My week

Monday morning seemed even colder than 29.  After the morning walk, Sophie was limping from the cold ground. I did talk with a member of the club about an incident last Friday when another dog made me scream.  Then I got the club's newsletter and the dog that made me scream, Zippo, was in the brag section for receiving the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) title.

Tuesday was another, rare, January day.  It was about 45 degrees and workable for outdoor activity.  I skipped a yoga class so I could go to agility practice in Mechanicsburg.  I usually do a therapy dog visit at that time but canceled because the weather is important.  Of course, the melting snow made things a bit muddy so I was glad to have changed into my farmer boots.  Once home, Amber and I needed a grooming.  We went to audition for Amber's role as Sandy in the play, Annie.  At first I thought it would be best if she went in without me to test that separation anxiety.  I was going to wait outside and have Dawn take Amber inside to meet the students but Dawn said Amber kept looking for me. So I came inside and walked her around to meet the kids and do tricks. I introduced her the the lead “Annie” and had her walk her. At first she wouldn’t leave me. Then I gave the young actress a treat and boy did Amber follow her then.  In the past, Amber didn't care who she went with 2 years ago but now she does. I will have to take advantage of others walking her and saying "come".  Then in the evening I went to the club for some open practice.

Wednesday afternoon, I did a bit of practice at the club with another Rose.  evening was the Veterans Assistance Commission meeting for which I'm secretary.  Poor turnout but it could have been both cold and virus related.

Thursday evening was the Catholic War Veterans meeting.

I had the fireplace roaring on Friday. I took Amber to two different group practices at the club.  Daytime class is an advanced open obedience and she did rather well.  Afterward we had lunch and I got a big cashew chicken salad and had to bring some home.  Then in at 7PM I took her to ring ready obedience practice.  I knew that Dawn and her daughter, Jayden, would be there.  They with the Annie play that Amber will be Sandy.  Since Amber seemed to be looking for me during her first introduction, I wanted to make sure that others could recall her.  She did fine but I did catch Amber looking back toward me as if she needed permission to obey someone else.  Amber did great.  So proud of all the work I put into her.  If I could only get her to stop that distracting sniffing.  I would love to have her nose removed.

Saturday morning was wreath clean up day at Camp Butler.  If Honor Flight is to get veterans together to share and relate, then so does Wreaths Across America.  I has a brief chat with another widow and we both pointed towards our husband's graves.

Members of the Regiment and S.A.S. gathered on January 22nd to honor the memory of charter member Bill Barrows, who recently passed.

 The tassel on my reticule spread out with static electricity.  I came wearing my cape thinking there may be something outdoors but I was quite warm with underpinnings and wool.  Here is the Violet and Rose theme.

Sunday morning as I entered church, I was asked to be a Eucharistic minister since they would be short.  I agreed.  Few were at Mass actually.  Last week we had a substitute priest.  This week Fr Joe said he had COVID ~ again!  Previously, Fr Joe would only masked among the congregation but not on the alter area.  This week he was masked the whole time with a black N95.

I was going to go to the Robert Burns night on Jan 29th but it was canceled.  Organizers were worried about the COVID numbers surging.  I put my tartan back in the closet. 

A few weeks ago, I got a brown 1760 Marie Antoinette style dress on eBay for a real bargain.  It's a size L but with the lacing it can easily come down in size.

 However, it is very long on me so before I can hem this dress, I'll need to make some pocket paniers.

I basically used the instructions found here:  https://youtu.be/VRbFrVr5FJY
I used plastic tubing.  Now to work on the dress.

RANT:

39 states have gotten rid of the mask and of course we are one of the 11 remaining.

My week

Here's the virtual open level Jumpers run with Amber last Wednesday. It is was judged and qualified. I learned to smile.  😃 I looked nervous taking off, there was little distance on the exit but everything in the middle was great. Let's do it again!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzE0mntAxbM 

Tuesday I conducted an audit of the VFW post as a trustee.  I was given the documents to look at at the end of Monday nights meeting and within two minutes they were taken away and told that I could look at them the following day meanwhile the Jr Vice Commander was looking for Trustee Cunningham, who was absent per roll call, in the face of Trustee Connolly that replied present.  After the audit, I came and picked up Sophie for her Tuesday visit at Reflections.  In the evening I picked up Sean for his 45th birthday dinner at El Maztalan restaurant in Lincoln.  I tried something new, the Tulum special.  The photo on the menu looked good and full of vegetables and shrimp.   I was just worried about the chipola sauce but turned out not to be above my hot taste.   I really liked it and brought the rest home.  On the way home, Sean told me he had to get his weekly swab for COVID for work requirements.  I asked how long that's been going on and he said 5 weeks.  I asked what the ratio in his office had to do that and was surprised most.

Wednesday warmed up just enough for agility practice in Mechanicsburg.  Lisa gave us a virtual jumpers course to run and be sent in for judging.  We performed not at the novice level as I expected but the next level up, called open.  It looked good and work in progress.  While waiting my turn, Shari was encouraging me to take agility 104. I told her I already had that class.  She said it was good practice. My face went flat because it's about the masking. Marge was also there and said "get the vaccination".  I doubt I'd be missed.

