We had a FUN day. This morning Dick and I went to the house on Hunters Glen and took care of our faithful lawn mower, Patrick's pay for the past couple of months. Now pray that the house sells soon so that mowing and shoveling become non relevant for us soon.
Then we went to Main Dish over on Hwy 42. They are a service that provides the ability to assemble meals and bring them home ready to pop in the oven for you. They had a special today. for $12 you could get one container with enough to feed 4 to 6 or two with each serving 2 to 3. They had a choice of Chicken Parmesean or Pork Medalians. We chose Chicken Parmesean. It was really fun and I brought home two containers with Chicken Parmesean that will provide easily a main dish from each container for two meals for Dick and Me. As I was leaving, Jim and Michelle came in. They got the Pork Medalians, so we traded two. That will give us four meals, two of each kind. What a deal. I would be willing to go back. (Of course, we have to taste them first.)
Then we stopped at Walmart and I reupped my Trak phone. for another year. Then to Walgreens for my stomach medicine and home.
We were glad to get there by then.
Jim and Michelle came over and put a swivel shelf on our dresser for the tv. The video machine fits underneath it and we are all set for now.
We shared our lunch of pasta salad and salmon/cheese and crackers then I rested for a while. The Badgers won. Yea.
I worked a bit on Donna's baby quilt. Got the batting in and put the first stitching around the edge.
We had chicken stir fry for supper. Pretty good too. I used a package of frozen brocolli, fresh mushrooms, celery, red onion and chicken.
Tonight we have to remember to turn the clocks back as daylight savings time starts in the morning. Chelsea and I will like that for a while. It will be lighter when we walk. I hope she knows that I get an extra hour sleep.
Remember: Dogs and cats are better than kids because they:
1 - Eat less
2 - Don't ask for money all the time
3 - Are easier to train
4 - Usually come when called
5 - Never drive your car
6 - Don't hang out with drug-using friends
7 - Don't smoke or drink
8 - Don't worry about having to buy the latest fashions
9 - Don't wear your clothes
10. Don't need a gazillion dollars for college, and
11. If they get pregnant, you can sell their children.
love
Mary
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Friday, October 27, 2006
Today was mild and clear. I had to do several errands so was able to be out and about and enjoy it.
Jim and Michelle got back from their honeymoon early this afternoon. Just before I left for lunch with the girls at Dairy Queen. I had a nice grilled cheese lunch there then did a bit of shopping. I found the Ivory Snow that Dick needs for his sox, a rod to put in the spiderweb hanging, the meal deal and some oreo cookies at Pick and Save.
Then I met Beth Dipple from Sheboygan County Historical Research at the Plymouth Historical Building which is still under construction in the building that used to house my friend David Roehre's Barber Shop. They say they will be ready for business by November 17 as that is when they are having their open house. Beth and I are hoping to sponser and run three 9or four at the most,0 "Irish" nights in Plymouth at the Historical Center. We want to start with a Christmas event in December. The Center people are quite agreeable to the idea. We have two weekends picked and I will contact a harper from Milwaukee to see if she is available either of them. Then we will start advertising and plan the event. We figure we can feature the Historical Center, have a harp concert and serve tea, coffee, hot cider and irish cookies and breads. I'll keep you posted, perhaps you would like to join us.
Tonight I shot pistol league and had my very worst score of the year on one of the targets. Then I went to Book Heads, the local book store, to meet Mary Bergin who has written Sidetracked in Wisconsin, a Guide for Thoughtful Travelers. She was quite pleasant and I bought a book and had it autographed. I had left five of my books with theowner of Book Heads and she has them nicely displayed as a Local Writer in the poetry section.
Gee. I am in a bookstore.
Love
Mary
Jim and Michelle got back from their honeymoon early this afternoon. Just before I left for lunch with the girls at Dairy Queen. I had a nice grilled cheese lunch there then did a bit of shopping. I found the Ivory Snow that Dick needs for his sox, a rod to put in the spiderweb hanging, the meal deal and some oreo cookies at Pick and Save.
Then I met Beth Dipple from Sheboygan County Historical Research at the Plymouth Historical Building which is still under construction in the building that used to house my friend David Roehre's Barber Shop. They say they will be ready for business by November 17 as that is when they are having their open house. Beth and I are hoping to sponser and run three 9or four at the most,0 "Irish" nights in Plymouth at the Historical Center. We want to start with a Christmas event in December. The Center people are quite agreeable to the idea. We have two weekends picked and I will contact a harper from Milwaukee to see if she is available either of them. Then we will start advertising and plan the event. We figure we can feature the Historical Center, have a harp concert and serve tea, coffee, hot cider and irish cookies and breads. I'll keep you posted, perhaps you would like to join us.
Tonight I shot pistol league and had my very worst score of the year on one of the targets. Then I went to Book Heads, the local book store, to meet Mary Bergin who has written Sidetracked in Wisconsin, a Guide for Thoughtful Travelers. She was quite pleasant and I bought a book and had it autographed. I had left five of my books with theowner of Book Heads and she has them nicely displayed as a Local Writer in the poetry section.
Gee. I am in a bookstore.
Love
Mary
Thursday, October 26, 2006
I sewed and wrote to day.
I pinned the kitty/doggy quilt to ghe batting and backing. Tomorrow, I will put it on the quilt rack and start quilting it. I sure wish my Roxie and Oscar were here to enjoy the wonderful hammock that this will provide.
I also sewed the front and back of Donna's quilt together and will turn it inside out and slip the batting in tomorrow. It is a tied quilt so I won't have as much quilting to do.
I cleaned my desk and also wrote a poem today.
Chelsea let me sleep until 6:30AM, mainly because Dick had shut her out of the bedroom. We had a really nice walk, then I cleaned the bathrooms.
Tomorrow will be a busy day OUT of the house. I have several stops after lunch and in the evening. We are watching one of our horror DVDs, Bedlam. Have you noticed that there is absolutely NOTHING worth seeing on TV?
I read in the Plymouth Review that Plymouth will have their children celebrate Halloween on Sunday between 3 and 5 in the afternoon. We have been informed that very few children make the rounds in Tall Grass but we are ready with two bags of snack sized peanut M & M's in case of a sudden mob. When Halloween is over, I will get out the Thanksgiving things.
I made some Rice Krispy Candy in the shape of bones that I will frost and lay on a platter of Oreo Cookie Crumb dirt. Doesn't that sound like FUN?
