My week

I watched a good movie on the Hallmark channel, Magic of Ordinary Days.
Tuesday I rode my motorcycle to the Shatner Ride for American Legion Legacy Fund awareness along Route 66. That didn't happen.  Apparently they never left Chicago and the crew was going to haul all vehicles to St Louis to catch up on schedule.
After that I did an escort from Springfield to Jacksonville for the "Vietnam Wall That Heals".  On the way to the staging area at a rest stop, I passed the airport.  At the stop light, I got a honk regarding the black covers over my flag poles.  A couple of airmen asked about the occasion and I told them.  They gave me a thumbs up.  My bike, "Buck", waiting for the escort.

This was taken by
Wjvo/Wjil

The weather for this ride couldn't have been nicer.  It stormed the day before and after.  Upon arrival in Jacksonville, I learned that the noise I heard was not a jack hammer in the distance but the aluminum outside had sliced from rubbing on the hollow mount.  My husband made these years ago and lasted a long time.  Although I have 2 poles, I sometimes fly one.

 I filled my tank and then rode home for a quick change into my period dress for the retreat ceremony at the Lincoln Tomb. I saw a real light traveler this evening in the parking lot at the Lincoln Tomb.

Then I let Sean's dog out afterward since he told me he'd be in late.

Wednesday's phone call:
Telemarketer: I understand your vehicle has under 200K miles and may qualify for an extended maintenance policy.
ME: Yes.
Telemarketer: I just need to verify the make and model.
ME: You said my warranty is expired so you should know.
Telemarketer: I do. I just need to verify the make and model of your truck.
ME: I don't have a truck.
NEVER EVER BUY AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. If you ask to be removed from their list (this goes for mail too), another will call and another will call. The "list" has been sold too many times to too many callers.  The truck was totaled in 2008!

Wednesday afternoon I attended a fourth town hall meeting conducted by the VA Illini Health System.  The meeting got pretty heated.  These are the notes that I took:

4^th town hall.  Dianna Carrenza

VA Town Hall Meeting June 24th 2PM

Shut down the therapeutic pool.  Sent those patients out to the community.

New claims take priority over appeals!

1)   Poor notification of meeting.  Posters, FB, Media.  Next meeting will be at W. Lafayette, IN.

2)   Phone complaints. Springfield calls redirected to Danville.  Redirected back o Springfield

3)   Renewal medicine.  MyHealtyVet system.

4)   Choice program. Live outside 40 miles of clinic you are not eligible for the Choice program.  Wait greater than 30 days.  Special care = Choice First (Health Net)

Dr Bomeke gave 30 days notice but wasn’t replaced for 7 months.  Dr from Springfield Clinic bid for position here and another location looking for best deal.

Springfield VA clinic seems to only be capable of BP and urine test.

Voka act:  http://theveteransblog.org/blog/tag/vaca-act/

Applied for disability pension the cost of 13K/Mo can reduces a $75k annual income.

25% VA employees are veterans.  High turnover of staff.

Mark Patterson said the VA is not your enemy. 

Tony says take personal responsibility for care. 

VA is not in business of land and hospitals so they rent.

Chicago backlog has been going on for 40 years.  1k of 300k fired but then Bonuses for cheating.  125days defined by Sec Shinseki.

She gave a pledge to help.  She asked her navy cf what to do about Viet Vet with PTSD and he told her “Oh, he’ll get over it”.   It’s not right then and it’s not right now.

Susan.nunziata@va.gov

My review is that the VA is bragging about the 90% backlog reduction on NEW CLAIMS.  Appeals are another story.  However, these are probably appeals from Korean and Vietnam veterans whom are older and put on the back burner.  And what about those new units that were recently added on the list of Agent Orange that couldn't file earlier?  It seems to me that the VA is reducing the backlog like Dave Ramsey's BABY STEP 2 where debt looks good in small ways and is motivating.    Health issues are are not debt snowballs.   VA expects them to be on Obamacare by now so it's no biggie.

Wednesday night I left my car window on the passenger side overnight when it rained.  Ug!  So after exercise,  I pulled it into my tight garage and let the windows down to dry out.  Note that I cannot close my garage door.