I have been avoiding going to the Capitol Canine Dog Training club all summer with the exception of the  agility class in October because it was outdoors and I want to avoid masking. 

By the time the meeting minutes come out, 2 or 3 weeks have passed the information is a little outdated.  I think I may need a new hobby as many activities are closed off to me. Francie had asked I was going to take a historic trip to Kansas City museums through Lincoln Land Community College.  I said "I can't go".  I've seen the requirements.  I must try to wait for 5 years when the rest of the world depopulates from blood clots.

I had 2 frustrations on Wednesday: my new phone, and Amber's  lack of distance to do trick dog items at 12 feet.  The weather was nice and I wanted to get this portion of her Trick Dog Champion video done while the sun shines.    I only needed one more item on the trick checklist and that was 6 tricks performed 12 feet away.  I wanted to do this while the weather was nice because 12' is hard to get inside the house.  So I went to the dog park.  Seems like a lot of other people were there also because of the nice weather.  Besides that, Amber was sniffing a lot of poop that was not cleaned up by owners.  So I went to 3 different parks, she was sniffing and exploring there also.  Her poo sniffing has gotten her on my shit list.

Wednesday I got an upgrade for my iPhone X to 13 Pro. I did not have required space on my old phone for many apps including an upgrade for my apple watch that required the upgrade.  It was a frustrating transfer.  Straight Talk helped transfer the irreplaceable contacts and photos but the apps will have to be done manually.  I was most worried about my hearing aid app.  I was able to manually download that app but it's not working real well and phone calls are not being routed to my hearing aids.  I have an appointment for that next week.

On Thursday, Alan informed us that he got his 100% VA disability.  I know it's back, hearing, TMJ, Sleep, etc. little by little put together.

 Saturday I went to yoga class. The 3" of snow forecast was barely worth and inch but I shoveled anyway.  I got a phone call from our DAR chapter regent that she was notified that morning by email that I was selected "Illinois State Outstanding DAR Veteran Volunteer".  My time volunteering has declined tremendously during COVID however.  Oh there's still some but a big cut. The award will be presented April 24th in Bloomington.  I think She was more excited than I was that the chapter gets a state kudo. 

Sunday I sewed a cover for a roll that I'd like to teach Amber how to do the barrel roll trick.  I got the roll at Dollar General but I could see immediately that the Styrofoam would be too soft for the dog's nails.   Hence the cover. 

Sunday I went to a VFW District 10 meeting since it was held at my own post.  

Amber was asked to play Sandy in the high school play "Annie".  We will have to see if she is up to this with a child handler other than myself in time to see if they need a replacement.  I searched on this character and some plays have had a child stand in as a dog acting.   Fingers are crossed.  Sometimes I think a real dog can add the "aww" factor to a play.

 

My Week

 Living with cabin fever. 

Wednesday I tossed out my old old alarm clock and used my Walmart gift card on a new one.  I was worried that a new one wouldn't have numbers large enough to see without glasses in the middle of the night but this new one does.  It even knows the correct time for my timezone.  It looked cheap but does the job.  I have a nice Bose radio in the kitchen for everyday listening.  

Thursday was so cold I didn't leave the house.  Not even an exercise class because I don't like the noise in spin class that's held every held on Thursday.  Instead I worked with Amber on tricks.  

Saturday's DAR meeting was canceled so I went to yoga at 8AM.  The ice storm scheduled to hit at 11AM came a little early.  I wanted to walk the dogs before that and it looked OK but the temperature and the misty rain was not visible and a bit slick.

Sunday we had our monthly Catholic War Veterans Memorial Mass at St Mary's church in New Berlin.

I thought this was beautiful memorial

Monday afternoon, I got an email saying that the priest tested positive for the virus in that afternoon.
 

 Alan sent me a digital antenna and Sean set it up.  We watched FAILARMY videos on TBD channel.   Now I can get local channels. 

Monday I was scheduled to take Amber to perform at the Villas of Southpark. but front desk informed me about smaller group activities of 3 which would be fine but I walked around looking for residents and none found in common areas 

I have an upgrade to iPhone 13 pro coming soon.

This past week in the cold weather, I spent some indoor dog training.  I'm nearly done with Trick Dog Champion video.  I will have to records 6 ques from a distance outside however so that will have to wait.

Sunday I got a call that next Tuesday's Women's Overseas Service League (WOSL) meeting is canceled due to concerns of coronavirus.  People get tested that are fully vaccinated and some are positive and others see their friends getting sick and they go and get tested coming up positive and negative.

 RANT:

NOW IN PROGRESS: CANNIBALISM, THE NEW NORMAL – Handmaid of the Most High

Life insurance policies can refuse payouts for the jabbed because covid vaccines are “medical experiments” 

 

 

Happy New Year 2022

Happy New Year 2022

My resolution is to be on time for my exercise class and not walk in late.  Not that I'm the worst for entering late but I get hung up with stuff. 

