Friday, August 25, 2006

We had a little rain, most of it last night and early this morning. The thunderstorms that we were promised are turning out to be nothing but promises, though we are getting a bit of thunder as I do this posting.

We had a showing today. So I spent the morning cleaning the kitchen and running the Roombas.

Then I had an appointment with a Jeff Peterson from the Sheboygan Falls Review in the Plymouth office to tell him about the Celtic Faire. He took volumes of notes. If he writes an article that long, we will REALLY get the publicity.

Then I went to the book store where the Plymouth Writers Club meets every third Monday of the month. I re-met Sue, the owner and introduced myself.

Thursday, August 24, 2006

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I am very proud. I packed THREE more boxes today. I still have to take one out in to the garage, but it is packed.

We did our grocery shopping this morning , then went to the drug store on 5th and Superior to pick up Dick's new support stockings. The woman who helped us with them was truly amazed at how much better his legs look now. Some things that we are doing are working.

Then I cleaned bathrooms, packed and finalized a few things for Celtic Faire.

We are having a showing tomorrow afternoon at 2:00 so I will have to hurry home from my lunch in Plymouth to help get the critters out of the house for a while. I spent a while today cleaning and sprucing up. I have an interview about Celtic Faire at the Plymouth Review at 11:30AM.

We had choir practice tonight. The songs for the Mass are coming along just fine. Did I tell you that we are singing the Lake Isle of Inishfree. It is a beautiful piece that we are all enjoying. The only thing is that on that particular piece, they have made the printing REALLY tiny and we are all squinting.

The picture that follows was taken at lat year's faire. I especially like it because it shows such action. We are having dancers again this year. They are VERY popular.

Have a neat Friday. We will be having fresh corn for supper again, if you want to join us.

Love. Mary

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

It has been a long day . Dick and I went shopping this morning, to Walgreens and Office Max. When we got home, I brought up the dishes from the cabinet in the basement and packed most of them. Three boxes worth. I figure two more boxes will accomodate the silverware and serving dishes.

Then I realized that I didn't feel too well, so I laid down for a bit and even napped. It did help. I made potato salad and barbqued turkey breasts for dinner. Then Dick and I played a couple of games of rummy. Amazingly, I won them both. Kind of an exciting evening for me.

Chelsea had one of her little seizures again tonight. She seems so confused by them.

One week from tomorrow, we will sign the papers on the condo. We need to find out where we are signing. I also want to ask Bill for a walk through so that we can see if the carpets need cleaning or not. We are going to load the Santa Fe as full as possible when we go to sign and then head right over and start unloading.

We did not get our promised rain. I will turn on the water again in the morning and leave it on while we do our grocery shopping.


Love

Mary

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

I am so tired. I could not nap today. And I have been doing STUFF since 6:30AM.

Chelsea and I had a nice walk. Then I packed a couple of boxes, wrote an article for two, made a few phone calls, did a bit of sewing, cooked a couple of meals and I am NOW very tired. It is really too early to go to bed, but I just might have to.

I want to share a story that my Mother told me yesterday.

First I must give you the set up or the background of the story. When I was a little girl, and perhaps for many years before, when we had familiy gatherings, there was always singing. I may have mentioned this to you before.


During picnics or parties, at some point someone would start singing. We did not have accompanyment with this singing. Someone would just start singing. Then, maybe a couple of guys or maybe a quartet would sing another song and then someone would ask for a special song from somebody there. Some of my best memories are of my Grandpa Bowser, my Dad, my Uncles and some cousins singing in the dusk as a picnic or party wore down.

Anyway, my Dad loved to sing. In case you don't know, his name was Francis David Deeley. He was known all his life as Hutz. A name given to him by his brother, George, who could not or would not pronounce Francis. Daddy died 14 years ago.

Another of the singers was Uncle Leo Ayers. Uncle Leo was a musician and a bandleader. He was married to Aunt Kathleen, my Mother's sister and my godmother. Most of you won't know but he was well known around here as a bandleader. His band was called Leo Ayers and the Millionaires. Uncle Leo died 32 years ago of cancer

Now, for the story. A couple of year ago, Uncle Roman, one of my Mother's brothers and a WWII Airforce veteran, was dying. He was mostly in an state of rest, not responding to too much but very peaceful.

