My Week

Well Summer has officially Arrived on Tuesday

With restrictions lifted last Friday, I went to Powerworks for "senior balance" class on Monday.  In the evening I went to the VFW meeting.

Sophie had her nice clean up at Bubbles of Fun.  She really needed it because she hadn't been groomed since March. I was charged  $40 instead of $25. She had a different groomer. It was a comedy of errors. They couldn't find my name anywhere. Last month they thought I was a no-show for May 19 when I asked for an appointment on Jun 19.  I made that appointment date because I had my doctor visit the Friday before and expected restrictions lifted.  I made an appointment for the following Monday.   I assumed Bubbles of Fun remembered that I pick her up at 10AM so I can take her to a TDI visit afterward.  I shouldn't have assumed that. I rescheduled that visit  at the nursing home for the afternoon.  It went real well I I used the umbrella stroller.  A staff member helped me when she needed to be picked up.  When I picked her up, I later noticed a bit of dried blood where her nail was trimmed.   I later found a new groomer nearby and very reasonable thanks to John P.

Tuesday evening I went to the flag ceremony at the Lincoln Tomb.  I saw a fox at Oak Ridge cemetery before the flag lowering ceremony
Afterward I went to the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight homecoming. The WW2 veterans that are regulars had a birthday among them and a lady dropped off a card and a cup cake but couldn't stay.

While waiting for the homecoming, my hearing aid battery died and I mentioned I'd have to go to my car and get a battery.  One of the WW2 veterans gave me one of his batteries. :)

Wednesday I gave tours at the Lincoln Tomb in the afternoon.  On my way there I saw Chuck at the War memorials on my former motorcycle that I sold him so I stopped by.  He seemed happy with the bike and wanted to know more about the blessing of the bikes decals.   Tours had a steady crowd.  Rubbing the nose of Lincoln is supposed to bring good luck but there's always someone taking a picture with the finger in the nose.  That brings bad luck I think.  I guess I'll add that to my tour spiel.    Even as I gave tours on Wed, someone wanted to go behind the utility door in the rotunda which has nothing but utilities, handouts, and a toilet (maybe a ghost).  People like the forbidden.  This photo I stole off of flicker illustrates "the forbidden zone" appeal.

Thursday I took Sophie to Reflections for the first time in a long time.  The residents missed Sophie and me. In fact I think some worried about me.  Afterward I stopped to meet with a new groomer referred by a friend. On the way back I took a picture of a cute girl scare crow.  I had to be careful stopping to take this picture since it's on a blind curve.

 Friday I helped out at the Old State Capitol with our History Comes Alive: Soldiers Aid Society exhibit.   We had a nice steady crowd.  I wore my new corset.

It reminds me of the medical braces for back surgery that I've seen.

I had a nice conversation with a docent from Iowa Old Capitol that gave tours. Both of our sites had the same architect: John Francis Rague of Springfield, IL.  Rague also designed the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield.   I told her that I was pleased she came and that I'd never been to their site.  I told her I used to feel a little intimidated by all the Lincoln scholars that come here for conferences.  I realize that they may be wise and knowledgeable but they need to see the site layout to what they may have known.  I remember giving a tour to our Grant persona and the interest that went with it.  I too love seeing sites and sometimes I know what will come out of the mouth of our tour guide but unless they ask the group, I dare not offer a reply so that others in the group may think. 

In the evening I went to the Elijah Iles house for a discussion on Thomas Lincoln:

There was a good turnout.  The parking lot told me so.  I ended up sitting on the steps since the seats were full.  The presentation was similar to this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2fXTCANghw

It's hard to get my family all together but we were at the ribbon cutting for the Vet Center in early April.  Even Alan smiled!  I have a "Spondy Smile" since this was about a week and a half before surgery.

 

More on the spine: 

Exercises to Avoid With Spondylolisthesis 

Why Some Indigenous Cultures May Not Have Back Pain

Understanding Rehabilitation and Care Following Posterior Lumbar Fusion

My Week

Warm weather brings out the firefly's. 
Tuesday I went to a meeting with the St John's Hospital Samaritans at 9:30. Then I went to a Womens Overseas Service League meeting (WOSL) at 12:30.   In the evening I went to the Sangamon County  Historical Society dinner/meeting at 5:30 at the Clayville historic site.  They served caramel vodka on ice stuffed with lots of peppermint stalks.  I tried this with my morning lemon and honey.  The dinner was to appoint a board of directors.

I finished a ribbon head piece for reenacting copied off another that I bought.  Now to have the "wear it" test.

