My Week

Ha, I went to PowerWorks and we had a power outage.  This is not a first since my recent membership so far.  I guess we need to put a generator on some of those peddle machines.

I ordered this 18th Century Short Gown top for $30 on eBay to wear at the St Louis 1700s Ball.  It's only the Maroon top.  No lace or skirt.  I got a skirt from Goodwill.  It resembles the $60 one on Jas Townsend & Son.  I made a fichu from an old nightie which was a Goodwill find and got a gray skirt from the Goodwill that will have the proper 'sweep'.  The skirt needed a few stitches but was even the half-off color because it is so dated in style.

Meet Sophie.  I adopted her on Monday from the Sangamon County Animal Control Shelter.
Here's our official adoption photo taken at the pound.

They have a 14 day return policy.  She had been previously adopted and returned saying she had an ear infection.  County vet denies it.  I noticed that she rolls around (like an ear itch) but consistently after eating. So I think she's cleaning her face.  Otherwise she doesn't do it.  I'm more concerned with redness in her eye but think that will clear up.  She also has some occasional Kennel Cough.  I'll take her to my vet after Christmas for a weigh-in because she's boarder 10 lbs and that could mean a difference in her heart worm pills.  She's due a pill Jan 11th so I'll see if she gains weight with me out of a kennel-life.  Sophie was in the back yard when I came back from the gym. She knows the doggie door flap. She barked at me when I met her at the gate but a play bark.  She travels well in the car.
Since she is too cute, and shivers, I thought I'd tone it down with a bad ass sweater.

I put together a little video of the photos  from Wreaths Across America earlier in the month.  I had more photos than the music so I centered the song.  I had been wanting to do this earlier but had to get it done before Christmas.

I went to my exercise strength training the day before Christmas and there were only 3 of us.  I went to the local Goodwill for our senior discount day and found a little throw rug.  I did leave the house for lunch and paid my cable bill that was buried on my desk and due on Dec 25th.  I didn't want to spend too much time away from home because I still had not received my major gifts for my sons that I had ordered on Amazon with an expected arrival of Dec 24th.  I checked online and was getting nervous.  Finally the package arrived about 4PM. 

My son came to stay the night and arrived about 7PM.  My other son arrived about 9PM and we went to church for Mass at 10PM and listened to the prelude choir music.  Odd that the choir sang "do do do" to the song "I saw three ships come sailing in" in place of the lyrics.  The choir gets a big Simpson Dhoo for that one.   I saw a lady in a white furry coat that had the tags on under the arms.  I couldn't help but wonder if it was a Christmas gift that she forgot to pull the tag off or planning to return it after Christmas.  
I got up early considering the late night Mass.  I checked the turkey that was in a warmed oven overnight and knew I had to de-bone it because there was a little dryness on top.  So, you can do that without eating some.  I had made an orzo pasta stuffing with all the spice and vegetable trios in it.  Alan fixed the mixed vegetables and potatoes like he did for Thanksgiving.  I had a nice Skype call with my sister. I showed her my flexed muscle from my group exercises and she showed my a real nice wedding photo she attended given as a thank you gift.  The 3 of us went to see Unbroken at the 10:30 morning matinee because it was half price and helped the fact that we could meet Sean at the theater.  Then he wouldn't have to leave Moe dog at my house that is not Moe-proof especially with a Pekinese he hasn't met yet.  Then he could depart and get the dog and have a nice afternoon Christmas meal.  Only draw back is that a 2 hour movie during these shorter daylight hours are pretty sparse for light.  Alan gave Moe got a Wobble Wag ball that is supposed to be durable.  He destroyed it.  I Told Alan that's why I get the 25 cent stuffed animals at the Salvation Army.  I think he got the idea. 

