My Week

I attended the adoption of SJR3, "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day" in Illinois, on March 25th with Representative Kifowit. I sat with fellow veterans in the Speaker’s Gallery to hear the resolution (Senate Joint Resolution 3) being adopted. 
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=3&GAID=12&GA=98&DocTypeID=SJR&LegID=69405&SessionID=85

I recall going up the elevator that one of the cleaning ladies told us that there were too many and the elevator may not move.  Later in the week some tourist were stuck and it made the news.
Dozens Trapped in State Capitol Elevator:
http://wics.com/news/top-stories/stories/vid_16367.shtml?app_data={#.Uzm_29aiGsw.email

Boy I forget how short I look to others.

I came home and had a nap.  Then I got my Welcome Home Banner that I use for the Honor Flight and off to a meeting of the 114th Illinois Infantry's presentation about the Soldiers Aid Society.  When that was over I went to the airport which was nearby and welcomed back a bunch of veterans returning from the Honor Flight.  The usual clips that fell from the ceiling holding my welcome home banner were gone.  The banner is not really tape friendly.  I got it up and ready well before time.  Then, just before the veterans came out, it fell.   I think that I can string it around the letter on the sign

Wednesday is senior discount day at both the Goodwill and Salvation Army.  I found a tin cup at Goodwill that was perfect for reenacting.  I've been looking for one.  Then I stopped at Aldi for needed dog food and I really needed some cash back because my wallet was empty.  Well I can't JUST get dog food.  I found Ruben bites in the freezer section.

In the evening I went to the meeting of the Interveterans of Sangamon County meeting.  I updated their website.
https://sites.google.com/site/sangamoncountyinterveterans/

Thursday morning I met with my tax preparer appointment at 10AM.  Yep, I've got to write a couple of checks to the Feds and state.  Then I went to my volunteer day at the Old State Capitol.  I was warned it was a slow morning but boy did the crowds come in the afternoon and I was there until 4PM.

Friday I went to a PGR mission to honor .  It was to be a long one in the cold.  I could only take about 40 minutes and I had to leave.  Came home and it was good because a got a call from Polly who thinks she can help me settle the differences I need to enroll my sons in the Sons of the American Revolution.
https://sites.google.com/site/connollypatriot/

To be added to my lenten scene is a resin figurine of the Last Supper.

Saturday I packed up my car with display items for the Civil War Fashion Fair.

The show was held on Sunday and was even nicer than the year before.  I just loved the displays and the promenade program.

 This was my personal display with black wreath, cap, reticule, mourning hanky and tear bottles.

This lady was telling me about the vintage and delicate mourning bonnet that she has.  Very interesting.

Saturday evening I went to the Lee-Jackson ball in Belleville.  It had been postponed from last January due to weather.  On the way down there, I stopped in at the VFW and met very briefly with my old friend, Fat Fred.  I stopped at Scott AFB and breifly stopped at the exchange.  I got some earnings since I have many missing pairs.  I like the ones that fully enclose so I don't loose them.  Also having something Victorian helps on a dual purpose. Needless to say, I felt tired during the Fashion Fair on Sunday afternoon.  I didn't get to bed till 12:30 and then was the first reader at Mass in the morning.

Funny part of the evening is that my wrist corsage came off during the dance and the Velcro got stuck on another dancer. At the next available pass, I plucked it off and threw it in the direction of my table.

Monday morning was nice so I took Marley for a walk to drop off my utility bill payment.  Good timing because the clouds came later and so did the wind.  You know, the kind of wind that blows the hulls off the emerging leaves on the trees. 

My Week

I have a lot of things ready to send to my soldier this week.  Last Thursday, I got a box returned from one of our lady soldiers.

I'm getting excited about Spring.  I turned off the heat and it was 55 degrees when I got out of my electric blanket one morning.  I put air in my bicycle tires on my way to voting in the primary on Tuesday.
I finished work on a carpet bag that used to be a purse.  I had to change the handle and put wood dowels sewn into the fabric.  The opening isn't real wide but its still nice to hide non-appropriate things at a reenactment.

Wednesday evening I substituted my daily exercise with line dance lessons.  As cold as the night was, I worked up a good sweat and had fun doing it.
We learned "Hello Good Morning" and "Waltz Line dance"




Beautiful easy waltz.



