My Week

What a rainy week we have had here.  I could have filled many rain barrels. I do have a drain into my little plastic swimming pool and of course that overflowed.  Monday morning started off with volunteering at the ALPLM.  I was assigned to the "War Room".  I've always enjoyed the movie "Civil War in Four Minutes" but 4 and a half hours was a lot.  Still have the music in my head.

 All week I couldn't get the music out of my head from the ALPLM War Room.

When Johnny Comes Marching home again

It's like water torture I tell ya....LOL

Tuesday I took Sophie on a visit to the nursing home.  In the evening I returned to the Lincoln Tomb for the Flag Lowering Ceremony.

 

Wednesday morning I went to practice in Mechanicsburg at 8:30.  I got mad at Amber for taking the wrong obstacle and yelled no.  My instructor scolded me for it.  I guess I'm still angry about her mess on Sunday's obedience.

 I slept with the windows open last night for a breeze. We had a nice little storm last night that slammed a door shut. I'm between Auburn and Springfield.

More rain on Saturday and Sunday and Monday.

I went to a PGR mission in Auburn for Aaron Goodin.  MSGT Goodin served with the United States Marine Corps from 1993 - 2019, for a total of 26 years. His father also served 26 years with the Marine Corps. Aaron was a combat engineer having served in Iraq, Afghanistan, Macedonia, Japan and other overseas duty stations. He also served at several Marine bases stateside. He earned and was awarded the Navy Combat Medal w/V, Meritorious Service Award and many other medals and awards too numerous to list here. He was only 47.  He retired from the marines 2 years ago but wanted to reenlist and was turned down due to diabetes.  I spoke with his father briefly before the service.  He told me that he believed the high doses of electrolytes and stuff in energy drinks were behind his death. The PGR ride captain said that he was also counted in the statistics as a COVID death.

 The cemetery drive was way out of the way in a field by well maintained. The flags lined the cemetery. 

Over the memorial luncheon, I heard that an employer offered a woman a secretarial position at $25/hr which is higher than ever.  She came back the next day and told him no because she still had X amount of days lest she lose free money.  Boy is it going to be a shock when the freebies run out.  I came home via the old historic Route 66 brick road. The rain the night before left the creek pretty high.

Thursday I trimmed my evergreen tree that was getting close to the house.  It's actually the second tree off of a baby tree that I chopped down for the same reason but the baby was about a foot out from the other so I kept it.

Friday night I went through a list of VFW post members that need to renew.  A lot of the contact info is outdated.  One member was deceased and found on "findagrave" etc.

Saturday morning I went to yoga which I hadn't done in awhile because of the dog events.  Seems there was a lot of noise coming from the other room that was very disturbing in our class.  Sounded like serious ball slamming but it wasn't outside but coming from the cycle room which was locked.  Later we saw a staff member trying to work on the speaker system in the cycle room that was making all the noise.

Then I went to listen to Municipal band play at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum.  I'm glad I went because the music was uplifting.  They play at Duncan Park on Thursdays so I may have to go to that.  I picked up some food for my guinea pig and then went to Walmart and Aldi.

Saturday night I prepared a pot roast in the slow cooker for a typical Sunday share with Sean. Then Alan decided to come over Sunday because he bought a case of steaks.  So, I had to put pot roast in containers.  I was glad to see his new used Lexus.  It sure has some nice features.  It is silencing the outside when the doors are closed.  I know I wear hearing aids but I couldn't hear either of them talking outside the door.  The seat had little holes for air conditioning and a power rear shade.  I'd have to say the worst was the lid on the center council cover was loose.  Better than having dinner was when Alan turned off the power and got a dangling bulb out of ceiling lamp that had been that way for 2 months.  I had this little incident and photo in a previous blog here.   I was waiting to accumulate enough work before getting a handyman to do some things.  I had to clean up shards of glass but it was so good to have light.  In fact I was ready to replace the whole ceiling light but I'll save the replacement that I bought for a big job when I get a handyman.  I also had to replace a light bulb in my fireplace flood lights which is an odd size.  Found them at Walmart but had to buy a 4 pack.  Now the new bulb is LED and brighter than the other next to it.  I'm wondering if I just let the other dull bulb run out or change it now to match with another from that 4 pack.  They are on a dimmer switch.  I was pretty dependent on those with the darkness created by the dark storm clouds.  