 I started to walk Sophie but I heard the thunder and didn't think I'd make it around the block and turned back.  I tried on this coat that I got at a yard sale.  Not as nice as the rain coat that fit the cocker spaniels and covered more area and had a hood.

Gad, it's pouring and the man across the street is mowing...oh he just walked into the garage now and staring out at the rain. 

Friday I went to the Old State Capitol.  The highlight was presenting Heather from the "Looking For Lincoln" office a box of Lincoln Logs that I got at the Goodwill on Wednesday.  She was so excited because she needs them for the booth at the state fair and they are hard to find.

It looks official.  My name is on the board for the Lincoln Monument Association.
http://www.lincolntomb.org/lma_board.php 

I broke my table lamp that I used to sew by in my bedroom so I stopped by a resale shop and found a nice one on a stand.  Saturday we had a respite from the rain so in the afternoon, when the lawn dried up, I got a chance to mow.  Then I got hot and rode the little cycle to Edgar's coffee shop for some honey lemon ice cream.  Afterward I painted the new steps that the neighbor built for my back porch.  Sophie got paint on her paws.  I had to trim the red fur off.

Sunday Fr Mariadas sang a nice song in his native language from India because he is leaving as temporary pastor.  He told us the meaning before he sang and it was beautiful.  The word that we were familiar with was "Alleluia".  In the afternoon I went to a walk through salute for Jean Goretski who has been active in the veteran community.  I also attended her funeral at Camp Butler.  Jean has been so full of life and had been a member of the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County. 
Monday I stood with the veterans as we saluted Jean's casket.  Her brother played a song on his harmonica "Gather at the River". 
Afterward I went to Dianne's retirement gathering and got there in time for the last piece of cake.  On the way home a saw a dirigible flying over Springfield.

I drove to get a close up but that thing went faster than I did.

Sophie and I went to dog training at 2:30.  We're getting there and Sarah noticed.  Today we learned that when another distraction is present, like Sarah and her dog, I must wait till Sophie focuses on me.  It's called "choose me" training.  We are weaning the reward from immediate to I have to get it from the table while she waits.  There will be no treats allowed during  her test on August 1st.
I made neck coolers for my adopted soldier this week.
Well, next post will be in July.  My how time flies.

 

My Week

I'm am having a difficult time with my dog training on this "right foot" start vs "left foot" take off.  I'm supposed to indicate to Sophie either "stay" or "let's go".
 http://www.dogforums.com/dog-training-forum/91991-heeling-starting-left-foot.html
It's just coordinating my take off and digging in my heel purposely. 

Tuesday I went to the Lincoln Tomb for Distant Memories.  All seemed to enjoy my presentation.  I did a little more research and learned that the pastor mentioned in Rose's obit was Lutheran.  I'll add that next time.  Then I joined our crowd and Soldiers Aid Society for the retreat ceremony.  Afterward I changed in the bathroom and went to the Honor Flight Homecoming wearing a 1940s type dress.  Unfortunately, the corset didn't do it justice without the addition of a pin.  I'll have to add a button hole and button ...soon.  Still had my period "rats" in my hair from reenacting at the Lincoln Tomb are a little close to the 40's look curl back.

Wednesday I did a little Goodwill shopping but I didn't stay out too long since I was expecting my sister and brother-in-law to stay the night.  They arrived just in time for dinner with my son at Texas Roadhouse.  My son is a regular there. 
Then early I saw my sister and brother-in-law off after they stayed with me overnight at about 5:30 AM.  As my sister left, she told me I should move a few blocks down to a street called "Money Tree".   They are on the way to Alabama for a funeral.  She left her cosmetic case in my bathroom.

Thursday evening I went to an ABATE meeting.  I added a few flyers and events to our facebook page.

Friday morning I had a dental appointment after exercising and made it there in time which I was worried about.  I didn't have any cavities.  Then I went to the Old State Capitol but I didn't dress in period because the back tracking home between.  Laura was working on her punched paper embroidery and even had an original 1864 punched example as a photo frame with a tinted picture that was stamped.  Too bad the flash ruined it but without the flash was worse.

 Laura's handiwork.