Cousin Andrea, Uncle Leo's daughter, came to visit him during his last days. He did not really respond to much, but Uncle Roman's wife, Mary Ann, a real lady and a treasure, asked Andrea, who is an accomplished musician in her own right, to sing him a song.

Andrea thought that this would be a good idea and chose an old song, something like Shine on Harvest Moon, or Blue Hawaii or some thing like that.

When she finished the song, Uncle Roman opened his eyes, sat up in the bed and said, "Hutz - Leo" and laid back down contented and calm.

Uncle Roman joined my Dad and Leo not too long after this event. I know they were waiting at the gates of heaven, ready to have him join them in the old songs.

Love

Mary

Monday, August 21, 2006

The weekend was truely a wonderful break for me. Irish Fest was vibrant and full of music and fun as usual.

On Saturday, I drove to Sussex to pick up Suzi, Dick's niece, at her and her mother Hazel's home. Suzi went to the Fest with me on Saturday. I had passes that were given to me by Dan Vircks, who organizes the song circle which I stumbled on last year. So Suzi and I got in free on Saturday. We delivered my lavender scones and Irish brown bread to the bakery area and then wandered through the shops, picked up a spinach roll for lunch and went TO the song circle and SANG.

It is fun. Whoever wants too can join the circle and they just go around and take turns singing songs. It reminds me of the song sessions we used to have when I was young and when Dad was still around.

Then we went back to the bakery contest to see if I won. I didn't. I figure they just don't know good bakery. I am sure enjoying what I left at home. I LOVE brown bread and my recipe tastes just like I remember eating in Ireland.

I also connected with my friend Maureen Smith from Chicago. We visited and made arrangements to meet again on Sunday.

I also ate a lot. I had a scone and and Irish coffee and then a cheese and bacon baked potato. Nummy Nummy.

We spent the afternoon shopping and listening to the musicians. We saw the Kinsella Acacemy Dancers, who are going to be dancing at our Celic Faire, and they are marvelous. I am so relieved. Their teacher is a many time winner of competiions in the Unites States and in Ireland, even more than Michael Flatley.

We saw Tommy Makem, Gaelic Storm and Grada in the evening.


Sunday, I got up early and got to the grounds at 8:45 so that I could get to the Mass in the Ampitheatre. Archbishop Dolan was the celebrant this year. He gives a great sermon. He told about a trip he just got back from - to Ireland. On one tour they sent to a chapel or something featuring Blessed Matt Talbot, who was an alchoholic in Ireland, who attained sobriety and set up programs to help other alchoholics - a kind of pre 12 step program. Archbishop Dolan said that he didn't know who planned the tour but they went right from there to the Jamison Distillery. I don't know, sounds very Irish to me.

Then I ate breakfast and met Maureen again. I was wearing my Celtic Women tartan scarf, so Maureen took a picture of me in it. We like to feature pictures in the newsletter, called "Where in the World is the Celtic Women Tartan". As she was taking the picture Donna, Jessie and Becky wandered by so we visited for a few, they were heading to a concert at the Leinie Rock Stage.

I gave Maureen five of my books to put on their table at the Chicago Irish Fest. Wish me luck.

Then I finished off the day until 6PM moving from stage to stage to enjoy a few songs by The Irish Rovers, Lamand, Tom Sweeney and a few others. There is REALLY WAY too much. I was home by 7:30 but am still exhausted.

I was mildly busy today too. Bible Study this morning and a Celtic Faire meeing tonight.

Tomorrow, I get to stay home ALL day. We will bottle wine, pack and I will do some computer jobs that need to be finished.


The good Lord didn't create anything
without a purpose, but mosquitoes come close.


Mary
Promised a message when I got home from the Fest. Was SO tired I forgot. I woke up a few minutes ago and remembered.

I had a great time, met some friends, enjoyed the music and ate well. I will give details tonight.

Sleep tight. Now I can rest again.

The Mass was awesome.

