Ultra Sound/Chairs/Hollander

Friday, July 30, 2021

None of the hospitals have valet service, which is really inconvenient.  I was hoping that I didn't have to park in the structure because I have difficulty going down ramps.  I was fortunate to get parking in the adjacent lot and did not mind walking on the beautiful, fresh day for my ultrasound appointment at 10:45 a.m.  The tech concentrated on just one small area that was of concern.  I waited until the radiologist came and took a look and did some more scanning.  She determined that everything was fine; however, I need to come in in six month to see if there are any changes.  It was a very light feeling knowing that I did not have to have a biopsy or there was something of more concern.

I had lunch on my balcony, and the air was fresh, but quite cool.  I waited for Claude who was picking up my dining chairs from Bob's Furniture.  I was surprised when he was at my door with the big carton of chairs in his arms.  It took him some time to assemble the first chair, even with Dolly's help.

 But the second went twice as fast.  I was very pleased with the fit and comfort, also they matched the table perfectly.  

He disposed of the carton, packed up the other chairs and delivered them to the Jay and Laura's.

In the meantime, Peter texted that he would like to have dinner on Downer, which probably meant Hollander.  We got there about 6:40 p.m. and had a forty minute wait, which we had with a beer for Peter and a wine for me.  When I got a text message that our table was ready and the hostess was nowhere to be seen, we seated ourselves and sat without notice until Peter approached someone.  Apparently, we should have gone to the hostess who was at the outside station.  But aside from that, the fish was good and the service was fine.  It was too cool to eat outdoors, but we would like to come again when we could.

First Time Baking

My phone rang at 1:40 a.m. waking me from a very sound sleep.  At first I thought it was my alarm; why would I set my alarm for 1:40 a.m.?  It was a heavy storm/tornado warning.  Tornado sirens were sounding also.  We had a very much needed rain; however, some areas were without power. 

I had some perfect bananas for banana bread, making the bread was another story.  Working on the counter was very easy, especially with the convenient electrical outlets.  As I was mixing the dry ingredients, I did not have baking soda after searching all possible places it could be.  I searched Google and one recipe did not call for it, so I eliminated 1/2 teaspoon and it worked out fine.  I was pretty exhausted from putting that all together.  It called for a little nap after lunch.

I decided to share the banana bread at Happy Hour, so I cut it up to take with me along with dominoes.  Jane and Chuck joined me instead of playing their game.  Another mentally disable girl named Martha joined us and her aide helped her.  Jane and Chuck really liked it, and Jane won a game.  I think it's catching on.

St. Rita Parish Is Open!

 Sunday, July 25, 2021

Up until today I was attending the 4:00 p.m. Tuesday mass in the church.  Only residents of St. Rita Square attended and maybe twenty-five or so were in attendance.   This week we learned that St. Rita would have mass at 10:30 a.m. today as a regular parish.

I did my normal Sunday routine and watched the clock when it would be time to leave for mass.  How long does it take to go down one floor and down the hall?  When I drove to St. Martin of Tours I left the house at about 10:10 a.m. to drive to the 10:30 a.m. mass.  But I'd rather wait in church than in my room, so at 10:10 a.m. I strolled out of my room to my destination.  Good thing I arrived early.  The church was packed with folding chairs filling up in the outer area.  I managed to get a seat in the church.  There were so many happy greetings among friends who hadn't been together in so very long.

The first thing Pastor Timothy Kitzke said was, "Welcome Home", to a round of applause.  It was such a joyful occasion, like Christmas and Easter combined.  The entire mass was very upbeat.  The singing was familiar, with the exception of a song in Italian during Offertory.  The cantor had an excellent voice, as did the lector. who is the daughter of one of my neighbors, Frank on the first floor who tends pots of lettuces and a huge pot of basil.  I am so happy to have been a part of this special occasion, as I  am now a member of the parish.  I also indicated that I would like to serve as lector and Eucharistic minister.  I will be put on the list in September.

July Birthdays

Friday, July 23, 2021

 We gathered at 11:30 a.m. to celebrate July birthdays in the Greek style because of the start of the Olympics.  Briana was dressed as a Greek goddess, two musicians were playing and the Tratoria was decorated with a lot of gold.

We had an assortment of drinks and the chef served a Greek salad, chicken breasts, shepherds pie and cookies.

