My Week

I had checked into getting insurance for my hearing aids and was quoted as $350 a year.  That's more than my car insurance so I turned that down.  My aids are under warranty till 2019 but not for loss or water.  I would probably have to get a new pair every 4-5 years anyway.  I think I'll just have to self insure.
Two of my Christmas cards were returned in the mail.  One of the recipients had sent me a card with same address that was in the return address.  It cost me 71 cents to mail this returned card.  I loved this card and it was my favorite pick for this year with all the lovely paper cutting work.

Wednesday, after exercise, I had my semi annual dental cleaning.  This was the first time with hearing aids so I asked Kip if patients usually took them out.  She said they did so I put them on my lap.  I had lunch with Michael for the last of this year. I did a little senior day shopping at the thrift store and found  a dress that will be perfect to wear to Star Wars.   I picked up my period glasses from Bergh-White in time for the evening holiday walk.  I told the gentleman that fitted me that many have asked me if my glasses were real.  I helped at the final evening of the downtown Springfield Holiday Walk at the Old State Capitol.  We had a good crowd at the Old State Capitol.  The weather was warm and windy and many states had tornados.  The moon was nearly full as random clouds went by.  The city has a bus all lit up for the holidays that plays music.  You can see a video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLi88h1axCY

I celebrated Sophie's third birthday on her adoption day of 12/22/14.  Now I learn from her chip by logging in online that her birthday is really 12/21/12.  Now she is 3 years old.

Everybody seems to be sharing photos of their tree on Facebook. I have a fence around the tree for the guest dog....Hank. Not only does he like socks...he likes bras too.
I decided to offer him my rags from my sack.  He did ruin a pair of patriotic mittens I had by the closet.

I got a gourmet stollen at Aldi like we had in Milwaukee.  My sons and I went to Christmas Eve Mass.  How nice to see the lit up sky with a full moon on Christmas eve.  Alan stayed the night and Sean commuted from the other side of town. When Alan got up on Christmas morning he opened a beer.  Even his dad waited till after the coffee pot was empty.  This worries me.

For Christmas I got a table for my laptop, aroma diffuser, ceramic knives, tilted wine glasses, gift cards and fabric cases for my glasses from my sister.  I was also treated to the movie.

First Full Moon On Christmas Since 1977
As Santa made his way across the world he was helped by the light of a full moon early this morning [Dec 25], which is actually the first full moon to fall on Christmas Day since 1977, and according to astronomers there will not be another full moon on Christmas Day until 2034.  The last time it happened was 1977..... hmmmm the original Star Wars was released in 1977 and the new one released now.  Now I saw a few people I knew there in Star Wars tee shirts and leggings.  I tried to go with a cape from reenacting, hair roll like reenacting, earrings from reenacting. Tan dress and belt from Salvation Army topped off the core of things for that desert planetary look. I really liked the 3D perspective on the bridge which showed a lot of depth. I asked for the hearing impaired headset.

There I am outside the theater with my headset for the hearing impaired and my 3D glasses in hand.

Saturday I took my trash to the curb since we will be a day late due to the holiday.  I also took my neighbor's to the curb since they are out of town.   I walked Sophie early since rain was predicted.  That was a good move because shortly after the walk, the rain came. Then I helped the Old State Capitol tours to cover their lunch hour.  I'm glad I brought a book because it wasn't very busy.

Our church was nicely decorated with evergreens and poinsettias.  I donated one in honor of my adopted soldier.

  I've been working with the family tree for quite some time.  I've made a little head way too.  My sons are eligible for Sons of the American Revolution.  I know they feel proud of this heritage.  Sleeping on the issue made me wonder if I should pay their membership knowing that they have no children and their seed is a dead end? 

All of this mild weather has now turned to rain and flooding in Illinois.  Tomorrow it will freeze and I no longer kept my ice skates.

