Another gorgeous day. It was in the low 80s but there was a lovely breeze and it was not at all humid. I spent from 9AM until 3PM in front of the Book Heads store with three other writers for our book signing. I sold a few books, of course not as many as I wanted to but each one is a start. It was a fun day anyway. Sue had tables set up for us under shelters from the sun so we did just fine. I saw a LOT of people I know and some purchased the book and some just visited. Just what I expected.
I left at 3 to go to the EbcoArtspace. As it turned out I left the wall hanging poems and my picture there, as Mary Eckhardt wanted the resident artists to get a chance to see them. She promised that she would bring them to me next weekend.
So I was home in time to feed Roxie at her proper dinner hour. My whole body aches. I took a hot bath and am now applying cold to the sorest muscles. Then I am going to bed and read. It is way too early but I seldom fall asleep right away any more and I am just too sore to stay up any more.
I am pleased with the day. At least I have a reason to be tired.
Dia Dhuit
Mary
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Friday, July 12, 2013
Cooler by the Lake
Today was very lovely. The world, at least the world around here, is sunny, warm but not muggy and green splotched with lots of color and happy birds singing all over the place.
I spent the morning researching and writing on my new book. I went to Dairy Queen to lunch with my ban friends at 12:30PM..
Did I tell you, I can't believe it but don't think I did. I am a great grandmother times two again. Leslie's Courtney gave birth to her twins, fraternal twins, yesterday. They are Toby in at 5 pounds 13 ounces and Troy a bit bigger at 6 pounds 1 ounce. I am so pleased and will look forward to pictures and progress notes.
Must get out shopping. I still owe a certain Thomas Francis a gift from his great aunt too.
MUCH LATER
It is now 9:45PM. I just got home from the EBCO Artspace Cooler by the Lake poetry event. It was highly successful in every way. We had a pretty good turnout, I would say. All the poets represented, including me read their poems. People seemed to like them. And I sold one each of my poetry books. Yea.
I am exhausted now and will be heading right to bed. I took pictures and then Mary Eckhardt used my camera to take more. I will share a few later. Tomorrow after spending most of the day at the Mill Street Festival hawing my book, I will go back to the art center to pick up my printed poems, my picture and the leftover food if there is any. There was a big dent in the food so I was glad I baked as much as I had. Tomorrow may be very quiet, but one likes to be prepared.
So. To bed this sleepy head.
Dia Dhuit
Mary
Thursday, July 11, 2013
What a glorious day. It was beautiful outside, even if I did not spend a LOT of time out there. I spent most of the day baking. You know how I love that.
Tomorrow, Friday, June12. from 5 to 9PM. with a poetry reading at 7PM by the poets, is the Cooler By The Lake exhibition at ECBO ARTs in Sheboygan. We have gotten a bit of publicity, notably in the Sheboygan Weekend section of the Press. (My name is even in there. Ya Hu.) I spent a chunk of the day baking cookies and Barm Brack for noshing on by our visitors. I love baking, you know, and made much too much. But I will bring what is left to my book signing in front of Book Heads, 216 E. Mill Street, Plymouth on Saturday July 1, from 9AM to 3PM. This is quite a weekend for me. I am so delighted. I feel that my sweetheart is smiling on me.
I read an interesting column today on the popular names for babies at this time. I was delighted to hear that two of the top ten boys names are Finn and Declan. Two very Irish names. I wish I could have two more baby boys.
I have been noticing a lot of headbands and scarfs over the heads of people all over the crowds that appear at GMA and beyond. It reminds me of a Grandma thing. Nora was with us for a while one summer and we took her down to the Mill Street Days celebration. Lots of kerchiefs were being sold as this was a "look" and our Nora spent a lot of time picking out just the right kerchiefs to tie around her head. I told her that in my day we called the bubushkas. She was stunned and delighted. The name made her laugh which is one of my special memories of my special granddaughter. I am blessed with three special granddaughters. How lucky am I!!!!!!!!
Dia Dhuit
Mary
Tomorrow, Friday, June12. from 5 to 9PM. with a poetry reading at 7PM by the poets, is the Cooler By The Lake exhibition at ECBO ARTs in Sheboygan. We have gotten a bit of publicity, notably in the Sheboygan Weekend section of the Press. (My name is even in there. Ya Hu.) I spent a chunk of the day baking cookies and Barm Brack for noshing on by our visitors. I love baking, you know, and made much too much. But I will bring what is left to my book signing in front of Book Heads, 216 E. Mill Street, Plymouth on Saturday July 1, from 9AM to 3PM. This is quite a weekend for me. I am so delighted. I feel that my sweetheart is smiling on me.
I read an interesting column today on the popular names for babies at this time. I was delighted to hear that two of the top ten boys names are Finn and Declan. Two very Irish names. I wish I could have two more baby boys.
I have been noticing a lot of headbands and scarfs over the heads of people all over the crowds that appear at GMA and beyond. It reminds me of a Grandma thing. Nora was with us for a while one summer and we took her down to the Mill Street Days celebration. Lots of kerchiefs were being sold as this was a "look" and our Nora spent a lot of time picking out just the right kerchiefs to tie around her head. I told her that in my day we called the bubushkas. She was stunned and delighted. The name made her laugh which is one of my special memories of my special granddaughter. I am blessed with three special granddaughters. How lucky am I!!!!!!!!
Dia Dhuit
Mary
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
It was so gorgeous today. The temperature got up to 80 but the dew point was way low so I had the doors wide open almost all the time I was here. I will leave some windows open tonight.
I had a very busy morning. I left the house at about 9AM. First, I had yard waste to drop off at the city yard, then I went to Walmart to purchase the ink cartridges for me and for the Condo Board members. Continuing, I swung by the Post Office and checked the Condo PO Box and picked up stamps for Mother.