I liked how General Grant spotted the G for Green Bay Packers on a tourist's shirt and said the man must be from Wisconsin's Company "G".    In the evening I walked Sophie and we attracted some kids with grandparents watching them for awhile.  They had a Pekinese too named Jonah but Jonah was twice as big as Sophie and very thick with hair that needed a lot more grooming.
Alan has been wondering if it is safe for his dog to bite on fireflies.
Saturday I went to Jacksonville's Grierson Days.  I picked up the two little folding chairs that I had left with Ben to recover the week before at the Ladies and Gents Emporium.  I even gave him the tapestry to do it but I didn't trust my own workmanship.  That was $10 labor easy and fair.  Tapestry was a heavy pillow case made to cover the seats.  Now...period correct and a bit more soft around the wooden edge when sad upon.

I was in the Civil War fashion show but since it was so damp in the park, I wore my blue dress with black trim.  The speaker, from the Ladies and Gents Emporium, showed off my bonnet and crinoline cage.  I had to show off the cage part.  I stayed for the battle and the Union forces won.  I was in a picture with Larry and Shirley after the battle.  Shirley and I referred to these dress as our mud dresses (Her's in brown and mine with black trim on the bottom)

  Since there was a 3 hour break before the ball, I decided to come home and change.  However, I learned there was a sever weather warning and didn't return.

Instead, I cut the grass before the storm as many in the neighborhood were doing.  After that, I took my "cool off" ride on Wheezer as a reward.  My hair still seemed wet even after the blow dry.   I  move car in garage but was not be able to close the door. Others on Facebook warned of hail.  I opened it and a toad went in my garage.  I stayed up till the warning expired and then moved my car out and closed the garage door.

Sunday I was pretty lazy outside of cooking a lot of food.  That just made Monday's exercise group that much harder.

Monday morning I was sitting on my porch with my laptop and coffee. I waved good by to the neighbor saying "don't work too hard". He said he'll try not to.  I then went to a Mass and burial funeral for Steve Hall.  Not only was he a veteran and a Catholic but also a bugler for the 114th Illinois Regiment reactivated which my Soldiers Aid Society supports.  After the Interveterans Burial Detail performed the military honors, the 114th provided a 21 gun black powder salute.  (chaplain was about to step in not knowing there'd be 2 rifle volleys).  I brought with me 3 requests for photos on findagrave.com.  I found one on the roster in the office that was printed for Memorial Day but the other 2 were not listed.  I took a number of random photos just to see if they were needed on findagrave also.  It's tedious.

Distant Memories Program at the Lincoln Tomb

 Distant Memories

by Rosemary Connolly

Objective:
A short (10-15 min.), 1st person interpretation of an average Springfield resident concerning how she felt about the assassination, the funeral, and of Lincoln himself.  My idea of the poem is a great start for people still gathering.  Once you have said the poem, you would then begin to reminisce about the time of the assassination.  You can tell it from a viewpoint of a month ago, a year ago, or whenever.  You are looking back on the whole thing.  You were a witness to the funeral procession and the funeral.  Where were you when you heard of his death?  How did you feel?  What did you do?  etc. Those kind of questions you need to answer.

Short video of the script portrayal and then the bell tower cut me off.

Opening:

Read the Poem ~ The Martyr by Herman Melville (read from book) while people gather.

or

There was a funeral.
It took long to pass its many given points.
Many millions of people saw it and personally moved in it and were part of its procession.
the line of mach ran seventeen hundred miles.
As a death march, nothing like it had never been attempted before.
The people, the masses, the nameless and anonymous numbers of persons not listed nor published among those present -- these redeemed it.
They gave it the dignity and authority of a sun darkened by a vast bird migration.
They shaped it into a dram awful in the sense of having naive awe and tears without shame.
They gave it the color and heave of the sea which is the mother of tears.
They lent it to the color of the land and the earth which is the bread-giver of life and the quiet tomb of the Family of Man.
Carl Sandburg.