My Week

Poor Sophie, my dog, she had her shots at the vet and worse was that fecal exam.  All is good except for a cataract.  The vet wanted to test a new chip wand and it didn't find Sophie's chip.  So he pulled out the older wand and there it was.  Afterward, she got to go on a therapy dog visit.

My article on a fictional account of Rose Hermann at the Lincoln Funeral was published in the Dec-Jan issue of Citizens Companion. It's my summer program on Distant Memories.  Barnes and Nobel doesn't carry this magazine either. So I subscribed online. I downloaded the PDF.  This issue has a theme of Christmas and mourning. It is 44 pages in PDF. The online subscription for a yr is $35.

Wednesday evening I volunteered at the Old State Capitol for the Downtown Holiday Walk.  We had a scavenger hunt to find certain wreaths throughout the building that represented the various historic sites.   Since I don't wear my hearing aids around the house, I realized in the car while listening to the radio that I forgot to put them on.  They are so light weight.  The turn out at the event was great.  I brought a copy of the first Christmas Card to show visitors.

I know I don't have a signed release form for this photo card but this WW2 vet's daughter gave me the attached card that made my day.  She gave this card to the staff at Reflections Care.  David can't talk but can understand, nod and make sounds.  Notice Sophie on his lap in one of the photos.

When I first started the dog visits and the weather was nice, I asked his daughter if he'd be interested in a dog and she said she didn't think so while his hand reached out toward Sophie.  She was pleasantly surprised that her dad liked Sophie.  You see he can't talk but can understand and nod.  His daughter is often there during my visits (Tues and Thurs) so I know she's devoted.  I loved his Halloween costume as Duck Dynasty. 

Oh, and I also felt good about today's visit because I spoke to a DHS inspector while Sophie was on his lap.  I was pleased we made a good impression. 

Thursday I got the last of my Christmas packages to  the post office.  Now to prepare the house for Christmas after all the wrapping and Christmas events.  I went to a Christmas party at the VFW at 5 and an ABATE meeting/party at 7.  I turned down a party at Edwards Place historic site the same evening.

It was nice to see Bob Foster who moved to the Danville VA.  Funny that I got a Christmas card from my WW2 vet from Le Roy, IL whom I was an honor flight guardian in 2009 mention a man he met at the Danville VA who knew me.  So far apart and what a nice triangle.

Friday evening I went to the "Committee Ball" at the Hilton.  Here is Nita, whom I formerly worked for, with the 40th anniversary ice sculpture.

 There was a lovely tree in the lobby.

 And a very nice gingerbread house.

 Ok, I didn't eat the apple but I pretended to.

 These girls were out of place.  They looked like the were more accustomed to a bar atmosphere than a formal ball.   They danced like bar sluts with their purse on their side and beer in their hand.  They didn't have a table to leave this stuff.  Now the couple in the foreground were the dance stars.  They did all the fancy moves and dips.

Wednesday evening I helped with the Old State Capitol Holiday walk and on Saturday I helped with our Civil War Santa.  Saturday, a couple popped the question in Representative Hall of the Old State Capitol as a violin played up in the gallery.

After that I stopped by Sheels on the way home and got my picture taken with Santa and Blitzen.  Blitzen is 8 months old.

 You could take your own picture of Santa above and pay a tip, or you could do like I did below and pay $20 for two 5 by 7 prints.  I've been a good little Victorian.

Afterward I stopped by the Chatham VFW Post for an Ugly Christmas Sweater party/pot luck.   Boy did they have some interesting sweaters and many with lights.  Jay says " HI Rose, I understand your a member of 755?" Rose: where you going with this?

Sunday evening I went the Luminary display of the Dana-Thomas House.  It was much too windy for the luminaries however.

Monday it was 64 degrees.  The record was 63.   I tried to get a few things done in the garage like removing the battery from the motorcycle to bring in where it will be nice and warm.  I restocked the fireplace with twigs for the next cold snap.  I dug up some of the carrots that I planted and they were small.  In evening I went to a VFW meeting.  I won the 50/50 drawing and donated it back.

