My Week

As a new member, there was an article about me in the Capitol Canine Club's newsletter accompanied by this photo:

The sun was in my eyes but at least I had both dogs under control.  I'm seated on my gardening knee stool by my rustic fence. 

I've had a seedling from the evergreen that was too close to the house cut down and had to be cut down about 9 years ago.  I'll never forget that because I cut that evergreen down because it had been ruining the roof and it was due for a roof job.  Now a seedling is full size and needed a trim too.  This one is a little farther from the house by about a foot so I thought it would be less in the way than it's parent.  But...it grew too.

Tuesday I went to our 114th Regiment picnic at our little regiment house.  It was a pot luck style.

Wednesday I went on a special, private tour with the Civil War Round-table of the Illinois.  Participation was limited for a small group.

 This was our guide, led by David Joens

Friday it rained and I had an appointment to get a brake recall fixed at Green Nissan.  I was totally surprised to have a recall on a 10 year old vehicle. Especially on brakes after having new brakes and struts last spring.  Well, it was a part related to brake fluid but not the brakes.  At first they told me it would take 4 hours wanted me to drop it off and use their shuttle service but I explained that I live outside their shuttle service so I would camp out in their waiting room with my dog.  I had a big dog mat and got a little training time in with Amber.  It actually took 1 1/2 hours. 

In the evening I went to Rocky Horror with my veteran girl friends.  3 of the 4 were first timers.

Saturday morning I went to a meeting for our Soldiers Aid Society at the regiment house.
Afterward I picked up Sean and we celebrated Alan's birthday at a Mexican restaurant in Lincoln.  We ate there as a half way trip between Springfield and Peoria.  Alan said he didn't get much sleep so we kept it short.  Sean gave him this Hercules and Diomedes  statue.  Yep...in detail.  The laugh was worth what ever he paid for this statue.

I gave Alan some money for tires and a base board heating vent for his bathroom. I had noticed it needed replacement.  I also noticed his tires needing a replacement.

Sunday afternoon I went to the VFW Halloween party.  These are the winners; Logano and Woody.  Woody even had a pull tag on the back. 

This is what I wore.  It's the same I wore for Fasching and won a bottle of wine last February for most original Fasching costume at the German club.  I started to make a new paper mache mask but Amber ruined it.  I need a good mask that is custom made to cover my glasses and still be able to breath.  This one is ugly. It's the shape and paint job. I think I need something that adds height.  Someone on Facebook thinks this wild character is probably me based on my height.  Hmmm!

   You can't tell I"m smiling!

While walking my dogs, I noticed this can/drum in the front yard with the name of the street on it.

Well I close with a busy Monday:  Exercise group, Therapy Dog visit, observer/assistant to Lisa's private dog training, then evening back to back beginner dog obedience classes and their subsequent graduation.  Exhausted.

Enjoy the Autumn colors.   💤💤💤  Happy Halloween  💀

My Week

The cold has affected my arthritis, the sewer construction detoured me ito a ditch causing me to twist my ankle in the dark while walking the dogs, and then I cut my thumb opening a can.  What a wreck. 

Monday night I came early to assist with the first Obedience class and it was good because that assistant was delayed.  I did double duty with classes back to back.

Tuesday morning we got our hard frost.  There was a lighter one earlier but that was spotty.  Amber and I just finished a 5 week Leash training class. We were rewarded with a brownie and a poo bag. THAT WON'T GO TO WASTE !!!!! BAAA HA HA HA

I guess I feel more motivated than ever after observing agility last weekend.  All this controversy over fake emotional support animals, and the real love I see between dogs and their owners  are deeply moving.  Activities are vital.  I know that Sophie has brought much happiness.  I hope I can get others to do the same.  I thank you for being that "wind beneath my wing" even if it's a breeze at times.  I don't know if TDI will even accept my application next year, nor how my first exam session will be, but I wish that therapy dogs will not end because I've seen the good.  I will need much support esp now that I am hearing impaired.  Amber doesn't know what she does for me as wild as she is but she helps me with my weak hearing.

On the other hand, I'm just glad to see regular pets as opposed to abuse.  In fact it was a hint (Amber Alert) that led me to find my Amber (aka training subject) by

https://newschannel9.com/features/to-the-rescue/more-than-100-dogs-rescued-need-medical-help-after-puppy-mill-situation-in-rhea-county

I paid Sophie's $30 renewal fee to TDI but still will have to submit her veterinarian clearance in December in order to be renewed Dec 31st.

Wednesday I went to the brown bag lunchtime lecture at the Illinois State Archives on a new acquisition of clothing from the Enos family. 

I skipped yoga on Thursday because I sprained my ankle the night before.  I did go to yoga on Saturday morning to make up for it but my ankle was still tender.
Thursday was busy even with my tender ankle.  First there's the Secretary of State,  Jesse White's Veterans history project program at 11:30.  Later I took Sophie on a Therapy Dog visit around 2. Then Lafore Lock pilgrimage at 4PM

 I gave our post commander a flag to lead the procession.  He's newly elected and not familiar with the route so our adjutant on one side and I on the other.  Lanphier High School drum corp gave a nice cadence.

