My Week

Monday morning I woke to a cool foggy morning.  After work I attended a VFW meeting.  I spoke about Wreaths Across America but will never make a motion for a contribution.  I explained that I was putting together a state-wide press release but was waiting to hear from a few others.  I reminded the post that they donated last year.  I did get a check from the post.  I also mentioned the veterans memorial dedication in Spaulding on 9/28/12.

I adopted a soldier who is serving in harms way. This time I had an email and he replied the following day. "this place is hell on earth in my opinion". God bless our troops. Those of us not there must use the imagination...like at a horror movie only it's real. http://soldiersangels.org/

The paper has photos of the barn dance I went to in Lincoln, IL for the Railsplitters Festival.

http://www.lincolndailynews.com/News/picturepage091712_RSPL011.shtml

Wednesday evening I went over to the church for a few lessons on French for my upcoming trip.  I fear the language barriers.

I had a blue blanket throw that has been washed one too many times and is falling apart leaving lint on other items now. Bye Bye.  The bedspread that I use in the summer months looks similar to those at the Old State Capitol so I'll stash it with my historical props.

Thursday I had lunch with coworkers at the newly renovated Boone's Saloon.  We had the lunch special was the Bandito Burger- a black bean veggie burger topped with pepper jack cheese, fried banana pepper rings, and chipotle ranch sauce! Yummy!  Thier wifi was free but weak.

Thursday evening I went to an ABATE meeting over at the VFW hall.  Our American Legion Riders commander went to speak about Wreaths Across America.  I asked if he was a member of ABATE and he said no.  I warned him that it would be tough.  I told him that last year when Dave spoke, he had to fork over the membership fee.  Then he said he wanted to show a 30 minute video.  I said Noooooooooooo.  Guest will not get that much time.  However, they did pass the hat for the wreaths and collected about $100.

Friday morning I juiced up some apples and grapes with ginger and cinnemon.  Since it was the last day of summer, we wore our Hawaian shirts.

I picked up my four tickets to the Rocky Horror Show:

Fri 10.26 - Sat 10.27.2012

http://www.hcfta.org/tickets/2-hoogland-center-for-the-arts/187-rocky-horror-show-live.html

Friday night I rode my 1989 Route 66 Special Edition Yamaha in the parade for the International Mother Road Festival held in Springfield.  I had three "you go girl" shout outs and two requests for wheelies from those watching the parade.   I made on dumb mistake, I should have dressed warmer now that it gets dark earlier.  Nancy loaned me her hoodie for the ride home.  I'll return it to her when I go to work on Monday.  I watched the rest of the parade with friends from the American Legion.  Dave posed on my bike since he's used to a much bigger bike.

Saturday I went to help out at the Old State Capitol since there was no one signed up when I looked at the volunteer list on Friday.  I expected the tours may be busy since it was the Rt 66 Mother Road Festival downtown.   However, there was plenty of help. Picked up something for my son and I to eat.  Filled the cracks in the patio.  Still need to pick up another tube.  Made a head dress for reenacting.  I wanted to use a buy it now on ebay but the seller must have blocked me.  

Sweet Heart HEAD DRESS
So I started on my own.

I may want to add flowers or a rosette.

Sunday morning was cool and I had put plastic over the tomato plants.  

I posted some Barbies on eBay Classifieds.

http://www.ebayclassifieds.com/user/toga42

Getting ready to take all the old VHS stuff to Goodwill too.

