It is late. 10:37PM. I JUST got home from Rhine Plymouth. Bobbie and I worked tonight and was it ever busy. The club has the biggest league that I have ever experienced going and I think every team shot tonight. It was a nice night for shooting. Cold but no precipitation and no appreciable wind. We filled 34 sign up sheets. Most of them shot two rounds.
I actually got there late. We got a call from Dr. Phelan's nurse Theresa telling Dick that the results of a swab he took of Dick's leg came back showing an infection that would not be healed by the intravenous that he had originally prescribed. So the two doses he got were not helping.
We had to go to Sheboygan Memorial this afternoon, arriving at 2:45PM. They took out the angio catheter and put in a PICC (a "permanent" shunt or port that will allow them to give him the TWO antibiotics (one once a day and one twice a day) for two full weeks. After the PICC was inserted in his arm we went upstairs to have the first doses. The one he gets once a day takes a full hour the other that he will get morning and evening takes 30 minutes. So we are going to be busy people for the next two weeks. I canceled my Celtic Retreat for next weekend. I just couldn't leave him for two whole days and an evening when he needs this kind of treatment. Jim and Michelle will take him on Sunday morning so I CAN go rabbit hunting. Except for the Saturday and Sunday evenings, the intravenous can be given at Valley View which will save a lot on travel time.
I did get my kitchen cleaned and have a batch of wine ready to rack. Did that before the big phone call.
I am really too tired to think of anything clever to add to this so will just wish you a good weekend and ask for prayers for Dick's speedy recovery.
I shot pretty good tonight. I got a 59 a 60 and a 66. I keep on trying
Love
Mary
Friday, January 26, 2007
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Would you believe that this is the 1241st blog that I have posted? I recommend blogs to anyone who likes to journal. It is fun.
It was COLD today. When Chelsea and I went out this morning it was int he single digits. BRR. That did not seem to bother her much, but later, when we went for a short walk, her poor little paws got really cold and I had to carry her part way home.
We had breakfast at the Shoppes on Mill Street. It was quite good. I had eggs, ham and bagel with cream cheese. Next time, I will try their oatmeal. They have TONS of addons. like brown sugar, cream and walnuts.
Then grocery shopping. We did pretty well and even stopped at Aurora Drug Store to buy the container to hold the needles from Dick's blood tests. They have to be disposed of AT the drug stores.
At noon we went to Valley View Hospital so that Dick could have his second dose of intravenous antibiotics. That went well but his angiocatheter wrap is kind of loose. On the way home we stopped and renewed the listing agreement with ReMax.
Tomorrow the Riesling will be ready to rack to the secondary fermenter. We have quite a lot in process and aging. But are still behind on the stock. We got way behind during the move.
I called Jeff this afternoon to be sure that I will be ready for rabbit hunting on Sunday. We meet at Leroy's house at 8:00AM. It is supposed to be COLD BRR. So we will probably be out of the woods fairly early. I, for sure, have to be home by 1:00 to get Dick to the hospital by 1:30 to get his intravenous again. I am bringing some venison sausage that Jeff make last year for the Sausage Tasting. We do that at the Whirl Wind, a dinky bar out there somewhere. I am sure we will not be out too late, because Vic always comes and he believes that the hunting should be done from a bar stool. If it is cold he will start hinting the minute we meet.
Jeff said we have plenty of rabbits for the Wild Game Dinner anyway. I will miss it this year. For some reason, I thought it was on the second weekend in February and I made reservations to attend a Celtic Spirituality Retreat at the Redemptorist Center in Oconomowoc. This should be a great retreat as Padraigin Clancy, an Irish historian, folklorist and musician will be the presenter. I heard her speak at the Celtic Women's Conference. I am really looking forward to a weekend of rebuilding. A whole weekend without anyone to ask for something will be unbelievable. I am going to make the stew in a crockpot and take it to Donna to bring to the dinner so I at least do my share. I guess Dolores isn't going to be there either. She has to work. But she doesn't like being somewhere that she can't smoke anyway.
It's just like magid. When you live by yourself, all of your annoying habits are gone. by Merrill Markoe
Love
Mary
It was COLD today. When Chelsea and I went out this morning it was int he single digits. BRR. That did not seem to bother her much, but later, when we went for a short walk, her poor little paws got really cold and I had to carry her part way home.
We had breakfast at the Shoppes on Mill Street. It was quite good. I had eggs, ham and bagel with cream cheese. Next time, I will try their oatmeal. They have TONS of addons. like brown sugar, cream and walnuts.
Then grocery shopping. We did pretty well and even stopped at Aurora Drug Store to buy the container to hold the needles from Dick's blood tests. They have to be disposed of AT the drug stores.
At noon we went to Valley View Hospital so that Dick could have his second dose of intravenous antibiotics. That went well but his angiocatheter wrap is kind of loose. On the way home we stopped and renewed the listing agreement with ReMax.
Tomorrow the Riesling will be ready to rack to the secondary fermenter. We have quite a lot in process and aging. But are still behind on the stock. We got way behind during the move.
I called Jeff this afternoon to be sure that I will be ready for rabbit hunting on Sunday. We meet at Leroy's house at 8:00AM. It is supposed to be COLD BRR. So we will probably be out of the woods fairly early. I, for sure, have to be home by 1:00 to get Dick to the hospital by 1:30 to get his intravenous again. I am bringing some venison sausage that Jeff make last year for the Sausage Tasting. We do that at the Whirl Wind, a dinky bar out there somewhere. I am sure we will not be out too late, because Vic always comes and he believes that the hunting should be done from a bar stool. If it is cold he will start hinting the minute we meet.
Jeff said we have plenty of rabbits for the Wild Game Dinner anyway. I will miss it this year. For some reason, I thought it was on the second weekend in February and I made reservations to attend a Celtic Spirituality Retreat at the Redemptorist Center in Oconomowoc. This should be a great retreat as Padraigin Clancy, an Irish historian, folklorist and musician will be the presenter. I heard her speak at the Celtic Women's Conference. I am really looking forward to a weekend of rebuilding. A whole weekend without anyone to ask for something will be unbelievable. I am going to make the stew in a crockpot and take it to Donna to bring to the dinner so I at least do my share. I guess Dolores isn't going to be there either. She has to work. But she doesn't like being somewhere that she can't smoke anyway.
It's just like magid. When you live by yourself, all of your annoying habits are gone. by Merrill Markoe
Love
Mary
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
I am posting early because I am able to and also I want to go to bed at 9:00 and watch Medium. I hope I can stay awake for the whole thing as I do like it. However, I am really rather tired.
It has been a busy day. We started off at 6:00 AM with a nice long walk for Chelsea and me. We went up as far as the driveway for the middle school and into the parking lot, then back home. Chelsea was properly worn out and very hungry by the time we got home. Then we got Dick's sox on, I took my shower and we headed for the Clinic.
His blood count, as expected because of the antibiotics, low. Then we went to have Dr. Phelan look at Dick's legs. He still feels that there is infection in there so is putting him on daptomycin intravenously for 10 days. We had the first dose today while we were there and they left the angio-catheter in for at least the next two doses. We can do the rest at Valley View here in Plymouth so will not have to be driving in to Sheboygan every day. Dick will have to be very careful with that catheter in his hand. Makes me nervous anyway but hopefully this will clear up that lingering infection. This is why Dr. Phelan thinks his legs are so red and why there is seepage sometimes. Dick has little or no feeling so at least pain is not associated with the condition, but perhaps that is not a blessing.
We picked up his testing strips and needles at Walgreens on the way home. Then we got to stay here the rest of the day. I did some cleaning, mainly windows and window frames and some quilting.
Now we are winding down. Tomorrow we grocery shop.
I'm sending a picture to let you all know that spring and summer do come. This was a sweet picture on the deck at Hunter's Glen
Love
Mary
It has been a busy day. We started off at 6:00 AM with a nice long walk for Chelsea and me. We went up as far as the driveway for the middle school and into the parking lot, then back home. Chelsea was properly worn out and very hungry by the time we got home. Then we got Dick's sox on, I took my shower and we headed for the Clinic.
His blood count, as expected because of the antibiotics, low. Then we went to have Dr. Phelan look at Dick's legs. He still feels that there is infection in there so is putting him on daptomycin intravenously for 10 days. We had the first dose today while we were there and they left the angio-catheter in for at least the next two doses. We can do the rest at Valley View here in Plymouth so will not have to be driving in to Sheboygan every day. Dick will have to be very careful with that catheter in his hand. Makes me nervous anyway but hopefully this will clear up that lingering infection. This is why Dr. Phelan thinks his legs are so red and why there is seepage sometimes. Dick has little or no feeling so at least pain is not associated with the condition, but perhaps that is not a blessing.
We picked up his testing strips and needles at Walgreens on the way home. Then we got to stay here the rest of the day. I did some cleaning, mainly windows and window frames and some quilting.
Now we are winding down. Tomorrow we grocery shop.
I'm sending a picture to let you all know that spring and summer do come. This was a sweet picture on the deck at Hunter's Glen
Love
Mary
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
We got to stay home ALL day today. It was cold outside but no snow. At least no accumulation. I thought I saw a light flurry or two during the day.