First Person Introduction:
My name is Rose Hermann.  My husband, Charles and I have been living in Springfield since 1855 when we moved from Germany with many others to avoid the turmoil of the German Reformations of 1848.  I kept house and my husband a weaver.  He took great pride in having the privilege of weaving the cloth for the suit that Abraham Lincoln wore at a big demonstration in Springfield during his first campaign for the presidency.   I remember 1860 when our local lawyer was elected president of our country.  The locals in Springfield shared in the excitement and pride for his winning a tight and tense election.  Mr Lincoln did not win the popular vote but narrowly beat out the other candidates. It was over 5 years ago but seems like only yesterday that I saw Abraham Lincoln giving a farewell speech on the back of a train car.  Since then, there was a bloody Civil War.  Even my husband had been wounded during the battle of Vicksburg as a member of the 29th Missouri Infantry.  (Now you may be wondering why he did not muster into a local unit in Illinois.  The 29th was one of only 2 Missouri Federal units made up of mostly German immigrants.)   The battle had ended with the South's surrender.  Or had it?

The Assassination
Do you remember a significant event that you will never forget where you were when it happened?  I sure have one etched in my mind. For me it happened the day of April 15, 1865.  I’ll never forget what I was doing when I received news that our beloved president and Springfield neighbor had been fatally shot.  You see, I was making preparations with our church choir for Easter services at the  (ENGLISH EVANGELICALLUTHERAN) CHURCH in Springfield over on 6th and Madison.  It was there that I heard the sad news.  A messenger in the street announced that a telegraph message confirmed the president had died.

 Abraham Lincoln was shot at Ford’s Theater while relaxing knowing that the war was over. 
 He enjoyed the theater because it was a pleasant escape from the burdens of presidential responsibilities.  The doctors in attendance had taken the wounded president to the Peterson House nearby and attempted to save our president, but he died the following morning at 7:22 AM on April 15, 1865.
Wailing cries could be heard all around as we tried to console ourselves. 
You would think that we would have been hardened to news about death especially at the end of this war, but it never keeps us from tears.

Why now?  The war was ended and the people looked forward to peace in the land.  It is such a tragic end to this man who worked to lead us all though our darkest hours.

Many have died that the rest of us may live in peace and freedom.   Many men that we see on our streets who have come home from the war have scars that will never heal.  We will remember this war when ever see the veterans.  They will be constant reminders among us of this great struggle for freedom.  

Even our Confederate brothers and sisters had hope for the future after so much sacrifice. They believed his words when he said, "With malice towards none".  Lincoln will be missed.

Mather (block) Vault: 
The people of Springfield believed that President Lincoln was a part of us and we took it upon ourselves to make burial arrangements.  It was as if he was a part our family here in Springfield and it was our responsibility to put him to rest.  An excavation downtown was begun at the Mather block so that the people could visit our native son regularly and conveniently, as was the custom.  The people of Springfield did not at first consider the hallowed ground of Oak Ridge cemetery for the President’s final resting place.  Oak Ridge Cemetery was dedicated just months (May 24, 1860) before his nomination for presidency.  A crowd of people gathered as the Oak Ridge as it was consecrated.   I remember seeing Mr Lincoln in the crowd.  

Mary’s wishes
Mary knew what her husband would have wanted for his final arrangements.   He told her before he died as they strolled through the park that he thought it would be a lovely place to rest among the trees and hills.  Oak Ridge fits the description he gave her.  He told her,  “Mary, you are younger than I.  You will survive me.  When I am gone, lay my remains in some quiet place like this”.  Just look around this peaceful place compared to the plains of central Illinois.  The trees whisper and birds sing songs of peace.  Wouldn’t you agree?

Oak Ridge about 2 miles from the city center.  Despite the expressed wishes of President Lincoln’s family, our citizens continued with the excavation of the Mather Block.  We had formed the National Lincoln Monument Association to make funeral arrangements.  Telegrams expressing Mary's wishes were sent on April 28, 29 and more firmly on the 30th, but it wasn’t until his widow threatened to bury Abraham in Chicago that the City Council agreed that our martyred president should be buried at Oak Ridge Cemetery.  The receiving vault was always ready for burial and so it was to be.  The itinerary changed many times before the actual day of the funeral. 

The Funeral

Mary did not attend the funeral because she was so distraught.  Their son, Robert, attended on short notice and ensured the family’s wishes for burial were carried out.