What have I to look forward to in 2022?  No trips planned.   Maybe the WAFA reunion in September in Las Vegas but that's a long drive and doubt if I'll fly. I'm not even sure about doing any planned dog trials this coming year because Amber and I reached most of our goals and the more elite titles will be more challenging.  She is a terrier and it's a miracle we got this far.

I want to focus more on the real meaning of Christmas even more next year.  With all the Christmas attire, I have 2 shirts with a Nativity.  One is cheap and faded and the other seems to have fade as well.  This one arrived via eBay on Monday but is still good through Epiphany.

The rising positive COVID rates are making people freak out here.  Our nextdoor social media is complaining about the people not wearing masks in Walmart. Those that are for masking say they do it for others and those that don't mask are being selfish.  Only time will tell.  I see photos on Facebook of families masking inside their own homes to prevent COVID.  I am afraid to visit anyone.  

Springfield canceled the "First Night" festivities.  Our American Legion post canceled our Monday night meeting but other veterans groups I belong to are still meeting.   Next Saturday's DAR meeting was also canceled.  They have to keep the flu fear going to sell the graphene vaccine.  Now I learn that the 5G can control these nanoparticles injected into the bloodstream.

January is usually a month marked by cabin fever.  Canceled meetings make things worse.  Volunteerism is almost non-existent.  Camp Butler wreath clean up is coming up later in the month and that's an outdoor event.

Ramona from the dog club shared some of her agility photos taken at the fair grounds CPE on Dec  It's wonderful to step back and look at style for myself and others for areas of improvement. I can almost hear the barking and feel the rush. Like the judge says "enjoy the run because you never know if it's your last".  Some of these photos make me wonder if the intent was supposed to be switching directions.

Tuesday afternoon I had a holiday tea with Liz and Jan.  Liz was the host and she showed us the 6 mo supply of food gotten thru Glen Beck.  Friday I went back to Liz's and her husband Chris for their annual New Year's eve party which I love so much because it's over early enough to hit the sack and not stay up late.  When I left, Chris reminded me to watch out for deer which is prevalent in his neighborhood. Hence, Liz wrote a song, "I see Deer".  No more than thirty seconds of leaving, there was a deer under the street light.

Friday morning after our exercise, I went to breakfast with the gang and then to Cindy Ward's WERQ class.  It was fun.  She has joined Powerworks in December but I missed her first few classes.  She's come with her own entourage of followers that know her and the routine.  As much as I like dance exercise and the sweat that goes with it, I just have to be careful with the jumping and my back.  As it, agility running takes it's toll on my back.  There were at least 25 in the group including one bald man that would stand in for Mr Clean.

In the evening I went celebrate New Years eve as I've done in the past at the Brons house.  I enjoy the fact that it's early and finishes early enough for me to sleep through the actual New Year changing and not stay up late. 

Rose, Jan, Maria, Liz, Dianne,  Bethie and Amber

Amber and I performed a smaller version of "Amber's Christmas Story" but the black n white chihuahua wanted center stage and distracting.  

Amber pushing her shopping cart on New Year's eve

Her husband, Chris, warned me to watch for deer when I left.  Not that I doubted because that neighborhood near the lake is known for deer but just 30 seconds of leaving, I thought what I saw a big Labrador retriever crossing the road until that figure of a deer showed under the street lights.  I left in the evening without a coat because it was so nice out even after dark.  I believe it was 55.  That temperature was short for the following morning we got freezing rain.

Saturday morning I went to yoga class at 9.  I hadn't been to Saturday morning yoga in a long time because my Saturday calendar is often full.  Then I continued some house cleaning and dog training.  It rained all day long and cold.

Sunday morning the temperature was 19.  There was a slight dusting of snow on the ground.  After Mass, I finally thought it was cold enough to light all the kindling that had been shoved in the fireplace all summer long.  I fixed some chili relleno casserole and had to pick up a few ingredients after church.  Oh and a craving fix for cinnamon rolls I saw in the freezer.  It was good and spicy.  I would make a half recipe next time and maybe separate the yokes for whipping like I was supposed to.

Alan gave me an Apple TV for Christmas and Sean helped set it up on Sunday. Ohhh the learning curve.

My brother repeatedly brings up "I miss Nancy".   He used the emotional term, "killed".   I can't fix his feelings.  I can only tell the truth.  For that, I am negative and insulting.  Ok, now we both feel bad.   I don't know what he wants by repeating the Nancy issue.

I wish well to all because this could be the year that my faith leads me off to a COVID concentration camp. I will be separated from family for holding on to natural immunity. Vaxxers are aiming their anger at the unvaccinated.   It is extremely rare that someone will get repeat infection of COVID-19.  Oh there are many varieties of coronaviruses but all varieties will be counted as evidence/data to sell what big pharma pushes for profit and population control.  There's a difference between dying with COVID and dying from COVID but how else can big pharma get the deadly graphene into the blood?