I dressed up like my animated Rosemary Zombie Girl for Halloween. Kids got a kick out of her and the remote controlled rat and spider.
Thursday was All Saints Day so I spent my lunch break at Mass at the downtown cathedral. As beautiful as it is, can't hear with the echo so I'm glad It's not my parish. I brought Michael with me and we were asked to take up the Offertory Gifts.
My vacation had gotten me off cycle for the six week sesson of YMCA exercise class so I guess I'll just pick up the next session. Meanwhile there's still the dollar Friday class which I did.
Friday was All Souls Day so I went to a Mass of Remembrance at 6:30PM which was very nicely arranged. Remember how the awards have memorials of the performers who died during the past year? Well that's what was on the slide show. Then we all lit a candle for our loved ones and got to take it home. One gentleman there showed me his veterans cap with the Purple Heart Viola and said "See, I told you I'd get one on the way out". How touching. Then I told him that I'll be doing the poppies next weekend.
I asked my coworker if he had any USE OR LOSE time off by the end of the year and he said 8 days. I explained he needed to use at LEASE one per week. I think he's too insecure to take the time for fear of his job loyalty as in the days when he got laid off.
Sunday we had a Mostcacolli dinner at church
Monday night I dropped a few sheets of information off at the American Legion meeting but didn't stay because I went to Civil War Ball dance practice.
Ok, I'm checking my emails and Marley brings in a fresh, warm rabbit in from the back yard through the doggie door flap. I knew she had a taste for road kill but didn't know she was capable to catch one herself.
I was off of work for Election Day. Of course I voted but didn't want to listen to news all day so in the evening I rented a video since I had a coupon for a free rental. While there, I noticed that for $2 they will send a video to the troops so I bought one for them. The young man at the desk thought it was real nice that I had a free video and bought one to give away. I told him I was a Soldiers Angel and he agreed but didn't realize that I'm formally a member of Soldiers Angels. I rented The Three Stooges.
I know that friends all said to take lots of pictures while in France so you can find them here: Facebook photo album
and here: Flickr
Sunday night I scrambled to find my ticket. It was in its place but I didn't recognize it among other documents.
Monday, I met with about 13 people at church and we took a bus to Chicago to catch our plane to France. We met other that met us in Chicago so the group is about 30. My room mate, Mee (pronounced May) ShoHoo, met us there. I sat next to a young man on the plane that seemed to be studying some advanced physics. In front of me sat a Jewish father and son who were returning to Israel from a Bar Mitzvahin Kentucky. Across the isle was a French family and the man was reading a book about Marx and socialism. I overheard the stewardess tell a man in the back that she had to write him up and he'll be escorted off the plane but that's all I heard.
When we got off the plane we were met by a bus that took us to see
http://architecturerevived.blogspot.fr/2010/05/church-of-st-joan-of-arc-rouen-france.html
Afterward we settled in our hotel in Honfluer. This is the port in which Samuel Champlain, the founder of Quebec, sailed from. We had dinner at a nearby restaurant that seemed to specialize in fresh seafood. I was able to remember how to ask for a glass of red wine and was complimented on that line. Then went to my comfortable bed and slept real well.
Evening dinner we had with our bus driver Jon-Mark. His English was not that good but between pointing and other little common words, we got along. He had scallops or something. They had baby craps on the inside of the shells. Now that is fresh.
Wednesday we went to see the basilica at Lisieux. Her story is on YOUTUBE (subtitled in English). We had Mass in the lower chapel of the basilica. Fr John had prepared a reading for the day but realized from the sanctuary that he could use the readings for St Therese every day at the basilica. He spoke of the "Saint of the Day" St. Ignatius Loyola.
The decor was eye candy dedicated to St Therese. In her short life, she had reflections known as the "Little Way" that everything you do is for the love of God. Father mentioned the "two spoonfuls" rule that his mother had for trying everything on the dinner plate was similar to St Therese's concept of the "Little Way". Here are some of her writings: http://www.thereseoflisieux.org/writings/
After that we toured the home she and her sisters grew up at Buissonets.
I explained to my son that he had been baptized in a church named St Theresa the Little Flower in Rapid City. A very interesting tie.
This is the video I took at St Theresa, The Little Flower of Lisieux
Then we got to visit the Carmelite chapel where her remains were kept in a chaple. The gift shop had a special secret cake that was made by the cloister nuns. Yum!