Mary

Friday, August 18, 2006

Well, I think we have the house all spic and span for the open house on Sunday. That way, Dick can just relax tomorrow and Bobbie and Bill are coming to get him and the critters at about 11:30AM Sunday so the open house can be held successfully.

I cleaned the kitchen and took several boxes out to the garage and generally picked up and put away. This noon, I went to Plymouth, via Sheboygan Falls, stopping at Wingert's for corn. Dick and I had that fresh corn with tomatoes for supper.

Next was Blattner's Piggly Wiggly where I picked up some paper plates to carry my bakery to the Contest at Irish Fest. I am entering Lavender Scones and Irish Brown Bread in the Baking Contest. While at the Pig, I ran into Jean and John Blattner. Hadn't seen them for a while, so had a bit of a visit. Then on to Plymouth where I cashed a check and picked up the rest of my books. I am really rather proud of it. It is called Fragments, I think I mentioned that. I will be selling it at the Celtic Faire and the Historical Research Center and where ever else I can. I figure can price it at $6. Lastly, I met Marlene, Betty, Ceil and Barb at the Dairy Queen for lunch. Soon, that will be a REALLY short trip.

This afternoon, I baked the scones and I mixed the day ingredients for the Brown Bread. I want that to be super fresh for the contest.

I will be leaving her at about 9 to get to Suzi and Hazel's so that Suzi and I can get there by 11:30 or 12:00. It is going to be a great two days.

I think I gave you my Brown Bread Recipe before, but here it is anyway.

IRISH BROWN BREAD
2 cups wheat flour
2 cups white flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
2 tbs.. white sugar
2 tbs.. brown sugar
2 cups buttermilk (in a pinch you can sour milk by putting a tsp. of lemon juice or vinegar in it and letting it set for a bit but buttermilk is best.)

Sieve the dry ingredients into a large bow. Scoop up handfuls of the dry ingredients and allow to drop back into the bowl to aerate the mixture. (Very Important!)

Add enough buttermilk to make a soft dough. Work quickly as the buttermilk and soda are working. Knead the dough lightly. Keep flouring hand to keep dough from sticking. Too much kneading will toughen, too little it won’t rise.

Form a round loaf about as thick as your fist. Place on a lightly floured baking sheet or stone and cut a cross across the top with a floured knife.
Bake at the top of a preheated oven. 450 Degrees for 35 to 40 minutes. The loaf will sound hollow when rapped on the bottom. Wrap immediately in a clean tea towel to stop the crust from hardening.


Love

Mary

Remember, you won't hear from me again until Sunday.

Thursday, August 17, 2006

We started out this morning with breakfast at Zana's with Terry, our favorite waitress, who actually quit about a month ago. She and her boyfriend Paul joined us anyway. I asked her if she has figured out what she wants to do now and she hasn't. Will have to keep in touch with her. She has a little dog that looks much like Chelsea.

Then we went grocery shopping and to the drug store. Then home where I was able to stay and work until this evening when we had our first choir practice of the church year. We are getting ready for Celtic Faire now. It is exciting to finally sing the new songs and meet with everyone again.

Stopped at Mom's too. I made chocolate zucchini bread so I took her some of that and the blueberry zucchini bread that I baked the other day.

I packed the bottom drawers of my desk, the wrapping paper and Dick emptied the file cabinet. So we are making headway every day.

Since we are having open house on Sunday and I will be gone to Irishfest Saturday and Sunday, I am really working to get the house ready. Waylon's room, the dining room and the guest bathroom are ALL done. I will run the roomba in the office tonight and the hall and livingroom tomorrow and clean the kitchen tomorrow. That's the best I can do. Hope we get a good turnout. One never knows. Sometimes open houses are busy sometimes the realtor sits there for nothing. Since this is the first time we are open and it IS supposed to be a pleasant day, I have hopes.

Tomorrow, I will pick up corn on my way to Plymouth for lunch and the rest of the books while I am there.

A Reminder that I will not be posting Saturday night because I will be at Irishfest until late, with Suzi and spending the night with her and Hazel.

Before you order a drink in public, you should read this!
Seven New York City bartenders were asked if they could nail a woman's personality based on what she drinks. Though interviewed separately, they concurred on almost all counts.