Got an e mail from Leslie. It sounds like she and Dick have similar leg problems. Both girls are living on their own and she is a full time homemaker now, mainly because of her health. Wonder if she and Bill will get up here one of these days. His mother and one of his sisters were very ill. Pray for them if you can. They are both showing signs of improvement. That must be a big comfort to Bill.
Take Care
Boo
Mary
I pinned the kitty/doggy quilt to ghe batting and backing. Tomorrow, I will put it on the quilt rack and start quilting it. I sure wish my Roxie and Oscar were here to enjoy the wonderful hammock that this will provide.
I also sewed the front and back of Donna's quilt together and will turn it inside out and slip the batting in tomorrow. It is a tied quilt so I won't have as much quilting to do.
I cleaned my desk and also wrote a poem today.
Chelsea let me sleep until 6:30AM, mainly because Dick had shut her out of the bedroom. We had a really nice walk, then I cleaned the bathrooms.
Tomorrow will be a busy day OUT of the house. I have several stops after lunch and in the evening. We are watching one of our horror DVDs, Bedlam. Have you noticed that there is absolutely NOTHING worth seeing on TV?
I read in the Plymouth Review that Plymouth will have their children celebrate Halloween on Sunday between 3 and 5 in the afternoon. We have been informed that very few children make the rounds in Tall Grass but we are ready with two bags of snack sized peanut M & M's in case of a sudden mob. When Halloween is over, I will get out the Thanksgiving things.
I made some Rice Krispy Candy in the shape of bones that I will frost and lay on a platter of Oreo Cookie Crumb dirt. Doesn't that sound like FUN?
Got an e mail from Leslie. It sounds like she and Dick have similar leg problems. Both girls are living on their own and she is a full time homemaker now, mainly because of her health. Wonder if she and Bill will get up here one of these days. His mother and one of his sisters were very ill. Pray for them if you can. They are both showing signs of improvement. That must be a big comfort to Bill.
Take Care
Boo
Mary
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Chelsea slept until 6:15AM this morning. That was quite a nice thing for her to do, but it was still very dark out there, so we just went for a very short walk. Then at about 9:00 she and I went out again and went all around the Tallgrass complex and then around Lions Park and came back through the path that I cleared from the park to the back of our unit. She was a very happy girl. It is NOW time, because of the dark to do this every day.
Dick and I went to K-Mart today too. We are looking for Ivory Snow to wash his socks in. Nobody seems to be carrying it anymore. I will try WalMart on Friday and then our only hope is Woodlake. But I did find a couple of plants for the kitchen and a turntable for the TV in our bedroom. So it was a successful trip.
This afternoon, I cut out a few denim squares for the future quilt and emptied two boxes out in the garage. Everything that is left is Dick's. HOWEVER, I cannot find three pictures and a coffee perculator. Beats me where they have gone. I am sure they will sow up eventually. I remember that when we moved Mother and Dad to the little "Grandma" house (as Bret puts it) on Summer St. in Sheboygan Falls, they could not find all of Mother's spoons. Then, one day, Dad called Mother to come down into the basement and underneath a box and some folded linens were all of the spoons, carefully wrapped and ready to hang. I have faith. The pictures are two small cards that my Uncle George hand did for Christmas two years in a row in watercolor and a painting on hard medium that my Brother Matthew did. He is the poet who died when he was only 17. I KNOW they are here somewhere.
Tomorrow is scheduled to be very quiet day. We should not have to go ANYWHERE. I intend to sew and write and clean.
Hope you have a good day too.
Love
Mary
Dick and I went to K-Mart today too. We are looking for Ivory Snow to wash his socks in. Nobody seems to be carrying it anymore. I will try WalMart on Friday and then our only hope is Woodlake. But I did find a couple of plants for the kitchen and a turntable for the TV in our bedroom. So it was a successful trip.
This afternoon, I cut out a few denim squares for the future quilt and emptied two boxes out in the garage. Everything that is left is Dick's. HOWEVER, I cannot find three pictures and a coffee perculator. Beats me where they have gone. I am sure they will sow up eventually. I remember that when we moved Mother and Dad to the little "Grandma" house (as Bret puts it) on Summer St. in Sheboygan Falls, they could not find all of Mother's spoons. Then, one day, Dad called Mother to come down into the basement and underneath a box and some folded linens were all of the spoons, carefully wrapped and ready to hang. I have faith. The pictures are two small cards that my Uncle George hand did for Christmas two years in a row in watercolor and a painting on hard medium that my Brother Matthew did. He is the poet who died when he was only 17. I KNOW they are here somewhere.
Tomorrow is scheduled to be very quiet day. We should not have to go ANYWHERE. I intend to sew and write and clean.
Hope you have a good day too.
Love
Mary
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
A day mostly at home. It was clear crisp and cold most of the day too. We got up at 6:30AM, Celsea and me. It was just beginning to get light. After this weekend, when the time changes, I will start taking her out for quick relief and then we will take a longer walk later in the day when there is sunshine. It only takes her a few days to catch on.
We went grocery shopping after a Mc Donald's breakfast and then stayed home the whole day. I watched Dancing with the Stars while doing some sewing. I finished the quilt top for my friend Donna to give to Helen and Kenny's grandson. I think I mentioned the beautiful cross stitch that she does. Now I just need to pick up a bit of batting and assemble it. I also did more work on the kitten/doggy quilt.
We had turkey patties with bread stuffing casserole for supper along with fresh apple crisp.
Tomorrow will be another rather quiet day. We want to do a bit of shopping for some odd little things we need for the house but the rest of the day is free at home again. I intend to sew some more and Dick and I are busy sorting out and culling old cleaning products. The boxes are ALMOST all emptied and the things put away.
We went grocery shopping after a Mc Donald's breakfast and then stayed home the whole day. I watched Dancing with the Stars while doing some sewing. I finished the quilt top for my friend Donna to give to Helen and Kenny's grandson. I think I mentioned the beautiful cross stitch that she does. Now I just need to pick up a bit of batting and assemble it. I also did more work on the kitten/doggy quilt.
We had turkey patties with bread stuffing casserole for supper along with fresh apple crisp.
Tomorrow will be another rather quiet day. We want to do a bit of shopping for some odd little things we need for the house but the rest of the day is free at home again. I intend to sew some more and Dick and I are busy sorting out and culling old cleaning products. The boxes are ALMOST all emptied and the things put away.