We toured Omaha beach and the bunkers. The ground was left intact with bomb craters. I went inside the bunkers and could see the burnt wood ceilings. Then we went to the National Cemetery in Normandy. We arrived in time for the 5PM retreat. He invited 6 veterans to assist folding the flag and Fr John and I started the tip of the tri-fold flag followed by other veterans and then retrieved by the staff.
Thursday morning we had Mass in Honfluer at Saint Catherine's Church.
This famous 15th-century cathedral is the largest surviving wooden church in France. I figured that since the church had been built out of the hulls of two ships, and the fact that the church was named Catherine, and that Catherine was the love interest of Capt Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean, that maybe the church was built from a pirate ship! This is the video that I recorded from the homily:
Then we took the bus to catch the high speed train from Paris to Lourdes. We arrived late so we had dinner in the Hotel Astoria Vatican while our bags were put in our room. I was on the 5th floor. There was a big gold couch in the lobby which inspired a recreation of the pose I had at Blarney Castle.
The next morning we had Mass in the grotto where Bernadette saw the apparitions. That's when it started to rain gradually harder and harder. I figure that if I could kiss the Blarney Stone in Ireland that I could kiss the rock of the grotto where the Immaculate Conception appeared to Bernadette. If you haven't seen the old movie, "Song of Bernadette", it is complete on YOUTUBE. After Mass we had our group photo taken. We the photo taken in shelter of one of the altar areas to keep out of the rain. It was a sunny background with our Lady of Guadalupe. Everyone was smiling nicely. I sat on the chair in the chapel reserved for the celebrant. Afterward, since we had the chain down, a few slipped in. Since he was a priest he promised to return the chain after his photos were taken too. While in the Basilica of the Holy Rosary, Mee and I saw a man writing names on the walls with a marker with his wife and two children watching. That was a disgusting thing to do. I pointed the wall out to a caretaker (he was just finishing cleaning up after a sick boy), who saw the graffiti and shook his head. I had lunch of French onion soup and a crepe at the Joan of Arc restaurant over the Lourdes River.
We had our group photo taken under the shelter of a chapel at the basilica. It looks so sunny that you would not believe it was raining.
Afterwards, Mee and I met up with other members from our pilgrimage at the Bath. Cleansed inside and out. Air dried. But, who cares when your clothes are wet from the rain? The volunteer women who assisted us with modesty and prayer intention during the immersion were very respectful. I told her I was an American and she spoke English well. She held a shroud around me as I undressed, not a towel. She instructed me to pray and meditate on my indulgences and prayers while waiting for another woman behind the curtain. She told me to focus on the Immaculate Conception and that was easy with the statue in font of the pool. As I waited, I heard the shocked scream of the woman behind the curtain during her bath. When it came to my turn, they asked me to sit (so they could give me a controlled back dunk to the neck) but I choose to squat to my high waist and that was enough for me. I said enough and AMEN. After I got out, she assisted me by holding the shroud for privacy and took my clothes off the hook. She practically tried to help dress me and attempted to assist me with my shoes. That reminded me of the washing of the feet by Jesus to his disciples.
I did a little bit of shopping and got some bottles to take back some of the miraculous water but the road was blockaded to the faucets. I didn't realize until I got back that it was not because of any closing time but that the river was rising near the grotto and it was closed for safety. In fact I never did get any water by my own hands but brought back some from the shop.
I really wanted to go on the evening candlelight procession but I had enough rain for one day. Besides, there's always tomorrow evening. That didn't happen either.
The second day in Lourdes we went to see the house she lived and later the family was evicted and lived in a place known as Cachot. It was a jail. Afterward we were on our own for lunch. My roommate, and Dan and Anita Bedell and I decided our plans to see the fort since some could not do all the walking. We had lunch at a cafe. I asked in my broken French for some French food. We had soup, duck, fries, and a cake for dessert. We had a waiter with a great sense of humor with our language barriers and he spoke English. After that we went to château fort de Lourdes which is a historic castle located in Lourdes in the Hautes-Pyrénées département of France.
