My Week

Busy day on Tuesday.   On Tuesday, November 30th, the Springfield (IL) Nativity Scene Committee (SNSC)  hosted its 13th program honoring the birth of our Lord and Savior, JESUS CHRIST.   Illinois was the FIRST state in America to put up a Nativity display in its State Capitol.  Since 2008, 32 other states have followed Illinois' lead. The primary goal of the Springfield Nativity Scene Committee is to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The SNSC's secondary goal is to make the public and the media (statewide & nationwide) know that we, as Christians, have a constitutional right to express our faith in the public square, as long as it is privately-funded and temporary in nature.

Our featured speaker, Bishop Thomas John Paprocki of the Diocese of Springfield. Other speakers include Tom Brejcha, Founder & Chief Legal Counsel, Thomas More Society, Chicago and an SNSC member; and Gary Pierce, Key of David Ministries, Springfield, State Senator Darren Bailey, and State Rep Brad Halbrook.

CHRISTMAS carols performed by Majestic Praise and Worship, Springfield.

Chaplain Steve Holden and veteran Rosemary Connolly, Wreaths Across America, will place a wreath in front of the five flags representing all branches of the U.S. military.

The créche and manger will stand in the Illinois Rotunda, in accordance with the U.S. Constitution, which allows us to express our CHRISTIAN faith in the public square, as long as these displays are privately-sponsored and temporary in nature.

The Nativity Scene will be available for public viewing, during normal business hours from November 30th through January 6th, 2022.

 Wednesday and Thursday were clean up days before the busy weekend.  Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the fairgrounds doing CPE agility. I put up my Christmas lights on Thursday since the weather was nice.  I realize that some of the bulbs were dead and still dead even after a replacement.  Oh well, it'll do.  Not many get to appreciate lights on this short street.  Next year I'll need new LED lights.   I printed out the course maps for Friday at the library and then realized that Thursday-Friday-Saturday is Chatham’s Light Up the Park drive through Christmas lights.  It’s a $5 donation.  

Amber got mail from AKC. Seeing is believing when I get a certificate in the mail. Amber's Beginner Fast Cat (BCAT) title is for real. Expecting another to upgrade that "BN" title soon.

 Friday I got 2 blue ribbons.  One run was a NO TIME. At the buzzer, I had to stay behind the line and guide her thru tunnel, teeter, jump and table at a distance. She kept coming to me by the line. We will need some distance command practice.  On afterthought, I wish I could also see a recording of my body language that could have gone wrong.  Well, I wasn't the only one with the problem either and for that I can't hang my head low.

My other was a "No Time" because she side jumped off the teeter and I put her back on and finished the  course.  That was considered training in the ring.  I think there may  have been something that Amber sensed about that teeter because she likes teeter.  I notice the same problem with many others.  It may have been off balance or something that the dogs detected.  The judge was from NY and was really nice and smiled a lot. She played music from her phone during course set up. Dance-like music that really reduced stress and boogie.  These photos were taken on Friday because I remember those hiking style shoes ripping a hole in my sock and breaking skin.  Notice that Amber smiles.  You can see the bars for her are set at 8". She rarely drops a bar but has occasionally. Amber is 12" at the withers which determines her jump height. Amber is getting buff muscles I noticed.  I'm getting compliments from the other exhibitors now and I find it flattering since most have more experience.   I got to give a lot of credit to Lisa in Mechanicsburg for our practices. 

 

Photo credit   Ramona Boston

Photo credit   Ramona Boston http://www.rlboston.com

 

 This was taken Sunday after our last run.  Believe it or not the final ribbon was not yet prepared before taking this picture but had to get the picture in before the level 1 dogs ran and the course torn down.

Thanks Shelly for taking the picture with my cell phone.

  Friday 12/3/2021:
               Snooker L2 -  8 Inch - Judge: JoLee Yeddo
               Score: 41 (Q)  Time: 27.33 seconds  1st Place

               Wildcard L3 -  8 Inch - Judge: JoLee Yeddo
               Distance: 100 yards  SCT: 47 seconds
               Score: 0 (Q)  Time: 26.48 seconds  1st Place

               Jackpot L4 -  8 Inch - Judge: JoLee Yeddo
               No Time  {see map above}

    Saturday 12/4/2021:
               FullHouse L2 -  8 Inch - Judge: JoLee Yeddo
               Score: 28 (Q)  Time: 30.81 seconds  1st Place

               Standard L3 -  8 Inch - Judge: JoLee Yeddo
               Distance: 151 yards  SCT: 71 seconds
               Score: 0 (Q)  Time: 43.35 seconds  2nd Place