The results:

Drink: Beer
Personality: Casual, low-maintenance; down to earth.
Your Approach: Challenge her to a game of pool.


Drink: Blender Drinks
Personality: Flaky, whiny, annoying; a pain in the ass.
Your Approach: Avoid her, unless you want to be her cabana boy.


Drink: Mixed Drinks
Personality: Older, more refined, high maintenance, has very picky taste; knows EXACTLY what she wants.
Your Approach: You won't have to approach her. If she's interested, she'll send YOU a drink......................


Drink: Wine (does not include White Zinfandel)
Personality: Conservative and classy; sophisticated yet giggles.
Your Approach: Tell her you love to travel and spend quiet evenings with friends.


Drink: White Zinfandel
Personality: Easy; thinks she is classy and sophisticated, actually, she has NO clue.
Your Approach: Make her feel smarter than she is...this should be an easy target.


Drink: Shots
Personality: Likes to hang with frat-boy pals and looking to get totally drunk... and naked.
Your Approach: Easiest hit in the joint. You have been blessed. Nothing to do but wait, however,
be careful not to make her mad!


Drink: Tequila
No explanations required - everyone just KNOWS what happens there.


Love

Mary

Wednesday, August 16, 2006

Such a lovely anniversry day Dick and I had.

We exchanged e cards this morning. Then we went out to breakfast before going to get Dick's blood tested at the Clinic. For those of you who have been following, Dick was AGAIN within the perameters and has not reached 20 months without needing an adjustment on his medication. Sue is trying to figure out what the heck he is doing. And Dr. Phelan was extremely impressed when he had is physical last month.

I packed a couple of boxes today and took them out to the garage. We are having an open house on Sunday (I think I told you that). Linda from ReMax is coming Friday to look the house over before doing the open house on Sunday. She is coming at 10:30AM.

Then, we went to Marcus to see The Pirates of the Caribbean, Dead Man's Chest. We liked it a lot. We have become quite the fans of Johnnie Depp since Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and the first Pirates movie.

Tonight Dick took me to Nonna Maria's to celebrate the anniversary in style. Needless to say, we are both very tired. Neither of us got a nap and we are feeling it.

Did I tell you the story of my Mother's first day at school. Well, if I did, you are going to hear it again.

Mother grew up in a farming community and went to school her first couple of years at a school called Pius School, which no longer exists.

The first day of school, she was dropped off with George Dwyer, a neighbor boy. Grandma Bowser, Mother's mother, was working in the kitchen at about noon when Mr. Dwyer came walking in with George and my Mom. Grandma, quite concerned, said what happened, what went wrong. And Mr. Dwyer, gentle, easy going, hardworking farmer, said "That was long enough for those little persons to be at school." He figured that they would be tired and went and got them.

They never got away with that again. Mr. Dwyer was informed that they HAD to stay for the whole session.

Have a lovely day

Mary

Tuesday, August 15, 2006

I got up ahttp://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=5293456
Create bit early this morning because it is a holyday of obligation in the Catholic Church. It is the Feast of the Assumption. I went to Mass at 7:00AM. It was sparsely attended. There do not seem to be many people who consider the holy days all that important.

After Mass, I took pictures of the church quilt, which I forwarded to Sandy at the parish office, and went to the Serenity Gardens for a breakfast. I got there just as they were pulling fresh cranberry muffins out of a pan so I had one of them, still warm for breakfast. My hair cut appointment was at 9AM so the timing was perfect. I got to see a young man getting cornrows in his hair. That was kind of interesting. Never seen that process before. It takes FOREVER. Even if I ever thought of such a thing, I would not have the patience.

Dick and I are working on boxing up the office and have made a great deal of headway. We got five boxes out into the garage today. I hope to get one or two more started this evening.

I saw Dr. Casy this afternoon. Things are pretty good lately but I needed a bit of adjusting. We are back to a month again and I told him that next month was a real puzzle and they are going to call in a month to see if I am ready to schedule.

We had salad, a super mexican burger patty and veggies for supper. Just enough.