Sean gave me a "bug out" bag with all the survival gear he loaded himself and a nice book named Springfield "Then and Now".  Alan got ION Air Pro HD Action Sports Camera for me.  I also got some great ear phones that loop around my ear.  Mine keep falling out because I must not have a normal ear opening to hold them.  All the exercise machines are hooked to TV so this will be great.
I dropped the hint that I would like to have fireplace logs and a new toilet seat for Christmas but they probably did take it that serious.  Sophie was not fond of Moe's visit.  Moe was nuts and wanted her to play.  Sophie snarled a warning and hid from him.  However, Sean said Moe was a tired dog when he got home.

Afterward I went to the VFW for a small Christmas gathering there after my sons left.  
Meanwhile, on Facebook, people are somewhat bragging that their Christmas tree is down right away.  Ha, probably the same folks who complain about Christmas decorations in stores right after Halloween.  There's the Advent season and Christmas season (Dec 25 - Jan 6).  Maybe they need room to put up an early Lenten Cross in their living room.  Just kidding!

I had hopped to burn all the little branches in my fireplace for Christmas ambiance but the weather was soooo nice.  I'll save that for later when I'm shivering. 

The Sunday after Christmas is the Feast of the Holy Family.  I was fortunate to have Jim and Suz Shaner (from my AMVETS post) sit with me which I usually sit alone.  Our parish did something totally different.  The priest and our 2 deacon candidates invited each family (and were told to bring a single into their church family) to come forward for a special family blessing group by group.   The 3 of us became one family blessing group.  What a special coincidence that we sat together this day.

 
From my sister's Christmas Card:  "May we all recognize that in the end, no matter what we accomplish in life, what really matters is the Love of God, Family, and Friends. Our most valuable personal asset is our Health, and the Price of Anything is the piece of our Life that we give for it. "

My Week

Sunday I had to take my dog to the emergency vet and on Monday I took Marley to our local veterinarian.   He suspects she may have a tumor in her spleen and spleen surgery has never been successful (only up to 30 days).  He took and X-ray and it was inconclusive on the spleen but it did show an enlarged heart. 

I went to the VFW meeting.  We have a new set of officers.  I liked the suggestion that the post make a pilgrimage to the tomb of our post's namesake, Lafore Lock.

Tuesday I went to a PGR mission for  Jacob Crosier.  This video is set to private so the linking may not work.  He was so young and had a baby son.  His widow just cried and cried.

 The temperature dropped as the funeral went on and extremely cold and windy by the time we got to Camp Butler.


One of the ladies at our Womens Overseas Service League gave me a bag of coupons for overseas commissaries that may redeem them up to 6 months past the expiration.  Locally she dropped them off at the County Market that no longer accepts them.  I say they had no one to pick them up and mail them overseas by the Family Support Group.   It's a good thing I went through the coupons she gave me because there was a coupon for Steak and Shake restaurant and the Dollar General Store.  These must be manufacturer coupons with less than 6 months past their expiration.
for more information:
http://www.grocerysavingtips.com/2013/07/us-air-force.html

Wednesday I made the difficult decision to euthanize Marley.   I was with her when she took her last breath.  Although medication was making more white blood cells to fight her infection, it will never be enough and would eventually take over all of her organs.  After paying the bill and a good cry, I got gas in my car and filled a low tire indicator, walked around Hobby Lobby for no good reason.  I came home and took an aspirin and a nap.  Now I can close the back sliding door that left free access through the doggie door, and other clean up things.  Most of all this was keeping me from my preparations for Christmas.  In the process, I moved the fire extinguisher in the kitchen and noticed the needle was in the red.  It's been sitting there waiting for a fire since I moved here.  It said to discard so I did.   In the evening time  I'd say "Let's go to Bed Marley" and she'll follow

Thursday we had a little snow.  I had my dental cleaning appointment right after an exercise session.  I mailed off my Christmas Cards and, for some dumb reason, I walked through the Sangamon County Animal Shelter's adoptable dogs.  One of the volunteers tried to steer me towards 2 dogs and there is a special $75 adoption fee through Christmas.
In the evening I went to the ABATE Christmas Party.

I was Christmas in a leather vest since its a motorcycle related party.

Friday afternoon I went to a workshop for interpreters in New Salem.  In the evening I went to the committee party at the Hilton.