               Colors L3 -  8 Inch - Judge: JoLee Yeddo
               Distance: 90 yards  SCT: 43 seconds
               Score: 5 (Q)  Time: 22.14 seconds  2nd Place

               Jumpers L3 -  8 Inch - Judge: JoLee Yeddo
               Distance: 152 yards  SCT: 59 seconds
               Score: 0 (Q)  Time: 40.45 seconds  1st Place

               Snooker L3 -  8 Inch - Judge: JoLee Yeddo
               Score: 44 (Q)  Time: 41.12 seconds  1st Place

    Sunday 12/5/2021:
               Jackpot L4 -  8 Inch - Judge: JoLee Yeddo
               Score: 55 (Q)  Time: 36.66 seconds  1st Place

               FullHouse L3 -  8 Inch - Judge: JoLee Yeddo
               Score: 32 (Q)  Time: 36.36 seconds  1st Place

               Wildcard L3 -  8 Inch - Judge: JoLee Yeddo
               Distance: 94 yards  SCT: 45 seconds
               Score: 0 (Q)  Time: 34.80 seconds  1st Place

               Jumpers L3 -  8 Inch - Judge: JoLee Yeddo
               Distance: 129 yards  SCT: 47 seconds
               Score: 0 (Q)  Time: 39.26 seconds  2nd Place

               Standard L4 -  8 Inch - Judge: JoLee Yeddo
               Distance: 190 yards  SCT: 80 seconds
               No Time {jumped off the teeter and considered the run as training in the ring}

Now here's some really festive agility team with a Portuguese Water Dog on Saturday.  (She knew I took this picture as she entered the ring while I volunteered as a leash runner)

I stayed to help a little with some of the packing up.  I made it home in time to see Sean and turn around and make it to Mass at the cathedral at 5PM. 

My Thanksgiving Week

 

So, as we celebrate with hearts filled with APPRECIATION, let us reflect on---
T— THANKS, Lord, for being so abundant with your blessings to us.
H— HAPPY that we have another day of life and breath.
A— APPRECIATIVE of Your Presence in our daily lives.
N— NEVER taking anything for granted.
K— KINDLY acting towards all we meet.
S— SACRIFICING our own needs to those whose needs are not met.
G— GENEROUS in all we do.
I— ILLUMINATING the world with Your glory, Lord.
V— VERY blessed to be a Catholic.
I— IN step with Jesus as He journey with us.
N—NEVER stop being grateful.
G—GOING the extra mile for others. 

Tuesday evening I went to the American Legion for a brief discussion by Matthew Tungett, First Class Midshipman, on his experiences at the Naval Academy. 

Wednesday I took Amber to Mechanicsburg for agility practice.  It was pretty windy despite temperatures about 50.  The wind chill made it feel pretty cold.  Lisa recorded virtual runs to send to a judge but mine won't be forwarded because they were bad.  

I went to Mass for Thanksgiving and brought some items for the food pantry.  I was able to bring home the November memorial candle with Nancy's name on it from our November Remembrance Chapel.  I made a low calorie pumpkin pie without the crust.  I also bought a homemade mince pie from Humphry's Market that was pretty good. 

Alan brought the turkey this time.  I often complained about leftovers being wasted long afterward and my sons did not take some home.  I wanted something small to avoid that.  In addition, we were also worried about food shortages and my freezer was full so I asked Alan to bring the turkey.

A little prayer before our meal and a round of something that we are thankful for during the past year.

Amber was intimidated by the visiting dogs especially Cosmo. He's a little bit rough.  Amber played at first but then when Cosmo got too rough, she hid by me and was shivering.   During our meal I put her in the kennel.  Still Amber shivered.  I'd been trying to teach Cosmo some manners which I think Sean should be doing.  That dog is 6 months old now and I warned him that events start allowing dogs to title at 1.  It doesn't just happen on their birthday.  Then I put on my fox fur hat to give my dogs a walk and that big hat scared Cosmo.   I thought it was funny having the shoe on the other foot.  I do regret that the 28 degrees with 18 MPH was too cold for a traditional family dog walk that I look forward to.

Sunday I participated in the 28th annual Sid Wood Toy Run

 

I went through my friends list on Facebook and unfriended some that are gone and those that had a COVID or mask related profile photo.

 
 Now can I listen to Christmas music

My Week

Here are some cards and a statue I got for Veterans Day last week.  I am grateful for these and the thoughts behind them.  The statue came from Connie in my exercise group at Powerworks and really shows both sides of me.