I went to a  Polka Mass at noon followed by a brat lunch for $7 a plate.  I wore my new custom sized corded petticoat for the first time underneath a Gunne Sax dress.  I did know a few people there from the Catholic War Veterans and ABATE.  Bobbi from ABATE suggested the Villa Maria location for a family biker event next year.  I didn't go to the family event at the zoo last year but am told there was a great turnout.  Bobbie thanked me for maintaining the facebook page for the Lincoln Land ABATE chapter.  After that I quickly came home and got into my jeans and jacket to ride over to the funeral home for a Patriot Guard Riders at the funeral for Kieth who was a World War 2 Veteran.
http://www.patriotguard.org/ALLForums/tabid/61/forumid/11/tpage/1/view/topic/postid/1888473/Default.aspx#1889296
After that I picked up some chicken on the way home and a gift card for my son to shop at County Market.  In the mood for chicken and noodles.  There was a lady in the parking lot admiring my bike.  She said she could never ride because she is only 5' tall.   I told her so was I and watch me go.  Alan had dinner ready so maybe later.

My Week

I received a call from the Veterinarian about Bentley's surgery and his growth was benign.  She wanted to know about his post surgery.  I told her he would jump up when he itched but couldn't reach the incision in his anus.  I explained that he was a money pit but loveable.  She agreed.  However, she also understood he is a very loveable cocker spaniel even compared to the cockers that she had owned.  I guess his lovable personality comes with a price and bad breath.

I'm am so happy that my son is getting some job interviews after staying home from college nearly a year and a half.  I have been praying for him and he's even on a prayer chain.  There is nothing more than a mother wants for her children than to be happy and have a family of their own.  This job situation is in the way of the future.

Thursday evening I went to a meeting of the Catholic War Veterans.  I went from being the post historian to adjutant.  But the big tension was a vote for post commander between Pat and Dennis.  Pat was next in line when the post commander passed away last spring.  All of a sudden a silent member comes forward and will accept no other position except post commander. He even mailed out a bio and requested our vote like a politician.  Well the results was 5-7 in favor of Pat.

Friday I took a long lunch hour to be with the AmVets whose national commander was on tour of Camp Butler National Cemetery.  I had lunch with cousin Kerbys at Golden Corral.  Paul Kerby will probably run for State AmVets commander next year.  I went back to work and boy it was like busy while I was gone.  After work I dressed up and went to the Railsplitters Ball in Lincoln, IL.  I picked up my dance parter, Gene Walker, who has been so busy lately between his recent move, his VA claim, the Sangamon County Burial Detail, and his short term commitment to a part in his play at the Legacy Theater as Odell Owens in Sordid Lives. Here he is doing the "Hat Dance" which you get to pick a partner to dance down the line.  He gave the next gent the hat so as not to disappoint either lady to dance the line. 



Gene chose both ladies in the "Hat Dance"




Lincoln Railsplitters Ball

There was video taken at the ball by the local news



The name of this dance is called the Tempest.

Saturday I went to New Berlin for a benefit poker run for the Veterans Memorial.  I cut out of the last stop to meet for a barn dance to begin at 7PM and park the bike on Gene's lawn.  Then went to Lincoln for the Railsplitter's Festival barn dance.  Met with Terry and Patti there.  She tried to get her husband on the dance floor but he left in early frustration

You cannot frown while dancing. The screw ups at the barn dance were actually funny. Now that I look at the YouTube video of us dancing, I can see much of what the square dance caller had us do was the same/similar to the Civil War dance.

I went to Mass with the Catholic War Veterans an the parish happened to have breakfast in the church basement.  There were only 4 of us in the group for our monthly memorial Mass.  We met a retired marine Lt Col and had invited him to join CWV.  He explained he wouldn't have the time because he was caring for his ailing wife who has Fibromyalgia. After that I went to the County Market to use up my coupons that expired that day.  Then I went to a picnic at the American Legion picnic.  After we ate, we played bingo.  I don't really have a good attention span for that because I'm using the free wifi to catch up on my blog.

I won $78 as third place in the American Legion cash drawing.  Then I got belittled by Bob Shotts for not donating it back.  Seems to me that Bob had motioned the post for financial support his little league at a meeting not too long ago.
I got a call about French lessons on Wednesday night at the church for an upcoming trip.
A couple times, my son asked me, "What ya doing?"  I said writing a check to pay a bill.