BREATH by ME
The freshness of the dew
In a clearing in the midst of a forest
Highlights red locust and green willow
Still flush with the hues of their youth.
Moist, damp and sweet
Like the rain forest at dawn
Gentle rain and whispy filmy ferns
Breath in and out with pulsing languid life
Under the newly budded maple
Listen to life-renewing rain
Tenderly wash reaching branches
Then fall to nourish the earth below.
Love
Mary
Monday, October 23, 2006
A nice Bible Study this morning. We are reading some Jeremiah for our first reading at the Sunday Mass. This coming Sunday is the good news to Jeremiah that God will be reuniting the Hebrew people in Israel after the Babylon exile. He had to do a lot of reuniting because the people would disobey his requests. I like the "changing sadness to joy" concept.
I showed Donna the quilt as far as I have it and she is pleased. She did a cross stitch sampler for me of Dick and my wedding . It is truely lovely and she has it all ready to hang.
Then I came home. I went to the Plymouth Writer's Club a week late, they meet on the THIRD Monday fo each month. However, I was able to leave four books at Book Head and she will display them as a local author's work . I akso left one at the Plymouth Library for their collection.
This afternoon, was really kind of quiet. I did some cooking called a friend and wrote a note to another friend.
Found a great channel on TV. They run Dick Cavett's old interviews in the afternoons. I watched the show where he interviewed Groucho Marx. Groucho was charming. He sang and told stories with his wonderful wit. I wrote down a quotation that was just SO Groucho. "I think women are sexy when they have their clothes on. Then if they take them off later, you've triumphed."
I also called Barbara this evening and found out that my new great grandaughter is named Abigail Elaine.
Have a lovely evening.
Mary
I showed Donna the quilt as far as I have it and she is pleased. She did a cross stitch sampler for me of Dick and my wedding . It is truely lovely and she has it all ready to hang.
Then I came home. I went to the Plymouth Writer's Club a week late, they meet on the THIRD Monday fo each month. However, I was able to leave four books at Book Head and she will display them as a local author's work . I akso left one at the Plymouth Library for their collection.
This afternoon, was really kind of quiet. I did some cooking called a friend and wrote a note to another friend.
Found a great channel on TV. They run Dick Cavett's old interviews in the afternoons. I watched the show where he interviewed Groucho Marx. Groucho was charming. He sang and told stories with his wonderful wit. I wrote down a quotation that was just SO Groucho. "I think women are sexy when they have their clothes on. Then if they take them off later, you've triumphed."
I also called Barbara this evening and found out that my new great grandaughter is named Abigail Elaine.
Have a lovely evening.
Mary
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Sorry for no Blog last night, but when I finally got time to post, at about 9:30PM the blogger site was down. I was also working with the slowest computer time in the world. However when Dick Jr figured out that the blog site was down, it was the perfect excuse to go to bed.
The wedding day was very very special. I invited Jim and Michelle to join, Dick, Dick, Brenda and myself for a special brunch, the Groom's Grub, as Jim referred to it. Then we gradually got dressed, and Jim and Michelle put out all the food that they could and had all the rest ready for the big event.
The ceremony was in Grafton in a lovely Veteran's Park under a roofed gazebo. By the time we got there it was rainy and rather cold, but under cover, the ceremony was lovely and very special. There were the Kunerts, myself and Dick, Bobbie and Bill, Dick and Brenda and Dick's Sister Hazel with Suzi. Then the Deeleys, Mom, Jeff, Kathy and Sara, Eileen, Donna and Becky. Bob Thomas and Gary came from the library, so we had a good group surrounding the happy couple. Judge Stengel came in his black robe and did a really nice ceremony for them.
George, Betsy, Shawn and Sara got there just a bit late but were part of it all and I was so glad to see them.
We didn't hang around the park too long as it was cold. The condo was all toasty and warm. Just the Kunerts had a chance to visit and snack a bit before the other guests arrived. The party was lively and warm and loving for Jim and Michelle. I think they were very happy. Dick Jr. said the toast for his brother and we all ate Michelle's delicious feast with gusto. After everyone left, Brenda, Bobbie and I helped clean up and put the food away. I have one layer of the cake in my freezer. It will stay there for a week, then Jim and Michelle are taking it to work to share.
It was a very special day.
Today was MUCH quieter. I went to the 8AM Mass in Falls and just zipped in to say HI to Mom. She was pleased to be a part of the event. When I got home, I fixed egg and cheese sandwiches for everybody before Jim and Michelle left for Florence WI on their honeymoon and Dick and Brenda left for home.
Bobbie and I worked at Rhine Plymouth today. We got to come home early because it was so slow. Probably because it was rather cold and windy and because there was a Packer Game on at noon. By the way, the Packer's WON. They actually beat Miami IN Miami. Wahoo!
I will post a picture of the happy couple.
Love
Mary
The wedding day was very very special. I invited Jim and Michelle to join, Dick, Dick, Brenda and myself for a special brunch, the Groom's Grub, as Jim referred to it. Then we gradually got dressed, and Jim and Michelle put out all the food that they could and had all the rest ready for the big event.
The ceremony was in Grafton in a lovely Veteran's Park under a roofed gazebo. By the time we got there it was rainy and rather cold, but under cover, the ceremony was lovely and very special. There were the Kunerts, myself and Dick, Bobbie and Bill, Dick and Brenda and Dick's Sister Hazel with Suzi. Then the Deeleys, Mom, Jeff, Kathy and Sara, Eileen, Donna and Becky. Bob Thomas and Gary came from the library, so we had a good group surrounding the happy couple. Judge Stengel came in his black robe and did a really nice ceremony for them.
George, Betsy, Shawn and Sara got there just a bit late but were part of it all and I was so glad to see them.
We didn't hang around the park too long as it was cold. The condo was all toasty and warm. Just the Kunerts had a chance to visit and snack a bit before the other guests arrived. The party was lively and warm and loving for Jim and Michelle. I think they were very happy. Dick Jr. said the toast for his brother and we all ate Michelle's delicious feast with gusto. After everyone left, Brenda, Bobbie and I helped clean up and put the food away. I have one layer of the cake in my freezer. It will stay there for a week, then Jim and Michelle are taking it to work to share.
It was a very special day.