They've declared this the worst flood of Lourdes in 30 years. The news is applauding the rescue of a nun and others. Here are pictures of the flood: http://news.sky.com/story/1000488/lourdes-flooding-forces-pilgrims-to-flee. We had mass in the upper Basilica side chapel. This is the video of the sermon:
Because of the flooding, we could not have Mass at the Church of Bernadette on Sunday so we had Mass in our hotel. We had breakfast and then checked out of the hotel for the train to Paris. At the station, we were informed that the flooding had affected the tracks so we were bussed an hour away to catch the the train to Paris. We got off the train and were bussed to the IBIS hotel. My room window overlooked the cemetery. We had dinner at a restaurant called the Hippopotamus. We had chicken on skewers. Afterward, 6 of us decided to go for a walk and we found the famous Moulin Rouge.
10/22/12 Monday was very busy, we had Mass at the Daughters of Charity convent at Ru Du Bac where our Blessed Lady appeared to St Catherine Laboure and presented the Miraculous Medal. I met a cloister nun in the gift shop who explained her order (though a woman on our tour group that spoke French) and gave me a card. She gave permission to take a picture (see photo in Flickr). Then we got to see Notre Dame and the Treasurery. Walked around the cathedral and had a little time so went down the steps to the Sien river walk. There, Mee and I snapped photos of three young men that did a jump in the river. After they got out, they put on some strange fufu like outfits. Then the river police came and pulled them over.
Silver Mime at Sacre Coeur France.
After lunch, a few of us able bodied folks went to Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Construction began in 1875 and was finished in 1914. It was consecrated after the end of World War I in 1919. I took the cable car up the long stairs on the hill side but walked down on the return. There were two street mimes, one Spanish and one was a silver man. After some pushing by the group and a few coins in the cup, I got to dance with the
Tuesday I went to see Chartes Cathedral in a mideavel town. Chartres Cathedral has housed the tunic of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Sancta Camisia, since 876. The relic was said to have been given to the cathedral by Charlemagne. The Romanesque basilica has a massive crypt where we had mass. We had been given a private tour of the Basilica by the British guide, Malcolm Miller, so I had to pick up his book in the gift shop. Then we had a ride on the Petit Train tour of the medieval village. It was so fascinating to see architecture that has survived fire and the wars.
In the evening, there was an optional show at the famous Paris Lido. I would say it was a combination of Circ De Sole, Lady Gaga, Vegas, Dancing With the Stars, a Lipisan Stallion all rolled into one packed show. We were told it was classy so we should dress up. A bottle of Champaign was part of the ticket although some opted for less to drink. Someone had some pretty strong perfume that affected my sinuses that had been building. That sure was a long day and I didn't sleep well.
Wednesday we were on our own so a few of us took the metro train to see the Versailles Palace. I was so congested that I couldn't talk with my sore throut. I didn't want that to spoil the sightseeing. Father Alan was a victim of a pick pocket and lost his American money and a credit card while on the Metro.
Here I am at the golden gates at Versailles.
Coming back, I learned that my Metro ticket was not the round trip ticket that I thought it was. Communication error and I had to buy another. I was so congested that I wanted to dose off on the train but couldn't for fear of missing my exit. I skipped Mass at St Rita (funny that this church was right across from the Moulin Rouge) and I took a nap before dinner. As a matter of fact, I was awoke by a call from our guide to see If I would be to dinner. I knew I needed some nourishment since I hadn't eaten since breakfast. We had some fried calamari and steak with french fries and yogurt (plain) drizzled with a berry-like syrup.
We did ride through the tunnel that Dianna was killed. There is no memorial as the French did not want it.
Our plane take off was delayed because of pre-flight check error on the flaps. Seems it was a simple computer restart that fixed the problem. At Chicago, we went our separate ways and the 12 of us that left from Chatham arrived about 8:30 PM on Thursday to rain. My suitcase ended up to be lightweight but a one and only trip. Its side was ripped and trash day took it the next day.
With all the hustle and bustle in my life, I told Sharon at Golden Frontier to take care of everything and I'll do my part financially and show up on time. I had not been well prepared for all the history that France had. So many saints amazed me on this trip too. Our ancestors put their money toward royalty both in Heaven and on Earth. I learned a lot.
Thanks to all the warriors that allow me to sleep under a blanket of freedom! A shout out to them as they watch the sun rise in Afghanistan-- may God be with you and keep you safe!
