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.

Scheels Outfits Nine Veterans For Special Hunting Trip

Scheels Outfits Nine Veterans For Special Hunting Trip

My Week

Sure seems like I'm tracking a lot of leaves into the house.  I even noticed leaves on the undercarriage of my car and thought that the squirrels were nesting there.  Sophie has a mop load attached after every walk.  I've raked and mulched but there's a lot of competition of those leaves to get in my door.

Tuesday evening I tried to do the audit at the VFW but the person I needed to contact was not there.  I still had a nice chat. Then I went to a picnic with the 114th Illinois Regiment.  After that I went to the Honor Flight homecoming at the airport.  I bumped into a member of our AMVETS post (Francis Sprinkle) there and introduced him to Bill Mackiney who stopped attending meetings but continues to go to the Honor Flight homecomings.  Here I am with Francis Sprinkle.  I know it was hard for him to come because of his cane.

After that I went to pick up my Rosemary Zombie Girl Halloween prop that I had left last year for repairs.  She still doesn't lurch forward.  Then I got gas because it was going up based on various prices around town.  By the time I got to bed it was after midnight.  I got up at 8:30 and missed taking my recycles on the curb and my senior strength class.  I did make it in time for Zumba Gold though.
I had sent about 30 letters to the veterans for their "mail call" and Monday I got the following letter in reply on Monday's mail.  It was sent to the wrong address but the carrier caught it.

I was totally surprised so it was like reverse mail call.
Thursday I had yoga and from there I drove to Orland Park to pick up my coffin.  It's nice wood work with lots of character.  Just before getting home, I noticed it was time for an oil change so I stopped at Speedy Lube before they closed.
Friday morning I had a hearing test at Springfield Clinic with no improvement after the steroids.  I ordered hearing aids on Friday from Audibel. They are regularly about $9,000 but I can get them for  $4k with the discount through being an Amvet member.   She said that was better than the state's $600 copay. The sample hearing aids I wore were wifi from her computer.  Hearing her talk to me brought a tear because I felt so lost in conversations.

http://americanhearingbenefits.com/partners/amvets

I should have the hearing aids in time for the Civil War Ball at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum on Nov 14th.

My car got a new filter and wipers on Friday.  Getting all ready for winter.  I plan to get a new battery soon too.  I'm just stretching that out till after my hearing aids.

Saturday I took Sophie to the nursing home's Halloween party.  It was awkward being there at noon because everyone was eating so I sat by the TV lounge.  Great costumes though.  They did have a lot of extra food and they gave me some too.

In the evening my son came to help with trick or treaters since there are few in his neighborhood and he could do laundry too.  I prepared to go to the Rocky Horror Show live at the Hoogland.  No...I'm not a cast member.

this was taken with my son's cell phone.  These below were taken at the Hoogland Center for the Arts.  Here we are before the show.  I gave her the mark of the "V" for her virgin showing of Rocky.  She said she had a good time.  We blew up a few red balloons representing the "cherry" to pop and started up the volley ball pre-show.  I saved one balloon that got popped during the flat tire scene.  It's a good thing I have the script nearly memorized because of my hearing impediment.

 This is one of the Usherettes from Rocky that had lights in her hair.

 My friend wanted a picture with some of the cast members after the show.  I know she had a good time.  What goes on at Rocky ~ stays at Rocky (except for this photo).

I had 41 trick or treaters visit.  My son did his laundry during trick or treat to help hand out candy since there are few in his neighborhood.  Now my other son lives in a very family neighborhood and had 125.  I gave him glow sticks and jugs when we met earlier in the week for his birthday.

I got the Daylight Savings mixed up and got up too early.  I did have a headache from the show and getting up too early.
I must say I was impressed with the efforts everyone made towards costuming and yard decor this year.  8-10 years ago, kids just came to the door with a sack begging.

I got the daylight savings time  backwards and got up an hour early instead of an hour later.  I was tired.  Sunday's sermon was related to Halloween for what little I could hear.  Father used the analogy of a pumpkin with us.  God finds us in a field and washes the mud from the pumpkin.  Just as we remove the pulp and seeds, God had cleansed us.  Then he carves a happy face and puts a candle inside to light our soul.  Now I don't hear very well but that's the sermon I got.

Monday morning I dropped Sophie off at Bubbles of Fun for a grooming while I went to exercise.  I shipped a box to an airman this time and paid my utility bill before picking Sophie up.  Then I took her to the Regency nursing facility where she got to make a few people smile.