Today was MUCH quieter. I went to the 8AM Mass in Falls and just zipped in to say HI to Mom. She was pleased to be a part of the event. When I got home, I fixed egg and cheese sandwiches for everybody before Jim and Michelle left for Florence WI on their honeymoon and Dick and Brenda left for home.
Bobbie and I worked at Rhine Plymouth today. We got to come home early because it was so slow. Probably because it was rather cold and windy and because there was a Packer Game on at noon. By the way, the Packer's WON. They actually beat Miami IN Miami. Wahoo!
I will post a picture of the happy couple.
Love
Mary
Friday, October 20, 2006
Chelsea let me sleep until 6:30 this morning. That was quite useful as it was beginning to get light when we started our walk and was quite light by the time we finished. She was a really active old lady this morning. We went down ALL the cul de sacs - June Grass, Cattail AND Indian Grass, then went down Eastern Avenue to Valley Road and followed the path along Lions Park until we got to the place where we could go through the woods right to our back yard. A nice pleasant walk.
When we got back, Dick was sleeping, so we ate breakfast, cleaned the kitchen and emptied a few little boxes. I had lunch at the Dairy Queen, a cup of chili, and a nice visit with Alice, Betty, Barb, Mary and Dawn. A nice visit and break in the day.
Then I rested a bit until Jim and Michelle came home. We found spots to put the wedding cake. Dick and Brenda got her at about 5:00 so we visited with them and Jim and Michelle for a bit more then out to dinner at the Villager. Brenda and I took a quick swing through Evans. Dick and Dick really wanted to go home so kept calling us AND then there was an announcement that the store was closing in 7 minutes (not 5 or 10 but SEVEN) so we figured we had better leave.
When we got home we called Jim and Michelle over for a little shot of White Chocolate Liquor and coffee. I found out that Michelle has never been to Evans so will take her and Jim some day. That is an experience that everybody should have. I know that when Sarah, George and Betsy's daughter in law, comes to visit she INSISTS on going to Evans, just to buy their candy. ( the old nickel and dime kind that you can't find anywhere)
Tomorrow is the big day. The wedding. Today was Michelle's birthday, tomorrow the wedding and Sunday, Jim's birthday. They sure know how to hold each other to remembering. Jim and Michelle are going to get their flowers early in the morning, so I suggested that we have a nice Bride's Brunch, or as Jim calls it a Groom's Gorge. Hope I remembered that right. He is very alert and notices that EVERYTHING is for the bride.
It is getting close to Halloween. I will tell you my little Halloween poem because I can't think of any clever way to end tonight.
From ghoulies and ghosties
And long leggity beasties
And things that go bump in the night.
Precious Lord , deliver us.
Mary
When we got back, Dick was sleeping, so we ate breakfast, cleaned the kitchen and emptied a few little boxes. I had lunch at the Dairy Queen, a cup of chili, and a nice visit with Alice, Betty, Barb, Mary and Dawn. A nice visit and break in the day.
Then I rested a bit until Jim and Michelle came home. We found spots to put the wedding cake. Dick and Brenda got her at about 5:00 so we visited with them and Jim and Michelle for a bit more then out to dinner at the Villager. Brenda and I took a quick swing through Evans. Dick and Dick really wanted to go home so kept calling us AND then there was an announcement that the store was closing in 7 minutes (not 5 or 10 but SEVEN) so we figured we had better leave.
When we got home we called Jim and Michelle over for a little shot of White Chocolate Liquor and coffee. I found out that Michelle has never been to Evans so will take her and Jim some day. That is an experience that everybody should have. I know that when Sarah, George and Betsy's daughter in law, comes to visit she INSISTS on going to Evans, just to buy their candy. ( the old nickel and dime kind that you can't find anywhere)
Tomorrow is the big day. The wedding. Today was Michelle's birthday, tomorrow the wedding and Sunday, Jim's birthday. They sure know how to hold each other to remembering. Jim and Michelle are going to get their flowers early in the morning, so I suggested that we have a nice Bride's Brunch, or as Jim calls it a Groom's Gorge. Hope I remembered that right. He is very alert and notices that EVERYTHING is for the bride.
It is getting close to Halloween. I will tell you my little Halloween poem because I can't think of any clever way to end tonight.
From ghoulies and ghosties
And long leggity beasties
And things that go bump in the night.
Precious Lord , deliver us.
Mary
Thursday, October 19, 2006
The above picture was taken on a lighthouse tour of Door County. I am experimenting with Picasso and it is really quite easy to put pictures on the blog. Do you like it? I was rather proud of this shot.
Today was dry. A nice change from all the rain that we have been experiencing lately.
Well, we had our two trips to the Clinic today. Dick and Sue, his nurse technician, both fully expected his blood test to be way off because he is taking antibiotics and was taking pain pills and muscle relaxants. These things ALWAYS thin the blood. But Dick, the wonder patient, had a perfect blood level for, I think, the 20th month in a row. Sue said that she would make a fortune if she could just figure out what his body is doing. She wants to see him in 10 days anyway, just to be sure that all is OK.
The second visit was to the podiatrist. He is prescribing some insoles which he is hoping will slow up the formation of those uncomfortable calluses that also sometimes get blood clots.
We stopped at Hunters Glen to check everything too. All is well and we got a call from ReMax that there is a showing scheduled for tonight at 6:00PM. Pray that we get an offer soon. As Jim and Michelle said, it would be a great wedding present for them.
Jim and Michelle came over tonight with a pumpkin cheesecake for dessert and we reviewed what is happening tomorrow and Saturday. She and Jim have been making two of the dishes for the reception each day and are almost done.
We called Dick and Brenda tonight. They are going to be here tomorrow, sometime between 5 and 6 and we will go to the Villager for dinner. I suggested to Brenda that we go next door to see if there is anything we can do to help when we get back from dinner. However, I think the most help we can be is on Saturday. Michelle thinks she has it all together, but on Saturday, she should be spending more time on herself and less on the preparations. We can step in there.
My camera arrived priority mail, wrapped in a neat black t shirt from Kristine at the ICHC (Irish Cultural and Historic Center). I have written a note and am sending it with a check for the restoration fund to thank her for the kind attention. I had about 50 pictures from several events stockpiled on the disc and would have hated to lose them as well as the camera. I am so pleased that I got it back before the wedding.
Sign at a Tucson, AZ coffee shop:
Unattended children will be given espresso and a free puppy.