We also racked and filtered the Luna Bianca wine. We want to bottle it as soon as possible so it can be boxed for transport to our new home.

Uncle Bob and Aunt Kathleen came by to bring me the Evening Optimist Packer Yearbook and we had a nice visit. Aunt Kathleen wanted to hear all about the Irish Reunion at St. Michaels. She hated to miss it but she and Bob were up at a "snowbird" get together in the UP of a bunch of Barbershoppers and they had a good time with the singing and good company and all.

As I was cleaning up, the door bell rang and there was a special delivery from Bobbie and Dick of a wonderful gift for our anniversary, which is tomorrow. We are so thrilled. Got our card from Mother also. It is so warm and fuzzy to be remembered and loved.

It does not seem that 20 years have passed by already. Tomorrow, we are going to go out to Nonna Maria's for dinner to celebrate. Dick gets his blood tested in the morning, which is not too celebratory, but we will use the opportunity to go to breakfast also and we might even go to a movie in the afternoon if all goes well. So we will enjoy. It is rather great that we enjoy each others company so much.



YOU SAY-GOD SAYS-BIBLE VERSES

You say: "It's impossible"
God says: All things are possible
(Luke 18:27)

You say: "I'm too tired"
God says: I will give you rest
(Matthew 11:28-30)

You say: "Nobody really loves me"
God says: I love you
(John 3:16 & John 3:34 )

You say: "I can't go on"
God says: My grace is sufficient
(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

You say: "I can't figure things out"
God says: I will direct your steps
(Proverbs 3:5-6)

You say: "I can't do it"
God says: You can do all things
(Philippians 4:13)

You say: "I'm not able"
God says: I am able
(II Corinthians 9:8)

You say: "It's not worth it"
God says: It will be worth it
(Roman 8:28 )

You say: "I can't forgive myself"
God says: I Forgive you
(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say: "I can't manage"
God says: I will supply all your needs
(Philippians 4:19)

You say: "I'm afraid"
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear
(II Timothy 1:7)

You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated"
God says: Cast all your cares on ME
(I Peter 5:7)

You say: "I'm not smart enough"
God says: I give you wisdom
(I Corinthians 1:30)

You say: "I feel all alone"
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you
(Hebrews 13:5



Hope it helps you too.

Love

Mary

Monday, August 14, 2006

Today was much too busy. Started off with my walk with Chelsea. It was very nice, so she was eager and we did the whole thing. Then I watered the plants and started the sprinkler. We did have a little bit of rain last night but not enough to do a lot of good.

Bible study was interesting. We are talking about the bread and wine becoming the body and blood and how gross and shocking it must have been to the people of Jesus' day when he said that if they did not eat his flesh and drink heis blood they would die but if they did they would live forever. Wonder what I would have done.

This afternoon was Writer's Club. I brought my book. They are all very proud of me and I sold my first two books. WOW.

This evening I went to church to help decorate for the Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady. We also hung the quilt for the Celtic Faire which is done and absolutely beautiful. I will be going the the 7AM Mass in the morning and get a good digital picture to send to Sandy in the office so that she can get it into the bulletin.

Now I am home and tired. I had trouble sleeping the latter part of last night. I kept waking up and having trouble getting back to sleep. Such a pain.

I am getting excited about Irish Fest. Suzi, Dick's sister Hazel's daughter, is going with me on Saturday. We had such fun last year and I know we will repeat that fun. I will spend Saturday night with them in Sussex and then go back to the festival on Sunday in time for Mass at 9:30. I have two passes so Suzi and I can get in free on Sunday and then I will bring some groceries and get in free on Sunday. Such a deal.

We are going to have an open house on Sunday afternoon from 12:30 to 1:30. Bobbie is going to pick up Dick and the critters for a couple of hours. Best that the house is empty when there is an open house.

Wish us luck

Love

Mary

Sunday, August 13, 2006

It was supposed to get up to 80+ degrees today. But thank heaven the forecasters were wrong. It was beautiful - not over 74 with slightly overcast skies. Mother and I got there about 12:15 or so. We went right after the 10:30AM Mass. There was a nice crowd. Mother got to talk to several family members of families that she grew up with. She was baptized in St. Michael's in 1916.