The train passed 444 communities in 7 states and lasted 3 weeks.  The train had 9 cars. There were a total of 14 funerals and the last was here in his home of Springfield.  Buildings along the way were decorated in mourning cloth to express our feelings of loss.  Guns and cannons were fired to let people in the surrounding area know that the train was approaching.  Camp fires were lit in the evening as a vigil and mourners bowed and knelt as the train went by.

On May 3d, the funeral train arrived in Springfield.  Mourners came from places I’ve never heard of and the streets were crowded.   I even opened my home to some of those travelers.  I even let some sleep on my porch. Many slept where ever they could.

The president’s coffin was open to viewing in the state house by as may as 75,000 people in a 24-hour period.   This is remarkable because the population of Sangamon County was only about 15,000.  I remember passing through the line to pay respects at the open coffin and for a last look at President Lincoln. I had to see for myself that President Lincoln's life had come to an end.  The reality of seeing him lie there was too much to bear.  I tried to be strong but my sadness was stronger and I wept.  He had so much to live for and did not live to see its glory.  We did not appreciate or fully realize his philosophy of life until he lost his own life.  He was a martyr that ended the war in man's soul.  After the time had ended for the funeral, the doors were closed with many still in line.

Mary did not attend because she was so distraught.  Robert Lincoln attended on short notice to ensure his mother's wishes were honored.  The coffin was placed in this elaborate hearse and a long cortege followed.  The crowd was diverse, solemn, and bands played mournful dirges.  There were many dignitaries in attendance including Illinois Governor Richard Oglesby. .  The colored citizens were represented because they had lost their “Moses”. 

The hearse did not take the most direct route to the cemetery because we went by Lincoln's own house, the only home he ever owned, and the governor’s mansion.  As the hearse arrived trough the gate at Oak Ridge, the end of the cortege was still departing downtown.

Upon arrival at Oak Ridge, there was a large choir on the hillside signing funeral songs. 

The remains of the father and his son, Willie, were placed on a marble slab.   The walls of the vault were covered in black velvet with evergreens - the symbol of immortality.

Bishop Simpson gave a moving eulogy.  

Afterward, the tomb had been guarded by Civil War veterans.

Closure:
The people here in Springfield took the news especially hard because we knew Mr Lincoln personally   ...excuse me, I mean to say President Lincoln with all due respect.   We have been forever changed in our hearts.  Because of the length of the funeral, historians have called this event "The Greatest Funeral in the History of the United States".  As I try to go on with my daily life, my chores are occasionally interrupted with a spontaneous tear and I must pause and reflect on the martyr who changed our country.  All of us from here on must ask ourselves what this assassination means to us.

We were told that Secretary of War, Stanton said, with tears in his eyes,  “Now he belongs to the Ages”.  Of course he was referring to the moment that our beloved president, Abraham Lincoln died.

 This is a Distant Memory of mine!

Here's a photo of me on trip advisor.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60887-d4310510-Reviews-Lincoln_Tomb_War_Memorials-Springfield_Illinois.html#photos;aggregationId=101&albumid=101&filter=7&ff=194961818

References:
Rosetta was b. 1829 and immigrated to IL in 1855.  Her husband, Charles Herrmann, was a weaver and took great pride in the fact that while there (Spfd) he had the privilege of weaving the cloth for the suit of jeans which Abraham Lincoln wore at a big demonstration in this city during his first campaign for the presidency
http://findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=h&GSfn=rose&GSiman=1&GScid=107259&GRid=31222371&

Sgt. Charles HERMANN was born in Prussia and was 35 when he enlisted at St. Louis on August 7, 1862.  He mustered in at Benton Barracks on September 6 in Company E.  He was Wounded in Action, a gunshot wound to his left heel, at Chickasaw Bayou, MS on December 29, 1862.  He left sick at Camp Groves, LA on March 9, 1863.  He was discharged for disability on August 22, 1863.
http://www.angelfire.com/mo2/29mo1/29rstr12.html

The presiding pastor at Rose's funeral indicates he was pastor of St. Johns German Lutheran Church in Springfield as early as 1897 and as late as the 1920's:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=Schulzke&GSiman=1&GScid=107259&GRid=88154297&
However, that church did not exist until 5 years after Lincoln's funeral.  Before that it was the former English Lutheran Church at the Southwest corner of 6th and Madison Street now on the site of Union Square and ICC Railroad Depot.
http://www.stjohns-springfield.org/#/about-us/history
Maps to Rosetta Hermann's burial stone.