My haircut was scheduled for 10AM. Teri will be open on Saturday too and will try to get down to Book Heads to buy my book. He daughter is home and working in her shop. She is a massage therapist and suggested that I ask my doctor if massage therapy would enhance the epidural that I am having on Thursday. Sometimes the fluid just pools and therapy can help that.
I will ask.
I stopped at Book Heads and talked to Sue about Saturday. We are excited. I can park in back of her place. It is close, so I can have extra books in the car and will be able to escape at 3PM when I have to go to EBCOArts to pick up my poems and books from there at 4PM. Whew.
I picked up a couple of things at the Pig on the way home and got home just before noon. I had lunch and then napped for a bit. I have spent the rest of the day just preparing for the weekend. Tomorrow I will be baking for Ebco. If there is some left, I will probably take it to the Mill Street Festival.
All is good. I do not feel rushed at all. Please remember to pray fro Marlise, Bart's mother in law, who had her breast surgery today.
Dia Dhuit
Mary
"If you can't believe in God the chances are that your God is too small." J. B. Phillips
I had a very busy morning. I left the house at about 9AM. First, I had yard waste to drop off at the city yard, then I went to Walmart to purchase the ink cartridges for me and for the Condo Board members. Continuing, I swung by the Post Office and checked the Condo PO Box and picked up stamps for Mother.
My haircut was scheduled for 10AM. Teri will be open on Saturday too and will try to get down to Book Heads to buy my book. He daughter is home and working in her shop. She is a massage therapist and suggested that I ask my doctor if massage therapy would enhance the epidural that I am having on Thursday. Sometimes the fluid just pools and therapy can help that.
I will ask.
I stopped at Book Heads and talked to Sue about Saturday. We are excited. I can park in back of her place. It is close, so I can have extra books in the car and will be able to escape at 3PM when I have to go to EBCOArts to pick up my poems and books from there at 4PM. Whew.
I picked up a couple of things at the Pig on the way home and got home just before noon. I had lunch and then napped for a bit. I have spent the rest of the day just preparing for the weekend. Tomorrow I will be baking for Ebco. If there is some left, I will probably take it to the Mill Street Festival.
All is good. I do not feel rushed at all. Please remember to pray fro Marlise, Bart's mother in law, who had her breast surgery today.
Dia Dhuit
Mary
"If you can't believe in God the chances are that your God is too small." J. B. Phillips
Tuesday, July 09, 2013
Tuesday, July 8. A day at home and I am spending it gathering all
the threads of future projects into segments that I can handle.
A little bit here, a little bit there. Nothing really interesting to write about so I will have to think of something to keep you interested.
I believe that I told you that Beth Dippel is organizing the Gathering of the Clans at St. Michaels in Parnell again. All with ties to the Holy Land are welcome (even those related to those tied, or friends of those tied) to join the festivities and tradition. When the invitation went out, there was no mass scheduled BUT Fr. Michael Shea of Armstrong, who is located in Nongkhai, Thailand, is in the States for a while and will be able to be there to officiate. So if you have the invitation, add Mass at 11AM, If you need more information. Get in touch with me. I talked to Michael today and he will be in touch with my Uncle Pat and we will be arranging for him and his sister Bridget to come to Falls to visit with Mother too. She is so fond of him and so proud of him. He told me that she is reminding him of HIS grandma, my great Aunt Mae. She looks so much like Grandma Bowser but we know that we get genes from both sides of the family. I don't remember Aunt Mae really. Must try to get pictures and get them on Ancestry.
There, I hope that was interesting. I scheduled the epidural on my neck for Wednesday the 17th at 9:30AM. Hope it helps. I am sick of medicating three times a day.
Dia Dhuit
Mary
A couple of quotes from Leigh Ann Lasheway's book I'm Not Getting Older (I'm Getting Better at Denial) regarding dogs opinions:
"Even if you've never caught a squirrel in an entire lifetime of trying, as long as you believe you might, you'll have a reason to get up every morning."
"It's always much nicer to snuggle up to a soft, squishy body than one that is rock hard."
A little bit here, a little bit there. Nothing really interesting to write about so I will have to think of something to keep you interested.
I believe that I told you that Beth Dippel is organizing the Gathering of the Clans at St. Michaels in Parnell again. All with ties to the Holy Land are welcome (even those related to those tied, or friends of those tied) to join the festivities and tradition. When the invitation went out, there was no mass scheduled BUT Fr. Michael Shea of Armstrong, who is located in Nongkhai, Thailand, is in the States for a while and will be able to be there to officiate. So if you have the invitation, add Mass at 11AM, If you need more information. Get in touch with me. I talked to Michael today and he will be in touch with my Uncle Pat and we will be arranging for him and his sister Bridget to come to Falls to visit with Mother too. She is so fond of him and so proud of him. He told me that she is reminding him of HIS grandma, my great Aunt Mae. She looks so much like Grandma Bowser but we know that we get genes from both sides of the family. I don't remember Aunt Mae really. Must try to get pictures and get them on Ancestry.
There, I hope that was interesting. I scheduled the epidural on my neck for Wednesday the 17th at 9:30AM. Hope it helps. I am sick of medicating three times a day.
Dia Dhuit
Mary
A couple of quotes from Leigh Ann Lasheway's book I'm Not Getting Older (I'm Getting Better at Denial) regarding dogs opinions:
"Even if you've never caught a squirrel in an entire lifetime of trying, as long as you believe you might, you'll have a reason to get up every morning."
"It's always much nicer to snuggle up to a soft, squishy body than one that is rock hard."