Maybe I shouldn't tell my friends that I get help with the housework. I just say this because they think I'm cured because I get around but I still have bending and strength issues. So I tell them so that they understand. Then I get a solicitation for help too.  I let my cleaning lady know because she has connections.

Wednesday I didn't feel that well...a lite spondy pain.  I had lunch with Michael at County Market.  Since it was Flag Day, I couldn't help but notice the beer display that looked like a flag.

   I stopped by a few thrift stores for senior day but left empty and that's kinda good too.  In the evening I went to our AMVETS meeting.   We needed the rain because there were cracks in the ground.  We have dinner but I ordered a breakfast crepe. 
A rain storm came during our meeting and John's (our WW2 veteran) car window was partially down. I need to wash my car but I'm glad I put it off.

Thursday I went to an ABATE meeting.  They seemed glad to see me after a long absence.  This could be a problem because my 5 year membership expires in July.

Friday afternoon I had my 7 week check up and all restrictions lifted. But I explained I can't pick things up off the floor. So the PA dropped a pen for me to get and I couldn't get it. So I'll be having some physical therapy soon.  I'm free to go on a trip.  Hope I can get down to get things without using my toes or a grabber.  Don't get a grabber at Harbor Freight.  Cheap:

My house had a Friday cleaning too.  Mary Ann borrowed my cowboy hat for a themed party with her friends.  I couldn't find my cowboy boots though.  I think I got rid of them.

Saturday I went to Bright Star Equestrian barn to take a quick tour.  These horses are used to help children and veterans with PTSD.   I've always liked horses because of he romance of the old days.

I got a check for $50 in the mail for winning a CWV raffle.

Then I went to Saturday evening Mass for seniors with anointing of the sick, dinner by students called "Starry Nights".  Followed by a match game led by the children.

I started working on my lineage chart for potential membership with Daughters of the Revolution (DAR) through my mother's Sturdivant line.  It's a crooked ladder.  I've been linking all of the ancestors to their source.
https://sites.google.com/site/deansturdivant/
There is a problem with wife of James Sturdivant that I descended from.   Something about Fannie Callis vs Nancy Brintle.  Apparently Fannie is the correct wife and she's the one that produced DAR heirs.  Well when the book on this family research comes in the mail, maybe that will help.

My Week

Monday I finished some lace undersleeves for my Civil War dress and repaired a tear in the hoop from the past weekend.  In the evening I went to the American Legion meeting.

Wednesday I missed my lunch date due to work calling it off but I did some shopping and found a lovely dress.

Thursday I went to the Old State Capitol for a special invite-only tour of the historic clocks.   The clocks were referred to as "table box".  Clock peddlers rode on horseback with a clock on their chest and back.  The clocks would have a paper inside about it's maker.

The Black face clock in the State Library is a Chauncy Jerome clock dating 1838.   Chauncey Jerome (1793–1868) was an American clockmaker in the early 19th century. He made a fortune selling his clocks, and his business grew quickly. However, his company failed in 1856, and he died in poverty.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chauncey_Jerome

The colorful clock in the Secretary of State is a gold leave by Seth Thomas.
https://clockhistory.com/sethThomas/company/

Eli Terry got a patent for the mechanism but lost the patent on the clock's actual design.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eli_Terry

The grandfather clock in the Supreme Court was not made in America.  These were known as "long case clock" until the song came out in the 1880s.

I never heard of the song "My Grandfather's Clock" so I found it here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=15&v=ectJBP4saNc

The clocks without a moon were less expensive.  The moon/sun rotation helped the farmers.

The clock in the Law Library had a sad life because the flake came off the mirror and bottom plate was replaced with plain glass.  This clock dates to about 1820 by John Birge before the merger.
http://www.clockguy.com/SiteRelated/SiteReferencePages/JohnBirge.html

The clock in representative Hall doesn't fit the time.  It's a galley clock from the '60s. This clock is from the Ansonia company.

The clock in the Senate dates about 1880-90 possibly Newhaven.

The banjo clock in the the Governor's reception room is very valuable.  This is a 'First American" clock.
http://www.clockguy.com/SiteRelated/SiteReferencePages/EHowardHistory.html

The clock in the governor's office is pure enscrolled tablet by Eli Terry Bristol, Connecticut made.  It has an ivory key hole.  This clock was made with claw feet to put on a shelf or mantel.  (see photo attached)

The clock in the Office of Instruction has an ivory key hole and a painted scene from 1820.  Finials are intact. Unfortunately the key to this clock is unknown and we can't read the paper documents inside.  It uses brass works.  (see photo attached)

The "finials" are the points on the top of the clock
I took only 2 pictures of the fanciest clocks.