Ken and Dolores always come, of course, since this started as an O'Reilly reunion and Ken's mother was an O'Reilly. Kurt, Jody and the boys, Brandon and Evan came too. Kurt is interested in family geneology and was delighted to have Mother walk around the cemetary and point out the gravestones and tell about the various family members involved. I think that I have mentioned the Bowser stone over four children that died between December 1859 and June 27, 1860. One, Sarah, an infant in the dead of winter and three in June of a summer fever, I think typhoid but am not totally possitive. I know that my Great Grandfather Joe Bowser had to help his Dad bury the children because the neighbors were afraid to come close because of danger of infection. They would come to the drive and inquire and leave food or any requests but could not help. It must have been awful. To lose three children and not be able to get comforted physically by your friends and neighbors. It must have been almost as difficult not to go and comfort your friend.

Anyway. Today was a joyous day. We had a good meal. Lots of good company. I added a picture below of Mother, Dolores and myself. It is from last year, but at our ages we don't change much. When I download today's pictures, I will put a picture of St. Michael's on for you. It is a charming little church.

Hope your day was as pleasant.

We had the first couple come through the house today. It has begun.

Love

Mary
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Saturday, August 12, 2006

We packed and cleaned all day today. Tomorrow is the first time that prospective buyers will view the house and we want it to be looking its very best.

Guess what. The Packers are playing tonight. I can't believe it either. It is only August but of course there are pregames and we got the first. It is starting NOW, which is 9PM because they are playing IN San Diego against the Chargers. I know I won't make it through the whole game. But I will have it on and do the best that I can. We did tape a program that was on from 7 to 8 previewing the whole league. I intend to view that when I can concentrate and use the information in the fantasy football league.

We had to tape it because Jim, Michelle, Dick and I played cards tonight. Dick won both games, one hearts, and one rummy.

Tomorrow, except for last minute picking up and kitchen cleaning, I intend to just play. I will go to the 10:30 Mass and then Mother and I are going out to that Irish Reunion. I am bringing some of my books and the information on the Celtic Women Conference.

I fixed Busy Day Chicken tonight but had to do a bit of adapting.

The recipe is as follows:

1 Cup Rice
3 lb. Chicken
1 Can Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 1/2 Cups Water
1 Pkg. dry onion soup

Layer rice in baking casserole. (I sprayed it with Cooking spray) Layer chicken on top of rice. (I used four chicken breast pieces instead of 3 lb chicken.) Mix the soups and water and pour over all. (I didn't have Cream of Mushroom so I used Cream of Celery and I did add a can of drained mushrooms for the flavor.) When it was time to serve it however it was still pretty watery, so I added a cup of instant potatoes. It worked and tasted wonderful.

Have a good day tomorrow. Wish us luck on the viewing.

Mary

Friday, August 11, 2006

It was almost chilly this afternoon. I tried to sit out on the deck at about 4:00PM but it was cool so I came right back in. Sure is a relief actually as the house is quite comfortable and we have been able to open windows and doors and air it out. Kitties are VERY fond of that.

We went grocery shopping in Plymouth today BECAUSE, I picked up the lions share of my book. They still had to trim out about 75 of them but I was able to get most of them. That is good because I can take them with me to the Irish Reunion. I want to share them there and see if I can get Beth to sell them at the Research Center in Falls. I am really pleased. I will be able to take them to Writer's Club too.

We were going to go to a movie, but Dick did not feel well enough, so I just did some more packing and cooked a bit. I made a squash casserole with chiles and cheese that I really liked. Don't know if anyone else did. Jim ate it, Dick didn't even try and Michelle didn't eat much of it. She is very polite of course and probably wouldn't say any thing. I'll take some to Mother and see what she thinks.

I also made cucumber salad and some brownies.

Tonight I started working on my desk. There are less than three weeks until we sign and can start transporting boxes. Tomorrow we will pack some more.

An imponderable. "If flies didn't have wings would they be called walks?"

Love

Mary

Thursday, August 10, 2006

Did anyone miss me yesterday. I just got all tired at the end of they day and did not post.