Have a good one.
Mary
Today was dry. A nice change from all the rain that we have been experiencing lately.
Well, we had our two trips to the Clinic today. Dick and Sue, his nurse technician, both fully expected his blood test to be way off because he is taking antibiotics and was taking pain pills and muscle relaxants. These things ALWAYS thin the blood. But Dick, the wonder patient, had a perfect blood level for, I think, the 20th month in a row. Sue said that she would make a fortune if she could just figure out what his body is doing. She wants to see him in 10 days anyway, just to be sure that all is OK.
The second visit was to the podiatrist. He is prescribing some insoles which he is hoping will slow up the formation of those uncomfortable calluses that also sometimes get blood clots.
We stopped at Hunters Glen to check everything too. All is well and we got a call from ReMax that there is a showing scheduled for tonight at 6:00PM. Pray that we get an offer soon. As Jim and Michelle said, it would be a great wedding present for them.
Jim and Michelle came over tonight with a pumpkin cheesecake for dessert and we reviewed what is happening tomorrow and Saturday. She and Jim have been making two of the dishes for the reception each day and are almost done.
We called Dick and Brenda tonight. They are going to be here tomorrow, sometime between 5 and 6 and we will go to the Villager for dinner. I suggested to Brenda that we go next door to see if there is anything we can do to help when we get back from dinner. However, I think the most help we can be is on Saturday. Michelle thinks she has it all together, but on Saturday, she should be spending more time on herself and less on the preparations. We can step in there.
My camera arrived priority mail, wrapped in a neat black t shirt from Kristine at the ICHC (Irish Cultural and Historic Center). I have written a note and am sending it with a check for the restoration fund to thank her for the kind attention. I had about 50 pictures from several events stockpiled on the disc and would have hated to lose them as well as the camera. I am so pleased that I got it back before the wedding.
Sign at a Tucson, AZ coffee shop:
Unattended children will be given espresso and a free puppy.
Have a good one.
Mary
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
My day at home was only broken once. We did have to swing on over to Piggly Wiggly to pick up some more gauze and tape for Dick's legs and I had to buy a sympathy card for my brother in law Keith and his wife Joy.
Dick's legs are still very slender but still have several tender spots on them so we will be washing them in the special soap as directed and keeping them wrapped.
We hung a few more pictures and Dick almost has the telephone table we bought for the downstairs bedroom assembled. So it was a busy day, but still rather mellow. Good thing because we have two visits to the clinic scheduled for Dick tomorrow. I told him I think that we are single handedly keeping that place going this week.
Oh Yes. Chelsea had her bath today. It works just fine in the master shower. She is just gorgeous now. Hope I can keep her looking this good until the wedding is over.
I don't think I told you that I somehow or other left my camera in the seat of the Hallamor at the Irish Center. I emailed the director immediately and Monday Kristine emailed me back that they had indeed found it and she is mailing it back to me. She is actually sending it priority mail and wrapped in a black tshirt to avoid ruining the pictures. I had faith that in that setting I would probably get it back and my faith was rewarded. I will even have it in time for the wedding. We are going to send a donation in thanks to the Irish Center as soon as I get it and know how much they had to spend to get it back to me. Want the donation to match the costs plus some for the kindness.
We had chili burgers for supper tonight. Haven't fixed them for a long time and they sure did taste good. I also mixed up a pot of cabbage and other veggies for a Cabbage Chowder. Cabbage, carrots, potatoes cooked in water with salt,pepper and sugar. It smells wonderful. All I have to do is add the milk and butter and heat before serving. I may add some of my frozen corn too.
Dick and Brenda are coming Friday night. We will look forward to the time with them.
In Ireland they say that "when the sun sets in the Atlantic it rises in the land of our ancestors."
Love
Mary
Dick's legs are still very slender but still have several tender spots on them so we will be washing them in the special soap as directed and keeping them wrapped.
We hung a few more pictures and Dick almost has the telephone table we bought for the downstairs bedroom assembled. So it was a busy day, but still rather mellow. Good thing because we have two visits to the clinic scheduled for Dick tomorrow. I told him I think that we are single handedly keeping that place going this week.
Oh Yes. Chelsea had her bath today. It works just fine in the master shower. She is just gorgeous now. Hope I can keep her looking this good until the wedding is over.
I don't think I told you that I somehow or other left my camera in the seat of the Hallamor at the Irish Center. I emailed the director immediately and Monday Kristine emailed me back that they had indeed found it and she is mailing it back to me. She is actually sending it priority mail and wrapped in a black tshirt to avoid ruining the pictures. I had faith that in that setting I would probably get it back and my faith was rewarded. I will even have it in time for the wedding. We are going to send a donation in thanks to the Irish Center as soon as I get it and know how much they had to spend to get it back to me. Want the donation to match the costs plus some for the kindness.
We had chili burgers for supper tonight. Haven't fixed them for a long time and they sure did taste good. I also mixed up a pot of cabbage and other veggies for a Cabbage Chowder. Cabbage, carrots, potatoes cooked in water with salt,pepper and sugar. It smells wonderful. All I have to do is add the milk and butter and heat before serving. I may add some of my frozen corn too.
Dick and Brenda are coming Friday night. We will look forward to the time with them.
In Ireland they say that "when the sun sets in the Atlantic it rises in the land of our ancestors."
Love
Mary
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Today was a marathon.
We started out by grocery shopping. That was quite successful. We were home by 9:15 or so and had a chance to get the groceries put away and relax for a little bit. I got all updated on my computer stuff. (I think).
Then at 11 or so we left for Dick's famous Unwrapping of the Legs. The swelling is dramatically down. Those wrappings are amazing. Wonder who ever thought of it. Now we have to heal some of the ulcers that started when the legs were so swollen. Dr. Phelan suggests that we wrap them once a month for a while to see if that will keep them close to normal.
We went right downstairs to the flu shot clinic. Now we won't have to watch for the schedules at the grocery stores etc.
That got us just right for my appointment with Dr. Wenberg. I have made an appointment for my yearly checkup and mammagram for December but Dick wanted me to ask him for help getting my stomach back to normal. Will watch diet and try a new pill that may help. I am to try the pills for two weeks then get a six week supply if they help. So, I will not expect miracles but a steady improvement.
We proceeded from there to lunch at Applebees. Being that it was past the rush hour, it seemed a good time to go there. They DO have such good food.