 This is the clock in the office of Public Instruction but the key is missing so the paper information cannot be read.

Thursday evening I went to the Catholic War Veterans meeting.

Friday I went to a few yard sales.  I had been looking for an umbrella stroller so that I wouldn't have to bend over and pick up Sophie on visits.

Friday I volunteered at the American Legion Homecoming festival from 4:30- 9:30.

Saturday I went to the Crown Plaza for the State AMVETS Convention.  Sunday I returned for the swearing in of new officers.  That was after I went to church with the Catholic War Veterans.
My Hollyhocks are blooming and so is my Easter Lilly but it's getting run over by over growth.

I may look fine after surgery but this photo illustrates my ability

 

I just read another blog about recovery here:
http://frame.bloglovin.com/?post=5689805423&blog=10233875&frame_type=feed

My Week

The warmer weather has arrived.  Air conditioner is on and off as the weather permits.  I do have a whole house ceiling fan system that stretches out the climate control.  This next week will be a real scorcher.

Tuesday I was "stood up" by a landscaping company.  It's the second so far that has stood me up.  So I posted a landscaping need on facebook in Chatham Central.  Plants are getting out of control and will not make it till I'm able to do better next year. I need to contain the mint and sage.  I have tulips and hen and chicks to plant.  I also have more asparagus roots to plant.  I needs a simple landscape for someone who can't bend.

Tuesday evening I went to the Lincoln Tomb for the first of the summer Flag lowering ceremonies.  I didn't dress for it but pretty much came as I am in stretch pants. 

Thursday I took my mower in for maintenance since I found kind neighbors to lift it into my Murano.  Sean said he didn't have a problem with the mower running. However, it's overdue for an oil change and sharpening. Maintenance is important. Believe it or not, I like cutting the grass but it's a chore I must give up this year.

In the evening I went to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum to see a presentation by Sidney Blumenthal called 'Wrestling with His Angel: The Political Life of Abraham Lincoln Vol. II, 1849-1956'.  It was very interesting and a lot of details.  Half the problem of the Civil War was the struggles before the war and how Lincoln pondered the problems before making decisions.  Very wise man.

Friday I went to give tours at the Lincoln Tomb from 10AM to 2PM.  There were quite a few buses and the interpretation of the tomb came right back to me after being away for awhile.

I got my historical dress laid out for the weekend Civil War in Pittsfield, IL.  My cleaning gal came over and now I feel comfy.  I can remove my sheets but can't bend over to make my bed and Mary Ann did made my bed  She recently had her picture on a local bill board on Route 4.

I did get a little sewing done while listening to other programs.  I still cant bend.  There was a ladies fashion show and I was last because I was seated.  My dress crochet and hair net was the last to observe.

I went back to Pittsfield on Sunday after church.  It was Pentecost and about half of the congregation wore red.  I like to think that it was my idea to wear red years ago because I wore red then and told Fr John I liked that I said I got with the program and match the vestments of Pentacost.  I fixed a pasta dish with gluten free macaroni.  Not bad.
Afterward I went back for day 2 of Lincoln Days in Pittsfield.  There were over 40 LEAD (The Spirit of Lincoln Youth Academy) students in the group getting a crash course in Lincoln from various counties.

I know the students were rushed though on a hot day at Pittsfield Lake.  There was a light cloud cover but that only held in the heat from the day before and the humidity was high.  I heard from Heather Wicken that one had to be aided because of heat stroke.
While I was speaking, Sara Watson held up a sign and I couldn't read it with just my period reading glasses.  She told me 5 minutes. I probably could have read 5 fingers better than her piece of paper.  I think it was only a 15-20 minute presentation.  Many visitors seem to come for the battle and leave. 
The buffalo knats were horrible and I got bit on my neck.  Later I tossed away a tick.

Well I have a little sewing repair on my hoop casing that ripped.  

My Week

Nicer Weather than predicted.

Tuesday evening I went to a discussion on back surgery at Memorial Hospital's education center at 6 PM by Dr Van Fleet.  He's one of the other back surgeons.   I learned a lot of new terms and saw what the pictures looked like. I had time to kill between this and the Honor Flight so I filled the tank and stopped by Sean for 1/2 hr.  Moe stepped on his bare foot with his claw.  There was a man next to me in the crowd that was at the same discussion.
 Here I am with Les Morgan for our traditional honor flight selfie.