Here's a link to the TV news on the Lafore Lock Pilgrimage.  I had our post commander carry the flag and I carried a basket of poppies.
https://newschannel20.com/news/local/springfield-native-killed-in-world-war-i-honored-thursday
Here we are taking off.  Our post commander carrying the flag and since he didn't know the way to the tomb, I walked by his side.

Friday the electrician came to upgrade my breaker box and CFI outlets and other things that were found on my recent home inspection.  They were 3 generations here and all named Rex Speeks.  I got a new breaker box, new LED light in the 1/4 bath, and CFI outlets in the kitchen and bath.  I think I got everything taken care of from that home inspection.... except the carbon monoxide detector.  I slipped away for Sophie's appointment at the "Paw Wash"

In the evening I went to the Iles House for a candlelight reception honoring James Cornelius, the foundation president. 

I received a bill for an appointment last May at Springfield Clinic that wasn't covered/unnecessary according to TRICARE.  I sent a message to TICARE/Humanna and that's what they said.  So I paid it but canceled the next followup appoint in April 2019.

Saturday afternoon I took the girls to Petsmart for the Halloween Pet Parade.  The things I do for free treats.  Amber was really settled down from her normally active style when I dressed her in the Civil War camp dress.  Just look at that stare.

Amber was afraid of the person in the dog costume for the photo shoot so I put her on the table.

 Sophie ran when she saw me pull her pumpkin costume out.  She remembered it from last year and the waddle walk she had.

But she was more than willing to get on the sheriff's lap in true therapy dog fashion.

Sunday I fixed a reuben bake recipe that I got from my sister. I had to substitute canned corned beef from a can and cut myself on the screw off lid. Bled like crazy but didn't hurt. Just before church too. I had the worst bandage ever applied with one hand so I asked our parish nurse to redo the wrap. I was a Eucharistic minister and it would have literally stood out like a sore thumb.  Kathy helped apply a proper bandage from the parish first aid kit.  It tastes good.  Sean liked it.

I had a big jar of sauerkraut so that was added to some Amish noodles.

I trimmed the evergreen in my front yard that is getting out of control.  This was once a seedling from the one I took down that was too close to the house and rubbing up on the roof.  This seedling is now as big as the parent but a foot farther from the house.  I figure after the wind we had on Saturday, the village will be picking up down branches and this trimming has good timing.  I save my down branches for my fireplace.

my week

First I loose all my maps on my TomTom and can't get computer to recognize that it's even connected. I could have used that GPS device on my trip but used my phone's map instead.  This week my google gets hacked and I have change passwords. That affects my phone and to reset my google home is not working.  

 Last week I was at the WAF reunion.   Glad to be back with the little girls after picking them up from my son.  Right back into our obedience class the same night. 

Wednesday I had lunch with Michael and in the evening I went to the AMVETS meeting.  The meeting wasn't the same since John passed away.

Thursday I went to yoga, had my tires rotated (with Amber in the waiting room practicing tricks), took Sophie to Reflections, had my photo with the dogs taken for the Canine Courier new member article, then Catholic War Veterans meeting.

Friday I spent most of the day at the state fairgrounds with the agility run.  My task was called the "leash runner".  At the beginning, the handler drops leash and I run it to the exit while the dog is jumping, weaving and tunneling.   It was cold and wet and there was snow in Bloomington.    There was a little frost in the morning.  I turned the heat on.  The following morning it was a nice 84 degrees in the house as set for a conservative air conditioning summer mode.

Saturday I went to Quincy Veterans Home Advisory Council and carpooled with Rex.  I represented the Women's Overseas Service League and Rex was a delegate for the Korean War Veterans group.  I presented a check from our Catholic War Veterans post even though I represented WOSL.  I changed hats.

I had a quick turn around time to walk the dogs and change for the Effingham Ball.  This ball was set post Civil War when Grant was president titled as "1872 Celebration and Civil War Era Grand Ball".  It was their 3d annual but first for me. I knew before but had conflicts.

The dances were led by Debra Hyland, Dance Mistress.  Preparing for the Gothic Dance.

Local Effingham news on this ball can be found on this  link:
http://www.effinghamdailynews.com/news/local_news/attendees-take-on-roles-of-civil-war-era-during-ball/article_c7455a02-15cc-5d9c-9c33-da8ac7e5da6a.html

Sunday morning I went to Mass with Catholic War Veterans.  Afterward it was suggested that we have breakfast at the Knights of Columbus on the opposite side of town.   It was a fundraiser for Alzheimer support.  After breakfast, since I was on the opposite side of town already and nearly noon, I went to the Echos of Yesteryear, cemetery walk, at Oak Ridge.