Saturday I went to an 1864 Ball at the St Louis Old Courthouse.  Had to tease Larry Hackman about his aerobic version of the gallop but I can't turn down a dance partner.

Here's the promo on the news media:
http://turnerbrigade.org/ai1ec_event/20141220a/
 Afterward we had dinner at Guido's and I had Veal Genoviva.  That was soooo good.  Then I learned there's a ball on January 3 - 1764 Twelfth Afternoon Ball at the Old Courthouse from 12 to 4 p.m.: Dennis Stroughmatt et L'Esprit Creole concert featuring popular French holiday music of the early St. Louis settlers. Deborah Hyland will once again teach the most popular dances of the mid 18th century. Food Historian Suzanne Corbet will present treats common to St. Louis dinner tables during this particular holiday season. King's Cake will be served, and the King and Queen of Mardi Gras will be crowned.Photos from last year:
http://www.stltoday.com/gallery/news/twelfth-afternoon-ball-at-the-old-courthouse/collection_f985e29f-dbef-59fa-af24-cc90c128fd27.html#7

Here is a video of the Grand March from Facebook:

Post by Duncan Noack.

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=897315990309216&set=vb.100000924716240&type=2&theater
I am in the row with the males because I was coupled with a young lady (in modern day attire with a knit cap with pig tails) for the Grand March.  Other dances I could mess up the hand and right from left.

Sunday I went to Mass and was a Eucharistic Minister.  I stayed to help clean the chalices and setup for the next Mass.  I made a few oatmeal cookies out of envy/guilt of seeing all the cookies left at church for our priest.  All the candles were lit on the Advent Wreath.  It helps to light the shortest day of the year.

Well missing my dog seems to happen in little ways:  Seeing my son's dog, picking a little white hair off my clothes, our walks, or just knowing she was laying by my side.  I got a card from my reenacting friends.  I've been looking for my next companion. 


Started to thaw that 17lb turkey for Christmas.  That's a little better than 5lbs per person at my table.  Have a Merry Christmas!

My Week

Monday I joined the local fitness club known as Powerworks.  My first group exercise was Tuesday. We did TRX with Lex.  So after that, I showered and put on a dress and went to have lunch with the Womens Overseas Service League.  I gave each of the ladies some Celestial Seasons holiday tea in varieties.  After the meeting I was energized enough to get some new exercise clothes.  I needed socks with a reinforced toe, pants, and shoes.  The shoes that seemed best had gel pads built in by Dr. Scholl's shoes.  Wednesday I did strength chair exercises with Marcie.  After class she suggested the other classes as she could tell I was a bit advanced compared to the others in the class.  I told her  I plan to be back for all the group classes. Thursday I did Yoga with Deborah.  Then I did 20 minutes on a bike set to P-7 for strength.  Friday's exercise was coached by Lindy included a weight exercise she called a "skull crusher" for lack of a better term. 

I got the picture that was taken last Saturday at the 1850s caroling. With Josh (friend through ABATE) and Sam (employee at the Old State Capitol).  I remember asking a young lady to hold my glasses while the photo was being taken.  I think I may need to add a belt.

Wednesday was my shopping day.  I got a Narrated Nativity in box at the Goodwill for about $3.50. It says $9.99 on the box for the original price.  The link below says it is vintage 1999. The box says 2002. I can't imagine the 3 AA batteries would work this long.  I think it was stored in it's original box off season and does not have the original batteries.  You can see the lights and Bible narration on the video here at the bottom:
 http://www.lechatnoirboutique.com/proddetail.php?prod=GemmyNarratedNativity
Maybe I can show it in next year's Nativity Festival at the Ciara Center. 

In the evening I went to a Christmas Party with our AMVETS post.  I ate too much.  Double time at the gym. 
Thursday I went to an office Christmas Party at the Veterans Center.  We played a form of BINGO but instead had MERRY.  The lady next to me couldn't see her card very well so I told her that if they called something (ornament, present, candy cane, etc) that we had the exact same card.
Sean and Deanna played guitar and we had some audience participation with bells and other shakers.