Monday, July 08, 2013
What a Monday. When I got up it was raining and it kept raining, quite heavily at times, until after 10:00AM. Then the pavement dried up but it was hot and humid the rest of the day.
It was just drizzling when I was walking into Bible Study, but I took my umbrella just in case. So of course, it had stopped while we were in there. It was a good hour.
Then I went to Mother's. We did not have a lot of bills to do so had time to visit. She is weak and obviously distressed with the fact that her eyes are getting so weak too. But she is happy and cheerful. She enjoyed visits from Kathleen and Pat and Joan in the past couple of days.
Home again, I gobbled my lunch and then went to Sheboygan, via picking up my friend, Sy Regan, for the Sheboygan Writers Club. I shared my book. Nobody bought one but I did trade with one of the members, Stan Bieda, who just published his memoirs through Authorhouse. It is called Stella's Barn. I am looking forward to reading it as the first couple paragraphs are really cool.
We were about even on price so it was a win win for both of us.
Home again, I have been gathering addresses for Bobbie to give to Mead to send invitations for the dedication of Dick's plaque, balancing Mom's Checkbook and trying to get a CWI problem sorted out in my head.
Tomorrow I get to be home all day. It is trash day so I will have to get my lazy self up at a decent hour and can do a LOT.
So wish me well.
Dia Dhuit
Mary
It was just drizzling when I was walking into Bible Study, but I took my umbrella just in case. So of course, it had stopped while we were in there. It was a good hour.
Then I went to Mother's. We did not have a lot of bills to do so had time to visit. She is weak and obviously distressed with the fact that her eyes are getting so weak too. But she is happy and cheerful. She enjoyed visits from Kathleen and Pat and Joan in the past couple of days.
Home again, I gobbled my lunch and then went to Sheboygan, via picking up my friend, Sy Regan, for the Sheboygan Writers Club. I shared my book. Nobody bought one but I did trade with one of the members, Stan Bieda, who just published his memoirs through Authorhouse. It is called Stella's Barn. I am looking forward to reading it as the first couple paragraphs are really cool.
We were about even on price so it was a win win for both of us.
Home again, I have been gathering addresses for Bobbie to give to Mead to send invitations for the dedication of Dick's plaque, balancing Mom's Checkbook and trying to get a CWI problem sorted out in my head.
Tomorrow I get to be home all day. It is trash day so I will have to get my lazy self up at a decent hour and can do a LOT.
So wish me well.
Dia Dhuit
Mary
Sunday, July 07, 2013
My "Renters"
My new clutch of robins have flown the nest, I miss them, even Mom yelling at me. This is a picture I took of the last batch.
It was a great day. Bobbie and Bill were here for lunch. I love having them here and someone to cook for. We tried Johnsonville's new Grillers. They are seasoned pork patties with different things in them. I got the Swiss Cheese Mushroom. They were really good. We ate them with the colcannon, jello salad and corn with peppers and onions and Rhubarb/Applesauce cake with Marscapone Cheese Frosting.
I got a call last night that Mary Eckhart wanted to retake my picture for the Cooler by the Lake, the Poets of Mead.
She came about 11:30AM which was fine. I knew that Bobbie and Bill would be here and that food would be cooking but never thought that it would take almost 45 minutes.
OH. Well. Mary is fun and Bill and Bobbie enjoyed her banter too. And I think we ahve a picture that will be good. She took the last ones in the house. These we took out by the Big Hickory Nut tree. Much better. It is a magnificant tree.
I got a call from a friend, Barbara Litersky Sadler last night. She lives in Minneapolis and is coming to the 55 year graduation party. She did not actually graduate from Sheboygan Falls High, but we invite everybody that was in school with us from Kindergarden on. I told her she can just stay with me. That will be fun.
So until tomorrow
Dia Dhuit
Mary
Saturday, July 06, 2013
beautiful
I forgot last night. Friday was not at all an exciting day to write about anyway. Not sure today is either, but I will try.
It is beautiful outside. Kind of muggy for just sitting, but the world is green and full of bright colors and the sky is blue with wispy clouds and the birds are singing their hearts out.
My new batch of robins have left the nest. I went out to get the mail and saw a bird in the driveway. I stepped off the porch and he started chirping like a crazy bird. I realized he was one of the new babies. He ran like the dickens into the tall grasses to the left of my driveway. If he fell, he apparently was able to slow his fall and I can only hope he is able to fly and take care of his own little self.
I baked a rhubarb cake this morning for Bobbie and Bill and me tomorrow. They are coming for dinner. Yea. I love people in the house. And I love to cook
I made the best colcannon today, I simply have to share that tomorrow.
I went to Mass with my friends Kate and Rita again tonight. It is nice to have prayer partners. A nice mass. I was only 15 minutes late for Roxie's dinner.
I must tell you what Dick did to me last night. I started to get ready for bed and turned on the ceiling light on in the bedroom. Then I went around the bed to the bathroom, washed my face and turned on the light in the headboard. I then walked back to the switch and turned off the overhead light. Back to the bathroom, I put my pajamas on, brushed my teeth and walked out of the bathroom. As I walked out, Dick turned the overhead light on again so I had to go all the way back around the bed to turn it off again. He is such a tease. I love it.
Dia Dhuit
Mary
It is beautiful outside. Kind of muggy for just sitting, but the world is green and full of bright colors and the sky is blue with wispy clouds and the birds are singing their hearts out.
My new batch of robins have left the nest. I went out to get the mail and saw a bird in the driveway. I stepped off the porch and he started chirping like a crazy bird. I realized he was one of the new babies. He ran like the dickens into the tall grasses to the left of my driveway. If he fell, he apparently was able to slow his fall and I can only hope he is able to fly and take care of his own little self.