I did some cleaning today and checked the wine. The Riesling should be ready to rack to the secondary by Thursday at the latest.
Mat (that his how his name was spelled on his nametag) from Homecare Resources came to install grab bars in the shower stalls in both our bathroom and the one in the basement. These are hard to do but he says that baring cracking of the stall itself it should hold just fine. Dick took his shower tonight and says that the one in our bathroom is just right. He likes it just to help steady himself. I feel a bit more secure now too.
He tested his blood for the first time this morning. He will do it once a day alternating just before breakfast with two hours after lunch to get average readings. Then next Wednesday when we go for the class they will tell us if that is how we should continue. We are also keeping track of what he eats and will learn better how to record in the classes. There is a lot to learn.
Tomorrow we get his blood count checked by Sue and will see Dr. Phelan, probably for the last time, about his legs.
I missed my kitties today. Suddenly the desk seemed mighty empty.
Take care. Until tomorrow.
Love
Mary
I did some cleaning today and checked the wine. The Riesling should be ready to rack to the secondary by Thursday at the latest.
Mat (that his how his name was spelled on his nametag) from Homecare Resources came to install grab bars in the shower stalls in both our bathroom and the one in the basement. These are hard to do but he says that baring cracking of the stall itself it should hold just fine. Dick took his shower tonight and says that the one in our bathroom is just right. He likes it just to help steady himself. I feel a bit more secure now too.
He tested his blood for the first time this morning. He will do it once a day alternating just before breakfast with two hours after lunch to get average readings. Then next Wednesday when we go for the class they will tell us if that is how we should continue. We are also keeping track of what he eats and will learn better how to record in the classes. There is a lot to learn.
Tomorrow we get his blood count checked by Sue and will see Dr. Phelan, probably for the last time, about his legs.
I missed my kitties today. Suddenly the desk seemed mighty empty.
Take care. Until tomorrow.
Love
Mary
Monday, January 22, 2007
The plow trucks were coming around just about the time that Chelsea and I went out for our walk at 6:00AM. They are really nice. The driver stopped and let Chelsea and I walk by so she wouldn't be distressed by the noise and flying snow. I told him that we sure were glad to see him and he laughed and said that he bet we were.
I went to Bible study. The roads were pretty well cleared by 9:00 and were no longer slippery. We had a small but eager group and talked extensively about the readings which dealt with the importance of love in all that we do and with the fact that Jesus was not too well accepted in his own land. The "neighbors" said. "Isn't he the son of Joseph.'' And they were not impressed that he did not and said that he would not be doing miracles in his own town.
Stopped to see Mother and took her a bulletin. She did not go over to church yesterday because it was too slippery. She got tons of cards and flowers and presents for her birthday.
I picked up a copy of the bulletin and the worship folder because they had my poem for Fr. Gene printed in them. I will add it here for you now that it has been performed at the Mass.
I went to Bible study. The roads were pretty well cleared by 9:00 and were no longer slippery. We had a small but eager group and talked extensively about the readings which dealt with the importance of love in all that we do and with the fact that Jesus was not too well accepted in his own land. The "neighbors" said. "Isn't he the son of Joseph.'' And they were not impressed that he did not and said that he would not be doing miracles in his own town.
Stopped to see Mother and took her a bulletin. She did not go over to church yesterday because it was too slippery. She got tons of cards and flowers and presents for her birthday.
I picked up a copy of the bulletin and the worship folder because they had my poem for Fr. Gene printed in them. I will add it here for you now that it has been performed at the Mass.
JOURNEY
by Mary Kunert
On your own
But not alone
Journey towards salvation.
Jesus is path and companion.
If you ignore him
You will not be chosen
By the King
Because Jesus is the hungry,
The naked, the lonely, the homeless.
On your own
But not alone
Walk the Way He showed us.
He is within you always
As he promised,
Even to the end of the age.
He is in the dying
And the newborn child
Believe in Him
On your own
But not alone
Accept the blessing offered
Step forward boldly, all of you,
the poor in spirit, the hungry,
the peacemakers, the meek,
the merciful, the clean of heart,
Alongside those who mourn
Or are persecuted for his sake.
You are never alone
But are joined to God
And to each other by the promise of the Son
Every dayAt this table.
Based on Matthew 5:3-10, 25:31-46 and 28:20
The other excitement today was our visit with June Maile, a diabetes specialist, who went over a LOT of information for us and gave Dick his monitor and very clear instructions on how to use it. We will go next Wednesday morning for our first of several classes on how to deal with diabetes in regards to diet, exercise and I assume many other things. ( I can't get the italics to go off, so I will put the rest of the message in bold. Don't want you to think this is part of the poem. Ha Ha.) He is to start testing every day and keep a log. He is also asked to keep a food log for a while. We have decided not to change any thing until we attend the meeting so we know what CHANGES need to be made and what we are doing right.
Guess that is all for now. Have a nice day.
Mary
Sunday, January 21, 2007
I'm back.
It was a lovely weekend. We left shortly after noon and arrived at the Colonial Gardens at about 3:00PM. We rested for a while and then went to the Inn at Cedar Crossing for dinner at about 5:00 so we could spend an evening just resting.
The meal was very good. I ordered Islandic cod with mashed parsnips and a great sauce. It was quite nummy. Dick kind of wrinkled his nose at the parsnips but as he had a lake perch dinner, he did not complain.
I used the bubbly tub three times this weekend, Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday morning just before we left. I hope that this relaxes my muscles for quite some time. Chelsea is already being a pest, but her schedule was way off while we were gone. Jim and Michelle spent time with her here and took her to their house a couple of times but of course, when Mom and Dad are gone, it is just not the same schedule and we know that old critters like their schedules.
Saturday morning we got up at about 7 or so. Breakfast, a bread pudding with fruit, juice, and Canadian Bacon with fresh coffee was at the door at 8:AM on the dot. We ate and then went for a drive. We ended up at the Door Peninsula Winery where we went on a tour and enjoyed a wine tasting. Then we bought some wine and fudge and started back. We stopped at a restaurant called Kick for lunch. They have (or at least had that day) great soups. I had a nice chai tea with a peasant lunch of broccoli cheese soup with a fresh wheat roll. Dick had soup and a coke.
We went back to the B&B for a rest. I finished my Morgan Llywelyn book 1972 over the weekend and she better be "pert near" done with the next in the series as she left this one with a REAL cliffhanger and I can't wait for the next chapter. I will put in a quote that I loved that I thought was beautiful. This (fictionally of course) occurred during a 1968 peace march in Northern Ireland
A grandmother with thinning white hair and most of her front teeth missing tugged at Barry's elbow. Her face was a road map of hard times. "Will you link with an old women?"
He turned and smiled down at her. A warm,slow, lover's smile, as if the two of them were all alone and she was the most beautiful girl in the world. "There aren't any old women here," he said gently. "But I'll be proud to link with you."
As he tucked her arm through his, the years fell away from her face.
From 1972, chapter 32 by Morgan Llewlyn
Boy, can she write. God grant me that gift.
I went to the 5:00PM mass at St. Joseph's and found out the Green Bay diocese is consolidating and collaborating as much as the Milwaukee Archdiocese is and that they are losing priests as fast too.
We went to dinner at the Sage. I had quail. It was a tough choice as they had fresh tuna also but I figured the chance to have quail again soon was next to none and I was not disappointed.
We left Sturgeon Bay at about 10 and had easy traveling until we hit the Manitowoc line where we ran into the winter storm. I was rough the rest of the way and by the time we got to Sheboygan County it was slippery as heck. We DID stop at Mother's to wish her Happy Birthday and drop off her card and a bottle of Door Peninsula Wine. She was pleased. Later, she called me and mentioned that Eileen and Fred had also made it by with a birthday cake. I know Jeff was there on Saturday.
It was good to get home to our own place though we sure enjoyed the time away. Chelsea was so glad to see us. We wonder what goes through her little heart when we are gone, especially overnight. Poor little creature and there is no way to explain to her. At least she had Jim and Michelle to take her out and to visit and take her to their place once or twice.
She will be thirteen in March. A real old lady. She sleeps a lot more now.
Well that is a rundown of the weekend. It was great to be away for a couple of days. I GUESS I am ready for this next week.
Hope you are and yours is wonderful.
Love
Mary
It was a lovely weekend. We left shortly after noon and arrived at the Colonial Gardens at about 3:00PM. We rested for a while and then went to the Inn at Cedar Crossing for dinner at about 5:00 so we could spend an evening just resting.
The meal was very good. I ordered Islandic cod with mashed parsnips and a great sauce. It was quite nummy. Dick kind of wrinkled his nose at the parsnips but as he had a lake perch dinner, he did not complain.
I used the bubbly tub three times this weekend, Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday morning just before we left. I hope that this relaxes my muscles for quite some time. Chelsea is already being a pest, but her schedule was way off while we were gone. Jim and Michelle spent time with her here and took her to their house a couple of times but of course, when Mom and Dad are gone, it is just not the same schedule and we know that old critters like their schedules.