We were home most of the day. I packed some more boxes and Dick took them out to the garage. It is getting full out there. At 4:30PM I went over to Ebenezeer Church and had the quilt that Mother found between the pieces of ticking in the Deeley garage appraised. I want to give it to Becky, who loves antiques and has such a love of the family history. But I wanted her to have a value on it by an expert. The woman who did the appraisal, Carol Butzke, is one of only 14 quilt appraisers certified by the American Quilting Society in the nation. It is quite fascinating to watch her work and she explains as she goes along.

Then last evening I went to the Quilt Guild where Carol gave a lecture on the origin and history of Sunbonnet Sue in literature and quilting. I was glad that I took the time. I think I will make some version of Sunbonnet Sue just to have done it now that I see what imagination can do with the basic premise.

Today was the BIG Brewer game arranged by Uncle Leif Salvesen to gather all who could come together. We had a fun tailgate. There were lots of us. Myself, Jeff and Kathy with daughter Sara, Donna and Randy with all three daughters, Jessica (who left the park in a BUS to go back home in downtown Milwaukee. We all wondered if she was REALLY old enough to go on the bus all alone.) Erin, with boyfriend Josh, and Becky with husband Bryan. (Have I lost you yet.) Then there were Nora and Leif who brought Fred and Eileen with them. Eileen and Fred's son John came from Chicago with my nephew Shawn, George and Betsy's son, who also lives in Chicago. We were rounded off with my Jim and Michelle and Leif's friend Bob Doody and his wife Mary Ann.

Mary Ann and I discovered that we both went to high school at St. Mary's Academy in St. Francis many years ago. Me, several years before her. They are a nice couple. She has her own landscape and design company. I am impressed.

We had a great tailgate. Brats and portobello mushroom sandwiches, salads, cucumber sandwiches, bruschetta and other snacks. And to make the day perfect, the Brewers won.

It was hot in the stadium. They left the roof closed, which I think was dumb, but there was rain projected. I suppose it costs too much to close if they were afraid of having to open it again.

I am tired now again and will close with a quote that I liked from an e mail that I received from my friend Janet.

"Do what you can, for who you can with what you have, and where you are."

We are so blessed, I wish all these blessings for the children of this world. They deserve it. Maybe their parents don't, but the children do. At least a full tummy, a warm bed and a few hugs a day.


Mary

Tuesday, August 08, 2006

It was a beautiful day all day today. I was actually a little chilly when Chelsea and I went out for our walk. I don't have a thermometer any more but the TV said it was in the low 60s. It got up to the mid 70s and stayed there. Chelsea was pretty enthusiastic about her walk, but did cut out one cul de sac. She just sits down, looks down the road and keeps on going past it.

Today I talked to two neighbors that I hadn't seen face to face since the sign went up. Mary, across the street, was looking kind of sad. We don't see each other too much because we are both so busy but have common interests in quilting and faith. She said that she and her husband will probably be thinking condo soon too. It is getting harder for Gary to keep up the lawns and all and she, like me, can't really do it all.

The videos of our house showed up on Bill Cain's web site. So - if you want to see it go to billcain.com. Look under "Our listings". Select single family and find 4409 Hunters Glen Drive. Nick did a good job of filming. We will entertain offers.

Dick saw the podiatrist today and had his callouses trimmed. They need some extra care for a bit and we will go back to be sure they are healing in three weeks. Then we went and did a wee bit of shopping and Dick took me out for lunch.

Tonight I went to Rhine Plymouth to work the "Traveling League", a trap league that shoots at several different clubs and several different yardage. It was fairly busy. They stuck me in the gun room with little instruction but I finally figured it out. I worked from 4:30 to 8:00. It was Dennis Behr 's birthday and he and Sara brought cheese, sausage and crackers for a treat. That plus the yogurt I brought made a good evening meal.

