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

My week

It was a busy week and I am glad in it.   I dropped off some documentation for Therapy Dog International at Concordia village.  I brought Sophie with me hoping to see the  director  but the person at  the front desk said she'd put it in his basket.  Afterward I thought I stop by TJ Max to see what kind of Easter dresses they had.  They sure looked frumpy.  I bought some dog poo bags that have funny sayings like "love stinks" and "this too shall pass".  Monday evening was our American Legion meeting. 

Tuesday I put up my hummingbird feeder. It won't be long before they return.  In the afternoon Amber went on a visit.  In the evening to the CCTC meeting.

Wednesday was our agility practice group in Mechanicsburg preceded by lunch.  I took the back roads and there seemed to be a lot of flooding.  I also saw a couple vultures dining on a dead deer.  Although the field was really muddy and I wore my mud boots, Amber did me proud at practice.  She did 12 weave poles both directions. 

I have not been going to the gym on Thursdays because the only class was cycle with loud music.   Instead I'd been going to Mass at 8:30.  This week there was a change and there was senior core class at 8:35.  In addition,  the gym was cleaned up.  In fact there's a little leave on the TRX bar.

Afterward I went to rally practice at the dog club.  I'm glad I go early because Amber and I  take the course off leash and later others come and are a big distraction to a dog off leash.  In the evening I went to the ALPLM to see a presentation on Muslims in the Heartland. 

I still couldn't start my Personal Pace Toro. The Toro has been on a charger for weeks and grinds but doesn't start. I got out my corded electric mower to just do the back yard so the dogs don't have to climb over the tall grass. However, it's like cutting the grass with a weed whacker. After flipping that cord all the time, I think it would be cruel to start training Amber on jump rope trick. I must decide between a 1) battery mower, 2) taking it annually to Kunz Mowing service (which I can't lift into my car alone) or 3) hire a lawn service. I do enjoy this chore but starting a mower is not my thing. Maybe God is telling me to stick to gardening for an outdoor chore.

Friday morning I left early for Canton OH with my dogs.  I went to the memorial service for my husband's sister Ina who recently passed away.  I had not been to see Frank's family in a long time. My car was muddy from Wednesday's agility practice on the farm and hoped to gas  and wash when I got to Canton.  Well I didn't see a station with a wash but upon looking at my vehicle, the God's intermittent rain had washed most off.  In central Ohio, I saw an Amish team of horses plowing a field.    I checked into the Comfort Inn.

Saturday morning there was a heavy wet snow that didn't last.  Kate and Mike picked me up at the hotel and we went to the service together as well as the meal after.

Me, Lyssa, Michele, Lyssa's son?, Taylor, Kate, Trina and Jason

After the memorial, we had dinner at Hartville Kitchen.  That's a huge restaurant and bakery store with a good crowd.  Fortunately Lyssa reserved a room for us.  I loved this life size Easter Resurrection display in the lobby.

When you look inside the opening, there's more.

One of the sides to my chicken dinner that I chose was rice sauce which I had to ask what it was.  I liked it.  It was similar to chunky Spanish Rice but with a spicy chili pepper kick and maybe cinnamon. I wouldn't eat  this alone because it was spicy but I'd like to try to make it.   I hope that my presence brought a little of Frank to his sister's memorial.  I mentioned this to Katie and she told me that Mike said I was her only sister now ~ even as a sister-in-law.  Aww!  I just ran through the family and I never thought of it that way.  I was dropped off at the hotel in time to go to Palm Sunday service at St Joseph Church in Canton.  I got there just as Mass was beginning.

I saw a couple of the convoy trucks returning from DC on I-74.  Big truck was pulling like a 5th wheel camper with a flag like the firefighters have on the back of the truck.  Between the cab and camper there were 2 flags but they were coiled up.  Followed by another truck which was difficult to read while driving but something about a stolen election in the Biden font.  They were obviously together because I had passed them twice with a potty stop in-between.

Sean had turned over the garden soil where I left off.   He also helped me load my mower so I can get it  serviced on Tuesday when they open.

I watched "Rescued by Ruby" on Netflix.  It was a tear jerker.

I heard this little acronym to memorize the gifts of the Holy Spirit.  WUCKPF:  wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.  I doubt I'll remember anyway.

My Week

 Monday evening I went to our Bible study.  I have difficulty jumping around verse to verse but that doesn't mean I don't learn anything.  We learned about the series of covenants between God and man and the final covenant on the cross.   Wives of early kings were queen and when the king's heir became king, she was above him as queen mother.  Mary was queen mother and also the ark of the covenant.  We have evolved from brick and mortar temples to spiritual temples.  That takes a lot of faith.

Tuesday morning I was on standby for a call to return Diann home after her cataract surgery. She had a  ride there early by another that was convenient at like 5:30AM so that I could sleep in normally. I wasn't sure when I'd get the call to pick her up so I went to my exercise core class and  got the call just as we finished class.  She does use a walker and was wondering how she can feed her cat so I loaned my  aka "reachabowl" (may be out of business)  aka “no bend bowl” that I've been using since my back surgery. She and her husband were very active with our American Legion.  She lost her husband 2 years ago and I didn't know that she had moved from the rural 5 acres to a house nearer to me.  A wise decision for a widow using a walker.

