My Week

Cold!   That was Tuesday.  I didn't leave the house.  Accomplished very little.  I did finish my "busy bee" pin.  I put a log in the fireplace.

Wednesday I went to my usual thrift shop.  I found a brand new grommet flag for under $4 hanging with the curtain rack.

Thursday afternoon I volunteered at the Old State Capitol.  In the evening at 6PM I went to a "members only" special ribbon cutting at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum for a new exhibit - “Undying Words”.  Afterward I went to our ABATE meeting at 7PM.

Friday I went to a dinner with the seniors at church.  We had a guest from PowerWorks.  They have a program called silver tennis shoes.  There's also a discount for state retirees but I'm not sure if it will apply to me since I am not on the state insurance health plan. 

Saturday I participated in the American Legion color guard for our Chatham Holiday Parade.  It was a kick off for Holiday on the Square.

I was surprised we had 55 degree weather after the cold week we had.  We were blessed with a brief break in the weather.  I wore my Legion Riders Jacket.  It can be good recruiting look sometimes for those watching.  The Legion Hall had vendor booths and the Legion Riders provided donuts, drink and hot dogs for a donation.  I bought some brown knit fingerless gloves from one of the vendors. 

Sunday I went to help with the ABATE Thanksgiving dinner for the homeless and seniors.  I brought 3 deserts.  There was a lot of help so I didn't stay the whole time.   I took pictures for the facebook page and newsletter.

Marley insisted on going for a walk in the rain. Gave me a chance to use a new patriotic umbrella I got Monday night at the VFW. I guess if there's no thunder and she really has to go, she'll pester me for a walk.

Monday I had a video skype call with my sister, Patty.  I have had video chats before with others on via Yahoo and Gmail but not on Skype ...  until now.  


 

My Week

This week we had our first snow of the season and the cold also arrived beforehand.

Veterans Day was very exhausting.  I got up and saw a cameo shot of me on TV for the Veterans Book Group but my vocal interview was cut.  We had a 30 degree drop between Monday and Tuesday making the Veterans Day Parade cold.  I was in a convertible with the Catholic War Veterans but there were a number of other groups in the parade that I belonged and could have supported as well.  It would be easier to name the organizations in the parade that I did not belong.  We followed the Korean War Veterans group who also wore pale blue and the announcer failed to mention the Catholic War Veterans because of the same color scheme and the fact that our car's signage didn't stick. We were in the proper order as listed on the program. It was too windy for our flags like we did last year on the back of the convertible.

After the parade I went to the community college for their ceremony.  I was a rifle bearer in the color guard.   I stopped by the VFW for shredded chicken BBQ since I knew I only had an hour between the community college and a ceremony honoring veterans at The Villas of Hollybrook nursing residence.  I expected another color guard ceremony but it was music and veteran stories.  I gave my story and read a poem.  Then socialized with the residents.  I came home for a nap.   I then met up with my son at Applebees for the free meal.  It was crowded but not so bad if you sit at the bar.  There was a man next to my son who bought a round of drinks for everyone at the bar in honor of his brother under the condition that the bar tender pour a small portion in a glass in front of him.  He wasn't going to drink it.  The glass was an offering to his brother, an Air Force pilot.

I caught the mailman dropping off the bills and he said he saw me on TV...."Good Job" he said.
In May at the ABATE freedom rally, I had bought a $10 raffle ticket for  a trike on The Her Project.  Apparently they didn't sell enough tickets so the drawing was extended a year.

Wednesday I stopped at my usual thrift store.I found a blouse that I only wanted for the shank buttons.  You see, if you need more than 4 buttons, Joanne Fabric store will only carry a minimum inventory of 2 cards with 2 buttons each.  Many of my Civil War dresses use about 10 buttons.  In the evening I went to an AmVets meeting.

Thursday I was at the Old State Capitol for tours from 12-4PM.  All volunteers on the floor again and no staff.  It was pretty quiet until a lot of students came in and we split them up into four groups rotating through the building and hoping we wouldn't step on a tour ahead of us as we switched rooms.

Friday I didn't go anywhere but that doesn't mean I didn't do anything.  I made white bean chili and buttered carrots from my garden that have been sitting in my week since Sunday.

I'm finishing up some discounted Halloween wine.

Saturday I watched a movie on HBO called Winters Tale. I put away all the Halloween decorations back in the attic.  You know that's a chore.  Then I went to the Legion for a homecoming celebration for our post commander.  I brought my patriotic table cloth and welcome home banner.  I put out some white bean chili.  We got to view a slide show of his deployment.

