My Week

It was cold and rainy most all week.  The irony is that next week will be considerably hotter.  Monday morning I went to Mass after my exercise class.  I had a family prayer intention for my niece.  Then I gave Debbie a ride to her medical appointment since she needed a driver.  I ate a hamburger while I waited and she insisted on getting me a desert afterward.  I had a cinnamon cheesecake.  In the evening I went to our Legion meeting.  Turnout was poor.  I suspect burnout from all the work during the fish frys.

I had an appointment at the Veterans Assistance Commission about presumptive sinusitis.  Looks like I may be eligible for a VA disability compensation.  I don't want to count my chickens before they're hatched. The VA turned down my claim for hearing aids. 

Amber went on a visit Tuesday and I tried to spice Amber's tricks up for a slight Spring Theme since we missed our Easter theme.

In the evening I went to the monthly meeting for our dog club.  💤

Wednesday I got a lot done.  Done a lot of house cleaning and planted okra in the garden.  It was nice enough to put the guinea pigs in a cage on the grass and clean their cage also.  Ah the nice fresh scent of PineSol.  The dogs had a mid-day mile walk and then in the evening our Capitol Canine Dog Training Club had a nice "walk about" at Washington park at 6PM.  At 6:30, the carillon played. 

dogs, tulips, and carillon

So I needed a break and since it was senior discount day at the Goodwill, that would be my break.  I thought I'd walk out empty handed until I found a shirt that said "Cinco De Mayo" for the next day.  Only good once a year.

While  shopping, Sean had texted a question: "Did I used to poop with the door open as a kid."  I said "no" but he remembers show off a turd.
I had tacos at the VFW and a margarita.  Afterward I went with Chris and Liz to a home of a member of the German Club for real German desert and social.  The family is hosting a girl on a missionary request. 

Friday I had a tour bus.  I made sure they were on time for all their appointed stops.  We had time for a stop at a family owned souvenir shop just outside the gate by the Lincoln Tomb.  They always treat the guide to a bottle of water.  Last stop is at Godfather's Pizza and then a ride back  to my car where I left it after the first tour on the schedule since I rode on the bus. It rained and misted all day but most tours were indoors.  Lunch was a bit of a problem since we eat outdoors on benches under a roof at Union Station.  The bus driver was kind enough to let them eat on the bus.  Then  there were a lot of buses doing the same so we moved along to our next stop early.  I got home to take Amber to Friday night practice.   She did some excellent healing because of our long day of separation and she was food motivated.  The only problem I had was the "drop on recall".  She  was  so motivated to  come  that when I said "down" halfway,  she just wanted to  be with  me.  

Saturday I went to a DAR meeting.  On the way I dropped 2 coats off at the cleaners.  I had needed them up until last  week and finally warming up.  The clerk had the nerve to ask, "is Wednesday soon enough?"  We went to the cemetery of  the chapter's namesake Capt William Penney and the Starhill Forest Arboretum.   

 

We then carpooled over to the Arboretum because the parking would be limited yet not far.  It is tricky to find the place out in the sticks but I had maps on my phone to get there.  We had a reverse problem leaving but my phone has a map to my parked car also.  I got to bring Sophie and Marla just loves her.    She's in assisted living that I'm having TDI international add to their list of approved facilities.  Here we are at the meeting at the arboretum.   After the meeting, Guy Sternbuerg got to show us some rare trees and not-so-rare, poison ivy.

Members got to see Sophie's superpower in action.

On my way home is stopped downtown to get a "touch the top of the capitol"  photo to enter a contest for seniors.  I couldn't find a passerby to take it so I had  to set it on a 10 second timer with many takes to get this picture.

I brought my kitchen step ladder.

Then I went to the VFW for their Derby Party.  How about that long shot to win: Rich-Strike.

 

My Derby Hat with running springs for the horse mobility did not win  the hat contest.

Ahh the bourbon tasting table.  But all in a row?  Glad it wore off before the Vietnam Vigil shift.

After that I went to the Vietnam Vigil.  I wanted to get a group photo but since we had plenty of help, we broke the hour rotation down into 15 minute shifts and the early guard left early.  I was on the last quarter shift.