I baked a rhubarb cake this morning for Bobbie and Bill and me tomorrow. They are coming for dinner. Yea. I love people in the house. And I love to cook
I made the best colcannon today, I simply have to share that tomorrow.
I went to Mass with my friends Kate and Rita again tonight. It is nice to have prayer partners. A nice mass. I was only 15 minutes late for Roxie's dinner.
I must tell you what Dick did to me last night. I started to get ready for bed and turned on the ceiling light on in the bedroom. Then I went around the bed to the bathroom, washed my face and turned on the light in the headboard. I then walked back to the switch and turned off the overhead light. Back to the bathroom, I put my pajamas on, brushed my teeth and walked out of the bathroom. As I walked out, Dick turned the overhead light on again so I had to go all the way back around the bed to turn it off again. He is such a tease. I love it.
Dia Dhuit
Mary
Thursday, July 04, 2013
4th of July
Happy Fourth of July to you all. It was a beautiful day. I was able to get my plants and deck furniture back out as the stain seal was dry. I did have to wait until the water from the rain evaporated. Now it doesn't sink in. It pools. That is good.
I worked on some plans for the Scotland trip I want to make, and listed all the things I want to see in New York.
Then I worked on the Patron Saints Book for a bit. I want to have Andrew done by the end of July. Lots of time but I will have to keep at it. It is fun. I am learning a lot about him and about Scotland in the process.
I pulled out a brat that I had in the freezer and had a brat sandwich with apple cole slaw for my lunch.
This evening the Condo owners met again, this time in the shade over between a couple of units. There was a nice crowd and we had a great time. I brought some of the homemade wines that Dick and I had made to share. It was fun. I got to see the little handouts for the Sheboygan Garden Walk. I was delighted to see Domaine Du May on the list. You all know that that is our Bobby and Bill's yard. I can't go on the Garden Walk because it is on July 13 and I will be in Plymouth on Main Street doing a book signing for Schlitzhagen and Meatballs.
So a quiet at home but busy day. I liked it. The next couple days are pretty quiet too but Bobbie and Bill are coming over for dinner on Sunday. I look forward to the company.
Again Happy Fourth of July.
Dia Dhuit
Mary
I worked on some plans for the Scotland trip I want to make, and listed all the things I want to see in New York.
Then I worked on the Patron Saints Book for a bit. I want to have Andrew done by the end of July. Lots of time but I will have to keep at it. It is fun. I am learning a lot about him and about Scotland in the process.
I pulled out a brat that I had in the freezer and had a brat sandwich with apple cole slaw for my lunch.
This evening the Condo owners met again, this time in the shade over between a couple of units. There was a nice crowd and we had a great time. I brought some of the homemade wines that Dick and I had made to share. It was fun. I got to see the little handouts for the Sheboygan Garden Walk. I was delighted to see Domaine Du May on the list. You all know that that is our Bobby and Bill's yard. I can't go on the Garden Walk because it is on July 13 and I will be in Plymouth on Main Street doing a book signing for Schlitzhagen and Meatballs.
So a quiet at home but busy day. I liked it. The next couple days are pretty quiet too but Bobbie and Bill are coming over for dinner on Sunday. I look forward to the company.
Again Happy Fourth of July.
Dia Dhuit
Mary
Wednesday, July 03, 2013
July 3
It was a rainy day, but pleasant. I had my deck sealed and stained yesterday and was pleased to see the water beading on the wood during the rain. It worked.
This afternoon, I took out most of the herbs that I stored in the garage back out to the deck. It looks nice. The tables chairs and rest of the plants will go out tomorrow.
I feel really good about today. A lot of things were settled into things that I can handle. I am taking a class from a friend. It is in learning yourself. Today I learned not to use the word SHOULD. Instead, replace "do I want to" or " or do I need to" for the word should. Puts things in perspective. I like it. This way we will not punish ourselves for things undone.
So tomorrow is the Fourth of July. I must remember to put our my Flag in the morning. I have pulled out a bratwurst for my dinner tomorrow and have some cole slaw to go with it. I have some cupcakes in the freezer so am ready for the day. The condo people who are not with family or out somewhere are going to meet in our open space at 4:30 for a fun time. I am sharing two of the wines that Dick and I made back in the day and several people want to buy my book. I hope to make a good start with that.
So I am going to fix myself a nice cup of soothing decaf tea and settle in for the night. My Roxie is stretched out on the tv tray in front of my desk already settled in.
She was a happy girl with me home today.
Happy Fourth of July. We have so much to be thankful for. And pray for the firemen who lost their lives in that horrible fire and their families.
Bart has gone to visit his Dad and Aunt Jacquie in Bullhead City. He made the drive OK. The first on his own in forever. I am so pleased. I had a great talk with Jacquie today. She is sure glad that she is Republican.
Dia Dhuit
Mary
This afternoon, I took out most of the herbs that I stored in the garage back out to the deck. It looks nice. The tables chairs and rest of the plants will go out tomorrow.
I feel really good about today. A lot of things were settled into things that I can handle. I am taking a class from a friend. It is in learning yourself. Today I learned not to use the word SHOULD. Instead, replace "do I want to" or " or do I need to" for the word should. Puts things in perspective. I like it. This way we will not punish ourselves for things undone.
So tomorrow is the Fourth of July. I must remember to put our my Flag in the morning. I have pulled out a bratwurst for my dinner tomorrow and have some cole slaw to go with it. I have some cupcakes in the freezer so am ready for the day. The condo people who are not with family or out somewhere are going to meet in our open space at 4:30 for a fun time. I am sharing two of the wines that Dick and I made back in the day and several people want to buy my book. I hope to make a good start with that.