I've been taking my sack of winter clothing down from the attic.  Doing an inventory of gloves and such. Monday I got 3 minor sewing repair projects off my sewing list.  There are many others but I tackled a few.  After fixing my Soldiers Aid Society display banner, I packed it away with other display items in a rolling suitcase.  Well 2 days later I see that the jar of syrup in the suitcase had burst and made a mess in the garage.   Everything is sticky even after mopping before going to my Wednesday night Interveterans Council meeting.  On the way home, my brother called me and I spoke while driving (via Bluetooth).  So I pulled in my garage and was afraid to shut the car down because I thought it might disconnect the call.  That lasted about a half hour.  When I did get out of the car, I could feel sticky floor under my shoes.  I didn't sleep well thinking about the sticky floor in the garage. I was awake thinking of things to do.  I had a mess in the garage.  I got out ammonia and the power washer the following day.  Seems to have worked and also  got a little rearranging done in the garage.  It was a cold day to powerwash I might add.

Monday morning I went to 8:30 Mass after my exercise class since there was time to fit it in back to back.  I should do that more often when it doesn't interfere with exercise class.  I need to pray for the bad social news fight against Satan who is wondering the world seeking the ruin of souls.

Tuesday I went to core and yoga. I tried to take it real easy when it came to my sore heel.  In the afternoon I took Sophie on a visit.  They still haven't hired a new activity director.  It's been 3 weeks that I've not seen a replacement.

Wednesday I went to exercise and then got a few items at the grocery store.  I stopped at the Goodwill for senior day but I only picked up 2 things that were holiday and not on senior special:  some C9 bulbs to try on my Red/White/Blue light line and a holiday basket that's Amber's size to carry.  I can get Amber to carry a little basket but not a dumb bell she'll need to learn for future trials. She won't hold it or carry it.  It looks chewed up like a nylabone.

In the afternoon I had my dermatology check up since I had a melanoma removed in the past.  The PA froze a few spots on my face that could potentially become cancerous and took a biopsy of a bump on my hip that I suspect is a new wart.  Turned out to be nothing to worry about.

Thursday I had part one of a dental appointment for a crown.  It was really interesting with the new 3D mold gadget. It was more painful getting the numb needle.  I have an appointment next week for the final crowning!

We were to have a Catholic War Veterans meeting Thursday evening but our leader canceled it about 2 hours before due do his eye surgery.  It was a good thing that I had emailed a copy of my mid-period history report.  Few corrections had been requested on names.

I hadn't been to Saturday morning yoga class in a long time because of all the dog events that took up my  weekends.  Finally have 2 weeks free before agility trials locally at the fairgrounds in December.

Sean has taken his puppy, Cosmo, to work every day since he got him. He came Sunday for laundry and we watched "The King" and "Fatima" on netflix.  I did get Cosmo to go through my short tunnel.

I've had to initiate closure of our Amvets post.  So many have passed away and the ones we have are not  getting any younger.  I've tried to recruit members to no avail and at this point, it would be bad of me to talk someone into joining when we are a fraction away from closing.  I'm still a life member but now a member at large.

RANT:

FDA doesn't want to release the bad news about the vaccine.  Let's just wait 55 years to release the real COVID data when most that were vaccinated have passed away and will no longer complain they were used.

FDA Asks Federal Judge To Wait Until 2076 To Fully Release Covid Vaccine Data

If someone asked me if I'm "vaccinated" I'd say if your vaccinated, what are you worried about? What's the whole point of asking others if they are? Your "safe" right? Isn't that the reason you got vaccinated?  Once vaccinated, the separation between the vaxxed and purebloods deepens like the Arians and the Jews once separated into different classes.  Next come the camps but the name will change from "work camps" to "Fema camps".

Study says nearly two-thirds of vaxxed Americans will BAN un-jabbed family members during holiday gatherings 

 The purebloods have never infected the vaccinated but are indoctrinated in fear.

CDC Says there is NO EVIDENCE that Naturally Immune Transmit Covid 

On Thursday a 70 year old woman died of COVID and she even had her booster.  I can't say "I told you so" but on the other hand, I've met a number of "booster boasters".  Time will tell in this world of delayed effects designed to disconnect a death from the vaccine.

 

 

My Week

 Monday I got to watch Hank while Alan went to St Louis.  He was evaluated for TMJ disorder.   I sold 2 bins of old Mad magazines that were neatly kept in plastic sheaths via Craigslist.

Tuesday I went to Core exercise followed by yoga class.  The stretching was fine until we came to down dog and like positions.  I left a little early because my plantar fasciitis was bothering me.   I really need to get more serious about icing it down.  I have some gel pads that are in the freezer.

