Last night in the U. S for Two Weeks

Just like everything, things seem so far off and then all of a sudden, it is here.

Joseph and Felicia will be picking me up at about 5:45AM.   I am all ready except for the last minute toiletries.   Felicia and I have been roommates before and do well.   Joseph will drop us off at the transfer in Milwaukee.   We arrive in Scotland at 6:55AM their time.   So we will be a long time traveling. 

I took Roxie to Bobbie and Bill's this morning.   She wasn't as noisy as she is most car rides and seemed relatively undisturbed by being there.  She checked everything out and settled in a front window for a view of the world.    She is eating somewhat better but seems to lick all the gravy off and leave the rest.   I would say she is having tooth troubles except when I gave her some nice pieces of chicken from my dinner yesterday, she chowed them down like no tomorrow.   Bobbie said the Molly did much the same when her kidneys started failing, so we will just have to make sure that SHE is comfortable and go with that.

I went to Rita's wake tonight.  The funeral is tomorrow so I am glad that they had this tonight.   I would have felt bad not to express my condolences in to the family.   Tom of course, knew that I an leaving tomorrow.

I will be going to bed soon so that I can get up with some sleep under my belt.  You probably won't be hearing from me, at least not often.   I will try to post occasionally so that you can tell where I am.  I remember one trip to Ireland, Dick said he could follow my credit card all over the island.

So until I return,  I love you all.

Dia dhuit

Mary

I understand that my blog was unavailable for some time during last night and this morning.    I was also having trouble with my Thunderbird but both seem to be OK now.

A busy Monday as usual.    I went to Bible Study.  A good group again.    For the next two weeks, Felicia and I will be gone to Scotland.   I have decided to light candles for all of the people I worry about in all of the cathedrals and churches that I enter.    With my Barbara and Mom and my friends Cindy and our dear Rita, I figure there should be flames of love and asking for help everywhere.

Roxie seems to be eating a bit better but has become Miss Fuss Budget.  She is picking at her food but lapped up all the water drained from the tuna can I opened tonight.   She is also very demanding of love and hugs and brushing.    Bobbie may be sorry to have her, the little pest.

It was Bobbie's Birthday today.  Happy Birthday again!!!!!

Leslie sent several pictures of our Nora settling in in Washington in her intern position.  Her office, some of her friends etc.  She will be working on the Wounded Warrior program for four or five months.   A real honor and a great experience for her resume.   So proud of her.

I went to a class at St. John's tonight for certification of a program that would permit me to work with the youth of the parish if it ever came up.   I have not done that in many years but sometime I might and then would not have to worry about being approved.   Interesting and frightening.  It is terrible how predators coerce children and we all need to be more aware of the signs.

So, a long day.  Tomorrow I will be home all day and will pack.   The next day has some commitments and I do want to rest a bit too.     There will be a wake for Rita in the evening.  

So good night. and sleep well.

Dia dhuit

Mary

I am sad today.   This morning, I received a call from my neighbor Tom.  Our Rita, my friend with ALS, his wife, passed away during the night.   I was her last visitor.  

How glad I am that I was able to see her and to tell her that I loved her and to have the communion host laid in her hand before I gave it to Tom on Saturday night.  Her faith meant so much to her.   I will miss her, but I am so happy too.   She no longer has to be trapped in that body that was giving up on her daily.   Tom told me that during the night he had been sitting with her, saying a decade of the rosary with rosaries that her grandchildren had given to her the previous week whenever she seemed to be "there".  It was apparently a very gentle and quick leaving of her spirit.   She will be with Tom until he is OK.  I know that because Dick is here when I need him.   Isn't faith wonderful.  

I can't do more tonight.  It is very hard even when I know she is safe in the hands of God.   We get kind of lonesome for our friends you know.

Dia dhuit
Mary 

  

I am very tired tonight.

Roxie is feeling better.   At least she is eating again.  She is taking advantage of my worry to insist that I almost constantly cuddle and brush her.

I had lunch with my Scotland travel partner, Felicia, and we are all set for the big travel day. Joseph will drive us to the shuttle place and pick us up.

My ribs and back are hurting tonight so I will try some cold and heat on the areas.  It started when I was walking.

So until tomorrow.  Dia Dhuit

I am going to the Plymouth History Tea with friends from the neighborhood.