On to the bank to cash a check for Mother, then to her house to deliver her cash and her wine. Can't keep her on the water wagon too long, you know. Visited for a bit then home, with stops at Walgreen's to pick up prescriptions for both of us, the liquor store (Which was closed this morning. The sign said that hours were from 9 to 9 and it was ten minutes after when we drove by. The delivery man from Flipse was there too shrugging his shoulders.) and the gas station.
Then, finally HOME!!!! We were exhausted. I took a short nap.
Watched Dancing with the Stars, then remembered to check messages on the phone. To my sorrow, I have a message from Jacquie, my dear ex sister in law. My brother in law, Keith's son Jessie died today. Poor boy was only 22 and was suffering from cancer. A bone marrow transplant was in the works but apparantly they did not find a matching donor in time. Two matches had changed their mind after being matched. What is that? Why did they sign up in the first place? Anyway, a sad message and I will call Jacquie in the morning. I tried tonight but had no success in reaching her. Pray for Keith and Joy, it is so very hard to lose a child.
Tomorrow we get to stay home ALL day. And I intend to only stick my nose out to walk the dog and get the mail and paper. Hopefully, we can get the pictures on the walls and the counter clean again. I would like things nice for the weekend.
Suzi called tonight too. She and Hazel are going to be at the wedding and are staying at the AmericInn up the road on Saturday night so it won't be too hard on Hazel.
So that was our marathon day. I must remember the quote that is on a picture that Barbara gave me of a statue of Jesus up against the sky. It says "I never said it would be easy, I only said it would be worth it."
Love
Mary
We started out by grocery shopping. That was quite successful. We were home by 9:15 or so and had a chance to get the groceries put away and relax for a little bit. I got all updated on my computer stuff. (I think).
Then at 11 or so we left for Dick's famous Unwrapping of the Legs. The swelling is dramatically down. Those wrappings are amazing. Wonder who ever thought of it. Now we have to heal some of the ulcers that started when the legs were so swollen. Dr. Phelan suggests that we wrap them once a month for a while to see if that will keep them close to normal.
We went right downstairs to the flu shot clinic. Now we won't have to watch for the schedules at the grocery stores etc.
That got us just right for my appointment with Dr. Wenberg. I have made an appointment for my yearly checkup and mammagram for December but Dick wanted me to ask him for help getting my stomach back to normal. Will watch diet and try a new pill that may help. I am to try the pills for two weeks then get a six week supply if they help. So, I will not expect miracles but a steady improvement.
We proceeded from there to lunch at Applebees. Being that it was past the rush hour, it seemed a good time to go there. They DO have such good food.
On to the bank to cash a check for Mother, then to her house to deliver her cash and her wine. Can't keep her on the water wagon too long, you know. Visited for a bit then home, with stops at Walgreen's to pick up prescriptions for both of us, the liquor store (Which was closed this morning. The sign said that hours were from 9 to 9 and it was ten minutes after when we drove by. The delivery man from Flipse was there too shrugging his shoulders.) and the gas station.
Then, finally HOME!!!! We were exhausted. I took a short nap.
Watched Dancing with the Stars, then remembered to check messages on the phone. To my sorrow, I have a message from Jacquie, my dear ex sister in law. My brother in law, Keith's son Jessie died today. Poor boy was only 22 and was suffering from cancer. A bone marrow transplant was in the works but apparantly they did not find a matching donor in time. Two matches had changed their mind after being matched. What is that? Why did they sign up in the first place? Anyway, a sad message and I will call Jacquie in the morning. I tried tonight but had no success in reaching her. Pray for Keith and Joy, it is so very hard to lose a child.
Tomorrow we get to stay home ALL day. And I intend to only stick my nose out to walk the dog and get the mail and paper. Hopefully, we can get the pictures on the walls and the counter clean again. I would like things nice for the weekend.
Suzi called tonight too. She and Hazel are going to be at the wedding and are staying at the AmericInn up the road on Saturday night so it won't be too hard on Hazel.
So that was our marathon day. I must remember the quote that is on a picture that Barbara gave me of a statue of Jesus up against the sky. It says "I never said it would be easy, I only said it would be worth it."
Love
Mary
Monday, October 16, 2006
It was a pleasant and special day today. Bart called this afternoon. I had called HIM yesterday but he was unable to talk then. We had a nice phone visit. Nice for me especially because he sounds so much better. He is trying very hard to get a treatment that he believes will be helpful for him. There is only one doctor in Oklahoma who does it and you have to be there when he is available. It seems odd to me but this is the way the doctor works. Let us pray that he continues to improve and that if and when he gets this treatment it is all he expects it to be.
Went to Bible Study this morning. We were animated starting at the beginning with a discussion not at all related to the readings. Most of the studiers had attended a meeting regarding the collaboration with St. John's in Kohler that WILL take place next year due to the priest shortage. They all agreed that the meeting told them nothing and they were very disappointed.
Then I visited with Mother for about an hour. We always have SO much to talk about. Dick and I will stop off after his doctor appointment. She informed me that she is "on the water wagon." We got a good laugh about that. Dick actually prides himself on keeping her supplied with wine. I know that she likes to have a glass before she goes to bed at night. She said that most of her bridge playing buddies do the same thing. I know it is good for their blood and I am sure it relaxes them as they are winding down for the day.
Got a message from Bobbie today. Here it is in Bobbie's words. I simply HAVE to Share.
Well, we don't need to get the dust blown out of the ductwork any more!
Fat little Roxie squeezed her way down the cold air return Friday evening.
Once I figured out what had happened, I had to wake Bill out of a sound
sleep to drill out the rivets in the access panel in the basement so we
could rescue that little troublemaker!
(I had taken the grill off the cold air return to strip the paint off.
Both cats had sniffed around it, but I couldn't IMAGINE one would decide to
squeeze through that little opening)
All is well.
By the way. Be sure you pick your berries, especially blackberries before Halloween. I found out last week that you should never pick them after Halloween because fairies may have deficated on them.
Love
Mary
Went to Bible Study this morning. We were animated starting at the beginning with a discussion not at all related to the readings. Most of the studiers had attended a meeting regarding the collaboration with St. John's in Kohler that WILL take place next year due to the priest shortage. They all agreed that the meeting told them nothing and they were very disappointed.
