Christmas, 2024

 December 25, 2024

Jay and Laura hosted a beautiful Christmas dinner.  The house and tree were beautiful, with lovely conversation and warm feelings.  We were joined by Annika's guest, Brian.

Laura prepared melt-in-your-mouth beef tenderloin.

Janice put the final touches on pierogi that she, Brad and Claude made.

Annika's friend Brian showed me how to use the stylus on my phone.

Last summer I gave Laura a jar with basil butter, she returned the jar filled with nickels for sheepshead.

My table favors were little ornaments that I created using last-year's Christmas cards that I put on bags of peanut M&Ms.

We finished the meal with a delicious assortment of cookies.

Austrian Christmas Dinner/Grafton Chorus

Saturday, December 21, 2024

Peter was not responding to my texts about the Austrian Club Dinner today.  I mentioned it on Friday, and again this morning.  Just on a hunch, I wondered if he knew it was today, so I called him.  He thought it was tomorrow, like it had always been on a Sunday at Kegel's Inn.  But since our last dinner, they changed their policy, and would not open on Sunday for us.  Peter was grateful that I alerted him.  I couldn't imaging the tongue lashing he would have gotten had he missed this event.

We sat with a very nice group of people and had a delicious dinner.  Peter and I had beef rouladen, enough for extra meals.  John Puchner entertained us on the keyboard with pre-dinner music and Christmas carols afterward.

I got some cash from the ECU ATM and we spent some time at my house until it was time to go to the Grafton Chorus.

We thought we were too early when we arrived at 6:20 p.m. for the 7:00 p.m. concert, but the parking spaces were full; Peter had to park some distance away.  As I was getting in line to purchase our tickets, a man asked if I'd like his tickets.  When I offered to pay, he said, "Merry Christmas".  A lady motioned for me to take the seats on the aisle. We sat down, expecting Claude to come.  When he said he wasn't coming, we sat together and Mark from Eagle River sat next to me.  We had a pleasant conversation whenever the opportunity presented itself.

The concert was very enjoyable, really put me in the Christmas spirit.  A lovely mix of secular and popular music, with children contributing with "Rudolph" and "The Holly and the Ivy". 

 We met Janice afterward and she and Brad suggested following them to the Hard Rock Brewery.  Peter noticed his air pressure tire light was lit and was concerned how we would get home.  Brad had a tire pump in his garage and offered to fill Peter's tire after we had a beer.  We had beers and pretzels and met Mark plus other chorus member at Hard Rock.

We drove into Brad's garage and got the tires filled.  The caution light went off before we got to Green Bay Road.

Gaudete Sunday, 2924

Sunday, December 15, 2024    

This was really a "Rejoicing" Sunday. I lectored, but made a little flub.  I said the reading was from Zachariah instead of Zephaniah, I must have read that more than ten times.

I put my stollen for the bakery after mass; it disappeared fast.

I mixed up a batch of Nut Butter Balls and refrigerated it to form later for the memorial we'll be having on Monday for Jane Zellmer's sister.

Teri Miller told us about the Milwaukee American Legion Band concert in Oak Creek.  Some people arranged to carpool; I decided I'd go, but went by myself.  It was marvelous, all Christmas melodies.

Afterward there were two buffets, one with main-course dishes: sandwiches, salad, sausages

the other, appetizers.  A donation was suggested.

When I got home I baked about 3 1/2 dozen cookies.

All Creation Waits, that I ordered for Laura, Claude, Janice, Colin and myself was delivered.  It is lovely and very informational about how animals prepare, as we prepare for Christmas.

The day ended perfectly with a Packers' win over the Seahawks 30 - 13.

Williams Bay, December, 2024

Friday, December  6, 2024

Brad and Janice were already at 127 Clover Street in Williams Bay when Claude and I arrived shortly after 3:00 p.m. The house looks deceivingly small on the outside but spacious inside.  We should be quite comfortable with one bedroom and a theater in the lower level and three bedrooms on the upper level. The kitchen is adequately furnished with plenty of room. Laura left Shorewood after her school day so arrived later, due to heavier traffic.  

Brad and Janice wasted no time trying out the hot tub in 27-degree weather.

Janice provide a baked potato bar with a lot of fixings - -very delicious and satisfying.

Saturday, December 7.

I texted Corie (property owner) that the toilet seat in the king bathroom is broken. She said she'd get a new one today.

Janice outdid herself with breakfast: hash browns from scratch with a hint of shallot, pancakes, fresh fruit flavored with fresh orange juice, fresh vanilla bean and mint. I brought bagels, cream cheese and lox; Brad made delicious coffee. 

Our plan for this morning was a walking tour of downtown Lake Geneva and a search for a caramel corn shop, that I was sure was on a side street from the main street.  Laura and I walked up one side of  Main Street, then on the other side.  Along the way, I bought a salt and pepper set, Laura found a puzzle to replace the puzzle they started that wasn't much fun, I bought another set of salt and pepper shakers that I liked better, Laura found some warm slip-ons, and at last we found a caramel corn shop; I bought two bags.  When we met the others at the car, Claude said that he bought a bag of caramel corn from a different shop. So I have three large bags of caramel corn!

