My "Holiday" Week

Merry Christmas to all.

Christmas Eve my sons and I went to Mass.  It was such a wonderful way to celebrate Christmas. The evening started with music by a string quartet. It was heavenly listening to those strings. Then the choir took over. The choir director chose some fantastic music: traditional, contemporary, rock, a little country, and even a Latin hymn. It was so moving and such fun! In the spirit of Christmas, I wish all of you a blessed Christmas, safe travels, good food, and the chance to make wonderful memories. 💙🌲 The sermon was about the 200th anniversary of Silent Night.  In 2013 I went to the church in Ramsau where Father Mohr authored “Silent Night”.

For Christmas I got an Applebees gift card from my sister-in-law, a Walmart Gift Card from my brother, new boots from Alan, candle from my son, Air evaporative cooler from my son, wind chimes from my son, a St Francis cross from my son to replace the one that the dog chewed, a robe from my son to replace the one that the dog chewed, a hoodie from my son, Truffle oil and kitchen towel from my sisters, dog training book from my son, and toothbrush sterilizer from my son.  What I had to keep secret was the fact that Alan and his last minute shopping asked me if I wanted a robot vacuum.  That's what I had gotten him on a Black Friday special and had to say Noooooo!  When he opened his gift, he laughed.

I told my sons about how my father used to scare us by putting cotton in the door and tell us it was Santa's beard as he slammed the door on him.

Alan did most of the cooking.  He made vegetables, prime rib and mashed potatoes.  I fixed Yorkshire pudding as recommended compliment to prime rib. 

Alan shared a few things he made with his 3D printer.

Then we had our traditional dog walk.  We all needed it after dinner and presents.  The weather was nice...50 degrees.  Not like expected on Christmas Day.   After they left,
I watched The Christmas Chronicles.

The day after Christmas I went went to my exercise class.  After that I dropped my dogs off with Alan and went to Wisconsin.  I was to be the unexpected surprise there since my other sister would be visiting as well.  Supposedly a secret surprise but may have been leaked.  Besides, gas prices were very reasonable and the driving weather suitable.  Driving is risky this time of year.  Once I stayed an extra day because of a snow storm which was safe then because I saw the cars still in the ditches after the roads were clear the day after.

On the way up, there was an accident on the way near Canton, IL. Based on the skid marks, the SUV was off road in the ditch and tried to recover.Too bad I couldn't click a photo of the grill on that SUV.  What a mess.

 I saw 2 Amish buggies near Fenimore near dusk with their lights.  It's hard to see those black buggies when it gets dark. When I got there, Dan performed a great vallet service and put my car in his shed (partially to maintain the surprise when the Swedas arrive).  There it was parked and brought to the house when I left.

I went to two of Patty's aerobic classes at the community center.  I was glad I didn't miss too much of my classes at PowerWorks.

Patty and I went to Viroqa to pick up some last minute items and I got to see the Veterinary clinic where she used to work.  Nice place.  No wonder she enjoyed working there.  Then we had soup at the co-op.  Yum!  She asked if there was a co-op near me and I didn't know.  At least they are not advertised as such.  I'll check out three I found on a google search when I get back.

The house was nice and warm with the wood burning stoves.  Very comfortable.  Swedas arrived Thursday evening.  They brought Emily Delagaraza from Florida and their grandson, Logan.  Logan doesn't talk but sure made a lot of noise.  Emily got teased about the cold weather as to be expected.  Ginny trimmed Patty's bangs.

Friday Logan got a haircut.  He called for momma but I think momma would've approved of him getting a haircut.  No rescue from momma.

After the haircut, we had a walk at the nearby reserve.
It was a bit icy and Emily wouldn't walk on it.  Logan wanted me to pick him up and I wouldn't.  The risk of slipping with his weight would not be safe for him or my spinal fusion should adrenaline be pumpin'.

So we went to the interpretive center.  Apparently flooding is common in the Kickapoo valley for a long time as the video showed all the years and the dam was started but never built. Dan said the Sierra Club was instrumental in stopping the dam because of the unique rock formations.  Now flooding is common despite a dam that was 39 percent complete.  What a shame the damage I saw. La Farge has been whipped harsh by flooding. Here's more about the history of the dam that never happened.
http://kvr.state.wi.us/About-Us/History/Kickapoo-Valley-Reserve/Flood-Control-to-Reserve/

When we got back we all had a facial mask.  There were 4 different kinds of packets and the one labeled for aging skin was passed over my way.

