My week

Tuesday evening I went the the Civil War retreat ceremony at the Lincoln Tomb.  This week the lady who was awarded the flag was a teacher from Kankakee, IL and she said she would fly the flag over their school.  How cool is that to have a flag that was flown at Lincoln's tomb at a school?

Wednesday afternoon I took off for my Optometry appointment.  I selected a new pair of frames that have no ring around the lens and are real light weight.  These  are flexible and cost more but since they are not limited to the shape of the frame, replacement lenses will be easy.  He said they were a Cadillac.  I cut the grass after my appointment but you wouldn't notice it a few days later.

Thursday and Friday I was real busy at work.  I still got the daily chores done but helped Michael migrate data files from Access to SQL server.  We had been preparing for this since January.  Needless to say, evenings were crash to bed early.   Monday the users of these programs still could not access due to no fault of ours.  The drivers that were installed were wrong and didn't work between Windows XP and Windows 7.  Not all are on the same version. They did not seem understanding but if they did they would be more appreciative of the big effort.  Tuesday, and the cutoff of this edition of "My Week" shall continue.

Sunday morning I went to church.  We are still getting used to our new priest, Fr Dennis (as I'm sure he is getting used to us too).  I noticed that when the congregation says "...and with your Spirit" that he replies with "Thank You".  I came home and made coffee and a gluten free blueberry pancake with maple syrup.  Yum.

In the afternoon, I went to the ABATE Down Rider benefit.  Well I got stuck coming home from the Down Rider Benefit. Thanks to a couple from Decatur who helped me tighten the loose negative connector on my battery. Then I dismissed them and Josh from our chapter was kind enough to follow me home safely. Actually, the ride home went well from that point.   So in return, I a sharing Josh's flyer that he gave me. Please support someone who is willing to help a stranded (not down) rider.

The photos that I took at the Down Rider Benefit are here:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.10151806240369274&type=1
 
My son has been a good influence on me.  He created so many memories of movies.  I remember when we went to a movie, Independence Day, before he joined the marines.  Now we are watching movies together again.  I love him dearly.

I've been still weaning off of cable TV.  My son has been showing me some movies.  I like that a lot.

I just learned this week that my God Child has taken the Air Force entrance exam and passed with a physical for next week.  Good luck Allison.   Then I have a nephew going into the Army in August.  Good Luck to DJ.  I'm thinking of you both as you progress.  Make me proud!!!

 I sent a card today after this request:

 Help us celebrate this American Hero by sending a card!

We want to collect 100 cards by 8/1/13 to deliver on his birthday!

Mail your cards and letters to;

Thomas Strawn
c/o Indy Honor Flight
9093 S. SR 39
Mooresville, IN 46158

My Week

I just now got a picture from last weekend's Ice Cream Social at Edwards Place.  It's a nice view of the back of my new dress and the front of the historic site.


Wednesday I went to the Goodwill and found this neat metal art for the front of my house.  I've had that hook in my siding since I took down the Christmas Wreath.  I like the roses.

Thursday evening I went to an ABATE meeting.  The VFW still doesn't have their WIFI fixed.  I used to post notes from the meeting on the ABATE facebook page as we go but the VFW's WIFI has been inoperative for months. I thought this license plate was interesting.  It means retirement for a state employee.

Penny was at the ABATE meeting and she is the first female to be president of the Leathernecks Motorcycle Club and probably the first for most clubs.  That’s a big deal.  I wish her success.  She really supports the veterans.  I gave her a TY card for Wreaths Across America.  I told her that although donations can be made online, that if you give to the American Legion Riders, we can earmark the funds for our local Camp Butler.

After the ABATE meeting I stopped at Meijer.  They are moving things around in there so I got lost finding what I needed.
I did find something that I was looking for, Burts Bees deodorant.  I had a spray which I liked especially for reenacting with a natural sage scent but haven't seen it anywhere.  Then I found a stick version at Meijer.

I know, it says it's for men but both of these smell the same.

I just took a dip in my pool, dumped it in my garden, then took a real shower.

Saturday I went to Bloomington for the Civil War Days at the David Davis Mansion.  Our Soldiers Aid Society was represented on the program that's been in the works all winter for this. I'll be going in modern clothes so that I can be comfortable and photo the event.   That way I won't be caught with a camera like the Huffington Post.  
Here are the photos/videos that I took at the event:

http://ivetret.blogspot.com/2013/07/civil-war-days-at-david-davis-mansion.html

There are some more pictures here:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.489706891110948.1073741838.378134195601552&type=1


Between the events and the evening ball, I got to make a quick stop over to Le Roy to visit Pop and Carol.  He was the veteran whom I was guardian on the Honor Flight.  It was really nice to see him since he's far away.  Always a joy to talk to.  Country farm boy charm.  Even the neighbors wave at strangers.