I adopted Sophie on Dec 22, 2014 from the Sangamon County Animal Control Adoptable Pets. I was told she was 2 years old so her adoption day will be her birthday. Happy 3d Sophie Lou Connolly!!!!  This was our adoption photo:

 

My Week

My son pointed out that my photo from last year was the teaser for the State Journal Register's share your photos with Santa submissions.
http://extras.sj-r.com/photo-galleries/reader/send-us-your-santa-and-me-photos/16638/

Tuesday I had a luncheon with our Womens Overseas Service League.  One of the few meetings that we had a good attendance and we shared some small gifts.  I was especially excited to recieve a personalized mug rug from Sue with her advanced sewing.

In the evening I went to Mass for the Feast of the Solemnity of Mary.  Seemed odd that 2 parishioners wheeled in on knee scooters and another in a foot cast.   I showed Dan a little German smoker that I had found in a thrift store for about a dollar.  He agreed that it was a smoker but that the bottom was stuck.  I gave it to him to look at.

Wednesday morning didn't start off too good since I didn't keep down my pills.  I took it easy but in the evening I attended our AMVETS Post Christmas dinner at Old Luxumburg.  I had lobster.  I met a former boss there, Nita, and told her about the stroke that Steve had.

Thursday morning I went back to Powerworks for Yoga class after being away a few days.  In the evening I had another Christmas Party with our Catholic War Veterans post at  the Chesapeake Seafood house.
 Friday I addressed my Christmas cards and wrapped a few presents.  What a mess without the cat.

Saturday morning we had such a fog.  I could see stars above but not far in the distance.  Everything is wet.  I took a squeegee to my car only to have it wet again.    I also got my stuff ready for Saturday which is busy.  I went to Wreaths Across America at Camp Butler, then the Holiday Walk and then the American Legion Christmas party.
Springfield hit a record temperature of 70 and the previous record was 64.
http://www.sj-r.com/article/20151212/NEWS/151219844
 This picture was published in the paper from the Historic Christmas Walk with Robin West from Bloomington at Edwards Place Historic Site.
http://www.sj-r.com/photogallery/LS/20151213/NEWS/121209999/PH/1

Although I saw the photo online (and clipped it above), I didn't realize it too up a good portion of the page in the print edition.

I portrayed Elizabeth Todd Edwards and I felt I could connect with the kids there as I told them about my rocky, yet steadfast relationship with my sister.  Elizabeth was displeased that Mary chose to marry down in class and also a difference in political parties.  Mary gave her sister only one day to prepare a wedding while Elizabeth was 7 months pregnant and 2 children in the home.  But when things were bad during Willie's death, Elizabeth came to her sister's side.  When Abraham was assassinated, She came again.  Mary wed and died in Elizabeth Todd Edwards home.  Blood prevails.

Sunday morning I read the second reading at Mass.  Fr Manny told us to rejoce but that he couldn't find a pink/rose colored vestment for the service of Advent.  It was warm but this time with rain.  It rained all day so there was no choice but to walk my dog in the rain.

Monday morning I took Sophie to Bubbles of Fun while I went to exercise.  When I picked her up we went to a therapy dog visit to Regency Care.

Looks like I only had a few days respite for saving on my heat bill and now it's time to turn it back on.  I was about to mail a letter to my adopted soldier and I'm glad I waited for the mail to arrive because I got a thank you card for the box that I sent.  Made my day that I made someone else's day.

My week

Sunday I broke the wish bone from last week's turkey with my son and won. Ha, I told him now he has to get married.

 Tuesday the rain cleared up and I went to the 8th Annual Nativity Dedication at the state capitol.  I got the time mixed up and thought it started at 11AM but really was at noon.  I got there early enough to learn that Molly Metzgar is a tour guide at the capitol.  The crowd was down from past years.  We presented the statehouse wreath from Wreaths Across America.  Here's the program.

