My Week

Tuesday evening I went to the historical retreat ceremony in front of the Lincoln Tomb. It was very hot around 99degrees and the civil war soldiers were dressed in heavy wool. The ladies that pass out tickets to be picked to receive the lowered flag usually wear their period dresses. They wimped out and wore shorts and tees. One lady, Gene and I did dress for the occasion so all the visitors took pictures of us.

Wednesday morning I saw a humming bird by my cana. I quickly filled my feeder in the front yard
My sons helped the buyer of my Piaggio load her up on a trailer to take it home to Nebraska. More space in my garage and mistake I made to buy it is corrected.

Wednesday evening I went to line dance lessons at the VFW. It was so hot that I almost didn’t want to leave the house but I knew that if I didn’t go, I’d just sit around in the heat. In fact, that’s why I skipped out on my lunchtime exercise class. It’s actually cooler in the hall than in my office.

Thursday morning my alarm didn’t wake me but that doesn’t mean I slept in. We still have the neighbor’s dog that gets me up to go outside at 5AM. The neighbor gets up earlier than I do. Dottie will start by pawing and whimpering by my bed. This never happens with my dogs because they know how to use the doggie door flap. There was a little rain this morning which was badly needed during this drought. By about 10:30 I walked on my break and the sun had come out. I felt the grass and it was by now dry enough to sit on. Need more rain!!

Thursday evening I went to an ABATE meeting.  It was one of the shorter meetings.
I got two discounted tickets that are regularly $18 for $10 to see the Lighter Side of Springfield History at the Hoogland.



It was a fair show with a few funny moments.

Friday my coworker messed with my back pack

 

Saturday I went to Berlin cemetery for a rededication of a marker for Butler who was in the war of 1812.  I met my American Legion Riders post 32 there but I didn't ride since I had Civil War gear in the back of the car for an event following.  I met Gene at the VFW post and then drove up to Bloomington together for the Civil War Days.  It was hot.  We got there in time to watch the Skirmish Between the Troops.

http://daviddavismansion.org/programs/

Stopped by a nice sculpture in front of the Performing Arts Center for a photo.

 I got home in time to watch our American Legion Riders Legacy Run coverage on "Cruzin' Illinois" special.  Eventually it should be posted here:  http://www.illinoiscentral.tv/

Sunday morning I found a bottle of vodka in my freezer which my son left there.  Vodka has lower calories than beer or wine.  I rode the cycle out to Jacksonville to the AMVETS post for the Division III meeting.  I remember passing the 90 degree latitude sign along I-72.  There were 16 people present including myself.  I wore my  AMVET rider vest and of course everyone thinks I'm from post 169 in Pekin but that's the home post for the riders.  A roll call was made and I spoke up for my post 61 which we probably haven't been represented in awhile.  We had pulled pork afterward.  I figured that if the meeting was boring that I would at least have a nice ride that I had been yearning and have our post counted in attendance.

Monday I got a call that was to remind me of my optometry appointment on Tuesday. That appointment was made so far in advance that I forgot. I quickly filled out a time off slip from work. In the evening I picked up some things at Joanne Fabric store for my costume projects. I came home and finished the trim on my brown felt bonnet. It sure looks better. I did break a needle on my sewing machine in the process.

Tuesday morning I got a call from a Tammy at Omnicare Pharmacy who said there is an overage payment for Francis Connolly. He passed away 4 years ago. Omincare was a nag at billing back then and said they needed more money all the time. They probably got paid twice because of the pressure they put on me and now wanted to send me a check. She referred to Francis with feminine pronouns but the feminine of Francis is Frances. Odd timing because it was just a week ago I decided that I no longer needed all these medical records and tossed them. This was a bit disturbing to take me back in time. I sure do not wish this on my heirs but there is only limited planning that I can do.

My week

I can't believe that after sharing my last weekly report that I got a response from cousin, Ron Dusky the snowbird, who was present at the Civil War Retreat Ceremony at Lincoln's Tomb when I was dressed in my widow's weeds.  He is from so far away and we were in the same crowd.  Especially since the retreat ceremony is every Tuesday evening during the summer and and I do not go all the time.

