My Week

June is a quiet (somewhat lonely) month in this neighborhood because school is out and houses are empty.

I adopted a soldier last Wednesday, I sent a letter on Friday and I just got home Monday from sending him a box.  An hour latter, I come home to an email that he has a mail stop.  

I was disappointed in the straw bonnet that I made (decorated)  so I decided to get a Muslin corded bonnet to protect myself in the sun while reenacting.  I got it from Treadle Treasures on Etsy.

The cording in it helps hold it up.  That and starch.  I'm working on a straw bonnet using the $75 bonnet that I bought on Saturday as a pattern.  I'm using straw place mats for the frame.

On the up side, I have been making my own straw bonnet based on historical originals seen on Pintrerest. Below there's a photo of the straw bonnet that I made.  Beneath it are extra straw place mats like I used.

Before I went to Dance practice in Metamora Monday evening I picked up this wood Bistro at Aldi.  Good and I can take it to reenactments.

I was disappointed to be cut from a few dances that we practiced and Jean Meyer put us in a few that we didn't (couldn't) practice without a group interaction.  We failed those and got cut from those particular dances on Saturday's performance.  We will still be in the Virginia Reel and Circle Waltz.

The rain just started after 10PM when I got home.  I slept thru most of it and didn't realize how much we had over night.  We had 1.77" of rain but there was 3.04" in Springfield in a 2 hour period.  The garden and Bentley's grave have really settled from the rain.

I went to the Red Cross on Outer Park to see some antique wooden RC dolls.  The Red Cross does not want to give them up because they have the Red Cross uniforms through time but do not have the means to repair/store them.  I suggested "on long term load" to the museum who can care for them properly.  It's a win-win if the museum goes along with the idea.

Red Cross Volunteer Uniform 1917-1939

The dolls were found in a card board box.

I went to the Tuesday retreat at the Lincoln tomb.  I drew the winner to receive the flag.
I gave my bonnet to Margurite to try if interested in buying.  I decorated it well but it doesn't fit me and my bun. I was proud of how I decorated it.  I was better than the one she was wearing.  I came up with a better one at Jacksonville which I've been using as a model for the straw one I'm making out of place mats.  I'll show you even though it's not yet done.

Wednesday I went to the Interveterans Council of Sangamon County and updated the website.
https://sites.google.com/site/sangamoncountyinterveterans/

I got a nice bistro set at Aldi that is period correct.  Only $50.  Rock the Dock is Fri night.  Good place to ride the Wheezer.

I had killed a big cricket in my kitchen and the following night, it's spouse was there to haunt me through the night with loud chirping. The following night he got sprayed and I slept well.
Thursday I stayed home and only out to go to the mail and walk the dog.  I did some things around thoe house.

Friday I went to the Old State Capitol for our Soldiers Aid Society portion of "History Comes Alive" known as "Window into a Woman's World".  Each week we try a different theme and it was crafts. Now I don't knit and most of what I do requires modern sewing machine.  I did find a collar that I could hand sew.

In the evening I went to "Rock the Dock" on Lake Springfield for the band and fireworks.  It's usually crowded so I took my little motorcycle for easy access.  They still charged me $5 to park.  Oh well, it goes to charity.

Saturday I wiggled into my pink ball gown and went to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum. The 10th Illinois Volunteer Cavalry Regiment Band played at 11 a.m., and the Metamora Courthouse Illinois Civil War Dance Society, 2 p.m.  Some of us danced outside earlier at 11.  Some of the dances were limited to the experienced dancers. I would practice off to the side while the experienced dancers did their stuff.  As for the quadrilles, there's no way to practice without the team work of other couples.  In that case, I watched.

The audience participation dance was the Patty Cake Polka and I had pre-invited a man to start the dance while I waited on the side.  It is a progressive couple dance so new partners are exchanged.  As we rotated around, I was paired with a man who was missing part of his arm.  I was in hesitation about doing the patty cake hand slap.  He did fine with his little arm.

Afterward there was a reception at the Vachel Lindsey home all day for Jeanie Battles who is retiring.  
I rode Wheezer to church.  Then I stopped by County Market to pick up a steak for lunch.  I'm fixing the zucchini that I got during the Interveterans Council meeting with a recipe that I found online here:
http://healthyrecipesblogs.com/2011/12/17/zucchini-cakes-recipe/

I broke a mirror in the bathroom so I will take that panel for repair. 

I went to Mr Battery and got a new battery put in my Dell.  I told him the PC was giving a low voltage warning.  He put his tester on the little battery and agreed readily. I brought it home and the warning went away.

On the way back I stopped at Big Lots.  Oh and I found .50 cent bags of candy.  Some for the soldiers but they had my favorite soft licorice.  I got em all.

I bid on a purple Civil War dress that originally was purchased from Servant & Co. Gettysburg Pa (now sold and changed to Memories Past).