Walked the dogs.  Well that was a successful walk (according to Marley)

Ok, I got the seat off the little motorcycle and hooked up a regular battery charger rather than the trickle it's been on for 2 weeks.  I checked and the needle on the charger didn't move.  I plugged it into a different outlet and the needle moved.   Wheezer started but thanks to the outlet by my faucet not in the garage.  Wheezer started when I got back from the ABATE meeting.  On top of everything needing repairs, I think I'll need an electrician.

Lately I noticed that my right hand was stained with pink.  I couldn't think of what might have done this.  Friday, while walking the dogs, I noticed it again.  I had just gotten out of the shower too.  Then it occurred to me....the new purple hair brush.

I've been needing new flooring pretty bad because Laminate is separating. Ideally, I'd like to have tile as the other half of the house has and that could go well over $7K. I do have other home repairs like water heater, closet door replacement, and an attic ladder that will cut into my home repair budget. My other option is carpet which I picked out at Lowes and has a 10% off special, but they will not place the remnant of 12 tiles by the fireplace because the tiles were not purchased there. Deal breaker!

Friday was nice so I turned my veg garden over and left a few young dandelions impaled in the sun on tomato cages. LOL

Finally got my little 250cc Yamaha started and rode about 8 miles around the neighborhood. It's real finicky and I should have left 'him' on a trickle charge all winter. Had him on the trickle for over a week and nothing happened. Then a full charger (yeah you know how I hate removing the seat) and still nothing. Then I tried a different outlet and WHALLA! I need an electrician too apparently to fix the outlet in the garage.

Saturday was very busy.  First, I went off to a volunteer training meeting at the Elijah Iles House from 9:00 - 12:00.  Then after that, ABATE meeting for those that want to do a Safety and Education lesson on motorcycle safety for high school drivers education students.  The ABATE volunteer orientation ended early enough to attend the funeral for Major Ried Nannen at Camp Butler with the Patriot Guard Riders.

Saturday night I went to a History Trivia Night to help support the Lincoln Troubadours, a group of high school and college students who perform Civil War-era songs at historic sites during the summer for tourists.  I decorated our table with a table cloth and candelabra as I've seen at other trivia events but we were the only table with such spirit.  I didn't realize until after this photo how nice our team looked with Lincoln in the background.  I believe our team came in 4th place.

Here are the questions (in part since they were on slides in image and sound)
Round 1 ~ Thinkin' Lincoln
1) What was the last year for the Lincoln Wheat Penny? 1958
2) What was Lincoln's middle name?  None
3) Who was Lincoln's vice president for his first term? Hannibal Hamlin
4) What was the pen name that Lincoln used?  Aunt Rebecca
5) Robert Lincoln attended which prestigious college?  Harvard
6) Where did the Lincoln's stay on their wedding night?  Globe Tavern
 7) What did Lincoln get a patent for? expansible buoyant chambers
8) The day after Lincoln was shot, how many days did Booth evade?  12
9)  What was Lincoln's dog's name?  Fido
10) How many years is 4 score and 7 years? 87
Round 2 ~ Lincoln Land Logos
1) Hanning Electric

2) Boys and Girls Club
3) Armbrusters
4) Downtown Springfield Inc
5) St Johns Hospital
6) NAACP
7)
8)
9) Springfield Ballet
10) Contact Ministries
Round 3 ~ Patriotic Songs
1) Washington Post
2) Army
3) El Capiton
4) Liberty Bell March
5) Call to the Colors
6) Semper Fidelis
7) Stars and Stripes forever
8) To the Colors
9) Fanfare for the Common Man
10) 1812 Overture