Sunday was Mothers Day and I was surprised to return from my mile dog walk to see my 2 son's cars in the drive.  Dinner was cooked by Alan.  We had steak, salad, and he brought 2 big bags of asparagus.  He know I like it but I got it as yard food during this season.  I was given a new set of bed sheets and bottles of wine. 

We watched 2000 Mules.

Alan left around 2pm because I also had a practice with with Ginger, a retired AKC judge at the club.  Ginger seemed to express the same problems I'm going through because she used to train terriers.  Now she has a black and white sheltie that she brought to demonstrate.  It was so worthwhile because she taught me what to do when Amber stalls on recall or when she stops to scratch herself.  Never repeat the  command but go back and correct her by a slight yank  on the collar.  It's like a parent telling their kids to go to bed 3 times.  We also learned what she called  the "jack in the box" method for practicing the dumbbell  retrieval.  There were others that had different problems that I could also learn from.  Once again,  Ginger used to train terriers and understood the challenge.  After that I finally got to mow the yard.  I had picked up the mower after 3 weeks for a tune up. 

My week

Well my flowering dogwood tree was a week behind Easter this year. Last Monday I went to Mass right after my exercise class.  Some of my classes go longer.  I prayed form my sister's successful mastectomy.  I'm told it was successful. 

Tuesday I was getting ready to take Amber to visit Reflections but I got a text about a positive case there and decided not to risk it.

I took Amber to Tuesday evening obedience practice and again she disappointed me on the recall.  Although she did better on the down recall than the others did.  Near the end of the practice, I have to wait for all the dogs to use equipment like the broad jump because I have a smaller dog and we have to resize 2 of the obstacles.

Wednesday I shadowed Garret on tour buses from 9-5.  I got home to walk the dogs. Then Interveterans council meeting at 7.  Whew! That was a full day.  I recorded Garrett's tour talks on my phone's voice memos to play back and learn.

Thursday I put 7 tomato plants in the garden donated to me from Dan and Anita.  I wanted them to be in before the weekend's rain.  In the evening, I finally got to see the photos of Amber's fastcat run on Easter weekend.  Here is Amber's gallery!

https://mandaloriancaptures.format.com/amber-tac-4-22

The  local paper came out on Thursday and  I usally don't get that paper because it's got so much high school and kid stuff that don't pertain to me.  This time I was on the front page. 

Friday I was a local guide for a school tour through "Bright Star" AKA "https://springfieldwalkstours.com/".  I get on the bus when they arrive and speak on the microphone and make sure they are not late for their tour.  I then turn the kids over to the actual guides once inside. They have chaperones so I don't have to count.  I don't really need the money but the agency needed me and it was mask free. Just last week the ALPLM dropped mask but this made it to my calendar first.  They were a good group from St Cletus. I told them they were my best group.   The group had dinner on their way home and normally the local guide eats with them but I was not going to follow a bus to the Pizza Ranch in Bloomington.

I got these 3 certificates in the mail on Saturday.

AKC Agility Course Test 1

AKC Agility Course Test Jumpers 1 (I didn't pass ACT 2J)

AKC Agility Course Test 2

Saturday and Sunday, Amber and I participated in agility through Canine Performance Events. (CPE) agility at the fairgrounds sponsored by Decatur Obedience Training Club
April 30th & May 1st, 2022 CPE Agility Trial
IL State Fairgrounds-Livestock Center, 801 E. Sangamon Ave, Springfield IL 62702 .

Art is from CPE and he dressed brilliantly wild both days.

Art Mallot on Saturday wearing wild peace attire.

Art was wearing similar colors on Sunday.

Saturday we qualified 4 out of 5 runs and it agreed with me.  However, Sunday morning I was in tears after our first 3 runs.  The first 2 I left the ring thinking it was good until I saw our scores.  One I guess I missed the gamble but I thought that I did it and the second failure was when Amber flew off the tetter before the bank for a major flaw.  The 3d run I thought we failed after dropping a bar on a jump but it was still a qualified run with a deduction in points.   Someone had to come tell me we passed because I didn't want to look.  Well there was an Non-Qualified run raffle for a limit of one entry only (NQ) and at the end of the trial, my name was drawn.