Wednesday I went on a day (or shall I say evening) trip to St Louis with the Mariner Club through the bank.  I went to the Cathedral and Winter Garden Glow.I got my picture taken in the snow globe on one foot.  Someone outside the globe held my camera and waved me to back up because of the light.  I hopped.

I was not feeling well on the bus trip and made frequent stops to the rest room.  I went to my yoga class but coughed a lot so I canceled my trip to the nursing home with Sophie.

I got a good deal on an antique lace shawl for reenacting for $50 on Ebay.  These things usually go for a lot more.  It's different because it ties at the neck.

Lot of frost Friday morning.   Back screen porch is all frosted like glass.

Well at 2pm I went to Carlinville for a ceremony with a Civil War flag dedication that had recently been restored.  The flag belonged to 122nd Regimental Flag Ceremony in Carlinville.

 

After that I went  to the Chiara Center to see the Nativity Festival.  My little plastic Nativity was exhibit 89 of 112.  It will be going on all weekend. The staff took the batteries out and without the music, this nativity looks like cheap plastic.

On the way home I had a low tire light but it was late and also cold so that was typical for a temperature change.  However, Saturday morning my rear tire was flat as a pancake.  That changed my morning plans to go to a meeting with the Soldiers Aid Society.  Instead I pumped up the air compressor and carefully drove to Discount Tires where I got them and had a warranty for flats. When I got there he told me that my tread was below the legal limit and instead of a repair he recommended new tires.  He did say the tires were evenly worn.  I asked a lot of questions and he noticed the dog tag on my keys and asked if I was military.  I said yes.  After showing my ID, he gave me a discount.  I missed the discussion on Civil War toys but I got there in time to  take a vote on our dues increase.  At 1PM is the Christmas memorial at the State Vietnam memorial. It was nice to see the governor there to read the names of the KIAs from Vietnam as a member of the audience placed an ornament on the fur tree.

At 6PM I went to the 1850s Christmas at the 1st Presbyterian Church about the same time as the Christmas Parade.  I wore my gold headdress that came in the mail that day.  I had a picture of me wearing it by my expression was less than favorable.

Sunday I went to our Catholic War Veterans memorial Mass in Rochester. I really didn't do much Sunday.  It really was a day of rest.  Probably in part because I wasn't feeling up to par.
Monday I had a follow up appointment and got a different pill.  It was a probiotic.  I took it right away and then off to the ceremony for Pearl Harbor on Lake Springfield.

I didn't go to exercise for 2 days.  The TRX straps have been crowded lately.  I had a squirrel I needed to release far away and deported HIM.  By the time I got to the gym the parking lot was really full and I a little late.  So I went to use my penny pincher coupons at County Market since I sure needed some yogurt for the probiotics.  Nearby I stopped by my insurance agent and told him about the 3 letters that I got in the mail switching my agent to Peoria as a result of my son getting off my policy. 

Well, I wanted to insure my hearing aids anyway.

And how is your week?

My week

Tuesday I found my roaster and decor for Thanksgiving in the attic.  My Wednesday plans were changed for a higher calling.  Tuesday my son's car that he had for 15 years had given up.  I changed my preparation plans for Thanksgiving and told him to pack an overnight bag for him and his dog, Hank.  After missing my senior strength class, I made the 9:15 Zumba gold class (which I suffered sore legs on Thanksgiving Day).  Then picked up the fresh free range turkey that I had ordered at Humphrey's Market.  I got hungry at the smell inside the store so I knew I should have their lunch in the deli before hitting the road.  I drove to Peoria to pick up my son.  From there we stopped by his stranded car and got his insurance card and drove to Bloomington for his loan check from the bank.  Then to Glen Carbon to Enterprise Sales to pick up a new car.  I had driven over 400 miles on Wednesday.  

Above is the ad for the car that he bought.  Now to figure out what happened to his old Intrepid that won't go in reverse.  By Monday he learned that his car died on a part that may cost $200.  I think he'll fix it and sell it.

