My Week

I was real disappointed that my coworker, Michael, wreaked his car.  He didn't come to work on Tuesday.  We were off for President's day.

I mailed 2 boxes on Tuesday to lady soldiers.  Then I had a little time left and went to Goodwill.  Not too much exciting but I did get a pair of new Interstate Motorcycle Chaps in my size.  I have a pair that is well broken in but couple of snaps are busted and the zippers lost their tabs.

Then I got chicken to-go from the VFW.  It may be the last time to-go if Alan moves soon.  It was quite tasty too.

Snow started falling hard and sudden on Thursday afternoon around 2PM.  I drove home from work very slowly and avoided some of the high traffic areas that the idiots usually take. I turned onto Chatham Road and found myself in a good position behind 2 snow plows. At the T on Woodside Rd, they were turning toward Rt 4. Another favored direction. Then they started to turn around and I thought "What are you doing?" After they reversed directions, I could see why. Impassible with an accident at the next intersection so I turned too and took Gordon Dr. Not a well cleared road. Only one fishtail that I felt. I was all bundled up and hot in the car so I rolled down the window. Snow was turning to sleet pellets and hitting me in the face. Other window please!

 The Convention & Visitors Bureau took this photo.  Yeah I got one of those stuffed Lincoln dolls too.

It's that time of year where we start practicing the Passion skit for Palm Sunday.  This will be my 4th year as a member.  In the past we had one or 2 people read the scripture and this adds different voices.  I only have 2 solo lines but number of group lines that must be said together.  We repeat the same script at 3 Masses on Saturday at 4:30 and Sunday at 8:00 and 10:30.  It was recorded and put on my YouTube Channel for me to go over and memorize.  I am not in this video but have played the person in the back pedestal for the last 3 years.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_ojROenoAM

After I got off of work on Friday, I got my fish at the American Legion to-go.  Then I went to see an animated performance by the youth at church of the Stations of the Cross. The tradition as chapel devotion began with St. Francis of Assisi and extended throughout the Roman Catholic Church in the medieval period. It is commonly observed in Lutheranism.

My son Alan will start training in Danville for his new job as transition assistance rep for the Vet Center. It's only a one year contract without benefits as a GS6.

Saturday my day was absorbed by the Edwards Place fundraiser fashion Show.  I wore full widows mourning and waked the so-called runway as Erica described my dress and purpose.  I got my widows weeds after my husband passed and thought it was fitting for me to be immersed in the Victorian custom.  At the end of all the period costumes were introduced, we all came out together.  The lady in the audience who reenacts Mary Lincoln commented as I went by something about finding another man so soon. 

Sunday morning I read the second reading at Mass.  It was Philippians 3:17-4:1.   In the afternoon I went to a reunion party of the group of France pilgrims whom I went on a trip with in October.  I was not real prepared with photos but put the pictures that I took on a jump drive and plugged it into a photo frame.  Of course I had to use Pixrisizer program to get them to fit.  I didn't buy many souvenirs so I had nothing much to show off but did have a little German dress in anticipation of our next pilgrimage.  One of the other guests gave me a cd of their pictures.  Now I have a good picture of me with the Silver Mime.

 By the time I got home, my son had departed toward Danville, IL for a week of training in his new job.
paying my son's way.  called me and he can't find his check book.  He packed and left for week of training in Danville and must pay adv for room but will get reimbursed.  I tore the room apart looking for it.  but he kept calling and ran to the Phone from my shower.

My Week

I got word that my adopted soldier got his first package that I sent.  He thanked me for it.  Always good to know that the mail went through.

