My week

Monday I rode to work know I had carefully planned an afternoon off between the dentist and dropping off the bike for an oil change.  I was also mildly twisted my arm into new grips.

During my lunch break on Tuesday, I bought a Toro mower designed for me.  It has both push button and cord start.  I know it was expensive ($669 with all taxes) but has all the girly features a petite woman needs.  Starts with a push button like my motorcycle and the handle is low.

In the evening I went to the Lincoln Tomb for the weekly retreat ceremony.  I got there early to see the "first person" description of the Lincoln Funeral before I donned my own period dress (as technology is outlawed per the by-laws of the Soldiers Aid Society).

I was pleased to see our group leader arrive (in plain clothes) with her grand children for the ceremony.   I was surprised to see my friend, Marilyn whom I went on some of our Golden Frontier trips and our local Gold Star Dad, Jerry, come to the Civil War retreat ceremony.  The cannoniere was on vacation and the cannon did not fire the black powder for that wonderful BOOM.  After the ceremony, they cleared the little cannon of its black powder.  Yeah.

I was pleased to show off my new mower to a few neighbors including a little girl named Claire.  Claire is trying to learn to ride a bicycle without training wheels.   I said by the way that riding a bicycle is easier with speed and that it's more difficult to ride slow...same goes with motorcycling.  So the real skill is not in speed but the art of control in slow speeds.  Her fear is hindering her.

Neighbor, Jessica, who has summer parties till 2AM mentioned the new neighbors diagonally having a house warming party and they weren’t as loud and late as the parties that she has.  I just said it was a house warming party.  Then I informed her that her Hyundai that was parked on the public street had expired plates and should be pulled up in the driveway.  She laughed and said “let’em come, I’ve been trying to sell it”.  Yeah, it doesn’t have a sign on it anymore but when it did, the price was above book.  Kind of odd for someone who wants it hauled off for expired plates.

 

I got online just in time to notice a facebook post by Pam who plays Mary Todd Lincoln about the 
The Insanity Retrial of Mary Todd Lincoln.  
Ya know, how does a person react to a tragedy?  I can't help but think of Amanda Knox's reaction to her roommate's murder as also being odd.  Was Mary's reaction to 3 deaths that unusual?   You can view the trial here:

http://video.wttw.com/video/2335166658

Wednesday evening I went to our AMVETS meeting in Pawnee.  New officers held their first meeting including our commander who happens to be my son.  He needed a gavel.


Thursday evening I got a historic scissors and then went to the homecoming till about 10:45.  By then, the library was closed and will be the same routine Friday.   The band was "Still Kickin'" on their final tour before the group disbands.  I really like them too.  

Saturday I went to Grierson Days.  It rained on the way there and on the way home but the good part during the events was clear and not muddy.  I was in the Ladies Fashion show in my camp dress and later changed for the evening ball.  Here I am time traveling to watch the WW2 reenactment.

Sunday I was reader one at Mass and had to do the second reading as well since there was a no-show.

The rain from the day before left a muddy mess.  The dogs have been digging in the mud too to cool off then putting muddy paw prints all over my tile floor as they came in through the dog door flap.   I mopped the floor twice.  Then decided with all the mugginess from the weather that I should turn on the air conditioner.  I trimmed Marley's fur and gave her a bath.

My week

What a busy week.  Monday evening I went tot he American Legion meeting.  Officers were elected.  I tried to cut the grass with the manual Scotts Classic rotary but it was hard and I built up a little heat.  I wanted to reward myself with a short neighborhood ride on Wheezer to cool off and relax.  Wheezer is on a charger....boy that thing needs a trickle charger bad...and new bolts that still can be clawed at by a wrench.  If I ignore HIM for a short while, I have to put up with this.  Wheezer started the following morning.  I just need to get new bolts that are not stripped and a battery tender with pigtails so I don't have to take the seat off all the time.  Battery tenders come with extenders under the seat.

Tuesday I woke up sore from doing lunges at exercise class on Monday.  They always get to me like that.  The lady who suggested we do these again ended up flat on her mat before we got 1/2 through them.  Duh!

I took an extra hour with my lunch to participate in a dedication and ribbon cutting of the remodeled gate to Oakridge Cemetery.  This is where Lincoln's Tomb is and matches the old 1900 post card picture of the gate.  Previously torn down and had only a rock for the longest time.  I went in my Widow's weeds as it was a cemetery.  Here I am if you can recognize me incognito.

