A concert

Busy Day ending with the Return to Broadway concert at the Plymouth Arts Center.   We had a pretty full house and I understand there are more reserved for tomorrow.  It is so encouraging to us, a once a year singing group.   I love the selection we have this year.  ( Except for Ring ting a ling Rosie).

The audience was very enthusiastic which made our singing even more fun.

I am tired though and have a very very full day tomorrow with three meetings, including the concert.

Bobbie, I will leave your tickets on the counter unless you have some other way you want to get them.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Last Practice

Just got back from our last practice for the Return to Broadway show that "we" Plymouth Arts Center Players are putting on tomorrow and Saturday nights.   An extra long practice because we had to get through everything.

I missed a call from Richard and Brenda, darn, but we will catch up later.   The next two evenings are busy, of course, but Sunday is quiet.   Haven't had much down time since New York and that was certainly a hoppin' good time.

I don't know if I told you that Vikki and I went to see the taping of an episode of the Chew.   That is one of the shows I do usually watch.   It is a cooking show and is on at noon when I usually lunch and find it fun.   I was able to have my picture taken with Clinton Kelly and with Michael Symon.  When I figure out why I am having trouble putting pictures on  the Blog I will post them.   They featured recipes for Mothers Day brunches.  Jenny Mc Carthy was their guest star and everybody got a copy of her new book, Stirring the Pot.  A lot of fun.    I have to view it on the net before they take it off to see if Vikki and I appeared in any of the audience shots. 

Anyway I am all ready for the Tallgrass Condo Membership meeting on Saturday at 10AM.  I think you all know that I am the secretary.   That will make the day REALLY busy as CWI will be having their book discussion group at 1PM and we will have our final concert in the evening.

One step at a time.   Things will settle down a bit as summer comes around.

Dia Dhuit

I love you all

Mary

Hi

At least the day was quiet.   It was also productive.    I am almost all ready for the Tall Grass Condo meeting on Saturday.   Just need a couple of check in volunteers.   Tomorrow, I will be most of the day on the phone.

Not only do I need those volunteers, but am looking for readers for Bloomsday, June 16, 2014.    I think I told you that the CWI and my friend Paul Hansen are expanding my little dinner with random readings from Joyce's Ulysses, which is the basis of Bloomsday, and planning a reading of the whole book starting at midnight.  This is done in several venues around the world.   Tomorrow I will be making a bunch of calls and writing up a press release to start interest in the event.

I am trying to figure out why I can't download pictures from Picasa to Blogger.   I got some hints from a trouble shooter and will try again tomorrow.

I told you that Vikki and I took the Ferry to Ellis Island and to the "Lady in the Bay".    We walked up over 197 steps to the observation deck at the base of the statue.   I have lots of pictures.   I was really dragging when we got to the top and took an elevator down.   I felt somewhat like I was taking a couple of pictures up Lady Liberty's skirt which does not seem quite proper.   She sure is impressive.

Tonight I picked up Sy for the last of the Poet's at Mead meetings until September.   We had the biggest group ever, 19.   Nice meeting with LOTS of good poetry.   I read the one that will be in the 2015 Poet's Calendar.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Hi

Late again.  

I am so tired.    Today was a usual Monday after the busy wonderful exhausting trip to NYC.  I fully intended to enclose some pictures, but blogger is not wanting to send them and I am to tired to figure out why.

Tomorrow I will have more time.    Today, I went to Bible Study,  Lunch at the Point with my 1958 HS classmates, drove to see Mom and tonight practiced for the weekend 's show Return to Broadway at the Plymouth Arts Center.   Tickets can be purchased at the door or let me know.   The shows start at 7:30PM both Friday and Saturday.  (Bobbie I have yours and Bill's here.   We can talk about you getting them.) 

Practice is tough, especially tonight.   But it always seems to work out.

A bit more about NY.   On Thursday, Vikki and I went to Battery Park and took the ferry to "the Lady in the Bay" and to Ellis Island.    On Ellis Island, I took pictures of the names, Michael J. Deeley and Ernest Kunert that are inscribed on the wall in the garden.  Dick and I sent money for the fundraiser that Lee Iacoca ran to restore Ellis Island and got the names on the wall.   We also have certificates about it.