Thursday I took a half day off of work to attend a funeral for  marine Lance Corporal Kevin Davallis who died in Texas.  I went to the funeral which was somewhat in three parts:  The respects paid at the funeral home just before escort to the church, church service, escort to Camp Butler.  My coworker attended the first part and then peeled off to go to back to work.  He later told me how moved he told me "Standing in the flag line really gets to me because of the family coming in.  Its really hard to be stoic..."  It was was a Catholic funeral so I attended Mass with my Catholic War Veterans service cap.   It was nice to see Chris again who came all the way from Quincy on his motorcycle for this Patriot Guard escort.




Springfield is building a homeless shelter for veterans and it is starting to come along.  It’s almost ready to be opened up.  I attended a meeting of the Catholic War Veterans and the homeless shelter came up so I had my computer and showed them the picture of the shelter.   It was scheduled to open June 23d.  There was a discussion about membership of getting younger veterans into our organization as well as all veterans organizations.  Even the VFW where we held our meeting had been painted for the so-called "lightening up" attraction toward the younger generation of veterans.  Cole brought up something totally off the wall about younger veterans no longer meeting and getting all their news from Hanity.  He said that he asks them "Do you know who owns FOX News?".  Seems to be a "catch you with your pants down" type of question that has nothing to do with membership.  I didn't know so I looked it up and was surprised to learn that the owner was Rupert Murdock. 

The neighbor gave me 2 bottles of wine and a case of beer for my son.  Oh, and we are dog sitting thier active Jack Russell named Dottie.  Friday morning I walked three dogs before going to work.  That was like walking your pet octopus.

Friday I rode to work so I could ride in a parde afterwork for the American Legion State Convention.  There was also an evening street party.  The parade was nice.  I had some snacks on the 29th floor of the Hilton.  Few looked down out the slanted window.  I scared one with a slight push.  PANIC!  We took a group photo of the American Legion Riders.  Short ones in front.  I stayed until a wind gust picked up.  There were scattered but severe showers spread around so I panicked and came home early.  It was nothing by the time I got home.   In fact, it was nicer outside than in my air conditioned house which is where I am typing this paragraph from on my laptop.  I did fill up the tank and calculated 55.4 MPG.

There was a Mother-Daughter in a tu tu at the convention as well. 

Early Saturday I rode the Wheezer for a bike show held by the Legion Riders.  I put it in a bike show with a $10 entry fee.  I had a nice narrative on the 89 Yamaha Route 66 Special Edition but didn't win.  Dave told me that his friend, Lee Elder,  got mugged after I had left the night before of $25 by two blacks.  He ran after them but they got away.  While the convention and bike show was going on, I got into my costume and helped at the Old State Capitol.  I went over to the convention center in my historical costume and Legion Cap.  I figure if the Looking For Lincoln push can have historically dressed reenactors using a new app for Lincoln on their cell phones that I can wear my FARBY cap to draw convention visitors to our historical site.  Later, Edwards Place which was holding an ice cream social and historical dance.  Gene met  up with me for the dance.  After all the vandalism, I knew that after the dance I should change and get my motorcycle away  from the convention center so I changed into slacks and brought it over to the Old State capital for a special after work event by Chris Vallilo and the Lincoln Troubadours.

Sunday I went to 8AM Mass with the Catholic War Veterans.  Since we church hop between different parishes each month, this month we were at the church and same service that Justin's family goes to. Justin is the site manager at the Old State Capitol and I got to see his 18 month old daughter.  Afterward we had breakfast at Amber Jacks.

After that my son and I went to Morton, IL to Maxine's on Main for a fund raiser for a cancer victim.  Not only had my son been there before and knew the way there, I sure needed him to drive me home.  There was a lot of wine and I got tipsy.  It's a good thing I was not driving.   We did drive through an isolated shower through Springfield but not a drop where I live.

I thought I would wear a nice cool skirt this morning and at first I thought I lost weight....nooooooo...it has been sitting in my closet so long the elastic in the back had rotted.

Monday was the 4th anniversary of loosing my husband.  My son had posted a photo of his grave with a coin.  I understand that it was not the only coin there later in the day.  Thanks all!  Frank I'm doing fine and when I'm not, your sons are there for me.

Later I went to a VFW meeting.  Dave Crouch thanked all that had participated in the honor guard during the past few months and that was very nice.  I told him that my calendar was a busy one but don't let a few turn downs deter him from asking for help with the honor guard.  I just realize how sad any ceremony would be without the posting of our nation's colors.  It just wouldn't be the same without this important part of ANY EVENT.  The post welcomed a new member by the name of Marie.  While at the meeting I had my laptop and with the help of the post's WIFI I was able to make a post to the group's site:  http://my.vfwwebcom.org/group/post755

It looks like I will finally sell my Piaggio.  I have a deposit check and a secondary supplemental check.  Pickup is tentative for Wednesday.  My son made me promise not to make an impulse purchase like that again.