Nothing to Wine About NQ raffle

.

This man's shirt captured my feelings.

Amber with our take home earnings this weekend at the DOTC CPE Trial ~ 7 out of 10 runs. She looks like I woke her up from the kennel to go home. We were allowed one entry in the non-qualifying (NQ) run raffle for a bottle that's labeled "there's nothing to whine about". Those of you that know me, this raffle was "divine intervention". (long story)

 

Saturday 4/30/2022:
               Jumpers L3 -  8 Inch - Judge: Pam Clark
               Distance: 128 yards  SCT: 47 seconds
               Score: 5 (Q)  Time: 35.21 seconds  2nd Place

               Colors L4 -  8 Inch - Judge: Pam Clark
               Distance: 98 yards  SCT: 45 seconds
               Score: 0 (Q)  Time: 22.23 seconds  1st Place

               FullHouse L3 -  8 Inch - Judge: Pam Clark
               Score: 30 (Q)  Time: 34.88 seconds  1st Place

               Standard L4 -  8 Inch - Judge: Pam Clark
               Distance: 159 yards  SCT: 74 seconds
               Score: 12 (NQ)  Time: 76.68 seconds  1st Place

               Standard 2 L4 -  8 Inch - Judge: Pam Clark
               Distance: 159 yards  SCT: 74 seconds
               Score: 0 (Q)  Time: 55.21 seconds  1st Place

    Sunday 5/1/2022:
               Jackpot L3 -  8 Inch - Judge: Pam Clark
               Score: 42 (NQ)  Time: 47.44 seconds  3rd Place (I sent her back into the gamble when she didn't go and she did it the second time but I should have just crossed the line and tried the second gamble option)

               Standard L4 -  8 Inch - Judge: Pam Clark
               Distance: 160 yards  SCT: 74 seconds
               Score: 15 (NQ)  Time: 49.12 seconds  1st Place (major deduction for flying off the teeter before the bang)

               Wildcard L3 -  8 Inch - Judge: Pam Clark
               Distance: 75 yards  SCT: 40 seconds
               Score: 5 (Q)  Time: 25.94 seconds  3rd Place (I thought I failed this because she dropped a bar but turned out it was just a deduction and still qualified.  I was filled with tears of relief)

               Snooker L3 -  8 Inch - Judge: Pam Clark
               Score: 39 (Q)  Time: 43.45 seconds  1st Place

               Jumpers L4 -  8 Inch - Judge: Pam Clark
               Distance: 138 yards  SCT: 45 seconds
               Score: 0 (Q)  Time: 44.24 seconds  1st Place

I'm trying to mow my back yard with a corded mower while my Toro is backlogged at KUNZ MOWER SERVICE for 3 weeks. It reminds me of shoveling a dog path when it snows. 

Unconditional love does not mean unconditional tolerance. Unlearn that!

~+~ Be a saint.  What else is there? ~+~

my week

I'm finally able to sleep with the window open at night.  Maybe I can shed my down quilt soon.

Monday I wanted to catch up on things since I was out of town over the weekend.  I bought a peach tree at Schnucks and put it in a hole.  Then I cut the grass.  Not all the yard but the part needed most because I had a corded electric mower that stops a lot. I'll have to do section at a time.  In addition, it stops when clogged because it exits the clipping through the rear bagger.  I'd be emptying the bagger every 5 feet so I propped it open.  Then the clipping spray directly on the operator.  High boots and work pants are in order.  I also received certificate titles from NADAC events.  I was only expecting one but some of the  virtual runs finally were evaluated.

Tuesday I took Sophie on a visit.  She loved the petting people.  In the evening I took Amber to obedience practice.  She ignored me on recall and that concerns me with an upcoming obedience trail Memorial weekend.

Wednesday evening I went to the Veterans Assistance Commission meeting.  I brought Iris with me since it was her first time on the council.  I think her background as a  JAG will be a great asset to the commission and our American Legion.  Even better is her enthusiasm to be there.  We had a vote on a significant increase in the employee wages that have been long neglected and behind other employees in Decatur and Peoria who have less workload statistics. All at the council voted in favor.