I couldn't help but think of this video that Sean posted on facebook earlier.  Our masks were wash off kind unlike the peel off mask.

  

Saturday's wagon ride with Clydesdale horses had to be canceled because of the weather.  Ice was expected.  So we went for a walk, went shopping and played games.  Took a ride on the gator to see the horses.  I think the black one likes me.  He gave me kisses.

 Then we went to the cabin.

Inside the cabin it's cozy but rustic.  No electric.

 She has a lovely, unique coffee pot in there that was amazing to look at.  She had a few guests that like to rough it.  She showed me a notebook with their comment reviews. 

 Bedroom is nice.  Much better than tenting out.

Some great chili was enjoyed by all.  I left Sunday morning.  My departure had a fly over by a pair of hawks.  I also saw an eagle perched on a high tree just south of Boscobel.  I stopped by Alan's to pick up my dogs.  I was greeted by my 2 girls and his Labrador, Hank. You'd think by the way all 3 greeted me that you wouldn't know my dogs from his. He seemed to be entertained by Amber's antics and whimper but he showed me a gash on his arm where he had to break up a fight.  We had lunch at a Mexican restaurant. Food was good but too salty. He showed me the gym, Fitness America, where he's a member.  It's a 24-hr equipment place with no classes like mine. We walked the dogs around the block.  Then we cleaned up the dog waste in his back yard. It hadn't been done in awhile.  He showed me his 3-D printer.  I thought for a moment and suggested trying a dog dumb bell with his printer.  Dumb bells are a training tool that I've seen at events.  He said it would take about 12 hours to print.  I asked if he needed help with the oil problem in his car.  He turned me down but left it open.  He did announce his car was paid off. 

Sean was at my house doing laundry and turned the heat on for me since I turned it down while away.  He knew I'd be home a little later.  His dog vomited on my front porch.  Thankfully outside and not in his car.  I cleaned that up. The rain will get the rest.

Must have been very windy on Thursday because the neighbor's small tree near my dogwood is down.

 I'm missing the blue bin that separates my recycles. Gone in the wind.
I signed Amber up for another training class in January.  It will be held on Thursday Mornings.  Off to a good start

My Week

It [Christmas] is, indeed, the season of regenerated feeling—the season for kindling not merely the fire of hospitality in the hall, but the genial flame of charity in the heart. - Washington Irving, Sketchbook “Christmas.” 1820.

Fun with dogs.  Both Hank and Moe had a scratch at Thanksgiving.  Round 2 dog wrestling for Christmas.  Here's Moe's cut.  Hank had similar.

Wednesday evening was the last of the Downtown Holiday Walks.  I snapped this picture of Jennifer in her shirt that says "Be nice to the tour guide Santa is watching"

I gave a tour to an out-of-town couple with all the noise and kids seeing Santa. It was also a bit dark in many of the rooms because of the candlelight.  Some of the rooms, like the Secretary of State's room, had Santa so I talked about the room before entering and then pointing around quietly as we walked through.  I stopped by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum to see the seasonal display known as Christmas in the white house.  Afterward I stopped by the Old State Capitol.  Francie was there and she said she helped at the museum on Thursday and she made my day when she saw the couple that I gave a tour to the night before.  They did ask my name and Francie said that Rose gave them  a tour in period dress.

Friday was Sophie's birthday so I dressed her up and took her to PetsMart.

I took Sophie and Amber to Petsmart to get some food and liver treats.  They were googled over in the shopping cart.  Then at checkout they got a dog bone.  Amber ate hers and Sophie saved hers.  Then Amber went for Sohie's bone and she defended it and a fight began that I had to separate.  Clerk asked if that happens often and I said rarely.  It was the bone.  I got bit in the process.

I feel a lot of good-doers are restricted by charity to the poor recipients in an effort to protect the privacy of the recipients.  Therefore, organizations have become a middle ground for distribution of things like blankets, care packages and letters to soldiers, etc.   Gofundme pages are dubious as evidenced by the news media.  You can't even trust charitynavigator anymore because a poor report that drove the changes will not be reflected on their site or updated their efforts.  Supplies for tornado victims go into a black hole.  All they want is $.  Even donating your volunteer time results in "you're doing it wrong".  Have you ever seen a full box of donations just days before Christmas that's uncollected?