I also wore the outfit after work for the initial Civil War Retreat Ceremony at the tomb.  The ladies greet the visitors and have them sign up for a drawing for the flag when it is lowered.  It's only one ticket per family and we only name, city and state.  No phone since the lucky recipient will be called from the crowd.

 The lady that received the retreat flag from the Lincoln Tomb ceremony was Silvia Yist(sp) from California.  She was deaf so the announcer asked if there was someone who could sign in the audience.  There was a woman whose husband was deaf.  She signed the words from the commander who handed her the flag.  I really like it when a visitor from far away receives the flag but this brought tears.  The lady in blue shirt is the flag receipient:

 

Let's see, my Civil War closet has:

Widows weeds

camp dress (AKA Belle Reynolds)

Blue plaid flounced day dress
Red & White plaid day dress

Rust print flounced day dress

Green plaid day dress

Brown Taffeta day dress

Winter weight wool green set

Dark Blue taffeta ball gown

Pink ball gown

Tan print youth dress/ball gown for sale cheap

Sea green ball gown being altered for December

Vivandire (2)
Bloomer Outfit (AKA Rational Dress)

I came home from the ceremony at the tomb with a stop at Karl Reed in Panther Creek about my son's membership in the SAR.  There's a missing bonafide link that is holding things up with George W. Connolly in the family tree.   I was surprised that my lawn was mowed in a lovely diagonal cut...Just like the neighbors. And I've been trying to cut with the weed whacker and the rotary clipper. I've been shopping around for a new mower.  This intensified my desire to be self-sufficient in trimming my lawn.  The riding mower is in Virden for Spring maintenance.  The Sears battery mower cost too much to fix.  I've been looking at 3 different easy starters at Kunz and will look at Lowes before I decide.

Wednesday I went to a Legion Riders meeting.  I stopped by ACE hardware for some new bolts for the seat.  The others were difficult to remove and the octagon was well rounded.   I wanted to ride the short distance so I warmed up Wheezer....too much that it got hot.  When I got home it cooled off and I ran down to the gas station and topped it off with 1.5 gallons.   I then cut up an onion and sauteed it in butter and pepper along with one stalk of asparagus from the garden.

Thursday I registered at the hotel where the state AMVETS convention was being held.  Since there is a reenactment at the Old State Capitol, I registered as a delegate to vote in the state election of officers.  I got the program and noticed that there were no times listed on it for when this was to be held.  I asked Paul Kerby to give me a call so I could come a block away from the OSC to the hotel for the vote.  On Saturday I got to perform my first person impression of Belle Reynolds for a few of my Amvet friends just before I went over to vote.  I found this great necklace for $7 at a thrift store to go with the lime green dress that's being altered for the Winter Dances.

I also figured out a neat way for my fine hair to be bunned for Civil War Reenactments with "Hot Buns".  It's even cooler because it lifts the hair from the nape of the neck unlike a pony tail that sticks to sweat when I turn my head.  I guess our ancestors knew what they were doing with thier hair.

I took Friday afternoon off to be helpful around the Old State Capitol as the reenactors arrived and set up their tents/displays.  I stayed for a presentation on Civil War (Major) Dr Woodard at 5PM by Dr Herschel and Jackie Stroud of Topeka KS. He was in the Air Force during the Korean War and he and his wife had an extensive display of Civil War antiques in the state library of the OSC. 

It was a long day and I passed the test of authentic among the pickiest of re-enactors.  I was waiting in line to be in the noon ladies fashion show in my camp dress but the speaker had taken the men ahead of me and one of the confederates made a long speech about his outfit in front of a dwindling crowd.  Knowing I had put lunch off to be a part of this fashion show, you know I was hungry.  I finally left while the rebel had his one-on-one audience.  I didn't want to eat lunch too late as there was a free meal for the reenactors at 5PM.

Sunday morning I got up, short walk for the dogs and off to 8AM Mass at St Agnes with the Catholic War Veterans.  I met Jack who only participates when we happen to come to his home parish.   I then changed and back to the Old State Capitol for a few hours left before the closing ceremony by Abe Lincoln.  Little Kaylee who is a daughter of one of the reenactors was getting a bit bored so I helped keep her company.  I had bought a pocket watch from the sutler and I got her a game to play called Graces.  The Ladies Soldiers Aid Society was describing the socks and caps put in the boxes by the ladies.  She asked one little boy if he would like it if he was sent socks from his girl friend as he helped ...err...threw the socks in the box.  Apparently he's at the stage where he doesn't like girls ..yet.  I laughed so hard.