At 2PM there was a Vietnam Veterans Commemoration Ceremony at Camp Butler.  

Peggy got some extra flowers for my husband's grave.

Peggy and myself before the ceremony

 

With DAR presence 

The event at Camp Butler was a national event.  Then the state had a similar event in Lincoln, IL in the evening indoors. 

Wednesday I went to a program about Susan Lawrence Dana.  Susan Lawrence Dana, a Springfield socialite and heiress, used her platform to promote progressive social change, and she regularly advocated for the rights of women and African Americans. 

Katie Brethorst discusses Dana’s advocacy in honor of Women’s History Month as part of her thesis.

In the evening I went to the Interveterans Council of Sangamon County for which my role is chaplain.

Thursday got busy.  Since I don't have an exercise class on Thursdays, I usually go to 8:30 Mass.  Then I went to rally practice at the club.  I'm glad I got there early and had the floor nearly to myself.   After three runs through.  Shari doesn't often pass out compliments but she liked the way Amber backs up 3 paces.  I just need to make my steps shorter and less exaggerated. Shari wanted to discuss a particular sign at the end where  Amber has to do "sit stay" while I would normally get the leash.  She stayed a good time while we discussed a sign.   I was amazed.  Others arrived and it started to get crowded taking turns so I got to leave then.  

That evening I went to a tea party meeting and Peggy Hubbard was the guest speaker.  The email didn't list the time so I assumed 7 but it really started at 6:30.

Friday I did go to exercise but right after I went downtown to do a "ride along" student bus tour group with Garrett Moffet.  He showed Stephanie and myself how to be a local guide for his tour agency as the school buses start  rolling in between March and May.  I must say he kinda sounded desperate.  I need to get back into site interpretation but don't want to do it for a state site until the mask mandate is lifted.   Guests do not have to so why should a volunteer?  Besides, it pays.  Not that I need the money or anything but I may try this for the lack of masking and swing of things.  I was most  surprised at the Old State Capitol where some of the rooms have converted from an example of how the room looked when Lincoln graced the hallways to turned more into a self guided museum.

The taxidermy dog at the Illinois State Military Museum

touchable objects at the Lincoln Home

I got back in time to walk the dogs and head over to the legion to help with the fish fry.  I've been keeping the drinks of coffee tea and water full.  After that I drive by the Capitol Canine Training Club where I'd normally be on Friday evenings practicing.  A few were still there and someone shared homemade banana bread.  Just what I needed after snacking on fish.

Saturday morning I went to yoga at 8 and then the Quincy Advisor Council meeting virtually at 10.  That meeting lasted hour and 15.  I represent the Women's Overseas Service League.  I also see that Tim from the Catholic War Veterans was on the meeting.   Toward the end of the meeting they called out for him to stay online to get his info.  He cut out early but I told the staff that I had it and could relay that information.  He cheated out early and I'll pick on him at the meeting.  I was able to head over to the DAR meeting and caught the tail end of that meeting because that meeting is even longer the the advisory council.  I caught the presentation of Mary Lincoln and her sister Elizabeth Edwards.  After that, the regent gave me a certificate that I told her I may be able to show up late for.

After that we had  lunch at the Chatham Cafe.  Later I went to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum for a special sensory-friendly event in the "Abe for All" initiative.  It was an attempt at dimming lights and sound for those with issues.  Well, I'm hearing impaired and I wanted to know.  I didn't see much of that goal achieved. If so what little difference there was, it was subtle and seemed more geared toward children with discussion stations and some toys.  In fact, kids talking are really background noise that drown out speech.  I only saw one family signing and one service dog.  Hearing was a problem when the volunteers tried to talk to me through their masks.  I never realized how much I read lips to assist to fill in words.  I think many were there because it was a free admission event.  Lot of free loaders but how do you ask someone if they are hearing impaired? The funny part of the evening was the guard asking to check my purse.  I didn't bring one and opened my coat to show keys and hanky.

sensory can also mean the feel and touch of objects like wool and silk on uniforms

ALPLM had a Ukraine craft table for the kids to make flowers during the sensory event.

Sunday morning I was the reader at Mass.  Just before going to church, my smoke detector went off and I had to put out a log that rolled out of the fireplace.

As I waited for Mass to begin, another parishoner was welcomed back from a snowbird trip to Arizona.  He mentioned that they had a Father Joe to our pastor also Father Joe.  I exclaimed that "they're everywhere", even when I go to Eureka, MO.  Then my pastor asked if he was Joe Kempf whom he had gone to the seminary with.   Small world I'd say.  I fixed Campbell's garlic chicken.  While he was waiting for his laundry, we hopped on over to

Scoop Du Jour

for a sundae.  That was nice and spontaneous.  The weather was nice for a change.  The dogs were tired.   

Now everybody must be prepared for inflation in  the coming year.  Many do not remember the days that my mother washed and reused aluminum foil and plastic bags.  Young folks today will goe "Eww" to that.