I am working on articles for the paper regarding Celtic Faire and have come up with the season the Irish celebrate of Lughasadh, beginning August 1st and ending November 1st with Samhain. Lughasadh is the harvest time. John O'Donohue in Eternal Echos speaks of an Irish Notion called "Meitheal": the act of a community gathering to do the work for each other that one person working alone could not do in ages. Very reminisent of our barnraisings or co-ops that our country had in it's early days. We still experience Meitheal in small ways such as the example of Habitat for Humanity building houses on the quick with large volunteer crews. I want to incorporate Meitheal into my article and also Lughsadh - the harvest.

Love

Mary

Monday, August 07, 2006

It was kind of warm but not heat stroke hot today. Chelsea and I had a nice walk. We did not really see many other walkers but I did not get started until about quarter after six so most people were already done. I did see Steve turning into his driveway.

Bible Study went well this morning. We had nine people there so it was a lively discussion. Then I reviewed the initial worship folder for Celtic Fair with Sandy. I shrunk three Celtic Letters from my Celtic Coloring Book to put on the cover. Jim Wilsing and I came up with a really neat idea for it this year. (Jim is jealous of my coloring book so I said I would look for one for him when I go to Irishfest.) We are going to use the capital letters that I shrunk (B T AND P) for the first letters of Blessed Trinity Parish with a nice medieval looking font. I chose goldenrod for the cover because the intro I wrote mentions Harvest and gold is a good harvest color.

We had Swedish Meatballs, noodles, fresh green beans from Mom's garden for supper. I am working on cleaning out the freezer and the meatballs are one of the treasures to be finished off.

Bobbie and I had the Rhine Plymouth meeting tonight. It was mentioned AGAIN that all the officers are up for replacement this December. Bobbie and I (at least) will not keep our positions. Three years is enough. It is time for another member to step forward. I will be helping Doc out tomorrow at a shoot that we are hosting.

Bernice Sipiorski, an old neighbor, died on Sunday. Her funeral is tomorrow. I believe that Dick and I, with any luck at all, can get his doctor's appointment done and I can get there for the Mass. It would be nice. She was a sweet woman and I used to babysit for her boys when I was young. Her son, Donald, is deceased but Dennis will be there and it would be good to see him again. I wonder if he even remembers me. That was a cushy babysitting job. Bernice and her husband, Martin, would go downtown to the tavern every Saturday evening from 9 to 1. I came over and sat with the boys, who were usually in bed asleep. Bernice would have a fit if I did the dishes or any other little things that I saw. I did them anyway (Mom taught me better than that.) And I could watch anything I wanted on TV and then go to bed til they came home and Martin walked me home across the vacant lot between our homes. Like I say a cushy job.

Say a little prayer for Bernice.

Love

Mary

P. S. I packed two boxes and sorted through ALL the medicines and first aid supplies today.

Sunday, August 06, 2006

It seems like it was a very long day. Chelsea and I had a good walk before the rain. It rained from about 7:00 to 11:00AM. A nice steady rain and it brought the temperature down a bit for today.

I went to the 8AM Mass and then visited with Mother until it was time for her to go to Mass. I stayed long enough to walk her over as it was still raining lightly and I don't think it is wise for her to walk alone if it is wet. Someone always walks her home. People are so good and there are three or four of our friends who note that she is there and see that she gets home safely.

I only packed a part of one box today. But I also got one item sent into the Press for the Celtic Faire. I must e-mail Ann Pirrung to find out the name of her editor. Perhaps I could send an article for the beliefs section to him to present to the beliefs editor. I can try anyway. I need to do an article for the Falls News and the Plymouth Review also.

This week is a very busy one with bible study, Rhine meeting, working at Rhine, a quilt appraisal and a ball game. Nora and Leif will be in Wisconsin, the reason for the ball game, and it will be good to see them. Michelle and Jim are joining us at the game. Michelle will meet Nora and Leif and Eileen and Fred. I called Jeff and he will let me ride down to the stadium with him, Kathy and Sara. I am so relieved, I was not thrilled about driving alone.

It has been an exhausting day for some reason. Dick and I are watching Bluebeard, one of the Horror Movie collection that Dick gave me for Christmas. We watch them when nothing else is on worth watching and lately that has been a lot. John Carradine is in this one. It is quite good.

A W. H. Auden said. "We are all here on earth to help others; what on earth the others are here for I don't know."

Have a good week.

Mary