German American Day

 Saturday, August 9, 2025

After my hair I filled the gas tank and picked up a fruit fly trap at Ace Hardware.  I had to go back when I realized that I left my glasses behind.

I drove to Peter's and we went to Carl Schurz Park using my GPS.  Again it took us off the track.  There must be some conflict with my phone and his car.  I'd like to practice when we have no place special to go, but we're always going somewhere and there isn't an opportunity to practice.  We eventually got there and got in a long line of cars coming from both directions trying to get into the park.  My handicap hanger came in handy and we were parked right in front.  A man in a Jeep was waiting to drive us as far as the rest rooms.  He offered to wait for us to take us to the pavilion, but we declined and could walk the rest of the way.

As many people as there were, they were spread throughout the grounds and we had no trouble finding a spot in the pavilion.  The music was loud and it seemed rather close, so we moved to an outside table.  It was overcast and we had a slight breeze.

We each had a beer and sat outdoors until the skies looked threatening.  We went in the pavilion and had corn on the cob and a pork sandwich.  Pretty soon we had a good downpour.  The kids had a blast getting wet from the rain coming off the roof.

We used up more tickets with strawberry shortcake and coffee.  We stayed a while after the rain stopped.

Peter's Birthday

Sunday, August 10, 2025

We had severe rain with a lot of thunder and lightning through the night.  Dolly jumped off my bed and slept on the couch when she heard a extra loud crack.  There is an alert from the Sewer District that we should avoid using unnecessary water so not to strain the sewers.

The highway was bumper to bumper for miles and miles on both sides of the freeway with cars going to the Brewer game as I was driving to Peter's for the Austrian American meeting.  There is a sell-out game with the Brewers on the top of the league.

Peter and I saw a lot of flooding going to the  meeting; some streets were closed, some had partial barricades.

The attendance was meager at the meeting, only nine members present.  We sang Happy Birthday to Peter and other members having birthdays in July and August.  Germanfest took up most of the discussion.  Frank was pleased with all the cooperation he received at the goulash booth, especially from the Knights of Columbus. Peter complained about having too few volunteers; Frank told him to contact some of his friends.  Adolf Meinhardt, who offered to host the AA picnic, but became ill, told us about his illness and hospital experience.

We lingered after the meeting with brownies and coffee.

We pondered where to go next with no place special in mind, so I took the opportunity to sync my phone with his car.  I got it to work by having my Bluetooth on, selecting Peter's Subaru on my phone and Phone on his dash.  I was able to receive calls and we got accurate directions to Su Casa.

We started out with Margaritas, but had to change tables due to a cool draft on my back.  We had steak fajitas that looked not as generous as when we first had them years ago, but with the plate of fillings it was a satisfying meal.  George stopped by to say hello.  We finished the meal with complementary fried ice cream for Peter's Birthday  with the wait staff singing "Happy Birthday".  We decided that this would be my Birthday treat instead of the dinner we planned on Wednesday at The Commodore.

My GPS and Peter's car got us to Peter's house via the freeway.

When I got home, I could not get into the building from the garage because I didn't have my fob.  Did I leave it on the desk when I opened my mail? No.  I called Peter to look in the car.  He called me back to say that he found it by his rear bumper.  It must have dropped out of my purse compartment when I took out my car keys.  I drove back to his house to get it.

Walk to P & W; Common Ground

 Monday, August 25, 2025

After I made the 7-Layer salad for yesterday's pot luck, I used up most of the ranch dressing.  Today was a pleasantly cool day and I decided to give walking to P & S a try.

I took my time with my walker and I managed to get there without any difficulty.  I bought more than was on my shopping list, and that is always my problem.  A man ahead of me in the check-out had packages of pork loin chops for $5.00 each.  That seemed too good to pass up; I bought a couple of baking potatoes also.  Walking back was no problem; I'll have to try that again.

I had a load of wash done and put away my groceries.  Then I needed a little rest.

I made a 7-layer salad for the Common Ground pot luck; I'm getting good use of my Goodwill glass baking dish.

I walked through SRS checking on new arrivals:  Toni Carroll in 1103 and Lafayette and Venora M in 1313.

Lynn Connolly drove Rod and Sharon DePew, Sandy Mendolsohn and me to the Common Ground meeting at St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church.  It didn't take long for the room to fill and line up for the food; I joined with my own plate (the furnished paper plates were rather skimpy). My salad got polished off completely.