Saturday, Feb 9, 2013,  was the Pilgrimage of the Veterans of Foreign Wars is an annual thing for the Illinois VFW. This one, the 66th annual, featured a eulogy for the late president, and was followed with military honors. The Voice of Democracy High School Patriotic Essay winners joined the crowd of veterans. The state winner was announced at a banquet Saturday. Part of the prize is a trip to Washington D.C. for the national competition. Gene Walker at 44 seconds on this video about the VFW Pilgrimage to the Lincoln Tomb with the youth of Voice of Democracy. Rose Connolly walking at the end. See video:

http://www.wics.com/news/top-stories/stories/vid_9475.shtml

Then on Tuesday, Lincoln's birthday, the American Legion made a pilgrimage to the Lincoln Tomb.  I was surprised at the great attendance.  I attended in my wool period dress as it was a bit cold.  Only my toes got cold.
Media for this event is here:
http://www.sj-r.com/breaking/x930799183/American-Legion-holds-annual-Lincoln-memorial-ceremony
5th Photo of Gene Sgaller on his 88th birthday, with Bobbie Nelson, both of Chicago, a love of history has brought the couple to the annual ceremony for 12 years and 4 years, respectively. Both sit on lawn chairs outside the tomb Tuesday and listen to the proceedings over a loudspeaker set up.
I talked with them for awhile.  He comes ever year on his birthday because it is also Abe' birthday.  He is 88.

After the ceremony, I attended a luncheon with the ladies from the Womens Overseas Service League. There was a good turn out.  Some of the ladies shared treats:  homemade apple crumble, cookie, and chocolate heart in honor of the upcoming Valentines Day.  Oh well, it was also Fat Tuesday

After that I got a County Market card for my son and a few items at Walmart. Spent a little time at home before heading out to the VFW for chicken dinner night. Since it was also Fat Tuesday, there was added gumbo at the buffet. Then I went over to the Abraham Lincoln Hotel where the Lincoln Simposeum banquet was taking place and members of the 114th Illinois Infantry reactivated and myself and the Soldiers Aid Society presented colors.

I sent in a nomination package for Linda to be the next Illinois Veteran of the Month.

I went during lunch time to go get ashes on Ash Wednesday but left when I couldn't find any parking.  Wow, Ash Wednesday is not even a Holy Day of Obligation. It is a day of fast.  Other times when I have gone to Mass on Holy Days of Obligation, the parking was not that big of a deal.  I think some people just like to show off their ashes.

After work I went to an AmVets meeting.  We use the back room at the Pawnee restaurant.  The waitresses were pretty loud near the door while we were trying to discuss business. While I tried to explain what happened at the annual Honor Flight meeting, I raised my voice (with eye contact at the waitresses outside the door).  One saw me but the perpetrator continued so I continued in my loud voice.  Post members saw what was going on and seemed to grin in support.  At least that's the way I took their reaction.

Thursday I went to a meeting of the Catholic War Veterans.  Boy was that a long meeting and I did not get to go home after work.   Friday, morning the Catholic War Veterans presented a check to the Veterans Homeless Shelter after taking a tour of the facility.

I won a bunch of Civil War accessories on Ebay for 36.51 + Shipping.  This set includes a number of Victorian Era-Civil War clothing accessories: brown bonnet, white corset, gloves, two pairs of shoes (size 6), two broaches, lace handbag, lace hairnet, and linen undergarment pants. Not bad when bonnets cost over $75 alone.   I really need a black fan for my widows weeds too.

Saturday I helped out with the Old State Capitol Foundation's fundraiser at Barnes and Nobel.  We had a few volunteers in period dress help promote books for Presidents Day and Black History month.  A portion of the sales helped the Old State Capitol Foundation.  I helped children make bookmarks about the Northern Star.    I read a story to the children.  One little boy asked a lot of questions.
Then I went to the Greirson Gala.  I brought an extra dress for Cheri Lynn (AKA Purple Girl) to wear.  I think she felt more immersed in the Gala by donning the period dress.  She expressed a desire to sew her own some time.  The Gala has a very nice presentation called Veterans Remembered.  I was surprised to see my photo/bio on their wall.

The Gala has a very nice presentation called Veterans Remembered.  I was surprised to see my photo/bio on their wall.