Mary

This will be short.

Forty seven years ago, I gave birth to my Bret.   My children are my pride and joy.   An old cliche but it is the truth.   I know that I have given two special people to the world.  I love them so much and they make my life worth while if nothing else does.

Our Roxie has not been eating for the past four days.   I took her to see Dr. Connors today.  All of her blood readings are normal so we are baffled.  She has added a couple of appetite pills and we are going to wait a few days to see what happens.  She is not uncomfortable or in distress so it is worth seeing what happens. I leave for Scotland next Thursday so this is quite a concern.  Bobbie and I will talk after a few days and we know whether the meds are helping.   Poor Baby Girl.

So. I am tired and am going to bed.   I have been working on being ready for Scotland and have almost everything settled.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A comfortable day

I got up this morning at about 7AM.    I had an appointment with Dr. Leben at 9:45AM.  I told her that my headaches and neck are still hurting.   We are going to try a muscle relaxant along with the pain pill and ice packs to see if we can get this thing healed as the shots weren't doing too much for me before.   we will try this for a month through the Scotland trip.

Home again, I fixed some lunch and worked on things for the trip.  Right after lunch, I went out to fill the tank, check for Tallgrass mail and send a package to my Sara.   I just got her address from Leslie over the weekend.  I also picked up the prescription for my muscle relaxants.  I got home and found that I had a partial order,so I called them.   The pharmacist explained that I can pick up the rest tomorrow.   I am a bit irritated that they did not inform me of this.   I would not have known had I not noticed the discrepancy. 

Tomorrow is trash day, a day late because of the holiday.  I really have a lot since I did a lot of shredding over the past few days.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING:
TODAY IS THE OLDEST YOU'VE EVER BEEN, YET THE YOUNGEST YOU'LL EVER BE SO - ENJOY THIS DAY WHILE IT LASTS.
~Your kids are becoming you.......
~Going out is good.. Coming home is better!
~You forget names.... But it's OK because other people forgot they even knew you!!!
~You realize you're never going to be really good at anything.... especially golf..
~The things you used to care to do, you no longer care to do, but you really do care that you don't care to do them anymore.
~You sleep better on a lounge chair than in bed. It's called "pre-sleep".
~You miss the days when everything worked with just an "ON" and "OFF" switch..
~You tend to use more 4 letter words ... "what?"..."when?"... "what?" . ???
~Now that you can afford expensive jewelry, it's not safe to wear it anywhere.
~You notice everything they sell in stores is "sleeveless"?!!!
~What used to be freckles are now liver spots.
~Everybody whispers.
~You have 3 sizes of clothes in your closet.... 2 of which you will never wear.
~But Old is good in some things: Old Songs, Old movies, and best of all, OLD FRIENDS!!

A nice day.   Part of it sunny and warm.  Part of it rainy, really rainy.

Fortunately.  Jeff, Kathy and I were visiting Mom during the storm.

It was a nice quiet day.   I learned how to download my pictures from my Trak Phone to the computer so that I can keep them.  I have decided that his winter will be the time that I go through pictures and get them on the computer.

Nothing else exiting .

Dia Dhuit

Mary.

A whole day at home.   Very quiet.   I took a walk after lunch.   That felt good.  It was muggy but not too hot today so pleasant.

I worked on the book today and the talk that I will be giving at IBAM.

Roxie and I sat out on the deck for a while.  She blew it.   She tarted eating leaves and upchucked.   She did stop eating leaves after that but I figured enough is enough.   At least she threw up while we were still outside.

I have been doing a bit or cleaning and throwing out every day too.   Today, I got a corner of the basement.   This winter, I will attack the pictures.

Tomorrow morning I will go to Mass at St. Fridolin's in Glenbeulah and then go to see Mother and bring communion to her and her fellow Catholic residents at Meadow View.   It is Labor Day too.  I must remember to put my flag out in the morning.    I do have the small flag in the berm.

So until tomorrow.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Saturday - Holiday Weekend

This holiday doesn't change much for me other than I will not have bible study on Monday.   I am going to Mass at St. Fridolin's in Glenbeulah so that I can pick up the hosts to take to Mom and her fellow Catholic residents at Meadow View.    I have never been to St. Fridolin's.  I understand that it is a vey lovely little church so am looking forward to it.

