Memorial Day

May 31. 2021

My paper was at the desk, still with a note requesting my room number.

I tackled the bag of hangers and got the closet a little more orderly.  Then did a load of coloreds and hung them up.  I got a lot done before the 1:00 pm cook-out.  I saw the staff setting up on the courtyard, but they took the decorations down because it must have been too cool to be outdoors.  A nice group gathered in the trattoria with the staff filling our plates with pasta salad, fruit and burgers or hot dogs with trimmings; there was also an assortment of beverages.    

It was warm enough to sit outdoors and that's what a number of people were doing.  I went for my knitting and sat with a group.

Vagabond Sunday

May 30, 2021

I did not get the paper this morning.  I left an email to cancel.  Every morning on my paper is written that the carrier does not have the right apartment number.  Last night I had a note outside my door that JS was informed and the person that I talked to said my carrier would be informed.  That paper is getting so skimpy.

I did not go to church today, not even on TV.  There was a Bible study and rosary at 10:00 am in the Club Room.  It was led by John.  I was the first one there, followed by Barbara from the Vagabonds and Carol. It was really a waste of time.  Not much structure.  John did not focus on very much and had many personal experiences that he interjected.

I picked up a sub sandwich from Subway across from the Metro Market with wine to meet the Vagabonds at Whitnall Park.  Les called me yesterday to remind me and to bring my dominoes.  I dressed for a chilly day, but the sun was nice and warm and I was comfortable in my tulip sweat shirt.  There was a nice group already assembled and even more when the hikers arrived.  Peter and I played dominoes with Les and Eunice.  It was a great time to meet and greet.

Busy Saturday

May 29, 2021

 There were a lot of people at "Red" Adams' funeral; he was well-known in the racing world, plus he had many business ventures.  I stayed for the service; many WAUC members and Red Hats were represented.

I went to the condo to take a picture of the broken bird pole.

Claude is planning on digging it out.

The cleaners had not come yet, so I texted Ken wondering that I might not have specified what I wanted them to do.  He said he was waiting for his crew.  

As I'm driving down Loomis Rd. I decided to stop in at Blummel's to see what plants they might have.  That was a brilliant idea to fill the balcony planters that were delivered.  I wasn't planning on going to a garden center Memorial Day weekend, just as I wouldn't go shopping the day after Thanksgiving.  But the day was perfect for planting and I was right there.  Not crowded at all.  I selected a flat of multi-colored petunias.  I didn't want to get too hungry, so I had a sesame bagel with cream cheese and coffee that I ate at a cozy table with a fire in the center. While I'm sitting there, Ken called that the lock box doesn't open; it had letters instead of numbers.  I gave him the code to the garage door and told him now he knows how old I am.  His dad was born in 1932!   I would have liked a climbing vine, but they only had large pots.  When I got home I started filling the planters with soil and went to Laura's for a little more.  That was handy; I didn't want to buy a big bag.  I got the planters done and I'm hoping they'll be secure.

It was a perfect day for planting, cool and towards the end of the day.  Now my house is a mess again because I'm starting too many projects.  But I really had to take advantage of the day.

Dolly

 Saturday, May 29, 2021

As sociable as Dolly is, the move was strange for her.  She hid under the bed for a couple of days, coming out to eat and use the litter box.  I did not see much of her.  By Wednesday, she was all around the apartment, on my bed, on her carpeted stand, sunning herself, an on top of me in bed.  She heads to the door almost every chance she gets.  But she can't get very far.

Mixed Up Day

 May 28, 2021

Last night as I was charging my chrome book I was putting it on my clock radio and every time I put it on the top it changed the time.  At 11:58 pm the fire alarm went off in the middle of a deep sleep.  When I looked at my clock I thought I had plenty of time, but the clock was wrong, and I had to be at Terry's day's wake at 9:00 am.  I rushed to the funeral home and was surprised there weren't  more cars, considering how well-known he was.  I went inside, the directors said there wasn't a funeral today....it's tomorrow.

I really would have liked a Panera bagel, but they're still closed.  I went home and had a bowl of Cheerios with hardly any time before my hair appointment.  It was a rainy, raw day.  I told Jacelyn about my experiences of the week and we had to rethink not having a perm.  My hair was terrible with the humidity, rain and working up a sweat.  