The State of Illinois is in a financial crisis and is negotiating with the union to have every employee go down two grades ( a 10% cut).  This is not good for me.

It's so hot that...

• birds are using potholders to pull worms out of the ground.
• the trees are whistling for dogs.
• hot water now comes out of both taps in the sink.
• you can make sun tea instantly.
• you break into a sweat the instant you step outside at 7:30 a.m.
• you realize that asphalt has a liquid state.
• you actually burn your hand opening the car door.
• you learn that a seat belt buckle makes a pretty good branding iron.
• you discover that it only takes 2 fingers to steer your car.
• the best parking place is determined by shade instead of distance.
• the temperature drops below 95°F and you feel a little chilly.
• farmers are feeding their chickens crushed ice to keep them from laying boiled eggs.

My Week

Thursday evening I attended a session at church called "Protecting God's Children".  The Catholics are upset too about child abuse and are education volunteers.  In addition, I had a background check.  We need to be aware of the signs and listen more. Odds that a child is as good of a liar about sexual encounters as adulterer are unlikely. 

I spent the 4th of July going to a Mass of Remembrance at Oakridge cemetery with the Catholic War Veterans.  It was too hot to do much else.  In the evening I took my little motorcycle down the street to watch fireworks with Dianne and Graham McCoy on their driveway.  It was still so hot that late that I rode those few blocks without helmet or any need for sleeves besides my tank top.

Last Saturday I was a volunteer at the Old State Capitol.  I thought I'd be giving tours but there were plenty to do that so I instead got in costume and helped embroider flags for the Womens Commission.
This Saturday, I participated in our American Legion Riders Legacy poker run.  I had my motorcycle out of the garage but couldn't get over the fact that the temperature would rise to 104.  I used to preach that it's never too hot to ride but as I get older and more feeble I decided to ride in my air conditioned cage.  As we staged for the ride, a reporter from Cruzin' Illinois TV interviewed a number of us regarding the ride and cause.  The stops planned included Harry's in Mason City, The Stag in Havana, the Trading Post in Oakford, The Last Chance in Sallisbury and back to Cheers in Springfield where we began.  However, due to the heat, we skipped Sallisbury and drew both cards back at the final stop.  Cheers put on a nice spread of beans, cole slaw, and BBQ ribs.

As I look at this picture and think of it while walking my dogs, I realize this picture is somewhat dated because of the desert camies. This man probably walks among us now. Who else could we meet on the streets of our community who have been in a situation like this?

I went to lunch with my coworkers.  On the way back, the street was blocked off for concrete work so Stewart, Michael and I were walking down the street three across like Avengers. Ok so we're all computer nerds.

After work I went to the Lincoln Tomb for the Civil War retreat ceremony.  I dressed in my widows weeds and told of my Victorian Tear Bottle and my locket of hair from my deceased loved one.  I posed for pictures for the visitors.  Laura offered me the basket to draw a name to receive the folded flag that had flown over the tomb for the week and I drew Zack from Rochester, IL.  When he came to receive his prize I saw that he was a boy scout.

Rep. Joe Walsh hints Tammy Duckworth not a ‘true hero’ - Chicago Sun-Times

Rep. Joe Walsh hints Tammy Duckworth not a ‘true hero’ - Chicago Sun-Times

My Week

Wednesday evening was my only evening off so my sons and I had dinner at Fulgenzi’s.


Thursday and Friday evening I worked our food Booth at the American Legion Homecoming. Friday, I rode my little motorcycle, Wheezer II, to work. I needed to find close parking at the America Legion Homecoming in the square. I was asked to be in the honor guard for the parade on Saturday. That means 3 days of fun.

I picked up some wooden spools of thread at a thrift shop for my reenactment collection. I have tour guide volunteer weekend coming up.

Sunday morning I took a swap as Eucharistic Minister at Mass. After that the day was free and I spent time at home with my sons and getting a good nap in. Catholic volunteers now go thru a background check.

