My week

Tuesday evening I went to the weekly retreat ceremony at the tomb.  The members of the 11th Illinois Infantry reactivated had worn black armbands for a fallen charter member.  Laura asked me if I had been committed to any of the locations for

I then went to the homecoming for the Honor Flight.  I put my welcome home banner up on the ceiling. Our Chatham teen queens and WW2 reenactors were there along with our Italian American War veterans.  I swear those homecomings are half way to a party.

Wednesday morning I woke up to this.

Two giant slugs on my porch screen (before they got salted)

Wednesday I rode the little motorcycle to work so I could do a drop off and pick up at Capitol City Motorsports.  I picked up the Honda after an oil change and new grips. It sputtered and stopped 3 times in less than 2 blocks so I parked it and walked back. Apparently the fuel line was off. He put a zip tie or something on it. I didn't realize that the tank had to come off for the grips and the cable to be given a little slack. Whew! the reset of the way home felt good and I love the feel of the new grips. Now it's the Yamaha's turn to get an oil change. Got a new lawn mower and serviced the riding mower ~life is good!
 Thursday evening I went to an ABATE meeting.  Turnout was poor. It was probably due to the comfortable evening and all the biker events going on.

Afterward I stopped at Walmart for a dog food and a light cotton blanket for the warmer weather.  While there, I met and bumped into Gerald in the meat market.  He started the conversation because  he liked my Legion Riders vest after having worn it to ABATE.  I asked if he belonged to AL and he said no ...just VFW.  Of course that narrowed down to Post 755 (the post that I'm a member of) as it went.   He knew Mike Lee with the Legion Riders at post 32.   I explained that many of the ALR, Sons, and Aux defected to Chatham because of the over head charges caused by the debt on property.

He said he used to work at the co next to the post.  I told him that Bob F couldn't drive anymore.  We talked about the young vets joining as always. I realize many are in a family way and occupation making other things a priority but perhaps one thing may help keep things rolling along.  As I expressed to a veteran and state worker, after you retire, you'll still be a veteran but you seldom see retired state workers getting together like veterans.

Saturday morning I mowed the grass in the back yard and then wen tover to the American Legion for the Legacy Poker Run.
start at 9 A.M. $10.00 a hand all vehicles are welcomed we are opened to the public at our home post located at 206 W. CHESTNUT CHATHAM, Illinois 62629

Kick stands up at 11:30 A.M. stops are as follows:

1. ST. GEORGE ROOM IN CARLINVILLE , ILLINOIS
2. ELDRED AMERICAN LEGION POST 1135
3. DIGGERS BAR WORDEN , ILLINOIS
4. CHAPPS BAR LITCHFIELD , ILLINOIS
5. CHATHAM AMERICAN LEGION POST 759

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP GO TO http://www.legion.org/riders AND SEARCH LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP PLEASE COME AND ENJOY A DAY RIDING FOR A REASON.  https://www.facebook.com/events/136242673232948/

On the way down Route 4, we saw a number of classic cars going in the opposite direction.  I waved and they waved.   The route was pleasant to ride and from Chatham to Jerseyville's fill up I calculated 60 MPG.   Two bikes took a spill and it wasn't me.  Everyone is OK and was able to get back up on the bike.  I even had band aids on my bike to share.  The hardest part was visibility in the rain.  While riding on I-55, there was a young lady in the back seat of a car sticking her thong out at us.

Sunday I rode to Mass and then came home for a little while before heading to the Staab memorial Ride.  Media followed the event. 

We ate at Cafe CoCo on the north side and clouds were coming in.  I needed help turning my bike around since I didn't like the tight turn in gravel. Had a bad experience before. Clouds kept coming.  It rained half way home and I got soaked.  I was so tired.  I guess the fresh air does that.  Went to bed early and I slept a long time.

My week

Monday I rode to work know I had carefully planned an afternoon off between the dentist and dropping off the bike for an oil change.  I was also mildly twisted my arm into new grips.