Sean thanked us for being kind to Mo.   Mo laid around a lot. Sean is getting used to the idea of Mo's end.  Meanwhile, Hank was shedding.  I had to clean up black hair.  Hank is really soft to pet but oh lordy does he shed. 

My sons watched some loud movie with lots of violence and afterward Sean got me started watching Cruella with a pause in the video to say goodbye and walk the dogs.   There was a little dog that resembled Amber in the movie.

I seem to be getting a few more things done around the house now that I cut off the TV cable bill. Oh I'm still trying find the end of the internet but I get more breaks.  The local news is online livestream too.

My Week

 I found a video of myself from the Pittsfield Civil War reenactment presentation on the Soldiers Aid Society https://www.facebook.com/rose.connolly/posts/10223508987705583?notif_id=1623898915443575&notif_t=feedback_reaction_generic&ref=notif

Tuesday morning exercise classes were canceled. So I got my yard mowed while we are between the two heat wave days.  Then I took Amber to the nursing home for tricks. 

Wednesday was busy with 2 agility practices.  One at 8:30 and another at 6:30

Alan picked out a car to replace the Passat Wolfenburg that was totaled a week ago.

Thursday I went to open practice at the club.  Things were set up like a dress rehearsal for the weekend obedience trials. Some that came were clearly not ready. I was disappointed when Amber didn't sit when I stopped.  Sitting is expected to be a silent command on my halt.  I left a little early to go to the check presentation by DAR at the Dana Thomas house.  

 

In the evening I went to my Agility 104 class.  I'm thinking I'm in over my head in 104. I'm so lost and don't know the path with the cones on the back side of the obstacle indicating entry around it from the other side.

Friday we had a heat advisory.   I had an appointment at a new facility for Amber to perform tricks and had them fill out the memorandum of agreement with TDI inc on liability.  The activity director that scheduled this appointment was out sick so I dealt with the facility director.  The previous act was a piano player and I'm told he arrived late and ran overtime.  It was very warm in that sun room.  Even a couple that came in through the patio door seemed to bring a blast of cooler air from outside.  With this, it was hard to motivate Amber who wanted to lay on the cool floor.  Still, We did a good 20 minute routine that went slow and had breaks.  The residents seemed to enjoy it as I pulled out a bunch of props from the suitcase and even had her hide in the suitcase.

Saturday I did our obedience trials. The more difficult one was first and Amber passed with flying colors (for a blue ribbon) of 193 out of 200 points.  The others in our class both failed. My number was 11 and 39.

After being declared a passing score, I had Amber take a bow for judge and volunteers after being declared a success on this test on Saturday but never repeated after that. Beginning luck I guess.

Amber Novice A leg 2

 Then I had to wait for the last of the day trial and it was even easier ~Beginner Novice A.  We failed!  She didn't sit at the finish and stopped in the middle of her recall.  The judge said "try again tomorrow".  That night, I wrote that on the bathroom mirror.  

I failed to title again trying for "AKC Beginner Novice A" and "AKC Novice A".   Both categories have 3 failed attempts each. Need one more in each category to title. I'm wearing down tho. 
But she never ran out of the ring zooming around.

Sunday's Novice A, Amber is #39

Saturday's Beginner Novice A, Amber is #11

 

 Sean came over with Mo. His dog has lost weight and seems rather lethargic.   That dog has more tests later this week.

Sunday was Father's Day. 
One of the things that Father’s Day should provoke is a little quiet remembering - of our own fathers, living and deceased. My own father died 24 years ago - and one of the exercises of death is remembering, and in remembering we learn a lot about the people we grew up with. Especially you who are parents yourselves, I recommend a quiet meditation on your parents - who they really are, and what they gave you, or didn’t give you, and why - what it cost them to be parents, what special and unique and wonderful parts of you are because of what they did and who they are. One of the interesting things about that meditation is how much you can also end up learning about yourself. So first part of my own Father’s Day rambling is to suggest that you spend some time re-collecting your own parents, especially your father. And then perhaps some of the people who also played a father-like role in your life.   