My Week

June 16th, I got a call that the Kovaleski's were heading through my way.  Seeing them made my day.  Tom got his mini-Army homecoming escort between Jacksonville and Springfield and he took this as he peeled of near the Springfield exit. He left Ft Lewis by bicycle but that road trip canceled in MO with major repairs for the bike.  I wasn't sure of the route nor when they would come through Illinois till I got the call.  I treated the 5 of us to lunch at Subway. Seeing them was long overdue and wish I could have convinced them to stay the night.  I think they were getting homesick and wanted to skeedadle.  It was long overdue.

Monday evening I went to the VFW meeting.  Officers were sworn in.  Plans being made for the 4th of July.

Tuesday morning I got an early call that my 11:30 dental cleaning was moved up to 9:30 because of a cancellation.  I quickly showered and got on the Wheezer.  Afterward, I stopped by my old workplace since it was close by.  In the evening, I went to the Lincoln Tomb for the flag lowering.  It was pretty hot. I gave our Queen of the Soldiers Aid Society a decade that I made like mine for her CIG pin.

Wednesday I made the rounds to the thrift stores for my senior discount.  I got some hard to find items like a blouse with 11 buttons.  Seems that Joanne store doesn't carry mass quantities of buttons with minimal inventory.  I would need four cards of button for my period dress.  I was able to sew them in time for Grierson Days Civil War reenactment on Saturday (see below),

 I just adopted "Spc Brian". There were 278 awaiting adoption. After the adoption I went back to check the number waiting to be adopted and it reads 277. http://soldiersangels.org

My garden seems to be coming along fine.  Most seeds were old and dated.  The seeds that never sprouted were replaced with discounted leftovers from Ace Hardware.  I got 2 eggplants (left side of the picture).  Never did that before but I do enjoy eggplant Parmesan.  I would like to expand the garden a few more feet for next year.

Thursday I went to the Old State Capitol but they didn't seem to need much help.  I did go because our seamstress is there on Thursday and she told me a few weeks ago she could help with a problem waist on my dress.  However, that priority got backed up.  Since there were plenty of people there already, I left early.  In the evening I went to an ABATE meeting but because of the start of the state party, we didn't have a quorum.

Friday I helped out at the Old State Capitol and assisted our Soldiers Aid Society.  I put my brown print dress on and popped a button.  This is the same dress that I got the new buttons (from a thrift store blouse) but had not yet sewn them on by Friday.  I fixed that later in the evening so I could wear it on Saturday.  Saturday I was able to wear my brown print dress because the buttons were there.
The rain came about 4PM and ended just as the ball was to get underway.  Reenactors get a meal ticket at one of the vendors for up to $7.  I had a meal of BBQ ribs and saved the bones for Marley.
I bought a summer Gody's 1864 summer bonnet from the Ladies and Gents Emporium (tent).  I had regretted not getting one at an earlier event.  Here are some pictures from the fashion show.

This lady sitting next to me kept feeling my hoop bumping into her space while I sat in the shade during the fashion show. She kept looking down at her basket and explained that he had lost her fan that matched her parasol. I told her that Battenburg was not Civil War and she just said it depends where you are. Then I looked at her sparkle, purple nails and realized it didn't matter to her.

After the battle, the president gave his famous Gettysburg Address.

The ball was held at the Nichols Park Pavilion which is officially closed pavilion because of renovation but the inside was opened specifically for this event.  A few photos from the ball.

Here are my friends Kay and Richard that I took from the stairs.

I just knew that this one would show up to haunt me.  I look hot and flushed but the building was air conditioned.

Well, I too felt a little guilty in the "period correct" World of reenacting but mine were less obvious.  I didn't wear my proper underpinnings because of the heat.  After the ball, I showed my true colors and took off my dress and hoop showing shorts and cami.  I was however, still wearing my socks and Balmoral boots.

Actually, I wish I went to the ball more like this:

I toured the the Governor Duncan Home.  Mrs Duncan was only 4' 5" and the curator showed a stick of her exact height.
Here are a few photos that I took in the home.

 Really interesting and delicate bonnets.

 This was a weeding gown worn by Elizabeth's daughter.  Very delicate.  The curator told me she had carefully cleaned it as best she could.

 This was interesting because I've never seen an antique wooden exerciser.

There was a rainbow over Nelson Park as the ball was begging to get underway and the guests were arriving.

Sunday morning I went to Mass on the little motorcycle.  I fixed manacotti and salad for my son and me.  I went to Aldi for a few ingredients for Ham and Navy Beans Emeril Lagasse recipe.  Aldi only had red pepper and I used a ham steak slice instead of ham hocks.  It smells good and tastes good. 

My Week

Wednesday was my fun shopping day at the thrift stores and taking advantage of my senior discount. 

Thursday I replaced the buttons on my earth-tone print Civil War dress to shank buttons as recommended. I made a cockade to wear with my certification pin.
In the evening I was among the color guard at the VFW Convention held at the Hilton.  I carried the State VFW flag.  We practiced on the side earlier but when it came to the real procession, I couldn't anticipate the live area with chain thingees under the lights touching the top of the flag.  No harm done.  There was a special escort of 2 Gold Star moms by the Auxiliary ladies.  I recognized one and afterward reintroduced myself as PGR and that I read her blogs. 
Her blog is here but she uses a pen name
http://www.chicagonow.com/uncommon-sense/2014/06/veteran-ptsd-treatment-cognitive-processing-therapy-the-vet-center-20140603/

Afterward I just made it in time for a meeting of the Catholic War Veterans.  I took notes because the adjutant was on vacation.  We voted to donate to the proposed Purple Heart Memorial.