We had a light lunch and sorted pieces of the new puzzle.

A shuttle trolley took us from Williams Bay High School to our 2:30 p.m. tour of Yerkes Observatory  On the way a man told us about the origin of the glass tree from Champagne, Illinois to Yerkes.

https://worldstallestglasstree.com/

Our group gathered in the Yerkes library and our guide gave us an abbreviated description and history of Yerkes.

https://yerkesobservatory.org/

We climbed some very steep steps for a look at the world's largest refractive telescope while our guide gave us a lot of information about the mechanics of how this giant contraption works-quite a feat of engineering.  

Before leaving, our guide pointed out numerous sculptures of Charles Tyson Yerkes, a major donor for whom the observatory is named.  

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Yerkes

He walked around the a world's tallest glass tree that is under construction with more molten glass getting added; visitors pay to add more glass. 

There was a tent with a variety of goods, including some items made with glass from last year's tree.

It took longer to get to the Chop House in the Grand Geneva than we allowed, due to the traffic going to the Christmas parade. We got seated promptly.  Laura, Janice and I had soft drink cocktails; Brad and Claude had beers. Everyone enjoyed their meals: Janice, her vegan choice; Laura and Brad, filets; Claude, salmon; and I, scallops. 

Service was most attentive and we were very satisfied.  Afterward, Claude drove through the Grand Geneva Resort to enjoy all the lights, gorgeous on this clear evening.

 Sunday, December 8

Janice and Claude continued working on the puzzle, but Laura will have to finish it at home. 

The house is just as we found it. Everyone was out of the house at 10:00 a.m. The day is sunny and mild; it should be fine for going wherever we have to go: Laura to meet Jay at Rubicon to pick up a tree; Brad and Janice to Cedarburg; Claude and I to St. Francis de Sales Church for the 10:30 a.m. mass.

 After Claude picked up batteries for me a Walmart, we were on our way at 11:52 a.m. and got to St. Rita Square at about 12:30 p.m.

We discovered a tiny set of lights that are part of the tree gift from Laura, so Claude worked to untangle the wires and got it working.

 

 He also mounted my atomic clock that he fixed.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/MsZRAsFzBCUJyA9Y7

German Choruses December 1, 2024

December 1, 2024 

I always look forward to the German choruses the Sunday after Thanksgiving.  Even though I don't understand many of the songs, the music is lovely.  There are some English songs also.  The conductor is very energetic and gets a lot of music from shrinking groups.

We enjoyed stollen and coffee afterward, with Eileen Kalupa and her friend Henelore.  Frank Schmitz joined our table, raising his voice when Peter made a comment.  The conversation centered on a suitable facility for Austrian American Day.

We finished the evening at Walters' with sandwiches and beer.

Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2024

Thursday, November 28, 2024

 It was a strange but wonderful Thanksgiving.

Laura came alone; Jay was in Lake Tahoe to be with Aleksei.  They are having difficulties because of Laura's alcoholism.  But we were so grateful that she decided to join us.

Annika was working; Anton left for Florida.

Here is Janice's email for the day.

Claude, thank you for offering to bring the Asti. Based on Laura’s last email, I was not planning on having her join us. Now it seems that Laura is reconsidering and the current plan is that Laura will join us. I know that Laura has said in the past that she does not mind alcohol being served at our gatherings. I feel strongly that serving alcohol in front of an alcoholic, especially one that is in crisis recovery mode, is insensitive. Since Laura is now joining us, I would ask that we not serve alcohol (beer, wine, Asti). This is something I would like to implement for gatherings in our home when Laura is present. I obviously have no control of things outside our home and in restaurants, etc., but at least I/we can support her in this small way.

Mom—please inform Peter that we will not be serving beer and so there is no need to bring beer.

In place of Asti, Claude, could you please provide sparkling apple juice and maybe non-alcoholic white wine and non-alcoholic beer, if you wish. I will provide some non-alcoholic cocktails and sparkling water.

Let’s please not make a big deal of this when Laura arrives. We can make light of it and just say that we are doing something different this time.

My hope is that this small sacrifice of no alcohol for one meal out of our day will help to show Laura our love and support.

Love,

Janice 

There was an abundance of appetizers with a cold non-alcoholic cocktail that Janice served.  The men had non-alcoholic beer; Claude provided non-alcoholic prosecco for dinner.

Janice ordered turkey breast and gravy from Sendik's that needed to be heated.  Janice prepared mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and her homemade pickles.  She made a Vegan dish for herself.  She complemented the dinner with a delicious chocolate pumpkin pie. 

I'm rethinking turkey: The turkey from Sendik's was tender, moist and flavorful, without all the work!