I took a walk just before lunch as I could not seem to get my get-a-long moving this morning.  It was muggy and warm - not hot- but there was a nice breeze and it did get me motivated.

I worked on the stitchery project that I will be talking on at IBAM.  Will do more on that tomorrow.

I went to Mass at 4PM.   Visited with several people before and after Mass.  I took communion to Tom and Rita.   Rita is failing so fast but we did get her to smile that beautiful smile of hers.  She is so brave.   I know her faith is strong, as is Tom's.   She will go gentle into the arms of God.   Please keep praying. 

I shredded a bunch of stuff tonight.   The trash people will not be happy with me.

Tomorrow another day at home.  I am feeling crafty so should be busy.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Another quiet day.    It was hot and muggy.   I was glad that this was not the day for the 5K walk in Hilbert.  The humidity was really bad.

I did some shopping today.   Picked up a couple of things that I need for the Scottish trip and some grocery shopping.

I finished getting the zucchini that Jeff and Kathy gave me used and preserved.   I still have two cucumbers to deal with.

This is the weekend of the Sheboygan County Fair.   I rally don't want to go alone so unless I hear from somebody will spend my weekend at home.

I took Roxie to the vet again today to get another lesson on giving her fluids.  She was really upset.  She hissed at Dana.  We were both very understanding to Roxie.  After all,she doesn't understand.   I did the actual input.  I wrote down the 1, 2, 3s this time.   Hopefully next Friday,  (I figure we should move it to Friday) will be OK. 

My friend, Jana Winchester Hertz, is coming to Wisconsin in late October.   We are planning on her spending a day and night with me.  Then she will be at a conference for Braille.   Should be fun.   We will go to Manitowoc for an Ancestry search for her.

So the day is done.  I am hoping to sleep well and only have one outing tomorrow.  Mass at 4PM followed by taking communion to my dear Rita and her husband, also dear, Tom.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

A day at home.  It was a beautiful day too.   Not too much going on.

I did some planning for the trip, baked some scones and did some wash.

This evening I joined the people who could come over in the open area on Thursdays to just mingle.  It got a bit cold but I kind of liked it as when it is cooler, my head doesn't hurt as much.

I tried to give Roxie her fluids today and failed miserably.   I am taking her back to the Vet's tomorrow for more instruction.    He fluid day will probably be changed to Fridays.


That is all there is to report today.

Dia dhuit

Mary

Home all Day

I fell asleep after Roxie finally roused me at 6AM (after bugging me from 5AM on).   Didn't wake up until after 8.   So I got up and ate breakfast first.

Then I got dressed and took care of all those morning things that have to be done. 

I was busy today but at my own speed.   I am working on a small ZINE - don't ask why.   It has just been on my mind and I decided to do one to take with me on my travels and to IBAM this year.   A Zine is a mini booklet printed on one sheet of paper to be folded in such a way that it makes a teeny booklet.  I am calling it Snippets and have six small poems in it.

I also got the BIG poem I Watched The Trees Die mounted on a backing.  It is 4 by 5 feet and was in the Cooler by the Lake event at EBCO.   I just want to put a simple frame around for defining and for stability.   Then I'll take a picture and post it.  What DOES one do with something that large.
  
Guess what.   This evening the phone rang and it was my darling grand daughter Nora.   She will be leaving for her internship at the White House at the end of the week.  She starts on Sept. 2.   She has all the info for getting into the White house and will spend the weekend learning her way around.   I am so very proud of her.    It will be hard for her to be away from our little Marcus, but Daddy Ernie will do just fine.  She is going to be working on the wounded warrior program in her months there.   Something near and dear to her heart.  We had the best visit.    I had not talked to her in a long time.   But I always feel in contact with them because of the uTube snippets of them and Marcus.  I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family.

Tomorrow is another day mainly at home.   I have plenty of projects and goals before Scotland and am grateful for these quiet days.

Dia Dhuit until tomorrow

Mary

Finally blue skies above us

I had a nice day.