While I was in Bloomington, my sons did some of the moving out of the apartment and Sean moved in with me while the house he's buying closes.  Sunday I borrowed Jim's truck and Sean and I brought over the big items like the bed and his shelf.  He doesn't have a kitchen table and will probably need one in the new house.  The last item to seal the "over-nighter" was the toothbrush.

I went to Mass with the Catholic War Veterans.  Our post commander told me that he'll be driving his convertible for the Grand Marshal in the veterans parade at the state fair on Aug 11 ~ our veteran of the month.  That's cool.

Then I borrowed Jim's truck and helped Sean move in with me.  It looks like his house sale is moving along. Maybe he can clear the contract on his apartment early by turning in his keys.

Here's a picture for SpringFaild:  A Ford with Corvette shades.

 
 

Civil War Days at David Davis Mansion

Had a long day at the David Davis Mansion on July 20, 2013. 

I dressed comfortably so I could record the event.

This is Laura explaining our Soldiers Aid Society.

Part 1 of a 25 min presentation

Part 2

Part 3

 Miss Marilynn Ferricks found a nice collar.

 J and H Dry Goods tent.  Very reasonable but not my size.  Shucks!

 Loved this dress for only $100  but you won't believe the waist size.

 Ladies of Charity tent

 Miss Liz always has the finest things.  I really envy her array.  She knows her stuff even for representing a Southern lady with ties to the North.

 skirmish

 The Lincolns arrive in style to the dance under the tent full of sweat knatts.

 I really loved the little girls that came in their cute period dress.  Often more authentically dressed than some of the grown ups I saw there.

Here's is the opening intro to Angels In Calico up to the point where she asked there be no video.

Local Story from McLean County:  Maureen Barnes

(up to the point where the batteries died in my camera)
Looks like she is a dulcimer player too. 

My Week

My son had sent me this picture that leaves a hint about Marley's attitude because of the resemblance.  Not sure if you can see her under bite in the photo that some think is a pre-bite look.  Besides, Marley's tail is cropped.

  

Tuesday evening I attended the retreat ceremony at the Lincoln Tomb as usual only this time with a new outfit.  I hadn't worn this dress because of all the light colors and the rain that was so prevalent this spring. 

Wednesday morning  we had a heck of a rain storm that caused the water to rise in front of office.  It was more interesting to watch as cars dared or backed off of the flooded street.  Two cars were stalled.

http://www.wics.com/news/top-stories/stories/vid_11973.shtml

I was surprised that Michael had ridden his motorcycle that day with predicted rain but he was lucky before and after work was clear.

In the evening after work I attended the visitation for a fellow member of the VFW who passed away last Saturday.  We took turns doing 15 minute shifts with two honor guards at the casket.  I did this at 5:30.  I didn't stay too long because I had a meeting of AmVets at 6PM.

Thursday I took all my cable boxes and turned them in at Comcast during my lunch hour.  Now I have no TV just internet.  Saved myself $40 but the internet went up to $68 since I gave up the bundle.  Then come evening, I went to the Catholic War Veterans meeting that lasted 2 hours.  ZZZZ!  If I had to summarize what went on during those 2 hours, I couldn't tell ya.  On top of all that, Northender's VFW's WIFI is down. 

I picked my first 2 cucumbers from the garden.  I found a recipe online:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/cucumber-salad-recipe/index.html

I skinned my knuckles shredding the cukes.   I didn't have white wine vinegar but I did use balsamic.  I skipped the sugar that was called for.  Marinading makes a big difference.  It was good. 

Friday I rode to work  so that I could be part of the Legion Riders in the parade for the convention held here in town.  Michael and I walked to the convention center at lunch time to see if the store had small size shirts that were NOT Auxiliary.  I can't believe I found one.  Then we ate at the hospitality room and left a tip in the jar.  The cook mentioned that if I came after the parade that he'd fry me up some genuine alligator from Mississippi.   It was OK.  When I saw the cook the following morning at the convention in his suit, he asked me if I had nightmares about alligators. Why sure!

Pam, an American Legion Rider Auxiliary member from Tinley Park was feeling bad that she had to loan her ALR vest to the outgoing Auxiliary president for the parade.  Her vest was very personal to her and for those who ride, you know the meaning of "the cut".