I really love my new Xhose that is real light weight and shrinks when not in use.
http://www.chamberofreviews.com/xhose-expanding-garden-hose-a-marketing-review/

My Week

We need rain and got some from Hurricane Issac.  Before it hit, I decided to cut my sparse grass knowing that the rain.  I had to cut it again upon return.

I picked up a reconditioned Dyson at Big Lots.   I only have a throw rug over laminate flooring but there was enough dog hair to build another dog.
http://www.biglots.com/browseItem/as-advertised/9110?zcp=1000&style=f&rid=6010872&zipCode=62703-4501&mid=48101&storeId=214

Saturday morning, my sons and I left for Ohio to visit family.  Sean couldn't get off on Friday so we made it for Saturday through Tuesday.  We had some rain along the way and it was humid. 
Sunday there was a family gathering at Kate's house.  I got to see the the memorial story boards for Neal.  I had no idea how skinny he got before he passed last year.

We returned on Tuesday and made a brief stop at the Wright Patterson AFB museum.
Photos from the trip to Ohio are here: 
Ohio Trip

Upon return, I rested up and then went to the airport to welcome home the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight.

Wednesday I dropped Bentley off at the vet for surgery to remove a tumor on his anus.  That costs $557.  The healing on that sensitive area really made him jumpy.  In the evening I went to a meeting for the American Legion Riders.  I shared some scones that I picked up on the way as a less sweet pre-birthday treat to share with the group.

I wore a nice, coral colored dress and a birthday ribbon to work on my birthday. I had over 60 wishes on my facebook page and loved every one of them.  I went to "It's All About Wine" with my sons and had a flight special: $10 Grand Cabernet Flight (a $24 value).  Sean brought cheese and crackers.  After that I went over to the biker night at Quaker Steak and Lube since it was on the way. Not exactly fitting in with the bikers in that dress.  I got a necklace, patriotic iron on, lottery ticket (won $2), and a needed garbage can.

Friday evening I had dinner at the Route 66 Motel with some of the Red Knights from up north that came down to the capitol for a 911 memorial.  They went on a ride on Saturday but I didn't go since I had a prior commitment with the Poker Run to raise funds for Wreaths Across America.

I got this on ebay.  "Rebel Braid Dress" is an original design. The martial braid motif on the bodice is inspired by Confederate officer's insignia.  It needs some sewing around the waistband.  But it'll look nice.

Friday I had dinner at the Route 66 Hotel with some of the out-of-town Red Knights.  The local Red Knights took them on a ride on Saturday but I opted for the American Legion Riders a poker run to benefit Wreaths Across America.  Sunday morning I met the Red Knights at the hotel after church and we rode to the capitol for a brief memorial for 911 at the fallen firefighters memorial.  The bronze statue of the firefighters got to wear a vest for awhile.

 

My Week

I colored my hair red this Wednesday morning before work with the 6 day wash out. It wasn't real red so that package might be old.  I went to the Rocky Horror Picture Show at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville Morris University Center MUC Meridian Ballroom on Thursday, August 23, 2012 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Rocky Horror I went to SIUE to assist the Campus Activity with the Rocky Horror Picture Show.    I didn't even need to color. I played Frank N Further since another was "Columbia-Ready".  They paid my parking and afterward gave me a card which included a gift card for Walmart.

Saturday I had breakfast at Applebees with my sons where the proceeds and servers were for the church youth group.  Then I got the cycle out for a Red Knights meeting that was NOT followed with a ride so I got in my period attire and went to the Old State Capital from 11:00 to 3PM.   I got hungry afterward so Alan and I went out for a steak at Amber Jacks.

