My week

Monday I took the afternoon off because I had a bad headache and needed to go home and lay down.   Not real bad like sickness but I sure didn't want to lay on the couch in the break room.  That's what sick time off is for.

New Civil War Dress arrived this week that I got for $36 + shipping.  Fits nice.  Few holes to repair but authentic with a return address in Gettysburg and a smell to prove it.  There is a tiny hole at the seam located on the left upper sleeve, and an approximate 1" horizontal 

Also arriving this week was a Petite Pink silk taffeta Civil War Victorian Reproduction Evening Dress.

 This will be great for the National Blue and Grey Ball April 20th in St Louis.

Tuesday I watched a movie called "My Brother's War" about a woman who dressed as a boy in the Civil War to find her brother.

Wednesday I went to line dance lessons at the VFW.   I met Major Mindi Ernst who was at the bar celebrating her promotion.  She and another lady from the FSG were there and she was telling her about how I rode a motorcycle.   I showed Mindi the newspaper article that was on the post's bulletin board at the VFW when I was the IL Veteran of the Month.  Mindi gaga’d over the motorcycle thing so I pulled out the laptop and showed her a picture of me on my motorcycle and told her this was for a home coming in Mattoon.  She recognized the date and said that was her homecoming and broke down in tears and even had to walk out.  We shared a hug.  She told me they were getting ready for a reunion and I gave her the link to the photos of the send off where I was a PGR Ride captain.
 

I gave her this link to the send off ceremony.

http://www.patriotguard.org/photos/listpics.asp?dir=Illinois\SEND+OFF+MISSION+~+Mattoon%2C+IL+25+Jul+06 

She said she may use those for their reunion party.

Post script:  I found an article on her promotion here.

There are many variations of Boot Scootin Boogie but this is the one that we learned tonight and it's easier than some of the others out there.

Thursday morning started off in a rush to decorate Caryn's office for her 50th birthday before her arrival.  Normally this would have been done by Brandon but he called in sick so we grabbed the reusable birthday decorations and went to town decorating her office.  She is really shy about stuff like this so that made it special.  After work I had dinner with the Bedell's.  They have been angels to me.  I shared with them some freeware (PixrResizer) to shrink the size of their photos from our trip to France so that they could attach them to an email.  They had a nice vegetarian dinner for me.  I mentioned how rare it is to find vegetables when you eat out.  Sometimes it's a salad or a single broccoli flower.  Actually, I haven't really cooked in over a week.  Then I went to our ABATE meeting at 7PM.  I only stopped at the house long enough to give the dogs a treat and check mail so I'm ridden with guilt of neglect.

Saturday I dog sat for the neighbor and brought Dottie to my house.  I went to a presentation at the Illinois State Military museum called "From Cold War to Hot Desert: Army Uniforms and Equipment in Transition".  I stopped at the Goodwill on the way home to pick up some more near-new stuffed animals for the ABATE Easter Basket Run.  I thought we'd be short with the predicted weather of 5" of snow.  On the way home I saw a pickup truck with the snow plow ready.  Meanwhile, a motorcycle pulled alongside the truck at the stop light.  I went to our final dress rehearsal Passion practice which was scheduled 2 hours before going live.  Afterward I went to the grocer to get items needed for lasagna (healthy ingredients).  When I got back, the neighbors had gotten their dog from my house we share keys.
I completed three Passion skits at all three Masses. Most famous line "Crucify HIM"  Snow was falling. After Mass I went to a pancake breakfast fund raiser.  After that I went to the ABATE Easter Basket Run which was more of a procession of cars due to the snow.  I went straight to Hope School rather than meeting the other bikers at Kmart and low and behold, I got there just in time to merge with the group as they drove up to the school.  Only one motorcycle and that was on the back of a truck.

Previous March snow record high for the month was 9.2" in Mar 19, 1906.  We had 12.5" in Chatham and there was 17" in Springfield on Mar 24, 2013.  It was heavy and wet snow.  Got up early about  4:30 to do some shoveling only to get up later and be plowed in again.  I was an hour late to work but the roads were not too bad.  The crews did a good job (except for my driveway).

My Week

This week the reporters started off every news segment about the conclave and procedures of electing a new pope.  All seemed fine before and during the conclave as informative and objective.  As soon as Pope Francis is named, I heard a reporter as another cardinal if he's ever been mentioned in a sex scandal.  Makes me question the clandestine objectivity they had before he was named as if they were waiting there for the name so they could quickly run out and dig up a new scandal for the news.  From the good news side he seems to be a very humble man and worthy of leadership in these times. 
Here is another example of an article that tries to put down Bergoglio  "Priest kidnapped by junta: Reconciled with pope"
http://news.yahoo.com/priest-kidnapped-junta-reconciled-pope-113005294.html Of course that is Yahoo news which is a bit like a tabloid.
Reporters went after his old flame that refused his proposal many years ago.
http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/broken-heart-led-pope-francis-priesthood-145459675.html
Now they issue an international arrest warrant
http://amresolution.com/2013/03/15/international-arrest-warrant-issued-against-pope-francis-i-jorge-mario-bergoglio-for-crimes-against-humanity-and-child-trafficking/
Looks like they're after Queen Elizabeth and the Archbishop of Canterbury too
http://www.abovetopsecret.com/forum/thread926267/pg1