I will send pictures an more detail tomorrow.   We, Vikki, Sara and I, can hardly wait for the Tony Awards to see how the play the Cripple of Inishman does.   We saw it on Friday Night.  Danial Radcliffe is the star and it was so good.   A really well done dark Irish comedy.  I was so glad that the girls got it.  Not everybody "gets" that type of play.

So Now to bed to bed.   It rained and thundered part of the morning and really bad last night.   But the rain is supposed to stay south tonight.   At least my tulips and daffodils are starting to bloom.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Home again

First -  A very happy Mother's Day to all of the mother's who read my blog.   I was traveling for most of it but that is OK.   Shortly after I got home, Bobbie and Bill brought Roxie home.   She is so silly.   At first she wandered around and just wailed .   I think she was kind of relieved, though she did fine at her Kitty Camp.   I guess there was a terrible thunderstorm on Wednesday night and she yelled at Bobbie until she got up.

She seems fine now and is sleeping quite contentedly on the desk.   I fixed bacon and egg for supper and gave her a bit of that.   She loves that and I decided that she needed a treat.

Anyway,   we had a great vacation.   Vikki and I got there early evening of the 7th.   I will never ever take the Super Shuttle again.   It was HORRIBLE.  They are not on time, they are rude.   We didn't even use the return ride because I didn't feel that we could rely in them.

However, when we got to the Sheriton, my friend Mary Pat Kelly was waiting for us.   We got ourselves checked in and then went across the street to Rosie OGrady's for a drink and something to eat.  I was so glad that I was able to connect with Mary Pat.   She is a good friend.  Her new book will be out in February.   I am so excited to read it.

I will tell you the rest tomorrow.  Adding in our Sarah Deeley and all the sights we saw.   I carried my sweetie in my heart too.  This was a trip WE had planned on doing together.    I smiled for the whole time.  

Bless you all.   I am sore from walking but had the very best time.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Here I go.

You won't be hearing from me until Sunday evening.    I think you all know that but just in case, this is your notice.

I will be picked up at 8:30AM to go to Mitchell to catch a plane to New York City for a bucket list adventure.   I will be meeting my nieces, Vikki and Sarah and getting to see my friend, Mary Pat.

I can hardly wait.   I have made some reservations for some of the sites that I want to go to and have the reservations for a play.  We will be able to shop and look at places like Grand Central Station and I want to go to Mass on Saturday night at St. Patrick's Cathedral.

Today was busy but doable.   I had an eye doctor appointment at 10:15AM so did my errands then . 
After lunch I took Roxie to Bobbie's for Kitty Camp.   She doesn't like the drive, but was perfectly fine when she got there.   She made sure that the litter box was in its proper place and filled and checked out a couple of her favorite resting spots.     Bobbie and Bill will bring her back on Sunday so that she is here to greet me.    I miss her tonight.   It is odd not to have a living creature in the house.

So until I post again, may God be gentle with you and keep you safe.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

This will be short and sweet.   It is after 9PM (when I turn into a pumpkin) and I just walked in from about 2 1/2 hours of singing, practice for the Broadway Music show that I  am participating in.   I also had bible study this morning, spent time with Mom and made some final tweaks for New York.

So I am going to bed.

If anybody wants tickets for the show,  We will perform two times.    On Friday the 16th at 7:30PM and on Saturday the 17th at 7:30.   Tickets are $12 for members and $16 for non members.   But I can get them for you for $12.  Just let me know.

So I am going to bed to see if my body will unache.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

It was a really nice day.    I spent the morning preparing Mexican scones and cheese enchilada stacks to take to the Kunert Tres De Mayo that Suzi Rau, Dick's niece had organized.  

Bobbie and Bill let me ride there with them.   I was so glad.   We had a good visit on the way.   The weather was nice, not really hot but the sun was shining and there were pretty clouds swimming in the blue sky which made it pleasant.