Sunday I read the first reading at Mass.  I came home and fixed lunch and learned that my oldest son had an allergic reaction to white fish.  When I asked how long that was going on, he said for 10 years.  Huh!
I bought movie tickets online for the three of us to go see 2016.  We sat up high in the back of the theater with some members of church that were part of a 9-12 group.  Although it wasn't sold out, the theater was packed except the first row neck wrecker. What I learned was that Obama won the election on race and for others the hope of erasing racism.  He did what other blacks could not do by smiling at whites to get their vote and show he was not an angry black man.  However, his real background is more about anti-colonialism and vengeance on the occupiers.   There was no focus on his birth certificate, his SSN, or college which had distracted me and probably have merit.  Rather there was a focus on his friends, family and those who he associated with and didn't associate with.  The dream of his father was anger towards colonialism.  He forgets that America was a colony and our founding fathers created our own independence.  His founding fathers were Davis, Aires, Wright, and Said.  The audience was a demographic of middle aged white people.  Someone yelled "Romney" at the end.

After I got home, we had a nice little rain.  I used the wet car to towel down the water spots.
Alan had pointed out something about Bentley that I didn't notice.  Before he had his ear surgery, he used to howl a deep sad moan when tied up or left out of sight.  The sound was annoying but tugged at the heart strings like a cry for me.  Now that he's virtually deaf, that has stopped.  

Every Tuesday evening, at 7PM, there is a retreat ceremony at the Lincoln Tomb. Aug 28th was the last for the season so I took a group photo. 

I've decided that some tailoring in the bodice is needed in my black widow's weeds.

The new water plant that has opened in the last year gifted us with a boil order due an abnormal water pressure problem.  I had to hit the bottle. *Hic*  I had a terrible hangover.

My son had noticed something that I didn't about Bentley.  Since his surgery on his ears, he hasn't done his pitiful howl.  This means that in the past, he did this on purpose so he could get attention.

The morning walk was real short walk because Bentley did his biz and Marley picked up fresh road kill squirrel. I know it was fresh because when I released her into the back yard, she brought him in the house and I had to pick him up thru a plastic bag.  She thinks she is a mighty hunter.

My Week

As I walk the dogs, we often meet other dogs like Jackson the boxer and Foster the scottie.  As I walk along the wooden fence there is Molly the collie whom I touched through the slats of a wooden fence.  Lately, Molly hasn't come to the fence.  Instead, there is noisy pit pull running along the fence as I go by.  Peering through the slats, I can see Molly in the background too intimidated by the pit bull to come by and greet me and my dogs now.  I feel so bad for Molly because I'm sure she is having other issues beside what I see.

Well Wednesday had been Aug 15th and a Holy Day for the Assumption of Mary.  I decided to attend Mass during my lunch at the downtown cathedral.  Although it is very beautiful, the size makes the acoustics horrible.  My coworker, Michael, asked to come along.  You see, he feels he may be Catholic because he was baptized and given the last rites 3 times as a premature baby at Ravenswood Hospital with a subsequent adoption.  I explained the protocol.  He received a blessing during communion and afterward said he felt peaceful being there.  I'm glad I brought him.  Later he learned that his baptism was given by his grandmother under emergency circumstances and he would have been raised Catholic.  Now that he knows this, he wishes to honor his biological family's wish.  I told him he would need a sponsor.  He asked me.

Thursday we had a much needed rain.  I watched from my office window as the cigarette butts thrown into the street made wash line.  In the evening I went to an ABATE meeting.  I mentioned Wreaths Across America on Dec 15th and our upcoming poker run to support the event.

Friday I took off of work half a day so I could rest up before reporting for work at the beer booth at the state fair.  The morning was real busy too with technical difficulties.  Well I did take a brief nap before going to the fairgrounds. I got there early enough to get my free yardstick courtesy of the Department of Insurance.  I got my choice work assignment at Ethnic Village in the State Fair. Since I had a free pass I got there a little early to walk around and had my picture taken with the Oscar Meyer Wiener Mobile and had a free sample. No free samples of beer however.  

Saturday I did sleep in.  I cleared the kitchen sink and mopped floors.  Then got real hungry and everything I had to cook seemed unappealing so I hopped on the bike and went to Hardees for a turkey burger.  I thought it was unusual to have sweet pickle slices rather than dill on my burger.  My new bonnet that I got on eBay arrived.