During my lunch break on Tuesday, I bought a Toro mower designed for me.  It has both push button and cord start.  I know it was expensive ($669 with all taxes) but has all the girly features a petite woman needs.  Starts with a push button like my motorcycle and the handle is low.

In the evening I went to the Lincoln Tomb for the weekly retreat ceremony.  I got there early to see the "first person" description of the Lincoln Funeral before I donned my own period dress (as technology is outlawed per the by-laws of the Soldiers Aid Society).

I was pleased to see our group leader arrive (in plain clothes) with her grand children for the ceremony.   I was surprised to see my friend, Marilyn whom I went on some of our Golden Frontier trips and our local Gold Star Dad, Jerry, come to the Civil War retreat ceremony.  The cannoniere was on vacation and the cannon did not fire the black powder for that wonderful BOOM.  After the ceremony, they cleared the little cannon of its black powder.  Yeah.

I was pleased to show off my new mower to a few neighbors including a little girl named Claire.  Claire is trying to learn to ride a bicycle without training wheels.   I said by the way that riding a bicycle is easier with speed and that it's more difficult to ride slow...same goes with motorcycling.  So the real skill is not in speed but the art of control in slow speeds.  Her fear is hindering her.

Neighbor, Jessica, who has summer parties till 2AM mentioned the new neighbors diagonally having a house warming party and they weren’t as loud and late as the parties that she has.  I just said it was a house warming party.  Then I informed her that her Hyundai that was parked on the public street had expired plates and should be pulled up in the driveway.  She laughed and said “let’em come, I’ve been trying to sell it”.  Yeah, it doesn’t have a sign on it anymore but when it did, the price was above book.  Kind of odd for someone who wants it hauled off for expired plates.

 

I got online just in time to notice a facebook post by Pam who plays Mary Todd Lincoln about the 
The Insanity Retrial of Mary Todd Lincoln.  
Ya know, how does a person react to a tragedy?  I can't help but think of Amanda Knox's reaction to her roommate's murder as also being odd.  Was Mary's reaction to 3 deaths that unusual?   You can view the trial here:

http://video.wttw.com/video/2335166658

Wednesday evening I went to our AMVETS meeting in Pawnee.  New officers held their first meeting including our commander who happens to be my son.  He needed a gavel.


Thursday evening I got a historic scissors and then went to the homecoming till about 10:45.  By then, the library was closed and will be the same routine Friday.   The band was "Still Kickin'" on their final tour before the group disbands.  I really like them too.  

Saturday I went to Grierson Days.  It rained on the way there and on the way home but the good part during the events was clear and not muddy.  I was in the Ladies Fashion show in my camp dress and later changed for the evening ball.  Here I am time traveling to watch the WW2 reenactment.

Sunday I was reader one at Mass and had to do the second reading as well since there was a no-show.

The rain from the day before left a muddy mess.  The dogs have been digging in the mud too to cool off then putting muddy paw prints all over my tile floor as they came in through the dog door flap.   I mopped the floor twice.  Then decided with all the mugginess from the weather that I should turn on the air conditioner.  I trimmed Marley's fur and gave her a bath.

My week

What a busy week.  Monday evening I went tot he American Legion meeting.  Officers were elected.  I tried to cut the grass with the manual Scotts Classic rotary but it was hard and I built up a little heat.  I wanted to reward myself with a short neighborhood ride on Wheezer to cool off and relax.  Wheezer is on a charger....boy that thing needs a trickle charger bad...and new bolts that still can be clawed at by a wrench.  If I ignore HIM for a short while, I have to put up with this.  Wheezer started the following morning.  I just need to get new bolts that are not stripped and a battery tender with pigtails so I don't have to take the seat off all the time.  Battery tenders come with extenders under the seat.

Tuesday I woke up sore from doing lunges at exercise class on Monday.  They always get to me like that.  The lady who suggested we do these again ended up flat on her mat before we got 1/2 through them.  Duh!

