so we would have both.    I didn't mind and as I said, don't dislike it.   It IS good.  I am really looking forward to dinner tonight.

Just got home from Mass.   A nice Mass.   It still seems odd to see so few people there, but I am not about to stay home out of fear.    We wear masks and are socially distanced so I figure it is OK.

Tomorrow I get to stay home ALL day.   Vita will be SO happy.

Dia Dhuit

I love you all.   When this pandemic is all over, I am going to collect hugs.

What a day

I kept myself busy this morning with chores around the house and walking Miss Vita.    Then at 2:30PM I had an appointment for my car to have its yearly checkup.   

I only have 32000 miles on it and it is 8 years old, so once a year is perfect, I thought so and my mechanic agrees.      It took forever as they found a couple of things unexpected that will keep my vehicle safe and maintained for the time being.   I think maintenance is the key with the few miles that I put on it.   Some things need to be done simply because it is not driven much.    Anyway, I am done with that until next year.

 Home again, I don't have to go anywhere until Mass tomorrow.     Vita is very happy about that.   She was very upset because her supper was late.     (Funny thing is that she usually doesn't finish her breakfast until noon.)

Have a good weekend

 

Dia Dhuit

Mary 

From my Catholic history

 

These days

The world has become

A place like some saints of old

Praying  in caves to honor God

Alone

(However, most of us are not praying:)

Just home from Writer's Club

Our usual four people were there and we all had something to read.    I loved their pieces and they were very complementary of my chapter on St. Piran, a patron saint of Cornwall.  I am getting closer and closer to finishing the initial editing and deciding where to send the inquiry to have the book published.

 The rest of the day, I kept quite busy, but it was rather quiet, except that I got a call from my friend, Maureen, from Chicago and we had a lovely catch up conversation.     I miss my mid western Celtic friends a lot.    Sure glad I have the group here and I am becoming closer to them all the time.

 Tomorrow, I am taking my car in for its annual service.     I only have 32,000 miles on it and it is 8 years old, would you believe.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

 

Just like a spider

Entraping all in its web

COVID19 devours

An extra day for the weekend

Actually, I can't tell the difference:)     As Dick would say when asked what he did now that he was retired, he would say.   " I am retired, that is what I do."    Extra days on the weekends are much like that to most retired people.    We don't have deadlines or (at least if we are wise) commitments.

It was a quiet day.   Warm but not as hot as we have had this summer and there was a breeze which did help.  Vita took me out SO many times.

I have a couple of quilting projects at a point where I will be anxious to get them done, this always helps my motivation.    I get laxidaisical these days if I don't give myself deadlines.

We are supposed to get a cool spell and rain by Wednesday.   I must say, I am not unhappy about that.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

 

Haiku

The green grass smiling

Under sky of blue so pure

Brings peace to our souls.

Another much too quiet week ahead

 Labor Day tomorrow.  Not much going on in my world and it will be quite warm.     A day that I would "hole up and gel" if it wasn't for my Vita who makes me at least take care of her and gets me out or the house for walks:)

Everything is still pretty green from the rain we Have been getting and as of Wednesday, a cold front will come through and probably bring us some more rain.    

I think I will cook a brat or two tomorrow just to feel like I am picniking.    

Hope all is well.   I am well and actually have a couple of projects that I can fall back on.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Time is always moving

Drags us along in its path.

We have no control.

But that doesn't mean we can't enjoy the ride.

Not quite as warm today.

Still pretty hot and humid.   By mid week we are supposed to have some REALLY cool temps, which I am looking forward to. 

I was home most of the day, but did to to Mass tonight.   A nice mass.   I saw several friends which helped my lonliness (you know what I mean with the sheltering in place.)  Life if pretty good.

Tomorrow will be warm again.     Vita doesn't care much.    She still likes her walks and I suppose that is good.   I always say I have a dog to walk me.

Dia Dhuit

A quote from an email from a friend

"Education is important, but opening the pubs is importanter."

53 Years Ago

  It is so hard to believe that it has been 53 years since my Bret was born.   I called him, as I always to and sang Happy Birthday to him.      He knows it is coming:  He is at his river home and says they are expecting temps of 119 Degrees.    WOW!

A quiet day here.   Hot but not as hot as we have had and I understand that the temps are really supposed to drop in the next week.    This Wisconsin girl is looking forward to that.    I don't want months of below zero temps but 100 above for weeks is just as bad.