Saturday morning we got up at about 7 or so. Breakfast, a bread pudding with fruit, juice, and Canadian Bacon with fresh coffee was at the door at 8:AM on the dot. We ate and then went for a drive. We ended up at the Door Peninsula Winery where we went on a tour and enjoyed a wine tasting. Then we bought some wine and fudge and started back. We stopped at a restaurant called Kick for lunch. They have (or at least had that day) great soups. I had a nice chai tea with a peasant lunch of broccoli cheese soup with a fresh wheat roll. Dick had soup and a coke.
We went back to the B&B for a rest. I finished my Morgan Llywelyn book 1972 over the weekend and she better be "pert near" done with the next in the series as she left this one with a REAL cliffhanger and I can't wait for the next chapter. I will put in a quote that I loved that I thought was beautiful. This (fictionally of course) occurred during a 1968 peace march in Northern Ireland
A grandmother with thinning white hair and most of her front teeth missing tugged at Barry's elbow. Her face was a road map of hard times. "Will you link with an old women?"
He turned and smiled down at her. A warm,slow, lover's smile, as if the two of them were all alone and she was the most beautiful girl in the world. "There aren't any old women here," he said gently. "But I'll be proud to link with you."
As he tucked her arm through his, the years fell away from her face.
From 1972, chapter 32 by Morgan Llewlyn
Boy, can she write. God grant me that gift.
I went to the 5:00PM mass at St. Joseph's and found out the Green Bay diocese is consolidating and collaborating as much as the Milwaukee Archdiocese is and that they are losing priests as fast too.
We went to dinner at the Sage. I had quail. It was a tough choice as they had fresh tuna also but I figured the chance to have quail again soon was next to none and I was not disappointed.
We left Sturgeon Bay at about 10 and had easy traveling until we hit the Manitowoc line where we ran into the winter storm. I was rough the rest of the way and by the time we got to Sheboygan County it was slippery as heck. We DID stop at Mother's to wish her Happy Birthday and drop off her card and a bottle of Door Peninsula Wine. She was pleased. Later, she called me and mentioned that Eileen and Fred had also made it by with a birthday cake. I know Jeff was there on Saturday.
It was good to get home to our own place though we sure enjoyed the time away. Chelsea was so glad to see us. We wonder what goes through her little heart when we are gone, especially overnight. Poor little creature and there is no way to explain to her. At least she had Jim and Michelle to take her out and to visit and take her to their place once or twice.
She will be thirteen in March. A real old lady. She sleeps a lot more now.
Well that is a rundown of the weekend. It was great to be away for a couple of days. I GUESS I am ready for this next week.
Hope you are and yours is wonderful.
Love
Mary
Friday, January 19, 2007
Just a note before we leave. Remember you won't hear from me tomorrow. Sunday, I will let you know how our weekend went.
We went to the house this morning and ran the water. Next time we are going to cook some cinnamon in the oven and put baking soda down the drains to freshen things. We stopped at Mom's and brought her the stuff that she asked me to pick up and a bottle of wine.
Now we are waiting for lunch time, must pack a few things and then will leave.
Just a little story. I made a thief out of Dick. When we went to the Depot last Sunday with Jim and Michelle, I dropped my fork during the meal and couldn't find it under the table. It was dark and I figured that it had fallen under one of the other chairs at the table. Two days later a fork with a piece of dried out meat showed up on the kitchen counter. Dick informed me that he found it in his jacket pocket and wondered why I wanted to make him an accomplice to such a heinous crime as stealing silverware.
Have a nice weekend.
Mary
We went to the house this morning and ran the water. Next time we are going to cook some cinnamon in the oven and put baking soda down the drains to freshen things. We stopped at Mom's and brought her the stuff that she asked me to pick up and a bottle of wine.
Now we are waiting for lunch time, must pack a few things and then will leave.
Just a little story. I made a thief out of Dick. When we went to the Depot last Sunday with Jim and Michelle, I dropped my fork during the meal and couldn't find it under the table. It was dark and I figured that it had fallen under one of the other chairs at the table. Two days later a fork with a piece of dried out meat showed up on the kitchen counter. Dick informed me that he found it in his jacket pocket and wondered why I wanted to make him an accomplice to such a heinous crime as stealing silverware.
Have a nice weekend.
Mary
Thursday, January 18, 2007
This morning was much busier than Dick likes to see it. Especially when he has to come along for all the things that are happening. It was all the way up to 23 degrees when Chelsea and I went out for our walk. She turned back after the first cul de sac however which surprised me but I did not argue as there was a lot going on.
We left just before 8AM to go to the lab at Sheboygan Clinic for Dick's blood test. Then we got some breakfast. He was a LITTLE miffed because they did not ask if he had so it was all for naught. Back to the clinic for Dick's blood count. As expected, his count was off because of the antibiotics. It was low. He is not to change anything because there is an appointment with Dr. Phelan next week and this may change things.
Our last appointment at the clinic was with Dr. Hodous who trimmed his calouses and fixed that split nail. He says the calouses look pretty good. They are not as deep, so the shoes seem to be relieving the pressure.
Our next stop was two drug stores. One to pick up some supplies for Mother (I will take them to her tomorrow.) and the other to pick up the new antibiotics that Dick has to take.
Second last stop was the bank where I picked up some money for expenses AND for our trip to Door County tomorrow.
Lastly we went grocery shopping at the Pig.
Whew - were we ever glad to be home.
I was remembering how Bret changed in 8th grade. He was such a happy boy, loved school, played hard was always polite and liked his teachers. Then in the middle of 8th grade, he suddenly got sullen, he hated school, he didn't like the teacher that he had liked at the beginning of the year. He was just very different. One day, there was a school picnic or something and I was talking to his teacher. I told the teacher that the pleasant, happy boy who had lived with me for 13 years had moved out over the past couple of months and this strange sullen unhappy kid had moved in in his place. He laughed and said that he was used to it. Teaching kids that are that age is getting them just when the hormones kick in. They want to be good in school but they don't want ANY of their friends to know that they are. They suddenly notice that girls exist and they feel totally out of place everywhere. It passes. Bret finally got over it sometime in high school.
Tomorrow, Dick and I will leave for Door County and a room with a hot tub and fireplace with breakfast brought to our room for two whole days.
Yippee. I will try to post just before we leave.
Love
Mary
We left just before 8AM to go to the lab at Sheboygan Clinic for Dick's blood test. Then we got some breakfast. He was a LITTLE miffed because they did not ask if he had so it was all for naught. Back to the clinic for Dick's blood count. As expected, his count was off because of the antibiotics. It was low. He is not to change anything because there is an appointment with Dr. Phelan next week and this may change things.
Our last appointment at the clinic was with Dr. Hodous who trimmed his calouses and fixed that split nail. He says the calouses look pretty good. They are not as deep, so the shoes seem to be relieving the pressure.
Our next stop was two drug stores. One to pick up some supplies for Mother (I will take them to her tomorrow.) and the other to pick up the new antibiotics that Dick has to take.
Second last stop was the bank where I picked up some money for expenses AND for our trip to Door County tomorrow.
Lastly we went grocery shopping at the Pig.
Whew - were we ever glad to be home.
I was remembering how Bret changed in 8th grade. He was such a happy boy, loved school, played hard was always polite and liked his teachers. Then in the middle of 8th grade, he suddenly got sullen, he hated school, he didn't like the teacher that he had liked at the beginning of the year. He was just very different. One day, there was a school picnic or something and I was talking to his teacher. I told the teacher that the pleasant, happy boy who had lived with me for 13 years had moved out over the past couple of months and this strange sullen unhappy kid had moved in in his place. He laughed and said that he was used to it. Teaching kids that are that age is getting them just when the hormones kick in. They want to be good in school but they don't want ANY of their friends to know that they are. They suddenly notice that girls exist and they feel totally out of place everywhere. It passes. Bret finally got over it sometime in high school.
Tomorrow, Dick and I will leave for Door County and a room with a hot tub and fireplace with breakfast brought to our room for two whole days.
Yippee. I will try to post just before we leave.
Love
Mary
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
This morning it was 7 degrees when we got up. Chelsea and I had a pretty good walk anyway. We went for almost a half an hour. She was not adverse to coming home though.
I went to Sheboygan Falls at about 9 and took Mom some of the vegetable lasagna that was left from lat night's dinner. She is always glad for such meals because she is not likely to make a lasagna for herself. We had a nice visit. We started talking about the old neighborhood. Mother remembered one of our old neighbors, a Schmidt. One night Jeff and his friend Keith (Trapper) Larson were sleeping outside in a tent or something and got really silly and were running up and down the street under an old furniture cover such as is used when moving furniture. Mr Schmidt was known to over imbibe sometimes and had apparently done so this night. The poor man saw the boys in the shadows and thought that it was some sort of monster. Now you need to be aware that at that time there was a stretch of thick woods in back of the homes on Pinehurst Court. He ran, terrified, into the house shouting and called the police. Jeff and Keith were scared then and ran home. The police came and searched the woods and by ways but, of course found nothing. Jeff and Keith felt so bad that they went to Mr Schmidt and tried to tell them what they had done, but he never did really believe them. Surprisingly there are no rumors of Yeti or Big Foot in the Sheboygan Falls rural areas.
before I headed over to church to meet with Jim, Beth, Shirley and a surprise, Martin, a guitar player to practice the poem that I wrote with the background music. It sounds really good with Shirley reading it to a background of guitar and Jim's flute. Jim (Wilsing), my bagpiper friend, plays tin whistle. However he is using a new wooden North American Indian flute that he just picked up on.