In the evening I went to a Christmas Party with the Catholic War Veterans at the Chesapeake Seafood House.  I had baked shrimp.  Yum.  I got my CWV shirt that I ordered.  I basically held up the whole order for our post because the source had trouble finding a size small for the embroidery work.  I sure did not need a men's medium and tuck all that in my pants to cause a big bulge like a diaper.

Friday I went to Meijer to check out some more exercise wear.  Actually liked something on clearance.
In the evening I went to a senior pot luck at church where we had caroling.  We discussed the meaning of the "12 Days of Christmas" 
Afterward I drove the the light show in the park.
I got a coffee pot on eBay for our reenacting.  Our group does stress the limited diet of the soldiers during the Civil War (hard tack, salt pork and coffee beans)

Saturday I had a nice long phone call with my brother who recently got laid-off from Herker Industries.  He said he doesn't want me to gift him for Christmas but that means I need to all the more.

Saturday I loaded the artificial wreaths that I had in my shed into my car to supplement those for Wreaths Across America.  This is the first year we had someone represent the POW's wreath, Gary Sigler.

I greeted many friends, veterans, bikers, children, and gold stars and then joined Roady in the flag line.  He injured his knee and had a brace.  Every few minutes, I helped him relieve the pressure by letting him lean on me throughout the ceremony.  He is bigger than me but I felt I held his flag by proxy.  I understand that when he wasn't leaning on me, he was leaning on someone opposite side.

I brought my period dress in the car to change.  I helped the Iles house with their holiday Home Tour from 1PM to 5PM.

I wore my new brown bonnet for the first time.

The bonnet itched a little so I may have to sew a little pillow on top.
I quickly changed clothes for a Christmas Party in the evening being very careful not to wear the same thing that some may have seen me in for previous parties all week.  Food was great and the salad was awesome.

Marley had not been eating much and not wanting her walks.  There was also blood on my tile floors.  So I assumed she had something in her paws.  I cleaned and trimmed them but on Sunday morning, it persisted.  I figure that's not the source so I looked in her mouth.  There it was.  So after Mass I took her to the emergency clinic.   Dr came back with blood test results with that look in her eye.  Marley has Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA). Look that up on www.veterinarypartner.com and there is a picture of a dog's gums as a big sign.  I cried immediately and she pulled down the box of tissues. Prognosis is NOT good.  $483 and she has a 50/50 chance of surviving.  She may need a transfusion.  She had a steroid shot and pills which I gave her with a Little Smokie sausages.  Vet said no more dry and no more Trifexis.  I had just gotten a good supply of both.  

Well as stressful as the holidays can be, I feel that fever blister growing under my skin.   

My Week

Tuesday morning I got my Soldiers Angels assigned Lady of Liberty.  I put my box together and mailed it along with an over-sized envelope of coupons.

I then went to the dedication ceremony for the nativity at the rotunda of the Illinois State Capitol in the rotunda.  The ceremony was great.  (except the preacher from "Broken Chains" church with his excessive, repeated "Amens" just for reading line at a time from the good Book).

Chaplain Steve did it again.  He knows how to put emotion and meaning into the Statehouse wreath ceremony for our veterans and first responders.  It was an outstanding job for the end of the program.  I looked to see if the horrid atheists sign was there as had been in previous years. Chaplain Steve told me he had written the governor about it.  It's not free speech when such a sign among a Christmas tree, Nativity and Menorah ends with there is no god there is no religion.  The sign's purpose was there to insult the other three displays.  You can read more about this on my previous blog when if first showed up:

http://ivetret.blogspot.com/2009/01/illinois-solstice-sign-vs-veterans.html

Mr Peter Breene gave this story about the flock of wild geese that would not go in a barn to safety.  The man said "I wish I was a goose and then the geese would follow".  So he went into the barn and holding his own goose honking as he held him, they followed to safety from the storm.  That is why God had to become a man in the form of a baby.  I found the story here:

http://www.crossroad.to/Victory/stories/geese.htm

Wednesday  I had a busy day. I went to the Goodwill at 9.  I found a leather covered trunk for reenacting but it didn't have handles.   Then I changed and went to the Oak Ridge Gate re-dedication at 11. 