I recorded the Generals

Generals Grant and General Custer

My sons were at my house using the laundry facility.  Then they left for the gun club.  I went to Lowes to price a lawn mower.  I still like the first Toro that I saw which is also the most expensive.  It has an electric start but can still be started by the pull cord and is adjustable for height.  Picked up some things at Walmart, including "Snapea Crisps".  Yum!

Why are there cupcakes at the farmers market.  How do the farmers grow them?  Would it be a fruit tree?

 

My Week

Tuesday I got to puppy sit the neighbor's dog, Dottie.  I came home from work to extra kisses.  There were muddy paws on my door which where higher than my dogs can reach but not for a hyper little Jack Russel. 

Wednesday I went to line dance lessons. We were taught "My Baby in Camouflage" and "Sex on the Beach".



Thursday I got caught up on a little sewing...some of which I had to rip out again.

I found a cute little chain that I can use for reenacting at the Goodwill for $3.  It's in great condition and would be nice for holding my fan.

Friday evening I attended the "Follow the Flag" banquet in Decatur at 6:30.  It was poorly attended because many of the first responders had been called to duty.  Mostly storm related.   Dinner was great catered chicken.  I got to bring back some religious books to send to the troops.  It took me a long time to get home.  The storm came while I was driving on the interstate and visibility was so poor that even driving 30 MPH wasn't helping so I took shelter under a bridge.  Once in Springfield, I was going to take change interstates from I-72 to I-55.  There was a car coming back up the on ramp.  My first thought was "idiot".  Then I saw the lit up police car at the end.  There was flooding on the interstate with fast moving cars driving into the water.  The radio said 3 tractor trailers were over turned as well.  So I had to ziggy through town.  More police cars were blocking viaducts.  That was a challenging puzzle to find a route that wasn't blocked by flooded streets.

There are pictures of the flood on the State Journal Register
http://www.sj-r.com/top-stories/x1338692242/Another-strong-storm-soaks-Springfield?img=3

Sunday I was a Eucaristic Minister at church.  Afterward I went to Pitsfield for the Civil War Reenactment by the Lake.  I'd never been to a reenactment with such a lovely backdrop for a few Navy boats.  That was super special.

I was expecting a lot of mud so I wore my camp dress and was authentic except for the boots.  I was asked to assist John Austin with his embalming demonstration.  I got to pump the embalming fluid.  (It was only water of course)

I got a kick out of the handicapped sharp shooter with his walker.  I don't mean to speak ill of the handicapped but among reenactors, this would be farby.  There's a time to stick to being a camp follower.  It's also unusually for a boy to be carrying something as vital as the regimental flag.

I got an email with a personal invite to attend the re dedication of the cemetery gate at Oakridge. This is the cemetery where Abraham Lincoln's Tomb is located.  I was a little slow in thought but outside of our Mary Todd reenactor, I'm the only other in town with widow's weeds that seem appropriate for a cemetery.  The commander of the 114th must have been impressed on Memorial Day when I followed the troops at Camp Butler.

News about the gate dedication is here:
http://www.sj-r.com/top-stories/x1039448288/Monument-Avenue-project-a-family-affair

The news just announced that May was the second wettest recorded month with 10.5 inches of rain.  On the up-side...it's supposed to be rain free the next three days.

Do not trust atoms, they make up everything.

My Week

Wednesday morning I put out my recycle bin.  When I left for work, I brought it back and noticed a plastic bag on the lawn.  It was one of the dog walking poo bags that accidentally got in in my recycle bin that the collector had tossed on my lawn.  I feel bad about that and didn't mean to insult the collector.   On my way to work, I was following a blue Elantra that was switching lanes without signaling.  At a stop light, she moved behind a bus which made a right turn onto Walnut St and had to break suddenly at an angle. Seeing that the lane wasn’t clear she then went through the light.  At the next stop light, she changed lanes again, this time in front of me.  I couldn’t help but notice her bumper sticker that said, “don’t tailgate-spinal injury”.  Geez I wonder how she got a spinal injury.