Busy week once again.  Tuesday evening I attended a meeting of the Soldiers Aid Society.  I gave them some period clothing that is too big for me for the sharing closet.  Wednesday night I had an AmVets meeting which I requested that we move along so I could make a 7:30 practice for our Passion skit.  Practice went well enough that we will not do another until just before showtime on Passion Sunday.  Thursday evening I went to a meeting of the Catholic War Veterans and got a good photo for an article in the Catholic Times.  I posted the article about our donation to the veterans homeless shelter on our blog here:
http://post1916.cwv.org/blogs/post.aspx?id=9

Left to Right:  George Pempek (treasurer), Pat Noel (Post Commander), Penny Harris (Director of Fifth Street Renaissance), Rosemary Connolly (historian), Joan Garvert (adjutant), Resident, and  Robert Wolf (Welfare Officer)

I put a new battery in the motorcycle and started 'him' up to run.  I could not get the fuse box cover over the battery.  At least I was able to get it running and the juices cycled.  After work on Friday I got on Wheezer for a short trip to the Legion fish fry for about 20 minutes to drop something off.  I left the garage door open so I didn't want to stay too long.    Alan stopped by to get his mail and put it back Buck's fuse cover back together.  He thinks the new battery is slightly taller so the cover won't clip to the lip gripper.  



Saturday I was asked by the Old State Capitol Site Manager if I could help out.  I said yes but only before or after the St Patrick's Day parade.  I walked in the parade in my period dress along with the 114th Illinois Infantry as part of the Soldiers Aid Society.  The morning was foggy and cool.  Many watching the parade were cold but not I.  I had wool and "underpinnings".  Funny...visitors in the summer months always ask if we're hot in our period dress and then they ask if we're cold when properly dressed.  As we walked by the bars and saw all the drunks (an noon no less) I told Laura we should pass out pamphlets about the temperance movement that informs them of the "Demon Whiskey".  These two ladies were chosen to carry our banner because they were the same height.  That sure left me and Laura out. Ha Ha!!!

My son saw me and called out so I turned for this picture he took.  Anyway, we were stopped.  At least we had a Civil War drummer letting us know when to proceed whereas the ladies holding a banner after us kept running into us when we stopped.  They didn't know the language of the drum behind our  group.

Along with our final blessing at the end of Sunday's St Patrick's Day Mass, it was preceded with an Irish Blessing:

“May those who love us, love us; and those who don't love us, may God turn their hearts; and if He doesn't turn their hearts, may he turn their ankles so we'll know them by their limping.”

As part of our lenten decor, we have some trees and on the trees there are a bunch of cardinals.  I told the blind man in front of me about it and he thought there should be Cubbie bears for equal time.  Father called it a conclave. 
Last year I was in a talent show at church last year and did my impression of the Civil War Nurse, Belle Reynolds.  Others sang in the talent show but that's not my gift.  This year I did my story of the Warm Fuzzies and Cold Pricklies.  I put on a whimsical costume to look like I was telling a fairy tale.

http://www.emotional-literacy.com/fuzzy.htm
I told about how you could place your warm fuzzy on your lap, shoulder or head and it made you feel all warm and fuzzy all over.  I had an assistant pass out the cotton balls and another to pass out the cold pricklies.  I was flattered to see a lady with a cotton ball on her shoulder after my story.  We had a nice meal afterwards.

I can't believe my poinsettia still survived from November's AFSME Christmas Party.

My Week

Boy March has come in like a lion so it had better start lambing up soon.

I sent out 3 boxes and 1 letter to the troops this week.  Somebody is going to feel happiness.  Already heard back that one had made it to Afganistan within a week. Wow.

Monday evening I attended the American Legion Meeting.
Tuesday we had snow and slush.  They had predicted 2-4 inches but as you see below, the weatherman lied and still kept his job.

There was a legislative reception held by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency and reenacters were invited to socialize with the guests.  I changed in my office and got over to the Old State Capitol at 5PM. We were instructed to stay "in period" politically (meaning past events only).  However, when Sen McCann recognized me he offered the frequent hug as when we met in the past and would not be prudent to push back now. There were snacks and drinks including some beer and wine.  I think more were expected but many legislators had trouble coming out of Chicago and further north because of the snow.  They were expected for the legislative day on Wednesday.

Wednesday evening I had our first practice for our Passion script roles.  I'll have the same role as the last 2 years so memorization will not be as bad but there are a few new members on the cast that need the practice.