I've been watching Sons of Anarchy on Tuesday nights. Quote from the episode: Wendy: "A coin in the Karma bank"
I posted on facebook that Tuesday I shipped 3 boxes to Afghanistan after work. Many 'likes' and comments until ... Doug's comment. "Doug" said in response to my fb post: "i am sure they will be happy, I am very happy for everything you have sent me over the last 2 deployment's. thank you very much Rose.... " (copied)
Happy tears now. I cannot even talk to express how I feel to my son beside me in this room. The soldier whom I supported thru 2 deployments had responded to my facebook post regarding the announcement with pride that I had sent out 3 boxes today. I know many I have sent were to "silent soldiers" but that I know that all I have sent are appreciated. I often had to use my own imagination at the joy to receive something from an American supporter. I know that my 22 yrs in the Air Force during the cold war and short tour in Saudi Arabia (which minimally qualifies for VFW) cannot hold a candle to what our troops have been through now.
My son says he never got the package that I sent when he was in Iraq but then Marines have shorter tours and I didn't have the communication support of "Soldiers Angels" back when he was in Iraq about how to support. I'm sure my box to him was shared randomly as he said they received randomly. Makes everything in my little life seem so small. God Bless our Troops and all that they endure for us.
Wednesday I met with Grace Miller of our Womens Overseas Service League at Camp Lincoln's Military Museum to meet with Illinois Director of Veterans Affairs, 10/3/12. Womens Overseas Service League met with Erica Borgren, Illinois Director of Veterans Affairs with chapter president, Grace Miller and Rose Connolly..
I went to a meeting at 7PM Wednesday with the American Legion Riders. Afterward I dropped off some thank you letters for the Honor Flight's mail call. The presidential debate was on the radio and when I got home, my sons and the neighbor were watching and having a beer.
Last Sunday I was going to cut the grass but my son said he would do it the following day when cars are out of the drive so he could turn around on the riding mower better. I also think he wanted me to do more with the task that I had started in the spare room clean up. Well by Thursday night it had not yet been cut so I did it before the predicted rain.
Friday the gas price went up so I filled up. It wasn't until 3PM when Steve gets off of work that I realized I'm off Monday for Columbus Day. In the evening I made an eggplant bake. Alan liked it so that was good.
Saturday I got up and dressed in my period costume to help out at the Old State Capitol from about 10:30 to 3PM. I gave 2 full tours and a partial tour. There was a group that was in Springfield that had been on my tour from a just finished Masonic convention. While waiting for the group to gather up, I started small talk and learned one had just been to France the week before. I told him I was going in about a week. When I got towards the end of my tour, I mentioned that Representatives Hall was used for other gatherings in the off season for things like horticulture groups, dances, and Masonic lodge meetings. One man with the group said he toured the Old State Capitol before and no one had ever mentioned that on the tour. I said that I had given tours as a volunteer for 12 years and heard it many times and offered him to check it out.
After the tours, I went to the American Legion and changed my costume there from Civil War to my German dress for our American Legion Riders German Dinner. Food was great and everybody seemed to like it. Yes I had an offer to join some of my friends from the Old State Capitol to go to New Salem for the candle light tour but temperatures dipped and my feet are killing me.
Sunday -- I went to church and I was a Eucharistic Minister. There was a warning in my car for "Icy" conditions. I'm still trying to straighten out my storage room. Taking it in little baby steps. One thing leads to another. As I move stuff, I find stuff. Then I mop the floor where moved.
I was able to get the floor model of Rosemary the Zombie Girl for half off. They even let me have the sale card with the name and original price of $159. She has been on display for over a month and no longer lunges forward. The manager threw in the foot pad activator which is normally extra. Otherwise, she is sound activated (or tapped on) as well. Sure would be nice if I or someone could fix her lunge mechanism. There is a good review of the mechanics here: Rosemary Zombie Girl Prop Review I think I'll dress like her for Halloween. She's 4' tall and I'm 5' tall. We could be sisters.
I also got a new shelf for organizing the storage room. Changed the burnt out light bulb and got goodies for soldier boxes at Big Lots 20% off Sunday on anything. The neighbor brought over a zucchini bread since they had to use it and had plenty. I love it. Plenty from a family of 3 daughters and 2 part time step daughters means there must have been a lot.
Columbus Day I woke to a cold house and our first frost. Ug...I turned the heat on to take the chill out. Bentley had bad bad gas. As in light a candelabra. I shouldn't have poured the gravy from dinner nuggets.