She presented the American Legion Riders' candle and this is the 1st time that American Legion Riders were represented in the memorial at the convention.  Since she's feeling bad, I asked if she wanted me to go with her at 8am.  I showed up and sat with her on stage but then left when I saw it would be awkward for more than one to light a candle.  Singer was outstanding.  Then I went and put in some time at the Old State Capitol until it was time for the presentation of awards for the American Legion Riders Bike Show.   I got to go up on stage and get a medal.

After I got the medal I went over to Edwards Place for their Ice Cream Social.  Thanks to Gene for keeping my outfit in his car so I could change.  The Soldiers Aid Society performed our tableaux vivant.  I met my former office mate, Jackie there and our new office mate, Dennis came.  I had him join in the open dances with the Springfield International Folk Dancers.  He was reluctant at first but he smiled while joining in.   I came back and settled down early. 

Here is an original CDV of the dress that I have on to show its authenticity.  The pin had broken so I used my cockade where the pin would normally go.

Sunday morning I walked the dogs an noticed remnants of the horse that pulled a carriage through our neighborhood the night before when I walked the dogs.  Monday it was clear.

The car from the rental house that got repossessed is now gone.  It looks like the toys and pool in the yard are gone and the yard has been mowed.  However, you don't want to peak in that window and see the mess that I saw still there.

I ate some raspberries for the first time since planting them about 3 years ago but I got mosquito bites while picking the berries.

The Staab Memorial Ride is now online that I was on June 23d

SJ-R Dedication Photos:

http://www.sj-r.com/photo_galleries/x1806119360/New-Berlin-Area-Veterans-Memorial?page=0

IllinoisCentral - Staab: Ride in Honor Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEWu6I3Fudk&feature=share&list=UUlc60LCjJF0_jfVaiWUmhkA

Dedication Story on WICS:

http://wics.com/news/top-stories/stories/vid_11913.shtml

My Week

On the morning of the 4th of July, I walked the dogs past the recently abandoned rental house on the corner.  The house was trashed as I peeked in the window.  So I continued my walk and as I was walking I thought that the authorities needed to know.  I also knew that before I called, it would be important to know if the door was locked so I checked on my way back.  It was unlocked and very messy.  I called the police and wished them a Happy 4th of July.  I told them there was no number on the house and that there was also an abandoned Intrepid with expired plates parked on the street.  I explained it was non-emergency.  Then I went ahead and put the flags on my front lawn.  Meanwhile I asked the neighbor about a ride to work on Tuesday.  I mentioned that I reported the house and he said that they were paying rent but the owner was not paying Wells Fargo.  I guess it was a slow morning for the police because they showed up shortly afterward and I explained that I reported the problem and had since learned it's being repossessed.

I got the motorcycle out and put the big flags on the back and rode to Oak Ridge Cemetery for the 4th of July Mass.  I had brought my folding cane chair and lost all of the caps off the legs in the soft ground.  I couldn't even feel them with my finger.  Pat was able to pry 3 of the 4 rubber caps out of the dirt.  I had thought that they traveled to hell.  I said my chair needs new tires.

I came home and took a nap, watched some TV and then at 5PM I went to the Clara Irwin's Strawberry Party at the Iles House. On the way home I noticed that the bike night was still on at Quaker Steak and Lube despite it being the 4th of July so I stopped there for awhile for the entertainment.  Elvis was there and the ladies had some kind of hot dog contest.
I took Bentley in the car to Cherry Hills Baptist church parking lot for a great panorama of fireworks.

Saturday I went to the dedication ceremony for the New Berlin Veterans Memorial.  I wish I could post the PDF document of the program here.  Here is a link to the news article about the dedication:
http://www.sj-r.com/top-stories/x1806119458/Memorial-dedication-draws-hundreds-to-New-Berlin
I met our cousins the Kerby's who were there representing AmVets as state commander.

 Here is the unveiling of the obelisk at the center of the memorial.  We were told of the crane that had placed the 6 ton memorial. 

 And here is my brick, number 198.  Thanks to Dave McKnelly who nominated me for Veteran of the Month and Gene Walker for sponsoring this brick.

The names on the bricks were read.  It was a long list.  Frank Farley's name was called too. 

Later I got a call that Frank Farley from VFW had passed away.  He attended the memorial dedication in New Berlin in the morning and passed out on the way home. He will be missed. RIP.

I came home and did some mulching of the mounds of grass left by the riding mower with my Toro.  Then laid out my kiddie swimming pool.