Thursday after work I went to McGuar Accounting and had my taxes done.  The damage wasn't as bad as the past few years.  The charity deduction claimed for Soldiers Angels packages was over $3K excluding postage which has been kindly supported by the Womens Overseas Service League.   I know it helps the morale.   I feel relieved knowing I can plan the rest of my budget for the year including vacation and home fixin.

I was asked for feedback on my mittens that I got on the Veterans Site.  I'm pleased except they are bulky and don't fit in a pocket of a coat.

 
Thursday meeting on our progress for a project at work.   Then after work I met with my tax accountant.  That was a relief.  I still had to write a check to the IRS but a lot less than the past. I'm sure that my charitable contributions to church and Soldiers Angels helped. That made my plans for the years vacation and home repair go as planned.

Friday I went to a fish fry at the Knights of Columbus and betrayed the fish fry at the American Legion.  I don't really like their vinegar style coleslaw. KofC had a better selection, price, and the cream dressing that's normal for coleslaw.  I had cajun fried fish too.

Saturday morning I knew it would get rolling early so I straightened up around the house.  I knew rain was predicted so I walked the dogs knowing it was coming.  It came while I was walking the dogs too on the far end of the walk cycle.  Then I gave Marley a bath.  She seemed to forgive me.  The worst part was the hair dryer which really frightens her.  After grooming Marley and Me, I went to the Old State Capitol from 11-2.  Then I went to a chili cook off sponsored by the Leathernecks MC for the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight.  I voted for number 2.  Then I went to see the new County Market for its grand opening downtown.  I took advantage of some of the bargain coupons and put some of the items in the church's food pantry, like the macaroni and cheese, Cheetos and a box of cereal.  As I dropped them off, it was 5:40 and Saturday mass was ended.  I told father that I had faxed my info for the Golden Frontier trip to Germany.  He reminded me that there would be an overview of the trip on Sunday at 2PM that I didn't know about.  While there, I bumped into Ginny and Mike who will also be going and they invited me to stay for dinner with the seniors of Stary Nights sponsored by the youth. 

Sunday we 'spring forward' time.  Time to check the batteries in our smoke detector.  Ha...I took mine out because it beeps too loud.  I went to Mass with the Catholic War Veterans at Sacred Heart.  It's one of the oldest churches around and not in the best neighborhood.  But Oh it is so old and beautiful inside.   It was a Mass in Spanish.  Now I may not understand the words but that really really really gets me to feel the Mass rather than expect the script.  Then I went to an overview of my upcoming trip to Germany.

My Week

I've been stressed over my son's lost check book and a lost password for my taxes caused me to  have a sleepless Monday night.  Needless to say I was tired.  I did catch up a little on Tuesday night.

Since my son is moving out and in orientation for his new job, I was able to turn the heat down.  Then he called from his orientation in Danville that he forgot his check book.  I tore his room apart looking for it.  Instead we had to settle for account and routing number to pay his room.  I expected him to be in class all week but was surprised to see him home after work on Thursday.  Friday he left at 5AM for his first day on the job in Peoria.

Friday I got ►►►Free mail!!!◄◄◄
It's called that because soldiers serving in Afghanistan do not have to pay postage on letters.

Saturday morning I cleaned the house a bit.  I found a mouse in my trap under the sink.  Thankfully it wasn't there too long.  Then my sons and I picked up some tarps at Harbor Freight and loaded my motorcycle trailer with his furnishings for his apartment in Peoria.  We tied things down pretty tight and I let Alan do the driving while I was in the passenger seat in my own SUV.  I freaked.  Maybe because I'm not used to the trailer and maybe I like to be in the driver's seat because it brings back bad memories of the accident.  He went a little bit out of the lane and I hyperventilated.  After dropping off his bed and table, I rode in the back seat and my sons were up front.  I read 2 chapters in a book that was unfinished a long time ago in my back seat.  In fact reading made me nod off a little while.
We celebrated his new employment with dinner at OCharlies.    It was crowded so we ate at the bar.  I tried their fried pickles.  I ended up eating most of it since the boys were not that interested.

Alan charged the batteries on both motorcycles.  We finally to got Buck to start but then Sunday it wouldn't start.  So I thought, when was the last time it had a new battery?  Let's see, it's a 2005 Honda, I remember getting a new battery for Wheezer I and last year, Wheezer II got a new battery but I never got one for Buck. Alan helped me remove the battery.  I put the battery in my car and I'll take it to Mr Battery.   They were so kind to me last time and cheaper than Walmart batteries.  Walmart wanted me to add my own acid.
Sunday morning I read the second reading at Mass.  I made corned beef and vegetables.  I even cooked sweet potatoes in butter.  Yum.
Alan packed up more things in his car to go to his apartment.

Sunday's sermon was The Tale of Three Trees.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaTjIAePvGo&feature=player_embedded