Thoughts for the day: "All types of knowledge, ultimately leads to self-knowledge." --Bruce Lee
"I will not be commanded and I will not let the future go on without the help of my soul"
Well my dogs have been pretty frisky. Marley seems playful and Bentley seems like he wants to inspect the counter top. I picked him up to show him that nothing is there. I figured they were both hungry and didn't want the dry dog food. I mixed them a batch of moist food. HAPPY!
Wednesday I went to Spirit Halloween store with Michael during my lunch hour to look around and test all the demo props. I came across the
"Spirit Halloween Rosemary Zombie Doll". Notice the resemblance?
She costs double on eBay. So why is my name so creepy? First in a horror movie, "Rosemary's Baby", and now the "Rosemary Zombie Doll". Be afraid!!
Wednesday evening I went to the church to meet up with some members that will be on my upcoming trip to France. We are reviewing a few phrases we'll need and going over the places we'll be. We had wine with a cheese tray. Je m'appelle...Rose http://french.about.com/library/media/wavs/jemappelle.wav
Friday evening I went to see Sordid Lives at the Legacy Theater. My friend, Gene, had a part in the play as O'Dell Owens and the preacher at the funeral. He was a great fit in the roll. I dressed in my best "white trash" look. I wore my beads, leopard top and even a temporary tattoo. Tattoo on my chest lasted all weekend but, alas, covered most of the weekend too. I'm probably the only one in the audience that went with the white trash look.
Note this quote from the article "Both the play and a film adaptation written and directed by Shores have gained a cult following. “In Miami, for instance, audiences do some of the same stuff that they do for ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show,’ such as dressing up and throwing things at the stage,” Furling said."
http://www.pjstar.com/photos_graphics/x1238771270/Veterans-Memorial-Unveiling-and-Tree-Dedication
Saturday was busy. I went to Pekin to meet up with the AmVets Riders for a memorial tree dedication in the park at 10AM. I left the house for the 60+ mile ride in 45 degrees. I had a dressed well for it but knew it would be hot when I got there. I received the above patch for my vest which I scanned. Then at 1PM I went to a memorial dedication in Spaulding at 1PM.
Notice that the flag is full staff when the governor declared a statewide half-staff notice honoring KIA Gunners Mate Second Class Dion Roberts from Sunrise, Saturday, September 29, 2012 until Sunset, Monday, October 1, 2012. http://www.illinois.gov/PressReleases/PressReleasesListShow.cfm?RecNum=10591
My son told me that my picture was in the Pekin Times. It sure didn't show on the online edition. If it did, that would be good PR for AmVets.
Between the tree memorial in Pekin for the tree dedication and then to the memorial dedication in Spaulding, I put 160 miles on the motorcycle.
Then in the evening a reenactment. I wore my new Civil War Confederate braid dress. It still needs some alterations in the waistband pleat. I was just an extra and felt unneeded at this event. I had been a reenactor but not been asked in a long time so maybe I'm not good enough anymore. Visitors were able to pick up a puzzle piece at all of the historic sites and put it together for a phrase on the back. Since the event was scheduled from 6-9PM and the Lincoln Tomb closed at 8PM, the odds were against anyone getting all of the puzzle peices. Besides, there was a line outside the Vachel Lindsey home because there was limited space.
Sunday morning I rode Wheezer to church. I was a Eucharistic minister. Came home hungry and just stayed home. I put up my Halloween decorations and put the coffin together. I put my rubber skeleton on my motorcycle sissy bar. I put some Halloween decorations up in the yard including my wooden coffin.
I got a bit caught up on my email. One saddened me. It was about "Show your Street". The problem was the car and truck in our driveway. The truck that we had our accident in that later took my husband's life.
Legend has it, when you can't sleep at night, it's because you are awake in someone else's dream.
Monday morning I woke to a cool foggy morning. After work I attended a VFW meeting. I spoke about Wreaths Across America but will never make a motion for a contribution. I explained that I was putting together a state-wide press release but was waiting to hear from a few others. I reminded the post that they donated last year. I did get a check from the post. I also mentioned the veterans memorial dedication in Spaulding on 9/28/12.
I adopted a soldier who is serving in harms way. This time I had an email and he replied the following day. "this place is hell on earth in my opinion". God bless our troops. Those of us not there must use the imagination...like at a horror movie only it's real. http://soldiersangels.org/
The paper has photos of the barn dance I went to in Lincoln, IL for the Railsplitters Festival.
Wednesday evening I went over to the church for a few lessons on French for my upcoming trip. I fear the language barriers.