The reading went beautifully. I am pleased that I was able to help with this goodbye gift for Fr. Neuman. He was at the rectory when we finished, so I walked over to say goodbye in person as I will not be able to attend his retirement party on Sunday as Dick and I will still be gone.
The rest of the day was quite busy around here. I contacted Home Care Resources to come out next week and see what they can do about grab bars in the showers. Matt, the gentleman I talked to says he has done them in Tall Grass so it can be done though it is somewhat of a challenge. Anyway, he will be here on Tuesday.
Tomorrow we will keep the Clinic open again as I told you yesterday. We have added a blood test to the mix as Dr. Phelan wants to see if there is any infection in his system to see if we need to keep him on antibiotics.
A little quote that I read in the Reader's Digest this month. Hugh Downs said "To say my fate is not tied to your fate is like saying, 'Your end of the boat is sinking.' "
Kind of goes along with the thought that we are all one body and need each other.
Take care
Love
Mary
I went to Sheboygan Falls at about 9 and took Mom some of the vegetable lasagna that was left from lat night's dinner. She is always glad for such meals because she is not likely to make a lasagna for herself. We had a nice visit. We started talking about the old neighborhood. Mother remembered one of our old neighbors, a Schmidt. One night Jeff and his friend Keith (Trapper) Larson were sleeping outside in a tent or something and got really silly and were running up and down the street under an old furniture cover such as is used when moving furniture. Mr Schmidt was known to over imbibe sometimes and had apparently done so this night. The poor man saw the boys in the shadows and thought that it was some sort of monster. Now you need to be aware that at that time there was a stretch of thick woods in back of the homes on Pinehurst Court. He ran, terrified, into the house shouting and called the police. Jeff and Keith were scared then and ran home. The police came and searched the woods and by ways but, of course found nothing. Jeff and Keith felt so bad that they went to Mr Schmidt and tried to tell them what they had done, but he never did really believe them. Surprisingly there are no rumors of Yeti or Big Foot in the Sheboygan Falls rural areas.
before I headed over to church to meet with Jim, Beth, Shirley and a surprise, Martin, a guitar player to practice the poem that I wrote with the background music. It sounds really good with Shirley reading it to a background of guitar and Jim's flute. Jim (Wilsing), my bagpiper friend, plays tin whistle. However he is using a new wooden North American Indian flute that he just picked up on.
The reading went beautifully. I am pleased that I was able to help with this goodbye gift for Fr. Neuman. He was at the rectory when we finished, so I walked over to say goodbye in person as I will not be able to attend his retirement party on Sunday as Dick and I will still be gone.
The rest of the day was quite busy around here. I contacted Home Care Resources to come out next week and see what they can do about grab bars in the showers. Matt, the gentleman I talked to says he has done them in Tall Grass so it can be done though it is somewhat of a challenge. Anyway, he will be here on Tuesday.
Tomorrow we will keep the Clinic open again as I told you yesterday. We have added a blood test to the mix as Dr. Phelan wants to see if there is any infection in his system to see if we need to keep him on antibiotics.
A little quote that I read in the Reader's Digest this month. Hugh Downs said "To say my fate is not tied to your fate is like saying, 'Your end of the boat is sinking.' "
Kind of goes along with the thought that we are all one body and need each other.
Take care
Love
Mary
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
This morning when we went on our walk, poor Chelsea had her little feet get sore. When it is cold and there is ice in the slush, that happens sometimes. SO. We hurried home as soon as she started limping. I find if I pick her up until her feet get a chance to warm a bit she can usually walk some more.
Dick had his ECHO this morning at 9:00AM, then we took the key pad from the electric garage door to a door company. He checked it out, reset it and said that it should be OK so I brought it home and did what he said but it still doesn't work. He will call to make an appointment to come out to see if he can figure it out.
The rest of the day we spent at home. I really got a lot done. I am making headway on finding out how to mount grab bars in the shower stalls. Tomorrow I will call someone who may be able to give an estimate. We racked some wine. I caught up on e-mails and got the farewell card for Fr. Gene Neuman finished.
I received a call from Shirley Verhage this morning. Beth Hoegger, the choir director at Blessed Trinity had been trying to reach her to see if she would read my poem at Fr. Gene's farewell Mass. She called to let me know that she would be glad to and that she liked my poem. After Sunday I will put that on the blog.
SO we, Beth, Shirley, Jim Wilsing and I will meet tomorrow morning at 10:00AM to practice. I can't be at the Mass because Dick and I won't be back from Door county. So I am glad that I have been able to do something.
It was entertainment night at the Senior Center
Claude the hypnotist exclaimed: "I'm here to put
you into a trance;
I I intend to hypnotize each and
every member of the audience."
The excitement was almost electric as Claude
withdrew a beautiful antique pocket watch from
his coat "I want you each to keep your eye on
this antique watch. It's a very special watch.
It's been in my family for six generations"
He began to swing the watch gently back and forth
while quietly chanting, "Watch the watch, watch
the watch, and watch the watch.."
The crowd became mesmerized as the watch swayed
back and forth, light gleaming off its polished
surface. Hundreds of pairs of eyes followed the
swaying watch, until, suddenly, it slipped from
the hypnotist's fingers and fell to the floor,
shattering into a hundred pieces. . .
"S***" said the Hypnotist.
It took three days to clean up the Senior Center
Got this from my friend Janet today. She often sends some REALLY good ones. Janet is a dear friend from back in California. She is the one who looked at my Bret when he was a baby and said "Oh You put rubber bands around your baby's wrists and ankles too." Chubby babies were what we had. She had five children and said that mine were the best kind because she could give them back when she was tired of them. We had tons of fun together. I am so glad we have reconnected.
Love
Mary
Dick had his ECHO this morning at 9:00AM, then we took the key pad from the electric garage door to a door company. He checked it out, reset it and said that it should be OK so I brought it home and did what he said but it still doesn't work. He will call to make an appointment to come out to see if he can figure it out.
The rest of the day we spent at home. I really got a lot done. I am making headway on finding out how to mount grab bars in the shower stalls. Tomorrow I will call someone who may be able to give an estimate. We racked some wine. I caught up on e-mails and got the farewell card for Fr. Gene Neuman finished.
I received a call from Shirley Verhage this morning. Beth Hoegger, the choir director at Blessed Trinity had been trying to reach her to see if she would read my poem at Fr. Gene's farewell Mass. She called to let me know that she would be glad to and that she liked my poem. After Sunday I will put that on the blog.
SO we, Beth, Shirley, Jim Wilsing and I will meet tomorrow morning at 10:00AM to practice. I can't be at the Mass because Dick and I won't be back from Door county. So I am glad that I have been able to do something.
It was entertainment night at the Senior Center
Claude the hypnotist exclaimed: "I'm here to put
you into a trance;
I I intend to hypnotize each and
every member of the audience."
The excitement was almost electric as Claude
withdrew a beautiful antique pocket watch from
his coat "I want you each to keep your eye on
this antique watch. It's a very special watch.
It's been in my family for six generations"
He began to swing the watch gently back and forth
while quietly chanting, "Watch the watch, watch
the watch, and watch the watch.."
The crowd became mesmerized as the watch swayed
back and forth, light gleaming off its polished
surface. Hundreds of pairs of eyes followed the
swaying watch, until, suddenly, it slipped from
the hypnotist's fingers and fell to the floor,
shattering into a hundred pieces. . .
"S***" said the Hypnotist.
It took three days to clean up the Senior Center
Got this from my friend Janet today. She often sends some REALLY good ones. Janet is a dear friend from back in California. She is the one who looked at my Bret when he was a baby and said "Oh You put rubber bands around your baby's wrists and ankles too." Chubby babies were what we had. She had five children and said that mine were the best kind because she could give them back when she was tired of them. We had tons of fun together. I am so glad we have reconnected.
Love
Mary
Monday, January 15, 2007
Our second decent snowstorm of the year. We got 2 to 4 inches here in Sheboygan County. The roads were pretty well plowed by the time I headed out to Sheboygan Falls for Bible Study. We had 6 stalwart people at the study. We had some animated discussions, especially about the 2nd reading in which Paul writes that all the parts of the body are important, comparing it to the fact that all the talents people have are important. Without any of them we would be lost. We all found it quite amusing when our Joe said that if he was to chose a body part to be, he would like to be a toe. As he said, the toe is covered and warm and without it the body has a very hard time staying balanced.
We pray for lots of things too, you know. One of our people said that January makes her anxious for some reason and the reading from Nehemiah seemed to be for her "Do not be saddened this day, for rejoicing in the Lord must be your strength."