Here is a link to the news video:
http://www.illinoishomepage.net/story/d/story/new-look-to-cemetery-elicits-history/10253/qOZsI3ATG0aFRTY_QhKMEQ

After that, I went to the Vachel Lindsey House for a recruitment for new volunteers at the historic sites.  I only stayed a little while for the sake of the parking meter.    Then in the evening I went to a  Legion Riders meeting at 6.

Thursday evening I helped with a holiday kids event at the Old State Capitol.  There was face painting, crafts and games which I helped with.
I tried out my remade bodice.  I replaced the black fuzzy trim on my dress with rouching ribbon. There was dual layers of the fuzzy trim which I would describe as a fuzzy narrow boa. I think it looks OK without the double row and the edge on the bodice. Here's a before and after. It does have a cross-over tail on the back that had fuzzy trim in the back but I didn't re trim that. I may want to put

something like a button at the center. Hmm. Let me think about that.  Here's a before and after photo with that trim. 

 I also made a new lace cap that I wore for the first time.
My sons and I went to Davenport IA on Friday and met my sister at a hotel. It was raining pretty hard when we left but we drove out of the storm. We watched Hunger Games Mocking Jay Part 1.   Dan said he paid for a full movie.  We had dinner at Rudy's Mexican Restaurant.  It just so happened to be their Christmas in The Village walk night.  

Here is a group photo at the Village after dinner at Rudys Mexican restaurant.

Then we parted at the hotel and stopped by the Worlds Largest Truckstop.

Oh the lights on the truck add-on department.

Just look at the size of this place.

Alan said he had a nice time.

On the way home we stopped for lunch in Peoria at one of Alan's favorites Lebanese restaurants that I was eager to try.  It was called Kabab-G.  The three of us had a plate of beef schwarmas.  The man taking orders recognized Alan and he boasted about bringing his mom to try.  They were friendly as could be.  He gave me a sample of Falafel.

 I went to an 1850s Christmas service at the church where the Lincolns attended.  I love Mary Lincoln's plaid red dress.  The collection went to the Salvation Army.

Sunday I went to Mass with the Catholic War Veterans.  Before Mass, I read our promo for the Catholic War Veterans.  Our post commander and I carried up the gifts.  St Jude had coffee and donuts after Mass.  I came home and half started cooking lunch before heading off to the Pearl Harbor Day ceremony.  I started a facebook event to help get the word out.
Then I went to a Nativity festival at the Chiara Center.  You can see pictures of last year's display here. 

  

My Week

This week has been cold then warm than cold.  I turned my heat off for two days.

Monday evening while I was at dance practice in Metamora, the grand jury verdict in Ferguson was declared and violence broke out despite all that "peaceful protest" talk.
Our favorite demo dances at Snyder Village two weeks ago were partly a surprise.  No doubt about "Black Moccasin" but we were a little surprised about the "Jackson Reel" and the new Hay we added.  In addition, our group's leader had put out a survey for an article about the dancers and he was most surprised but the response question, "are you nervous?".  He felt some that said no he expected to say yes and visa-versa.

Tuesday I had chicken at the VFW at 5PM and then I went to a meeting of the Soldiers Aid Society.

Wednesday I did some more browsing the Thrift Stores.  Not much.  I met Michael at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum to go through the new exhibit that I didn't see last week during the ribbon cutting.  I was going to go to line dance at the VFW but the weather didn't look good.  It snowed all afternoon and we got over 2 inches by morning.  In fact, it resulted in a fatal accident of a teen driver.  Besides, I still had preparations to make for Thanksgiving.   I picked up a few items at the store.  I made mince pie.  Ya know, you can't find them in the bakery so you have to make it yourself.  On the up-side, at least I can add rum.

Thanksgiving I watched An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving on the Halmark Channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7TLII3e5t4
Alan turned the corner as I was walking Marley down the block.   He started making mashed potatoes by the time we got around the block.  Sean arrived shortly thereafter with pumpkin pie, wine, and prosciutto cheese roll.