Sunday I was the first reader at Mass.
http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/14_11_16.mp3

In the afternoon I went to see a play by Ken Bradbury called The Last Full Measure.  Fritz's performance was awesome. It took me a moment to realize at the opening when Lincoln motioned like a gun to the head that this was about Lincoln on his death bed and his life is passing before him. At times it brought a tear to my eye. Fritz Klein did an outstanding job and the music and lighting added to the feeling. I'm overwhelmed.
Please listen to the interview promoting the theater here:
http://wuis.org/post/new-ken-bradbury-play-explores-lincolns-last-hours
 
Monday I had a late lunch at Golden Corral and sat with 2 other veterans and a wife of one at our table. We were there for about an hour. I felt obligated to leave as the line at the door got longer. Thank you Golden Corral.  I picked up a few items at Big Lots and there were many movie box sizes of skittles marked down to .50 so I hoarded them for my soldiers boxes.  In the evening I went to the VFW meeting.  I dropped a worn flag in their drop off box to be retired.  The wind really ripped it up this fall.

This week I've been doing my best to be "wheat free".  I fell off the wagon once with the croissants and perhaps there may have been wheat in some of that breaded fish but other than that it's been wheat free.  Someone mentioned taking kids off of wheat has been as good as a dose of Ritalin. 

My new storm door shattered in the cold this morning.  I just had it installed in Sep 2013. I paid $1,042 for that door and painted it myself and had Lowes install it. I called Lowes and gave him the number from the inside hinge. I'm devastated. Waiting for a call back.

I am contacting Larwon Doors who swear they test the glass in cold weather in South Dakota and don't believe I caused it.  The lower door glass and frame are supposed to be an easy part change and should run about $50.  I should complain?  My pissed-off value is Close to $1000 than the cost of the glass part.  :(

My Week

My last blog mentioned that my son's dog chewed up my antique fur muff.  I was devastated not to mention all the down feathers everywhere.  Well I've been redeemed with this find on ebay for $10.50 + shipping.

My furnace was blowing cold air yesterday. I pulled out the manual and it seemed to say that the flashing red light meant it needed service. I called Mike to check it for me. I explained that the warranty expired on Oct 31st. He didn't see a problem until he noticed that the thermostat was flashing for a battery replacement. I explained that when I replaced the batteries that the flash didn't go away. I gave him some more batteries and he programmed it for me free of charge. Mike is today's angel.

I found a hand clipper at Goodwill and cut my cana down.  I dug up the roots and gave them to Sean because he has a basement for the winter. Weather is getting worse.  Ug!

 

I cleaned my oven.  I can't remember when I did it last. Yes, I do have a self cleaning oven but you know I must wipe down the residue after that. 

This has been a week for the wind.  Marley is acting a little different and following me around like a storm. I realized that the fireplace is open and can hear the wind. She likes to sleep under the fireplace shelf. So, I'm on my couch with her by my side.

I went to the first Veterans Book Group at the Old State Capitol.  I didn't read the flyer correctly that there was to be a reservation.  With only four in attendance, that was no problem except that I hadn't read the reading and unprepared.  I wish I had because it affects my character that I reenact, Belle Reynolds.  She's not mentioned by name but who else could she be in the article What I Saw of Shiloh by Ambrose Bierce.
 http://www.classicreader.com/book/1165/1/

Friday I helped out at the Old State Capitol.  During that time I had lunch with Michael and saw Rauner at Cafe Moxo on his "thank you" tour.

video here: http://new.livestream.com/blueroomstream/events/3541148/videos/67354910

My last tour was a group of hyper school kids.  In the evening I went to  "Girls Night Out to Adopt a Veteran" at the DAV.  They had a psycic and belly dancers.  I swear, if I had a big fat belly, I would not be belly dancing like one of them was doing.  Their website says "A woman without a belly is like a night without stars." Arabic idiom.  I don't think that meant; the bigger the better.

It's been just a little under a month since my drastic hair cut and donation to wigs for kids.  I have not gotten an acknowledgement from the organization but I did get a post card from Great Clips for 10% off on my next hair cut.  That's not going to happen soon.

Saturday I went to a bon-fire with ABATE on the lake at Villa Maria.  It was supposed to be a belated Halloween party.  Not too many dressed up because of the cold.

I dressed warm.  I brought Marley but as you can see, she was very afraid.  Mostly the loud music from the DJ so I put her back in the car.

 

Bobbi was the Lion and proud of her courage.

I saw that my past Soldiers Angel adoptee has now become part of the American Legion Honor Guard.  I am so proud of him.

It must be close to Christmas because I'm sure getting a lot of catalogs in the mail.

I got my legion uniform on for an interview with Alicia from WICS  at the Old State Capitol about the Veterans Book Club.  It will air the morning of Veterans Day.

Monday morning I did a news interview for the upcoming Veterans Book Group.  I wore my Legion uniform.

