My Week

I blew it with my house plants.  The weather got nice so I put my half dead house plants out for some much needed sun.  Then it got cold and killed them.  I had a spider plant, fern and aloe vera.   Next week it should warm up.

Tuesday I went to the gym, then my last Lenten study group.  Actually, I went to another group on Tuesday instead of Thursday because I have my tax appointment on Thursday and can't get out of that.  She's totally booked.
In the evening I went to a meeting of our Soldiers Aid Society.  Our guest speaker was on quilting.

Wednesday I went to exercise (maybe I'll skip this comment henceforth since it happens every morning) and then shopping the thrift stores.  I didn't go too long because I went to a PGR flag line for an active duty soldier.  His death was in his home at his own hands over troubles.  So sad.

Terry, the regional PGR ride captain, whispered in my ear not to take any more graveside photos because it gets him in trouble.  All I could think of was the Unaccompanied burial whom I knew Bill Sherer and the MIAP mission for Anthony Borowitz.  Neither one I stood with PGR in a flag line.  Besides, there is nothing on the PGR website against taking pictures.

I left the flag line an hour early in the evening to go to the Interveterans Council meeting.  They are discussing plans for Memorial Day.

Sophie had been walked 3 times and still had a run burst in the house.  She went down the hall zippy, bow wowing,  I tied her to the front for change of pace, no tellin' how many times I threw her squeak toy, and then she licked out a peanut butter jar that I was going to put in recycle.

Friday after exercise, I shipped two packages to soldiers. I adopted a soldier named Jeff.  I sent out 2 boxes on Friday. I requested 2 ladies but one of the names in the draw, I had sent a box to before. The ladies are usually one time packages. At least when I adopt for the duration of the tour, I know what I sent.  If lucky, I get an email for a mail stop.  Then I went to meet the candidate for village trustee.  In the afternoon, I gave tours at the Old State Capitol and it was non-stop from noon - 4.  I really made the connection with the visitors and I felt good knowing they enjoyed the tour.  One family had 4 young kids an they were well behaved.  I later helped a young 8 year old boy understand why the South did not want to give up their way of life.  His parents helped along and the young man seemed to understand.  Near the end, my voice was giving out.  As a result, I had a dry scratchy throat.  I then needed a drink and dinner so I went to the VFW and had my shrimp.  It was difficult sleeping with a dry scratchy throat all night.  I coughed a lot.

Saturday I went to the Soldiers Aid Society's workshop.  We had a nice presentation on document preservation followed by embroidery lesson.  We were trying to embroider a bee.  Women during the Civil War referred to themselves as busy bees.  I am not good at this because my direction of cross stitching is inconsistent.  I did learn about using an embroidery needle and using bees wax for regular thread.  I would like to take it apart and try again.

In the evening, I went to Belleville for the Lee-Jackson Ball (confederate sons of the CW).  Nice to see that the Dixon Camp of the SoC welcomed all who attended including the non-members.  During dinner, I sat next to a man who had a service dog named Mamma Cass (Mamma for short).   Mamma was a PTSD Labrador who was 2 years old and rescued a day before euthanizing.  She also been used as a mentor dog for other dogs in training.

Sunday was Palm Sunday.  I was a Eucharistic Minister and my mind wandered when it was time to go up to help but still made it in time.  Fr Dennis wished a farewell to Liz Foster who is a TV news anchor and parish lector as she and her husband moves to SC.  I almost didn't recognize her in casual attire and glasses vs the glamor shots of a TV news woman.  I stopped by to tell her that she'll be missed.  In the afternoon the clouds came in just in time (unwanted) for our ABATE Motorcycle Easter Basket Run to Hope School for the handicapped kids.  We met at Shop and Save and the wind was bitter but we still had 15-20 motorcycles and more in cars. 

Here are the two lucky recipients of my baskets.

Feeling a bit miserable. I blow my nose and get light headed.  I'm not moving around much without taking tissues with me. Poor little dog doesn't realize I'm miserable and wants a walk so I did. Dripping and sneezing....Blah!  I will take it easy.  I do have a lot to do around the house since painting the kitchen but that must wait till I feel better.

My Week

Yippie, my motorcycle is running. I put the replacement battery in myself (under warranty).  I never would have expected that my problem was a battery that I just got August 20th.   It had been on a trickle charger over winter and later on a full charger.

I took Sophie to the Shortest St Patrick's Day Parade in Chatham which was like 50 feet at best between two local bars.  She didn't fit in the outfits I had for Bentley so I had some temporary green hair dye and a bow.  She's Chinese, Irish, and Italian/Greek (based on her namesake).

Wednesday I made the rounds to the thrift stores and had lunch with Michael. I ended up turning the heat off for a few days but turned it back on again.