Thursday evening I went to our Catholic War Veterans monthly meeting.  I was happy to receive hearing aid batteries from Brad who says he gets more than he'll ever use with the VA provided hearing aids.  I was really glad because my commercial hearing aids from Ear to Hear just gave me only 2 cards of batteries that morning.  That may last me a month and the place is only open 2 days a week.

Friday I met with Dianna for the DAR convention to carpool to Bloomington.  I wrote a little acceptance speech but was not afforded an opportunity to speak.

Thank you so much for selecting me as the Outstanding Veteran Volunteer Award by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). It is better to give than to receive. Giving can be time, money, an empathetic feeling and sometimes just your presence when needed. True volunteering is selfless and is an intrinsic act of kindness. Today you bestow upon me an extrinsic recognition. There is a natural spirit of volunteerism for our fellow man. If you want something done, you have to do something about it. You can’t get away with saying “somebody should do something”. The past few years have changed the way people volunteer to include basic survival and virtual methods. I see two groups, some that got comfortable doing nothing and those that increased their opportunities to reach out to our fellow man. This is a great honor. All I know is that my ancestor, James Sturdivant, furnished a gun to the cause of the patriots fighting in the American Revolutionary War. That too is the spirit of volunteering. When I learned of this honor, my first thought was the other nominees for this award that I knew nothing about. All the folks that help at fundraising events and all the others. There are a lot of people that do little things and big things. I thank them as well and hope they are an example for others. For recognizing volunteerism, I thank you.

 

 

I was part of the first timers at the convention:

I'm the chapter token and trophy that didn't make the credits I guess.  That tells me that I was the chapter trophy because one of their own got recognition at the state conference.

 

I changed for the evening and many DAR ladies wear hats.  I wore my tricorn  hat and learned that it stays on better in the wind.  I guess our ancestors knew that the point in front really cuts the wind.

Saturday I helped out at New Salem for the scout weekend.  I just received an 1830s dress that I ordered on Ebay arrived just in time for the upcoming scout pilgrimage weekend.  I was eager to try it on and needed only a few minor adjustments.  Great quality in this and I was offered a $100 off by the seller for saving it to my watch list.  

I needed to freshen up on names and years for interpreting the Sam Hill house after a few years away. The house has wasps.

Showing off an attempt at period correct 1830s hairdo.

Inside the Hill House

facing the Samuel Hill house to avoid wasps.

 

The village was roaming with scouts on their annual pilgrimage.

Some musician friends in the cabin next to mine.

I was volunteering from 9 to 1:30 and wanted to try lunch at Broadgage in Petersburg since it's been on my bucket list since its remodeling.  

That evening I went to a play.  Two of the male characters were played by women. One of them had a false mustache that kept coming off but the act went on not drawing attention to the wardrobe malfunction better than I imagined.  The acting was good and the costumes were good.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lady_Windermere%27s_Fan

 

 Sunday I went to Mass with the Catholic War Veterans for a memorial Mass at St John Vianney Church.  I don't think I can say the pastor's name ( Father Fredrick Chima Mbiere!) but he was especially cordial and gave us a special blessing.  He said that he called his mother earlier because in Nigeria it's "Mother's Day".  Since Peggy didn't know the way, I picked her up and carpooled.  Afterward we had breakfast at Tasty Cafe nearby.  They were shorthanded and slow.  I think because we were a group that we were ignored even for coffee. Small tables were served and out while we waited.

Sean and I started watching Charité on Netflix. It's captioned from German to English but worth following.  It rained off and on all day.

My Wreaths Across America” has sparrow eggs.  One egg fell on the ground.  Three are blue except for one dark speckled egg.

 

Psalm 23 covers the three sacraments of initiation: water of baptism, table of communion, and anointing of confirmation.

My week

I'm tired of mixing wet and dry dog food and then the dogs leave it to rot.  Dry from now on. 

Monday I had an appointment for Amber to do tricks at 3:30 at the assisted living and wanted to do a little Easter theme. I taught her to roll an egg, go get the plush bunny, carry a basket, and jump through the rabbit hole. I dressed her up in an Easter dress (not that she liked it) and the activity director had a medical appointment.  In the evening I attended the VFW meeting.