I went to 7AM Mass at Christ the King.  When I arrived, I saw the priest picking up trash in the road in front of the church with a bag and gloves.  It's not in the best neighborhood because it is old but at the same time the interior is so beautiful and old like many European churches.  Hearing was a bit difficult since the old style alter is still in place with the priest's back to the congregation.  But I still think the echo in the cathedral is worse. My parish seems to be leaning liberal.  I feel like I'm being treated like a leper.

“Don't seek to be happy; let everyone else chase after that rainbow.

Seek to be kind, and you'll find the rainbow follows you.”

 

My Week

There were many graduation parties in my neighborhood this past week.  I often wanted to throw a party for Sean's college graduation and subsequently rent the legion hall but he was against the idea.  We just had dinner together.  Tuesday I went on a walk-about with the Capitol Canine Dog Training Club.  

Tuesday was also the day that Alan's car got backed into while parked outside a clinic. 

Now to stress over  a replacement when used cars are at a premium over new cars.  Wednesday  morning I had an early morning practice in Mechanicsburg before things got too hot.  In the evening we had an Amvets meeting.

Thursday I went to our open practice which I hope will pay off in a week at the obedience trial.  Here's the figure 8 practice.  We are trying to simulate the trial when a judge comes.

 

Friday Amber had her annual veterinary exam.  I brought her with me to my 7:45-8:15 exercise class with the hatch open and facing the glass doors of my exercise class. Then took her to her 8:30 appointment and waited awhile.  She also had her documentation faxed to Therapy Dog.  

Shortly after that I left to volunteer at the Edgewood Golf Course for an outing that would partially benefit my VFW post.  I had no idea what the job would be but it was selling shots out on the course for $5. I learned about "cherry bombs" and "peanut butter whiskey". It was just over 90 degrees but I was in the shade.

Saturday I went to Decatur for teacup agility with "Dinky Dogs" club.  Amber came into this trial with 2 legs in beginner standard and needed one more.  She did it.  Then I moved up to intermediate and didn't pass on the 1st try at that level. 

There's a 1st place hidden behind the title ribbon

We did an agility game called mute.  Gestures only to follow a numbered course.  It wasn't perfect and I was deducted 5 points for an off course but we still passed.  Also there was a sneaky maneuver coming off the dog walk to make a sharp turnaround into a tunnel that went under the dog walk.  Amber did look perplexed but I coaxed her into that tunnel.  Ya know, she pants with a heavy breath running these courses but I really believe she's happy doing it and showing off.  Amber Ann got two titles this weekend at the Decatur Dog Training Club in Warrensburg. Teacup Beginner Agile Dog (TBAD) and Teacup Games I (TG1). We started on Intermediate level now.

Weekend haul with 2 title ribbons

As of now, I have these titles on my club's report.  Next week I hope to add AKC Novice.

Saturday we had a record high temp of 96.

The fireflies are back.  Missed them little sparkles.

My Week

Tuesday I took Amber to the nursing home and I later got a call from the activity director from an affiliated assisted living to bring Amber.  So we set up a date for Amber to perform tricks. I just recall unpleasant visits at assisted facilities in the past.  I was put in a room and nobody came.  In addition, residents are allowed pets of their own and family brings in their own pets so sometimes a therapy dog is no big deal.  In the evening I went to the  Lincoln Tomb for the first flag lowering  ceremony.  I did not participate because they wanted  the Soldiers Aid Society to wear a mask at an outdoor event.  Besides, the crowd was very light because of late advertising.

Wednesday was double agility class day.  I went to Mechanicsburg for training early at 8AM and then to a different location in Rochester at 6:30.  The gnats were terrible in Rochester.

Thursday's practice at the Capitol Canine Training Club was a great mock up of the upcoming obedience trial.  We had lunch afterward.  I also went  to practice Friday evening.  Amber is not doing well with her off leash heeling.  I've got trial in 2 weeks.

This is a video of a virtual run of Amber and I doing "jumpers" agility and was taken in Mechanicsburg.  Unfortunately it is not a qualifying run because of a course setup error:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTiHXue3hHE

Saturday I went to Lake Pittsfield for a reenactment.  I set up a table and described the Soldiers Aid Society to visitors.  I made the banner just the day before.