Friday I volunteered at the Old State Capitol.  Since I just got my NAI Certification, I wanted to wear my pin so I made a cockade for it.  That bow was one of my thrift store finds.

These are some of the photos that were taken during the Soldiers Aid Society's "A Window to a Woman's World" as part of "History Comes Alive"

Actually, I think the print on my fabric is similar to this 1840s daguerreotype photo only her print is smaller.

 I took a break to help a wounded soldier into the Medical demonstration.

In the evening I went to see Bravo.  It was a lavish fundraiser with wine and cheese to support the Purple Heart Memorial at Oakridge Cemetery.  I met Tammy whom I haven't seen since our Marine Family Support group had disbanded.  Five members of the original marines were there to tell their story before and after the movie.  I had tears during the documentary hearing what they went through in the trenches.  Here's the trailer:

Saturday I went on the Ride in Honor.  The weather was perfect but a little windy. 

Thanks to Bobbi for fixing my braid so it wouldn't flap in my face.


 I'm riding on the right following the lady with the pig tails on her helmet.  She had an Aero too and thought my bike was bigger than hers.  I picked up my tank bag that seemed to make the illusion that it was bigger.  Besides, black is slimming.

I left Weebles and rode back to Chatham with John of the Vintage Iron Riders.  Actually, I met him at my garage sale last month.  It's just better to have strength in numbers going past the congestion of the mall area on Rt 4.

Sunday I was a Eucharistic Minister at Mass.  I rode my motorcycle to church.  While waiting for our Communion behind the alter, I noticed Sue had tears in her eyes.  When we took the Chalices to the sacristy, she looked the same but in the semi private area I gave her a big hug.  Well, more like a waist hug because she's tall.  She willingly accepted the hug and whispered a thank you.  Never did learn what was bothering her but I knew it helped a little.  After church I stopped by the County Market to use up my Penny Pincher coupons that will expire on Sunday.  Only enough to fit in a saddle bag.

As many of my friends know, my dog suffered from an enlarged heart.  He had a big heart in more ways than one.  Bentley was having a rough Sunday.  His hacking changed to rapid breathing and he took his last breath at 9:25 PM.  The neighbor and I buried him.  Looking back at Bentley:

Here's a video of the last Honor Flight on 6/10/2014.

The Korean War Veteran with tears got to me.
(I have a cameo putting up my welcome home banner)
https://vimeo.com/98268327

My Week

Tuesday night (or more like Wednesday morning) I didn't sleep well at all.  So I stayed up and did things.  Back to bed at 5.  I just got up about 8AM and got a call from Alan.  He caught another coon.  Normally my recycle pickup is later but I got up too late and missed the recycle pick up.

My son's dog got mauled by a pit bull on Thursday evening.

Friday morning, the utility company contracted out tree trimmers that also trimmed me (and my neighbor's) cable (TV and INTERNET). I called it in at 9AM and they said it would be done by 12:30. Well I don't know which 12:30 they meant because when I got home from my volunteer duty at the Old State Capitol, it still wasn't working. Called again and was told they'd fix it on Monday. How is adding a whole weekend escalating my problem?

Thursday and Friday evening I worked the Chatham American Legion Homecoming ticket booth the weather was nice.   The event continues on Saturday, which I didn't work.  I learned that they cancelled the parade due rain.  

I didn't go Saturday because I went to the Civil War reenactment in Pittsfield. It was nice when I left but the clouds rolled in.   Remember, I was without TV and internet for 4 days so I had no idea how rotten the weather would be.  Well I was there for the Civil War fashion show and tea.  I picked up a pair of mitts from one of the vendors.


Sunday I went to Mass with the Catholic War Veterans.  I believe that national will use my photo in their CWV magazine.

Monday I got My certificate and pin as a Certified Interpretive Guide in the mail for the course I took in January.  I was beginning to think I didn't pass and the course was NOT CHEAP.  I often felt like the tours that I gave may have had lesser value because I am an unpaid volunteer.  This makes me feel on par.

 Monday night I went to Metamora for Civil War Dance practice.  I'm getting there.  The dances that I'm trying to learn are here:

I think I finished trimming my straw bonnet.  Everything is subject to change when it comes to decorating a bonnet.  I wish the bavolet that I made stood out more as they did in these photos from Godeys.  However, I am pleased with the way the babolet that I made has a nice crinkle and crochet lace trim edge.

 At least I got the lining right.

I had an old faded Gunne Sax dress with some shear sleeves which I took off and attached to a short sleeve button top.  I will use this for undersleeves on some of my Civil war gowns.  Next to changes some plain pearl buttons to shank buttons and hem up my brown dress another inch so I won't trip on it.

Well, tonight is the retreat ceremony at the Lincoln Tomb and the homecoming for the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight.  I have a special request to get photos.  Looks like a rainy retreat.