Tuesday Sophie bonked her head walking into the garage door.  Her eyesight must be getting worse.  I attended a volunteer continuing education at the ALPLM and this program is online:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSDZHg5LuHo

Wednesday morning I had a meeting with my financial advisor who stopped by my house on her way to Chicago.   I was worried about my taxes.  She looked them over and said they were right and that

Thursday I received some Texas sweet onions from Anita.   Then I went to rally practice at the club after that. She seemed to stop and scratch herself during the route so I gave her a bath.  In the evening, I was asked to sub for dog classes  that evening to fill  in for an assistant that was ill.  Wow  I'm impressed with these dogs.  When I was at this stage of training, Amber sure wasn't as good as the dogs that I saw.  I got Amber's therapy Dog Certificate and pin.  God's little challenge for me is Amber.  She has brought smiles to those confined.

Friday morning was the anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's Death and Peggy and I placed a wreath on behalf of the Soldiers Aid Society.

I was standing on a platform used by visitors to reach Lincoln's nose to rub

I

program

I was also a member of DAR and they had a group photo as well.  66th Annual Lincoln Tomb Ceremony. DAR at the Lincoln Tomb, April 15, Commemorating the 157th Anniversary of the Death of Abraham Lincoln.

 

Gwen represented our Women's Overseas Service League at the wreath ceremony

 

 Saturday morning  I left for Purina Farms for Fast CAT® – which stands for Coursing Ability Test.  The weather was nice for the event but there was a lot of traffic on the grounds for an Easter event and the gate guard assumed I was with them.  I saw the road full of cars and took an alternate route to the sport field.   I noticed that her point score was considerably higher for the same amount of speed/MPH at previous events.   After a little math, I realized she had a different handicap height credit to our advantage.  So on Sunday I asked Jennifer to measure her. We've been misdiagnosed. I don't know if the past scores can be modified by AKC but I'll ask.  If past events are upgraded, we may have gotten our 500 point DCAT title.

Amber now has 445 points needed toward the 500 point DCAT title.

Here's a video of Amber's release with me at the end cheering her on.

Here's Amber at the selfie display with her 4 qualifying ribbons.

Pixie and Amber had an evening picnic in the park.  We couldn't eat in a restaurant because Pixie can't be left alone. She has separation anxiety. Yet I can leave Amber alone.  She spent time in the hotel while I went to Mass. Debbie's room was across from me and said she was quiet.

 I picked up Sophie from a neighbor.  Sean bought lunch.  My sinuses got so bad I had to lay down.  I thought that if we walk the dogs it might clear up but it didn't.  Could have been tired eyes from driving that contributed to my low down feeling. The weather started getting yukie so pressure could be involved as well.  Woke up a bit more chipper after a long sleep.

The birds are making a nest in my patriotic Wreaths Across America wreath.   I had a different decor on the siding before and they returned. 

I did go to the Easter Vigil mass in Eureka, MO.  There were about a dozen baptisms and about 5 previously baptized entering the Catholic church.  Although they didn't do a full immersion like last year when I was also there, each was in a tub and received a pitcher of water.  One was a father with 2 little ones and Father said they got a family discount.  I was present for this sermon about prayer is personal.

https://vimeo.com/699909126 

Easter Sunday Dinner Prayer

God and Lord of Life,

    we rejoice, on this Easter Sunday,

    in the resurrection from the dead

    of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Visit our home and this table

    with Your blessing of peace and life.

Help us, also, to remember our deceased

    family members and friends,

    all who cannot be together this Easter.

 May the Risen Christ be our guest

    as we celebrate His resurrection

    with this Easter Sunday dinner.

Bless those whose work to prepare this meal

    has truly been a work of prayer,

    and bless all of us who shall share it

    with Easter love and joy.

May You, then, bless this table

     and this food,

    and each of us in Your holy name:

    Father , Son and Holy Spirit.

+Amen.

 

Reflective Quote

“Saint Francis, faithful to Scripture, invites us to see nature as a magnificent book in which God speaks to us and grants us a glimpse of his infinite beauty and goodness.”

                                    Pope Francis