Richard E. Hart--Oak Ridge Cemetery's 154th Anniversary

http://sangamonhistory.org/blog/3009343

Other presenter, Martha Plog:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIUY_Xso6kM


About German immigrants:
http://www.ushistory.org/us/25f.asp

My Week

Oh my this humidity is  a drag.  I was going to go through my summer clothes but Sophie blocked that temporarily. 

Monday I went to exercise.  There is a short lady in my exercise class also named Rose.  Her dog's (Lhasa Apso) is also named Sophie.  I noticed my Nissan had a warning to "check engine soon".  Afterward exercise, I took it to Rugless and he hooked it up to the computer and turns out that my gas cap was not secured causing the catalytic converter to warn me after a little chance Monday evening when I got gas I didn't tighten the cap enough.  In the evening I went to Metamora for dance practice.  Our group's leader runs the Metamora courthouse said that the state may close the historic site July 1st.
Tuesday I sent a package to a lady soldier.  I'm up to date on my soldiers boxes till July.

Tuesday evening I went to the Lincoln Tomb for the flag lowering ceremony.  There I met up with cousin Ron Duskey.  I was inside the tomb greeting visitors.  Once I was relieved,  I went to the receiving vault at the bottom of the hill to watch Martha's performance of "Distant Memories" because I'll be doing the program the following week. 

Wednesday I met up with a few of our Legion riders to solicit some sponsorship for a trailer.  In the evening, I went to our AMVETS meeting in the break area of County Market and afterward, Sean and I had dinner with cousin Ron Duskey at the Creek Pub next door.

Thursday was busy.  I went to the opening day of our 68th Annual Chatham American Legion Homecoming Festival.  They had plenty of volunteers so I wasn't needed.  Then I went to a meeting of the Catholic War Veterans at 7PM.  The meeting was short so I took Sophie to the Chatham American Legion to socialize and see how she reacts to the band.  She did real well.  Only exception is that she barked at a big man sitting on the curb with his cell phone.  I guess it was unnatural.  Then Friday morning on our walk, she barked at Mylar balloons in someone's trash can that were floating in the breeze.

Good news: I got an electric snow blower for $25 at a garage sale.  The lady was having a snow sale because she was moving to California.  She also had a Yamaha 250 Vstar (not for sale)  in her garage similar to my vintage version.
I thought my microwave quit but seemed to work after I replaced the extension cord.
Friday afternoon I went to the Old State Capitol. Stephanie was giving out wooden nickles and cards to the kids.   One of the parents came back and told us that when she asked her daughter who gave her the token she said "the princess gave it to me".  Henceforth she'll be known as Princess Stephanie.

Saturday was a long day at the old State Capitol.  It started off with a retreat ceremony and here are a few guests.
Since the site that I volunteer for happens to host the event I felt a certain responsibility to make our out-of-town guests feel welcome.  I ensured a table was available for the Metamora Dancers when they arrived so that the music player had a place. I brought a shawl for a table cloth and had a sign for the times of the dance.
I danced with the Springfield International Folk  Dancers in the evening.  News video for the Medical Encampment: http://www.wics.com/news/top-stories/stories/vid_23142.shtml

I added a video of the New Waltz Quadrille to YouTube.   I'm not in this video.  I wanted to add it to my collection of practice videos.  Between events, I spent a little time with the Soldiers Aid Society. 

 Hershell Shroud from Topeka is demonstrating a tourniquet amputation to a first year medical student.  He is role playing Dr Benjamin Woodard and his wife. Two of the most friendly and knowledgeable people you'll ever meet. What a collection of antiques that they show.

 My recent addition is a patriot apron that matches one in the Gettysburg museum's 1861 Ladies Patriotic Pinner Apron - Made by Michelle. It is a copy of the Mary Himes Fox apron of New Bethlehem, Pennsylvania displayed at the Gettysburg Museum (34 stars) . This combines my patriotic attitude and Civil War hobby.  I picked up a cap and a neck bow from the Ladies and Gents Emporium.
 