Tuesday evening, I took my bike for a tire repair.  I stopped by Joanne fabrics for a few things and then I went to a meeting at 7pm with the Soldiers Aid Society.  We discussed some after action issues such as the fundraiser for the 2015 funeral coalition at Edwards Place.  It seems that with all the hoopla and carriages, reenactors made up half the crowd and the others were highly involved in other ways.  I don’t see how they could call this a fund raiser.  Laura snickered at the lady who got on the carriage and exposed her Nike shoes and lack of underpinnings.

After the SAS meeting, I went over to the airport for the Honor Flight homecoming.  The area teen queens were there with their crowns greeting people.  I had to show our Chatham queen that I was wearing a Legion Riders vest from the Chatham post.  That got a thumbs up.

Here's the video of the homecoming 

  
After work on Wednesday, I came home and fed the dogs and mowed the lawn.  I never know if my mower will start and complete the job.  Then I left at 6:30 to make a meeting at the Navy club for the Inverveterans Council of Sangamon County.

After getting into the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum on Mike's membership pass to see the Central IL Civil War Dancers a few weeks ago, I decided to get one of my own.  That will especially come in handy when my sister comes to town.

Thursday I had a salesman  from Sears give me an estimate on my front door in the amount of $3900. 
Saturday morning was decorate the graves time at Camp Butler.  There were many scouts there.  It was a good time because after that it started raining all day.  I placed a memorial at Frank's grave that has a butterfly and a lighted candle that flickers.  I know it won't stay as they police national cemeteries well.

Joe, who works at Camp Butler asked about riding.  I may want to ride to the ceremony on Monday afternoon because of the parking congestion.  But then I could wear my widows weeds since there is also a volly of firing for the Civil War Soldiers buried there. We'll see.

I had gotten an email from SEARS that my rechargeable mower repair would cost $277.  I think I'll get a new one.  I got the rechargeable mower in 2008 because I cannot pull the cords on most mowers.  I will be looking for a gas mower with an electric start.  Then I got my riding mower picked up for maintenance Saturday afternoon too.  So while I was waiting I vacuumed out my car.  I was looking for the oil filter for the motorcycle while moving things around in the garage.  Didn't find it but I had forgotten a long lost gas weed whacker that my husband had bought.  Haven't been able to move around much in the garage since it had been used as storage for my son so now's the time to look around.

Sunday's hour-by-hour weather report said zero precipitation.  It lied.  Poor Marley and the thunder.  It finally cleared up late in the afternoon.  Along with that I had a big, 2 tylenol headache.  That finally cleared up.  I realized why a black cat was staring through my fence in the back as I was walking my dogs.  There's a young rabbit that took up residence under my shed.  He is nibbling on my new vegetable garden.   This hasn't happened in the past because I have Marley ~ the hunting dog.  She thinks squirrels and rabbits are delicious.  I guess with all the rain and thunder, she's  been hiding more than hunting.
With the headache gone, I needed some exercise ...rode my bike the short route or better known as the long route for dog walking.
Monday morning I got up and showered, put out five large flags on PVC out on my lawn and walked the dogs.  There were back to back PBS documentaries on that had interested me at 7AM and 8AM so I had to get those chores done before watching TV.  Then at 10AM I went to the Chatham Square for our Memorial Day event.  Since the ground was soggy from rain the day before, we had the ceremony indoors.  I had put the flags on my trailer hitch.  I said hello to the teen princesses who recognized me from the Honor Flight last Tuesday.  I was a rifle bearer in the color guard.  Mayor's son, Lt Gray, was a guest speaker.  Afterward I had a sloppy joe at the VFW.  I then came home to put on my widow's weeds for the ceremony and Civil War volley to the veterans at Camp Butler.

got caught in traffic leaving the Camp Butler Memorial Day Ceremony. While in bupmer-to-bumper traffic, I hear there was a tornado warning to cover. I pulled up to the office building and went in the basement. All those lovely flag poles bent over.  The wonderful flag poles that were once an Eagle Scout project were ALL bent in the wind.  One fell right in front of my car which I drove around on my way to shelter.  Hundreds gather at Camp Butler to honor fallen soldiers 

There was a train was stuck on Woodside road on the way to the DAV for the retreat ceremony at 5PM. It was still there on the way back at 6:30. Must have had a tree down.  What a busy day.  I look forward to the normalcy of a day at work. 