Peter and I finished the evening at Pitch's Restaurant.  It was a very nice restaurant, quiet and surprisingly few people.  I have very good pan fried perch; Peter had Sicilian cod.  Our waiter seemed impatient to get our payment, hovering over us as we put together the cash.

Therapy and Party

 Thursday, July 22,  2021

My therapy at noon today concentrated on strengthening my right knee.  Drew does a lot of manipulating while I'm on a cot.  Then we worked at the barre where I squatted, marched with my knees as high as I could and stepping up a step.  Drew had a belt around me so that I wouldn't fall, but I also hung on to the barre with all my might.  I also worked on pushing a platform with more weight.

I worked on selecting photos to include with my letters to Don and Masako; I have not written to them in a couple of weeks.  I had unusual trouble getting photos printed on the Walgreen's site.  After I selected my photos I could not advance to the screen to order prints.  I ended up putting the photos on a thumb drive to print at the store.  A young man helped me with the project, since I had always done this at home.  I could wait for the photos, they turned out nice.

We had a farewell party for Briana who is leaving as our Program Director.  Most of the people were in dressy clothes.  It was hard choosing what to wear, because the weather was so changeable.  Everyone was comfortable with another layer, or long sleeves.  We had wine and assorted pizzas provided by River West Pizza.  Two musicians accompanied Briana as she sang.

Terry did not attend the Android SIG; that absence is worrisome.

Red Hats and Eyes

Wednesday, July 21, 2021

 Six of us met at Point After Bar and Grill on 76th and Rawson: Janice, Julia, Jane, June, Joy and I; Terry said she wasn't feeling well.  Everyone was satisfied with the location and food.  We agreed to meet at Balistreri's Blue Mound Inn in August.  On the way out two women commented about our group; one might join.

I had an appointment with Milwaukee Eye Care at 3:45 p.m. on Prospect Ave.  There was ample parking and a handicapped entrance.  I was given a peripheral vision test where I clicked a device every time I saw a flash on the screen.

A lot of people gathered in the Club Room to cheer on the Bucks hoping they'd win the championship in six games.  They did not disappoint.  It was a close game and very exciting.  The final score was 98 - 105 the Bucks over the Phoenix Suns.

Fiserv Forum

St. Rita Square's trip to Fiserv Forum included Judy, Marlene, Jon and I.

We began at noon with two guides: Tim led those that were not in our group; another young man took us, using the elevator.  It was over an hour and we covered a lot of the facility, starting pretty much at the top and working down.

The first thing we saw were the stairs with the current happenings.

Here is the downtown skyline.

The Forum is huge, which is really an understatement.  The arrangement of seats and accommodations for high spenders is amazing.

This buck is made of shredded basketballs; the antlers are basketball nets.

    

There were many portraits of past players, an impressive trophy display with room for more, hopefully.  

This mural was made by high school students depicting Milwaukee landmarks.  It is much wider than this photo with more landmarks.

We saw the Marquette area and on the main floor Tim explained that there are three layers, two for the Bucks, and one for Marquette that get exchanged for each game.  There is a special floor for hockey games to prevent the ice from melting.

Special shows have specialized equipment and Tim told us how efficiently all the equipment gets set up for each show's requirements.  This building is a marvel of engineering.

I was surprised how well I navigated with my walker.  My shoe occasionally caught on the floor, but I managed to stay erect.  I had no problem getting on and off the bus.  I just have to think and plan ahead.

Mixed Up Day

 July 14, 2021

Our calendar said we were to go to the German Bier Haus for our Happy Hour on July 29th.  Because Briana is leaving, she moved it up to today.  I called Peter and told him to meet me there at about 4:00 p.m.

I picked up a Rx at Walgreen's and did some grocery shopping at P &S.

I did more walking today, checked the plant tower and read in the piazza.  I felt confident enough to leave my walker in the car when I went for my therapy at 1:30 p.m.   On one of the routines I had to put one foot on a step, and I fell, wrong foot!  Dial gave me a walker which helped.  I picked up a book from the library, and fortunately it was delivered to my car.

When I got to the lobby for our outing to the Bier Haus, Patty said we are going to River West Pizza instead.  I immediately called Peter of the change of plans.  He was actually glad of the change because the downtown area will be a madhouse with the Bucks playing.  We drove in torrential rain.  The restaurant opened early for us and we were greeted with clear open umbrellas (just like the one Peter bought in Japan).  The owner is Connie's daughter.  We had appetizers, most of us had margaritas and three pizzas which were compliments of Briana.  