This is the video of the Civil War Medical Encampment.  @3.29 yours truly is  speaking on stage about my dress and Mrs Major Belle Reynolds, Civil War nurse
Illinois Central TV - Videos - Ladies Soldiers' Aid Society

I don't have too much interesting to put in words because I've been busy with the 3 nights at the 65th Chatham American Legion Homecoming festival.    Actually, Sunday I took time for myself to nap and  get caught up around the house which has been severely neglected with all my activities.
I don't have too much interesting to put in words because I've been busy with the 3 nights at the 65th Chatham American Legion Homecoming festival. Actually, Sunday I took time for myself to nap and get caught up around the house which has been severely neglected with all my activities.


I saw a couple in a convertible with plates somethin' like HAVNFN. Since I was uncaged, I shouted ahead, "Are you havin' fun?" I got a nod and a wave from the lady passenger.

Wednesday evening I went to the VFW for line dancing lessons. When I got it…I got it…when I don’t I just yell “WILL SOMEBODY PLEASE HOLD MY HAND!!!”

Just couldn't get this song out of my head. 

My week

I figure that my cat is gone so I gave my cat food to the neighbor.
I had been told that I was on TV at the Civil War Medical encampment and had not seen it.  So I went online and found it at this link and I'm at about 2:20 minutes into the video.
http://www.wics.com/newsroom/features/raw-news/video/vid_33.shtml

Here are the Victorian beauties at the Grierson Days Gala on Saturday
Wednesday we had our AmVets meeting in Pawnee.  A new post commander took over since John Haines, our World War II veteran, has been doing this for years and it's time for someone new.  Eric Huckaby is our new post commander and he didn't shake things up but the air of the meeting was different and professional.  Not many in our post have internet and those that do are not good at it so that  leaves me as the adjutant to keep our post validation and records up to date.  We have a post website but I am having difficulty with the code used to make it show up on search engines.

https://sites.google.com/site/chathamamvets/

I gave a copy of the member roster which I downloaded the day before the meeting but it seems that no matter how hard we try, the state and national member lists are disjunct.
Eric gave me this picture taken at the Lake Springfield DAV:

Pictured: Les Hunter, Rose Connolly, Charley Cusomomo, Freddy Francisco

 Thursday I went to a retirement dinner at a Mexican restaurant for Vickie and a few coworkers.  I think we need to do that more often and relax outside of our cubicles.  I was the first to leave because I had to make to the other side of town for a meeting of the Catholic War Veterans

Thursday I went to a retirement dinner at a Mexican restaurant for Vickie and a few coworkers. I think we need to do that more often and relax outside of our cubicles. I was the first to leave because I had to make to the other side of town for a meeting of the Catholic War Veterans. We talked about our future since the post commander had passed away sine the last meeting. We will be sponsoring a Mass on the hill across from the Lincoln Tomb on the 4th of July.


Friday evening I readied my costumes from last weekend for Saturday’s reenactment in Jacksonville IL. I picked up Gene in his Civil War outfit and we headed out. There was a cloud outburst between events but it could not have happened at a better time. I got to eat under a tarp in the rain and then when I was done, so was the rain. The reenactment was about as close to the Civil War as possible, the ration of reenactors much smaller in number. I got the last of the strawberry shortcakes at the event and they had already run out of whipped cream which was fine by me. I got to meet a PGR friend there ~ Purple Girl. After the reenactment we walked through the camp and pet the horses and looked at the cannons. Then I changed dress for the 1860s ball. I had a wonderful time and the dance routines are coming to me. Because of the crowd we had to break into sets and once Gene and I became the lead couple. We are good as long as there is a good caller.

Sunday I did the reading at Mass and afterward there were donuts to celebrate Father’s Day.

In the afternoon I went for a ride with Michael. I showed him the famous Sugar Creek covered bridge and the brick road on Historic Route 66. Exhausted, I had a 10 hour sleep before going to work.
Monday night I went to the VFW meeting. I paid for my 4th of July raffle tickets and updated the post’s website with what was discussed at the meeting.

Tuesday morning, at 4AM, I woke to the sound of what seemed like patio sliding doors closing. I got up to investigate. It was somewhat dark and I didn’t find anything but my former marine son heard it too and he met me in the dark and was ready to clobber me. I suppose if this ever happens again I shouldn’t investigate the door without at least taking the gun from under the bed too. Between us we didn’t see anyone. I went back to bed and opened the window to listen. I still didn’t sleep well after that so I got up early. I went to my garden to dump some coffee grounds and ended up pulling some weeds and low and behold...I picked my first cucumber of the season and there's a second smaller one there too.