I have an Aero  Garden which helps me grow lettuce and herbs in my dining room.    It was time to replenish.   I always try to plant the old startings in my front garden.   This time it was four lettuce plants.   I am starting more lettuce and some herbs in the Aero Garden.  It is fun to harvest my own lettuce for salads.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Be safe

As you traverse

This world of such unrest

Riots and anger are bad

Bring peace

\\

Still in the 90's

But by the end of next week, we might get as low as 70.    I am really looking forward to that.    The heat is always so muggy here, but we don't get rain often.    We are OK but west of us they are still in drought condition, despite the rain we had in the past week.

I was busy today, though I would be hard pressed to tell you exactly what I did.  

Writer's club was tonight, there were four of us and we all read.   I read my Saints chapter of St. Andrew.   Getting close to the end now.    I will have to start studying how to get published.    Jim found a site for me and I have a source on the internet for authors that I need to really investigate.

Tomorrow, will be home all day again.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

 

Blessings

I thank the Lord
For all he's given me

Each sunrise granting one more day

To BE

Busy Day

 I don't have many of these and I really liked it.  

Went grocery shopping, filled the tank in the car and a couple of other errands.

Bart came by for a visit this afternoon which is always a joy.    I love having voices in the house.    He and Barb are doing quite well.

This afternoon, I did a bit of sewing on a stitchery that I am working on and ran a quick errand that I forgot when I was out earlier.

Now - Vita is not happy when I leave under any circumstances, but that is life.   She also made me take her for 5 walks today.    I know I got her to "Walk Me" but REALLY!    Enough is enough.

At least the weather was pleasant.

We May get some more rain tonight.   Some areas around us are having flooding, but we are not at that point yet.

Have a lovely evening and tomorrow.

DIa Dhuit

Mary

Bless the day and night

Let them achieve their purpose

Of activity and rest!

Welcome Rain

 We are getting rain.    Our drought will be over when it is all through.    I am glad not to have to water the yards.

Vita, on the other hand, is very unhappy.    I guess we have not had days like this where it rains most of the day.     I had a heck of a time getting her out to do her business.    She wouldn't go out in the back, and I had to drag her in the front.     Finally, this evening it died down enough that I know she is OK til morning.    Tomorrow doesn't look too much different though.    Perhaps she will accept it(HA HA)   She is such a funny creature.

I was home all day and worked on some sewing projects.   One is almost done, a wall hanging of St, Piran, one of my Celtic patron saints.    The other a project that I am trying to do for Quilt Guild.    We will see.   I am getting better but still find that I don't have the oomph that I used to.

Having a hamburger for supper tonight .   Sounds good.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

As the days grow cooler

I  am grateful

The heat was heavy on my soul.

A fresh week presents itself:)

It is supposed to get cooler over the next week or two.    I even saw projections of highs in the 70's.    Wouldn't we be happy with that!

It was hot today, not as hot as some days but I have come to the understanding that when it is over  95, it is just plain hot and there are no ifs and buts about it.    The only difference is how long you can breath outside in the higher numbers.

It must be somewhat better because my Vita does not head right back for home as she does if it is TOO hot.   (Also if it is scary such as thunder or loud winds,)    The thunder storm we had the other night was terrible for her.     I could not comfort her.

Today was a good day.   I completed a Bible Study project that we had started several months ago.    We all contributed our own prayers that we composed.    The we printed them off, got journals and distributed them.     I spent today getting my journal in order.    At the back, I have all the prayers submitted by my prayer partners.     There are a couple of things to make me think and the front is intended for me to add my prayers and thoughts as the time passes and the need occurs.    What a great idea one of our members had. 

I also straightened out the area above my washing machine.   I don't know what is happening to me.   Maybe I am feeling Better!!!!!

Be well yourself and experience joy.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I like the following.

 

"Lord, I shall be very busy this day.  I may forget Thee but do not Thou forget me."

Sir Jacob Astley

Another HOT Day

 It was hot today.   Fortunately, except for walking my Vita, I did not have to be out in it.

I spent the day doing some cleaning.    I have organized my pantry and threw away several things that had really old expiration dates on them.  Do you do that too?  Buy something and then not use it and forget about it for YEARS?

I see a bird in my back yard.   I have squirrels too.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Dreaming is easy

When life is good and joyful

Otherwise, it is hard.

Home all day

Vita and I DID go for walks, but I don't consider it going out.