Stopped off to visit Mother after the study. She is doing well and her eye is starting to look more normal. She had received a nice letter from our cousin, David Bowser, who is a historian and genealogist. He sent a bit of family history and copies of some great pictures of Bowsers, Kings and Lyons. It is hard to believe that Mother will be 91 on Sunday.
Then home for lunch and off to the Plymouth Writers Club. They, I guess We now, call ourselves the Cream City Writers. Lots of things read at this meeting. I got good critique on a couple of poems. I found out that if I put them on the blog, they are considered published, so I probably won't be able to do that anymore, at least if I am sending them places.
When I got home, Jim and Michelle, who had a day off for Martin Luther King Day, were playing pool with Dick. That was a pleasant surprise. I had a conference call at 4:00 for Celtic Women. They were really impressed with Beth Dipple and my response to the Celtic Christmas Program. I need to contact Beth so we can plan a second program.
Picked up Market Day at 5:00 and then I was done. I cannot figure out why my Mondays get so full.
Tomorrow, Dick goes to The Clinic in Sheboygan for an echo cardiogram. I am assigned to go up to De. Hodous office and mention the split toe nail.
I read somewhere that the richest person in the world is not the one who has the most but the one who needs the least.
Something to think about.
Be healthy and happy.
Mary
We pray for lots of things too, you know. One of our people said that January makes her anxious for some reason and the reading from Nehemiah seemed to be for her "Do not be saddened this day, for rejoicing in the Lord must be your strength."
Stopped off to visit Mother after the study. She is doing well and her eye is starting to look more normal. She had received a nice letter from our cousin, David Bowser, who is a historian and genealogist. He sent a bit of family history and copies of some great pictures of Bowsers, Kings and Lyons. It is hard to believe that Mother will be 91 on Sunday.
Then home for lunch and off to the Plymouth Writers Club. They, I guess We now, call ourselves the Cream City Writers. Lots of things read at this meeting. I got good critique on a couple of poems. I found out that if I put them on the blog, they are considered published, so I probably won't be able to do that anymore, at least if I am sending them places.
When I got home, Jim and Michelle, who had a day off for Martin Luther King Day, were playing pool with Dick. That was a pleasant surprise. I had a conference call at 4:00 for Celtic Women. They were really impressed with Beth Dipple and my response to the Celtic Christmas Program. I need to contact Beth so we can plan a second program.
Picked up Market Day at 5:00 and then I was done. I cannot figure out why my Mondays get so full.
Tomorrow, Dick goes to The Clinic in Sheboygan for an echo cardiogram. I am assigned to go up to De. Hodous office and mention the split toe nail.
I read somewhere that the richest person in the world is not the one who has the most but the one who needs the least.
Something to think about.
Be healthy and happy.
Mary
Sunday, January 14, 2007
This was a very pleasant Sunday. Mass this morning and a very nice dinner at the Depot here in Plymouth with Michelle and Jim. I got a T-bone - memories of my father. Dad always LOVED t-bones. I suppose you know that the best flavored meat is the meat next to the bone. It was true tonight. Way too much food. I will not have to do any serious cooking until we are back from our weekend to Door County next weekend.
Called Bart and Barb tonight. I have been concerned because of Bart's kidney stones. He is still uncomfortable, but sounds quite strong. Oklahoma is having AWFUL weather. They were without power from Friday until this morning. There is an inch of ice on everything. Barb is concerned that unless there is a change, she will not be able to get to work tomorrow. She cannot even get in the car at this time.
Tried to call Bret, but no answer. I e-mailed Leslie. Figured there is no sense in calling her until the wedding storm has abated. I want to find out how the wedding went and hope we get some wonderful pictures. We do not really know what our granddaughters look like after all these years. I think we have a couple of pictures from about a year ago but we need new ones.
Shebogyan County is under a winter storm watch tonight. I hope it is not too bad as I have bible study in Sheboygan Falls tomorrow and really need to see Mother. I do feel it is important to spend time with Mom every week and after Bible STudy is SO convenient.
Bobbie said that she caught Roxie up on the top of her cupboards last week. From what she said it was really her and Oscar's fault because they wouldn't play with her when she asked. After all, who is in charge.
How Smart Is Your Right Foot?
This is so funny that it will boggle your mind. And, you will keep trying it at least 50 more times to see if you can outsmart your foot. But you can't!!!
1. While sitting at your desk, lift your right foot off the floor and make "clockwise" circles with it.
2. Now, while doing this, draw the number "6" in the air with your right hand..
Your foot will change direction!!!
Today's gospel was the story of the Wedding Feast at Cana. Fr. Van Beeck pointed out that it was Jesus that changed the water into wine. BUT it was Mary's FAITH that made it happen. She simply told the wine stewards to do what he said and trusted that he would not let her down.
Maybe we should do the same.
Love
Mary
Called Bart and Barb tonight. I have been concerned because of Bart's kidney stones. He is still uncomfortable, but sounds quite strong. Oklahoma is having AWFUL weather. They were without power from Friday until this morning. There is an inch of ice on everything. Barb is concerned that unless there is a change, she will not be able to get to work tomorrow. She cannot even get in the car at this time.
Tried to call Bret, but no answer. I e-mailed Leslie. Figured there is no sense in calling her until the wedding storm has abated. I want to find out how the wedding went and hope we get some wonderful pictures. We do not really know what our granddaughters look like after all these years. I think we have a couple of pictures from about a year ago but we need new ones.
Shebogyan County is under a winter storm watch tonight. I hope it is not too bad as I have bible study in Sheboygan Falls tomorrow and really need to see Mother. I do feel it is important to spend time with Mom every week and after Bible STudy is SO convenient.
Bobbie said that she caught Roxie up on the top of her cupboards last week. From what she said it was really her and Oscar's fault because they wouldn't play with her when she asked. After all, who is in charge.
How Smart Is Your Right Foot?
This is so funny that it will boggle your mind. And, you will keep trying it at least 50 more times to see if you can outsmart your foot. But you can't!!!
1. While sitting at your desk, lift your right foot off the floor and make "clockwise" circles with it.
2. Now, while doing this, draw the number "6" in the air with your right hand..
Your foot will change direction!!!
Today's gospel was the story of the Wedding Feast at Cana. Fr. Van Beeck pointed out that it was Jesus that changed the water into wine. BUT it was Mary's FAITH that made it happen. She simply told the wine stewards to do what he said and trusted that he would not let her down.
Maybe we should do the same.
Love
Mary
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Saturday already. A bit colder today. Chelsea let me sleep until 6:30AM but it was 23 degrees. She was eager to walk. But she did lead me kaddycorner accross the park instead of going around the WHOLE thing like we usually do.
I spent the morning catching up on computer stuff, working on a couple of poems and researching a bit on Door County. We are going there next weekend, you know. I am getting excited. A whole weekend with no phone and a hot tub and fireplace in the room. Such a deal.
Dick and I went to the Shops on Mill Street for a soup lunch. That is where I went yesterday with Beth. We had Lumberjack Vegetable today and I had a taste of Cream of Broccoli. Both were delicious. Bobbie and Bill came over for a "gourmet" liver dinner. Dick and Bill had hamburgers with mashed potatoes and gravy. The liver was really good. There was just enough left for Bobbie and I to split for sandwiches. Venison Liver is every bit as good as baby beef liver. This will not impress liver haters.
Jom and Michelle worked at a fundraiser for Children's Hospital this weekend. They had a shift last evening and then again late this afternoon. It is put on by a Pinstriper's group and a car group. They make money by auction and admission. The auction pieces are art pieces done by pinstripers. Jim and Michelle bought two and we were very impressed. Pinstriping nowadays is usually just strips pasted on. True pinstripers hand paint designs and do custom work.
We played a game of rummy tonight after they got home and Bill and Bobby left.
I heard on the news that China is facing a crisis. They suddenly have too many men for the women available for marriage. Surprise! Surprise! They had their one child per family in place and many couples used selective abortion to ensure that their one child was a boy. Well DUH!
For some reason, I was remembering a real macabre true event that occurred to a friend of mine years and years ago. She and her husband were filing for divorce and it was not a very civil divorce. One day he came over to the house in a real snit. He started screaming at her and suddenly collapsed on the doorstep and died of a heart attack. She was so grateful that the children were at school and did not have to witness, first: the tantrum and second: their father's death.
Remember that it is better to lower your voice in an argument because then the other person has to lower his or her voice to hear you.
Mary
I spent the morning catching up on computer stuff, working on a couple of poems and researching a bit on Door County. We are going there next weekend, you know. I am getting excited. A whole weekend with no phone and a hot tub and fireplace in the room. Such a deal.
Dick and I went to the Shops on Mill Street for a soup lunch. That is where I went yesterday with Beth. We had Lumberjack Vegetable today and I had a taste of Cream of Broccoli. Both were delicious. Bobbie and Bill came over for a "gourmet" liver dinner. Dick and Bill had hamburgers with mashed potatoes and gravy. The liver was really good. There was just enough left for Bobbie and I to split for sandwiches. Venison Liver is every bit as good as baby beef liver. This will not impress liver haters.