I had been looking for my teapot.  I remember waiting until the last minute to pack it because I didn't have a safe enough carton to carry it.  Then it dawned on me that it was still in my cupboard.  Luckily, I still have access to the house.  It was in the cabinet, but the bird feeder pole from Joe was bent to the ground.  I can't imagine who would have done that.

It was getting after 1:00 pm so I stopped at Biggby's for a coffee and bagel.  The clerk spread some cream cheese after I said on the side, and only on half the bagel.  I asked for more cheese and I asked for the bagel to have a little color.  I guess there is only one setting for a bagel; it was soft.  I got to SRS, did a little straightening out; it is beginning to take some shape.  Peter came a little after 3:00 pm.  He took all the cartons to the dumpster, put crates and coolers in his car, moved a baker's rack into my bedroom and separated items he wanted to take home that I set aside for Good Will and the food pantry.  We cleared the living room of as many boxes as we could and I even vacuumed the floor.  It is beginning to look presentable.

We went to eat at Victor's having corned beef sandwiches that were big enough to take half home.  Peter also took the rest of the bread which was a very large round loaf.

The adapter that Claude ordered to enable my desktop to be WiFi was delivered.  It was simple to install and works like a charm.  After setting the new network and password, the printer also works.

Second Mammogram

May 27, 2021

I arrived at West Allis Memorial, for some reason I had it in my head I was going to St. Luke's; good thing that I allowed myself plenty of time.  Unfortunately, there was no valet service, which is understandable; no one wants to go into another person's car.  I got into reception at 11:37 am, and was taken to the same room that I had my first mammogram.  Everyone was so pleasant and cheerful like I shouldn't have any worries.  This mammogram had more pressure and different views.  The technician took them to the radiologist, who would like me to have an ultrasound.  After the radiologist examined the ultrasound, in about ten minutes, she and the tech came back to me and said there is something near my right nipple, the size of my little finger fingernail that she does not know what it is and recommended a biopsy.  She wasn't very concerned about it and said that I could wait about six months to see if there is any change, or I could have it today.  I thought I'd be fretting for six months, might as well do it as soon as possible.  I am scheduled for Tuesday at 1:45 pm.

I did some unpacking until Happy Hour at 3:30, complements of the company.  I sat with some familiar faces, and more kept joining us.  There were quite a few as the time went on.  There was some snaffu with the fire alarm before I arrived so the directors were trying to make up for the inconvenience with a mock "fire".  They were dressed as firefighters and the Tratoria was decorated in fire colors. 
Tyler stood before a plastic sheet and people aimed water guns at him.  It was pretty funny.

It was almost time for dinner and even though my reservation was for 5:30, Marci said we could go earlier, and Donna said that is no problem.  I had chicken breast in orange sauce, rice, broccoli and pineapple upside down cake with coffee.

I called Claude before my WAUC Zoom, and he told me how to connect my TV.  I've been so busy I don't think of watching TV.  Then Laura called and I told her about my mammogram.  She gave me so much encouragement about my excess goods and asked what I was getting rid of.  When I told her my mixer went to the Goodwill with Claude, she said the Annika could use the mixer.  Luckily, Claude hadn't taken it to Good Will yet.  The beauty of that is that I got the mixer from my mother.

With all the phone calls, charging my tablet and connecting to WiFi, I was late for the Tablet SIG, which was quite interesting.

I installed the shower caddy that was delivered today and a suction cup hook on the door with a patriotic ornament.  What am I thinking?!  I'm trying to get rid of boxes and I get two more delivered today!

Slow Going

 May 27, 2021

I'm working slowly, but steadily 

I went to the Pick 'n Save a block away.  There are nice little shops in the shopping center.   I also saw Panera's. I decided not going, because I really have to make use of what I have.  I continued working until a little after 5 when I decided to go down to dinner.  I saw a group at a large table, also tables of two and four.  I didn't want to just sit down without being invited, so I sat alone.  Donna, the waitress and manager asked if I was new and had a reservation.  She said the new policy is to make a reservation so the kitchen know how many to prepare for.  There was adequate room so I was welcome to stay.  I ordered the special of the day, pork schnitzel, mashed potatoes, carrots and chocolate mousse for dessert.  Donna said that I should not be eating alone, but should be with a group.  She led me to the table with the large group and I was greeted warmly.  Many introductions which I'll never remember, but it takes time.  