My Week

I nominated Linda Crites for  Illinois Veteran of the Month for March (womens history month).  When another got the award I felt my recommendation letter and solicitation of it's contents had let her down and got her hopes high.  I felt humbled for her to be at my cermony.  Well now I learned that she will receive the title of Veteran of the Month for July and be presented the honor in August at the State Fair

Here's a blog from the past
http://ivetret.blogspot.com/2011/03/veteran-of-month-march-2011.html

It sure is nice on Tuesday.  I had lunch with the Womens Overseas Service League.  I learned that gas went up so I knew that the gas in my neighborhood went up latter so I had to get home and fill up.  I figure that when traffic dies down and dogs taken care of that I could pull the motorcycle out of the garage and ride to the VFW for chicken.  I asked the neighbor to help me check the oil and it was ok.  I just needed to tip it off the kickstand.  It sure felt good to ride since I don't ride to work and that leave little time left.  Riding after work makes it feel like a mini-weekend.  Especially since some rain is in the forecast.  I went later than usual and tail end of the dinner period but I got in under the wire and it wasn't too crowded.  I learned that someone had dubbed me as a "fart in a skillet".  Normally that would be bad but if a veteran says it, it could be good...I guess.    It was real nice to be on a motorcycle and wave at the kiddies in cars.  See, that's what you can't do all caged up in your car.

I also got a call from Judy who is a gold star mom and she'll be getting her grandson for a while from his mother out of state.  I'm so glad she gets to see her son's son who died serving.  She has my utmost respect for a difficult situation and not the best in life.  I value her friendship.

I sent my brother a birthday card for his 50th birthday along with a card for Applebees.  Applebees is one of my favorites so I hope he likes it too.
There were abt 4 dead black and yellow bees on the back porch.

Wednesday I stopped by Tuesday Morning after work and then picked up the rain barrel that was on back order.  Even though I wasn't called, I'm glad I checked in because they only had 2 and no calls were made.  I explained that I was on the list and that was good enough for her to sell me one. Then  I spoke to Judy on the phone.  She is a Gold Star mother and is real excited about having her grandson for a year while his mother is in training.  However, she's concerned about the temporary custody papers, school, medical, etc.
I then went to line dance lessons at the VFW.  We learned the cupid shuffle, cat strut, & polka mixer.

Thursday evening I went to the ABATE meeting.  Small turnout probably due to bike night at Quaker Steak and Lube plus good riding weather.  I brought my laptop and updated the ABATE face book page while there.

So slugs like to eat dog food nuggets in the yard.  I HAVE SALT!

Time to take the electric blanket off my bed.  Packed it away.  Now I really need to change my shower from morning to night time.

Saturday I rode the bike over to the American Legion Post to participate in the honor guard for the opening of the Highland Games.  Four of us got together for the two rifles, American Flag and the American Legion Flag.  We were missing one person so we had to eliminate the POW flag.  I later saw that he went for a ride on his motorcycle and forgot about the honor guard.  I then went to the Illinois State Military Museum for the Armed Forces Day.  There was a new WW2 exhibit and a wildly colored Confederate shirt.  I got to chat with all the reenactors and many know me through the Civil War reenacting as well.  Yeah, they do all sorts of wars.  I recall the bazooka like gun and the strange 3" bullets.  I asked about them since the blank was blue and white and reminded me of a roll on deodorant bottle.  Then I came home to eat.  I made Brussels sprouts and guacamole.   After that I went back to see the closing ceremony of the Highland Games.  There were Highland cattle just like my sister has.  I fell in love with the English cocker spaniels and the Irish Wolfhounds.  The short time in the sun gave me my first sunburn of the year.
http://www.central-illinois-standrewsociety.com/2013-highland-games.html

My purple sage is flowering so I cut some and put it in a vase to smell nice in the house.

Sunday morning we had our Catholic War Veterans Mass at St Aloysius. Afterwards a few of us had breakfast at Parkway Cafe.  There we met the parents of Sean Sloe who died in a motorcycle accident a few weeks ago.  I gave them my condolences and told them I was a rider too.  I knew that a first responder would do the best in the situation and the accident was beyond his control.  I told them to think of Sean as their own Dale Earnhart.
 I fixed some Italian meat balls made with ground lamb.