Then I visited with Mother for about an hour. We always have SO much to talk about. Dick and I will stop off after his doctor appointment. She informed me that she is "on the water wagon." We got a good laugh about that. Dick actually prides himself on keeping her supplied with wine. I know that she likes to have a glass before she goes to bed at night. She said that most of her bridge playing buddies do the same thing. I know it is good for their blood and I am sure it relaxes them as they are winding down for the day.
Got a message from Bobbie today. Here it is in Bobbie's words. I simply HAVE to Share.
Well, we don't need to get the dust blown out of the ductwork any more!
Fat little Roxie squeezed her way down the cold air return Friday evening.
Once I figured out what had happened, I had to wake Bill out of a sound
sleep to drill out the rivets in the access panel in the basement so we
could rescue that little troublemaker!
(I had taken the grill off the cold air return to strip the paint off.
Both cats had sniffed around it, but I couldn't IMAGINE one would decide to
squeeze through that little opening)
All is well.
By the way. Be sure you pick your berries, especially blackberries before Halloween. I found out last week that you should never pick them after Halloween because fairies may have deficated on them.
Love
Mary
Sunday, October 15, 2006
This day was beautiful. The sun shone and the temperatures were well into the 60s. I pulled the plants out of the hanging pots today so we can dispose of them this week sometime. I only need three for the front of the house next spring. I will try to keep the ivy alive through the winter in two of them.
I went to church in Plymouth today. It is a long story which I won't get in to. I am actually goint to transfer to St. John's in early November. Probably the week after turkey dinner which will take place on November 5th. Until then I will most likely just go back to attending Mass at Blessed Trinity. Tomorrow is the Bible Study which I intend to continue attending, because it will be a good chance to visit with Mother and see if she has anything for me to do for her.
Sure enjoyed the conference but all the relaxation that I achieved has been killed.
Friday was SO cold with the wind and the dampness in the air. Then to top it off the heat in the Irish Center was not working and we, as one of the speakers said, had a wonderful opportunity to develop character. Then, in the late afternoon, during the break between presentations, I ran into Dan Virks in the hallway. He is the coordinator of the Song Circle in one of the beer tents at Irish Fest. I have joined them for two years now and really have a fun time. There is a core group. Then anyone who wants can join the circle. We go round robin with each person in the circle choosing and singing a song. Every body can join in or not as they choose. Anyway, we visited for a bit and I asked if he was there for the program but he said he was here to fix the furnace. Thank Heavens. It was MUCH better the rest of the conference.
I might have mentioned that Beth Vaughan, a storyteller from Maryland, who, as Biddy O'Byrne entertained us at the previous conferences, died this summer. Susan Yaruta-Young wrote of her:
"Once upon a time
In a place called Your Heart
There lived a woman who you dearly loved
Whose name was Beth Vaughan "
I have a tape of her telling stories if you ever want to hear it.
The tradition of storytelling will be continued. This year a regular attendee and Wisconsin storyteller called Jean-Andrew entertained us with a marvelous Welsh folk tale with giants and magic swords and foxes. She will be coming to Mead Library next month. I will ask Bobbie to let me know when so that I can go to see her and visit.
The wedding is fast approaching. I got approval from Michelle for my dress. They have decided to have it all at their house to avoid confusion of where everything is. They do not really ask for anything or tell us much. I hope that they will ask for help if they need it. It seems that things are tense and now that my life is falling back into order (Bart is a bit better. At least he is not talking a mile a minute any more. Dick's legs are getting better too and he is even sleeping IN bed part of the night and not suffering too much pain when he gets up.) It is a relief also that Bill is really doing well and that Jim is working. I understand that it is wearing as all new jobs are, but that he likes it. Except for Dick's doctor appointments I am keeping the week open so if they need anything I will be available.
Dick and Brenda were in town today and they all took their Mother out for a birthday brunch this morning. They stopped for just a few minutes on their way to La Crosse for a funeral and got their first view of the house. While we were downstairs, Chelsea walked into one of the downstairs bedroom closets and, would you believe, I shut her in. I went downstairs about an hour later and heard this little whimper from the bedroom. Poor Baby, didn't want to follow me downstairs for quite a while.
Have a good week.
Mary
I went to church in Plymouth today. It is a long story which I won't get in to. I am actually goint to transfer to St. John's in early November. Probably the week after turkey dinner which will take place on November 5th. Until then I will most likely just go back to attending Mass at Blessed Trinity. Tomorrow is the Bible Study which I intend to continue attending, because it will be a good chance to visit with Mother and see if she has anything for me to do for her.
Sure enjoyed the conference but all the relaxation that I achieved has been killed.
Friday was SO cold with the wind and the dampness in the air. Then to top it off the heat in the Irish Center was not working and we, as one of the speakers said, had a wonderful opportunity to develop character. Then, in the late afternoon, during the break between presentations, I ran into Dan Virks in the hallway. He is the coordinator of the Song Circle in one of the beer tents at Irish Fest. I have joined them for two years now and really have a fun time. There is a core group. Then anyone who wants can join the circle. We go round robin with each person in the circle choosing and singing a song. Every body can join in or not as they choose. Anyway, we visited for a bit and I asked if he was there for the program but he said he was here to fix the furnace. Thank Heavens. It was MUCH better the rest of the conference.
I might have mentioned that Beth Vaughan, a storyteller from Maryland, who, as Biddy O'Byrne entertained us at the previous conferences, died this summer. Susan Yaruta-Young wrote of her:
"Once upon a time
In a place called Your Heart
There lived a woman who you dearly loved
Whose name was Beth Vaughan "
I have a tape of her telling stories if you ever want to hear it.
The tradition of storytelling will be continued. This year a regular attendee and Wisconsin storyteller called Jean-Andrew entertained us with a marvelous Welsh folk tale with giants and magic swords and foxes. She will be coming to Mead Library next month. I will ask Bobbie to let me know when so that I can go to see her and visit.
The wedding is fast approaching. I got approval from Michelle for my dress. They have decided to have it all at their house to avoid confusion of where everything is. They do not really ask for anything or tell us much. I hope that they will ask for help if they need it. It seems that things are tense and now that my life is falling back into order (Bart is a bit better. At least he is not talking a mile a minute any more. Dick's legs are getting better too and he is even sleeping IN bed part of the night and not suffering too much pain when he gets up.) It is a relief also that Bill is really doing well and that Jim is working. I understand that it is wearing as all new jobs are, but that he likes it. Except for Dick's doctor appointments I am keeping the week open so if they need anything I will be available.