 Cooking was done while playing with 3 dogs. Then when Sean arrived there were 4 dogs and 3 people.  Hank was into everything.  He even got into the lint that I was saving from the dryer for my fireplace starter.  Later we all took a walk around the block. The meal turned out well and I succumbed to tripthaphane.  
Friday evening I went to a Civil War Dance at the Peoria GAR hall.  I had a great time.  I recorded The Bowers dance which I've never done. 

Of course the first Christmas decoration should be the Advent Wreath as it signifies the count-down to Christmas.

 Then I set out my Christmas Angel and Sophie barked at her.  It was funny but not surprising since she barked at Halloween lawn ghouls when I took her on walks.

 Sunday I was a Eucharistic Minister for the first Sunday of Advent.  I picked up a pledge card from the Angel Tree for a gift card. Then I went on the Sid Wood toy run. It was too cold for me to ride so I drove gifts in my car and wore my Mrs Claus dress.  Once there, I rode on the back of Santa's Can Am.

 I thought that the sunglasses would cross over for a mild biker look (also the boots).
I had a scare when I discovered that I was missing my right hearing aid.  I found it in my Mrs Claus wig.  It is so light weight that I didn't miss it for a long time.

Here's the news article on the Toy Run.
http://www.sj-r.com/article/20151129/NEWS/151129581 

Monday I took Sophie on 2 therapy dog visits.  Her regular bi-weekly visit at Regency Care and since I didn't go on Thanksgiving I went to Reflections.

Here's the headdress that I ordered and will be receiving in the next few days.  I was hoping it would get here in time for the ball on Nov 14th but it didn't and I made my own for that occasion.  I liked what I made using silk from a tie but I can see that the cut is fraying on the one that I made.  This will have period correct fabric.

 Oh how I wish I could speak the way the Victorians did.  Example in this article.
http://www.accessible-archives.com/2015/09/how-to-make-beautiful-homes-1865/?fb_action_ids=10206891935209656&fb_action_types=og.comments

My service reflections will be a the December highlight for Together We Served.
http://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/voices/2015/104/Connolly_voices.html

My Week

We had our first snow of the season!  Further north there was a record snowfall for November.

Tuesday I had my car worked on for the "service engine soon" light. It was a Front Air/fuel ration sensor. Sure sounds like a phony part name to me. $416.  Then I went on a Therapy Dog visit at 2PM.  In the evening I went to do color guard honoring Army Vietnam Veteran, Marshall Brown as recipient of a Habitat for Humanity house #98.  Less had difficulty filling the rest of the color guard positions so Marshall filled in.

Here is the news segment on Habitat.  There's a shot of the back of my head and I studied my new experimental classic hair do (see 14 seconds into the video below).
http://wics.com/news/local/habitat-for-humanity-begins-home-for-vietnam-vet

I adopted a soldier through Soldiers Angels and sent her my first package.  I even found an inflatable Christmas tree new in package at the Goodwill store and put that in the box.

Friday I went back to volunteer at the Old State Capitol in the afternoon.  These hearing aids are not yet ready for big groups.  I could take small groups up to 3 around because we are intimately close enough to share questions.  In the evening I went to our OWLS (Older Wiser Lovable Seniors) pot luck.  I made bacon wrapped water chestnuts in BBQ sauce.  Wish I'd have made a double batch.
Sunday I helped with ABATE and the Thanksgiving dinner for the elderly and homeless.  We had a new location from the Kumler church to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
Here's the news link:
http://wics.com/news/videos/abate-serves-thanksgiving-feast-to-elderly

Saturday I was scheduled to be part of the color guard for the Chatham Christmas parade but weather called it off because of the weather.  We had our first snow of the season.  Very wet snow I might add.
I walked Sophie under threatening skies. She's going to have trouble...err...I'm going to have trouble when she begs to go for a walk and I insist that she use the back yard like other pets.

Monday I had an appointment with my hearing aids to see how they were going.  I gave her the following report.

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The first thing I noticed with my hearing devices is the sound of the turn signal on my way home. 

