My Week

This week's entry may be short since I felt a little "under the weather".  I stayed away from exercise class for a few days.  I woke up in the morning with eyes caked and my lips sealed with dry blood from a broken fever blister.  Much better now.

I'm trying to put together a mask that will fit over my glasses and won't suffocate me.  That means I must custom make one with Papier-mâché. The event is the German version of Mardi Gras called Fasching. I'd like to sell my Pulcinella because of my glasses.  I got that mask when I was in Venice.

Thursday I was part of a color guard for the UIS Basketball game's military appreciation night. 

Saturday I volunteered at the Lincoln Tomb 10:30-2:30.  Then I went to see SAME-FEST at the library since friends were doing Lithuanian Dance.

They weren't the only dancers.  Here are the Colombian dancers.

Can you see Springfield Scene Magazine? It's the issue with our fashion show on Page 26. https://s3.amazonaws.com/ssmagazines/2017-09.pdf

My week

Normally I go to a Lincoln Monument Association meeting on third Thursdays' but that organization is folding allowing me to attend the Civil War Roundtable.  Speaker's topic was Nez Perce.

Friday morning I helped remove the wreaths at Camp Butler National Cemetery.

I could have claimed that I cleared all of section N on my own but I was slowing down from fatigue.  Alas, three came to help me with the little bit left in that section since they had completed an adjacent section together.  Afterward I visited Frank's grave and stomped on my grave spot.

Friday evening I helped with the cashier for our American Legion Fish Fry.  Some how, I had a bone stuck in my throat.  I was told to eat bread to dislodge it.  I gagged so hard that some bread came out my nose.  I think that's what caused my sinus drip 2 days later. 

Saturday morning I went to our workshop for our Soldiers Aid Society.  We learned ribbon work.

notice that this box patter can be done on fabric as well.

 Rose Connolly and Stephanie Thomas displaying the Soldiers Aid Society's new Temperance banner to be unveiled at the St. Patrick's Day parade. We're wondering how many of the people who are drinking at the bars along the route even know what temperance means.

After the workshop we broke for lunch.  Some of us went to cafe Moxo and others went to the Women's March at the capitol.  I am sorry but I felt offended by the pussy hat that was worn during our meeting. During the meeting I was assigned a speaking presentation on May 26 on Civil War Mourning and Widows and Orphans in Jacksonville.  So I started working on that outline.

After I came home, walked the dog, went to Walgreens for fever blister remedy, I decided to go see some friends at the state ABATE meeting on the north side of town.  Here I am shown with Donna and Gene Ely from Edwardsville whom I worked with.

Here I am with Dave Meyers from Mattoon, IL who was on the Lincoln Circuit Ride some years ago.

So it's been a busy day.
Sunday morning the weather was nice so I wanted to wear a dress.  I have this dress that is so comfortable except for the metallic thread itching.  Now I had this brown velvet remnant that would do perfectly.  You wouldn't think this was going to be as difficult as it had been.  First I had trim to remove (easy).  I cut the velvet to length.  I sewed one side and needed to hand sew the other side. That's when the trouble began.  I threaded the machine wrong and had a rats nest of thread to remove and restart.  Then the hand sewing.  I lost the thread from the eye of the needle 4 times.  Once the needle fell on the floor and my effort to get it ended up finding it in my bare foot.  Well...it is better.

Monday I took Sophie to Regency Care Center for a nice visit.  Stopped at Aldi on the way back for a few things.   I had a headache almost all day.  So I did laundry and took a long nap.  Now to stay up.  I watched the new series "The Alienist" on TBS.

My Week

This has been a busy week for meetings nearly every day.
Monday I had an American Legion meeting (missed a VFW meeting the same time), Tuesday I had a meeting with the Womens Overseas Service League, Wednesday I had an Amvets meeting, Thursday a meeting with the Catholic War Veterans.  This is the state commander's pin passed out at our meeting.

Tuesday I picked up some items at Aldi and brought home a stick vacuum. In the evening I went to a ribbon cutting and blessing for a new clinic in Chatham by St John's Hospital.  My medical records are with the other hospital but I do volunteer for St John's.