We got there shortly after 3PM, arriving just as Richard and Brenda did.  Lots of the family there.  Some who I have met before and several that I had not.     They are, as they say also, a strange family where the previous generation just did not get together and they are becoming closer now.   Now is so good, they are lovely, warm and interesting people.   I don't want to lose them.   They did point out that I am the only aunt they have left.  

Anyway, A wonderful afternoon.

Until tomorrow then.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Friday

It was a chilly and drizzly day.   I don't believe that the temperatures went above 48 degrees and chilly.   We are supposed to be getting better temperatures and generally good days within the week.  I saw 75 degrees.  That would be a pleasure

A friend of mine saw worms all over her driveway and deck so I will count that as my third sign of spring.  

I was able to be home all day and do wash and prepare for New York and catch up on email.

Tomorrow is a party.  Suzi is having a "Tres de Mayo" at her home.  I will be riding down to Sussex with Bobbie and Bill.  Yea.  I really did not want to drive myself but felt that I wanted to go.

I am making cheese enchilada stacks.   I made the sauce today so tomorrow I will assemble them for baking.   I love stacks because you can just cut them in wedges like a pie.   Thank you, Tomi Kendall, up there in heaven for the recipe.

Tomorrow is Bart and Barb's anniversary.   Bart sent flowers today so that she could get them at work.   Good for you, my Bart.    I love you.

Dia dhuit

Mary

Another day gone by.   I did manage to get a bit done.   I worked on the Bloomsday project, worked a bit more on New York,  and sorted a bunch of stuff out.

I am still a bit beat from the tooth pulling, but am at least making some progress.   I got someone to sub for me for Communion minister on Saturday as I am going to Suzi's for a Tres de Mayo Kunert party.  That should be a fun way to spend an afternoon and evening.

Don't have any other real news so I will sign off now, at least I found the poem below to share.   I have heard it before but it is a good one.

 

Dia Dhuit

 

Mary

 

 The Pig

by Anonymous

It was the first of May
A lovely warm spring day
I was strolling down the street in drunken pride,
But my knees were all a-flutter,
And I landed in the gutter
And a pig came up and lay down by my side.

Yes, I lay there in the gutter
Thinking thoughts I could not utter
When a lady passing by did softly say
'You can tell a man who boozes
By the company he chooses' — And the pig got up and slowly walked away.
"The Pig" by Anonymous. Public domain.

Well, I woke up this morning and felt awful, so I got ready and rested until I had to take Roxie for her  Vet Visit.    She is fine, I have to adjust her pills a bit but Dr. Conners is very pleased with her.

Later I went grocery shopping.  Then I spent the afternoon resting for a while because I went to the Black Pig in Elkhart Lake with fellow Tallgrass residents.    Had a good meal.   They have a whole section of mac and cheese so I chose one of them as being good with my empty tooth socket.

I got a lot of CWI and Traveling items taken care of today too.

Tomorrow I am home all day. 

I am still a bit weak from the tooth thing, so will get rested up for the weekend.

Anyway, I am healing and will continue taking care of myself.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Well, Here it is evening.   I had a tooth removed this afternoon.   I planned my day so so that I could just rest when I got home.

I am glad.   I am very tired and now that the numbness is wearing off I have a slight headache and of course soreness in my mouth.  I believe that I will just call it very early, take a pain pill and go to bed.

I can read and write and just baby me for a bit.   I had a yogurt and am drinking water to keep it moist.  

Tomorrow morning Roxie goes to the doctor for a followup on her meds.  I will do a bit of grocery shopping and be able tospend the rest of the day finishing up computer projects for New York, the Gathering and for Bloomsday.

By Thursday I should be feeling better.

Wish me quick healing.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A late practice

Not really too late, but standing for over two hours with only one break is really wearing my knees.   The practice went well, I think.   I marked the areas that I feel weak on and should have more time this week to go over them.   It is really nice music.   If you are going, let me know, I can get tickets for PAC member price which saves three bucks.

I had my usual busy Monday morning.   Went to Bible Study at 9:30AM, going just a bit early so that I could pick up the hosts to take to Meadow View for the residents.   We had an almost full crew.   Only Peggy was unable to come.   We are on the part of ACTS where the disciples are going out and evangelizing.   We were commenting that it is interesting that the Diocese is stressing evangelism at this time too.