Wednesday I walked Sophie down to see her boyfriend, Mica. I went to a PGR mission at Bisch Funeral Home and got to see my old buddy from Troy, Fat Fred.  Then at 4PM I had to watch the Ellen show because our reenactors were on.

https://youtu.be/frSv7j2IK9o

Then I went to the Interveterans council meeting in the evening.  I updated the website.

I found a buyer for my 250 Yamaha. He's a recently separated marine just out service a week ago and looking for cheap transportation to work in Virden. He made down payment and will make weekly payments. I gave him helmet, cover, tank bag and trickle.

I've cut back on house cleaning to every 2 weeks.  So this week was an no go.

I watched "Annie with and E".  It's a remake of Ann of Green Gables.

Saturday I went to the Lincoln Home to watch the 33d Volunteer Band play. 

Here I am at the Lincoln Home with the sun in my eyes.  Thank heavens for the slat bonnet to shade my eyes.

I wore my new corset for the first time.

Monday I went to the Memorial Day ceremony on the Chatham Square.  I brought our AMVETS wreath since I didn't have to be part of the American Legion color guard this soon after surgery.
Here I am with Gordon Reichert who held the Navy flag among the service flags with the color guard.  I shared the AMVETS wreath I put together.  

I've seen some new faces added  to the American Legion color guard and that's a good thing.

Later I put on my Civil War widow's dress and went to Camp Butler.  I had brought a clipping of my roses for my husband's grave but they got a little wilted after the ceremony. That's alright, summer decor doesn't stay long on the graves because of the mowing.

I'm  reading the "Power of a Praying wife" with an online group:
http://www.womensetapart.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/The-Power-of-a-Prayingr-Wife-Stormie-Omartian.pdf


 

My Week

 I'm slowly starting to get back into society.  Monday evening I went to the VFW meeting.  I, along with the other officers, were sworn in as officers.  I did remain seated during the pledge of allegiance and prayer however.  

I ordered this no-bend pet bowl and not soon enough. I keep sweeping up dog food that's not very cheap dog food either. I even stirred in wet dog food with dry using my toe twice.  It arrived but was much bigger than I thought for my little dog.  I did order another in a smaller version.  I wish I had this bowl on a stick even before I knew I needed it.   

After my surgery, I had the natural problem so my son got me prune juice. He could only find a big bottle so I finished a little at a time until the last small juice size glass Tuesday morning. Then the bomb happened.  I had an accident in my pants. It was a mess.  I had just showered and walked the dog.  It was a two shower day.  Well, the bottle is empty and won't happen again.

Later in the evening I went to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum for a foundation sponsored event called "Evening with the Creators".  Topic was about the new seasonal display on the "Cubs vs Cardinals Rivalry"

During the planning phase, Sam Wheeler was asked to look at the sign above the temporary exhibit gallery and was asked to read it out loud. "Illinois Gallery" So then it was translated that the "Cubs vs Cardinals Rivalry" fits that description.

Wednesday I walked Sophie and her collar slipped off her head. I panicked since I can't bend over. I got on all fours and pulled her to me and tightened the collar up a little. Then I crawled to a nearby mail box for an assist to my feet. Oh the hell of these restrictions. 

Wednesday the wind was so high that we had a dust storm.  This is the big Cross on I-72.

Here's the view from downtown at the Old State Capitol looking south.

The roads were closed and there were numerous accidents.  Some casualties.


Chatham man dead in crash caused by dust storm


Thursday I went to a meeting of the Catholic War Veterans.   We had 2 new members and a good turn out especially since this wasn't our normal meeting night of "second Thursday".

Friday morning it poured.  I stepped out in the back yard after the rain and noticed that the house behind me has a slip N slide with a sprinkler running on it.  I guess they forgot to turn it off.

Saturday morning it rained hard.  My new gutters were overflowing.  The bottom extension came off and the other side had nothing coming out at all.
So Sunday I had my son climb up the ladder and see if there were gutter guards like I ordered.  I thought I was ripped off by Gutter X (contract written through Suttons).   I had to wait until Monday to get attention for this.  And they plan to come out and fix the problem.  I paid $882 for good gutters too so you can understand why I fretted.

Then my son cut my grass while his laundry was being done.  I fixed sausage ravioli.

  
Sunday morning I went to Mass with the Catholic War Veterans for our monthly memorial Mass and I got up and spoke about the CWV before Mass.  After Mass we had a nice breakfast at Parkway Cafe.  

Some weird looking snake skin was dangling under my car. I could see it at a distance but couldn't get low enough to tell.   The neighbor pulled it off with my grabber and it turned out to be muffler guard.