Two pairs of capris were delivered from Penney's that are the most comfortable I've ever had.  A soft cotton, like tee shirt material, but heavier, stretchable with no binding.  I'm sorry that I didn't order one in each color.  Very satisfied.

Unpleasant Greeting

 Monday, May 25, 2020

I just got my day started with a call from West Allis regarding my mammogram.  There was a spot on my right breast that needs further examination.  I will need another type of XRay and possibly an ultrasound and I will learn the results immediately.  I have an appointment for 11:45 am on May 27th.  

That didn't may my day any better, but by keeping busy I was able to focus on putting things away.  I unpacked many boxes.  Unfortunately Peter has all my hangers so I had to double up putting two items on one hanger.  I took a load of boxes down to the dumpster in the LL.

I'm really running out of room and rethinking what I don't need, like my mixer and food processor.

Claude came in the afternoon to set up my computer and TV.  He got everything connected, but I didn't have the password for the router so we could not get Internet.  Claude ordered an adapter from Amazon.

Then he programmed the thermostat.  He should have done that before he did anything else; it was getting very uncomfortable.  When he got it running the room temperature started gradually lowering from 80 degrees.

Moving Day

Monday, May 24, 2021

Two Men and a Truck arrived about 8:45 am with a lot of energy.  They moved so quickly, even running up the stairs.  They made many trips and grouped a lot of boxes and other items in huge cartons and rolled the dolly up the ramp to the truck.  I couldn't believe how many boxes I had.  When they got to St. Rita Square one of the men unloaded the truck then the other man got them off the elevator into my apartment.  To see all the boxes in my apartment was shocking.  They didn't know where to put them any more.  That's when the realization set in that I brought too much stuff.  I'll have to call then movers again to take some of the stuff to Good Will.  I don't know where to start.  I tried  putting some things away, but it is going to be an overwhelming job.  I was getting so exhausted and I looked like a wreck; I wouldn't dare going down to dinner.  I made a couple of grilled cheese sandwiches and wanted some wine, but I couldn't find a corkscrew.  A beer hit the spot now that I know that my kitchen shears has a bottle opener.

I went to bed at 8:30 pm.

Winding Down

  May, 23, 2021

After the 8;30 am mass  I thought I would like to have breakfast at Honey Butter but there was about a 2 hour wait. I saw empty tables and I think they prefer more than a single. Denney's had a special for $6.99 of two eggs, two sausage links, two strips of bacon, two pancakes and hash browns.  I also had many refills of coffee and a very welcoming staff.  That would satisfy me until dinner.

I did some organizing until Claude and Peter drove up at the same time.  Claude tackled the TV and all the components in the living room, next the computer that he'll keep in his car until the movers are done.  Peter took down pictures,, hooks from the wall and other odd jobs..  We relaxed for a while before going to Bass Bay Brew House for chicken.  It was very tasty; a quarter portion was just about right, with a beer.  Peter stayed and visited for a while.

I cleaned out the frig and assembled things together.  Early to bed early to rise.

L

All Around Town

May 21, 2021

I had to get up extra early for my 6:50 am mammogram apptointment at Aurora West Allis.  I'm glad I had that appointment now i stead of having to drive across town.  Unfortunately,  there was no valet parking, but I was fortunate to find a spot  very close to the entrance.  I had my car loaded to go to the dump afterwards, but I still had to pick up a litter bucket.  I had thought about going somewhere for breakfast, but I should use up as much as possible of what I have.

After breakfast I packed my plants and other odds and ends to take to my apartment when I pick up the key; no sense going with an empty car. 

I had a haircut that cut off most of my perm and we're deciding if I should forego a perm.  I have some time to think about it.  I needed to stock up on cosmetics since the only other Merle Norman is in Brookfield.  The manager said there is no postage on purchases over $50.  That's no problem.

I picked up Peter on 76th St. and he drove to St. Rita Square.  I got my key and handbook, then we picked up a cart to take to the apartment.  We met two Vagabond ladies, Judy schmidt and one I cant remember. Peter really looked the place over.  We made another trip with all my little crates that I filled up in the closet.  The only thing we had trouble with was the thermostat; we could not understand how to change the numbers.  The staff was already through for the day so we got no help there.  A woman in the dining room said you have to be patient, it takes a while for the thermostat to function.  I was surprised there weren't more eating in the dining room, also, they do not have a liquor license so they do not serve alcoholic  beverages, but you are welcome to being your own.

