My Week

Here we are with snow on Wednesday and 63 on Sunday.  Shock our systems into spring. 

Tuesday I helped for a few hours at the Lincoln Tomb before going on a 'visit'.   I took this picture from inside the tomb.  No one was there so I tried to read it out loud.  The verbiage was so difficult.  Sure, the ending part is popular ~ "With Malice towards none and charity for all".  What preceeds this line was difficult to say out loud.
"Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!" If we shall suppose that American Slavery is one of those offences which, in the providence of God, must needs come, but which, having continued through His appointed time, He now wills to remove, and that He gives to both North and South, this terrible war, as the woe due to those by whom the offence came, shall we discern therein any departure from those divine attributes which the believers in a Living God always ascribe to Him? Fondly do we hope--fervently do we pray--that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away. Yet, if God wills that it continue, until all the wealth piled by the bond-man's two hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash, shall be paid by another drawn with the sword, as was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be said "the judgments of the Lord, are true and righteous altogether"
With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan--to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations."
 This is the plaque:

I had to find an audio of someone else saying this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhteaxrdmKo

Phil Wilson gave a talk on Civil War Photography Thursday evening at 7 p.m. at the Elijah Iles House. Phil has worked hard preparing his demo.  He has built a period camera.

I found my missing water bottle used for reenacting while at the nursing home where I take Sophie on visits. I had been looking for it since last fall and had to replace it.  Needless to say, it's been crushed and cracked and will no longer hold water. 

I have a bottle similar to this that has Watkins dish soap.  I guess I'll be hand washing for awhile.  I need to find a nice label.  I've been making an album on Pintrest for possible labels.
Friday I got to see a special video of the Lincoln Funeral reenactment put together by the local paper.  The video is for sale in the Lincoln Home gift shop for $25.  A few of the members or our reenacting group have cameo shot in the video including myself but I don't think I'd want a copy for myself.

I was happy to receive our active member certificate and pin from Therapy Dog International.

One of the residents that I had visited had passed but his life story was very humbling. 
https://www.fold3.com/page/84342382_david_c_adkins/stories/

Sunday I read the 1st reading at Mass.  Later I went to the anniversary of the First Gulf War.  I wore my old camouflage uniform as I participated and represented the Air Force in the tributes.
News does show me toward the end of this video saluting with the living historians because I stepped back so my saluting elbow wouldn't bump into Werner.
http://newschannel20.com/news/local/va-holds-desert-storm-remembrance-ceremony

Other pictures from the ceremony in the paper here:
http://www.sj-r.com/photogallery/LS/20160228/NEWS/228009999/PH/1

You can see me as part of the ceremony at 3:12 on this clip you:
http://www.wandtv.com/category/182814/video?clipId=12248230&autostart=true

I watched a movie on Netflix called "The Homesman".  I really haven't watched a movie in a long time.  This was really good.
https://bmovies.film/film/the-homesman-2014-2/watching.html/

My Week

Now I'm nice and cozy in my home again.  Monday I had no heat.  Friday it was warm enough to turn it off.  Ug! I recalled something that I need to share in my blog ~ that when Moe was here, he was afraid of the sound of the breaking of branches to put in my fireplace.  For a big strong dog, he sure is a sissy. When I took Sophie on a Therapy Dog visit, the director really appreciated our service and offered to compensate me for my time.  I suggested they try a donation to TDI.  As a TDI handler I cannot be paid because employees don't count under their insurance.  Says so in the rules:
http://www.tdi-dog.org/About.aspx?Page=Information+for+Facilities
I let Sophie on the laps around the place but on the last of the day, the activity director was playing balloon with the residents and tossing it back with a loofah noodle.  One of the residents hit the balloon intentionally my way.  This tells me that I'm part of their activities not just a dog handler.

Thursday I went shopping at Aldi between Yoga and my Lenten "Living the Eucharist" discussion group.   Then in the afternoon I took Sophie on a therapy dog visit.  We had a good visit but the last lap of the day was now classified a hospice case whom Sophie had been visiting since September.  In the evening I went to ABATE meeting.  We had a mardi gras party.  I didn't think anyone would recognize me but my stature gives me away.

Friday I went to the funeral Mass for Jim Clancy followed by the internment at Camp Butler where I took part in the walk through salute.  Jim was very active in the veterans community and he was Grand Marshall for last year's St Patrick's Day parade.  While walking Sophie, I came across 2 teens trying to carry a husky that broke the leash. I offered to walk with them to their house on the half broken leash. Usually dogs do a buddy system and it seemed to help.

Saturday I went to St Louis for the

1856 Washington's Birthday Ball

The weather was outstanding and people were out and about taking advantage of the historic sight and being out doors.  Here is the group photo (I'm standing just off center)

Reenactor Po-Pa....caught with a camera at the end of the program.

Here are the pictures from my camera.  The ranger took this for me on the steps of the Old Courthouse.  The grounds of the arch are still under construction and will be thru 2017 (with extensions possible)

 Cinderella Carriage rides for $40.

