Well, it was a quiet day and a nice early evening.

It was rather warm.   I lift the doors open until it got into the mid 70s.   After that, this house just gets too warm and stays that way.

I worked on the book this morning and went through the books.   I am giving lots of them to St. Vinny's.   If anybody would like to go through them first, let me know.

A nice mass this evening.   I was the lector today.   My second time at St. John's.   I kind of like doing that.   Kate had called last night and asked if I would like to go to dinner with her after Mass.    I took communion to Tom and Rita and then met her at Antonettes.   We had a nice dinner and a good visit.   She was treating me for a belated birthday present, which was very sweet.  

The evenings are always long for me and this helped.

Til tomorrow.   If anybody wants to volunteer to read some of Ulysses on the 16th, I would be SO happy.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I seem to have neglected the blog.

This has been a strange and busy week.  

I think I mentioned that I was going on a day trip to the Marian Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help not too far from Green Bay near Champion.    Our Lady appeared to a young Belgian girl name Adele Brise in 1859.     Just recently the sighting with the work of Bishop David Ricken, was declared worthy of belief by the Catholic peoples.    During the Pestigo fire, the 6 acres that are the site of the shrine, were saved from burning by the believers marching around the site with a statue of Our Lady.   Not a soul within the area was hurt and they say the grass and trees were emerald green amid the blackened ground that surrounded it.    I have been wanting to go to the shrine and a friend who is a St. Vincent volunteer invited me to come on their tour.   Bishop Hyink was on the tour also.   It was a wonderful day.

Wednesday I had a doctor appointment with Dr. Leben.   My shoulder and arm are getting much worse.   She has concluded that the shots are not providing long enough relief, so is referring me to a surgeon, Dr. Fehrman.  He was Dick's doctor.   I know that my range of motion is diminishing and that I am hurting more and having trouble sleeping.   I had an x ray done on Wednesday and will have an MRI on the 5th then I will see Dr. Fehrman on the 10th to see what can be done.

Yesterday was all a flutter as we closed on Mom's home then.    It is such a relief that it went smoothly and quickly.    I am sure Mom has mixed feelings but I know that she is very happy that the neighbors bought it.   They stopped to see her last week and she told them that if they had any questions about anything they should not hesitate to come and ask her.  But not having to think about maintaining or having us maintain the house will be a relief to her.

Today, I had lunch with the bank ladies and then passed out several posters for the Bloomsday event.
Anybody want to spend an hour reading on June 16th.

So that is all for now.   I have started walking of an evening.   It really does not seem proper without a doggie, but I am doing it anyway.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

What a day.    I left, in beautiful weather, for St. Fridolin's Church in Glenbeulah.   The Memorial Day Mass was held there.   St. Fridolin's is only a chapel now, like St. Michaels is to Shepherd of the Hills.   It is nice to have a service there every so often.   It is a lovely little church.   There was a nice crowd there too.   I picked up the hosts that I needed to take to Mother and her fellow Catholic residents at Meadow View.    I had to go around twice, once when I got there and once later as a couple of them were asleep.  There is one new lady just down from Mother too.

She and I had a nice visit.   John and Holly came in with Jack and Sam while I was there.   They are almost walking alone and growing like weeds.   They are a couple of very handsome dudes.   I love seeing the babies.

Home again, I have been working on the book and cleaning things in the garage and house.  
There is so much to do.     Tonight I fried some brats and venison steaks outside.  So I have meals for the next week that just need sides.

Tomorrow I am going on a bus trip from St. Peter Claver to the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help in Champion, one of the places that is supposed to be dear to Our Lady.   I have been wanting to go and a friend told me about this trip.   The only instructions.   To bring your rosary.   Lunch is provided too.

So. I will go to bed at my usual early time and read as I have to be at St.Peter Claver's at 7:45AM. 

I never have to worry about WAKING up, Roxie takes care of that.

Dia Dhuit

Mary


Philip Neri prayed, "Let me get through today, and I shall not fear tomorrow."

It was a beautiful day. The sun shone and the temperatures were up in the 70s most of the day. It was Sunday so I decided to treat it as such. This morning I finished the hard work about my "gardening" by putting the compost/manure in the bed in the front that I will plant my tomatoes in. I did put the basil in the bed . I know a little and am sure that tomato and basil make good companion plants. I watered everything that needed watering and spent the rest of the day watering and washing clothes. Tomorrow is Memorial day. I am going to Mass at St. Fridolin's parish in Glenbeulah and will bring communion from the mass to MeadowView for Mom and her companion residents. This afternoon, I sat out on the deck for quite a while reading with my Roxie enjoying the fresh air and sunshine too. She does like to be out there. So until tomorrow Dia Dhuit Mary

I am still trying to get pictures from Picasa to the blog. I can drag but they are huge and upside down. I can make them smaller but can't turn them right sized up. Oh well, one of these days I will get it.