Then I realized that I still had difficulty understanding people.  I tried turning the volume up and that just reminded me of the false “hearing enhancers” from Harbor Freight with all the back ground noise.

Sunday after receiving my devices, I got my first notice to replace the battery about noon in the right and 3 hrs later for the left.  Repeated in church the following Sunday.

Last Sunday, Joe Blankenship brought a dog in training to church.  I was told there was a bark in church but I didn’t hear it.  I do remember squalling babies.

I am not sure when I need to change the white tip.

I still dread phone calls because I can’t hear.

I tried to give tours on Friday but I still cannot hear large groups.

The online video shows a switch volume button/memory on the back does nothing. It hasn't been programmed yet.

After my hearing appointment I had an appointment for my eyes at 3:30 and the office was right next door.  I didn't have a real significant change in my prescription but I did notice it.  I didn't think that TRICARE covered eyes but part of the exam was covered.  Well my appointment lasted longer than expected so I knew it was useless to leave Springfield for dance in Metamora by 6PM.  I had my dress in the car but the drive and the change of clothes would have been too late.  I called one of the dancers to let the gang know that I aborted the trip.  I was really looking forward to it.

I've ordered a fresh Amish turkey for our Thanksgiving dinner.  Well, I don't think the turkey practices Amish traditions so it must be an atheist turkey.  Pick up on Tuesday at Humphrey's Market. I've never been there before but I hear a lot of good things.  Remember that Abraham Lincoln declared this holiday.  http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=69998

Looking forward to see my entry into the Nativity Festival.

My Week

Well there is much discussion over the terror attack in Paris.  Be vigilant!

Tuesday I went to our Womens Overseas Service League meeting followed by a therapy dog visit.  In the evening I went to Peoria to pick up a ball gown from Lydia who altered it.  I think I left it with her about a year and a half ago and told her to take her time.  I stopped by my son to drop off some mail and a wall Christmas Tree for his home like the one I gave Sean.

Veterans day was busy.  I started off with a free breakfast at HyVee that was very well attended and I got to see a few of my friends there.  Sen Sam McCann helped serve and the scouts posted colors.   Here is the Catholic War Veterans entry in the Springfield Veterans Day Parade.

I was pleased with the turnout at the parade.  High winds were predicted and almost tornado-like but that's what happens with warmer weather in November.  The weather held off (mostly) till late in the day. 
Last Sunday's memorial Mass photo was published in the Catholic Times.  The editor was there because of the first Patriotic Rosary.  See previous weekly blog. 

At exercise class the AM, Jeanie from Auburn gave me the front of their local paper and I was on it from their veterans assembly.  Ok, so I made the front page on 2 papers in one week ~  as someone mentioned to me awhile ago ..."it just means your frequently in the right place". 

By the way, I forgot to mention last week when I discussed this assembly, that I reported a 4" black lizard crawling on the floor of the bathroom.  Some students and faculty removed it and were surprised.
Friday I made a headdress for the ball on Saturday at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum.   I used 100% silk for the ribbon lappets from a a tie I bought at the Goodwill. 

 I did my hair with the Conair Vintage Roll that I got from Walgreens. 
Saturday I went to the Civil War ball at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum with the  33rd Illinois Volunteer Regiment Band.  So I sat down with President Lincoln and proceeded to tell him what I wanted for Christmas.  Then I remembered he wasn't THAT kind of bearded guy.  I wished I'd have straitened out the collar before this picture was taken.  I was just inside the gift shop at the museum.

  Here is the "before" picture which really fell off the shoulders down to my waist.

This was a first time I wore this dress after Lydia altered the bertha from the saggy neckline.  It looks like it still could use a little more tacking down.  Now I know that stores have Christmas displays and they need to inspire before Thanksgiving.  However, I have seen a tree in a home while walking my dog and lights on 5th street.