It's nicely made but I'll need to put a comb of some sort in it so that it won't slide around.

It's going to be a very busy week:
Sunday ~ Catholic War Veterans Mass
Monday ~ VFW meeting
Tuesday ~ appointment at Nisson, Retreat at the Lincoln Tomb
Wednesday ~ Dance lessons
Thursday ~ Rocky Horror Picture Show at SIUE
Friday ~
Saturday ~ Breakfast fund raiser, Red Knights meeting, OSC, Rocky Mountain Oysters at the VFW

I picked up a Civil War style wood chair for the reenactments that folds up similar to this but without the canvas at a yard sale for $5.  She said there were 3 others like it at her mothers house she could get for me next weekend.

 

I rented the movie, Iron Lady.  There were so many flash backs and flash forwards in time that I got confused.  In addition she had dementia later in life so I think she was talking to the ghost of her husband.  I got really lost.

Then we watched the Hunger Games.  That movie reminded me of the plot from the 1973 movie, Soilent Green.

I've been having a problem with the power lock on my car so I took it to Nissan.
I needed a new battery

My Week

This week my feelings were hurt.   Here is what happened on facebook:

 <><><><>
Quote:   “Ray Mcdaniels:   Rose you are a fat ass fucking nut get your head out of your ass you are a no body I did some checking on your as would you like it on face book“.  {Just for sharing a related article that opposed the topic) }.

to

‎Ray Mcdaniels:

I've been mocked last week for supporting Chic-Fil-A. Now I've been mocked by you on a conservative forum. That's balance. Just as I posted a balance (yet topic related) opposing point of view. If you read it, I said it's a COPY N PASTE comment ~ not my words. If you are not interested in exposing LIES (see above), then why are you here? Damn, and I thought libs were rude. You just surpassed the emotional insult I was recovering from last week!

<><><>
Wednesday night I went to an AMVETS meeting.  I can see that Commander Huckaby thinks we should not be eating our funds without replenshiment.

Thursday evening was the opening evening of the state fair at 5PM with a parade that kicked off at 6PM.  I met my son there. Opening night there is free admission. I was surprised that there were no horses in the parade.  We shared a quesadilla.  That stand was right across from the booth selling meet parfaits.

Friday I took the afternoon off from work to prepare for a long night at the fair.  I had my oil changed on my car and took a nap.

Friday evening my son and I worked the beer booth in Ethnic Village at the state fair.  Our booth carried Guinness,  Smithwick, Amstel Light, Peroni, and a few others.   I was surpised when a man wearing a Guinness shirt requested an Amstel Light. A young couple got engaged on the skyline.  They were at the beer booth showing off the ring and he had a tee shirt with the tuxedo pattern.  He told how he had it all planned and coordinated with a walkie talkie to stop the ride for his proposal.  Awww.  Our booth closed earlier than the other beer stands with the domestic beers.  Which was good because we got to stop at the coors tent to see some of "Who's Bad" (Michael Jackson impersonator).  http://www.whosbadmusic.com/

Saturday I spent most of the time at home cleaning and cooking and sewing.

Sunday morning after church I went to the state fair.  It was veterans day at the fair so we got in free.  Instead I paid to park which was $7.  I figure they were paying to park nearly the same outside the fairgrounds and this way I'd have easy access to my car.  I found the day to be a lot like a reunion of veteran related friends.  As I told one of my coworkers, you'll never see retired state workers gathered together like you see veterans.  We tend to unite and somewhat drop our service branch, war era, and rank to celebrate our service affiliation.  We had a nice ceremony at the Lincoln stage for the veterans followed by the Coast Guard Silent Drill team who performed flawlessly. 

Here they are from 2010.  There was a flaw in this performance.