Jom and Michelle worked at a fundraiser for Children's Hospital this weekend. They had a shift last evening and then again late this afternoon. It is put on by a Pinstriper's group and a car group. They make money by auction and admission. The auction pieces are art pieces done by pinstripers. Jim and Michelle bought two and we were very impressed. Pinstriping nowadays is usually just strips pasted on. True pinstripers hand paint designs and do custom work.
We played a game of rummy tonight after they got home and Bill and Bobby left.
I heard on the news that China is facing a crisis. They suddenly have too many men for the women available for marriage. Surprise! Surprise! They had their one child per family in place and many couples used selective abortion to ensure that their one child was a boy. Well DUH!
For some reason, I was remembering a real macabre true event that occurred to a friend of mine years and years ago. She and her husband were filing for divorce and it was not a very civil divorce. One day he came over to the house in a real snit. He started screaming at her and suddenly collapsed on the doorstep and died of a heart attack. She was so grateful that the children were at school and did not have to witness, first: the tantrum and second: their father's death.
Remember that it is better to lower your voice in an argument because then the other person has to lower his or her voice to hear you.
Mary
Friday, January 12, 2007
A very busy day today. I cleaned the kitchen and bathrooms this morning. Then Dick and I went to Hunters Glen to pour water down the washing machine drain. We think the odd odor comes from there. If the water is not flowing regularly, there would be an eventual small of sewer. The house was nice and warm again so it should be pleasant for viewing.
Then I went for lunch with the bank friends. There were five of us today. Betty, Mary, Barb , Ceil and me. I had a grilled cheese. I do like the grilled cheese at the Dairy Queen. Probably next week, Dick and I will be on our way to Door county for our get away weekend.
I fixed spaghetti sauce this morning and we had spaghetti and meatballs for supper. Sure was good. I made half of what I usually make but have enough for lasagna and at least one more spaghetti meal.
Went shooting tonight. Not too good but not too bad either. Hope I can start getting good on the first one. It usually takes one to get my sights in.
I am working on two poems that I need to have finished by Monday morning. Both are kind of coming together. It is really good for me to have deadlines. ( Otherwise I need a REALLY big inspiration.) Deadlines, however, make me crazy. I like to put periods on sentences.
This morning on Good Morning America, they had a bit being put on by Lynn Shearer (I think I spelled her name right, but don't hold me to it.) Any way it featured reunions between animals showing that they do have memories and attachments to their own kind. One of the most touching things I have ever seen. Two circus elephants, one who had never seen another elephant in 25 years and one who had met this elephant that 25 years earlier were reunited at a refuge for elephants and other wild creatures. They had a fence between them in case the creatures were not receptive to each other. But the minute they were close enough they started caressing each other with their trunks and trying to get close and greeting each other. By morning they had disassembled the fence in their efforts to get close. The last scene is a film of the two walking across a field sides pressed together with their trunks entwined. It brings tears of joy.
Love is really special isn't it.
Mary
Then I went for lunch with the bank friends. There were five of us today. Betty, Mary, Barb , Ceil and me. I had a grilled cheese. I do like the grilled cheese at the Dairy Queen. Probably next week, Dick and I will be on our way to Door county for our get away weekend.
I fixed spaghetti sauce this morning and we had spaghetti and meatballs for supper. Sure was good. I made half of what I usually make but have enough for lasagna and at least one more spaghetti meal.
Went shooting tonight. Not too good but not too bad either. Hope I can start getting good on the first one. It usually takes one to get my sights in.
I am working on two poems that I need to have finished by Monday morning. Both are kind of coming together. It is really good for me to have deadlines. ( Otherwise I need a REALLY big inspiration.) Deadlines, however, make me crazy. I like to put periods on sentences.
This morning on Good Morning America, they had a bit being put on by Lynn Shearer (I think I spelled her name right, but don't hold me to it.) Any way it featured reunions between animals showing that they do have memories and attachments to their own kind. One of the most touching things I have ever seen. Two circus elephants, one who had never seen another elephant in 25 years and one who had met this elephant that 25 years earlier were reunited at a refuge for elephants and other wild creatures. They had a fence between them in case the creatures were not receptive to each other. But the minute they were close enough they started caressing each other with their trunks and trying to get close and greeting each other. By morning they had disassembled the fence in their efforts to get close. The last scene is a film of the two walking across a field sides pressed together with their trunks entwined. It brings tears of joy.
Love is really special isn't it.
Mary
Thursday, January 11, 2007
"In happiness or unhappiness, living is a duty and must be done thoroughly." From Cadfael's Book of Days by Robin Whitman, taken from Ellis Peter's writings.
We went grocery shopping today. We couldn't seem to get moving very fast. Then we went to the Family Restaurant for breakfast and that took forever. By the time we got home, it was after 10:00AM about an hour later than we usually are.
We had a message from Shanna at ReMax that there was a showing last night and that they are coming back next week to look again and to see the yard as it was dark when they came through. Shanna also told us that the house was VERY cold and that it looked like the thermostat needed batteries and that there was an odd smell just inside the back door.
SO we d took a drive over to the property with batteries and a screwdriver or two and sure enough the batteries were dead and the house was down to 49 degrees. BRRRR. We replaced the batteries and waited until heat was coming into the living room before we left. We decided that the odor is simply a "sewer" odor. There is no gas in that part of the house. The only source is the drain for the washing machine. Since it is not being used now, there is a drying out and a slight odor from the unused drain. We will pour water down there as well as running water in the sinks from now on.
Pray that we get a buyer soon.
This afternoon, I met Beth Hoegger, the music director at Blessed Trinity, for lunch. She has asked that I write a poem to be read at Fr. Neumann's farewell Mass as week from Sunday. Jim Wilsing will back the reading with a flute music background. Which sounds great to me. I have an idea. Now if I can just get it into words that will be appropriate. We had the best soup at the Mill Street Store. Red Pepper and Gouda cheese. Num Num. Come to visit and I will take you there. They have the soup special. $3.00 for all the soup you can eat with bread and croutons. They always have two choices of soup.
Jim and Michelle came over to try to put up the grab bars that we want in the shower stalls. However, we found that the studs are not up against the stall so we hit a snag. I am gong to make some calls to see if there are any other suggestions from the Department on Aging or perhaps Home Depot.
When Bart was in the Boy Scouts, he had the opportunity to go to camp in Colorado with his troop. He earned part of the money with a bike a thon and other things and we paid the rest. They got to tour many parks, Bryce comes to mind on the way there and then a week at camp. The first night I got a call from one of the parents who felt that she should prepare me for Bart who came on next.
He was homesick. I think he realized how far away we were and how long it would be til he came home. He was really distressed and I became so too. However, we could not do anyhting that night and he agreed to that. The parent and I decided that if he was still SO distressed the day after the next, he could come back with a couple of parents who were returning to California. I was on pins and needles for the next 24 hours or so, then got a call from Bart himself. He said that he was OK now and was staying. I was so proud of him. This was a once in a lifetime trip for him to see all he did at that age. He still sees scenic places and remembers being there on that trip. He is quite a guy and has tried a lot of things. I am proud of him. I hope he knows that.
Jim and Michelle brought Boots with them this evening. He sure is a cute little kitty. It sure makes me realize how much I miss my guys. I just wish I knew that they don't think that I don't love them anymore.
Take care
Mary
We went grocery shopping today. We couldn't seem to get moving very fast. Then we went to the Family Restaurant for breakfast and that took forever. By the time we got home, it was after 10:00AM about an hour later than we usually are.
We had a message from Shanna at ReMax that there was a showing last night and that they are coming back next week to look again and to see the yard as it was dark when they came through. Shanna also told us that the house was VERY cold and that it looked like the thermostat needed batteries and that there was an odd smell just inside the back door.
SO we d took a drive over to the property with batteries and a screwdriver or two and sure enough the batteries were dead and the house was down to 49 degrees. BRRRR. We replaced the batteries and waited until heat was coming into the living room before we left. We decided that the odor is simply a "sewer" odor. There is no gas in that part of the house. The only source is the drain for the washing machine. Since it is not being used now, there is a drying out and a slight odor from the unused drain. We will pour water down there as well as running water in the sinks from now on.
Pray that we get a buyer soon.
This afternoon, I met Beth Hoegger, the music director at Blessed Trinity, for lunch. She has asked that I write a poem to be read at Fr. Neumann's farewell Mass as week from Sunday. Jim Wilsing will back the reading with a flute music background. Which sounds great to me. I have an idea. Now if I can just get it into words that will be appropriate. We had the best soup at the Mill Street Store. Red Pepper and Gouda cheese. Num Num. Come to visit and I will take you there. They have the soup special. $3.00 for all the soup you can eat with bread and croutons. They always have two choices of soup.
Jim and Michelle came over to try to put up the grab bars that we want in the shower stalls. However, we found that the studs are not up against the stall so we hit a snag. I am gong to make some calls to see if there are any other suggestions from the Department on Aging or perhaps Home Depot.