I caught up on ALL my wash and changed the sheets on both beds and watered the lawns.and my potted plants.    So I managed to keep myself busy.    I even swept the kitchen floor and scrubbed the kitchen counters.  ( They do get scuzzy, you know.   Even with just me here.)

Tomorrow will be almost as quiet though I will go to Mass in the evening.   

 Stay well and safe and keep  yourself busy.   The best thing in this day.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Haiku

I heard a bird trill

So I introduced myself

He was not impressed.

Just home from Writer's Club

 I was busy most of the day though I couldn't tell you what I did.

Tonight however, I went to Writer's Club which was a nice break and lots of fun.    Reading my work for suggestions and listening to my fellow writers gets me stimulated again.

Hope your day was good.

Glad these conventions will be over this evening.

Trying to learn stuff but it is difficult.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Vita, my nice dog

Walking me every day

She makes me healthy

Sunny and Warm

It is supposed to be sunnier and warmer over the weekend.    We are getting more humid also.   We may have a BIT of rain from the hurricane, but it does not look good and we sure could use it.

This morning our Bible Study met for the first time since February.    We cannot meet at church so our intrepid leader, Judy, opened up her house for us.    Someone brought donuts and she made a breakfast casserole and fruit salad.    We all caught up with each other and avoided hugging.   We spent a bit of time on the book we have read during this time called Ten Prayers God Always Says Yes To by Anthony  DeStefano.     Really a super read.   We decided to meet next month, again at someone's house and I volunteered to bring scones.      This is such a great support group.    We all missed it.

This afternoon, I got my hair cut.    Poor Vita really felt neglected because I left her TWICE in ONE day.   Somehow, I don't feel sorry for the spoiled little creature.     And I have noone to blame but myself for her spoiled condition:)

Tomorrow Writer's Club in the evening..   Super.

Hope you are all well and taking care of yourselves.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

 

Rain will fall again

And bring life to to the dry earth

And joy to the world.

 

(I don't imagine they feel this way in the flood areas.)

 

Kept busy today

 Usual morning things and then I went grocery shopping.  Caught up on paper work, why does that never end.

It was really pleasant this morning so I let Vita take me for a few walks:)
 

I cleaned out part of a closet and did an inventory on what is in it.     I feel good about that.    Will try to finish the closet on Thursday.    Tomorrow I have appointments both morning and afternoon.

Hope your day was as satisfying.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

If today I try

To do more than I can do

Trying is enough

A brand new week

Not more optimistic that the previous weeks.   So saddened to hear of the Jacob Blake shooting in Kenosha.   Too close to where I grew up in my beautiful Wisconsin, full of people who seemed to trust each other and care for each other.

In the midst of this pandemic and the fires and the storms, we must pray and love each other and try to bring peace and help to those who are in need.  There really is no time to be hating and disliking each other.

A bit of a comment.    When I hear BLM, my first thought is always Bureau of Land Management.   50 years ago, my family spent a lot of time out in the wild open areas of California and Arizona and it was important for us to follow the rules and guidelines of the Bureau of Land Management.   I mention to Bart as to what he first thought of as BLM and he said the same.   He grew up with that designation.

I have a t shirt that I have been hesitant to wear but have in the past couple of days thinking that I am a wimp.    So I will start wearing it.     It says Unborn Lives Matter.    Some of you may not agree with me but I hope all of my friends would grant me the right to feel the way I do.

To less serious things.    Vita and I had three good walks today.    This afternoon got a bit too much.   (Even she agreed)   but we got our exercise.    I always say, I get a doggie to walk me.    They have all been good at it too.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Haiku

A breath of fresh thought

Striding through your mind with joy

Always true to YOU

A Pleasant Quiet Sunday

Vita and I were home all day except for our walks.    She seemed very happy with them and even spent some time out in the back yard soaking up the sun and at least once chasing a squirrel.

I worked on some writing, some quilt stuff and just kind of lazed around catching up on news and checking things on the internet.    I learned from Dick that if one needs to be amused.   Think of something and do research.   Wow are we lucky.     One used to have to go to libraries and other places that had lots of books and then search them all for whatever.    And nothing currant was in them.    The libraries and book holders are still important because they have in detail things that might not be permanent if it was not for them and one can lean back and read.  