So I am going to fix myself a nice cup of soothing decaf tea and settle in for the night. My Roxie is stretched out on the tv tray in front of my desk already settled in.
She was a happy girl with me home today.
Happy Fourth of July. We have so much to be thankful for. And pray for the firemen who lost their lives in that horrible fire and their families.
Bart has gone to visit his Dad and Aunt Jacquie in Bullhead City. He made the drive OK. The first on his own in forever. I am so pleased. I had a great talk with Jacquie today. She is sure glad that she is Republican.
Dia Dhuit
Mary
Monday, July 01, 2013
The year half gone
The year is half gone. I can't believe it.
This was a typical Monday morning. However, I dropped my old glasses off at Advanced Eye Care. When I got the new ones, I had the option of getting new lenses in my old ones for half price. I had to make sure that they were OK first. And they are. So now I will have two pair that I like.
Then on to bible study. We are on our last Psalm, 107. It is a Psalm of God as Savior of the Distressed. Our big epiphany is that the same reasons for distress are in our world and in our experience as they were all those years ago. And we still have the same God to call on and trust in.
Mom was feeling pretty good today. We got her bills paid and her pill box loaded and had time for a bit of a visit too. One of the things that really distresses her is the fact that her sight is so bad and there is nothing that can be done to improve it. She is still able to read but it is a chore. She is reading my book and I am so proud.
Last night our Nora called from Colorado. She and Ernie and Marcus are all settled in their new home. It has been really hot there but they are safe from the fires. They have a view of Pike's Peak from their house. She is going to school so is a busy girl what with being such a great Mom to Marcus too. I love that they send u tubes of him. He is growing SO fast.
I got home from Mom's just at noon. I had the people from Steger Heating coming to replace a part of the stove today at noon, I was glad they were a little late.
After they were done, I heard people and machinery in my side yard so I went out to look and two Daves from the condos and Nate were trimming trees,especially around the electric box. They also took down a tree that was dying and looked really crappy from the berm to the right of my unit. And they trimmed the tree that is fairly close to the house so it shouldn't be hanging over the roof for another year or two.
Tomorrow they are coming in the morning to stain the deck and front porch. They are coming early enough that I should be able to go to the quilt meeting and get to my doctor appointment by 3:30PM.
As long as I am in Sheboygan I am going to check out the Ebco Arts Center and go to Best Buy to check the price of their ink cartridges.
Always plenty to do.
Dia Dhuit
Mary
Quote from St. Brigit of Kildare:
"A person without a soul friend is like a body without a head."
This was a typical Monday morning. However, I dropped my old glasses off at Advanced Eye Care. When I got the new ones, I had the option of getting new lenses in my old ones for half price. I had to make sure that they were OK first. And they are. So now I will have two pair that I like.
Then on to bible study. We are on our last Psalm, 107. It is a Psalm of God as Savior of the Distressed. Our big epiphany is that the same reasons for distress are in our world and in our experience as they were all those years ago. And we still have the same God to call on and trust in.
Mom was feeling pretty good today. We got her bills paid and her pill box loaded and had time for a bit of a visit too. One of the things that really distresses her is the fact that her sight is so bad and there is nothing that can be done to improve it. She is still able to read but it is a chore. She is reading my book and I am so proud.
Last night our Nora called from Colorado. She and Ernie and Marcus are all settled in their new home. It has been really hot there but they are safe from the fires. They have a view of Pike's Peak from their house. She is going to school so is a busy girl what with being such a great Mom to Marcus too. I love that they send u tubes of him. He is growing SO fast.
I got home from Mom's just at noon. I had the people from Steger Heating coming to replace a part of the stove today at noon, I was glad they were a little late.
After they were done, I heard people and machinery in my side yard so I went out to look and two Daves from the condos and Nate were trimming trees,especially around the electric box. They also took down a tree that was dying and looked really crappy from the berm to the right of my unit. And they trimmed the tree that is fairly close to the house so it shouldn't be hanging over the roof for another year or two.
Tomorrow they are coming in the morning to stain the deck and front porch. They are coming early enough that I should be able to go to the quilt meeting and get to my doctor appointment by 3:30PM.
As long as I am in Sheboygan I am going to check out the Ebco Arts Center and go to Best Buy to check the price of their ink cartridges.
Always plenty to do.
Dia Dhuit
Mary
Quote from St. Brigit of Kildare:
"A person without a soul friend is like a body without a head."
Sunday, June 30, 2013
It was almost a perfect Sunday. I was home all day. I was able to keep the doors open all day.
I worked on my next book for quite some time. Mainly, I am gathering information for his life, traditions, his feast day and how it is celebrated and why he is the patron saint. Lots of information out there and I want it to be fun.
I finished sorting most of the fabric in the downstairs closet. I got rid of a lot and think I have the rest in places that I will be able to find it when I need it.
Tomorrow will be a busy day, so I am glad I had this day.
Jim and Michele called last night. This is my week for calling and talking to everybody. I have left messages for Leslie and Richard and Bret. Bobbie and I talk every so often so it is not so long between contacts. But everybody else is so far away.
Talked to Bart and Barb on Friday. His new stimulator is working just fine. So something is going right.
So that is today. I found a recipe for a Lemon Balm Cooler. The instructions were to pick and wash four to six cups of lemon balm leaves and plunge them into 6 cups of boiling water. Then turn off the water and let the lemon balm steep for 20 minutes. I did that today. You are supposed to be able to drink it hot or cold but hot didn't sound good in the summer so I have it in the refrigerator and will try it tomorrow. I will report then.
Til Tomorrow then
Dia Dhuit
Mary
I worked on my next book for quite some time. Mainly, I am gathering information for his life, traditions, his feast day and how it is celebrated and why he is the patron saint. Lots of information out there and I want it to be fun.