Thursday was one of those days where being retired was not too relaxing.  It was yoga day with the "Silver Sneakers" and also "Pink Boa Day" at Powerworks to support Char Shallow!  (I don't know her).  Fr George is showing off his FOX news coffee cup.

Then at 9:30 I met at church for our Lenten discussion on the Eucharist.  At noon I went to the Old State Capitol and gave tours. Seems that there used to be free WiFi at the Old State Capitol but that was cut.  I signed up til 4 but didn't leave till 4:30 because there were people I still was touring.  Happens all the time.   Then I thought I was done and could relax.  I got home and tried to get caught up on my messages and there was one reminding us of an ABATE meeting so it was not time to relax. What a busy day.

Friday I finally got a bi-fold closet door for the spare bedroom which is really used as a storage room.  Afterward I went to a big funeral at Boondocks for Penny Roscetti.  She made a good-by video for her memorial back in January that was played.  She told us not to cry because she was OK with the cancer.  I cried anyway against her wishes.

Saturday my sons helped me paint my kitchen.  Kitchen is painted white thanks to my sons helping me. It's had wallpaper for a long time and you could see pencil marks from the original construction under at least 3 different patterns in the past. Not on top of each other but there were remnants of blue stripes at one time then that 70s green and orange flower print. I had put up dark Harlequin pattern. The white semi-gloss makes it look bigger and brighter. I'll pull off the frog tape in the morning.

Sunday afternoon, I went to see Fiddler on the Roof with members of my Silver Sneakers group from Powerworks.  What wonderful talent!  I probably would not have gone on my own but I'm sure glad I got to see this.  Afterward we had dinner at Chesapeake Seafood House.  It is nice to see us all dressed nice instead of in gym clothes all the time.

At Mass, I picked up a card for prayer and support for one of our First Communicants off the tree (or as Father called it, twig).  Since this was random, I chose a name card from the tallest branch.  Maybe I can solicit my friends to add their prayers also since I'm not good at praying.  He will be receiving his First Communion on April 26.

Sophie isn't feeling well. She started shivering on Sunday and lays down in the road during a walk. She stopped dropping her squeaky toy in front of me to play. Monday I took her to the Vet.  He checked her temperature and took some blood.  After 1.5 hr in waiting room she checks out good. I got some oral drops for her twice a day. Dr Boyce's daughter is in the Navy and being promoted to Navy Capt in a few weeks. He seemed to fix her third eyelid that is popped out.  I thought that it was just a blemish that I had to get used to.  They eye lid could still pop out again.  I'll be keeping an eye on her behavior.

My Week

Monday I went to a Patriot Guard to honor a retired AF Retired TSgt who was only 48 when tragically hit in an accident in TN.  He was so young and a shame he couldn't reap much of retirement.

While in the flag line, Staab staff was seeking a photo from last week's mission of a funeral for a homeless veteran.  I had one photo from the event but it was cold and I didn't want to take away from the solemn occasion.  I provided that photo to the reporter for the State Journal Register.

That was a cold day with wind. I snapped only one picture that day out of chill and respect and this photo was used in the online article but not the printed article about an unclaimed Veterans remains. RIP Tony.
http://www.sj-r.com/article/20150310/NEWS/150319924 

Thanks to the media, family has been found. Flag and my photo will be presented to this veteran's sister.

In the evening I went to Metamora for our civil war dance practice.  We have an upcoming performance on April 10.

Tuesday I went to the Womens Overseas Service League meeting.
I got a roller and paint today. Also contracted for closet doors. Lesson learned, they require a lead test if the house was built before 78.  Mine I think is 75. I explained that my door and ceramic tiles had this test. He understood but required by law. He said it's already rung up but next time it would be easier to just say 78. That will come in handy for the counter top sink later.  Since I fix things bit by bit, I'd have to pay the lead chick fee each time. So dumb.

I've been trying to make a Patriot Civil War apron with meager skills but when I saw one already made on Etsy, I bought it.

 I could never do a waistband this good:

Nor stars this good ...  well .... maybe.

Wednesday's exercise class had a lady down.  Well not as in collapse but she had to lay down awhile.  All I know is that she is not diabetic.  Thursday we did Yoga and learned a new posture.  It was a modification of down-dog with an open hip.  I call it down-dog pissing.  Friday we exercised on balls (again as we did on Tues).  We did Y and T working the back.  She said some of their big guys who do weights had trouble doing this muscle group.  That surprised me.