In the evening, my son came to stay the night and spent time with his brother watching a game on the big screen at a local bar.  They did their laundry.  I made dinner.  After they left I made his bed and I was tipped a quarter that I found among the sheets.  It was hot so I bathed the dogs in the kiddie pool that I had gotten at Walmart for $6.  

I logged onto my mortgage and saw that it was paid in full. Whoo Hooo!  Now to move on to some home repairs.

My Week

Tuesday I went to the Civil War Retreat Ceremony at the Lincoln Tomb.  We had about  minutes of rain that may have ruined  a few of the tickets for the drawing on the flag while we ladies huddled under an umbrella.  I was happy to see Larry who is a General Grant reenactor there.  He obviously had his union pants and vest on but not his full dress since he was an observer in the audience at this. 
I came home to have a lovely thank you email from the mother of a lady soldier whom I had sent a package to.  Ha! she had hoped she wasn't too forward.  I had replied with gratitude. 

Surprised to get an email in my inbox from the mother of a LoL thanking me for the box that I had sent her. Only surprise was that she thought it was tooooo forward of her. How sweet. Made my day knowing the box made it to her. The others are a mystery but abandoned to any soldier there.

 There was a substitute teacher for my YMCA exercise class.  Her music was different

 I'm so excited to be paying off my mortgage and the extra buy-back of 4 years into the state retirement system.   

 Thursday evening I met with my son, sister and Norm for dinner at the Dublin Pub.  Then I took Kathy and Norm to the Muni to see Les Miserables. 

Friday morning I gave them a tour of the city.  I took them to Camp Butler, the Lincoln Tomb, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, Old State Capitol, Lincoln Home and then the Vachel Lindsey home for the Ice Cream Social.  Whew!

By then, Alan came down from Peoria.  We ate at Lake Pointe Grill because it was a nice compromise for all ranges of appetites.  I had the swordfish special.  I never ate that before.  

I dropped them off at the hotel.  The boys went to a movie and I went to watch the fireworks from the school parking lot.

Saturday I walked my dogs and mowed the back yard before the predicted rain.  Alan stayed the night and did his laundry here.  I got up and noticed that the washer needed to have its contents balanced.  Then got ready for the Appeal for Assistance: The Aftermath of Vicksburg at the Old State Capitol.  I learned how to wrap a black powder bullet and box it up to send to the troops on the front lines.  

On the way home I noticed that the motorcycle shop was still open so I stopped by to check the status of Wheezer.  I was told there was a badly cracked rear tire.  Sure enough.  There was plenty of thread on the tires but the sides were so cracked that you could see the whites of the inside.  Cyler seemed to think that maybe the previous owner used that tire shine to sell the bike and the label warns against it.

Then I got a call from Sears about the battery powered mower to see if I wanted to still pick it up.  If I did, there would be  a $45 diagnostic fee.  I said no and that I've already replaced that mower.

Sunday I had the first reading at Mass.  I had some difficult words.

http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/13_06_30.mp3

Our church is preparing for a change in pastors.

My son and I went to an open house. 
 http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1240-Monument-Ave-Springfield-IL-62702/75495234_zpid/
The windows were new and recently painted but it is old and floors are not level.
Drove around a bit and Now Sean likes this house

http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1937-N-7th-St-Springfield-IL-62702/75494788_zpid/

  Monday I was looking forward to my final mortgage payment.  I had called weeks before to see if I could pay it locally since it was calculated to the date and was told I could.   However, when I went to the Wells Fargo office at 4800 Wabash Ave, Springfield, IL I was told they don’t accept payments.  I explained that I had called to see if they could and of course, she wanted to know who I spoke with.  Duh! Of course not.  She said I could pay over the phone.  So I called on my cell phone and learned that there was a $15 fee to do that.  So I ran over to my credit union to wire the funds.  There I was told it would cost $30 to wire the fee and without guarantee that it would make it the same day.  She gave me the numbers for an electronic transfer from the credit union to Wells Fargo.  I thought it would be best to use my land line than a cell phone.  There I learned via the 800 number that there is a  $15 fee over the phone and a $20 fee added if assistance was needed but that it was free done over the internet.  So….I logged into the internet.  There I learned that final payments couldn’t be made online.  Back to calling the 800 number.  I was told I should overnight the fee.  The extra day added an additional .13 to the bill.  The final payment must be made by Western Union or cashier’s check. So I went and got a cashier’s check from the credit union and walked it over to the post office to overnight the $900.21 cashier’s check for $19.95 in postage.  If I knew then what I know now, I’d be less stressed.  What a F run around.  Enjoyed a root beer float from Maid Rite.

I had a little diversion to the work day by watching some youngsters having a lemonade stand outside my office window.