This was followed by a fashion show and various ladies had a chance to be detailed before the crowd. 

https://www.facebook.com/1615723034/videos/10223426995735835/

The weather was hot like 89-90 but the gnats were non-existent as they were in the past.   Then in the evening I went Civil War dancing at the Old State Capitol.  I sat next to Mary. Lincoln (Pam Brown) for awhile. I chit chatted about Pittsfield.   I told her there had been a lot of gnats in the past.  I suggested perhaps they sprayed this year. She just looked at me and said “COVID?” as if it's a good thing.  I joined the Springfield International Folk Dancers since I had practiced.  The 3 of these 4 ladies in my Soldier’s Aid Society huddled at the gate greeting people with masks (one on the left is an employee so she had to mask).  You can sure who is on what side. The only ones at this evening event to do so.  I only saw one in a mask at the Pittsfield reenactment.

Monday I went back to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum.  Apparently I got on an "every other Monday" schedule with 1st Mondays.  There were 3 Mondays in May so I have 2 Monday's in a row.

RANT

I noticed that on "Nextdoor" social media site that someone posted a photo of a lot of feces that she claimed someone had thrown over the fence.  Quick to accuse but the comments all backed up the fact that raccoons do their duty like that in a corner.  They complain about dog poop a lot.  I could complain about the food trays thrown from cars full of food and shakes that attract all the opossums and raccoons. 

Then on Facebook another quick to accuse that someone had stolen a floral spray from her husband's grave placed 2 weeks earlier.  All the comments were pity and shame on whomever took it.  Then I pointed out links to the floral policy at national cemeteries "Fresh-cut flowers may be placed on graves at any time. Artificial arrangements are not allowed from April 15 through October 10. All flowers will be removed when they become faded or unsightly, at the discretion of cemetery staff." 

 

 

My Week

I went to the first of 3 practices at the Hoogland Center for Civil War dance with the Springfield International Folk Dancers.  A bit rusty after a long break.  I am not a paying member of their group that does dances other than Civil War.  I belong to the Central Illinois Civil War dancers out of Peoria.  It looks like we will be getting together again to dance at the summer evenings in the park.

Sophie and I made our first post pandemic in person hands on visit. Sophie's hospice visits are not resumed yet. The activity director took lots of pictures for their FB. She knows which residents have photo releases. She took one of me and Sophie w permission. TDI protects privacy with a photo release form. I wonder if I can share from their page so that they know it's not me behind that camera. She also told me they have 8 new residents incoming within the next week and they will be at full capacity. I guess many had to hold off during covid.

In the evening I took Sophie to the Springfield Visitor Center near the capitol building for our club's "walk about" practice.  There was a simple nose work search set up but Amber didn't indicate the odor detection.  Then she shut down on me and pulled me to the car after hearing firecrackers in the neighborhood.  I then went to the Lincoln Tomb at 7PM to  watch the 114th practice for our upcoming flag lowering.  One of the others from our Soldiers Aid Society, Lisa, showed up and I didn't recognize her after over a year.  She didn't color her hair and lost a lot of weight on Nutrisystem. 

Wednesday morning I skipped exercise class at 8AM to attend agility practice in Mechanicsburg at 9AM.  That was moved up because of the heat. I know that my dog shuts down as it gets hotter and hides in the shade.  Upon arrival, I learned we were going to have a virtual trial ~ one that is recorded and sent to the judge.  This run was called "jumpers".  So now I wait.

In the evening I went to the Interveterans Council meeting.  Poor turnout.

Thursday I went to our weekly dog practice.  It's a good laid back group.  Amber was distracted sniffing again.  Kim had mentioned that terriers are hard to train. I heard that again from Shelly at the club followed by "I'm glad you didn't know that earlier". Well hell....that explains my mental stress with this dog. We usually have lunch afterward at the Sangamo Brewing pub but there was a wait for tables and I was expecting an estimate on the tree removal so I didn't stay.  Well, he didn't show so I  called and he had trouble with his lift.  Then he said he'd come Friday and again a no show for the estimate.