I took an extra hour with my lunch to participate in a dedication and ribbon cutting of the remodeled gate to Oakridge Cemetery.  This is where Lincoln's Tomb is and matches the old 1900 post card picture of the gate.  Previously torn down and had only a rock for the longest time.  I went in my Widow's weeds as it was a cemetery.  Here I am if you can recognize me incognito.

I also wore the outfit after work for the initial Civil War Retreat Ceremony at the tomb.  The ladies greet the visitors and have them sign up for a drawing for the flag when it is lowered.  It's only one ticket per family and we only name, city and state.  No phone since the lucky recipient will be called from the crowd.

 The lady that received the retreat flag from the Lincoln Tomb ceremony was Silvia Yist(sp) from California.  She was deaf so the announcer asked if there was someone who could sign in the audience.  There was a woman whose husband was deaf.  She signed the words from the commander who handed her the flag.  I really like it when a visitor from far away receives the flag but this brought tears.  The lady in blue shirt is the flag receipient:

 

Let's see, my Civil War closet has:

Widows weeds

camp dress (AKA Belle Reynolds)

Blue plaid flounced day dress
Red & White plaid day dress

Rust print flounced day dress

Green plaid day dress

Brown Taffeta day dress

Winter weight wool green set

Dark Blue taffeta ball gown

Pink ball gown

Tan print youth dress/ball gown for sale cheap

Sea green ball gown being altered for December

Vivandire (2)
Bloomer Outfit (AKA Rational Dress)

I came home from the ceremony at the tomb with a stop at Karl Reed in Panther Creek about my son's membership in the SAR.  There's a missing bonafide link that is holding things up with George W. Connolly in the family tree.   I was surprised that my lawn was mowed in a lovely diagonal cut...Just like the neighbors. And I've been trying to cut with the weed whacker and the rotary clipper. I've been shopping around for a new mower.  This intensified my desire to be self-sufficient in trimming my lawn.  The riding mower is in Virden for Spring maintenance.  The Sears battery mower cost too much to fix.  I've been looking at 3 different easy starters at Kunz and will look at Lowes before I decide.

Wednesday I went to a Legion Riders meeting.  I stopped by ACE hardware for some new bolts for the seat.  The others were difficult to remove and the octagon was well rounded.   I wanted to ride the short distance so I warmed up Wheezer....too much that it got hot.  When I got home it cooled off and I ran down to the gas station and topped it off with 1.5 gallons.   I then cut up an onion and sauteed it in butter and pepper along with one stalk of asparagus from the garden.

Thursday I registered at the hotel where the state AMVETS convention was being held.  Since there is a reenactment at the Old State Capitol, I registered as a delegate to vote in the state election of officers.  I got the program and noticed that there were no times listed on it for when this was to be held.  I asked Paul Kerby to give me a call so I could come a block away from the OSC to the hotel for the vote.  On Saturday I got to perform my first person impression of Belle Reynolds for a few of my Amvet friends just before I went over to vote.  I found this great necklace for $7 at a thrift store to go with the lime green dress that's being altered for the Winter Dances.

I also figured out a neat way for my fine hair to be bunned for Civil War Reenactments with "Hot Buns".  It's even cooler because it lifts the hair from the nape of the neck unlike a pony tail that sticks to sweat when I turn my head.  I guess our ancestors knew what they were doing with thier hair.

I took Friday afternoon off to be helpful around the Old State Capitol as the reenactors arrived and set up their tents/displays.  I stayed for a presentation on Civil War (Major) Dr Woodard at 5PM by Dr Herschel and Jackie Stroud of Topeka KS. He was in the Air Force during the Korean War and he and his wife had an extensive display of Civil War antiques in the state library of the OSC. 

It was a long day and I passed the test of authentic among the pickiest of re-enactors.  I was waiting in line to be in the noon ladies fashion show in my camp dress but the speaker had taken the men ahead of me and one of the confederates made a long speech about his outfit in front of a dwindling crowd.  Knowing I had put lunch off to be a part of this fashion show, you know I was hungry.  I finally left while the rebel had his one-on-one audience.  I didn't want to eat lunch too late as there was a free meal for the reenactors at 5PM.