Round 4) Illinois State Fair
1) Where was the location of the first state fair?  Sacred Heart Griffen
2) When was the main gate built? 1910
3) Why was the fair canceled in 1893? Columbian exbodition
4) what caused this building fire in 1917? unsupported dome
5) When was the slide at the fair introduced? 1868
6)  What is the name of the 30 ft Lincoln statue? Rail Splitter
7) Who is the Orr building named for? Chicago journalist
8) What was the cost of admission when the fair opened in 1853? 25cents
9) Which celebrity never performed at the state fair? (multiple choice included Bob Hope) Marilyn Monroe
10) When did the Springfield Mile begin? 1910
Round
1) Which president had a 7 seat hot tub on the White House lawn?  Clinton
2) Which president did not live in the white house? Washington
3) Who was president during the 1976 bicentennial?  Ford
4) Which president is on the $2 bill? Jefferson
5) In Disney's hall of presidents, which president talks?  Lincoln
6) What is the most common first name of our presidents? James
7) Which president was the first to fly in an airplane? Rosevelt
8) Which president was a bachelor? Buchanan
9) Which 2 presidents are buried in Arlington NC? Kennedy and Taft
10) Which president was ambidextrous? Garfield
Round
1) What was the 16th state of the Union? TN
2) What is the atomic #16 element? Sulfer
3) Bosses day is the 16th of which month?  October
4) What game has 16 pieces per side? Chess
5) What is the smallest square number that equals 16? -4
6) USS Ticonderoga mission in 1972?  Apollo 16
7) Who was the 15th president? Buccannan
8) What is 16 in Roman Numerals? XVI
9) Who originally recorded 16 candles?  The Crest
10) Where was the superbowl played with San Fransisco 49s v New Orleans?  Pontiac Superdome
Round topic "In Lincoln's Kitchen"
1) Lincoln would snack on this out on the lawn?  corn dodger
2) What was this called that Mary used to cook on?  Spider frying pan
3) What was Willy's favorite?  White Fricassee Chicken
4) What kind of tea came from J. Bunn Company? Gun powder tea
5) What was a common thickener that Mary used? Coopelsing lass
6) BBQ...how served?  by hand on bread
7) what did they call stew?  Burgo
8) what did they call relish? Piccalilli
9) What was Lincoln's favorite food?  fried oysters
10) Chafing dish? cooked oysters
Round ~ Illinois Trivia
1) Where did Route 66 end?  Santa Monica
2) Where were IL previous 2 capitols located?  Kaskaskia and Vandalia
3) What is the IL state snack?  popcorn
4) Homany counties does IL have? 102
5) What is the IL state fish? Blue Gill
6) What city has the largest Lincoln statue? Ashmore
7) What is the IL state dance?  Square dance
8) Ray Crock opened the first MacDonald s in 1955 where?  Oak Park
9) How many electoral votes does IL have? 20 10) Dick Van Dyke started where? Danville
Round 9 ~ Something about Mary (audio ID)
1) "Mary in the morning" = Glen Campbell
2) "Along Comes Mary" = The Association
3) "Bloody Mary Morning" = Willy Nelson
4) harmonica: Mary this way = Bruce Springstien
5) "Mary makin way into the night" Kenny Chesney
6) "Mother Mary comes to me" = Beatles
7) "What will my Mary say?" = J Mathis
8) "Proud Mary" = CCR
9) "Mary Mary where ya goin'?" = The Monkees
10) "I look at you starts shine" = Taylor Swift

My Week

Well Sean brought Moe home from the Sangamon County Animal Shelter.  This is the photo that was posted on the "Friends of Sangamon County Animal Shelter" facebook page.

Caption read "Moe went home today with a new dad that is just crazy about him. Moe is a very sweet powerhouse of a dog. He is going to be a wonderful best friend."

I got a call that the part for my High Efficiency washer would cost $381 plus $80 labor.  I got a top of the line $700+ washer at Sams in June 2010.  That angered me.  Of course they wanted to sell me a new one.  I went over to Lowes and got a low end model that was on clearance.  It's the old agitator with a bigger barrel.  Only because I cannot find a sturdy ringer washer.   Since I was already in town, it was not out of my way to see Moe in his new home.  He was gassy.  We walked him around the block and he only pee'd.  Then once in the back yard, he made a dump.
Thursday the new washer was delivered.

Here is a link to the washer I bought:
http://www.lowes.com/pd_395153-83-GLWN2800DWS_0__?productId=3662066&Ntt=washer+ge+gtwn&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Dwasher%2Bge%2Bgtwn&facetInfo=

Thursday evening I went to the Catholic War Veterans monthly meeting.  I was nominated to lay the CWV wreath at the Lincoln Tomb for the Death Day ceremony on April 15.