Wednesday morning I was shown a video on Twitter about the COVID vaccine for children that brought tears because Pfizer replaced the saline in the vaccine with a heart attack medicine.  Sure I looked it up and of course they say it is safe.  Would you expect otherwise?  Point is: why the kids need this heart attack medicine in the first place.  I cried for the children and the parents who believe their children are threatened by this virus and will do anything for their safety.  It's a natural parental instinct that is being exploited.  I see that my niece vaccinated her young daughter and boasts how brave she is. 😪

Wednesday after exercise I was surprised when one of my classmates gave me a Veterans Day card and and patriotic angel figure.   Afterward I went to Mechanicsburg for some agility practice.  That went a little better than the week before.  

Thursday was Veterans Day.   I participated in the Springfield Veterans Day Parade and was interviewed  for the paper.  https://www.sj-r.com/story/news/2021/11/11/veterans-day-parade-makes-return-springfield-after-hiatus/6382844001/ 

It rained early in the morning and cleared up just in time for the parade.  The parade turned out quite nice since the leacership had changed and the parade had been canceled because of COVID.   Before that, it was canceled because of snow.  I rode with the Catholic War Veterans.

I was seated on the back of the convertible and passed out flags.

The parade started at 10AM and I had already turned down the color guard duty in Chatham at 11AM.  However, the parade was over by 10:30 so I figured I'd go to Chatham.  I got pulled in to hold the Air Force flag for our silent color guard and subsequent rifle volley.  That was a surprise that I was able to do both.

Afterward, I thought I'd get a lunch voucher for Texas Roadhouse.  The line of traffic for the drive through vouchers was out on the highway side and wrapped around.  It did not move so I pulled out and went to the VFW that had a full spread meal.  On top of all that, Texas Roadhouse had already sent vouchers to the VFW for verified veterans and I got both a post meal and didn't have to wait in line.  After eating, I noticed that my Ring was showing a video of the increased wind flapping my front door and blowing my garbage can lid around.  So on the way home, I noticed that the line for Texas Roadhouse was even longer.  Glad I had a great meal at the VFW.  WIN-WIN

In the evening I attended the Commander's Banquet for our 114th Illinois Regiment (reenacting group).  Only a few member of the Soldiers Aid Society dressed for the occasion.   All the members of the regiment wore their uniforms.

Friday morning was exercise and breakfast with my fellow Powerworks group.  We saw our first snow flurries.  Nothing much but enough to make me stare to make sure that it was snow and not falling leaves.   In the evening I went to Ring Ready practice.  Amber did really well.

Enter the ring number 101

Saturday I went to Caseyville for Amber's obedience trial.  I got there at 11AM since my time was just generically set for afternoon.  Amber finished her AKC Novice obedience title (also known as Companion Dog CD) Saturday sponsored by the St Louis Collie Club. It was a good thing that I registered in both trials because we only passed one of the two which was all I needed to title. 1st Leg was earned on 10/9/20, second leg earned on 6/19/21 and then today's 3rd leg to title. There were many NQs in between. Don't let that 1st place ribbon fool you. The other in my Novice A class was absent. Don't let my late start fool you that I shouldn't be in a first timer's trial class either. Let me tell you just a few words that had a different meanings in my head. "Beginner Novice" is an oxymoron, "tracking" should be something about finding wild game, "Gamblers" is not what I thought it was, "articles" is another and on and on. Too much to handle.

This is the scoresheet that passed with 189 out of possible 200 points.  Other dog was absent

This is the one that I failed and cut off without completion.  Her healing off leash was horrible and even worse her recall due to a distraction in the other ring.  They were passing out awards and clapping during recall.  Amber sat there and stared at the other ring.  That was devastating and we practice recall every day.  There went 30 points.

The ribbons:  I really believe that both of these judges loved their job.

Just to be clear, I did not see any other terriers at the trial.  I guess terriers are losers.  I was asked twice what breed she is.  Although she is not a pure bred dog, Amber is mostly border terrier and something else that put a curl in her tail.  

Sunday I went to Mass with the Catholic War Veterans at St Joseph's Parish.  They had donuts after Mass.

RANT:  According to the CDC: No Record of Naturally Immune Transmitting COVID-19

 

I met a few "Booster Boasters". Nothing really to brag about IMHO. Libs have been striving for socialism and instead have built a new upper class of the vaxxed. Shedders are just that.  It's sad.  I know there have been a few times that someone I was with said "we're both vaccinated" by assumption and I didn't correct them especially in front of company.  Perhaps next time I'm confronted directly I'll just reply back "have you had an abortion?" "Do you have any STDs?"  It's the same interference.