I've been trying to declutter and  wanted  to  let go of my walker  that I had gotten 4 years ago via Facebook marketplace.  Facebook disapproved my  ad for it and even its appeal.

Friday evening I went to the club for dog practice.  It's getting close to our obedience trial.  That's the trial  we failed in  January and I got very mad about.

Saturday and  Sunday Amber Ann and I went to Bloomington for Fast Coursing Ability Tests (Fast CAT) racing sponsored by the Greater Chicago Whippet Club and open to all breeds. The weather was excellent.  I didn't have to leave right away since my kick off time is in the afternoon.  This means I got to do Saturday morning yoga which was much needed for my shoulder blades. When I got to the McClean County fairgrounds, they were about an hour behind schedule.  All dogs needed go walk a short distance before the run to be checked for lameness. Females needed a swipe with a tissue for season. My first two runs were good but they had  difficulty with the timer so I had to re-run for a qualifying score.  I was concerned about Amber getting tired.  On Sunday she had another re-run for the same reason.  I saw a dog poop on the runway, a greyhound get loose and a pitbull get loose. Mary B released Amber and she took off after the lure with her leash in drag and that was the better of those 2 times.   I held release a couple times for dalmatians.

Her time is on the back of these ribbons.

Amber was running about 16 MPH.  Now I hope chasing that lure did not set a precedent of chasing critters off leash. Most of all, this was less stressful than rally and agility because it required little activity on my part outside of being a cheer leader at the end of the yardage.  I didn't have to run with her and get winded.  Well the fresh air can still be tiring.  I brought a book for the long wait for our turn but didn't need it because I was so entertained watching all the other dogs.  TALLY HO!

There were many things I could have done on Memorial  Day but the first to grab that spot was the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum.  Our briefing was more about the State of Sound exhibit and the fact that we didn't have to wear masks.  My station this time was at "The Journey Part 1- The Pre-Presidential Years".  A I liked that and met some interesting people. 

I asked a more experienced voluneter for cliff notes on my station.  He told me about the trees that were cast from originals but now hollow.  Also for the little kids, there's a shape of an alligator in the tree.  I tried to point that out to some of the kiddos and they thought it was cute but one just didn't seem to get it.  I told his parents to work on his imagination.  LOL

 I explained that the original one-room cabin would have been the size within the railing and that exit of the cabin represents the time after he left his father's house. 

The cabin consists of an original log cabin typical of the time that was in pristine condition typical of the time.  It is rebuilt over steal now.

On my way to my car, I noticed the colorful poppies in the courtyard by the museum restaurant. I had no idea of the variety

I think I'll pinch a few of the seed pods.

I was a bit hungry after my shift but wanted something small.  I got a banana smoothie at Culvers with real stuff in it.  Then I stopped by Camp Butler and it was just as busy as the museum. In the evening I went to dance practice.

RANT TIME

This week's rant.  I have my TDI credentials and resumed visiting but new applicants must be vaccinated.  I will have to face this when renewing in December.  See screen shot of upcoming evaluations for Therapy Dogs.

 Stay tuned for next week's rant.

 

My Week

 Monday I dropped off my car at Chatham Collision and got a rental. It was also a Nissan Rouge but a sport model.  He said it was slightly  smaller and looked the same size but when I got it in the garage I could see the difference.  In the afternoon I volunteered at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential museum.  Here I am in front of our temporary exhibit, The State of Sound, about music from Illinois artists.  I'm wearing my backstage pass along with my volunteer ID.

After my shift I drove home in a heavy rain.  We had flash flood warnings.  By the end of the week, I could see it really helped the garden.  The new neighbor behind me had just tilled a new garden the week before.  Let the competition begin. 

I took Amber to the nursing home Tuesday afternoon to perform tricks. Some tricks must be done off leash and she can tell. She'll run off in curiosity. Also, since the area has crumbs after lunch (minuscule at that) she sniffs them out. I'm not supposed to bring treats in per  TDI rules but I bring a few for her to focus with permission of the activity director. I can put a real treat on the floor and say "leave it" and she will stare at it for a good long time before I say "get it". That's a trick too. Why doesn't that work with crumbs?