Speakers reported on past accomplishments: Getting rid of Willy Hines from the Housing Authority and getting a grant to provide Drivers Education lessons to students who qualify for free lunch.

Other speakers asked for support to help in getting slum landlords to correct building violations and get rid of properties that encourage crime.

Groups caucused to determine the actions they would take in recruiting new members, acting on issues and attending the Assembly on October 19, at Serb Hall.  I put it on my calendar.

Ladies or Lee-sure and More

 Wednesday, August 27, 2025

We met at BJ's Brewhouse in Brookfield instead of Parkside because Karen could not get Parkside to adjust our reservation from six to seven.  We were happy with our choice.  

I had a California flatbread with chicken; everyone else seemed to enjoy their meals and service.

I felt more relaxed since I had no other meetings scheduled like I usually do on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  I suggested that we continue to meet on either the 4th or last Wednesday of the month.  Our next meeting will be on my birthday.

I searched for a near-by library to renew my card and got it taken care of at the Capitol branch.

I drove home to use the restroom and wash my hands before getting a regular manicure at Polished.  No more gel manicures for me.

Dinner at Pandl's

Thursday, August 21 2025

I paced my eating during the day in anticipation of our dinner tonight. I had only an orange for breakfast.

I signed up for the Community Luncheon so I had to keep a good portion of the chicken parmesan for a salad at another time.

We celebrated August Birthdays and Cocktail Hour in the afternoon, with Briana as our guest entertainer. I skipped the cake and ice cream and sat on my balcony and listened until Peter came for our dinner at Pandl's

The day couldn't have been more perfect to have dinner outdoors with Jay and Laura.  They have been so gracious inviting Peter and me to so many dinners. It was our turn to reciprocate.

I had scallops that were delicious; Jay had an appetizer schnitzel that Peter wished he had ordered, his portion was much too large; Laura had whitefish. We lingered and visited and arranged to meet at the Estabrook Park beer garden on Saturday.

What a delightful day.

Red Hats at Wild Roots

Wednesday, August 20,2025 

Kathy Schnagl, Julia Rice, Rita Bruce, Terry Harvey and I met at Wild Roots on 68th and Becher Street. The restaurant had a few patrons, but not crowded. The waitress had to rearrange a table for us because I reserved for four, and we had five; Julia did not get my message. It took a while to take our order, but Kathy and I were happy to learn that the chef could make the salmon cakes when previously we were told they were out. We had a lot to talk about in the hour it took to get our food.  One thing we talked about was the noise. There was nothing to absorb the noise in this building with all hard surfaces. Even the plates were of slate that seemed noisy.  Terry wasn't happy with her choice which seemed to be too much bun and not enough brisket.  My salmon was very good, so were the French fries, which I probably should have omitted, because of the salt. By the time we paid our bill, it was a two-hour lunch. 

I changed my mind about going to cards. I headed out to the credit union instead to cash some checks. Roads were under construction in many directions, so I mailed the checks.

Celebrating Paco and Elizabeth's 50th

 Saturday, August 16, 2025

Paco and Elizabeth's family, plus many friends and a number of SRS residents gathered to celebrate this wonderful occasion.

We started out in the piazza, but a few heavy drops of rain fell that sent everyone scurrying indoors; the sprinkle did not last long.

Punch, wine, beer and water were served indoors; beef and pork tacos were served outdoors and mostly everyone brought theirs inside.

Soon we heard a seven-piece Mariachi band that played for about two hours.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/uoQf5WLQffk5Ppbc9

Turmeric Indian Café, just a few block south on Van Buren served a variety of Indian dishes.  Even though the chick peas had a slight bite, I enjoyed them all, including chicken fried rice, a spinach dish, pan and a pasta dish.

Elizabeth told us about her life experiences  with Paco and their growing family, and some of her cherished memories.  She expressed gratitude for her connections with SRS.  She was extremely grateful for Paco's kindness to her family, especially her mother, who he accepted into their household when she needed care.

Paco followed with his meeting Elizabeth and blending together with two different languages.

Each of their children had something unique to add, plus their granddaughter.

We finished a delightful afternoon with different kinds of cake.

Paco and Elizabeth with their family.