Sunday morning I did the 1st reading at Mass.  While waiting in the back of the church to process and place Gospel book on the alter, the ushers and I noticed a couple come with a black dog on a leash and training vest.  Now I had been told that the dog barked during Mass but I didn't hear it.  I still have some difficulty in large rooms.  I did however hear shrill sounds from children.  I'll take the dog's bark over that any day.  Around mid-day, my right device said "battery" into my ear.  Then a few hours later, the left ear heard "battery".

Well Saturday my car warned my to get my engine checked so I have an appointment.  I also made an appointment to have my eyes checked.  So plans are in the works for the coming week.


 

My Week

We've had a number of foggy mornings this past week. I've been tracking in leaves along with my little dog's mop of fur.  She's gotten to the point where she stops with her behind to me as if to ask, "Remove these leaves please".

Tuesday morning after exercise, I got on the motorcycle for a Patriot Guard Riders escort of some wounded veterans from the state police headquarters to the Sheels store as part of Hooah Deer Hunt for Heroes.  I mentioned to them as they hunt that it would be nice if they could take out a few squirrels and racoons too.  Here's the article in the SJR.
http://www.sj-r.com/article/20151103/NEWS/151109871

I was asked to write an article for "Citizens' Companion", a Civil War Reenactor magazine.  The editor seemed interested in my "Distant Memories" script that I wrote and used at the Lincoln Tomb during the summer.  Since this was designed for a presentation rather than print, I asked Mike, on our Lincoln Monument Association, to proof my working script for a written publication.  He was a great help and saved me a few embarrassments like the missing “T” from the word "immorality" since I meant immortality.
I decided to see how my garden of carrots looked under those short stalks and I was right with my sample dig.  I had a one inch carrot.  Darn!  I bought quality seeds too.


Friday I went to the Auburn High School for their veterans assembly.  It started at 8:30 AM with the meet and greet, assembly at 9 AM.  Four members of our VFW post went to one of the many break out sessions and speaking to a class following the assembly until 11:20 AM.   I wore my Air Force uniform and many in veteran related attire.   I brought the post's POW/MIA white table for a presentation done by active army color guard to recite its meaning.  Then I returned the table immediately afterwards.

The veterans sat in chairs on the floor level and later introduced ourselves to the audience as we passed the microphone. 

All of the veterans got a felt poppy.  I wasn't sure if I should pin this token on my uniform until I saw a retired LT COL do it.

 Saturday morning I went to the Old State Capitol to help who are visiting for an annual student award program.  The governor handed out the awards and Abraham Lincoln (impersonator was there).

Lincoln Presidential Museum for a book signing and presentation on Jews.  I did have difficulty hearing.

Sunday morning I went to Mass with our Catholic War Veterans at St. John Vianney Parish.  The pastor gave all the veterans a white rose with a yellow ribbon.  Funny thing though, I put mine and Charlie's rose in the book rack and he gave them to the girls who were alter servers.  After Mass, there was a Patriotic Rosary said and I was quite impressed. There are 50 "Hail Mary's" and 50 states for each.

Later I was looking through some of my old paper work and discovered my discharge from the Delayed Enlistment Program (DEP) and the next day I went to basic training. The following day I was in 3743d WAF Training Squadron.

It seems that many of the ladies in my WAF Association have found copies of their Basic Military Training (BMT) Flight photos.  I searched for it online since my flight graduated in December 1972 and couldn't find my flight.
http://www.bmtflightphotos.af.mil/1970s/1972.asp

Now I didn't want to end this weekly post without mention of my new hearing aids. I paid $3989 on Monday and got a complete kit from Audibel including summer dehumidifier and warranty to 2/9/2019.  She gave me a conservative setting to wit I went from 50% hearing to like 70%.  I can go online and experiment with sounds. I go back in 2 weeks for a follow up or adjustment if needed.  Then I may find a mode for special environments that I can use like a remote control setting specific for that.  Right now I only have setting number 1.  The TV is still indistinguishable but the volume is lower. 

I spent even more money by getting a new battery for my car.  It wouldn't have lasted this winter.  Good to go.