I walked around to see some exhibits.  I got a clip that looks like a mini hat for $2.  I bumped into Jim and Suz laying on a Sleep Number Bed.  Ah and I traveled light so I didn't have my camera. Then I walked in the veterans parade down main street at the fair with fellow VFW members.  The Gold Star families rode on the tram in the parade and the family of SrA Bradley Smith carried a banner honoring his sacrifice.  Since the Air Force is less frequent among the Gold Star families, they noticed my AF retired cap.  I explained that I was there for their son's funeral as a member of the Patriot Guard.  I recalled the cold and snow that we endured in the flag line.  They agreed.  She told me that the Patriot Guard was the next visit after the official notification their son died and were grateful for the support. I told them of the USAF flag that flew from the window of our pick up truck.  Wow, that seems so long ago and my husband with me too.  Brad's dad had a few motorcycles including a Goldwing.   I saved a few Tootsie Rolls to fill space in my soldier's box.  After the parade me feet were really getting tired.  I had some sugar free ice cream.  Since I parked infield, I gave Gene a ride to his car.  I came home and kicked off my boots, took a aspirin, and a nap.  Then I walked the dogs.  If the weather didn't look like rain, I would rather have ridden my motorcycle in the parade.

I had mentioned to my son that I should get a giant pot to put my hose in.  Those hose reels never seem to work.  Then he mentioned the Xhose and based on the review, I ordered a 50' hose.  See more here:  http://doesitreallywork.org/x-hose-review

Tuesday, I came back from lunch and there was a big man who seemed lost as he came in the building.  I asked if I could help.  He said yes that he was looking to apply for an Occupational Therapy license.  I gave him the directions but was thinking he could hurt somebody. 

I got free tickets to see the Charlie Daniels band at the state fair.  A dinner under the tent for veterans was hosted by Humanna. Parking passes on the grounds were limited so I carpooled with Maria and Gene from the VFW.
 

My Week

I had a real nice FB chat with my soldier Saturday evening. I had adopted Doug a few years ago and he was silent then until the end of his deployment. Then I saw a hint that he was going again and re-adopted him again. We have the same birthday so I want the next box to be special. He will retire from the army shortly after he returns. God Bless Doug!

The ground is so dry and cracked that I can bury the dog turds in the cracks. I submitted a picture to the local paper where they asked Send us your 'Ugly Lawn' photos.  Posted Aug 02, 2012 @ 10:45 PM It's hot. It's dry. We have rules against using as much water as we want. As a result, your lawn is probably looking mighty sad right about now. If your front yard display is sporting a lovely shade of dead, we want to see it. Snap a photo of the brown and wilted scene right now and submit it to be included in our "Ugly Lawn" photo gallery. http://extras.sj-r.com/photo-galleries/reader/send-us-your-ugly-lawn-photos/12418/

Saturday morning I helped with the viola Days for the Military Order of the Purple Heart.  My son did this also but at a different location.

I attended a church picnic. It was so hot but later there was a breeze coming off Lake Springfield. Despite the temperature just know that I could better spend my time getting caught up sewing some neck coolers. Got home and out of the car and my glasses fogged up from the AC to the heat.

Sunday morning I woke to learn we had about 1/3 inch of rain (per snooping at the neighbor's rain gauge).  I looked at the weather report to see if I could ride the Wheezer to church since I didn't go to Mass at the parish picnic.  I figured that there would be a shortage of Communion ministers since most went to the picnic the evening before.  Sure enough, I was needed.   I picked up 3 breakfast fundraiser coupons from the youth group at Applebees on Aug 25th.

Monday evening I rode the bike to an American Legion meeting and brought all the documents for the good of the post. There was an installation of officers. Another motorcycle similar to mine, Honda Aero, pulled up in black and white contrast.

I’m out of Sentinel pills for my dogs heart worm and discovered that the company is not producing this for awhile.  Although the notice was posted in Jan 2012 and said it would last 4 months, I got on a chat and was told it is still going to be another few more months than planned.

http://www.1800petmeds.com/alternative-to-sentinel.jsp