I fear we've gone too far.  I cry for the children being told they are brave because they are exploited by a parent's worst fears.  It's still experimental.  Those that fell for the jab cannot become un-vaccinated.  Saying "I told you so" is not option.  I have to silently watch the world end.  We can never be friends again. Repentance for themselves and the after life is their only hope.  As a result, there will be a communication break down between us.  As for me and my house, I will serve the Lord.  The rest will be left behind because they sold themselves for 5 years of life based on fear.  These experts have no exit plan to end their madness.

 

My Week

 

November kicks off with All Souls and also our veterans.  The fall colors have peeked.  Mornings are real cold but oh when the sun comes out it's perfect.  I have my winter coat in the morning and T shirt in the afternoon.  Drawback is that the opportunity in the sun is also lessened. I remember missing that mid-part of the day when I was working. 

I'm was on the phone with a Keisha about a "free" Cardiac Genetic Test kit and the caller is a heavy pusher like a telemarketer insisting that I say yes to high blood pressure just because I take cholesterol medicine and would be hence prone to heart disease.  Then he transfers me to a medicare distributor, also with a heavy accent, and then truthfully say I don't have high blood pressure. I sure hate how these people rip off medicare.  Meanwhile, I looked up "Cardiac Genetic Test kit" and found a scam link for this:

https://www.bbb.org/article/scams/20457-bbb-scam-alert-beware-of-genetic-testing-scam?fbclid=IwAR2sWezZulBSOa0EaibnPtO3JKVj36IpRN5RkED2THKhLIgvd69UUb-2uuY 

Tuesday morning, Sophie went to the groomers while I went to the gym.  I got a text message about 11 saying she was ready.  Well, when Terrie saw what she thought was me pulling in to get Sopie, but it wasn't, Sophie peed on her freshly groomed body and had to be redone.  She was cleaned up in time for a 1:30 visit. 

In the evening I went to All Souls Day Mass.  We honored all the family and friends that have passed since the last All Souls Day.  Among them was my sister-in-law, Nancy.

Someone gets a candle lit for a loved one

We were given a choice to keep the candle or leave it in the chaple.

Nancy Kapp's candle

 

Wednesday morning we had our first, hard frost.  I went to exercise class which I hadn't been able to attend most of the summer because I had agility practice in the morning while it was cool.  Now that it's colder, we moved that practice to 9:30.  I had a massage at 1PM and then I visited the Wellness Clinic about my Plantar Fasciitis laser and scraping of the heel.  I've had this for 2 weeks. Actually I was referred there by my agility instructor who has a PHD in Public Policy Analysis and uses this in her business: In The Zone Agility.  Even after a few days, I haven't noticed much change. In the evening I went to our Legion Riders meeting and only 5 showed up including myself.

Friday afternoon, Amber performed tricks at the assisted living facility in Chatham.  I picked up some more batteries for my hearing aids and when the clerk asked me what type I couldn't remember the number. She wanted to know if they were rechargeable and I said no.  She told me that the company that supplied their rechargeable batteries had gone under and the new company charges $150 for theirs.

Saturday and Sunday I went to for AKC Fast Cat trials at Purina Farms.  I had requested a Saturday afternoon slot and a Sunday morning slot for the convenience of driving. 

I went to Saturday evening Mass in Eureka at Sacred Heart.  When I was there last Easter, I went to this church also.  Very nice pastor and inspirational.  He preceded Mass by announcing that during the gospel we were to think of the "Hokey Pokey".  Actually the reading was about the poor widow who gave all she had and Father Joe likened it to "you put your whole self in" verse from the Hokey Pokey.  I noticed that this particular priest is a ventriloquist also.  When I was here for Easter, he pulled out a puppet.  Back then I thought it was for the kiddos who envision Easter's point of view but he did it again today at the end of Mass and did a brief talk with the puppet on the Hokey Pokey.  Low and behold, this homily is on Most Sacred Heart's Youtube channel here:  Homily

Fr Joe's Children's message:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgxYlKNU7ig

 

The poor widow that gave more than the others to Jesus shared from https://atonementparish.blogspot.com/2021/11/the-widows-offering.html

Ah the ribbon ~ the trip's purpose.

Entrance to Purina Farms where my car's navigation system tells me I'm off course or something.

The AKC Fast Cat event sponsored by the Staffordshire Terrier Club

Amber and her BCAT ribbon at Purina Farms

 

I had dinner at Joe Boccardi's

Thanks to Debbie for this video above.  Yep that's me calling Amber at the end yelling "get it". 