I watched a movie called "The Christmas Star" on AMC.
Just when I thought I saw it all, an update cross over of the Scrooge and It's a Wonderful Life.  Closed captioning really sucks on these oldies.

I made my first gingerbread house.  Sure it was a kit but now I have a new respect for those that make them from scratch.

 

Saturday night I walked the dogs under a full moon.



Sunday I was the first reader at Mass.
http://usccb.org/bible/readings/122318.cfm
I wore my holly dress and of course, Father John would rib me about it not being Christmas yet.  That's why I was careful to wear holly because it is seasonal.

After Sean and Moe left, I went to clean poop from yard. I found lots of feathers in 2 spots. Then the sliding door locked me out and had to climb over fence. Now Amber has a muddy marrow chew bone I washed it for her.

Then from 1-3PM I went to observe Nosework Play Day. I think that Amber has a nose for this. I need to get a nosework kit.  Sniffin' out the kitchen:

 The dog's behavior changes on an alert scent in a box.

 Outside course is more difficult because of the wind and scent from other dog's urine.

I'm preparing a presentation on the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight for the DAR on Jan 5th.  I came across this video that I just saw myself at 2:11 on the timer.    

Christmas eve day, I took Sophie on her 90th visit of the year.  Still have one visit left on my calendar too.
I sometimes think about leaving Illinois if only I had a better destination.  I'd like one of my sons to find a better job and take me with them. 
http://www.chicagonow.com/getting-real/2018/02/illinois-1-in-nation-for-residents-leaving-the-state/
Working age taxpayers lead the charge of those leaving Illinois. A dwindling tax base will only equal worsening conditions...and higher taxes if you decide to stay. Let us help you escape this death spiral at www.getoutofillinois.com .

Next blog...what did we get for Christmas. 

My Week

Sometimes I feel I'm getting nowhere training Amber.  She chews on everything.   I've had to childproof the house all over again.  She pulls tissues out of the dispenser and shreds them.  The edges of my throw rugs are frayed.  She knows she's supposed to be off tables but when I'm gone I find pens and pencils chewed up.  Look, she even chewed the pen from the Capitol Canine Training Club.

 

I have had success in teaching Amber to roll over.  She even did a roll over with the distraction of Moe.  Well I should count my blessings this week because my brother lost his elderly dog, Rocko, this week.  He needed some consoling via telephone.

Last Monday night I danced for the residents at the Villas of Hollybrook in Washington, IL.  These are my dancing friends from the Peoria dance group.

 Tuesday morning I went to Lutheran HS along with our VFW Quartermaster to present a check to our second place winner of our Voice of Democracy scholarship competition. 

Then I went to  the luncheon with our Women's Overseas Service League wearing the same blazer.  We usually bring a small gift.  I gave a card with a pocket tool.  I received a soap dispenser, and lots of treats.  Those treats are all gone now.

In the evening I went to a Christmas party for the Sangamon County Historical Society.  Just look at that spread of food.  That's not including what was sitting on the stove, wine bar, and desert bar.

Wednesday I went to a Amvets Christmas dinner at Saputos.
Thursday I went to Catholic War Veterans Christmas Party at Chesapeake Seafood House.

I almost forgot that I promised to help sack the luminaries for the Dana Thomas house until my calendar reminder popped up.  I thought I'd be late but I was the first volunteer that showed up.
Friday evening I helped at the Elijah Iles House.  We had a different Christmas display for the different eras for families that lived in the house.  I was docent for that later years, 1900-1910 (a bit of the Titanic era). 

This is the event in the newspaper.
https://www.sj-r.com/news/20181215/iles-house-decked-out-for-christmas
I repeated this gig on Saturday after Wreaths Across America.  I had the responsibility for laying wreaths sponsored by the Women's Overseas Service League buried at Camp Butler.

It was a good thing that I purchased 5 wreaths because there were some that missed the deadline and both paid me back.

Sunday afternoon I went to pray the rosary at the state capitol.  I wish we had and even bigger crowd based on all the "free speech" folks that were behind the justification for the satanic display that accompanied our Nativity and Menorah. 