I finished sorting most of the fabric in the downstairs closet. I got rid of a lot and think I have the rest in places that I will be able to find it when I need it.
Tomorrow will be a busy day, so I am glad I had this day.
Jim and Michele called last night. This is my week for calling and talking to everybody. I have left messages for Leslie and Richard and Bret. Bobbie and I talk every so often so it is not so long between contacts. But everybody else is so far away.
Talked to Bart and Barb on Friday. His new stimulator is working just fine. So something is going right.
So that is today. I found a recipe for a Lemon Balm Cooler. The instructions were to pick and wash four to six cups of lemon balm leaves and plunge them into 6 cups of boiling water. Then turn off the water and let the lemon balm steep for 20 minutes. I did that today. You are supposed to be able to drink it hot or cold but hot didn't sound good in the summer so I have it in the refrigerator and will try it tomorrow. I will report then.
Til Tomorrow then
Dia Dhuit
Mary
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Today was gorgeous. I understand that we MAY get a little more rain tonight but it will not take away from the lovely day. The doors were open the entire day. Everything smells SO good.
I had such a pleasant day too. I finished the minutes for the condo board meeting and sent them to the board for their approval.
I worked on the forward to my new book. Got to think of a name for it. I intend to have it ready for market in January of 2015. I am going to be writing on St. Andrew, one of the patron saints of Scotland the rest of the weekend.
I went to Mass with Kate at 4PM. Rita couldn't come today but the three of us are now prayer partners and will go together whenever we can.
I received calls from three of my Celtic Women friends. The calls were about Irish Fest, our book discussion book and the next meeting which will be July 21st where we are making Brigid Beads.
I found out that the author, Cynthia Neale, of the next book we will be talking about at our Book Discussion Group, called Norah, will be at the Literary Corner at Irish Fest. This is exciting, Veronica will let me know what time she will be there. Veronica also said that when I finish my Patron Saints book they will let me feature it at Irish Fest. Wow.
So a busy happy day. Now I will mix up a nice Irish Coffee and relax until it is time for bed.
Wish you could join me. I make a mean Irish Coffee.
Dia Dhuit
Mary
I had such a pleasant day too. I finished the minutes for the condo board meeting and sent them to the board for their approval.
I worked on the forward to my new book. Got to think of a name for it. I intend to have it ready for market in January of 2015. I am going to be writing on St. Andrew, one of the patron saints of Scotland the rest of the weekend.
I went to Mass with Kate at 4PM. Rita couldn't come today but the three of us are now prayer partners and will go together whenever we can.
I received calls from three of my Celtic Women friends. The calls were about Irish Fest, our book discussion book and the next meeting which will be July 21st where we are making Brigid Beads.
I found out that the author, Cynthia Neale, of the next book we will be talking about at our Book Discussion Group, called Norah, will be at the Literary Corner at Irish Fest. This is exciting, Veronica will let me know what time she will be there. Veronica also said that when I finish my Patron Saints book they will let me feature it at Irish Fest. Wow.
So a busy happy day. Now I will mix up a nice Irish Coffee and relax until it is time for bed.
Wish you could join me. I make a mean Irish Coffee.
Dia Dhuit
Mary
Friday, June 28, 2013
An absolutely beautiful day. And I got to spend it mostly at home with the doors wide open to enjoy the fresh air. I closed things up about 3 when things got to be kind of muggy. Muggy is not good.
Jody came to clean at 8am. I worked on the minutes for the Condo Assn. postcards to advertize the book and sorting more sewing supplies.
I went out to take down the canipy the our neighbor Edie has lent for shade at our Thursday night gatherings with the help of Bob and Peggy.
At about 11AM the guy I have hired to power wash and stain the deck and front porch came and did the power washing. So I had to spend some time before he came taking plants and furniture off of the deck. He will be back on Tuesday, weather permitting to finish the job.
So I head into the weekend with nothing to do but catch up with what ever I see that needs to be done.
Hope your weekend is as uncluttered.
Dia Dhuit
Mary
Jody came to clean at 8am. I worked on the minutes for the Condo Assn. postcards to advertize the book and sorting more sewing supplies.
I went out to take down the canipy the our neighbor Edie has lent for shade at our Thursday night gatherings with the help of Bob and Peggy.
At about 11AM the guy I have hired to power wash and stain the deck and front porch came and did the power washing. So I had to spend some time before he came taking plants and furniture off of the deck. He will be back on Tuesday, weather permitting to finish the job.
So I head into the weekend with nothing to do but catch up with what ever I see that needs to be done.
Hope your weekend is as uncluttered.
Dia Dhuit
Mary
Thursday, June 27, 2013
A rather warm and muggy day. They predicted scattered showers throughout the day, but it didn't rain until about 5:30PM. We Tallgrass people had our second gathering in the lots this evening. We meet at 4:30PM. One of the neighbors has provided a canopy to put up which is a nice shelter from the sun and was good in the rain after most people went home. The few that were left sat out until almost 7PM. I came in when the rain started and ate some supper. Then since there were still people out there, I went out to visit once more as the sun was shining again. I am glad we are doing this every week. It is a great chance to meet neighbors and just get out in the fresh air. As I said the sun is shining out there, but I can still hear thunder in the distance so maybe it isn't over yet
The rest of the day was OK. I had to do an errand for Mother in the middle of the day, so I combined it with picking up some prescriptions at Walgreens that I am low on. She looked good but is so very tired and weak. Dolores and Ken will be out there tomorrow. It is good that one of us is usually there each day.