The girls had a good time at Six Flags. I must always remember the fun they had and not the ribbon status.

 

So here is our score sheet so far.  At the 150 mark we got the BCAT title.  Next level we need 500 points.  We are on our way there.

  I saw a lot of road kill deer on this trip.  On the way home, I stopped at the LOVES truck plaza and went to McDonalds for the first time in over a year.  I suppose Daylight Savings affected my apatite timing also.   I was surprised they had a little dog park for travelers which was really good for the girls to get out and play.

There were plenty of road kill deer along the way.  One was recent and the police were assisting a motorist with a banged up hood on the car.  A dead deer lay on the opposite side of the road.  

The peaches I got at Aldi were tough and flavorless.  So I decided to caramelize them with cinnamon for breakfast.  Still not the greatest dish but less waste.

 

My Week

My plantar facisis is still bothering me occasionally.  

Monday I got a letter from church for the upcoming "All Souls Day" Mass of Remembrance service to include my sister-in-Law.  I  found her burial record here: 

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/230472596/nancy-helen-kapp

Tuesday afternoon I took Amber to the nursing home and was able to show off her newest trick ~ stacking rings on the peg. In the evening I picked Sean up to go have dinner in Lincoln for Alan's birthday.  

Last Sunday Amber and I completed another title and here's our Awards report so far for 2021.  We have 4 more events planned.

Wednesday I took Amber out to Mechanicsburg for agility practice.  I can now see some more advancement.  I was pleased to tell Lisa about our conquering the 12 weave poles without her looking at me for reassurement between poles.  I also noticed that the hoops were aligned to train the handler and dog to gain some distance on directions instead of walking close for control.  Amber was to go straight but I was supposed to stay behind the other perpendicular hoops.   There was more, like a sharp L turn after that.

In the evening I went to our monthly meeting of the Interveterans Council.  I was elected as chaplain for the organization and will be doing the opening and closing prayer.  I wish to invite council members to name the recently departed from their posts to include. 

Thursday I was going to go to 8:30 mass since I don't go to the gym but when I got there, I saw funeral flowers being delivered which means the Mass would be later. The evening was the last night of being an assistant for Agility 101 at the club.  I was the only station out in the yard with a barrel and tunnel. My station was first.  I helped put up the equipment afterward and got to go home before the rest of the class.

Friday started to get cold in the house even though it was in the 50s outside.  My furnace was not running.  I called my serviceman who happened to be in the neighborhood.  On the phone he had me check the circuit breaker but that didn't work.  He stopped by and flipped what looks like a light switch and it worked.   I had tried that switch earlier but it didn't turn the furnace on.  Apparently I should have waited a few.  He only charged $20 for gas.  

Saturday and Sunday I went to the Champaign-Urbana Dog Training Club to attend the Matthew Twitty Obedience Seminar.  I did not bring my dog with me.  Instead it was less expensive to audit this class.  This seminar was quite informative and wished I knew some of these methods sooner for Amber.  For example: instead of cutting hot dogs or cheese in slices, he cut lengthwise to dangle the treats.  He said if a dog gets too excited and barks entering the ring, pick the dog up to disrupt the behavior.  One smaller young lady had to do this with her German Shepard. He could see signs in performance that I  didn't notice.  I will have to review what I learned.

I drove my dogs to a rural area at night to see if I could see the Northern Lights.  Only headlights from oncoming traffic.  One couple in a pick up stopped to see if I was stranded and I told them I just hoped to see the Northern Lights.  I'll never see these mythical lights.  

Monday I  went to All Saints Day Mass.

I won the 50/50 at the American Legion meeting on Monday with a ticket ending in 666. I donated it to wreaths across America ($19).

My Week

I noticed  that when I got home from my trip last week that my lawn was taller than the neighbors.  I had hoped to hold off cutting the grass (which was done before I left) to mow leaves when they fall. I'm not expecting too many leaves since I had the tree cut down.

 Tuesday Amber went to the groomers.   I didn't want her groomed before she trialed for her Beginner Novice because I thought she might stop and scratch herself.  By then, appointments were pretty booked in advance.  So I also got an appointment for Sophie in November.  I brought Sophie to pick up Amber. Sophie knew where we were and started shivering, just as Amber did when I dropped her off.  I may have to go visit the groomers for a happy, casual visit.

Tuesday evening I went to have chicken dinner at the VFW especially since a lady was going to drop off entries for Voice of Democracy that night.  She trusts I'll see that they get entered for the scholarship and not in any black hole that she had experienced years ago.