I had a blue blanket throw that has been washed one too many times and is falling apart leaving lint on other items now. Bye Bye. The bedspread that I use in the summer months looks similar to those at the Old State Capitol so I'll stash it with my historical props.
Thursday I had lunch with coworkers at the newly renovated Boone's Saloon. We had the lunch special was the Bandito Burger- a black bean veggie burger topped with pepper jack cheese, fried banana pepper rings, and chipotle ranch sauce! Yummy! Thier wifi was free but weak.
Thursday evening I went to an ABATE meeting over at the VFW hall. Our American Legion Riders commander went to speak about Wreaths Across America. I asked if he was a member of ABATE and he said no. I warned him that it would be tough. I told him that last year when Dave spoke, he had to fork over the membership fee. Then he said he wanted to show a 30 minute video. I said Noooooooooooo. Guest will not get that much time. However, they did pass the hat for the wreaths and collected about $100.
Friday morning I juiced up some apples and grapes with ginger and cinnemon. Since it was the last day of summer, we wore our Hawaian shirts.
I picked up my four tickets to the Rocky Horror Show:
Friday night I rode my 1989 Route 66 Special Edition Yamaha in the parade for the International Mother Road Festival held in Springfield. I had three "you go girl" shout outs and two requests for wheelies from those watching the parade. I made on dumb mistake, I should have dressed warmer now that it gets dark earlier. Nancy loaned me her hoodie for the ride home. I'll return it to her when I go to work on Monday. I watched the rest of the parade with friends from the American Legion. Dave posed on my bike since he's used to a much bigger bike.
Saturday I went to help out at the Old State Capitol since there was no one signed up when I looked at the volunteer list on Friday. I expected the tours may be busy since it was the Rt 66 Mother Road Festival downtown. However, there was plenty of help. Picked up something for my son and I to eat. Filled the cracks in the patio. Still need to pick up another tube. Made a head dress for reenacting. I wanted to use a buy it now on ebay but the seller must have blocked me.
Getting ready to take all the old VHS stuff to Goodwill too.
I went to a Polka Mass at noon followed by a brat lunch for $7 a plate. I wore my new custom sized corded petticoat for the first time underneath a Gunne Sax dress. I did know a few people there from the Catholic War Veterans and ABATE. Bobbi from ABATE suggested the Villa Maria location for a family biker event next year. I didn't go to the family event at the zoo last year but am told there was a great turnout. Bobbie thanked me for maintaining the facebook page for the Lincoln Land ABATE chapter. After that I quickly came home and got into my jeans and jacket to ride over to the funeral home for a Patriot Guard Riders at the funeral for Kieth who was a World War 2 Veteran. http://www.patriotguard.org/ALLForums/tabid/61/forumid/11/tpage/1/view/topic/postid/1888473/Default.aspx#1889296
After that I picked up some chicken on the way home and a gift card for my son to shop at County Market. In the mood for chicken and noodles. There was a lady in the parking lot admiring my bike. She said she could never ride because she is only 5' tall. I told her so was I and watch me go. Alan had dinner ready so maybe later.
I received a call from the Veterinarian about Bentley's surgery and his growth was benign. She wanted to know about his post surgery. I told her he would jump up when he itched but couldn't reach the incision in his anus. I explained that he was a money pit but loveable. She agreed. However, she also understood he is a very loveable cocker spaniel even compared to the cockers that she had owned. I guess his lovable personality comes with a price and bad breath.
I'm am so happy that my son is getting some job interviews after staying home from college nearly a year and a half. I have been praying for him and he's even on a prayer chain. There is nothing more than a mother wants for her children than to be happy and have a family of their own. This job situation is in the way of the future.
Thursday evening I went to a meeting of the Catholic War Veterans. I went from being the post historian to adjutant. But the big tension was a vote for post commander between Pat and Dennis. Pat was next in line when the post commander passed away last spring. All of a sudden a silent member comes forward and will accept no other position except post commander. He even mailed out a bio and requested our vote like a politician. Well the results was 5-7 in favor of Pat.