Dick and Brenda were in town today and they all took their Mother out for a birthday brunch this morning. They stopped for just a few minutes on their way to La Crosse for a funeral and got their first view of the house. While we were downstairs, Chelsea walked into one of the downstairs bedroom closets and, would you believe, I shut her in. I went downstairs about an hour later and heard this little whimper from the bedroom. Poor Baby, didn't want to follow me downstairs for quite a while.
Have a good week.
Mary
Saturday, October 14, 2006
I am home safe and sound. The conference ended at about 9:30 and after a slight turn delay getting out of town because the directions I got off the internet did not know that Wisconsin Avenue was blocked off before I got to 6th Street which is where I was instructed to turn to find Hwy 43. I just worked my way east and north until I found 6th Street and Wa -La there was a sign for Hwy 43. So it was pretty easy in the long run and I was home at about 10:30.
It was a good conference. I met a several new people, connected with several people that I knew from before. I traded four of my books for other author's books and sold three others. It was cool.
One of the speakers was from the Aran Islands and had a great quote. Padraig said that when whe came to the islands after college, one of the ladies on the island said. "You mean to say that you wnt to four years of college and did not learn how to knit?"
Perspective. Anyway, I will tell you more as the days go on.
Love
Mary
It was a good conference. I met a several new people, connected with several people that I knew from before. I traded four of my books for other author's books and sold three others. It was cool.
One of the speakers was from the Aran Islands and had a great quote. Padraig said that when whe came to the islands after college, one of the ladies on the island said. "You mean to say that you wnt to four years of college and did not learn how to knit?"
Perspective. Anyway, I will tell you more as the days go on.
Love
Mary
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Well - this will be the last you hear from me UNTIL Saturday night. Don't give up on me. Hopefully, I will be full of exciting things and stories to tell after the conference.
It was a blustery day. The wind blew and a cold rain fell most of the day. We got the antenna for our indoor outdoor thermometer all set up today. Now, I can just glance at the thermometer to see WHAT jacket to put on when Chelsea and I go for our morning walk.
We hung the pictures in the hall next to the guest bath this afternoon. We put the picture of Christ that Barb did for us right next to our bedroom and the Meerkat poster from the Smithsonian on the other side of the door.
I cut out the pieces to assemble the quilt top that Donna wants to give to our friends Ken and Helen for their grandchild. Donna does do beautiful cross stitch. I am still actually trying to figure out how I ended up assembling it. Donna is, as I said, a good soul and it is OK. She knows that I am still really involved and won't be able to REALLY rush it.
We had chili tonight. Boy was it good. Now Dick will have plenty to eat that is easy to fix while I am gone. There will only be three nights and there is soup in the cupboard and there are hot dogs in the fridge for variety.
I will be leaving at about 2:00 tomorrow afternoon and will be back LATE on Saturday evening. The conference lasts two full days and they are full days. I registered last spring, the registration includes ALL meals and all speakers and entertainment, everything but the room which I will be sharing with Maureen and Mary from Chicago.
At other conferences, a storyteller, named Beth Vaughan was always in attendance, entertaining us as Biddy O'Byrne. She also gave mini classes in storytelling, very proud of the craft that she exemplified so well. She was scheduled to be here again this year, but Jean Bills sent out an email a couple of weeks ago that Beth had died. She will be missed. I have one of her tapes. She was just precious and joy shone from her eyes. She must be a welcome ray of light on the streets of heaven.
Mary
It was a blustery day. The wind blew and a cold rain fell most of the day. We got the antenna for our indoor outdoor thermometer all set up today. Now, I can just glance at the thermometer to see WHAT jacket to put on when Chelsea and I go for our morning walk.
We hung the pictures in the hall next to the guest bath this afternoon. We put the picture of Christ that Barb did for us right next to our bedroom and the Meerkat poster from the Smithsonian on the other side of the door.
I cut out the pieces to assemble the quilt top that Donna wants to give to our friends Ken and Helen for their grandchild. Donna does do beautiful cross stitch. I am still actually trying to figure out how I ended up assembling it. Donna is, as I said, a good soul and it is OK. She knows that I am still really involved and won't be able to REALLY rush it.
We had chili tonight. Boy was it good. Now Dick will have plenty to eat that is easy to fix while I am gone. There will only be three nights and there is soup in the cupboard and there are hot dogs in the fridge for variety.
I will be leaving at about 2:00 tomorrow afternoon and will be back LATE on Saturday evening. The conference lasts two full days and they are full days. I registered last spring, the registration includes ALL meals and all speakers and entertainment, everything but the room which I will be sharing with Maureen and Mary from Chicago.
At other conferences, a storyteller, named Beth Vaughan was always in attendance, entertaining us as Biddy O'Byrne. She also gave mini classes in storytelling, very proud of the craft that she exemplified so well. She was scheduled to be here again this year, but Jean Bills sent out an email a couple of weeks ago that Beth had died. She will be missed. I have one of her tapes. She was just precious and joy shone from her eyes. She must be a welcome ray of light on the streets of heaven.
Mary
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Dick saw Dr. Phelan this afternoon. His back is just fine. The bruizing is healing nicely and the slight discomfort he is still experiencing will pass.
The swelling in his legs is another matter. Dr. Phelan prescribed a mild antibiotic because of the sores so that infection does not get a chance to settle in. He also has wrapped the legs again. He has to go back to have them rewrapped either Thursday or Friday and then have his blood checked on Tuesday so that there is no thinning. It is kind of like a roller coaster.
I sewed the label on the church banner while watching Dancing With the Stars. It was really good tonight. It was a rough decision, but I voted for Emmit. He is so amazingly smooth for such a big man. It always amazes me.
Love
Mary
The swelling in his legs is another matter. Dr. Phelan prescribed a mild antibiotic because of the sores so that infection does not get a chance to settle in. He also has wrapped the legs again. He has to go back to have them rewrapped either Thursday or Friday and then have his blood checked on Tuesday so that there is no thinning. It is kind of like a roller coaster.
I sewed the label on the church banner while watching Dancing With the Stars. It was really good tonight. It was a rough decision, but I voted for Emmit. He is so amazingly smooth for such a big man. It always amazes me.
Love
Mary
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