For many years I had been trying to research my Kapasinski great grandparents.  Only a few records exist.  So after years of trying to fix the root of the problem's records, I decided to mark the graves "as-is"  recorded by Holy Cross cemetery.  

Here's what is online for their graves:

  https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/183795972/vincenty-kapuscinki

When I was driving to Louisville on Tuesday, Oct 18th, I received a call from Dr Taylor, the chiropractor affiliated with Powerworks Fitness, that I had bumped someone in the parking lot on Monday.  I told him I had no clue what he was talking about.  He said it was me and that it was captured on video.  I told him I would be out of  town for a week.  He said he would show me the video when I got back.  Meanwhile my mind is bothered.  The stress over this kinda ruined the trip's enjoyment.  Dr Taylor called the following Monday while I was driving home and said that they were eagerly waiting to close the case for repairs.  I told him I still had no idea what he was talking about and that I was still not in town.  He said Oh it's definitely you on the video.   Tuesday I stopped by to see Dr Taylor in person as requested to see  the video and he said he didn't have the password but that Libby could show me on Friday.  Well Libby called me on Wednesday while I was in Mechanicsburg at agility practice.  She had to leave a message while I was running the course.  She asked me to stop by and see the video and I stopped by upon return from practice.  Arriving at the parking lot, there was a sheriff's car in the parking lot that blew up my nerves even more. Sure, it's not uncommon for officers to want to get in shape but I was already tense about this accusation.  As soon as I walked in the door she saw my face and said "it's not you" and showed me the lady in the video that that had the accident.  The person in the video was like 20 years my senior with short grey hair and they put my name on her face in the video.  A case of mistaken identity.  I nearly fainted because Dr Taylor adamantly said "definitely you".  Powerworks has photos of members and no comparison was made at all.  Dr Taylor saw me on Tuesday when I promptly came in person to see the video and he said he didn't have the password to show the video.  He obviously never saw the video or he could have said it wasn't me that had an accident in the parking lot at that time that I showed up.  My face and hair was way different.  Dr Taylor is the same chiropractor that tried to manipulate my spine without an Xray when I had un-diagnosed spondylolisthesis and I fear he did more harm than good.  His credibility sunk to a new low with his certainty in both cases.  Meanwhile, the victim's repairs were delayed a week by this error.   Shame!  

Wednesday afternoon I helped decorate for the the DAR 25th anniversary party this coming Saturday which I cannot attend due to agility trials.  It looked real sharp with lots of various types of flags.  In the evening I went to the quarterly meeting of the Veterans Assistance Commission for which I am secretary.

Thursday I went to 8:30 Mass, printed documents at the library, mowed the grass, got an oil change, cleaned the guinea pig cage, and in the evening assisted with a station for our Club's beginner agility class.  I like the class and feel helpful to the new handlers with some skills that I didn't know that early like the "front cross".  I volunteered for this class because it was scheduled as an outdoor class.  That meant I didn't have to wear a mask.  As time progressed, it got cooler and darker earlier and now I'm  the only station out in the fenced yard at the club.  We have a big flood light and I don't think 55 is too cold to practice.  One person that came out after visiting station rotation inside said it seemed crowded.  Besides, I can hear better outside except when the train goes by.

Saturday and Sunday morning I got up early and went to Glen Carbon for Canine Performance Events (CPE) trials. Overall we gained 8 qualifying scores (Q's) and 2 (NQs).  It was a masked event but unlike previous events, we didn't have to run with a mask in the ring. As tired as I was after I came home on Saturday evening, I still found time to go to Chris Bron's Octoberfest themed birthday party.

My German edelweiss sweater since the evening was cool.

Enjoyed the music.  Not all the guests are pictured.  Some stayed near the beverages in the kitchen.

I saw an old breed of dog that was new to me abbreviated as PBGV, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen (peanut butter garden variety to remember just the initials).  I looked that up in my dog book when I got home.  

Alright, some may not care so much how we did at the trial but if nothing else, I must record how it went (and what I was thinking at the time).  All this was accomplished with heel pain from plantar fasciitis all week.  I wasn't always feeling it.  I got some insoles the day before to help. What made me feel a little better was seeing a few that ran their dog with a limp and a cane while off the line.  Also, there was a very pregnant woman running her dog on Saturday. When I asked her when her baby was due, she told me a week and a half.  She had family with her in our kenneling space. 

Look at her run in that pregnant condition!

These toy poodles would pop their heads up and reminded me of "Whack-a-Mole" game.