I still love books though I have been not reading them as much since Dick got sick.    I must start again.   I read two books recently and LOVED it.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Went to Mass this evening

And it was good.    A lovely service and I saw several friends there.     In this time of coronavirus, it is to good to see people, especially those who have been important in our lives and we saw at special places.

The rest of the day was quiet.   I heard from Bart and found out how to get to my friend, Judy's house.    We are getting together for bible study.     Very carefully for those of you that are concerned.   It has been months and we are really a support, prayer group for each other.   Life will be good again.

I am certainly caught up with household, and business chores.    What else have I to do?

I even welcome miss Vita asking me to take her for a walk.    With the hear, sometimes she gets out and turns right around to come back in.    What a goof she is.    Am I EVER glad I have her.   I need something besides myself to take care of.

Stay well.   I pray for you all every night.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Nice Day

 It was very pleasant most of the day.    The high was 98 this afternoon, but I did not have to be out in it at that time.

Did some wash and cleaned up things from Writer's Club this morning.

This afternoon, I went to the Celtic Club.   Again there were 6 of us.    We were supposed to meet at a new restaurant called Sam's on Cache.    I even had reservations that I made a week ago.    Guess what?    Got there and there was a sign on the door saying "Closed Indefinitely"     Can you believe that.    This is the second time this has happened to us.

So we went down the street to the Red Lobster and had a grand time.    I shared a barm brack recipe with them and the information that the Irish generally do soda breads.    When it is cool enough, I will have them here and host a good old Cream Tea.

Can't believe the weekend is here already.   Not that it makes too much difference to me:)

 

Dia Dhuit

Mary 

Haiku

Do plants feel their thirst

I like to think that the water

Makes them feel better.

Just got home

 Just got home from Writer's Club.     There were the four of us there.   Nice during this pandemic, but we are trying to get more members.     There must be more writer's like us that like to bounce our work off of each other.     We do everything from poetry to novels to columns.    Such a deal.    Good stuff tonight.

The rest of the day was reasonably quiet.    Not TOO hot and still a bit less humidity.    Vita and I went for a couple of walks.   (I read that in Germany, they are trying to make it a law that if you own a dog you have to walk them twice a day for an hour. I assume the total time must be an hour.)    Vita gets about a half an hour and time to run around the back yard.    Today she treed a squirrel.   Boy was she happy.

Tomorrow I will be going to Celtic Club.    Sure will be glad to see my fellow Celts.  It has been a month.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

No more computer outages. Whew.

Not a bad day.   Temperatures were in the low 90s and the humidity was low.    Vita and I had a couple of really good walks.     She turned me back on the mid day one though.   She is no dummy.

 Dan and his wife came an mowed my lawn this morning.    I am watering everything this evening.   Trying to do that every other day as we are getting no rain at all.   The front lawn is looking better and the back yard, though really needing sod, as about 1/3 of it OK.

 My only out of house experience:) was an appointment at Miracle Ear to check my hearing aid.    I really need to start wearing it more.   She said that even at home, I should be wearing it.

Haiku

A dog is a friend

That never stops loving you

How blessed am I

 

Dia /dhuit

Mary

Well, Hello

Wasn't able to post yesterday.   A garbage truck entangled with a main line of my service provider, Fidelity and I was unable to connect until this morning.      I understand that some recipients, notably students trying virtual learning were still having problems.

I was sure glad that mine was restored.   I spend a portion of my day on email and do use the web for research.    I am much like Dick that way.    The computer was Wonderful for him his last years.    I remember that when Mother got curious about something, she would have me have Dick look it up for her.   He would and I would deliver the printed report.    Such a lovely memory.\

It is a bit and I mean bit, cooler here today.   The main relief is that the humidity is down.   Kerry came to clean today and I went shopping this afternoon.   So with my daily chores I kept myself amused quite well.

Tomorrow is turning our to be somewhat eventful.     I do like goals for the day.  Goes back to my working years.   I like to have SOME challenges.     I am thinking of a quilting project to commemorate COVID19 and am finishing a wall hanging of one of my Celtic Saints.

Trying to keep writing and editing my work too.    Not as enthusiastically as I should but I do it and am getting better all the time

Love you all

Dia Dhuit

Mary

 

HI

Today would have been Dick and my 34th anniversary.    Golly, I miss him but I can't think of him without a smile because he made me feel so good.   

Bobbie and Bill sent flowers that arrived yesterday.    Beautiful red roses.    Bobbie never forgets.   I love my step children.    Dick was my first blessing in that marriage, the kids were my second.

