Train Show at the Domes

 Friday, January 28, 2022

Peter and I took advantage of the membership-only preview from 4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.  Because of COVID a limited number at a time were admitted into the Show Dome.  The theme was the Neighborhoods of Milwaukee.

We also went through the other domes.

It was great to get to the preview because everything was so very fresh.

Our next stop was to have dinner at Turner Hall.  I was just about to get out of the car when a couple told us that it was closed.

Victor's was our next choice, and ideal since it was close to SRS.  We each ordered beef quesadillas instead of fish.  It is listed as on appetizer, but it would suffice as a main course.  We both enjoyed it; and Peter remarked that this is something he would definitely order again; but next time we'll order one and split it.  There was enough to put in a box; I gave Peter one of mine and he had two, so there was plenty for another meal.  As we were leaving Peter told the manager how much he enjoyed the quesadillas and how perfectly they were made.  He was still talking about it when he dropped me off at SRS.  Then he said, "The box is still there!" That was so hilarious; we both laughed so hard we couldn't stop.  I'm glad no one was in the halls because I was laughing all the way to my room.  Peter called me shortly that the box was still on our table when he went to retrieve it.  But it gave us a hardy laugh. 

Mammogram

 Friday, January 28, 2022

My appointment at West Allis Aurora was for 10:30 a.m.  After two views, a front and side, the doctor wanted a few more.  Waiting in the interval is always worrisome, because I'm thinking, "What are they looking for"?  After three more I went for my ultrasound.

After all the pressure from the mammogram, my breast was tender when the tech pressed down.  She stayed at one spot a very long time, moving within a small area.

It was another wait while the doctor examined the results; a lot of time to think about all the negative thoughts about what he will find.  Finally, the doctor came to see me with encouraging news.  There is a new spot they are concerned about, but nothing to worry about at this time.  I will get my regular bi-lateral mammogram in May.

It was close to noon and I had a craving for a Panera bagel.  The shop on Ogden did not have one bagel.  There were a lot of people ordering food, but no bagels.  I went around the corner to Einstein Bagels, tried the door, but it was closed.  

I guess I really didn't need a bagel after all.

Scrubbies

 As I was sorting through my knitting supplies I came across a couple skeins of scrubby yarn.  I got the brilliant idea of making scrubbies for every apartment for Christmas presents.  I don't know what needle I used to make the ones that I had made previously, but I could not find a #8 needle.  I bought a pair of aluminum needles at Walmart; they also had some yarn so I bought a skein.

I don't like the aluminum needles.  They are too  heavy for this light project and I'm afraid the stitches will slide off.  I bought bamboo needles at JoAnne when I bought my Notes of Good Cheer note cards.

I also found scrubby yarn at Amazon.  I'll see how many scrubbies I get from one skein and order accordingly.  It doesn't take long to make one, but the yarn isn't smooth to work with, and the bamboo needles were worth the investment.  This should keep me busy for a while.

Sunday Afternoon With Laura

Sunday. January 23, 2022

Laura brought a package of butterscotch chip cookies and a frozen bag of Mexican Chicken Soup when she paid me a visit this afternoon.  We had a glass of wine and chatted.  I told her about the wonderful time I had with Annika last week.  We talked about some of her class experiences, what I've been doing, and just lot of other stuff.

I watched the Chiefs beat the Buffalo Bills in the most exciting game of the season.  Both teams scored 25 points in the last 2 minutes of the game.  It's a good thing the Packers lost last night, because they would be humiliated against either one of those teams.  Father Tim gave everyone absolution during mass for all the bad language they used during the game. 

Notes Of Good Cheer

 Sunday, January 23, 2022

We were encouraged to send notes of good cheer to people this month.  Jackie sent notes to every apartment at SRS on an inspiration card.  I thought I'd like to do that, too.  Searching the Internet, I could find nothing similar to hers.  I found very nice note cards at JoAnne's, so I bought a box of 40;  I should have bought two boxes, which I ended up doing.