On the way out, I fell again.  Luckily, a hefty man was available to pick me up.  I don't hurt myself, I just collapse and it's very difficult to get up.

Joyfully, the Bucks beat the Suns 109 - 103.  Can they keep it up?  

Family Dinner

 Sunday, July 11, 2021

Because of the pandemic the family did not have our December outing and dinner, so we had a Christmas in July dinner and appreciation for all the help and support I received in my move.  

Jay, Laura, Claude, Brad, Janice, Annika, Peter and I gathered at Char'D, (Aleksei is in CA, Anton was working and Colin was at the Bucks playoffs).  I never heard of a bar that didn't have olives for my martini.  Peter and I shared a plate of sliced beef that gets wrapped in lettuce, plus other sides.  Annika and I shared a dessert.

Afterwards, Jay, Laura, Brad and Janice stopped at my apartment for a visit.  Tyler was available and opened the church for us and gave us some of its history.  This was Jay's first time here, he liked it very much.  

Visit With Don

 July 9. 2021

When I got a phone call from Don I was afraid he was going to tell me not to come for some reason; but he wanted to know if I got his email.  I checked, and here it is.

Hi Marcia,

I hear that you are going through to visit today. Wonderful! I have a favor to ask of you. On Brady Street very near where you live is Glorioso’s Deli. Would you go there and buy for me 2 pounds of big olives. They’re in the deli section on the far end. They are green and look like little green plums and they are plain- no other ingredients. And one pound of their finest prosciutto- more than  30.00 a pound perhaps. I bought the 27.00 a pound stuff but didn’t care for it. And from the bakery vitrine 5 mixed berry tarts. They look like tiny pies. And 4 eclairs. 

Be careful driving.

Don

You can face time me if you have a question. Anyway I think you can. Or just call.

608 509 8180

I've never been to Glorioso's.  I've passed it a few times, but never had occasion to go there.  What an enormous store!  I went to a man (among very many) in the deli and showed him Don's email.  He knew just what he wanted.  I'm glad that I didn't wait until the last minute to do my shopping, because it took quite a long time for him to slice to perfection that prosciutto, especially at over $30.00 per pound.  That deli was so busy with all that help bustling around.  I'm not going to wait very long before I visit again.

I was on the road about 1:15 p.m.  It was a good drive with moderate traffic.

Masako was outside as I drove in and we greeted each other with warm hugs, holding on a long time.

Don was dozing in bed, but awoke quickly.  I didn't know what to expect, but I was pleased to see how alert and in good spirits he was.  A big hug with minimum emotion was all we needed.  I sat by him and we talked.  Rachel and Masako busied themselves so that Don and I could visit.  I asked Don how he knew where all the items were and the prices at Glorioso's. He said that they made a trip with Myleen a few weeks ago.  How strange; they drove right by St. Rita!  I hope they make the trip again and stop in.  He is managing his condition as best as he can. He has numbness in his hands and feet; finds it difficult to use the keyboard.  There are only a few things that he enjoys eating: some things he can't taste, some might be difficult to digest.  Constipation can be a problem; I suggested Metamucil which he heard about and will definitely put on his list to buy.  He gets very much attention from the family.  Rachel learned how to be a nurse on YouTube and she administer all of his medications.  Eric comes as often as he can and then he takes over, the same with Naomi.  Myleen provides transportation whenever it is needed, and unfortunately, there were a number of trips to the hospital when medications were not performing.  He and Masako each have their own bedrooms (and maybe baths), so there is plenty of room to accommodate both of them.  Kai is living in Madison and Koji has a room downstairs.  

I had tea with some crusty bread with the prosciutto that I bought.

Don has bird feeders next to his window and a bird bath fountain that give him endless pleasure.  He was so proud of Rachel's garden, so before leaving I had to have a look.  And my visit ended in a sour note.  As I went down a step to the porch I fell.  My right knee collapsed.  Nothing looks sprained or swollen, but my left ankle hurts.  So I have a bum right knee and an aching left ankle.  I have to really concentrate when I approach a step to decide which foot to lead with and support myself securely with railings.

New Therapy

June 8, 2021

 I had my first appointment with Athletica at 9:30 a.m. on Downer Ave.  I had a very long questionnaire to complete before I saw Kyle for an hour.  He did more manipulating on a table, plus other exercises.  Right now I am in very much pain.  I know I'll have a restless night.