Duncan Noack and Hannah resting.

 Some refreshments for energy.

 Rules to be observed.  It is respectfully urged that during the present season, gentlemen in attendance at the practicing parties will cheerfully comply with the few simple  but highly desirable rule as in every instance they will be strictly enforced.  Black or blue dress and frock coats will only be worn with black pantaloons to match. sack and other loose coats and striped loose pants will be positively admittance.  Pumps, dress and gaiter boots only will be used.  This is to repel the introduction of the street boot.  Black gloves will not be permitted, only colored or light colors only.  

The enforcement of these rules will impart the tone of the ball room, the society of which Gentlemen at once will understand, and by which none will derive more pleasure than those most scrupulous in the facile observance of them.

Although the moon was visible in the partly cloudy sky, I drove through a few miles of rain on the way home.
Sunday I just went to church, washed the car, and relaxed.
Monday morning I took Sophie on a visit but not before a bath.  Boy was she dirty.  I think she's shedding.
Well the daffodils are popping up, there's a full moon and the scent of dryer sheets fills the air as I walk Sophie. Snow is coming on Wednesday.

My Week

Now I feel better that my car has been cured.  Seeing  is believing. This is the split in an air inlet tube.

I can feel the difference when I drive after getting this $99 part replaced. I think I'll use it as a garden decoration!

I loaned an outfit to a former coworker so her grand daughter could portray Mrs Garfield at school.  On the way to Thayer, the wind was blowing over the farmland of Route 4 and the salt trucks were out there to fight the glaze over but on the way home, there were 2 cars in the ditch.  My car was so dirty until I washed it with a snowy wash rag on Sunday.

Thursday was busy. At 8am I went to Yoga, 10AM Church Lenten discussion group, 2PM Therapy Dog visit, 5PM Lincoln Monument Association meeting, 7PM Catholic War Veterans.  No time around the house at all except for a quick walk with Sophie and cleanup before the visit.

Friday Morning I went to special presentation called "Lincoln and the Todd Relatives" by Erica Holst.  Wow, what a big family and so Confederate that they some of her sisters still tried to neutralize negative talk about their sister's husband and president.  I celebrated Lincoln's Birthday with a Civil War Dance at the Old State Capitol.  I took this photo using my camera's timer but it did cut off part of the top. 

 

Here I am getting ready to dance the Schottish with Peggy as we listen to instructions.

 Saturday I cleaned up around the house and paid some bills that were put off because of the busy week.  In the evening I went to the Vandalia Moose Lodge for another dance. I was a bit disappointed in the turnout to that event.


Sunday morning I read the second reading for the First Sunday of Lent.  
 
We had snow for Valentines Day

 I went down the hill on my tube.  It'll warm up this week so the snow will not last.
On President's Day, I answered a call to help volunteer at the Lincoln Tomb.  I'd never given tours there before.  I'd only done a watch job (babysat the site) for a half hour just to let people through the tomb for a short while.  I was testing my hearing aids in the marble halls of the tomb.  Acoustics in those halls are bad still but a little better. The tour is much easier than the tour at the Old State Capitol.  
Monday my furnace motor went out.   Fortunately Bob Bergman Heating specialist came quickly and determined the problem but I'll be without heat over night.  I have a space heater that I've been trying to sell on craigslist and I guess that will supplement the fireplace.  I slept under my down quilt on the couch comfortably while the rest of the house was closed off as best as possible.  Part was installed in the afternoon.

Watching Westminster Dog show.  It's addictive.

So far I've sold two our DVDs fro the Lincoln Monument Association.  I'm not much of a "twist your arm" salesperson so I just let the sign speak for itself.

My Week

Monday night at dance practice night we practiced for the following:

Barely got around the block walking the dog and it started raining 3/4 the way around the block. Do you think Sophie would stop sniffing every mail box post.....Nooooo.

Tuesday was groundhogs Day.  I don't understand the big deal.  Whether he sees his shadow or not the answer is still the same.
Wednesday I dropped my car off again for repairs and got a ride home.
Well, not yet.  I have a $92 part on order and will have to go back on Tuesday.  They will not charge me labor under the circumstances.  They will install it while I can wait. 

Thursday afternoon I completed my 50 visits for Therapy Dog International to transition from "associate" to "active" member.  I scanned my sheets and had the documents mailed via certified mail.  While at the care facility, the director offered me a bundle of flowers that were in 4 buckets donated to the

Now here's an oddity:  I usually bathe both myself and Sophie before a visit.  While getting ready, I heard a funny sound since I had not yet put my hearing aids in after the shower.  I moved around to see where it was coming from.  It wasn't the furnace running nor the toilet.  It was my hair dryer that I had in the drawer.