Monday night I danced at Snyder Village and afterward Jean Meyer gave us all a copy of our group photo.  My regret is that my fan fixed to a chain to a button on my skirt is now missing.  It's not so much the fan as much as the chain that makes me sad.

I needed a few videos of some of our dances to study by and the wife of our group's leader was shown how to work my flip video.  I told her it was easy on and off power and record and quit are both on the red button.  I think she did an excellent job.  Don't you?

Here's a link to more about Lancers.
http://www.streetswing.com/histmain/z3lancrs.htm


It doesn't show on the Beyerly Waltz but David is whispering what to do next. 

Well this week's edition is quite long so I'll include my Veterans Day activities in the next publish edition. 

My Week

This week the frost has hit.  That means a lot of work and taking down the garden.

Tuesday I went to a potluck at the 114th Regiment house and after that I went to a homecoming for the final Honor Flight of the year.

I must be getting old.   I went to the OSC on Wednesday but I was scheduled for Thursday.  Since I was there, I gave a tour anyway and got a $5 tip. I was surprised.  They must have liked the tour I gave.  Pat told me that it was OK to accept gifts up to $100.  I went on to have lunch with Michael and then on to my thrift store shopping.  I got a goose down quilt similar to what we used in the hotel in Germany last year.   It may be warm but it takes up a lot of space.  You just can't fold the darn thing.

Wednesday night I went to the Interveterans Council Meeting. I updated the website.  
https://sites.google.com/site/sangamoncountyinterveterans/

Thursday I gave tours at the Old State Capitol.  Afterward I went to a retirement party for Bob at my old work place.  In the evening I went to the VFW and won first place in the adult Halloween Costume contest.  Here's the gang.

I think the fact that I brought my prop, Rosemary Zombie Girl, that helped me win.  She's like my little ghost sister.  "Monkey" thinks he can fix her electronic lurching that is malfunctioning.   I'll let him try after trick or treating..
My son, Alan, had his first trick or treat in his new house and is getting lots of kids. My door bell rang 4 times.  Then I didn't realize it that there was 2 official nights for trick or treat.  I had a few stop by for treats on the evening of November 1.  I wasn't expecting them and I was stuck throwing a robe on because I was dressing for Rocky Horror Show at the Hoogland.  Friday I went to the show as Columbia and on Saturday I went as Janet. 

Saturday I went All Saints Day Mass at 8:30 and then to Metamora for a group publicity photo session of our dancers at noon.  I understand that the photographer was willing to do some professional shots for a fee but I used my own camera.  Besides, I have enough pictures in my ball gown(s).  I did like the 26 star flag in the background but it was cut off.  I was happy to wear my blue gloves that I found in a thrift store but you can hardly see them.

Sunday we changed our clocks.  I didn't realize there was a song for this.  It's also on YouTube.

Sean's dog, Moe, tore up my antique fur muff used for reenacting.  I had goose down feathers all over the house so I took the muff outside.  Now I have down in my yard.   Moe thought it was another stuffed animal that I get for him to play with (roughly I might add).  I find stuffed animals for him at the Salvation Army for 25 cents.  I had another disaster that day too.  Sean stepped down on my back porch while watching Moe run in the back yard and the step collapsed.  I see home repairs in my future.  I would like to remodel my kitchen (estimated at $16K) but I may need to fix my whole back porch into a sun room as a big project. Then Monday I noticed my furnace is blowing cold air.  I noticed a red flashing light through the little window.  Instructions say it's malfunctioning.  I had a note in my instruction book that said my parts warranty expired on Oct 31st. 

Monday I went to a Patriot Guard Mission for Samuel C Plummer, 63, US Army, Pawnee, IL, 3 Nov 2014.  The staging time of 8:30 was 46 degrees and a little cold for me to ride although it warmed to 60s later.  I did take my car and put my flags in the trailer hitch.  If the temperature didn't get me the wind would have.  PGR was invited to the funeral reception at Sugar Creek church.  On the way there, the wind was so strong along the interstate that a truck drifted into my lane.

I mailed a monthly package to my adopted soldier on Monday.

I had to make a tough decision:  American Legion meeting or free dinner at the Chesapeake Seafood House as a guest of the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County.  No brainer.  But I had to pass information to the post for committees that I'm delegate. 

I caught a mouse in the trap but expect there are more based on the missing peanut butter at the end of unsnapped traps.  I guess this means I need to put out the poison pellets.  I just hate an odor of rotten mouse corpses.  You wonder where the smell is coming from and can't clean it up. Uggg!

I made a lower offer on a hair broach found on ebay that may need repair.  I offered $25. 

Time to take down the Halloween decorations.  Pull out the batteries till next year.