Tomorrow will be a bit busy too. I plan on working on marketing the book , taking down the canopy with help from friends and transcribing the minutes from the board meeting. My break will be lunch with the bank girls.
So thats all for today.
Dia Dhuit
Mary
The rest of the day was OK. I had to do an errand for Mother in the middle of the day, so I combined it with picking up some prescriptions at Walgreens that I am low on. She looked good but is so very tired and weak. Dolores and Ken will be out there tomorrow. It is good that one of us is usually there each day.
Tomorrow will be a bit busy too. I plan on working on marketing the book , taking down the canopy with help from friends and transcribing the minutes from the board meeting. My break will be lunch with the bank girls.
So thats all for today.
Dia Dhuit
Mary
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
I woke up to a wet world this morning. It was no longer raining but had done a pretty good job during my sleeping time. Roxie waited until 6Am to wake me up to feed her. Very good. Then when I went back to bed for an hour, she nagged me for the entire hour. I don't know what her problem was. She settled down when I settled down at my desk to watch the news and catch up on my email. I actually think she wanted me out there so she could be on the desk but WITH ME.
I left the house with time to stop at the post office to be sure there was no mail for the Condo Assn., stop at the Pig to pick up my lottery ticket and leave a poster for the Cooler by the Lake: the Poets of Mead event, and leave a poster at the Pick and Save also before getting to Mom's by 9:45AM.
This is the day that John Swart came to the house with Travis Gross, the new director of the Sheboygan Historical Museum, Tamera Lange, the collections coordinator and an intern from the museum to collect the model plane and dummy shell that were given to us after the event from Mother. We had decided that this would be the best place to preserve them and their memory. Tamera took pictures of Mother presenting the plane with us around her in her chair. The pictures are great.
John has prepared a book called Friendly Fire - March 17, 1958 with all to the information that he has compiled about the event, including pictures and newspaper articles. He gave one to Mother, Jeff and myself. He can make more. I am thinking of offering him, or just taking him some paper to help the cost for him.
This afternoon, we had our Tallgrass Condo Board meeting. They are always rather tedious, but that is the nature of them. We did get a lot done and I will be busy with my Secretary wrap up for the next day or so. As I walked home, there was thunder booming to the north but the sun was shining. It had rained during the two hours we were at the meeting.
So.I don't have to go anywhere tomorrow. Good. I have a lot to do here. I mentioned that I finished cleaning the garage. I took SO much trash out this morning and the garage now LOOKS clean. Yea.
Dia Dhuit
Mary
A short poem from a dear departed poet friend, Patricia Monaghan
This is the hour that I love, the in-between
Neither here-nor-there hour of evening.
The air is tea-colored in the garden.
I left the house with time to stop at the post office to be sure there was no mail for the Condo Assn., stop at the Pig to pick up my lottery ticket and leave a poster for the Cooler by the Lake: the Poets of Mead event, and leave a poster at the Pick and Save also before getting to Mom's by 9:45AM.
This is the day that John Swart came to the house with Travis Gross, the new director of the Sheboygan Historical Museum, Tamera Lange, the collections coordinator and an intern from the museum to collect the model plane and dummy shell that were given to us after the event from Mother. We had decided that this would be the best place to preserve them and their memory. Tamera took pictures of Mother presenting the plane with us around her in her chair. The pictures are great.
John has prepared a book called Friendly Fire - March 17, 1958 with all to the information that he has compiled about the event, including pictures and newspaper articles. He gave one to Mother, Jeff and myself. He can make more. I am thinking of offering him, or just taking him some paper to help the cost for him.
This afternoon, we had our Tallgrass Condo Board meeting. They are always rather tedious, but that is the nature of them. We did get a lot done and I will be busy with my Secretary wrap up for the next day or so. As I walked home, there was thunder booming to the north but the sun was shining. It had rained during the two hours we were at the meeting.
So.I don't have to go anywhere tomorrow. Good. I have a lot to do here. I mentioned that I finished cleaning the garage. I took SO much trash out this morning and the garage now LOOKS clean. Yea.
Dia Dhuit
Mary
A short poem from a dear departed poet friend, Patricia Monaghan
This is the hour that I love, the in-between
Neither here-nor-there hour of evening.
The air is tea-colored in the garden.
Monday, June 24, 2013
I liked today. Started by dropping some items off at St. Vinnie's on my way to Bible Study.
Then on to Blessed Trinity for Bible Study. We had one question on our second last Psalm, Psalm 124. The last question was How do you usually respond when you feel helpless? We agreed that first we usually panic and run around like chickens. Then we take a deep breath and ask God for help. We are trying to ask first. Much easier on the heart.
Our last psalm which we will start next week is Psalm107. Then a wrap up and on to Acts.
Next I went to Mother's. We had a nice time for visiting as there wasn't much in the line of bills or anything like that. We started talking about tomorrow. John Swart and somebody from the Sheboygan History Museum are meeting Jeff and me at Mom's tomorrow to have pictures taken of Mom handing the souvenir airplane and the shells from the Army's bombing of Sheboygan Falls in 1957. We have decided to donate them to the museum where they will be appreciated by the community as an interesting part of Sheboygan County's history. From there we got onto the subject of Dad's job history. I think I got it. Now I just need to figure out the dates of everything.
Home again, I had lunch and then went out to deliver some posters for the Poets of Mead - Cooler by the Lake at EBCO ARTworks at 12th and Erie on July 12 and 13. Should be exciting. We will be doing readings on the 12th starting at 7PM. The display opens at 5PM that day and is on Saturday from 1 to 4.
That will be a very busy weekend.
The weekend before Tim and Carol Kunert, Dick's niece and nephew who I have not met are coming down for a day. I am excited, you know how I love to have lots of family.