Wednesday I missed my senior exercise group due to a dental appointment but made up for it in the evening with "hot yoga".  While in town, I had lunch at County Market with my former coworker, Michael.  This was a warm and humid day and a break to take down a few Christmas decorations.  I even saw a motorcycle. my yoga instructor passed out home made bread ~ not very Paleo but very nice. 
Thursday was Sean's birthday. We had dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings which was convieniently located near where I had a meeting at 7PM.  Alan came and he put the meal on his card.  I felt a little guilty because he just had a major home repair with frozen pipes.  The temperature had a big drop off so I worried about his drive back home.

This is my weekday morning routine at PowerWorks.  They keep changing the names from Silver Sneakers to now Masters.  Friday is our "circuit" of activity so that's me in the background on the right.

Friday I picked up Gene's dog, Trinket, since he's not well.   I then stopped by the VFW.  I got a case of HONVEE Cookbooks to try to sell. I got permission to sell at our upcoming fish fry at the American Legion.

Saturday morning I took Trinket to the groomer. She was very thick and needed thinned out.  I've come to the realization that Sophie is more playful and social around male dogs than females.  This is evidenced by Trinket and the late Pearl. My son's dogs are male and her neighborhood is full of boyfriends.

Then I went to the Lincoln Tomb for an inventory of our office and store items as this organization is about to dissolve.   Then I went to the VFW awards presentation for the the Voice of Democracy and Patriot Pen entries.  Whenever kids are involved, parents (sometimes friends but not at this event) are invoked so it was packed.

Here is our post's nominee, Hannah, with Congressman LaHood. 

 Here I am with our commander and quartermaster.

Unfortunately the news didn't focus on our winners but rather the congressman and politics.

Sunday was time for the our Catholic War Veterans Memorial Mass at the Cathedral.  Afterward we went to my own parish for a pancake breakfast at my own parish that benefits the food pantry.  I came home and got to stay around for Sean's laundry day.  Then in the evening I went to the Chesapeake Seafood house for the 114h Infantry Commander's Banquet.  It started snowing so I was concerned about the drive home.  By morning we had about an inch and a half of snow.  It was pretty dry so I swept instead.  Although I went to my exercise group Monday morning, I pretty much was cold the rest of the day and did very little. 

My Week

Tuesday morning my sons both had weather related problems.  Sean's car wouldn't start.  I was warming my engine to head off to my exercise class but plans changed.  I took Sophie along since we need every opportunity to go outside.  About 20 minutes on the charger, I had him follow me to Rex Battery shop.  He got an early birthday gift there.  Then Alan's water pipes froze in his kitchen.  That's going to cost him nearly $550.  Takes a day to thaw and then a day to repair.
In the evening I took a nice hot bath.  When I got out, I tried to dry off and was so tired and weak that I caught myself dosing off down to leaning on the bathroom floor.   I forced myself up to lay down.

Wednesday was slightly warmer.  I took Sophie on a visit to St John's Hospital.  On my way home, I noticed ice on the Chatham Water tower.

 Ice like a skating rink.   Note the icicles and chain link fence.
http://newschannel20.com/news/local/gallery/cold-weather-causing-malfunction-at-chatham-water-tower#photo-4

Thursday I went to yoga class.  I had my weigh-in for the "No Gain-Maintain" program over the holidays.  I lost 2/10 of a pound.  We got one chance to win a bike and a subsequent chance for each pound lost.   I got one chance but that's not the point.  Afterward I drove my neighbor, Donna, to her eye appointment since she wasn't supposed to drive.  Gave me a chance to get caught up on some reading of my book, "A Woman of Valor" about Clara Barton.  Afterward we had lunch at "Incredibly Delicious".  Then I took Sophie on a visit.

Thursday was the end of  holiday vacation from the schools but the schools were closed because the temperatures expected at -3.  Friday morning's low was predicted to be -4 but school was announced the evening before that they would be open.   Go figure!