The following day I was able to download a group photo of a group of veterans that attended the Gala.  Veterans from different eras were honored and a speech from Patton was read.  Sgt Hack (pictured on the right in camies) threw a challenge coin to invite the missing Korean War veteran for next year's gala.  Funny thing, I saw a car leave after the Gala with Korean War veteran plates. 

I wore my rolling thunder shirt to church knowing that I'd be going to an ABATE swap meet later.  One lady behind me said she would like to get involved in escort if possible in honor of her Marine father.  I did not have info on the spot.

Getting ready to practice for the Passion Sunday skit at church that I've had to memorize for the last 3 years.  Today I'm brushing up on my Belle Reynolds recreation for seniors at Montvaile Estates  Monday in honor of Presidents Day and the 150th anniversary of the Civil War.  I would have preferred some Civil War dancing but not  enough reenactors to form a set nor preparation to call the dances.  I just recently acquired the appropriate music.  Maybe next year. 

My adopted soldier will get a special St Patrick's Day box.  I found a green cap for $1, green beads, a big box of Lucky Charms (small box of Lucky Charms was higher priced), and Irish Spring.  I doubt he's even Irish.

I'm giving up swearing for Lent. Stop laughing. Really I did! Oh and fat. Gave that up too. So now the fat on my body needs to leave.

My Week

Monday evening I went to the American Legion meeting.  I brought information about Honor Flight and a baseball game between the Cards and the Cubs.in August that benefits veterans organizations.  My son had hinted that he had a craving for a doughnut.  I decided to pull a box of mix from the shelf for gluten free chocolate chip cookies and was baking them around 10PM.

Tuesday evening I went to a meeting of our Civil War Soldiers Aid Society.

I went to an American Legion Riders meeting at the VFW instead of the American Legion post since the room was spoken for.   We have canceled all events and fund raisers for the entire year until fiscal matters are worked out. Our next meeting will be at the Chatham American Legion Post as opposed to the Springfield Post on March 6.  Chatham's Post Commander is member of the riders and is glad to take us. So, the riders, auxiliary and the Sons of legion are moving to post 759.   I guess it wasn't nice for the post commander of 32 to write checks that we earned.

I'm putting the wheels into motion to nominate Linda Crites for the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, Veteran of the Month.  I recall when she attended my ceremony for this proclamation how I looked her in the eyes and knowing all the hell she'd been through on the Global War on Terror.  I hope she will not be too humble to turn over her required DD 214 for the application.   She is very deserving.

I have left a Halloween skeleton up because it has a broken arm.  It's now seasonal like those people that decorate their goose.  So far he's worn "Baby's First Thanksgiving" and "Baby's First Christmas".  Now a pink heart shirt for Valentine's Day.

Saturday I got groceries and stopped briefly at the Goodwill store across the street.  I found a German jumper dress that will come in handy later.  I cooked a pot roast and went to the Lincoln Tomb at 2:30 for the VFW Lincoln Pilgrimage.  I hear Gene was on TV in his Civil War uniform with students from the Voice of Democracy that visited the Lincoln Tomb.  That will probably be in the state VFW newspaper.  Then in the evening I went to the ball at the Moose Lodge in Vandalia.  Next week to Jacksonville for the Greirson Gala Ball.  Although some of our fellow Civil War dancers (Shirley and Larry and Nancy and Rich) will be headed for Quincy Ball on the same night. 
The Photographer was taking donations for the Wounded Warrior Project. 
That's the organizer in the middle in the green dress: Connie Bolyard. That photographer has a real authentic tattoo.  Just kidding.

They were taking photos and sent them to me via email.

Sunday morning it rained. I heard a loud thunder clap in church. I'm glad I walked the dogs before that. I had nothing on my calendar for Sunday but when I got to work on Monday, I had a reminder that I was supposed to go to Mass with the Catholic War Veterans. Darn...missed it. Too many different calendars going on.

I've been given the task of calling members of the VFW to make their renewal payment.