So here I am at the end of the day. Tomorrow that meeting at Mom's and then a Condo Board Meeting in the afternoon.
So Until evening
Dia Dhuit
Mary
Then on to Blessed Trinity for Bible Study. We had one question on our second last Psalm, Psalm 124. The last question was How do you usually respond when you feel helpless? We agreed that first we usually panic and run around like chickens. Then we take a deep breath and ask God for help. We are trying to ask first. Much easier on the heart.
Our last psalm which we will start next week is Psalm107. Then a wrap up and on to Acts.
Next I went to Mother's. We had a nice time for visiting as there wasn't much in the line of bills or anything like that. We started talking about tomorrow. John Swart and somebody from the Sheboygan History Museum are meeting Jeff and me at Mom's tomorrow to have pictures taken of Mom handing the souvenir airplane and the shells from the Army's bombing of Sheboygan Falls in 1957. We have decided to donate them to the museum where they will be appreciated by the community as an interesting part of Sheboygan County's history. From there we got onto the subject of Dad's job history. I think I got it. Now I just need to figure out the dates of everything.
Home again, I had lunch and then went out to deliver some posters for the Poets of Mead - Cooler by the Lake at EBCO ARTworks at 12th and Erie on July 12 and 13. Should be exciting. We will be doing readings on the 12th starting at 7PM. The display opens at 5PM that day and is on Saturday from 1 to 4.
That will be a very busy weekend.
The weekend before Tim and Carol Kunert, Dick's niece and nephew who I have not met are coming down for a day. I am excited, you know how I love to have lots of family.
So here I am at the end of the day. Tomorrow that meeting at Mom's and then a Condo Board Meeting in the afternoon.
So Until evening
Dia Dhuit
Mary
Sunday, June 23, 2013
It is hot and muggy outside but comfortable inside. Roxie is just delighted that I am home all day. I took a nap this afternoon and when I woke up she insisted on being petted until my hand got tired. Every time I stopped she bumped my hand with her nose to tell me she was not done.
It was a good day for winding things up. I finished with a lot of the advertizing for the book, finished cleaning the garage and did some wash.
I have SO much trash to haul out on Tuesday morning. Yea. Tomorrow I am also dropping some things off at St. Vinnies. It will take more than one sweep to clear things out but I am making lots of progress.
Tried to call granddaughter Nora today again. I always get her answering machine. I wonder if they are not using that phone now?
I had leftovers for my noon dinner along with a strawberry orange shortcake and egg salad and apple salad with Oreo cookies for supper.
Now I will be organizing for tomorrow which will be a busy day and then going to bed to read and relax again.
I hope your day was as pleasant.
Dia Dhuit
Mary
It was a good day for winding things up. I finished with a lot of the advertizing for the book, finished cleaning the garage and did some wash.
I have SO much trash to haul out on Tuesday morning. Yea. Tomorrow I am also dropping some things off at St. Vinnies. It will take more than one sweep to clear things out but I am making lots of progress.
Tried to call granddaughter Nora today again. I always get her answering machine. I wonder if they are not using that phone now?
I had leftovers for my noon dinner along with a strawberry orange shortcake and egg salad and apple salad with Oreo cookies for supper.
Now I will be organizing for tomorrow which will be a busy day and then going to bed to read and relax again.
I hope your day was as pleasant.
Dia Dhuit
Mary
Saturday, June 22, 2013
A Saturday at home except for Mass at 4PM. It was a hot and muggy day and is supposed to be even hotter tomorrow.
I will finish cleaning the garage tomorrow. I just have a little corner left. The problem now is trying to figure out where to put the junk until Tuesday morning. I am getting rid of a lot of bags of stuff and the rest of the garage looks pretty good.
I picked up my friend Rita for Mass at 3:30PM then we stopped at Kate's to drop off some vases that I had for Kate. Kate came to Mass with us and will join us on most Saturdays from now on. We are growing into quite the prayer group. I love having prayer partners in the pew with me on Saturdays.
I called my Sara tonight. I try to call them occasionally thought they are hard to catch at home. This was the first ime I reached her in quite a while and it was so good to hear my girl's voice. She is doing pretty well and moving along with her education. She is getting to the end of her math courses, which she hates. I was always pretty good at math. Mom says I got that from Dad because he was good at it and she was horrible. Since I chose banking, it is probably a good thing.
So the end of the day. Tomorrow I get to be home ALL day. What a nice thought. Roxie will be a happy little girl.
So until tomorrow
Dia Dhuit
Mary
A haiku - no name
As thunder and rain
Wash dust and stress off of us
Dance through the raindrops
I will finish cleaning the garage tomorrow. I just have a little corner left. The problem now is trying to figure out where to put the junk until Tuesday morning. I am getting rid of a lot of bags of stuff and the rest of the garage looks pretty good.
I picked up my friend Rita for Mass at 3:30PM then we stopped at Kate's to drop off some vases that I had for Kate. Kate came to Mass with us and will join us on most Saturdays from now on. We are growing into quite the prayer group. I love having prayer partners in the pew with me on Saturdays.
I called my Sara tonight. I try to call them occasionally thought they are hard to catch at home. This was the first ime I reached her in quite a while and it was so good to hear my girl's voice. She is doing pretty well and moving along with her education. She is getting to the end of her math courses, which she hates. I was always pretty good at math. Mom says I got that from Dad because he was good at it and she was horrible. Since I chose banking, it is probably a good thing.
So the end of the day. Tomorrow I get to be home ALL day. What a nice thought. Roxie will be a happy little girl.
So until tomorrow
Dia Dhuit
Mary
A haiku - no name
As thunder and rain
Wash dust and stress off of us
Dance through the raindrops
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