Friday I took a long lunch hour to be with the AmVets whose national commander was on tour of Camp Butler National Cemetery. I had lunch with cousin Kerbys at Golden Corral. Paul Kerby will probably run for State AmVets commander next year. I went back to work and boy it was like busy while I was gone. After work I dressed up and went to the Railsplitters Ball in Lincoln, IL. I picked up my dance parter, Gene Walker, who has been so busy lately between his recent move, his VA claim, the Sangamon County Burial Detail, and his short term commitment to a part in his play at the Legacy Theater as Odell Owens in Sordid Lives. Here he is doing the "Hat Dance" which you get to pick a partner to dance down the line. He gave the next gent the hat so as not to disappoint either lady to dance the line.
Gene chose both ladies in the "Hat Dance"
Lincoln Railsplitters Ball
There was video taken at the ball by the local news
The name of this dance is called the Tempest.
Saturday I went to New Berlin for a benefit poker run for the Veterans Memorial. I cut out of the last stop to meet for a barn dance to begin at 7PM and park the bike on Gene's lawn. Then went to Lincoln for the Railsplitter's Festival barn dance. Met with Terry and Patti there. She tried to get her husband on the dance floor but he left in early frustration
You cannot frown while dancing. The screw ups at the barn dance were actually funny. Now that I look at the YouTube video of us dancing, I can see much of what the square dance caller had us do was the same/similar to the Civil War dance.
I went to Mass with the Catholic War Veterans an the parish happened to have breakfast in the church basement. There were only 4 of us in the group for our monthly memorial Mass. We met a retired marine Lt Col and had invited him to join CWV. He explained he wouldn't have the time because he was caring for his ailing wife who has Fibromyalgia. After that I went to the County Market to use up my coupons that expired that day. Then I went to a picnic at the American Legion picnic. After we ate, we played bingo. I don't really have a good attention span for that because I'm using the free wifi to catch up on my blog.
I won $78 as third place in the American Legion cash drawing. Then I got belittled by Bob Shotts for not donating it back. Seems to me that Bob had motioned the post for financial support his little league at a meeting not too long ago.
I got a call about French lessons on Wednesday night at the church for an upcoming trip.
A couple times, my son asked me, "What ya doing?" I said writing a check to pay a bill.
We need rain and got some from Hurricane Issac. Before it hit, I decided to cut my sparse grass knowing that the rain. I had to cut it again upon return.
Saturday morning, my sons and I left for Ohio to visit family. Sean couldn't get off on Friday so we made it for Saturday through Tuesday. We had some rain along the way and it was humid.
Sunday there was a family gathering at Kate's house. I got to see the the memorial story boards for Neal. I had no idea how skinny he got before he passed last year.
We returned on Tuesday and made a brief stop at the Wright Patterson AFB museum.
Photos from the trip to Ohio are here: Ohio Trip
Upon return, I rested up and then went to the airport to welcome home the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight.
Wednesday I dropped Bentley off at the vet for surgery to remove a tumor on his anus. That costs $557. The healing on that sensitive area really made him jumpy. In the evening I went to a meeting for the American Legion Riders. I shared some scones that I picked up on the way as a less sweet pre-birthday treat to share with the group.
I wore a nice, coral colored dress and a birthday ribbon to work on my birthday. I had over 60 wishes on my facebook page and loved every one of them. I went to "It's All About Wine" with my sons and had a flight special: $10 Grand Cabernet Flight (a $24 value). Sean brought cheese and crackers. After that I went over to the biker night at Quaker Steak and Lube since it was on the way. Not exactly fitting in with the bikers in that dress. I got a necklace, patriotic iron on, lottery ticket (won $2), and a needed garbage can.
Friday evening I had dinner at the Route 66 Motel with some of the Red Knights from up north that came down to the capitol for a 911 memorial. They went on a ride on Saturday but I didn't go since I had a prior commitment with the Poker Run to raise funds for Wreaths Across America.
I got this on ebay. "Rebel Braid Dress" is an original design. The martial braid motif on the bodice is inspired by Confederate officer's insignia. It needs some sewing around the waistband. But it'll look nice.
Friday I had dinner at the Route 66 Hotel with some of the out-of-town Red Knights. The local Red Knights took them on a ride on Saturday but I opted for the American Legion Riders a poker run to benefit Wreaths Across America. Sunday morning I met the Red Knights at the hotel after church and we rode to the capitol for a brief memorial for 911 at the fallen firefighters memorial. The bronze statue of the firefighters got to wear a vest for awhile.
I dressed up like my animated Rosemary Zombie Girl for Halloween. Kids got a kick out of her and the remote controlled rat and spider.