During one of the recently upgraded runs in level 3, I was really surprised to see 12 weave poles.  Up until now I've only worked with 6 and sometimes not so good.  So a few other exhibitors reassured me to go to the end as if there were 6 but if she pops out, to either correct her direction first otherwise take her to the beginning.  Never ever let her back weave to the beginning. So when it was team Amber/Rose on the line, Amber took off zooming around.  I looked at the judge and just said "I don't know what to do" for which the judge can't help me.  Well as it turned out, that cost me a fault for off course but I did get her back once Amber got her head back on track and best of all we did the 12 weaves flawlessly.  However, I didn't go back to look at the results expecting a failure for all the mess we had in the begging.  Turns out the lady that gave me advice on the 12 weaves did go and check and returned to tell me we still passed with 2 faults resulting in 2d place.  I was sulking over a loss that turned out positive and began to cry happy tears because we have worked so hard together.

I got my email for my results but don't let that "first place" fool you. It doesn't count if there's an "NQ".

Amber. 30319-01. 09-01-17. Border Terrier. Owner: Rosemary Connolly, 808 Timberhill Rd, Chatham, IL 62629. Handler: Rosemary Connolly.

    Saturday 10/23/2021:
               Wildcard L2 -  8 Inch - Judge: Carol Thom
               Distance: 89 yards  SCT: 50 seconds
               Score: 5 (Q)  Time: 30.25 seconds  1st Place

               Jackpot L3 -  8 Inch - Judge: Carol Thom
               Score: 46 (Q)  Time: 37.34 seconds  1st Place

               Snooker L2 -  8 Inch - Judge: Carol Thom
               Score: 15 (NQ)  Time: 24.12 seconds  1st Place  (dropped a bar so it didn't count)

               Standard L3 -  8 Inch - Judge: Carol Thom
               Distance: 145 yards  SCT: 70 seconds
               Score: 10 (Q)  Time: 63.84 seconds  2nd Place  (I thought this was an NQ because of off course zooming run that she did and another fault with a bar down so I didn't even go check our score.  Once I got her back on course she did real well to finish.  I didn't know what to do but call her back to the sequence. Apparently getting her to focus to finish paid off and someone else had to tell me we passed.  I was emotionally surprised that we Q'd. What's even bigger news is that this is the first time, in trial or practice, that we had to do 12 weave poles instead of 6)

               Colors L3 -  8 Inch - Judge: Carol Thom
               Distance: 98 yards  SCT: 50 seconds
               Score: 0 (Q)  Time: 21.80 seconds  2nd Place

    Sunday 10/24/2021:
               FullHouse L2 -  8 Inch - Judge: Carol Thom
               Score: 22 (Q)  Time: 18.94 seconds  2nd Place  (This was a choice course.  I was conservative going for points and had plenty of time to rack up some more time-wise.  I needed 21 points to qualify)

               Standard L3 -  8 Inch - Judge: Carol Thom
               Distance: 142 yards  SCT: 69 seconds
               Score: 0 (Q)  Time: 48.17 seconds  1st Place  (Completed requirements for level 3 on Saturday and I should have moved up Saturday to level 4 but I didn't mark that down for the trial secretary)

               Snooker L2 -  8 Inch - Judge: Carol Thom
               No Time  (After the initial sequence of "red then obstacale" three times for strategy, I was to begin the final sequence and should have wrapped the jump.  Instead I had her back jump so she went off course)

               Jackpot L3 -  8 Inch - Judge: Carol Thom
               Score: 57 (Q)  Time: 47.11 seconds  1st Place

               Jumpers L2 -  8 Inch - Judge: Carol Thom
               Distance: 92 yards  SCT: 42 seconds
               Score: 0 (Q)  Time: 21.20 seconds  2nd Place

My plan was to wrap that number 2 jump and go 3 through 7 but we back jumped to 3 which was off course then because I only had to jump number 2 once as it was bi-directional.  Kickin' myself over that.  I will be in "snooker" kindergarten level for a long time.  Other courses are now creeping into upper levels.

Our final photo with the ribbons taken with a timer over and over till I got an acceptable capture of us and the ribbons next to the timer squawk box.

There were not many photo stations at this place but there was advertising on the ring's wall with the Native American Piasa Bird famous for the local history along the Mississippi River.

 Volunteers were given tickets to enter into a raffle.  There were various things I could have bid for. I got this raffle.

Did you know Illinois is the number one pumpkin producing state? There are more than 500 pumpkin farms in our state. And, get this, 80% of the pumpkins produced commercially are grown within a 90 mile radius from Peoria.