I have been reading " A Woman of Valor" and Sunday's sermon quoted Clara Barton for the new year. A friend mentioned a humiliating incident to Clara, who seemed to have forgotten about it. Stunned, her friend questioned her, “Don’t you remember it?” Clara responded. “No – I distinctly remember forgetting it.”
https://jemima.wordpress.com/2006/09/04/forgive-forget/

In the evening, I was inspired by the upcoming 1768 12th Night dance, to sew a canvas havorsack. Twelfth Night is the traditional end of the Christmas season and the beginning of Mardi Gras twelve nights after Christmas.

To the right is my tarred havorsack for Civil War.
I had an appointment form my hearing aids and then got some lunch at Chic-fil-a.

Saturday was very cold but not for an indoor event in St Louis at the Old Courthouse.  1768 Twelfth Afternoon Ball.

Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/106195136709753/

  
The sky may look clear but the temperature was about 10.    The other photos I took are here:
https://www.facebook.com/rose.connolly/media_set?set=a.10213280861168812.1073741915.1615723034&type=1&l=04492ea456
After the Afternoon ball at the Old Courthouse we had dinner at Sister Cities Cajun restaurant where a buffet was ready for us.
Here is the group photo:

Sunday morning I wore my reenacting cape to Mass since Fr John has been wearing his Gothic, priestly cape while greeting parishioners at the door.  I think he was flattered.

Sean showed my how to watch youtube videos on my BluRay so I'm watching Alexander Hamilton https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3MY3srjGOY&t=182s
I can turn up the volume with my sound bar and turn on the closed captions. Whooo Hoooo!

My Week

Brr! Mother nature went from mild December to frigid December and New Year.  Sophie has been spoiled with 4 walks a day but she is not as bothered by the cold as much as this person on the end of the leash.  I put film over my window and lit the fireplace.  New Year's morning I woke to -12.

I got a new pair of expensive,  custom, titanium glasses that cost $777.  They are titanium like my sacrum.  Now to have my prescription put in my reenacting glasses.

Wednesday morning I had senior strength followed by senior zumba.  In the evening I went to hot yoga but it was considered intermediate.  My opinion:  this was more advanced than intermediate but I did what I could.  In the end for relaxation, the lights were dimmed and a cool rock was placed on our forehead as we lay there. Then we were misted with water.

Saturday morning I took Sophie around the block in single digit temperatures.  I noticed an iPhone in one of the driveway entrances and asked the homeowner about it.  It did not belong to him.  I brought it home hoping to find the owner. I charged the phone and found the owner's mom and dad in the contacts and called and left messages.  Later I was able to meet the father at the County Market.  I did my good deed for the Day.

In the afternoon I went to a little holiday gathering at the home of Mary and Richard.  On the way home, I saw 3 coyotes cross the road in the dusk.

Sunday Clara Barton was mentioned in the sermon at Mass regarding being questioned about her treatment in the past. Clara replied that she'd forgotten about it.  In the evening I was invited to a not-so-late New Years Eve party with  Liz and Chris. Theme was German New Years Party so my potato salad was requested.  I think that's the only thing I know passed down.  Liz thinks I can speak German sometimes.  On the way home (9:30ish) my car read a temperature of -1.  Temperature went down from there. 

New Years Day I was a reader at Mass. Normally Jan 1 is a Holy Day of Obligation but because it was a Monday it was exempted.  Father told of his New Year's eve with his sister and family singing , 'Auld Lang Syne' popularized by Robert Burns.  Fr said he was up at least until 7:30.  We had a simple blessing.  I crimped my hair to reduce the static.  No surprise here...several record lows were set this morning making this New Year's Day one of the coldest ever. New records were set in Peoria, Lincoln & Champaign with lows plummeting to -16°, -15° & -15° respectively. A record was tied in Springfield as lows dipped down to -13

I've been trying on an outfit for next week's 12th Night Ball in St Louis's Old Courthouse.  The bodice is a little tight so it may gap. I need to loose weight.I replace the hook at the waist because it came bent out of shape and used one of those heavy duty black waist hooks. I like that. I may want to add one like it at the bust. I like the fabric but it is well used. few holes in apron. External side pocket and cap I already had.

 I've had the cap and side pocket so the rest is new.  There is a tear in the apron near the waist band that I may have to patch but not right away.