Here's a link to the news.  I'm in my white coat at 1:12 in the video.
https://newschannel20.com/news/local/protest-against-controversial-capitol-statue-leads-to-big-crowds?fbclid=IwAR0aaQKmHV_-ViXZ2fQMkBlPk6el-62sM1fiZAjUpZOV3VTdPYUZWJd2uJ8

Here's the newspaper:
https://www.sj-r.com/news/20181216/catholic-group-prays-for-removal-of-satanic-temple-display-in-capitol

My Week

Tuesday I went to a PGR mission at Camp Butler .  Afterward we had lunch at the Star 66 cafe.  Lunch was covered.  I needed to have Sean sign a document for SAR so I stopped by his office for a signature.  It happened to be the office Christmas party.  Sean and Deanna were the entertainment.  She sang "Wish you a Merry Christmas".  Afterward she mentioned that she never had figgy pudding.  I got some on order for her.   Then I drove Donna, my neighbor, to her MRI appointment.  She doesn't like to drive in the dark.  Then I went to the Capital Canine Training Club for meeting and Christmas pot luck.
Amber tore up my fushia bath robe. I got an idea that since Sophie demands a toy on a walk and most are nothing but a piece of fabric now, that I can cut up the robe and make knotted toys out of the fleece.

Wednesday I did some senior thrift shopping and had lunch with Michael.  In the evening I went to the Old State Capitol for the holiday walk.

The Ukitopians played Christmas songs.

Thursday our yoga instructor wanted to try out a "camel" pose in our Masters group and the different levels of achievement.  That's me on the end.  It must have been purple day because my pants are purple too but it doesn't show up much in this photo.

Our area got about an inch of snow that morning.   I went to the library to print some things and had to take one of the print jobs to Sean at work for a signature.  It happened to be during the office Christmas party.  Then I brought Sophie to the nursing home.  I put her Christmas dress on since I saw another dog with the same dress in the TDI newsletter. 

 Friday morning I took Sophie for her annual visit to the veterinarian and she also needed some documentation sent to TDI.   When it was time to get weighed, the office cat named Jack got on the scales.  He weighed 16 lbs and Sophie was 12.6 lbs.  After that I went to the Pearl Harbor Remembrance ceremony.

It was cold but it was not windy like the previous year.
In the evening I helped with the candlelight tours at the Elijah Iles House.

The selfie on the timer is not that great.

Saturday I went to Mass for the Immaculate Conception. I sold the two blue upolstered chairs in the back room that I never use.  That made room to put the Christmas tree up.

 In the evening I went to Christmas at the Front.

 Notice the Princess Mary box on the right of this photo.  This was a new

 I dressed as a WW1 nurse.  The wreaths on the entrance to the museum were a nice touch.

WW1 Nurse

Sunday I went on a trip through church

Our Lady of the Snows Pilgrimage

Lady of the Snows Shrine. Includes:

• Tour of the New Cathedral in St. Louis
• Windshield tour of Forest Park
• Buffet Dinner at the Shrine Restaurant
• The Way of Lights

Our bus left at noon and we went to see the St Louis Basilica and Forest Park. We had a buffet dinner before our bus drove through the Way of Lights.  Cute sculpture about the suffering of humanity outside the reception center.

  

  This is the sign in the lobby directing our group to the room.  WOL means Way of Lights for the St Joseph the Worker tour.  The monitor would do a slide show because there were many groups.

Of course they had a nice gift shop.  I liked this story because it says in the shelter "Sleep in Heavenly Peace" and so they are. Even the donkey is sleeping.

 This was a nice Nativity with Joseph holding Jesus and Mary looking on.  It is not small.  I think about a foot and a half or two.  It was $130.

There were some lovely Christmas displays of trees, wreaths and Lego Nativities.  I had to stand next to these exhibits to show you how big they are.  I know, for those that know me personally, objects compared to my height may appear even bigger.

 Lego Nativity.

 Hall of International trees.

 There were 2 lanes going through The Way of Lights.  Of course the cars tried to scoot around a big bus.  I'm glad I was in the bus because I could see over the cars.  

Advent candles at church are in logs instead of a wreath.  Three in the middle and one at the lectern.

“The most enduring traditions of the season are best enjoyed in the warm embrace of kith and kin” -Clark Griswold ❤️🌲