Bentley is resting on my lap. Hard to type like this. Come to think of it, I was watching Marley bark at the trash collectors and wondered when the last time I heard Bentley bark.

Saturday morning I left the house in period dress for the Annual St Patrick's Day Pardade.  I walked with our Soldiers Aid Society.

Carol and I had hankies which we waved like was done in the Civil War in support of our soldiers.
There was a big crowd because the weather was so nice.  Afterward I dropped off some supplies for the food pantry at church (while still in period attire).  Went home to walk the dogs and found a little time left in the beautiful day for a lovely motorcycle ride around the village and the lake.  It was the first ride of the season and I still got the lean in me.  Actually, I still had my hair in a period style while riding.  After the ride, I let it down and there were lovely waves in my normally straight hair.  I'll have to style that way more often.

Sunday morning I went to 11:30 Mass with the Catholic War Veterans.  It was a Spanish Mass but we had a handout in both English and Spanish.  Sacred Heart Church is one of the oldest and most beautiful but with age means repairs are needed.  Fr Chiola was the celebrant whom he has a problem with the prayers given to veterans by the Interveterans Burial Detail at Camp Butler in conflict with the Catholic Church's final blessing at the graveside service.  I noticed he didn't stay to speak to any of us after Mass.  On the other hand, the other county burial details do not force their own chaplain on family.  Others just conclude the final flag folding, rifle volley and taps as required by DoD.

Afterward I picked up my son and went to Pekin for a fundraiser "roast" of the State AmVets Commander, Paul Kerby, at the Moose Lodge.  We had prime rib.  It gave me an opportunity to take some things up to my son's house.

I put my final wood in my fireplace for the last cold day (I hope).  After the nice weather we had Saturday, we had another dip in the temperature. It's supposed to get nice after this and then I can clean out my fireplace.
I'm getting a Victorian Tear Vial on Ebay for my mourning attire. This is the one I will be getting in time for our Victorian Fashion Fair at Edwards Place.

tear vial or lachrymatory

Tear bottles reappeared during the Victorian period of the 19th century, when those mourning the loss of loved ones would collect their tears in bottles with special stoppers that allowed the tears to evaporate. When the tears had evaporated, the mourning period would end.

My sister sent me this video that she used for her exercise class.  I love it.  I had to get up and jive to it.  "Happiness is the truth"

I had a handy man down the block stop over to help with a few things because I'm making a list.  I need a new closet door and attic ladder.  While here, I pointed out the new light bulb in my ceiling light that wouldn't work.  He screwed the bulb in straighter than I did.  :)

 

My Week

Wednesday was Ash Wednesday so I went to Mass.  I didn't take the ashes off until in the evening when went to the Jersey Boys.  I had lunch with my little buddy.  Then I hit up a few thrift stores because it is senior Wednesday.  In the store, one said "Is it Ash Wednesday already?" another said "You have a smudge there...Ohhhh I get it".  I picked up a glass candle holder to replace the one that I broke earlier in the week (which I loved).

I also picked up a figurine for my Easter display that replaced my Nativity display.  Pictured below is the Palm Sunday Scene consisting souvenir from my trip to Germany  of the Scourged Christ at Wieskirche which is known for miracles, Crosses from my husband's funeral and from my trip to Italy Assisi Cross, La Pieta which I found at Goodwill along with the candle holder above, and the Risen Christ that matches the bigger figure at my Church, St Joseph the Worker.   I also have clipped there the "Little Black Book" of reflections that was passed out on Ash Wednesday, grapes representing the Last Supper, and an Easter Egg.  There's also a cross necklace with the stations of the Cross on it and at the food of that cross there is some sand from Via Dolorosa.

  I also picked up a Toro weed whacker and rake for Alan's new house.  I'm just expecting that the drought in the west will affect our summer vegetables and he'll be needing yard supplies.  He had his preinspection and found this sign by the house he closes on Friday.

Wednesday evening I had the pleasure of going to see Jersey Boys at the Sangamon Auditorium.  I got home about 10:30 and I was still hyped up with the music.