I got these American Flag mittens/gloves from the Veteran Site that helps feed veterans

My Week

Well we had record hi temps Tuesday of 65, I thought it might be a good day to wear a skirt to work. Well then the news says possible tornadoes and Hi winds. Hmm, skirt alert! My dog would not go for a walk. I had to put her Thunder Shirt on.  Then on Friday morning I woke to only 4 degrees.

We had dance practice Monday night with the Springfield International Folk Dancers. We learned Miss Stewart's jig. SIFD like that Scotish stuff and a few wore those lil leather shoes. I like it but don't have time for all that and need to specialize in Civil War dance.  I figure that if Gale Red can call dances, so can I.  I'm trying to put this together for smaller dance demonstrations such as seniors or something.  I ordered a few CDs on Amazon that would be great for ball dances.

Tuesday I had lunch at McCormicks.  Yum.  I had bought a rear wiper blade at Advance Auto Parts because they've always been kind enough to put them on but could not get the rear blade on.  I had asked Speedy Lube who services my car and couldn't so I took the blade to Ruggless who did it for no charge.  Love you guys.  After work the sky became real dark.  We need the rain.   I went to Edwards Place for a small group discussion on the restoration.  Curator Erika Holst showed guests or a behind-the-scenes look at the restoration currently underway in the dining room. We learned about the history of the room, the restoration plans, the restoration work done so far, and see the historical discoveries that have been made with the removal of old wallpaper, carpeting, and doors. A lot of work went into research for the right look.  We saw the bare wood floor under the dining room which displayed a scorch in the floor where a wire once led to the kitchen for Mrs Edwards to call with the tap of her foot.  The exposed pocket doors showed some original wallpaper way in the back which we could see with a flashlight.  This is the wallpaper that Abraham Lincoln saw when he was there.  On top of that, a little peice of newspaper about the size of a quarter was found.  Now it would be hard to date because of its size but there were important clues in the words "sensation between the states".  Wow.

So my son got my motorcycle started.  That was a relief.  Very frustrating when you can't get the seat off.  Next opportunity I get, I'll have pigtails exposed from under the seat for a trickle charger.  I'll be getting an oil change in the spring and that may be a good opportunity.  I should have done it in the fall but with my vacation to France and Capitol City Motorsports moving to a new location put things off.

Wednesday the exercise class I attend at lunch had a substitute leader and I was real sore on Thursday morning.  I got out of bed and my legs were sore just lowering myself on the toilet.  Ouch!

As a blogger, I added a Soldiers Angels blog in my follow list. Soldiers' Angels is proud to honor Angel volunteers who will be receiving the President's Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) for 2012.

Friday evening I braved the cold back room to scan a bunch of family photos.

Saturday morning I got ready to volunteer at the Old State Capitol.  They are very short handed but it's also not a tourist season.  I gave one tour but that did help cover the lunch break for the one and only staff worker.  Later I went to have wine with the boys and friends from the vet center at "Its All About Wine.

Sunday we had our  throats were blessed at church for the Feast of St. Blaise.  I said a prayer of thanksgiving for my son landing a job for which I've been praying for.  I also prayed for our soldiers.  It's been so cold.  I threw a log in my fireplace.  I have an electric mattress warmer that is missing a cord.  I stopped by the Goodwill but none.  I believe the Salvation Army has a bunch.  Otherwise I'll post a "wanted" on freecycle.  

I stayed home for the Superbowl.  I got some sewing done that I had been putting off.  I put a collar on my widow's weeds and trimmed my parasol. I had gotten a simple parasol on Ebay.
  


 I had picked up a lace skirt at a thrift store with an interesting lace pattern hoping I could use it and I  finally found a use for it.

Most of the Victorian photos showed the small parasols with long handles rather than large umbrellas we see today.

I'm looking forward to the Blue and Grey Commemorative Ball in St Louis Apr 20, 2013
http://www.nationalblueandgreyball.com/

Congratulations to the Ravens!