What a beautiful day it was. The sun shone and the temperatures were in the low 70s. The sky was brilliant with the green of the trees breathtaking against the blue. I spent a portion of the day planting my pots for the front and the deck. Tomorrow I will put the compost manure into the bed that will hold my tomatoes. I hope it will give them more life and help them produce more fruit. I am cleaning the garage in portions too. Trying not to overdo as my arm and shoulder WILL NOT stop hurting. I hate it. I went to Mass at 4PM. Aunt Kathleen was out at the Lake property that she and Bob owned. So she came to the Mass. I saw her come in and went to sit with her. I was also a communion minister so the Mass was double special for me. It became even more special when Fr. Dan blessed all of our veterans at the conclusion of the mass because of the Memorial Day weekend. I have the flag and marker from the VA in my planter in front. I am so happy, it is for Dad and Dick in front of my home. Bless you all Dia Dhuit Mary

A pretty typical Friday.    I got my Condo papers all done and in order.

I did a lot for the Bloomsday event.

I went to the DQ for lunch with my friends.

A satisfying day all together.

I am tired so am going to bed early.   I did plant a few of the plants that I picked up at Moraine Gardens yesterda and will do a little more tomorrow and the next day.   Nothing too much planed so I can take my time.

Til later

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I have had a nice birthday

Started off not all that exciting.   I had to take Roxie to see Dr. Connors for her blood test.   Her meds are balanced now.    We will recheck in six weeks to be sure that we are OK.

Then I went to Klips and Tips and got my hair cut.   I was starting to look like Justin Bieber again.   Didn't mind that a couple of years ago before he started all his silly shenanigans but surely don't want to have his haircut now.

Then I was home all day.    This afternoon, flowers arrived from Richard and Brenda.   They are so beautiful.   I had to remind Roxie that they are not for her.  I received lots of cards today and actually since Monday.   So nice to be remembered.  I called Richard and Brenda when I figured they would be home and told them how pretty the flowers are.  They are going on a vacation to St. Louis over the Memorial Day holiday.   Should be a good weekend for that.

Leslie and Bill called a bit ago and we had a great visit too.   Leslie will not need knee surgery, at least for now.   They are trying a series of shots to see if that will help first.   Always better not to invade the body with a knife if possible.    Bill said they are coming up here next year to take me out for my 75th birthday.   I told him I am marking it on the calendar.  When Leslie's knees are good enough we will travel together too.   Every body can come.

I fixed myself a couple of good meals and even pulled out a chocolate cupcake and lit a candle for a birthday cake.   I am a happy girl.

I am finishing up my day with a nice shot of Bailey's with my coffee on the side.

Love you all
Dia Dhuit

Mary

Another full day

I had decided to go to the Exchange Bank for breakfast this morning.   I let the Celtic people know as sometimes I get company.   This morning I DID.   My friend, Janet Bieschke, joined me and had a birthday card and greeting.  She gave me a scone mix which I put together when I got home.

I did my grocery shopping and post office stop before coming home.   Then I had several phone calls and reports to get done.  At. about 1PM, I drove to the Veterans Office in Sheboygan and made sure that Dad's service in the Wisconsin National Guard was recognized.   They gave me a grave marker and flag.   I found out that Doug apparently got one already, probably through the Legion so I will keep this one.   Then I stopped at Mom's and helped Kathy and Jeff who were cleaning and emptying out the house more.   I swear that things are multiplying in there.

We got a lot ready for trash and two loads to Goodwill.  

I got home at about 4:30PM, had a snack at 5 then went over to Generations here in Plymouth.   The building was being used for a fundraiser for the Gathering Place, a day care for Alzeimer patients in Sheboygan Falls.    Lucky me.  I bid on several silent auction items and ended up with three.   They are clock variations and will actually make nice gifts.   Especially with the stories that go with them.

Now it is time for bed.   Tomorrow Roxie has a doctor appointment.   (She is really going to be angry.)   I also have a hair cut.

So I need to get to bed as I will have to get up with Roxie.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Arg! Mondays are too busy

I am almost caught up though.

I went to Bible Study at 9:30AM.   We will not have it next week because of Memorial Day.  Then I went directly to see Mom.    I had lunch with her and the best visit.

After I left her, I drove to the Veterans Association because I am trying to get Dad recognized for his time in the WI National Guard when he was young.    I know that Mother and he would be so proud to have a flag on his grave on the national holidays. 

Then I went to Wenig Funeral Home to talk to John about planning Mom's funeral and getting those funds in trust so that she can have exactly what she wants.   I will now share this with her and Jeff and Randy as the executors.

Then home and I took a short nap before transcribing the minutes of the Tallgrass Membership meeting.   Now it is 8:30PM.

Wow.  So I will go to bed and read for a bit.

I got my first birthday card today.   Thank you Richard and Brenda.   I LOVE the card.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

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.