Friday I went to see the Festival of Trees at the fairgrounds.  It was more crowded than I thought it would be.  I expected everyone to be at Black Friday.  I must admit that I agreed with the ribbon judging on those lovely trees.  In the evening I went to Peoria for a Civil War Dance at the GAR hall.  I noticed a wire bone coming out of my hoop so I slipped it back in.  When I got home I pulled all three rings out and washed and starched it. 

Saturday morning I interviewed a great dane for adoption.  That didn't go very well.  She hated my Marley real bad.  I brought my son with me and he took this picture.  Afterward, we wanted to see how Marley reacted on Moe's turf since he usually brings his dog to my house.  I also wanted to learn how Marley did on steps to the basement since I don't have a basement.  That went well once I put her paws on the first step down she then came all the way.  Then Sean carried Moe down.  We coaxed the dogs back up.  Marley was hesitant but came up for a treat.  Moe observed.  He wouldn't come for the treat.  So we left him there and sat on the couch.  About 3 minutes we heard him thump his way up.  Good deal.

I finally got around to taping off my side entrance to the garage and spray painted it white.  It sure looks a lot better.  I started setting up my Christmas display as Sunday was the beginning of Advent.  I picked a name to brighten Christmas through Mercy Ministries from our Angel Tree.  Her name is Kiki and she's 37 years old.

My Advent Wreath and Nativity are up.  I'll  put up the lights on the stand up stakes tomorrow.  Last year it was so cold that I couldn't get the stakes out of the ground until March.

I got my quarterly news from the Womens Overseas Service League and some photos that I submitted were published. 

My Week

Cold!   That was Tuesday.  I didn't leave the house.  Accomplished very little.  I did finish my "busy bee" pin.  I put a log in the fireplace.

Wednesday I went to my usual thrift shop.  I found a brand new grommet flag for under $4 hanging with the curtain rack.

Thursday afternoon I volunteered at the Old State Capitol.  In the evening at 6PM I went to a "members only" special ribbon cutting at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum for a new exhibit - “Undying Words”.  Afterward I went to our ABATE meeting at 7PM.

Friday I went to a dinner with the seniors at church.  We had a guest from PowerWorks.  They have a program called silver tennis shoes.  There's also a discount for state retirees but I'm not sure if it will apply to me since I am not on the state insurance health plan. 

Saturday I participated in the American Legion color guard for our Chatham Holiday Parade.  It was a kick off for Holiday on the Square.

I was surprised we had 55 degree weather after the cold week we had.  We were blessed with a brief break in the weather.  I wore my Legion Riders Jacket.  It can be good recruiting look sometimes for those watching.  The Legion Hall had vendor booths and the Legion Riders provided donuts, drink and hot dogs for a donation.  I bought some brown knit fingerless gloves from one of the vendors. 

Sunday I went to help with the ABATE Thanksgiving dinner for the homeless and seniors.  I brought 3 deserts.  There was a lot of help so I didn't stay the whole time.   I took pictures for the facebook page and newsletter.

Marley insisted on going for a walk in the rain. Gave me a chance to use a new patriotic umbrella I got Monday night at the VFW. I guess if there's no thunder and she really has to go, she'll pester me for a walk.

Monday I had a video skype call with my sister, Patty.  I have had video chats before with others on via Yahoo and Gmail but not on Skype ...  until now.  


 

My Week

This week we had our first snow of the season and the cold also arrived beforehand.

Veterans Day was very exhausting.  I got up and saw a cameo shot of me on TV for the Veterans Book Group but my vocal interview was cut.  We had a 30 degree drop between Monday and Tuesday making the Veterans Day Parade cold.  I was in a convertible with the Catholic War Veterans but there were a number of other groups in the parade that I belonged and could have supported as well.  It would be easier to name the organizations in the parade that I did not belong.  We followed the Korean War Veterans group who also wore pale blue and the announcer failed to mention the Catholic War Veterans because of the same color scheme and the fact that our car's signage didn't stick. We were in the proper order as listed on the program. It was too windy for our flags like we did last year on the back of the convertible.