I wrote a batch of notes at a time in the duration of a few days.  Some were easy, because I knew the people quite well.  What do you say to people you don't know, or haven't met?  I managed to say something positive, like hoping to meet you, or would like to know you better.

After mass today I distributed them.  It didn't take long to get a phone call from Marci and a thank you from people I met.

Monday, January 24.

There was a knock on my door in the afternoon.  A gentleman named Don entered and said he was answering my invitation to know him better. (He really took to heart when I said in my note that I'd like to know him better!)  I invited him in and we sat on the couch while he told me incredible things about himself.  I read his holiday letter in the most beautiful handwriting that told a lot of his experiences about how he got to SRS.  He broke his arm and when he was given a cognitive test it was determined he needed to be in memory care.  This was extremely confining.  In the meantime his car and his mother's house in which he lived had to be sold.  The house was sold with all of his possessions.  He was left with nothing, including a memoir his mother had written that she hoped would be published.  Eventually, he got re-evaluated and the social worked saw that obviously he did not belong in memory care and ended up at SRS.  He has lived alone all of his life, except when he was living in some communal housing.  He was a social worker and involved in peace and community affairs.  He didn't seem to participate too much, but I invited him to Book Club, and I think he'll take me up on it.

Because of our long visit I was a little late for Happy Hour.  Everyone thanked me for the note they received.  The good cheer I sent came right back to me.

Origami Star

 Thursday, January  20, 2022

Cookie called me while we were playing dominoes wanting to know if I'd like to learn how to make an origami star.  Of course I  would!  

Cookie was in the Trattoria at 3:45 p.m. with an assortment of papers.  It took a few tries to get one of the folds right, but by the eighth piece I had it pretty well mastered.

This is my first attempt.

The creases were not that exact, and I would have liked to have the solid color as the peaks.  Cookie was trying to figure out how to do that, but I figured it out when I got back to my apartment and practiced more.

I challenged myself further and made one with my small papers.

Rep With Annika

 Sunday, January 16, 2022

Because of COVID my tickets were postponed until today to see Toni Stone.  Annika was my guest.  I was disappointed that I did not have my front row seats.

A Trailblazing Spirit

Declared the Best New Play of 2019 by The Wall Street Journal, this sensational theatrical event knocks it out of the park with a high intensity glimpse into the world of the first woman to go pro in baseball’s Negro Leagues. Against all odds, Toni Stone blazes a path in the male-dominated sports world, shattering expectations and creating her own set of rules. Follow Toni’s journey as she fights for love, equality and a chance to do what she wants the most — play baseball. Filled with humor and the love of the game, this intimate and profoundly relevant portrait of America will have you cheering along.

Annika said she didn't have to work, because Char'd was closed because of COVID.  That gave us the rest of the afternoon for us to spend together and to see my apartment.  When I suggested take-out, she mentioned a Chinese restaurant she just loved going to with Aleksei, Lucky Lui's.  I said it's walking distance from SRS. We were early, since there was no Rep in Depth, so while we were waiting we put in our order for a 5:00 p.m. pick-up.

The play was rather long, with rapid-fire dialog.  It was too long for me; we were leaving at 4:30 p.m.  I managed to get up the hill to my car, with a rest stop on the way.  I had already suggested that Annika get my car and pick me up, but I made t.

We got to Lucky Lui's just at 5:00 p.m.  A classmate of Annika's waited on her.  We indulged in huge portions of delicious food, enough for each of us to have another meal.

I gave Annika a tour before driving to her Walgreen's to drop off a prescription; unfortunately, it was closed.

Thus ended a very enjoyable day.

Maureen

Thursday, January 13, 2022

Today the Ladies of Lee-sure were to have lunch at Maggiano's, instead we attended the funeral of our dear friend Maureen O'Hearn.

 https://www.jsonline.com/obituaries/mjs056317

I arrived at St. James Church in Menomonee Falls about 10:30 a.m. and got behind a line paying their respects.  The mass followed at 11:00 a.m., and was well attended.  She was very devout and recognized with three priests plus a deacon celebrating her mass.  The choir had a male soloist who sang beautiful Irish songs.  The priest's homily spoke like he really knew her, which he did.  A very personal tribute.  The ceremony ended with a bagpiper playing "Amazing Grace" and "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling".  There was a reception at Davian's, but I had a commitment at SRS at 2:30, and I would never get back in time.