This portray caught my attention with the documented compliment on his hat. The reference to the lack of documentation on the Lincoln hat at the Presidential museum. His speech inflection was the best. He used his notes the most.

She sat the whole time.  Loved her Titanic era look.

Everything about Aunt Carrie was new information to me. Post Grape Nuts to King's Daughters.

More photos from the newspaper here:
http://www.sj-r.com/photogallery/LS/20181014/NEWS/101409999/PH/1?start=2

I've tested my Halloween decoration on the dog.  Sophie is indifferent.

 
Amber fears the Halloween figure.

This is an important test for temperament for therapy dogs.

My Week ~ with the Women of the Air Force Association

Women of the Air Force Association Reunion in Branson, Missouri

This has got to be the most veteran-friendly place ~ Branson, Missouri.  Sure many places will offer a veterans discount but Branson really means it.  The shows open with a veteran theme and veterans are asked to stand to be applauded during shows.

After a long drive, I checked in at the Radison Hotel and got my name tag and golf shirt with our logo.  We had a meet and greet and then we went to the Prestleys' Country Jubilee.  I thought it was a great show and professionally done with country, comedy and gospel music.

 With my free time I went to a antique/craft mall. I picked up this little sign that reminded me of Amber.  I guess I miss the girls.

 Then I went to the Titanic museum inside a life size (but missing the back) replica. Ticket was $23. We weren't allowed pictures inside but you can see most on their website, including the grand staircase:
http://www.titanicbranson.com/

I was given a boarding pass with the name of Amalie Gieger and at the end we had to look up on a wall to see if she survived.  She did.

I'll never forget leaving the bridge of the ship to go out onto the bow with all the stars at night scene.  That room was sooooo cold.  We also got to sit in mock up life boats and also a timer to see how long we could hold one finger in the cold well of water.  I pulled out after 15 seconds.  Ah then there's the gift shop which I tried to resist but since I'm "Rose" (which the ticket taker noticed on my reunion name-tag) I had to get the necklace.   They had cheaper necklaces and much more expensive ones too. And since I'm a reenactor, I needed this lock which I'll never find again.

This is where I was when I got the national emergency alert.
https://babylonbee.com/news/trump-concludes-presidential-alert-with-ok-emoji-to-let-everyone-know-its-going-to-be-ok

As a group, we went to see the Sampson Show at the Sight and Sound theater.  Again no photography an no cell phones.  I do use my cell to adjust my hearing aids.   You can see what I saw here.
https://www.sight-sound.com/ticketing/shows/title?location=branson

That show was spectacular.  Just as we got to the climax of the show, there was a technical difficulty and it was handled so professionally and planned for by all. 

Thursday was our general membership meeting and the first timers were introduced.

 In the evening we went to a dinner and theater show:  Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede.  This was the colt of many colors in the lobby.

 Outside by the barn.

 The animals used in the show were like a mini zoo.  Here are the homing pigeons.

 Since my photos inside were poor because of the darkness, you can get an idea from this video. 

 Way too much food for me.  They offered "to go" bags but still too much for hotel living.

Friday afternoon we went to see New Jersey Nights at Kings Castle.  They were a British group.
I had dinner at a little cafe called "Clockers".  I had a nice catfish plate.
Then we went to a performance of Rick Thomas an Illusionist that performed at the Andy Thomas Moon River Theater.  Wow, he can levitate.  I loved the great Pyrenees dogs in his show.

 I needed some wiper blades so I drove around this tourist town till I found an O'Riely's Auto Parts store.

Saw Sinatra show on Saturday. Same performers as Jersey Nights but with a different theme.

Sunday I drove a few other ladies to Mass at Our Lady of the Hills Church.  After I came back from church, I had breakfast and then went exploring for a last time.  I went to see Talking Rocks Cavern.

After that I wanted to check out "Bigfoot" but when I drove by it looked more like an amusement park.  I moved on to the next attraction, the military museum.
http://veteransmemorialbranson.com/

 

Baby life raft

Fraternization permit

Carrier pigeon vest carry

 fifty statues from each state storming the beach at Normandy.

Our closing banquet ended with an auction.  Offie won an auction and late that evening, she presented me the necklace.  I was shocked.

On the way home I stopped in Eureaka, MO to see the scarecrow festival.  
I got home early enough to to Peoria and pick up Amber and Sophie.  I made it back to Springfield in time to make the VFW meeting.  I brought the girls home after the meeting and reintroduced the back yard.  Then I had my obedience assistant class.  Tonight was different because I learned where the circuit breaker was to be flipped and helped finding a jam in the copier. I came home after 10pm and found that Amber had made a poo inside.  :< 
While I was gone, I was voted in as a full member of Capitol Canine Training Club.  While I was away, my older sister's memorial was held in California.  I understand it was well attended.  I'm glad that my sister, Patty, was there to represent us.  I really think it was more important to see her before she passed then after.  I had this trip with WAFA scheduled a long time ago.
Ahh...now to find my routine.