I also got buckle shoes that were extremely worn and in the shoe repair shop but they won't be ready until Jan 9.  The ball is Jan 6. 
For summer, this linen smock will close by pin.  This still needs the scarf which is not shown.

Carol had sent me a few links to help my portrayal.  This one is Anatomy of a Gown.
http://www.history.org/history/clothing/women/anatomy.cfm

This site shows rag ties to help fill gaps in the bodice
http://makinghistorynow.com/2014/12/meet-our-historic-trade-interns/

My Week

The last time I had snow for Christmas was 2010.  I guess I worry about travelers.  I think we had about 2 inches.  Don't laugh.

So this week I was worried about my ride.  My Murano was leaving little oil drops.  I had to wait till Monday and after my morning appointment with the Therapy Dog Visit.  I went to One Stop Auto.   Seems there was a cracked seal and it was replaced for free where I get my car serviced.

I picked up my colonoscopy prep prescription at the County Market.  I thanked them for putting it in a brown paper bag and said "Really?  If you put it on the shelf, nobody would buy the stuff".  After a long sleepless night and many soiled towels, Mary K. drove me to my appointment.  Everything went smooth and 5 pol lips were removed.  I did get a seam ripping project finished over my dryer which was near the toilet. Ha! After the procedure, I was fine until I tried to walk around and felt light headed.  They gave me Lorna Done cookies and coffee as I waited for the doctor.  I came home and had soup and took a nice long nap. 
I couldn't drive and there were a couple of evening events I missed.  I was fortunate to see a lost cat reunited with its owner in the neighborhood while walking my dog in the evening. I had been keeping an eye out since he told me a week ago.  He was kept a 1/2 a block away from home.
It was also Sophie's 5th birthday.

I replaced her Christmas outfit with her birthday shirt.  I got a birthday email for her from AKC Reunite (her chip registration).

Friday was a good slow day.  I was going to help out at the Lincoln Tomb but it was canceled and closed due to a water main break.  It was open on Saturday though and I helped then.

I wrapped a box of chocolates for my postal delivery and for my trash collector.  The trash collector left a smiley sticker on my trash lid.  :) 

Saturday morning I woke to our first snow on the ground.  It wasn't much but the grass was white and cars will need cleared off.  Driveway was just damp so no shoveling.  I really worry because Lake Springfield is so low that some of the piers extend to dry land.  The floating piers just lay on the ground.  I volunteered at the Lincoln Tomb. 

I usually don't bring up the images in the marble but Saturday there were families with various levels of interest and it's nice to pull out of the back pocket. 

There was a big family (seem like India decent) so I showed the rambunctious little one, Old Bob,  Family seemed amused so I showed them the virgin.  After a few moments of staring, the ladies told me it looked more like Mother Teresa with the stripe in her veil.   They are right!

Sunday's walking with Sophie in the Winter morning snow this a man (name drop) opens the door and said "Do you thing we ought to clean it up?" I thought he was referring to the snow so I said no since it was slight. Then he follows up with "Think we should let it turn to fertilizer or clean up the fuckin' mess in the yard?" I said we didn't do anything in your fucking yard, while holding a full plastic bag. What a jerk!

Wish I threw my bag at him. Oh well, afterthoughts.  I took my emotion to church which I was badly in need of shaking it off.  During the Mass, I noticed Lynn Connley, upset while we sang "Our Father".  I didn't know what it meant until after Mass when I offered her an unconditional hug.  She whispered that her father died last night and he's in a good place for Christmas.  So sad.

Alan arrived about 4pm on Christmas Eve. Sean came around 6.  We went to Church around 9:30 to hear the pre-service music.  Our church only had an indoor Nativity scene so I was surprised to see this one.  I was told that it was donated by Fr Morlock but the wind kept knocking them over.  This year special rebar supports were added.  Still, the wind knocked one of the animals over.  The church was beautifully decorated for Christmas.  I wore my nativity shirt that I bought on Collections.
  