Belated Birthday

 Saturday, January 8, 2022

A little warmer today, so I removed my lights from the balcony and put things away.

I had a hair appointment, then grocery shopped at Pick 'n Save on Hwy. 100.  Stein's would not refund the extra set of lights that I did not need, but hopefully, I can add them to my balcony next year.

I tried taking a nap, since I was very exhausted.  Dolly didn't help by parking on my legs, but at least I did have some rest.

Jay and Laura picked me up for our 6:30 p.m. reservation at Sanford.  The dinner was a four course menu from which we selected something from each course.  First we were presented with a tiny bit of herring, also a roll.  I chose smoked Scottish Salmon with marinated beets and pomegranate, orange pomegranate reduction; Roasted parsnip soup with brown butter; Grilled duck breast with marinated cabbage, sweet potato gnocchi, red wine cranberry sauce; and "The Drive In" hot fudge toffee nut ball with open faced milk chocolate ganache toffee bar.  Nothing was left on any of my plates; everything was fabulous.  I was presented with a "Happy Birthday plate and a lighted candle.  I also got a little bag of sweets to take home.  It was an evening to remember for a long time.

First Week of the New Year

 Monday, January 3, 2022

Started the day with Balance exercise; a good way to start the day.

Our Happy Hour has been changed from Thursdays to Mondays.  The reason being that we linger in the Tratoria which interferes with setting up meal service for Assisting Living folks.  Since no meals are served on Mondays, it makes sense to move the date.

In the evening we had a memorial service for Rockne Koch.  It was well attended with meaningful readings and remembrances.  Once he started playing dominoes he really enjoyed the game and used strategies in his plays

Tuesday

Strengthening exercise.

Book Club at Clement Manor discussed "The Only Woman In the Room", which had mostly favorable comments and admiration for Hedy Lamar's brilliant accomplishments.

I had a great final hand at sheepshead, thanks to Jack as my partner; we played a no-tricker and the payoff was thirty cents because of a doubler.

Then the Tuesday mass.

Wednesday

Exercise

Did not play sheepshead in Hales Corners because Terry and Bob were exposed to COVID and did not want to put anyone in danger.

I read Memoriam (Ring Out Wild Bells) by Alfred Lord Tennison at our poetry reading.  There were a good number of other poems in the evening.  Afterward we visited with some various snacks.

Thursday

More people joined playing dominoes that I think will will continue.

Friday  4 degrees

Exercise

There was a memorial service for Pauline Cannestra in the church.  A lengthy receiving line preceded the mass, celebrated by Father Kitske.   Because she was a very active church member she was well regarded with wonderful tributes.

I left before the mass ended to meet Peter for our dinner at Birch Restaurant, about four blocks from SRS.  We ordered small plates that were very delicious and different.  We shared plates of Charred Beef Carpaccio - dry aged beef, very thinly sliced with other garnishments and Grilled Garlic Focaccia, a crunchy salad.  We decided on another plate to share and we chose Thinly sliced ember roasted beets.  It would make a convert of anyone that didn't care for beets.  I had a pinot noir; Peter a pilsner.

This restaurant will surely be visited again.

Memorium

August 24, 2021  Roosevelt Cooper, Jr.

https://www.vicksburgpost.com/2021/09/09/roosevelt-cooper-jr/

September 20, 2021 Salvatore Seidita

https://www.jsonline.com/obituaries/mjs054987

December 5, 2021 Amy Free Brecher

https://www.jsonline.com/obituaries/mjs054640

 December 8, 2021  Rockne Koch

https://www.jsonline.com/obituaries/mjs054987

December 27, 2021  Pauline Cannestra

https://www.jsonline.com/obituaries/mjs055838