First I met my friend, Janet Bieschke for breakfast this morning.   We went to the Dairy State which is on the corner of Eastern and Mill just down from the Art Center.  This is my first meal there since it has become the Dairy State.   It changes owners quite often.   The breakfast and service were both very good, though, as with most restaurants these days, the omelet I ordered was a bit overdone.   I brought half of it home,  omelets do reheat quite well.   I'll have it for dinner tomorrow.

Janet and I had a long visit, discussing CWI things.   I am no longer on the board but she, as the current president, and me as the coordinator of the Sheboygan County Branch can do a lot to help the organization grow.   The new board has lots of ideas.   Ways to offer more for the money to stimulate interest and ways to highlight more of other Celtic Women other than Irish.

As long as I was in that direction, I stopped at the post office and then at the Pig to do my grocery shopping for the week.

This afternoon, I cooked.   I made Vegetable Garden soup and Chocolate Zucchini bread with one of the zucchini that Jeff and Kathy gave me.   I also made a cucumber salad.  The season of plenty. 

Jacquie called this afternoon.   My ex, Dick, had surgery this morning for his prostate.    He is coming home this afternoon so it was an outpatient surgery.   He doesn't tell her anything.   I have asked my prayer chain leaders to put him on their lists and ask you to do the same.    Jacquie had me call the boys.  Jacquie actually sounds pretty good.

The rest of the week is rather quiet.   Something every day but manageable.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

If who we are is a gift from God.

Then who we become is our gift TO God.

Depok

 

The Quiet Day

This was the quiet day that I had hoped for.    I did not have to go ANYWHERE.   

I spent the day finishing about three projects, catching up on phone calls and brushing the cat.   She is getting awfully demanding about getting brushed these days. 

This week is a quiet one.   I hope to use it to my advantage and to enjoy the summer days.

Tomorrow is quiet.  I will go to Bible Study and then to visit Mother.   The rest of the day I will be home. Yea.   Perhaps if it is not too muggy, Roxie and I could spend a bit of time in the afternoon out on the deck.   We both like that.

So Until tomorrow.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Home from the 5K walk/run in Hilbert.

I went last night and spent the night with Jeff and Kathy as we were signed up to walk in the Cheesehead Run at Hilbert.  

We got there in plenty of time.   We all were excited to watch the half marathoners start at 7:15AM.   We found out that there were over 1400 participants in the event, which consists of half marathon, relay and 5K run/walk.   We all did well, because we all made it to the end.  The guys, Shane and Jeff, ran the 5K.   Jeff came in third in his class.   Kathy also ran and did 3rd in her class.   Georgie and I walked and took our time.   I still did 7th in my age group but I don't know how many were in my age group.  Don't want to know either.

The serve a spectacular buffet to the participants.  We had pulled pork sandwiches, grilled cheese, breakfast casserole, potatoes and on and on and on.   Water and gatorade were also provided and beer after the race.   I liked it and will probably tbo again next year.

You get a t shirt and a bag of goodies.   You all know that I am a sucker for that.

So home again, Roxie was so glad to see me.   My neighbor fed her this morning so she was not neglected.

Tomorrow I can be home all day - I am ready.

Dia Dhuit


Mary

I 

A rather exciting day.   At 10AM, Bobbie and I took Roxie to the Vets to learn how give her fluids under her skin.   When they showed me last week, I could not see how I could to it, but with Bobbie's reassurance and doing it without her growling and hissing in fear and figuring how to do it with only two hands it can be done.   This will help keep her kidneys flushed and make her healthier.

The rest of the day, I worked on the wall hanging that I will be explaining at IBAM and working on the Tallgrass minutes

I will be going to Jeff's tomorrow night as I will be spending the night there as I will be walking in Hilbert's Cheesehead run.

So you won't hear from me tomorrow.  

Till Saturday then.

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I know I know

I know, I did not post last night and some of you look for my daily posts.    I just had such a week, as you could tell, and got to bed and remembered that I had not posted.   I figured I didn't care and probably you all could use a break too.

 The rose that Bobbie and Bill gave me is opening ever so nicely.  It is beautiful and thank heaven for an OLD ROXIE, otherwise, it would not be here any longer.  She has always felt that all living plants are hers.

Yesterday was rather busy, ending with the monthly  Tallgrass Condo Board meeting.   We zipped through that very quickly.