The cucumber seeds that my sons and I planted on mother's day are starting to peek thru the mound.  The neighbor planted cucumbers from starts bought at the store so the race is on.  I planted some red Wave Pansies. 

Now that I have my patio furniture and enjoy a nice evening, the mosquitoes have found out where I am too.

My sister from AZ would like to stop off on the way to MI for her son's wedding the end of June.  She said she'd call this Saturday but didn't

July 6th I should be part of the opening ceremony for the New Berlin, IL veterans memorial.

Monday Morning's dog walk was cut short by Marley's fear when there was a clap of thunder.

My Week

Monday I came home from work and decided to get the grass mowed before the American Legion meeting at 7PM.  Got most of it done and then the riding mower quit on the front by the drive near my sign that says "Start Seeing Motorcycles".  I couldn't get it started although it sounded close.  So after the meeting, I came home and got the rider started just enough to get it in the garage...smoke and all.  Les Morgan from the post stopped by to help push just in case I had to leave it out over night.  Not something I'd like to do so soon after my son's apartment got robbed.  Fortunately for me it's safe but he said he had a referral who was also a member of the post that could look at it for me.  I'd probably have to have it trailer-ed over and I would still need help loading it on my trailer knowing I'm only semi skilled in backing it.

Tuesday I returned the VFW flag that I had mended the fringe on and then got my chicken dinner.  I had hoped to use the electric mower on the grass but it can only hold a charge for one strip of grass.  :(

Wednesday night I made a quick stop at the house to check on the dogs before heading to Pawnee for our Amvets meeting.  Sean was elected post commander and that's a biggie but he's got lots of support.  I would like to thank my neighbor for finishing my lawn where my riding mower broke down. I came back from the AmVets meeting and noticed. He helped me load the electric push in my SUV for repairs too. Meanwhile, I left a note in the box for someone who was recommended to help fix the rider. Veteran owned and a member of the AL post!! Hope he can help me...widow in distress!  With the evening getting dark but comfortable, I decided to use my laptop on the back porch and catch up on things like my blog.

I finally did some shopping knowing that my sons would be over for Mothers Day.  I got some groceries and on special request, a roast.  I also picked up a 4 piece  patio set for $199.  I did fall in love with a set at Kmart that was on sale for $499 but I'll take this one for so much less.  It looks like this: 


I had dropped off my Confederate Braid dress at a seamstress the first week of April for work on the waist and collar.  It was to cost $80 in sewing.  Tonight I called to learn that Ann declined to be able to do this.  I was hoping to do some hand stitching on the trim during our sewing day with the Soldiers Aid Society which was not part of the  bargain.   Devastated, I feel that if I can't have it, nobody can.  Anyone want to watch a dress burning?  I mentioned what had happened and Cat said she'd take a look at it.  I showed her photos of the dress that were on my laptop.  She thought it was unusual.   Well on Saturday I had cooled down a little.  I picked the dress up on the way home. 

Saturday I spent the time at the Old State Capitol in my new dark brown dress.

 

I got a lot of compliments and it was comfortable too.  I gave three tours and the groups were a pleasure.  Mike let me into the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum to watch the Central Illinois Civil War dancers at 11AM.  At the end of the performance there were two participation dances. Open waltz and Patty-Cake Polka.  I had to be careful because the length of a day dress is different than a ball gown.  There's a potential for tripping on a skirt if I'm not careful.

My mother's day was lovely.  I did the first reading at Mass but the reading for the Ascension  just didn't seem like the one that I had practiced.  So I read what was on the the podium.  If they noticed, at least nobody keeled over and we survived.

The boys gave me a nice card, a big bar of chocolate and a huge wicked sandalwood candle in what looks like a glass 9" cake pan.

I took a short, "Biker Mom" ride down to the covered bridge with neighbor, Jerry, who just got his '81 Honda repaired and wanted a quick jaunt too. Felt good but still had a lot of outdoor chores do do so a short ride was nice.  My sons helped with my garden.  We planted tomatoes, varieties of peppers, collards, and cucumbers.  The patio set I bought at ALDI they assembled. We planted tomatoes, varieties of peppers,  and cucumbers.  Not sure if they will make it because they were older seeds.  Sean cut down some wild shrubs growing in the fence.  Hope that the roots die too.   I put my canna bulbs in the ground that I had stored in the crawl space over winter.  I added a few more asparagus plant crowns to my collection so I'll produce more than 2 stalks at a time.  Apparently I had planted some more in the past that never grew in that spot.  All that fresh air made me go to bed early.  I tried to catch up on my blog and email but then the internet went out.  I tried to reset it numerous times to no avail.  Then when I tried to clip to the wifi of an open neighbor's cable it failed.  That told me it was down period.  I was tired anyway.