I picked up a book at the East Library and discovered their parking lot.  I'm getting more familiar with the neighborhood.

I had some yogurt and a banana for lunch before going to the Club Room for the knitting group,  Connie and I were the only ones there and Connie didn't do any knitting that I could see.

At 12:30 p.m. people started streaming in for the opera Norma.  It was so powerful; unbelievable voices.  I had to leave just before it ended to get set up for dominoes for the very first time.  I left my bag in my room, thinking most people wanted to play Mexican Train.  Chuck and Jane taught a few of us how to play traditional dominoes; it was fast and wasn't that much fun.  I set up my set to play Screw Your Neighbor with Sue, Tony, myself and then Janice.  It really caught on.  Jack from sheepshead got interested and Briana noticed the fun we were having.  She said she would set that up on a regular basis.

By the time I put everything together, it was time for dinner.  We had a beef and vegetable stir fry, very good.

I was pleasantly surprised to find a check from Hunt Management for $1050.00 for the radon installation. in my mailbox.

Right now, I feel very sore and have difficulty walking.  I hope I'll be able to drive tomorrow to go to see Don.

Book Club, Lunch, Movie

 July 6. 2021

Everyone seemed to like Where the Crawdads Sing   Some read it twice and examined inconsistencies, or parts that were hard to believe.  A few of us drove to Ruby Tuesday for lunch: Barbara, Jane, Terry, Joy, Kathy, Linda, and I.  We were disappointed that they no longer offer $5.00 hamburgers, but we got an appetizer plate as compensation.

Terry and I met Kathy at the Ridge to see Queen Bees.  It was innocent and entertaining.  Ellen Bernstyn was fighting with her daughter not to go to senior living.  She balks, then adjusts.  She finds romance with a man who was planted there to help her adjust.  They fall in love and marry.

I started watching the Bucks vs Suns in the Club Room, but when they started to really trail I went to my room. Finally score, 118 - 105.

Planting and More

July 3, 2021

I was watching the Garden Club from my balcony assemble to plant a tower.  I didn't plan on joining them since I had a hair appointment at 11:00 a.m. and I didn't want to get dirty.  They motioned me to join them, so I did.  The assortment of plants they had to plant was very optimistic; I have serious doubts they will have much success with Brussel sprouts and egg plant.  I planted four cherry tomatoes and cut up a plastic hanger to stake them.  It will be surprising to see what this tower produces.

I had a hair appointment with Mary.  The first thing I noticed was a very dusty work area.  She also raised her prices, but it will be worth the price for the convenience of not having to leave the building.  I was satisfied with her style and will get a cut next week.

I took a nap after having lunch and did some reading.

At 5:30 p.m. Peter picked me up for our dinner at Fox and Hounds.  We were seated immediately.  We both ordered the prime rib special; buy one get one free.  The dinner was very good.

On the way home Peter did not take the correct exit so we landed on Oklahoma Ave.  Since we were so close to Leon's, Peter suggested a stop there.  At first I felt too full, but I can always make room for a Leon's custard.  There was a very long line, but Peter said it was worth the wait for something good.  He took out his lawn chairs and we enjoyed our custard while catching glimpses of fireworks from various city parks.  The night was perfect for sitting outdoors.

Celebration

July 2, 2021

When I heard Lanore mention whom she was inviting to the July 4th party, I didn't know that guests could be included.  I ordered my dinner for today, called Maggie to find out if guests could be invited.  She said she didn't know, but would ask someone.  She never got back to me.  I was sitting on my balcony and noticed Briana making some preparations on the piazza.  I called down to her and she said sure guests are invited.  I called Peter; he was doing dishes.  He said he could be right over.

It was a lovely sunny day, not too warm.  I found a table under an umbrella and waited.  We were the last ones served, but it was very enjoyable.  Since he was here I thought maybe it would be nice for him to stay for dinner.  I ordered mine, and the new policy is that dinner reservations are to be made by 6:00 p.m. the previous night.  Donna was available and I asked if she could add one more person to my reservation.  She did, and requested that I come at 5:10 p.m.  No problem.  We relaxed in my apartment until it was time to go.  I had to return to the room for a beer for Peter and my wine.  We sat with my usual group and enjoyed cream of mushroom soup, shrimp, grits and vegetables with lemon pie for dessert.  Peter was very pleased with the dinner.