I feel that I am getting a lot done these days.  I am looking to the Vacation in Scotland.   Away, I can let go of all of the things that weigh on my mind when I am here.   I need to find someone who can bring communion to my Mom and here fellow residents and to my dear friends Tom and Rita when I am gone. 

Today, I had a hair cut.   Terry does such a nice job.   We both ended up talking to people on those darn cell phones when I got there.   She had a business thing and Bart called me.  I was glad because I could make her feel not guilty because I love to talk to my special boy.

I grocery shopped and have been home for the rest  of the day.  I did my CWI newsletter and tomorrow will do the Tallgrass stuff.  Stuff is a dumb word but is is OK

Dia Dhuit

Mary

Whew!!!

What a weekend and Monday too.

I know that I have kind of checked in and that you know how full my weekend was.

The Cornish Cousins Pasty dinner and the following Milwaukee Brass Orchestra concert were SO wonderful.  Felicia and I sat with a wonderful gentleman who is a doctor and has worked all over the world with people who need his help the most of all.  He worked with Doctors without Borders for a while but also as a ministry where he was needed most.   Felicia and I were beyond admiration and awe.

The meal was so good.  Pasties, pickled beets, cole slaw and the best brownie bar with the Cornish Flag on it.   I ate every bite.

The concert was spectacular.  I have the playbill if you want to see it.

Saturday, Bobbie and Bill took me to dinner to celebrate one of the most important days in my life, the day I married Bobbie's Dad.           They took me to Sweet Basil, one or our favorite restaurants.   They brought me a beautiful long stemmed red rose which is opening so beautifully,  I walk by it and smile often during the day.

Sunday I went to Irish Fest with three of my Celtic Women friends.   Felicia, LuAnn and Kathy.  We left at about quarter to eight from Deer Trace park and ride.   It was a special day.   I ran into so many friends.   I did the things that mean Irish Fest to me.   I marched in the parade with my Celtic Women friends.   I ate the food that means something to me.   I shared a glass of Mead with Kathy.   It is sad to realize that so many of the artists that meant Irish Fest to me are gone.   The Clancy Brothers, Tommy Makem eg.   A special day indeed.

Today I went to Bible Study.  We had a good turnout and mainly straightened out the Johns and James of the early days.  Next I went on to see Mom.   Joy of joys.  Dolores and Ken were there when I arrived so I got a visit with them.  Then just as I was leaving, Mary Margaret arrived.  So good to see that girl.  I go through my life as Mary Helen.  She is Mary Margaret.  That is just fine our Mom/Grandma deserves the unadorned name.

Next I joined my friend Peggy G.  and Mary D. (fellow authors) for lunch and then a meeting at Book Heads with the Cream City Writers.

I am so glad to have all  my fun things done.  They came too close together.

How does that happen.

Love to you all

Dia Dhuit

Mary

I slept a bit late this morning after my late night.   That Cornish Pasty Meal and the Brass Orchestra concert were well worth the late hour.

I was home all day except for a quick trip to fill the gas tank.   I would have been OK but then Monday would have become too busy.   It is busy enough already.

I spent today getting ready for the Tallgrass Board meeting on Tuesday, the things I need for tomorrow at Irish Fest and cleaning our various areas of the office that were out of order.

Bobbie and Bill came this evening and took me out for dinner.  They brought me a gorgeous long stemmed red rose for our anniversary.  I have it on the counter where our Roxie can't get it.   It is SO beautiful.   We went to Sweet Basil, Dick and my favorite restaurant.   I had salmon, Bill, walleye and Bobbie the pork chop special which was spectacular.  We were reminded of Dick as we enjoyed our dinner.  How special is that.

Home again, I am going to bed early because I have to get up with Roxie so that I can meet my ride to Irish Fest at 7:45AM. 

Whew,  what a weekend.

Dia Dhuit
Mary

A Cornish Evening

Just a note to tell you that I am safely home from the Milwaukee Cornish Pasty Dinner followed by a Cornish music concert by the Milwaukee Festival Brass.

The meal was excellent, the music was superb.   Felicia and I are SO glad that we went.  My friend, Tommy O Hagan and her husband Bob were also there.  She was so happy that we had come.

I have information on Cornwall and a tshirt that I have decided to wear on Sunday to Irish Fest.

It is after 11PM and this sleeping beauty has to go to bed.

Dia Dhuit

Mary