Wednesday's plans were changed.  I had a morning and evening agility practice planned but the soggy ground cancelled both.  Instead, I made a video to send to an evaluator for Fit Dog 2K-9 Ruff Run (Fitness Specialty Title).

 

Our names will also appear on the Canine Conditioning Fitness Titles webpage here in a couple of weeks:

https://domorewithyourdog.com/DogTricks/canine-fitness-program-️‍♀️/fitness-title-holders/ 

Thursday I went to a DAR division luncheon in Jacksonville at the Country Club.  These are the members our our Chatham Chapter called "Captain William Penny Chapter".  They seem like a rather patriotic group.  I just don't care for long meetings.  They did have the women veterans that were present stand to be recognized ~ both of us. 

 The tall lady in the middle is Linda.  She's the one that cracked the case of the missing link in my relation to Patriot  ~ William Sturdevant ~ on my  mother's side.  Thelma is sitting next to me.  She's a charter member.  She said she heard so much about me.  I looked at Linda and said to her "Did you tell her about the prostitution in my family?"  She shook her head no.

 Then I was fortunate to get to go to a Republican Fund Raiser at to Bank of Springfield Convention Center.  Candace Owens was the featured speaker.  Here I am in the waiting area with some friends before being admitted for a one-on-one photo with our guest speaker.  (photo not yet received)

Bill Dragoo, Pat Schad, and myself

Sandy Dragoo

 

Candice Owens and myself

I got to bring home the table centerpiece which was a geranium.  I love those flowers.  One flower will die only to be followed by a succession of flowers.  This one is a white geranium.  I have  a red one.

Saturday and Sunday I took Amber to Wood River for Canine Performance Events (CPE) trials at the Triune Canine Training Center.   I'll never forget the judge's pre-briefing that we should have fun and always remember this could be our last event with our dog.  That was emotional. Our results as follows:

Saturday 5/22/2021:
               FullHouse L2 -  8 Inch - Judge: John Raymond
               Score: 20 (NQ)  Time: 43.40 seconds  2nd Place

               Colors L2 -  8 Inch - Judge: John Raymond
               Distance: 81 yards  SCT: 41 seconds
               Score: 0 (Q)  Time: 20.60 seconds  2nd Place

               Snooker L2 -  8 Inch - Judge: John Raymond
               No Time

               Jackpot L2 -  8 Inch - Judge: John Raymond
               Score: 44 (Q)  Time: 50.09 seconds  1st Place

               Standard L2 -  8 Inch - Judge: John Raymond
               Distance: 120 yards  SCT: 59 seconds
               No Time

    Sunday 5/23/2021:
               Jackpot L3 -  8 Inch - Judge: John Raymond
               Score: 53 (Q)  Time: 41.15 seconds  1st Place

               Standard L2 -  8 Inch - Judge: John Raymond
               Distance: 132 yards  SCT: 61 seconds
               Score: 0 (Q)  Time: 38.74 seconds  1st Place

               Wildcard L2 -  8 Inch - Judge: John Raymond
               Distance: 89 yards  SCT: 41 seconds
               Score: 0 (Q)  Time: 23.10 seconds  1st Place

               Jumpers L2 -  8 Inch - Judge: John Raymond
               Distance: 121 yards  SCT: 51 seconds
               Score: 0 (Q)  Time: 26.14 seconds  1st Place

               Colors L3 -  8 Inch - Judge: John Raymond
               Distance: 85 yards  SCT: 44 seconds
               Score: 0 (Q)  Time: 22.12 seconds  2nd Place

Here she is with her ribbons (green is for a qualifying score and the red and blue for placement in her class).  She looks like a proud lion king.  She blends in with the rock.  The dog training center was next to a car dealer that had a rock  mountain.
 

In observing others in their run, I realize all  the effort in training behind each (and lack sometimes) dog team.  I cringe for them when their dog goes off course.  One  lady with a slower dog, taps her feet (not stomps) like a mini-jog to excite her dog's speed.  We are on a timer and there's a limit.  Another ran her dog in bare feet.  Some of these younger handlers were like athletes and it showed with the dog's performance.