I was checking in on Bart and Barb's pets as they were in Dallas with Timothy, my grandson and his wife Amber and Augie, my great grandson.    They are home safe and sound and had a great time.

That helped keep me busy this weekend along with watering the grass and plants and cleaning my desk which is a daily chore.

A new week starts tomorrow.   A pretty quiet early part though I have Writer's Club on Thursday and Celtic Club on Friday.    Yea.   I get to see people.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Another Hot Day

 Hot again, but it is supposed to cool down for the next few days anyway and we may get some showers, which would be welcome.     I like showers rather than storms.    My Vita is terrified of thunder.  Rather odd as the target practice at Fort Sill does not bother her a bit.

I went to the 4:30PM mass today.   It sure is odd now.   Less people, and we have to sit 6 feet apart and wear masks, just like everywhere else.    It is odd for me too not to get the sacrament in both forms.    We only get the bread.    When I was young, that was the way it was too.

Jim is home now, his power is back on.   He said the dogs were good with it.    Vita looked around but did not seem concerned one way or another.   She has been really checking out the back yard though.

Til tomorrow

Did Dhuit

Mary

Haiku

A hot muggy day

As we stood at the crossroad

And greeted the storm

Another unreasonably hot day

Jim went home this noon and he let me know that his power is back on so he can get on with things.   You cannot live is a house without power and air conditioning.

 We get along so well, going back to the time that his Dad and I married and he and Bart and Dick and  I were a family.      So glad because it could have been so different.     I will miss the company and the puppies but we know we need our space.     We are always here if we need each other.    Are we EVER blessed.

 A weekend ahead.   I will go to mass tomorrow night.   A quiet day though I have some chores to do.

 

Love you all

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Thursday ALREADY

Most of the day was quiet.    I wrote a couple of notes to some friends and cleaned a few things and visited with Jim.

 It was in the mid 100s so I walked my Vita as little as possible.    She is so silly about poohing in the back yard, but as Bart keeps telling me,   If she really has to go she will go.    I know that but I am such a softy.

Tonight was Writer's Club.   Debbie was able to come, so there were four of us and we took a bit longer than usual.    My reading was a bit longer than usual also.    But Boy is it worth it for the encouragement and attention we give each other.    We meet at the Hilton Express Inn.    I think I told you, that the second time we went there, I went to the bar to order a Bailey's and Coffee and the bartender asked me if I wanted my usual.     I have never had a usual before:)    He still knows.

 

Love you all

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A reasonably quiet day

I was home most of the day, still enjoying Jim's company and the pups, of course,  

 I did have to go to the store.   Horror of horrors, I almost forgot to buy my lottery ticket.    I do that every week to keep my sweetheart in my mind.   (As if I need to do that )   But it is fun for me and brings him close to me.

 Bart came by for a visit with me and his brother. 

An altogether lovely day.

 

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Indignant Doggie

Chides me for coming home late

I should know better.

Oops I forgot to post yesterday

 I t was  a busy day.     I saw Dr. Toy in the morning and had the carpet cleaned in the afternoon.

Sure nice to have a clean carpet.   

Jim and his pups are still here so I am not at all lonely.    They and Vita get along just fine.   They don't interact much but they tolorate each other and there is no fighting or jealosy. 

Today was very quiet.    I caught up on all my bills and correspondence and am fixing a good dinner.   Aside from that we are just enjoying each other's company as Jim will be going home soon.

 

Til tomorrow.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

 

 

Haiku

The wind is so strong

The clouds are being herded

To fast to rain

 

A WHOLE day at home

 It was nice to be home all day.   It was hotter than the hinges of Hades. as my Dad would have said but we are so blessed to have an air conditioned house that I will not complain.

Vita and I had some good walks anyway.     She is good at keeping me exercising.    As I say,   She thinks that doggies are supposed to do their poop on a walk with MAMA and then she picks it up and throws it in the trash.  We don't want to do that in our lovely backyards.   Heaven forbid.

She has trained me well.

It is so good to have Jim and his dogs here.  Someone to interact with.  He has been very helpful in fixing a few things that were not right too.    He is so easy to get along with.   As I said we are a family.

I slept really well last night but glad I am seeing Dr. Toy tomorrow as my hips have been sore most mornings.

Til tomorrow

Love

Mary

Saturday

 It is so nice to have somebody to talk to.   Jim and I get along so well.   We pretty much do what we want to do at any given minute.