Thursday I went to my yoga class.  Then I went to a church discussion group on "Living the Eucharist"  I learned a new word, Epiclesis.   I had Lowes come and measure my closet for a new door.  I started a profile for John Haines on Together We Served.  At 5PM I went to  a meeting of the Lincoln Monument Association and then at 7pm I went to a meeting of the Catholic War Veterans.
Statistically, six out of Seven Dwarfs are not Happy.

Friday I paid for my new closet doors on the way to volunteering at the Old State Capitol.   One of the students in Chuck's tour seemed to have a funny look.  The student discovered underwear in one of the desk drawers.  Turned out to be a pair of black stockings.  The strange things you find in the strangest places.

Saturday I still couldn't start my motorcycle despite being on a charger.  I was invited to fly the ABATE flag on my motorcycle in the parade so that was out of the question.  I was also affiliated with the reenactors so I walked in the parade with the Soldiers Aid Society instead.
I did have a ring pop open on my hoop so I cinched it up with some bull dog clips that I found at the Old State Capitol. It was easily fixed when I got home.  I think I'd like to sell this green plaid dress & bonnet.  It is big on me and plenty of hem to let down.

 I think I'm going to try and sell my green plaid dress. It's always been a little big on me.
So I picked up these pins without the loop on the end and they are ideal for slipping a button through a cockade.

It's sitting on my Vera Wang Barbie box because I needed a white background.

So I walked her good.  I met the neighbors moving in, Julie and Dennis.  The have 3 children and one is in marine boot camp.  I also let Sophie meet another dog with the owner in the yard.  Her name was Anabell. 

I turned off the heat in the house Saturday evening.

I was the first reader at Mass and as always, I say a little prayer to do my best and reach out and touch someone in the congregation with the reading.  Apparently I did because Anita said I read it well.
The sermon was about Laetare Sunday or the 4th Sunday of Lent and over half way to Easter.
http://catholicism.about.com/od/holydaysandholidays/f/Laetare_Sunday.htm
In the afternoon, my son did laundry, and it seems our dogs are getting along just a little better. 
She played with Moe but that wasn't enough to take the energy out of her.  Sophie has been so active that I gave her a long walk on Sunday. Just when I got to the corner, she figured she needed a rest and laid down.  Duh!   I can't say she slept well last night. At 2am she was barking at rabbits in the back yard.  Good day for clean up of the leaves in the corners of the yard.I didn't stay home the whole time that he was there because I went to a presentation on the Civil War.

I tried again to start my motorcycle.  Apparently it's more than just a battery problem.  I posted a video to Youtube to see if my friends recognize the sound.  They said it's a starter.

Monday I rode Wheezer to exercise class.  A little nippy leaving but great an hour later.  I got pretty sweaty. It was the first warm day after such cold work out rooms.   Sweat could also be added salt from  the corned beef and cabbage

I watched a movie, Hawkeye, a TV movie from 1994
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czi_iIN-Tw4
I looked it up to see if I could watch it for free after an Amazon recomendation.
http://www.amazon.com/Hawkeye-Complete-Series-Lee-Horsley/dp/B004HHX9T6/ref=pd_ys_sf_s_2644980011_a2_5_p?ie=UTF8&refRID=1S377VWN2HWH9GWXS0Y4

My Week

Last week I saw 2 rabbits in the yard and Sophie ran one out of the fence.

Next morning I see little black dots on top of the snow.  I got an email from Powerworks that morning exercise classes were canceled due to the ice.  Schools were closed.  I thought that I should join  the evening power cycle class but I guess I wasn't the only one with the idea because there was no parking around.  Even street parking was full so I can imagine how crowed the gym would be.  Since I was on the road, I got groceries.  Since I was home, I decided to know out a project and made this Lincoln Mourning ribbon.

Tuesday evening I had a salesman stop by for a no-obligation lawn weed control check on my snow covered lawn.  He joked about the tropical weather.  I told him flat NO.

Wednesday was legislative day for ABATE.  I, along with two others, presented our package of issues that ABATE supports and opposes.  We met with Senator Sam McCann.  I had a 10 AM workshop so I was on a tight schedule.  I took a break from that to go to the Old State Capitol for "History Through A Child's Eyes" presentation for interpretation by Jennifer.  (I'm on the end next to the lady in pink)

We were given a small packet of legos and told to make a duck.  All had different ducks but they were still ducks.

I came home and relaxed a bit before the evening meeting with the American Legion Riders.  We discussed some of our upcoming rides.  One date for a ride that came up was during the Lincoln Funeral reenactment.   If that goes through, I'm out for that particular ride.

Who said retirement was relaxing.  Thursday, while at my 8AM exercise, I had a message that Senator Dick Durbin will be at VFW 755 at 1PM and I was needed in the audience.  Another addition to the day's plans.  After exercise, I went to our church for a 9:30 discussion group and told Sr Judy I needed to leave early for a funeral.  Perfect time to leave was during a break.  The funeral was for Anthony Borowicz, a homeless veteran with no known relatives.  I may add that is was about 15 degrees and windy.  Brr!