I got home just in time to put Amber over the fence in the back yard and get over to the cathedral downtown for the late Mass. It was Pentecost and I did wear red.  The bishop was presider of the Mass because of 8 adults being confirmed.

Rant:

I went to dog agility practice at the Capitol Canine club (masked per club rules) and only 2 others were there when I arrived but I was asked if I was vaxed and I said no.  Both put on their mask then.  I wonder if lying is now appropriate. I can’t tell anybody they are wrong in this climate.  Just believe in that so called “I tried to tell you”.

My Week

 

Monday I went with Dale to present Catholic War Veterans youth awards.  The second and third place winners of the National CWVs in the Easter Poster Contest received their certificate and checks for their winning entries.

These two eighth graders were not given any advance notice and had no idea why they were called to the principle's office at St Anthony's school in Effingham, IL.

 

Congratulations to third place winner, Audrey McCarthy and second place winner, Cailey Dorris.

 In the evening I went to our VFW meeting.  Another awards was presented at the meeting. Lafore Lock Century Award was presented to Commander Camerer by District 10 Commander Carrol at the post meeting on May 10, 2021.  

Tuesday I went to our Womens Overseas Service League luncheon.  In evening was a walkabout for our dog club. 

Wednesday evening I went with Sean to our Amvets meeting.  I sometimes wonder if I'm giving up on this group too soon since we've lost so many members.  One did return joking that he got his rabies shot.

 

Thursday evening I went to a Catholic War Veterans meeting but I had dinner with the Bedells before and carpooled together.

I'm finishing transplanting the plants I got for Mother's Day after 2 days of frost warnings.  This is good because of the upcoming rain.  My garden space is spoken for and Alan gave me seeds forever.  I I could probably fill the yard with what he bought.  I did get a package of egg plant seeds that were empty.

Friday I attended the PGR mission today for a Korean War veteran, Asa Vance, whose remains were repatriated. A 2018 meeting between President Donald Trump and North Korea leader Kim Jong-Un resulted in more than 55 boxes of war-dead remains being turned over to the United States. I did not attend the escort from St Louis to Decatur but participated in the in Springfield church ceremony and escort to Camp Butler National Cemetery.  I got to the church at 11am and drove escort to Camp Butler.  Nice turn out.  Apparently his unit arrived at a base that was void of support because everyone was out fighting.  Meanwhile they were captured on arrival and the enemy figured out that they were young and knew nothing worthwhile being integrated.  I'm sure he was tortured. Closure is nice.  Here I am in the flag line honoring KIA Corporal Vance.

PGR did a walk through salute.  I was early in the line up so I snapped this.

 

Saturday I was in the color guard for the opening of the Highland Games in New Berlin.

 

 

In the afternoon I went to see a fellow CWV who happened to have a VCR.  I re-recorded an old video from her TV screen called "Veterans Speak".  

I needed gas in mower but couldn’t get the cap off. So I have another gas can and ran over to get more. I started to mow the yard and out lined the yard and it quit. I hooked it up to the charger and then pulled out my narrow corded electric mower just so the front doesn’t look bad. After church, Mower was charged but still didn’t start so flip on side, remove clog grass and tried again. Success!

Finished the half mowed lawn after church.  In the afternoon, there was open agility practice at the club.  I need it for next week.

Sunday I went to the club for agility practice.  Deb had me lead her dog, Pixie, over the teeter with Amber as an example.  It seemed to work.  Amber is not afraid of the teeter but she has other weaknesses.  Amber likes to anticipate take off and then I have to go once she starts the timer.  Her 2 on-2 off on things like the A frame could be improved.   Also, Amber does weaves OK on my heeling side but not the right side position. 

Well my vegetable garden is planted and no space left.  I have more seeds than space but if something doesn't emerge, well the reinforcements are ready.  The new family behind me also dug up soil with a tiller and planted a garden.  I'd been thinking about having a crane come and take down the big tree in my front yard.  I'd rather have a pear tree (especially for this NWO).  I learned that pear trees are best planted in the fall and that 2 trees are needed for cross pollination.

What would this weekly diary be like without a rant.  Oh you sheeple, please check yourself with a stud finder like this: 

If that doesn't work, I hear magnets are a sign also.