When I got up, the weather man said possible (and unpredicted) frost.  I think I'll be OK, because it's only 40 degrees.



 

my Week

Tuesday evening I attended a fundraiser for the 2015 Lincoln Funeral Commission at Edwards Place. This was sent to my by Cheri Fry (pictured on the right) and also in this picture is Pam Brown, who often impersonates Mary Todd Lincoln.  She said it just didn't seem appropriate to be at the funeral events as Mary.  Even our Lincoln impersonator, Fritz Klein, came as himself.

Here is a group of the ladies in the Soldiers Aid Society.  All they said was that we were not to wear a camp dress.  I still had my ball gown out from last weekend.  I did have a dark spot on it that I had to clean up before this.  I figure that a fund raiser would need a best impression for the money to come in so I put on my best.

Wednesday I had exercise class in our new location from the 7th floor now on the 6th floor.  We were warned not to drop our weights to respect those on the 5th floor.

After work I had my first ride on the Honda to the American Legion Riders meeting.  Sure it wasn't far but it was nice.  We are planning our American Legion Legacy Poker Run for Jun 22.

Went to a Civil War Reenactment in Delavan, IL.  The road to the reenactment site from the intersate was lined with flags.  This was a nice show but it rained.  Apparently it rained bad down in Springfield but not so bad up north.  So I brought them some rain and it started shortly after I got there.  I didn't dress in period because of it.  Still my jeans were wet to my calves.  I'm glad I listened to our dance mistress, Connie, who said it wasn't worth getting gussied up to dirty my fine dress.  When I got home, I had a box in the mail with rubber rain tarp that I had ordered.     We'll be ready next time.  Now it will never rain ever ever ever again.  I brought home my bones from the ribs and the dogs were happier than usual to see me.  The next day they had stiff stool.  Ha!
There are some pictures in the local news here:
http://www.pjstar.com/photos/x1213313578/Civil-War-Days-in-Delavan?page=0
and professional photographer's are here:
http://tgdavison-photography.smugmug.com/Other/Delavan-Civil-War-Re-Enactment/29275405_372THN#!i=2495963274&k=G6dFW8d

Sunday morning I went to church.  It was raining.  Afterward I went to the ABATE Freedom Rally that kicks off motorcycle awareness month.  I decided not to ride because of the rain.  Since I was part of the color guard, I didn't think riding was as important as previous years.  I was a bit bold to non-conform to the uniform by throwing on my vest but I said "what the hell, I'm on both ends of this color guard".  The rain kept the crowd down drastically from previous years.  Well, as I departed the house en route, the skies had cleared.   I started to regret not doing both the ride and the color guard.  I met at the post where we discussed the cloth cap over the bucket.  One of the 4 of us forgot the post cap.  I did not like those bucket hats.  We found him a loaner cap.  We carpooled over and did 3 practice runs.  The VFW flag pole had a "wardrobe malfunction" which Rep Ray Poe happened to save the day with some tape. When the bikes arrived we posted colors.  After that, the guys went to Boone's Saloon.  Since I was an ABATE member and these were my friends, I stayed.  During the ceremony, the wind had tipped the American flag and one of the bikers held it.  Since the VFW flag (on my side of the stage) was taped, I thought it best to stand right next to it.  Just as the ceremony was ending and bikers were barely socializing...the rain came again...and poured.  The four of us went back to the post and took the VFW flag pole apart.  I brought the flag home to mend the gold fringe that was gaping before it splits more. 

There was an open house on Sunday for a house that Sean is looking into since his apartment got robbed.  I went to look at it.  I like it.  It has a nice yard and man cave.
http://www.fsbolocal.com/viewPropertyAd.htm?id=16768

Sunday was the first day of a new sale at "Tuesday Morning" and I wanted the rain barrel they had advertized for under $70.  Well they didn't have any.  The ad mentioned "selected locations" so that's their excuse.  I did put my name on a waiting list.

I had chicken dinner at church to support a youth camp.  Yum.