While sitting with the Soldiers Aid Society, I overheard our newest full time staff member, Todd, giving a tour in French to a couple who didn't speak any English.  Todd is not up on the tour but he sure helped this couple.  Her  is Kylee, our orphan child and daughter or our Clara Barton reenactor:

Sunday I went to Mass with the Catholic War Veterans.  I read to the congregation a prepared speech on who we are and many told me that I was even more clear than those that read from scripture.
I had breakfast with 2 of our Catholic War Veterans at DJ Cafe afterward.  Next training is June 29th and the TDI test is Aug 1.
Monday evening I went to a VFW meeting and updated our website.

Monday I took Sophie to dog training.  Sarah Potts was impressed with her reaction to "leave it" when it comes to food.  To work on:  stay, jumping on people and other dogs present.
The ground is so soggy that my hanging flower baskets are heavy for the shepherds hook that holds them and the lean in the soft ground.   Temporarily down for now.

My Week

Tuesday morning we tossed medicine balls and giggled a giant rope around in exercise class.

I delivered letters for mail call for the next honor flight and mailed out two boxes to my soldiers.  I then showered and dressed for the first of our weekly Lincoln Tomb retreat ceremonies.  I arrived early so I could see how the first person presentation would be when I be reenacting in "Distant Memories" but ended up being the presenter when no one else did.  All I had to go on was a recording that I too 2 years ago when Martha presented it.  I even got a compliment that I must have done it many times before.  Ha...Pam had come down to let me know that my time was up and she heard it too and backed me up that it was a first.  Well, it wasn't all first person.  I had a number of foreigners that spoke little English or not very well so I had to speak simply with them and I appreciated their international interest in Lincoln history.  Here is the schedule:
 

Rose Connolly                          Martha Plog

June 2, 16, 30                           June 9, 23

July 14, 28                                 July 7, 21

August 11, 25                           August 4, 18

 

When I got home from the ceremony at Lincoln's Tomb, I took Sophie for a walk.  It was dusk and getting dark when I saw two balloons float across the sky.  I wasn't the only one that saw them.  As I walked further, I met up with some young people and they said they saw them too and that they were lanterns.

Yep, that's what I saw alright.  Then the light went out.  When I got home I needed a glass of wine.  I must be loosing my mind because I poured it in a coffee cup instead of a wine glass.

Thursday I had an appointment to get my brakes checked.  I noticed that my brakes were a bit "grabby" but really noticed the smooth braking I had with the rental car a few weeks ago.  I really didn't think it was my brakes since front and back were done in 2014 according to my records.  So, after exercise I went back to Rugless Auto.  I ended up with new rotters.  Wow, braking was so smooth that I wanted to stop every 10 yards on Route 4.  Ha!  Really?  That would sure piss people off.

Friday we had a little snack time after exercise class and presentation of an advance release of the new "To Kill a Mocking Bird" to Marci who is leaving.
I then went to the Old State Capitol and it happened to be citizenship day.
Saturday morning I got up early and left for Pittsfield, IL.  It's about an hour away.  I was prepared for a presentation on the Soldiers Aid Society at 11:30, between the Civil War Fashion Show and the briefing on the Ironclad.  Here is a picture of the ironclad and owners right before launch in the lake.

I believe their names are Don and Francene.
There is a video from the news here:
http://www.wgem.com/story/29260930/2015/06/07/civil-war-re-enactment-keeps-history-in-the-tri-states

Well I got pinched out and plan B was to give my presentation at 1PM just before the 2PM battle.   Well the band went overtime so I was to give my presentation after the battle but before the generals.  That went OK.   I was going to stay for the meal for the reenactors but when I asked the caterers how much longer before dinner begins, he said a half hour.  I decided to put that 1/2 hour toward my drive home.  Afterall, my stays from my corset were poking me. The weather was good and dry unlike past years.  My car got dusty.
Saturday evening I fell asleep on my couch and woke to go to bed with a cramp in my adductor muscle. I put on some muscle rub and moved around a little.  I've had cramps in my calf but never there before.