My little motorcycle has been in the shop for about 3 weeks and I know the mechanic is slow. I told him to ride it fast like above 40MPH. He rode it slow so I called to have him try again faster. Well, it’s not making the sound for him like it does for me. What a fool this makes me look like.

The boss is getting ready to retire and I’m making a reservation for a luncheon.

Last Wednesday, at my exercise class, the instructor told us to drop our weights as we moved onto a different set. Well, the gal in front dropped her weight on her new Iphone and cracked it. She said it still seemed operable at the time. Then on Monday’s exercise class, she brought a tall drink and spilled it. I went to the bathroom for paper towels and a can to pick up the ice. Wednesday she brought in another drink on Wednesday and I panicked when a foam mat covered her drink cup.

Tuesday after work I went to pick up my little motorcycle at the mechanic. He couldn’t find anything wrong so I brought it home. It seems fine. Wheezer must have been intimated by the shop and healed thyself. So I rode to the airport for the home coming of the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight. On the way there, this car was slow and driving all over. So I passed and he doesn’t have his eyes on the road but he's texting while driving. So I honk my little motorcycle and he looks up - caught in the act.

My Week

I still haven't seen my cat, Dave, as mentioned in my last post.  I fear the worst may have happened to him.  His freedom may have done him in.

I rode to work on Thursday so that I could ride to the Quaker Steak and Lube’s “Biker Night” in which we had a booth for the American Legion Riders.  Me with Bozo the Great Dane owned by Ron and Katja from the post.  I need to get me a dog like this.  Oh, and I am standing up. 

I picked up some chocolate flavored red wine. Sweet!  I love both.


I clipped a picture from facebook of me on the memorial bench dedicated to Chad Young that was taken on Memorial Day.  I felt close to the hero here.

Here's a picture of me in my Vivandière costume at the historical medical encampment.  I believe my haversack should be shortened because is weighs down the flare in my skirt.  This was taken on Sunday so with all the costume changes, I had forgotten my felt hat.  I wore a snood instead but that's ok since I mostly worked inside the Old State Capitol.

Here is a video that I took of Sue's presentation on Belle Boyd, Confederate Spy
https://vimeo.com/43779856
I was flattered that Sue introduced Rose as being historically correct in stature for the time frame as I took my seat.

Presentation on Belle Boyd, Confederate Spy from Rose Connolly on Vimeo.

Next weekend, Jacksonville, IL: 
General Grierson Days

Taking a break from Civil War Medical encampment at the Old State Capitol to watch some Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball.  The Patriot Guard Riders are in the infield.  Had it not been for the reenactment, I probably would be with the PGR.  At least I bought a ticket and helped spread history of the Civil War on the same day.  This is the outfit that I wore on Saturday as Mrs Major Belle Reynolds of the 17th Illinois Infantry.  Monday, as I went to pick up some snaps for my outfit, at Joanne Fabric store, I found some trim for my vivandiere outfit on sale at .25/yard.  Whoo hoo!

I found another Soldiers Angel that lives in my town.  Hope to meet her soon. Possibly at the Chatham American Legion Homecoming festival.

A funny thing happened Monday morning while walking the dogs. The new neighbor on the corner mentioned that her gnomes were stolen while away this weekend. I told her it was probably a popular prank/gimmick like the flat Stanley craze. Now this....
 

I've been enjoying Red Chocolate wine.  I bought 4 bottles.  That's like two favorites in one.

My dogs have been stubborn about going for a walk lately.  I'll put the leashes on and we walk a short distance and they turn to go home.  Marley is worse, she plops down.  Well, there are kids out there with poppers and stuff as we get closer to the 4th of July.

I participate in a lot of veterans organizations but I've never asked these organizations for financial support. I have dropped hints such as flyers/news on podiums and such for many worthwhile needs but I have never asked for a vote/motion for funds. Then I witness funds going to non-veteran related sponsorships like HS prom, baseball, etc. I have recently been receiving assistance for postage on packages sent to soldiers but I was offered reimbursement by the Womens Overseas Service League (WOSL). Thank you ladies for supporting our SHEROS.  On the down side, Tuesday’s meeting of the WOSL left a bad taste in my mouth.  Service at the legion was late so I had my salad to go.  Of the 5 ladies in attendance, 2 of them dominated the meeting with their side conversation.  It was like Joy Behar and members of “The View”.