It was a challenge to find parking near Von Trier's, especially with speeding, heavy traffic.  After some cruising, Peter managed to park relatively close. There were no printed menus; the policy is to order online. But the waitress said they had fish fries, which is something we wanted anyway, with Andeker Bock beer. The fish was served in a lined plastic basket.  The fish was OK, but the potato pancakes were soggy and rather tasteless.  The room was very noisy, we could hardly hear each other.  But we satisfied Peter's desire to go to Von Trier's.

Full Morning

 May 19. 2021

As I was passing time before my 11:00 am appointment with Mark Pietila at St. Rita Square.  Terry texted me wanting to know if we are going to Red Hat lunch today.  Oh my God!  I completely forgot; I didn't even remember the place that Kathy suggested in Greendale.  I hastily sent an email and said the lunch would be at Honey Butter, and just show up.

Mark explained many of the documents that I had to sign.  When we came to the pets, he said, "You know there is a $500. fee."  I said I thought it was $1000.  No it was reduced.  That was nice to hear.  He told me where Claude can unload when he brings in my computer equipment.  I can get the key on Friday and bring in some light stuff.

I finished with my appointment that would be enough time to get to the Red Hat lunch.  I called Terry, but she was really not in the mood, which was understandable after just losing her father.  I didn't thing June and Jane planned to come, neither Joy or Kathy, maybe Janice, but Julia always looked forward to the lunches.  I decided to just drop in at Honey Butter.  Julia called me as I'm driving saying that she was at Honey Butter.  I was so happy that I decided to go there.  At least that salvaged something.  She was waiting outside and there would be at least an hour wait.  We went to Point After and had a very nice lunch and a lot of conversation.  It was the most conversation we had when we could just be the two of us.

Then a really big shock.  Mike asked if I had the paid receipt for the radon work so I could be reimbursed.  I said I didn't think I was going to be reimbursed, but he thought I would be.  That would be very nice.

Sad Day for My Birds

 May 16, 2021

I went to the 8:30 am mass and got back just a little before Brad and Janice came to pick up my bird stuff.  I'm glad that I still had my tool box handy, because the joints on the feeder pole were really stuck.  Some WD-40 loosened them a little and Brad used a hammer and screw driver to get them apart.  I'm keeping a few feeders; hopefully some birds will find me at St. Rita's Square.   I watched a rose-breasted grosbeak and a male cardinal, plus many of the common varieties searching for food in the lawn.  I miss them already.

I went to Pick n' Save on Hwy 100 for boxes, but they didn't have any right now.  I headed to Festival Foods and approached a man stocking bananas.  He took me to the store room and gave me six, the same boxes that I had before.  The people were so gracious.

I filled a couple in the afternoon.

The day was very pleasant, warm and sunny.

Boxes

May 15, 2021

 After my hair and a salad at Culver's, I went to Festival Foods to see if I could get packing boxes.  I approached a group of men that seemed like store managers and asked if it was possible to get some boxes.  One of the men immediately led me to the produce department and asked the produce manager to furnish me with some boxes.  The young lady went into the back room and came out with three banana cartons; then came out with two more.  They have empty spots on the top and bottom that I could layer with cardboard to make them more secure.  But the boxes are very sturdy and easy to handle.

I had such a positive experience I'm sorry that I didn't patronize that store more often.  I was greeted throughout the store by store personnel of every rank: managers, stock boys, check-out, even a young man hauling in carts. 

When I got home I filled a few boxes and I'll get a few more.

In the evening Peter and I had a fish fry (delicious blue gills for me) at O'Sullivan's before driving to the Austrian American meeting, the first one since March 2020.  It was a good feeling to see those who attended.  Doug Scott thanked me for the chemo caps I sent him when he was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.  He appreciated them especially when he slept at night because he was so cold.  They were light and soft enough without being bulky.

Mother's Day

May 10, 2021

What a difference from last year.  Claude is the only one waiting for his second dose to reach its potential, so we still planned a zoom in the afternoon.  I'm invited to Jay and Laura's for dinner that Anton will be preparing.

Brad and Janice came in the afternoon with a beautiful bouquet.