Sunday we had a welcome for our new pastor.  I then went to pick up groceries and fixed dinner for my son and myself. I also cut grass before the rain.

In the evening I had dinner with friends of our historic sites at Omars.

Monday morning I had my oil changed since my warning came on while returning from Pittsfield. They said I needed a new air filter (which they always do) and did not have mine in stock but they said if I got one that they would put it in for free.  Some of the parts stores do that too.  At least that way I think I can pick up a quality item.

Well I've seen fireflies but no June bugs so far.  When I do they sure will hit me.

My week

Well the good news is that I found a dime while walking the dog on Sunday morning.  The bad news is that Moe tore up one of my reenacting hair buns.

Last February, my sister recommended that I get a tracfone but my insecurity got the best of me until my current phone wouldn't charge anymore.  I had looked at a few of them at Meijer after her recommendation but the clerk there didn't know anything.  I figure the young and underpaid Walmart workers would be a great guide so I got a new tracfone when my Alcatel stopped charging without being held together by hand.  It had connection problems both at the outlet cord and my car charger and I was not about to hold the cable to the phone while it charges for an hour.  I've been meaning to get one after my sister told me she liked her tracfone.  This just pushed me into it.  I bought a year of data and a Galaxy tracfone.  Heck, that year's worth of phone time is like 2 1/2 months with AT&T.  Eric at Walmart helped me last night but the transfer was not complete before I left. Usually takes about 24 hours.  I had the tracfone package in a bag from the electronics dept and checked out the frozen yogurt and wine. I left with 2 bags thinking the wine and yogurt were in the same bag. Walmart must have a bag per item policy. I hoped that it would melt all over his dolly.  Ok, I went back to Walmart the following day since I needed help with my tracfone. I had voice messages that I couldn't retrieve and a text that I from a new contact that I had little experience and control.  After that problem was solved, I went to the service desk with my receipt for my frozen yogurt and asked, "Has anyone ever gotten home and discovered something missing that was purchase?" I was told it happens all the time. She let me get some frozen yogurt. All is right!!!
Oh and I ordered this to conceal the phone during reenactments.  Hope it fits and doesn't get ruined too much.  It's probably not for every day use but our ancestors were very religious.

I fear that will not fit my tracfone so I also ordered this:

We had a new leader at our exercise group on Wednesday with 3 trainers about to leave.  I know we like to have our habits but this new instructor, Jen, was with the YMCA.  Instead of a circle of chairs, we had a more classroom line set up.  This and structure had one lady leave right away.  However, it seemed to help another when we walked a balanced line across the room along the chairs.  She uses a cane and the security of a chair back along the path gave her security (that she didn't seem to need).

Friday I came home from exercise and dressed for our pastor's funeral.  Pass the tissues.  The church was packed like it was Christmas.  The service was long and I got to the Old State Capitol just in time for my volunteer schedule.  It was busy.  I was really surprised when one of the visitors gave me a tip when so few seem to acknowledge the "suggested donation" box.   There were two new seasonal workers there that started on Wednesday.  They could greet visitors but were not ready to give a tour.  Afterward I was planning to go to Edwards Place for 1850s music but it didn't start till 7PM and that was a lot of time to kill.  So I went to the VFW for dinner.  Service was so slow I missed the concert.

Saturday I would have liked to have gone to a reenactment in Delavan, about an hour away, but it rained.  I guess we need to relieve the downpour that they are getting in Texas.  So I went to a presentation on the GAR at the Military Museum and then to our Legion Italian dinner.  Food was good but the turn out was poor.  Bob looked just like the picture in the Norman Rockwell photo.

I see the start of little buds on my tomato plants.  All the rain has been good for my little garden. Sure I've had some tall grass to mow too but I look at it this way...Central Illinois rain may be relieving the pressure received by Texas a little.

Monday morning I woke up about 6AM and shortly thereafter a POP and a power outage. Chatham Electric came quickly though and it only lasted less than a half hour. I took a shower by candlelight and ready to dry my hair in the end.  My dog training lesson for Monday was cancelled.   I guess I'm on my own for a week.