Sunday morning I got up, short walk for the dogs and off to 8AM Mass at St Agnes with the Catholic War Veterans.  I met Jack who only participates when we happen to come to his home parish.   I then changed and back to the Old State Capitol for a few hours left before the closing ceremony by Abe Lincoln.  Little Kaylee who is a daughter of one of the reenactors was getting a bit bored so I helped keep her company.  I had bought a pocket watch from the sutler and I got her a game to play called Graces.  The Ladies Soldiers Aid Society was describing the socks and caps put in the boxes by the ladies.  She asked one little boy if he would like it if he was sent socks from his girl friend as he helped ...err...threw the socks in the box.  Apparently he's at the stage where he doesn't like girls ..yet.  I laughed so hard.

I recorded the Generals

Generals Grant and General Custer

My sons were at my house using the laundry facility.  Then they left for the gun club.  I went to Lowes to price a lawn mower.  I still like the first Toro that I saw which is also the most expensive.  It has an electric start but can still be started by the pull cord and is adjustable for height.  Picked up some things at Walmart, including "Snapea Crisps".  Yum!

Why are there cupcakes at the farmers market.  How do the farmers grow them?  Would it be a fruit tree?

 

My Week

Tuesday I got to puppy sit the neighbor's dog, Dottie.  I came home from work to extra kisses.  There were muddy paws on my door which where higher than my dogs can reach but not for a hyper little Jack Russel. 

Wednesday I went to line dance lessons. We were taught "My Baby in Camouflage" and "Sex on the Beach".



Thursday I got caught up on a little sewing...some of which I had to rip out again.

I found a cute little chain that I can use for reenacting at the Goodwill for $3.  It's in great condition and would be nice for holding my fan.

Friday evening I attended the "Follow the Flag" banquet in Decatur at 6:30.  It was poorly attended because many of the first responders had been called to duty.  Mostly storm related.   Dinner was great catered chicken.  I got to bring back some religious books to send to the troops.  It took me a long time to get home.  The storm came while I was driving on the interstate and visibility was so poor that even driving 30 MPH wasn't helping so I took shelter under a bridge.  Once in Springfield, I was going to take change interstates from I-72 to I-55.  There was a car coming back up the on ramp.  My first thought was "idiot".  Then I saw the lit up police car at the end.  There was flooding on the interstate with fast moving cars driving into the water.  The radio said 3 tractor trailers were over turned as well.  So I had to ziggy through town.  More police cars were blocking viaducts.  That was a challenging puzzle to find a route that wasn't blocked by flooded streets.

There are pictures of the flood on the State Journal Register
http://www.sj-r.com/top-stories/x1338692242/Another-strong-storm-soaks-Springfield?img=3

Sunday I was a Eucaristic Minister at church.  Afterward I went to Pitsfield for the Civil War Reenactment by the Lake.  I'd never been to a reenactment with such a lovely backdrop for a few Navy boats.  That was super special.

I was expecting a lot of mud so I wore my camp dress and was authentic except for the boots.  I was asked to assist John Austin with his embalming demonstration.  I got to pump the embalming fluid.  (It was only water of course)

I got a kick out of the handicapped sharp shooter with his walker.  I don't mean to speak ill of the handicapped but among reenactors, this would be farby.  There's a time to stick to being a camp follower.  It's also unusually for a boy to be carrying something as vital as the regimental flag.

I got an email with a personal invite to attend the re dedication of the cemetery gate at Oakridge. This is the cemetery where Abraham Lincoln's Tomb is located.  I was a little slow in thought but outside of our Mary Todd reenactor, I'm the only other in town with widow's weeds that seem appropriate for a cemetery.  The commander of the 114th must have been impressed on Memorial Day when I followed the troops at Camp Butler.

News about the gate dedication is here:
http://www.sj-r.com/top-stories/x1039448288/Monument-Avenue-project-a-family-affair

The news just announced that May was the second wettest recorded month with 10.5 inches of rain.  On the up-side...it's supposed to be rain free the next three days.

Do not trust atoms, they make up everything.