After the parade I went to the community college for their ceremony.  I was a rifle bearer in the color guard.   I stopped by the VFW for shredded chicken BBQ since I knew I only had an hour between the community college and a ceremony honoring veterans at The Villas of Hollybrook nursing residence.  I expected another color guard ceremony but it was music and veteran stories.  I gave my story and read a poem.  Then socialized with the residents.  I came home for a nap.   I then met up with my son at Applebees for the free meal.  It was crowded but not so bad if you sit at the bar.  There was a man next to my son who bought a round of drinks for everyone at the bar in honor of his brother under the condition that the bar tender pour a small portion in a glass in front of him.  He wasn't going to drink it.  The glass was an offering to his brother, an Air Force pilot.

I caught the mailman dropping off the bills and he said he saw me on TV...."Good Job" he said.
In May at the ABATE freedom rally, I had bought a $10 raffle ticket for  a trike on The Her Project.  Apparently they didn't sell enough tickets so the drawing was extended a year.

Wednesday I stopped at my usual thrift store.I found a blouse that I only wanted for the shank buttons.  You see, if you need more than 4 buttons, Joanne Fabric store will only carry a minimum inventory of 2 cards with 2 buttons each.  Many of my Civil War dresses use about 10 buttons.  In the evening I went to an AmVets meeting.

Thursday I was at the Old State Capitol for tours from 12-4PM.  All volunteers on the floor again and no staff.  It was pretty quiet until a lot of students came in and we split them up into four groups rotating through the building and hoping we wouldn't step on a tour ahead of us as we switched rooms.

Friday I didn't go anywhere but that doesn't mean I didn't do anything.  I made white bean chili and buttered carrots from my garden that have been sitting in my week since Sunday.

I'm finishing up some discounted Halloween wine.

Saturday I watched a movie on HBO called Winters Tale. I put away all the Halloween decorations back in the attic.  You know that's a chore.  Then I went to the Legion for a homecoming celebration for our post commander.  I brought my patriotic table cloth and welcome home banner.  I put out some white bean chili.  We got to view a slide show of his deployment.

Sunday I was the first reader at Mass.
http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/14_11_16.mp3

In the afternoon I went to see a play by Ken Bradbury called The Last Full Measure.  Fritz's performance was awesome. It took me a moment to realize at the opening when Lincoln motioned like a gun to the head that this was about Lincoln on his death bed and his life is passing before him. At times it brought a tear to my eye. Fritz Klein did an outstanding job and the music and lighting added to the feeling. I'm overwhelmed.
Please listen to the interview promoting the theater here:
http://wuis.org/post/new-ken-bradbury-play-explores-lincolns-last-hours
 
Monday I had a late lunch at Golden Corral and sat with 2 other veterans and a wife of one at our table. We were there for about an hour. I felt obligated to leave as the line at the door got longer. Thank you Golden Corral.  I picked up a few items at Big Lots and there were many movie box sizes of skittles marked down to .50 so I hoarded them for my soldiers boxes.  In the evening I went to the VFW meeting.  I dropped a worn flag in their drop off box to be retired.  The wind really ripped it up this fall.

This week I've been doing my best to be "wheat free".  I fell off the wagon once with the croissants and perhaps there may have been wheat in some of that breaded fish but other than that it's been wheat free.  Someone mentioned taking kids off of wheat has been as good as a dose of Ritalin. 

My new storm door shattered in the cold this morning.  I just had it installed in Sep 2013. I paid $1,042 for that door and painted it myself and had Lowes install it. I called Lowes and gave him the number from the inside hinge. I'm devastated. Waiting for a call back.

I am contacting Larwon Doors who swear they test the glass in cold weather in South Dakota and don't believe I caused it.  The lower door glass and frame are supposed to be an easy part change and should run about $50.  I should complain?  My pissed-off value is Close to $1000 than the cost of the glass part.  :(