I must admit I get emotional at Christmas Mass. The music and atmosphere really accomplish the spirit.   It's especially nice to have my sons next to me in my pew. Woke up Christmas morning to 15 degrees.  Hank and Sophie romped in the back yard.  I climbed the ladder to the attic and retrieved the Christmas tree plates that I had bought as seconds in a market square when we were stationed in England.
We went to see the new Star  Wars movie.  I would have loved to have worn my sand dress but not with these temperatures.
Our family photo (Sean didn't had to scrunch down to be in the picture)

 Moe got an American Flag sweater from his brother.

 That because Moe is an American Stafordshire terrier, the legal name for pit bull.

 All candles on the Advent wreath are lit and ready to burn down to nothing.  I'll get new ones next year.  I climbed up in the attic and got the Christmas plates down that I had bought as seconds in the market while stationed in England a long long time ago.

 Ah the cheese tray.  I picked up some mango cheese and loved it.  It doesn't cut well but oh how tasty.  I got a jar of fig spread that said it goes well with cheese.  Jar is still unopened,

They seemed to agree that this Christmas meal was even better than our Thanksgiving dinner.  Alan has expressed an interest in the Paleo diet.  I gave them both a dog poop catcher that attaches to the tail with a bag.  They had been teasing about these so I thought it would be cute if they worked.  Sean needed a new couch cover so that was given. Alan gave Sean this Christmas Vaction shirt that is funny but will need to be selective where he wears it to.

I got a couple of hooded sweat shirts and a cutting board for the sink.  I also got a trunk organizer basket.  I also got a magnetic kitchen gadget.  Sophie got another little dog mat.
We watched AD on Netflix.We had our family photo taken but Sean seems to think he's too tall.  I wore my Grinch pants (but not to church or the movie).

My sister gave me a knit cap.

My brother sent me a Walmart card.  My sister sent me a variety pack of health and beauty aids.

We saw the "Last Jedi" on  I Max and it was reserved seating but the folks in the middle came last minute when I was trying to read the "long time ago in a galaxy..." part and missed the preface.  Sometimes it was a little confusing.  It was loud enough that I took my hearing aids out but put them pack in for dialog scenes.  Afterward I took Alan for a quick ride through the Chatham Jaycee's "Light Up the Park".   When we got home, we discovered that Hank finished the macaroons and the wrapper was on the floor.  I never vacuum before dogs come over.  I find stuffed animals for them to tear up so picture that. 

My Week

Wow, three Christmas parties in one week: Womens Overseas Service League, AmVets and Catholic War Veterans all had Christmas gatherings.  Here's a picture of our Womens Overseas Service League:

Here's a picture at the Catholic War Veterans Christmas party taken at Chesapeake Seafood House.

 Commander Pat Noel and his wife Bettie being served.  She banged her finger in the car door just earlier.  Somehow it seems funny when it happens to her because Pat is missing part of his finger (can sort of see a short pointer there in the picture in the red shirt).  Oh that fresh bread with honey butter!!!!

Friday I went to St Louis to see Message at Midnight. 
   

Saturday was busy.  It started with Wreaths Across America at Camp Butler at 11.  I left early knowing that parking might be a challenge on a nice mild day.  Then there was the long train on Camp Butler road.  I turned around to take an alternate route when I noticed the long train between me and Camp Butler move in reverse.  However, as I'm re-routing on a parallel road, I saw the train move and the time savings was a draw.
Here is Dave Mcknelly, the location leader for the event.  Some of you may recall that he was at my side when Frank past away.  He and his partner, Cher, helped drive me home when Frank died.


Oh, and since I'll be buried off to the right, I stomped on that space.

Afterward I went to Edwards Place for the Holiday Tea.  I accompanied Mary Disller.  She wore her curtain dress provided I assure her that she wouldn't dress up alone.  I told her she looked more like Fiona.  I wore my bustle dress knowing I'd be wearing it later in the evening at the candle light tour at the Elijah Iles House.   The four rooms were decorated with different time period styles.  I interpreted the kitchen decorated in 1910 look.  That made for a long day.  The weather was so nice that people came.



Sunday I was the first reader at Mass.  Each week a new addition to our our decor gets added for Advent without the big display yet.   Sean and Moe did their usual Sunday laundry and I made shepherds pie.