Then I drove to see Mom.   I brought her a bottle of wine from Lincolnshire and found out that she has not been getting her glass before going to bed.   So I went down and talked to the desk and the social director.   They are supposed to get it back on the orders.   I will check again on Monday with Mom or sooner if I do happen to stop by.  She still has over a bottle, so I will bring this when the other is low. 
We had a good visit.   While talking about her liking her glass of wine before bed, she remembered that Grandpa John Bowser liked his shot of brandy before bed.   And I remembered Grandpa Mike Deeley having his "medicine" in the morning.   A shot of whiskey.   They really didn't drink otherwise, except socially.   I am sure it was good for them.  They did live into their nineties.

I then met Paul Hanson for lunch as we are planning a rather unique Bloomsday, with the whole book being read from Midnight to Midnight.   Things are coming together and we should be OK with a serious recap of everything in mid may.   Bloomsday is June 16th.  This reading of the whole book is done in several venues. around the world.

So now I am home, and tired.   I made Roxie take her pill but did give her a little treat.

Pray for me tomorrow.  I am having a tooth pulled.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A full and fun weekend.  The CWI Gathering was well worth my time.   

Left here at about 10AM to get to Lincolnshire in time for the board meeting.   Betty had found some wonderful speakers Soe Kiethley reading from her book The calling of Mother Adelli , Frank Crowley on the Book of Cells and Mary Wagner on It's Never to Late to Make a Midlife Correction.   We ate at fabulous restaurants.   Our business meetings went well.   I am no longer a member of the board, having served two terms and being ready to drop off.  We have four new board members who are dynamic and they have chosen the new executive board.

Altogether a happy an successful weekend.

I am however, exhausted and will be going to bed early as tomorrow will be a typically busy Monday.

So I am home save and sound and content.

Love you all

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Just a note to remind you that I will be gone.  I will be leaving tomorrow morning and be back Sunday afternoon.   Roxie is upset.

The only excitement today was getting my tire changed.   I spent the rest of it getting ready for tomorrow and the next week.

So have a great weekend,  I intend to.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

From Brother Cadfael's Book of Days by Robin Whiteman based on Ellis Peters.

" You'll never get to be a saint if you deny the bit of the devil in you."

Took the car for service this morning at 8AM.  They did the oil change and all and rotated the tires.   They found a bulge on one of the tires, so I have to buy a new one.   Ich.  It is not under warranty because, I obviously hit a curb or something oddly - with all the snow and ice I can't say, but did have a couple of odd things happen because of it.

They are getting one in the morning so I can have it changed before I head for Lincolnshire on Friday.

I Did a couple of other errands as long as I was out and then spent the day getting things ready for the trip and the meeting.

Not all that exciting but easy to do.   I am also trying to be rested for the drive on Friday.

Bret called tonight.  He is fine.  He and about 20 of his friends are going to Capo San Lucas for the weekend to celebrate some birthdays, then he will go out to the River property for the last half of an whole week's vacation.  He sounds very happy.   He and Janet are together again.  

Til tomorrow

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Tuesday

Today, I attended the last of the six meetings we had at St. John's using the book Rediscover Catholicism.   We had some exciting discussions and are thinking of extending the meetings as they are interesting.   This is how the Bible Study group at Blessed Trinity came about.   We had a book discussion during Lent and decided to just keep meeting.   So it can be done.

Then I came home and am working on getting all together for the weekend at the CWI Gathering.   I am looking forward to getting away with my friends.

Richard and Brenda called tonight, a wonderful surprise.   I love having someone to talk to of an evening.   They are well  and will probably go to Dick's niece, Suzi's home on March 3 for a Mexican meal with Kunerts.   Bobbie and Bill are talking about going too.   It should be a nice family day.

That was all that happened that was exciting.  

Til tomorrow

Dia Dhuit

Mary 

Whew

I just got home from Spring Concert practice.   It is almost my bedtime.   I am having a nice cup of ginger tea and then going to bed.