When Bart was in the Boy Scouts, he had the opportunity to go to camp in Colorado with his troop. He earned part of the money with a bike a thon and other things and we paid the rest. They got to tour many parks, Bryce comes to mind on the way there and then a week at camp. The first night I got a call from one of the parents who felt that she should prepare me for Bart who came on next.
He was homesick. I think he realized how far away we were and how long it would be til he came home. He was really distressed and I became so too. However, we could not do anyhting that night and he agreed to that. The parent and I decided that if he was still SO distressed the day after the next, he could come back with a couple of parents who were returning to California. I was on pins and needles for the next 24 hours or so, then got a call from Bart himself. He said that he was OK now and was staying. I was so proud of him. This was a once in a lifetime trip for him to see all he did at that age. He still sees scenic places and remembers being there on that trip. He is quite a guy and has tried a lot of things. I am proud of him. I hope he knows that.
Jim and Michelle brought Boots with them this evening. He sure is a cute little kitty. It sure makes me realize how much I miss my guys. I just wish I knew that they don't think that I don't love them anymore.
Take care
Mary
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Today was a mixed day. It was cold this morning but there was no wind. I did not let Chelsea lead me around the park because Dick was concerned with us walking that far when it is so cold.
Dick had an 8:30AM appointment at the Aurora Clinic in Plymouth to get his blood test today. So we did that. Uncle Ken Thuemmler came in while we were there. He does deliveries for Aurora. So we caught up a bit.
Then home again where I spent the day just generally cleaning my desk, stirring wine and taking the tree down. It was quite quiet.
This evening Chelsea had a very bad seizure. It was the first one that she has had for quite a while, but it lasted longer and she slammed into the file cabinet on her way down. I couldn't get there fast enough. It scared her and scared me too.
I had expected that when the New Year came around, things would start looking up. Hasn't happened. I am trying to stay positive but it does get difficult when new things keep popping up. And I still don't have my kitties. They were always good about cuddling and purring to make me feel better.
Today on a quiz show some guy said that he set a record for eating crawfish. It reminded me of the time that Bart and his friend Scott went crawdad fishing in the drainage ditch when we lived his Huntington Beach. They came home so excited with this bucket of crawdads. For once Bart's Dad was enthusiastic about something that Bart did. Dick loved crawdads and helped the boys clean them. Then we cooked them up for dinner. They are really very good. Much like a crab or lobster meal. A bit sweeter and not quite as firm a meat but very good.
Yesterday we received an invitation to Dick's sister Hazel's 90th birthday party next month. That is something special to look forward to.
A friend sent this to me in an email today. Am I ever lucky. I found someone like this.
Find a guy who calls you beautiful instead of hot.
Who calls you back when you hang up on him.
Who will stay awake just to watch you sleep.
Wait for the guy who kisses your forehead.
Who wants to show you off to the world when you are in your sweats.
Who holds your hand in front of his friends.
Wait for the one who is constantly reminding you of how much he cares
about you and how lucky he is to have you.
Wait for the one who turns to his friends and says, "...that's her."
Guess thats all for tonight. Have a great evening.
Mary
Dick had an 8:30AM appointment at the Aurora Clinic in Plymouth to get his blood test today. So we did that. Uncle Ken Thuemmler came in while we were there. He does deliveries for Aurora. So we caught up a bit.
Then home again where I spent the day just generally cleaning my desk, stirring wine and taking the tree down. It was quite quiet.
This evening Chelsea had a very bad seizure. It was the first one that she has had for quite a while, but it lasted longer and she slammed into the file cabinet on her way down. I couldn't get there fast enough. It scared her and scared me too.
I had expected that when the New Year came around, things would start looking up. Hasn't happened. I am trying to stay positive but it does get difficult when new things keep popping up. And I still don't have my kitties. They were always good about cuddling and purring to make me feel better.
Today on a quiz show some guy said that he set a record for eating crawfish. It reminded me of the time that Bart and his friend Scott went crawdad fishing in the drainage ditch when we lived his Huntington Beach. They came home so excited with this bucket of crawdads. For once Bart's Dad was enthusiastic about something that Bart did. Dick loved crawdads and helped the boys clean them. Then we cooked them up for dinner. They are really very good. Much like a crab or lobster meal. A bit sweeter and not quite as firm a meat but very good.
Yesterday we received an invitation to Dick's sister Hazel's 90th birthday party next month. That is something special to look forward to.
A friend sent this to me in an email today. Am I ever lucky. I found someone like this.
Find a guy who calls you beautiful instead of hot.
Who calls you back when you hang up on him.
Who will stay awake just to watch you sleep.
Wait for the guy who kisses your forehead.
Who wants to show you off to the world when you are in your sweats.
Who holds your hand in front of his friends.
Wait for the one who is constantly reminding you of how much he cares
about you and how lucky he is to have you.
Wait for the one who turns to his friends and says, "...that's her."
Guess thats all for tonight. Have a great evening.
Mary
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
We were at the Clinic today at 9:45 to see Dr. Phelan. He has put Dick back on antibiotics. The legs are swollen and red and look kind of weepy too. The antibiotic will insure that infection does not settle in. Dr. Phelan noticed that the big toe nail on his right foot was loose. So we went upstairs to see Dr. Hodous. We had an appointment scheduled for next week but Dr. Phelan did not want us to wait that long. Dr. Hodous was able to fit Dick in and remove most of the nail. When we see him next week he will see if the rest should come off and trim the callouses. Now he takes medicine and we wait.
We stopped off at Mother's on the way to the clinic to drop off her VitEyes (vitamins to help her sight) and picked up Dick's prescription on the way home. By then it was almost noon. So I ate lunch and then made the rounds of the middle schools in Plymouth to drop off the information on the Write Stuff contest. That was an adventure as I was not familiar with the location of two of them. The public middle school and Faith Christian. I finally found them. When I got home I was exhausted so I took a nap.
The Ziggy cartoon was very funny today. It said "It's been six months and you haven't paid your bill. We've come to put your tonsils back in."
Have a great day and pray that Dick's legs heal very quickly.
Love
Mary
I got all the Christmas decorations stored today. The only thing left is the tree itself. That will have to be disassembled and stored in the basement.
Tonight I went to St. John's for Fr. Van Beeck's Adult Education hour. This month he covered the establishment of the Church. As he pointed out, we have two things that make us special. The Eucharist and history. We are the only church that has a history dating back to Christ and we supplied the New Testament. I also liked his statement that going to Mass on Sunday should not be an obligation but should be a privilege. Actually if I started feeling that it is an obligation, I probably wouldn't go.
We stopped off at Mother's on the way to the clinic to drop off her VitEyes (vitamins to help her sight) and picked up Dick's prescription on the way home. By then it was almost noon. So I ate lunch and then made the rounds of the middle schools in Plymouth to drop off the information on the Write Stuff contest. That was an adventure as I was not familiar with the location of two of them. The public middle school and Faith Christian. I finally found them. When I got home I was exhausted so I took a nap.
The Ziggy cartoon was very funny today. It said "It's been six months and you haven't paid your bill. We've come to put your tonsils back in."
Have a great day and pray that Dick's legs heal very quickly.
Love
Mary
I got all the Christmas decorations stored today. The only thing left is the tree itself. That will have to be disassembled and stored in the basement.
Tonight I went to St. John's for Fr. Van Beeck's Adult Education hour. This month he covered the establishment of the Church. As he pointed out, we have two things that make us special. The Eucharist and history. We are the only church that has a history dating back to Christ and we supplied the New Testament. I also liked his statement that going to Mass on Sunday should not be an obligation but should be a privilege. Actually if I started feeling that it is an obligation, I probably wouldn't go.
Monday, January 08, 2007
Dick and I met his new doctor, Dr. Mark Sharon today. Dick had to have someone check his heart for that murmur and Dr. Phelan is phasing out of the clinic as I have mentioned. Dr. Sharon has told us that he does not consider Dick borderline diabetic but just flat out a diabetic. He is going to have the experts at the clinic arrange for education for us so that we can become wise in the eating habits. He also gave us some hints to help the circulation and ordered some tests of his own. We are pleased. Dr. Phelan is going to look at his legs tomorrow and will forward his findings to Dr. Sharon so Dr. Sharon can decide how he wants to treat the problem. Whew. So we see Dr. Phelan tomorrow and get blood tests on Wednesday. Then next week he will have an EKG and see Dr. Hodous for the callouses and Sue for the blood count. I wonder what they would do without us. Probably go out of business.
I did get to about half of bible study this morning. We had a good group there and the reading was the Wedding Feast at Cana. We all had our theories as to why Jesus asked Mary what she expected but noted as mothers ourselves, most of us anyway, that she acted like any mother. She smiled at his statement and told the people to just do what he said.
Then I stopped to visit with Mother. She really has a shiner from that fall. She never would have been able to hide it from us. She is feeling well enough to go the the senior meals tomorrow and to play cards with her friends on Thursday so I know she is better.
Next I went on to the Sheboygan Writers Club. We are in the middle of two events. Our 50th anniversary as a club is in 2007 AND we will be doing our second Write Stuff (a writing contest for middle school students) in cooperation with the Sheboygan Press. We have three categories: poetry, short story and essay. I will help judge the poetry. Last year we just went to the Sheboygan Schools and we had over 100 entries. This year we have opened it up to the county. I will be delivering the envelopes to the Plymouth schools tomorrow.