Thursday evening, my son helped me attach the trailer to my Nissan Murano to help his younger brother move into his new house.  Friday morning we had a frost so I warmed up the car with the trailer in the driveway.  My neighbor came over to check the hitch.  He noticed that the hitch was not set down all the way on the ball and would detach at the first bump (which would have been the curb of the drive).  Wow, I am so glad he did that.
We got to Peoria in time to meet up and go to the closing.  Afterward we started moving out of the apartment and into the house.  We made two trips and the rest of the small stuff he can get when he cleans the apartment.  The trailer was unhitched but the backing made a muddy mess.
In the evening I went to church to see the youth group's Living Stations of the Cross.
Sean has an application at the animal shelter for a pit pull named Moe.

I came home and was pleased to get a letter from my God child in basic training at Lackland AFB.
Saturday I took Marley to the shelter to see how she reacts to Moe.  They checked to see if Marley was registered and she was good.  They asked about my dead cat Dave and about Bentley who is terminally ill.  I told the lady I don't intend to renew his license.

Just saw that they posted the video of the PGR mission that I attended.  I would be the one holding our Air Force flag in formation.
http://vimeo.com/88619441

Monday night I went to dance practice in Metamora. I had brought with me a replica doll house of the Lincoln home for their museum.  The curator has been waiting for it for about 2 years but the state would not ship it.  That was convenient.  On the way, I saw the destruction of the Washington, IL tornado last fall.  It was pretty bad and those were nice homes. 

Tuesday I had lunch with the Womens Overseas Service League.  It was a lovely day.  Lot of motorcycles were out.  I still had trouble starting up the Yamaha 250 after 2 days on a trickle charger.  The Aero starts right up.  In the evening I went to the Soldiers Aid Society meeting.  We discussed our upcoming Fashion Fair and the St Patrick's Day parade.  Well, after such a beautiful day, the snow will arrive after midnight. 

My Week

Well they say that March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb.  We'll see!  This winter has made me skeptical.  The wind and storms have totally taken down that squirrel nest built in the top of my tree.  There are little twigs all over my lawn.

Wednesday I volunteered at the Old State Capitol during their staff meeting.  We had 2 bus tours scheduled which were staggered but they both arrived at the same time.  I took one on tour and Francine took the other.  One of my students had pointed out a dead bird in the corner of the Governor's Reception Room which I reported to the staff.  During a chit chat between tours we got on the subject of furniture and particle board.  We talked about my dresser and how olive oil would work to make the runners slide better.  So Thursday I fixed my dresser.  Apparently my sliding problem was more than just dry wood.  I found the hardware had many missing screws.
Thursday I went to see a first person presentation of Mary Lincoln and Billy Herndon at Edwards Place.  The man who presented Herndon was new to me (although he looked familiar) and he was from out of town.  He left this card.

Friday I went to the Desert Storm Remembrance at 11 and the Veteran of the Month at 2PM.  Congratulations to Archie Ford as Illinois Veteran of the Month February 2014.

Got a new head dress for reenacting.  This picture does not do it justice.

Saturday, instead of visiting my sister, I went to a "Downton Abby" tea at Edwards Place.  Apparently they couldn't call this a Downton Abby tea due to copy right.  I didn't make reservations like I should but when I went to an event there on Thursday, I told Erica I'd like to come since I canceled my plans and she said sure and that she's squeeze me in.  We had little sandwiches of salmon, cheese, egg salad and cream cheese.  We got to try scones and  some other petite deserts.  The Tea Ladies did a presentation on the customs.

The cap, lace sleeves would have been a little cold so I found a shear blouse to put under it.  This was good because you can still see the vintage lace sleeves.

 Here I am with a timer-selfie in the parlor

Not every one came dressed for the period but these ladies went all out. There was a lady at my table that wore the same pearl drop earrings as I had on.  They were a fun group and I read one of the lines as part of the audience participation.

I took this picture of the deer with head lights and roses in Springfield's South Side and it was featured on "Springfaild"

Sunday I walked to church in like 19 degrees.  I was all bundled up in snow pants and gear.  It wasn't bad going but coming home I was walking into the wind and it was a lot more bitter.  A family picked me up before I got too far.  See what cabin fever will do to you? 

Monday evening I went to our American Legion meeting.  I hadn't driven since Saturday so my car was crusted over for that short trip.  Now I await here on Tuesday all day for a service man to come fix my washer.