Friday morning was a double duty exercise day.  Unfortunately the new class before the 8:15 senior strength class was only attended by one....me.  The other members or our "silver sneakers" sat at the break area.  You know what that means. I wanted to get a few errands taken care of because of an afternoon appointment with the Lowes installation.  I'm glad we moved the date from Monday to Friday because it snowed all day Monday and Friday was about 40.  I had a squirrel in my trap to deport and a freecycle exchange. I did both at the meetup spot.   In the afternoon my side door  was installed in the garage. It's nice to get in the garage without the door sticking.
Sunday the Broncos won the Superbowl.  I was glad for that but I did watch Downton Abby and Mercy street knowing that the Superbowl would be easy to catch up on.

Ok, my mind is boggled.  Lately, people have been saying "killed it" which used to be a negative.  I'm more used to "nailed it" when someone did something right on.  I looked it up and seems "killed it" can be both positive and negative.  http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=killed%20it

My week

After last week's snow storm, we now have had a nice weekend in the 50's and the only snow left showing is from shoveled mounds and tips of snowmen.  The electric snowblower that I got in July sale did not work when I needed it last week.  Now that it got warmer, I took another look at it and it does work.  I must have had a loose connection.

Monday night I went to Civil War dance practice that has begun for the Lincoln Birthday Ball at the Old State Capitol. We learned: 

Lonesome Shepherd 
Corner Triplet
 Schottische
Empress Quadrille

Rory OMore Not my favorite.  It's sort of like this with different music and instead of a center spin we'll just slide by face to face.

Tuesday morning I walked Sophie before taking my car in for a repair after having a check engine soon light.  I had to leave it and got a ride home.  I got a ride to pick my car up from the neighbor.  I'm glad I fueled up on the way home because gas went up on Wednesday.Now on Monday, I have an appointment for the car on Wed. What ever they fixed last Tues didn't fix it. I had another check engine light on Monday and I didn't even drive Saturday so that's really less than a week.

Wednesday I had double exercise class:  senior strength and zumba.  I then did a little senior discount day shopping at the goodwill.  I found some new soft, furry, grey Vera Wang pajamas.  I like warm but not the Walmart fleece look.   I then had lunch with Michael and learned that Deb had crochet a lap afgan for someone in need.  I brought this up at the evening meeting of the Interveterans Council of Sangamon County.   I got a lead for a 95 year old woman marine in at Regency Care.  I met her on Friday to see if Margret O'Donnell would accept this gift and she said she would.  I've made arrangements for both of us to be there to present it to her on Monday.

Monday I went with her to present it to Margret.

Oh and as a result of this, I suggested to the IVCSC that we need like a little black book of services for veterans in need and helpers to fill those needs such as above.  I know that in the past, AMVETS was looking for help with a veteran in need of a ramp in Springfield and I also know that the local IL National Guard was looking for a job to help a veteran in the community but these were at different times and unmatched requests.
Well, it was the night to swear in the new officers so I took this picture for the website but it put me in a tricky angle to get them all in.

I also brought up a need for a women's PTSD group in our area.  The closest (which isn't very close) is in Chicago.  Women may be integrated into the military but their needs are different.  I just think it would be hard to get that kicked off with child care needs and other demands.

I had posted on facebook that I remembered where I was when Challenger exploded on the 30th Anniversary. I was at work at Tinker AFB watching on TV with others who were shocked.   As a result, a facebook friend in Belleville area whom I had met here through veterans events said he was at Tinker.  We narrowed it down and we even lived on the same street in base housing but different command units.   I lived at 5014 Twining Dr. and Larry Miller lived at 5082.  He is a life member of the Legion, VFW, AMVETS, VVA, AFSA, AFA.  

Friday I helped out at the Old State Capitol.  I realize that it's not a big tourist season but I am trying to acclimatize my hearing aids to the acoustics.  I learned that I can't even hear the desk phone with my hearing aids.

I'm replacing the Velcro on this hoop with hooks so that the Velcro won't stick where it's not supposed to and while I'm doing that....Sophie is in the middle.

I didn't even move my car Saturday. but I got one sewing project done and listed bunch of dolls and cleaned the floor (tho you wouldn't know that now with all the melting.)  Here is the list for my sales items but they are also on Craigslist which does not have a group link.
http://www.ebayclassifieds.com/user/toga42

Sunday I went to a meeting of the Lincoln Monument Association.  I scanned some more old photos that were getting moisture damage.  This picture was probably taken while I was still in basic training.

 I don't even remember who I'm with in this photo. I even forgot that the AF used to have a white mess dress jacket.  I was a buck sergeant or SSgt it appears.

 Her I am with some coworkers at the 513th Supply Sq at RAF Mildenhall. I don't remember them either but the two on my left have both ladies version of fatique uniforms.

 Frank's official photo for a special duty assignment.

This was for the newspaper announcement before the wedding so my hair was not done. No I did not have a zit on my chin. It's on the photo before scanning.  I can really see a resemblance to my sister Gloria.  Then I found my first communion picture.  I don't think it looks like me but I sure recognize the brick house.  I'll always remember the date of my First Holy Communion ~ May 6, 1961.

 I have lots more work to do in the area of scanning but it is so slow and boring.