The dogs all get along and we have not combined their routines any more than we have combined our routines.      That is what works.    We let each other know if something is different but we just go about our lives.  

I went to Mass tonight as I usually do on Saturday night.   It was a very good mass.  Fr. Seeten did the sermon and it really was good for me this week.    

We had a bit of a late supper but a good one.   Fish, baked beans and salad.   Sound good?

Sunday tomorrow, a quiet day.   I have to remember to water the lawn.

Dia Dhuit

• Mary
  

End of another week (Weekends don't count)

 This was a busy day.    Usual time up and my list looked pretty quiet.

I spent the morning making some appointments for next week, getting things organized.

Then right after lunch I took my Vita to Pet Smart for what I call Her Day of Beauty.    The washed her, clipped her, cut and sanded her nails and just checked her over.    I could not pick her up until almost 4PM.   They make sure that she is completely dry and that she is not having any unexpected problems from all the stuff.     They LOVE her there.    She cooperates and keeps looking at them with those big black eyes.   So trusting.

I also had my lawn cut this afternoon so had Dan and Han her from three until I picked up my Vita.

Had a few just housekeeping things to do too.  Like watering and folding clothes.    Now I am resting and enjoying my glass of wine as I have the sprinklers going in the back yard.

Tomorrow will be quiet.   It sure is nice to have Jim and his pups here.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Thursday Already

It was hot today and I guess getting hotter as we go on this week.

I had a doctor appointment with Dr. Aiku.      I am doing well and will not have to see her until November when I will get my flu shot.

Tonight I had Writer's Club.   There were just the three of us again, so I was home in less than two hours.   I like that especially this week, when my Jim and the pups are here.  The three of us are really enjoying each others writings.    All different.

Jim and I are having a great visit and Bart came over this afternoon so the guys have a chance to hang out too.    I am so glad they get along so well, but as they pointed out, when Dick and I were married the four of us became a family.      How blessed are we.

Til Tomorrow
Dia Dhuit

Mary

A couple of days

A couple of days that were not too eventful but very special.    It is so good to have Jim and the pups here with me.    The days have been pleasantly warm to hot with some rain which keeps the grass green.

We are just enjoying each other's company with Bart coming over to spend time with his brother.    They both need that and I am glad to kind of step out of the picture for part of the time Bart is here.   Guys need guy time.

Having someone in the house is a real treat for me and I have been cooking a bit more.    You will laugh, but tomorrow we are having Kraft Dinner with hot dogs in it.     A real KUNERT special.   The Kunerts love pasta and I remember.    Dick and I were dating and a Friday night came up and I said that I would invite him for dinner but we were just having Kraft Dinner and hot dogs.    His face lit up like a beacon and he said and I quote.  "That is my favorite dinner."        I thought = SURE.    But it was.  

Tomorrow I go to see my general practitioner doctor.    Wish me good health.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Haiku

A special blessing

Glorious in its beauty

The butterfly posed.

HI THERE

What a pleasant day.    It was in the upper 80's with low humidity.   Vita and I had three good walks.  

Jim is here for a few days to be with family.     We are sure enjoying him and the doggies, Paisley and Gracie.    They are good dogs and get along so well with Vita.

I did a bit of cleaning and shopping today.     Jim and Bart are spending this afternoon together and we are going to all enjoy a pizza tonight when they are done.

Altogether a wonderful day.

Love you all.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Haiku

Just before twilight

A lone crane stands in the field.

They say cranes bring luck.

Schlitzhagen

Today was warmer than they projected but with the difference being 88 degrees or 93 degrees, it is still hot.    Not quite as humid as it has been.

I made Schlitzhagen this morning.    Jim was possibly coming if he could get ready and I wanted a good meal.     Then I didn't hear from him til two o'clock.     Yea he is coming and will be here in time for dinner.    He HAD mentioned that there is really no need for him to come just for weekends as he, Bart and I don't work anymore and Barb works at home so is available all evenings and for lunch if we decide to do that.

So I am delighted to have company.    The "girls" will like the back yard.    They are very good at staring at the squirrels in the trees.    Are content for ages.

I watched our astronauts come back to us flawlessly this afternoon.     Are we blessed with such a wonderful event to bring pride and joy to us in this time of unrest and pandemic?

Dia dhuit

Mary

Haiku

A breezy sunny walk

Instills life into my soul

Invigorates me.