I told them about my radon, which they had installed some years ago, and my new apartment.  Janice took the stable and a cast iron skillet.

We zoomed at J & L's at 4:00 pm.

I did some knitting while Anton prepared Herb crusted salmon with dilled beans.

Everything was delicious.

Jay outlined a trip to the UP that he though Peter and I might enjoy this summer.

I enjoyed a lovely day.

First Week of May

Monday, May 3, 2021 

 I took a trunk load to Goodwill: radio, clothing, foot bath, glass pitcher, glass globe from my bedroom.  Next to Office Max to shred my checkbook carbons. Finished my errands at Walmart on 27th, especially for hearing aid batteries.  While at Walmart I got a call from Jean Henning, but would not be able to converse in the loud surroundings.  When I got home her voice mail said the inspection report was in my email, also a document that I had to sign.  I was very pressured since I had to sign it by 5:00 pm agreeing to install GFCI protection in the garage, basement, kitchen and baths also repair double taps in electrical panel and correct kitchen garbage disposal wiring.  I also have to install a radon mitigation system, that I understand is going to be expensive.  Jean referred me to an electrician that agreed to take care of the problem, but didn't have knowledge of a radon contractor.  Now I'm getting advice from multiple sources.

Tuesday, May 4

I moved some things out of the way for the rug shampooer and vacuumed the living room and stairs.  The man came about 10:15 am and did a great job.  I had difficulty hearing the conversation of the book club because he was using some loud equipment on the stairs right where I was zooming.  We had a good discussion, whatever I did hear, and ended on a positive note, agreeing to meet at Clement Manor in June, with lunch afterward.

Wednesday, May 5

Nancy invited me to lunch at her lovely spacious condo.  She has a beautiful view of a park and walking/biking trails that she and Joe used to take even before they bought the condo.  She spends her time walking and reading, with no interaction with groups or organizations.  I would find that extremely lonely.  We had a delicious lunch and good conversation.  She related her own experiences with radon mitigation that they were forced to install at over $2000.

Melinda Myers' webnar on tomatoes in the evening.

Thursday, May 6

My appointment for an oil change was for 10:00 am and lasted 2 1/2 hours.  A tire pressure sensor had to be replaced, adding to the cost.

Keith from Accurate came to assess the installation of a radon mitigation system.  He talked with Heather to coordinate sealing up the sump pump in her basement, which would service the entire complex.  I have been in contact with condo manager Brandon Grosz, who has been very prompt answering my emails regarding condo regulations.  When I sent him the proposal from Accurate he said that the board will consider it.  I told him that I was on a timeline and this had to be done in a very short time.  He assembled the board via zoom and it was under discussion the very same day.  Mike Michaels asked for the radon report, also said that someone on the board raised an objection.  He said not to worry, he thinks it will be approved.

Friday, May 7

I did routine cleaning and packing the condiments from one of the shelves.  Peter thought the Austrian Club meeting was for tonight and suggested O'Sullivan's for a fish fry.  The meeting is next Friday, so he said we should go to Hob Nob in Racine, which was perfectly OK with me.  I was surprised they took reservations, but even without one we were seated close to the window in the sun room and enjoyed a very delicious beer batter cod with spinach salad with bacon dressing.  We finished with coffee.  Before leaving Peter had a little pot or mums for me.

Saturday, May 8

Mike came over to tell me that the board approved the radon work.  That was a big relief.  Brandon also confirmed the decision.

I will miss my birds.

I went to the 4:00 pm mass.

Last Lector

 

May 2, 2021

I volunteered to lector before the schedule was published and told Pat Boyer that I would be leaving to join The Three Holy Women Parish when I moved to St. Rita's Square.  I received a lovely letter from Mary Werley.

It was an unseasonable warm, windy day today.  I lectored at the 10:30 am mass.  I am looking forward to my new parish and I hope I can continue to be active there.

Another Load

 May 1, 2021

Jay and Anton were here to take the last load to the dump.  They were able to fit everything into Jay's SUV with no trouble since Claude had taken a pretty good amount.

They moved furniture into the garage to make the living room clear for the rug shampooer on Tuesday.  I'm sorry that I didn't schedule it for later in the month.  I'll try to keep off the carpet, which shouldn't be a problem because I have everything I need in the kitchen and dining room.