I turned in The Knockeen Dolmen poem for the booklet that we are putting together for the 50th celebration on February 10th. We are all submitting a piece for the booklet and then will have a reading from 1 to 2 on the 10th in the Rocca Room at Mead.
Hope that you can come. Hope I can. I am not sure when the Wild Game Dinner is. Jeff thinks it is the first weekend. I thought it was the second weekend and have signed up for a Celtic Spirituality Retreat for Feb. 2, 3 and 4. Oh well, I will just get the roast ready and over to Becky before I leave with instructions. If it is the second weekend I will have to miss the Writer's thing as family will come before that. I might be able to sneak away for a bit or perhaps go to the dinner after the readings. Oh well, sufficient unto the day.
Have a nice evening.
Love
Mary
Tonight was the Rhine Plymouth general meeting. I am no longer the secretary. It was my first meeting in four years that I didn't have to take notes for. Was that ever nice.
We had pizza for supper tonight. Hadn't had pizza in ages and I had one in the freezer begging to be eaten. Tasted pretty good and we have some left for lunches or another meal. It is rather hard to cook for two. But I am learning. I am certainly cutting out any recipes for two that I find. Usually they are enough for four anyway and we have two meals out of them. I cooked a pound of venison the other day. We have had two meals with it already and have enough left for at least a sandwich. I may have that tomorrow for lunch.
It will be interesting to see how much I have to change the way I prepare food and if we have to do much changing of habits. I told Dick he is probably going to have to give up his Pringles.
I did get to about half of bible study this morning. We had a good group there and the reading was the Wedding Feast at Cana. We all had our theories as to why Jesus asked Mary what she expected but noted as mothers ourselves, most of us anyway, that she acted like any mother. She smiled at his statement and told the people to just do what he said.
Then I stopped to visit with Mother. She really has a shiner from that fall. She never would have been able to hide it from us. She is feeling well enough to go the the senior meals tomorrow and to play cards with her friends on Thursday so I know she is better.
Next I went on to the Sheboygan Writers Club. We are in the middle of two events. Our 50th anniversary as a club is in 2007 AND we will be doing our second Write Stuff (a writing contest for middle school students) in cooperation with the Sheboygan Press. We have three categories: poetry, short story and essay. I will help judge the poetry. Last year we just went to the Sheboygan Schools and we had over 100 entries. This year we have opened it up to the county. I will be delivering the envelopes to the Plymouth schools tomorrow.
I turned in The Knockeen Dolmen poem for the booklet that we are putting together for the 50th celebration on February 10th. We are all submitting a piece for the booklet and then will have a reading from 1 to 2 on the 10th in the Rocca Room at Mead.
Hope that you can come. Hope I can. I am not sure when the Wild Game Dinner is. Jeff thinks it is the first weekend. I thought it was the second weekend and have signed up for a Celtic Spirituality Retreat for Feb. 2, 3 and 4. Oh well, I will just get the roast ready and over to Becky before I leave with instructions. If it is the second weekend I will have to miss the Writer's thing as family will come before that. I might be able to sneak away for a bit or perhaps go to the dinner after the readings. Oh well, sufficient unto the day.
Have a nice evening.
Love
Mary
Tonight was the Rhine Plymouth general meeting. I am no longer the secretary. It was my first meeting in four years that I didn't have to take notes for. Was that ever nice.
We had pizza for supper tonight. Hadn't had pizza in ages and I had one in the freezer begging to be eaten. Tasted pretty good and we have some left for lunches or another meal. It is rather hard to cook for two. But I am learning. I am certainly cutting out any recipes for two that I find. Usually they are enough for four anyway and we have two meals out of them. I cooked a pound of venison the other day. We have had two meals with it already and have enough left for at least a sandwich. I may have that tomorrow for lunch.
It will be interesting to see how much I have to change the way I prepare food and if we have to do much changing of habits. I told Dick he is probably going to have to give up his Pringles.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
It was really chilly today. But no wind so manageable. Chelsea and I did have a nice walk. After that I showered and headed for church. I am embarrassed. I was supposed to be a communion distributor. I forgot. Fortunately all ministers watch and if there is one short someone fills in. I confessed to Fr. Van Beeck after Mass and he forgave me.
I spent the rest of the day resting between putting Christmas decorations away. I got the tree totally undressed and should be able to finish the rest in one more session. Then I want to spend some time sorting the boxes downstairs so that I don't have stuff we don't need.
I called Bart and Barb tonight. Bart is still having kidney stone troubles and will be tested tomorrow to see how bad the problem is. A few prayers are in order.
This is an old post but since we are getting election hype already, perhaps it is a good time to revisit it and to ask a few questions.
----------------------------------
SOCIAL SECURITY:
(This is worth reading. It is short and to the point.)
Perhaps we are asking the wrong questions during election years.
Our Senators and Congresswomen do not pay into Social Security and, of
course, they do not collect from it.
You see, Social Security benefits were not suitable for persons of their
rare elevation in society. They felt they should have a special plan for
themselves. So, many years ago they voted in their own benefit plan .
In more recent years, no congressperson has felt the need to change it.
After all, it is a great plan.
For all practical purposes their plan works like this:
When they retire, they continue to draw the same pay until they die.
Except it may increase from time to time for cost of living adjustments..
This is calculated on an average life span for each of those two
Dignitaries. For example, Senator Byrd and Congressman White and their
wives may expect to draw $7,800,000.00 (that's Seven Million,
Eight-Hundred Thousand Dollars), with their wives drawing $275,000.00
during the last years of their lives.
Younger Dignitaries who retire at an early age, will receive much more
during the rest of their lives.
Their cost for this excellent plan is $0.00. NADA....ZILCH....
This little perk they voted for themselves is free to them. You and I pick
up the tab for this plan. The funds for this fine retirement plan come
directly from the General Funds;
"OUR TAX DOLLARS AT WORK"!
From our own Social Security Plan, which you and I pay (or have paid)
into,-every payday until we retire (which amount is matched by our
employer)-we can expect to get an average of $1,000 per month after
retirement.
Or, in other words, we would have to collect our average of $1,000 monthly
benefits for 68 years and one (1) month to equal Senator! Bill Bradley's
benefits!
Social Security could be very good if only one small change were made.
That change would be to:
Jerk the Golden Fleece Retirement Plan from under the Senators and
Congressmen. Put them into the Social Security plan with the rest of us ..
then sit back.....
and watch how fast they would fix it.
We start the doctor appointments again tomorrow. I am glad that I took it easy today. I think I needed a day without pressure.
Have a good week. Til tomorrow
Mary
I spent the rest of the day resting between putting Christmas decorations away. I got the tree totally undressed and should be able to finish the rest in one more session. Then I want to spend some time sorting the boxes downstairs so that I don't have stuff we don't need.
I called Bart and Barb tonight. Bart is still having kidney stone troubles and will be tested tomorrow to see how bad the problem is. A few prayers are in order.
This is an old post but since we are getting election hype already, perhaps it is a good time to revisit it and to ask a few questions.
----------------------------------
SOCIAL SECURITY:
(This is worth reading. It is short and to the point.)
Perhaps we are asking the wrong questions during election years.
Our Senators and Congresswomen do not pay into Social Security and, of
course, they do not collect from it.
You see, Social Security benefits were not suitable for persons of their
rare elevation in society. They felt they should have a special plan for
themselves. So, many years ago they voted in their own benefit plan .
In more recent years, no congressperson has felt the need to change it.
After all, it is a great plan.
For all practical purposes their plan works like this:
When they retire, they continue to draw the same pay until they die.
Except it may increase from time to time for cost of living adjustments..
This is calculated on an average life span for each of those two
Dignitaries. For example, Senator Byrd and Congressman White and their
wives may expect to draw $7,800,000.00 (that's Seven Million,
Eight-Hundred Thousand Dollars), with their wives drawing $275,000.00
during the last years of their lives.
Younger Dignitaries who retire at an early age, will receive much more
during the rest of their lives.
Their cost for this excellent plan is $0.00. NADA....ZILCH....
This little perk they voted for themselves is free to them. You and I pick
up the tab for this plan. The funds for this fine retirement plan come
directly from the General Funds;
"OUR TAX DOLLARS AT WORK"!
From our own Social Security Plan, which you and I pay (or have paid)
into,-every payday until we retire (which amount is matched by our
employer)-we can expect to get an average of $1,000 per month after
retirement.
Or, in other words, we would have to collect our average of $1,000 monthly
benefits for 68 years and one (1) month to equal Senator! Bill Bradley's
benefits!
Social Security could be very good if only one small change were made.
That change would be to:
Jerk the Golden Fleece Retirement Plan from under the Senators and
Congressmen. Put them into the Social Security plan with the rest of us ..
then sit back.....
and watch how fast they would fix it.
We start the doctor appointments again tomorrow. I am glad that I took it easy today. I think I needed a day without pressure.
Have a good week. Til tomorrow
Mary
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