I got a call from our VFW Post Commander personally inviting me to this short notice press announcement by Senator Durbin.   So a quick change into my uniform...I'm off.  Story and news video here:
http://www.illinoishomepage.net/story/d/story/durbin-calls-to-expand-program-for-disabled-vetera/35479/5vG0DMyrA0GlVXTJi-xWDg

Friday would have been my 40th wedding anniversary.  Friday my profile was selected as Reflections of the Day for 6 March 2015!  You can see my reflections here:
Shadow Box Reflections
In the afternoon I helped with tours at the Old State Capitol.  Tours are starting to pick up.  I gave a tour to a group from Danville IL.  I asked if anyone had been to the Vermillion Civil War Days.  One lady said she was there.  I told her I was in the ladies fashion show and she then remember me.

Sunday I was late for Mass with the Catholic War Veterans.  Seem I changed the clocks on my bedroom alarm clock and on the stove but not on the watch that I was wearing.  By the time I noticed that I had 10 minutes to make it to church that will take 25 minutes, I made the quick decision that it would be better to be late than not at all.  The service was in progress and I was immediately looking for the most subtle way to get to the front with the rest but there was a lot of scaffolding for remodeling of the old historic church.  Our commander and I carried up the gifts of bread and wine and the priest whispered that I had to put and extra $5 in the donation for being late.  I was feeling guilty enough without that.  Besides, I rushed in leaving my purse in the car and just had keys.  Afterward, we had brunch at Parkway Cafe.  It was right next to Aldi so I picked up some things.  Boy the day went fast.  My son was home doing laundry and seems like our dogs are doing a little better together.  They still have their moments but there seems to be fewer.

Well the snow is melting and we should have some nice warmer temperatures this week.  Time to see if the motorcycles will start.

My Week

Wow, snow last weekend and snow this weekend.  Although there was more last weekend, it felt like more this weekend because of the accumulation I suppose.  After being away from dance practice with the Metamora group for three months, I finally got back in the groove.  I asked Jean what was new at the museum and he pointed out this chair that Lincoln sat in and broke.

I saw the top of my daffodils on Wednesday.   Then Thursday the snow covered them up again.

Thursday morning I went to our discussion group on the Eucharist.  When asked about the "collect", I knew when it was in the Mass when others did not.

Thursday evening I went to
Evening with the Creators - How It All Began Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum–Union Theater Thursday, February 26, 2015 at 6:30 PM

Friday morning I woke to a record cold temperature.  WICS reported at 6:00 the temperature has dropped to Minus 11 (-11) -

So I remind my little Pekinese that it gets cold in China where her ancestors are from.  I think that's why she wanted to go for a walk and I did not.

I volunteered at the OSC and it was Model Illinois Government Day (future politicians from colleges around the state).  Groups of college students occupied some of the rooms.  When they left for lunch, they left the doors open.   You may recall above that it's freezing out.  So I stayed by the door as they returned from lunch closing it constantly.  One said that there were others on the steps.  Ha! If they weren't in a hurry, I'll just close it again.
Also, our Secretary of State, Jesse White, was there for an interview for the end of Black History Month and a display that he sponsored.  The interview took place in the the Secretary of State's office at the Old State Capitol.  I had my picture taken with him.

The staff was happy to oblige when I handed her my camera.

I watched A Woman Called Moses about Harriet Tubman:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LndJrZcEKto
I watched Jennifer Beals - A House Divided House Divided.  A true story of a Georgia will being contested in court by his estranged brothers over his half breed daughter.  Very moving.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAtqxip5s9A
Uncle Tom's Cabin - 1987 Movie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8LiI4Nz6pQ

I now have all the wallpaper off the kitchen walls.  I found some powdered Spackle in the garage for small touch up areas.  It may be a few weeks before both of my sons can help me paint.  Meanwhile, I'll be climbing around to get to the microwave with furniture in disarray.

I went to the 24th Annual Desert Storm Memorial Service Saturday, February 28, 2015 11:00 a.m. at the Illinois Military Museum at Camp Lincoln. Grace Miller, president of our Womens Overseas Service League, and I got our picture with the new Acting Director of the Illinois Veterans Affairs, Erica Jeffries.

Sunday morning we woke up to about 7" of snow and rising. I shoveled it before going to church.  There wasn't too many at Mass. I had damp boots so I took them off and went to communion in my socks.  Not like there was a crowd.

Neighbor brought me some moscacolli from the school fundraiser at Sacred Heart HS.