I left a bit early for Sheboygan Falls so that I could be sure to be in time to pick up the hosts to take with me to Meadow View Manor when I went to visit Mom.   Those holy dusters are usually done and have the sacristy locked up before we are done with Bible Study.    There were eight of us there today.   I had to catch up because I was not there last week.   We are getting into the persecution by Saul, later Paul and seeing the beginning of the disciples going out to spread the good news beyond Israel.   The Acts are really rather exciting.

Then I went to see Mom.   She looked a bit tired but seems well.   Over the weekend, she went to a musical program that they brought in.   Dolores and Ken went with her and Rita said she seemed to enjoy it.

We had a nice visit.   I left about the time she was going to lunch because I had a Cream City Writers Club meeting at 1PM.  I stopped at the Exchange Bank for a cup of coffee and a sandwich.  Met my friend Peggy there.   We had nine writers there.   The trouble with this club is that we have a lot of non writing chatter going on.   But I will keep going when I can for Beverly and Lynn.   We heard some good writing today.  Lynn, and Craig and Don and Bev all read some good stuff.

Home again, I took care of some Tallgrass business and some CWI conference business, then had supper and went to the practice.   We only have three more practices before dress rehearsal.   It always seems like there is SO much yet to do.

Anyway time for bed. 

Until tomorrow

Dia Dhuit

Mary



Safe

May those who believe
Never fear the unknown path
That lies beyond death.

Good Friday come and almost gone.   I spent a quiet morning just sorting things and working on the kitchen to be ready for baking tomorrow.  I am looking forward to Bobbie and Bill coming for dinner on Sunday.   If anyone else is in the neighborhood, stop by.   Come by at about noon, so we can visit and snack before dinner.  I figure dinner at one.  (I made up my mind, Bobbie.)

The Good Friday serviced started at 1PM at St. Johns.    It was a very nice service.   The main choir sang and were very good.   I went with my neighbor, Jean.   It was the usual service.   The readings, the adoration of the cross and then communion.   I was communion minister and will be again on Sunday Morning at 8AM.   Jean and I were commenting, that years ago, the Good Friday services started at noon and were over at 3PM.   Neither of us can remember what was different, but there must have been a lot more to it.   I remember that when I was younger, every business closed down between 12PM and 3PM on Good Friday.   Eventually, the business started letting people off to go to services and eventually, this is a rare thing too.    Too bad.  There was a goodness and kindness in those days that doesn't exist now.

This evening I drove out to Rhine to have my new grips put on my Buckmark.   I could have done it myself but felt better if one of the guys who knows guns better did it for me.    Larry put them on and they are really pretty.  I can tell that the grip will be more comfortable.   I did not shoot as there was league going on and a lot of shooters.   I will go out some Sunday to just practice, especially during the summer so that I can shoot again in the Fall.

A quiet day tomorrow. 

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Easter time sure gets busy.

Yesterday just got away from me.  I had to go into Sheboygan to have the dentist who fixed my root canal a couple of months ago xray to be sure that all is well.  It is.

I did my grocery shopping on the way home.   So I am all set for Easter dinner.   I will be baking on Saturday.   A carrot cake and I will mix the hot cross buns.   I can make them the day ahead and then bake them Sunday morning so they will be warm and fresh.

My neighbor Jean called and asked if I wanted to go to the Holy Thursday services with her.   I had not planned on going but since she asked, I said sure.   I have not gone to this particular service for a couple of years.   It is a very lovely service and full of symbolism.   I am glad that I went.   Tomorrow I will go to the Good Friday service.  I will be a Eucharistic Minister and am glad to be able to be a part of it.

I packed boxes to send to the out of state family with memories of Mother's house.  It looks like the house will close in a week or two.  

I also went to Generations and did the Arthritis Exercises again.   I think it is OK.   Perhaps I am doing too much right arm, but I do stop if it starts to hurt.

Anyway.   It is still much too chilly around here.  But at least I am seeing some green crocus and daffodil shoots peeking out of the earth.

Dia Dhuit

Mary