 Spinal Fusion Survivor:  I cringe at dare devil videos gone wrong.

My week

The Princess and the Pea

That's how I feel when I sleep. 

http://hca.gilead.org.il/princess.html

I'm think I need a vacation.  I've wasted the past few months and cleared my calendar of all events and living in a bubble.   A few I have in mind is the Colorado WAF association reunion in August and/or Poland trip in October with the church group.  www.goldenfrontier.org.  I'd like to visit family too but would like to have my sons along if they can find the time off and dog sitters.

This was clipped from the AMVETS newspaper from March.

 

Do you see the grit teeth?  That's a forced spondy pain smile.
http://www.ilamvets.org/Portals/0/Newspapers/April2017web.pdf

Wednesday I had a closure appointment with "home occupational therapist".  Iris from our American Legion gave me a rare Midge doll and her birthday flowers which she won't be able to enjoy since she's going on a trip.  Those flowers will be enjoyed twice.  Then my son took me to the Chatham Cafe for our AMVETS meeting.  At last month's meeting I wasn't sure if I could go this month.  When the meeting was over and he brought me home, there was a rain storm that poured buckets.  Sean notified me that he pulled off the road on his way home as I watched from my sun room.

Thursday the highlight was light but I did finish hemming a dress.

Friday I washed two loads of laundry....using the help of my grabber.  In the afternoon, Sean drove me to my appointment to have my stitches taken out. My latest trend is perfume and lipstick and head held high when I go out. First there was the x-ray.

Then the cold alcohol swab and the stitches being pulled out.  I feared my stuffing coming out.  But everything is moving as planned.  I told PA Doug that I don't take many pain pills except when needed which is usually night time.  Wednesday-Thursday night was a 2 pill night.  Thursday-Friday was no pill night.  Oh I still had to get up to pee but the problem is re-situating in a comfortable position to go back to sleep.  The physician assistant was happy with my answer.  He let me openly take the photo on the monitor.   On the way home we stopped at Bed Bath and Beyond to get another grabber.  This one is cool.  I could pick up a hair pin on the bathroom floor.   However, nothing seems to help with the dog bowl.   Later, Mary Ann came to help with cleaning.  She made my bed too which I was shy to ask.  I knew I could get the sheets off to wash but putting the clean ones on would violate the BLT (bending, lifting, twisting) rule.   Actually, I know I'm incapable do perform with this rule.

Saturday was my first driving experience and I went to a DAR picnic for the veterans nearby.  I also had my first shower since the surgery and I have a follow-up on June 16 which I hope should release me from the BLT restrictions.  I returned the borrowed toilet seat riser as I prepare to go out into the normal world.  I stopped by to return a toilet seat riser that I borrowed from Joan.  She just had gallbladder surgery and not in the best shape.  Now that I'm getting out I should use a regular toilet again. 

I watched a western:  Ned Blessings
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rA67yF-PIyY

Katy shared a picture for Mother's Day on Facebook.  Thanks Katy.  It's grandma Mae (Frank's mother as expressed to my sons) sitting in a rocker that I am currently sitting in during my recovery.  My jaw dropped.  It seems this rocker has been easier to stand up from than my power recliner.  I think the recliner has a long seat base for such a short person causing my back to bend where it shouldn't whereas the rocker minimizes this.

I do think of her whenever I see this chair and hope to pass it on to my son or better yet rock my own grandchild in this chair. My blessed prayer shawl covers the back.  How sentimental.

I went to my regular 8AM Mass instead of the 10:30 service that I went pre-op due to morning pain.   The church seemed more crowded than I remembered.  Father gave the mothers a pin and a special blessing.  

When the collection basket was passed, I slid it down the pew to the next person rather than carried it.  Ha!  It worked.  One of the parish nurses thought I was pushing it but I told her I'm moving right along with the doctor's orders.  The chuckle of the day was when I passed the basket with a shove down the pew.  My Dr always said I could drive as long as it's short and no drugs. Well I waited till the stitches came out.  It's still hard getting into the drivers seat.

My sons came over to celebrate Mothers Day.  We had BBQ, pie, macaroni salad and Hawaiian rolls.
I got flowers, perfume and the biggest card in the world.  Most of all, their services.  I got my grass cut, the milkweed taken care of, the Yamaha started, and the air compressor  blew out  the loose stuff in my garage out.

Before the boys (men), left, we had our traditional dog walk but this time a shorter walk because of my limitations.  I enjoy all of us walking the dogs together.