November 17, 2024: Opera, "Alcina"

 Sunday, November 17, 2024

I made peanut butter filled cookies for the pot pot luck today.  It was a recipe from the new Electric Company cook book.  They were kind of putzy, but they tasted good.  I'll take some to share with Gerri and Doris at Osher; I got the cook book from Gerri.

A lot of nice food at the pot luck.  We had it at 4:00 p.m. instead of 4:30, to allow time to get to the Opera at 6:00 p.m.

We carpooled to go to an antique store on Vliet Street, across from MPS Administration.  I would never have though Dandy was a theater.  I rode with Shirley Bascom to this antique shop and we were directed to the back, with seating arranged in the round.  There were couches and arm chairs encircling the center stage, with metal folding chairs behind (the lower priced seats). 

Early Music Now and Milwaukee Opera Theatre gave a wonderful performance of "Alcina", by George Frederic Handel.  Details were spoken in English with Italian lyrics.  Beautiful voices throughout.  The evening was an unusual and enjoyable experience.

First Karneval

Saturday, November 2, 2024

Karneval is supposed to start on November 11th, but this one started early.

We planned to eat at Alioto's and then drive to the Village Bowl Heritage Ballroom afterward.  We should never have planned to go a restaurant when we have another engagement.  Service was very slow, even with very few people in the dining room.  We each had a piece of bread, but left to go to Culver's on 124th Street.  We each had a very nice Reuben Melt and were on our way.

We sat with Vivian and her family along with Rudy M.  The Drum and Bugle Corps ushered in the outgoing Prince and Princess, and then ushered in the new royalty..

.  There was a lot of music with the band and the Drum and Bugle Corps that made for a pleasant evening.

Car Estimate/Brad and Janice Birthday Visit

 Thursday, October 31, 2024

I drove to Royal Auto Body on Chase Avenue where Ivan Zaiats gave me the major news on my minor damage to my car. Because I have a Lincoln, everything is more expensive.  He gave me a lot of information about talking and dealing with the insurance company.  But the bottom line is that it will cost $5242.19 to repair my car.

Next I filed a claim online, which was pretty time consuming.  I should expect a call from an adjuster in a day or so.

We played sheepshead at 2:00 p.m. until it was time to join the Halloween festivities.  Barbara Leigh and Rikki Thompson were in the right spirit.

Brad and Janice came with my Birthday present: a book she had printed of our Door County vacation,  A CD of  "Captains Courageous" and some licorice.  We had a lovely visit and when they left I admired and relived our wonderful family time together

Interfaith Conference

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

I made sweet potato soup for the Interfaith dinner.  It took time cutting up the sweet potatoes, shallots and garlic and emulsifying the cooked vegetable.  The rosemary gave it a lovely aroma. I left it to finish later.

I played sheepshead until 3:00 p.m.

I finished the soup with maple and mascarpone, got it warmed and transferred to the large slow cooker.  It made a generous amount.

Jackie had the Cannoli Room arranged very nicely for about thirty people that would be attending.  Multiple faiths were in attendance.  My soup was devoured.

Afterward, a moderator at each table passed out cards with questions about our relationships with various generations.  Our moderator emphasized listening to each comment without interrupting.  Our table had some excellent comments about living in families with multiple faiths, how an organization we belong to treats other age groups and how we feel about other age groups.. 

Dentist/Jessica Michna/Dinner with Shirley

 Tuesday, October 29, 2024

I had my first appointment with Dr. Swathi Gola, who I'm going to love.  Cheri French recommended her with good reason.  At first the attendant did not believe that I was 92, neither did Dr. Gola.  I had some X-rays, then Dr. Gola cleaned my teeth, reporting that my teeth were in very good condition.  Another person finished by polishing.  I really appreciated leaving without writing a check.

With all the promotion I did, the room was full to see Jessica Michna portray Eleanor Roosevelt.  Everyone really appreciated the program. Jessica began when Eleanor was a young girl, continuing as a wife of a governor, member of the cabinet and president.  She included her heartache when learning of Franklin's infidelity and how she survived.  It was a touching story. 

I played some sheepshead and lectored at 4:00 p.m. mass.

Shirley Bascom offered to stay with Marleen Morgan while Dwight attended a meeting. Shirley invited Win Thrall and me to come to the dinner with the food that Dwight prepared: Shephard's Pie and homemade bread.  We had wine while waiting for Dwight who came just as we began serving.  We had a pleasant meal with interesting conversation and lemon squares for dessert.

Accident and Movie

 Monday, October 28, 2024

I was on my way to meet Peter at the Ridge Cinema when I missed the lane that would take my on I43.  I was in the left-turn lane on Knapp and Fond du Lac, approaching slowly in order to make a U-turn when I had the light.  An SUV crossed over the adjoining lane and hit my front fender.  Then sped away. It was gray and I did not notice a license plate.

I put on my flashers and called 911.  I explained my situation, also that there was no fire and no one was injured.  I got out to assess the damage and noticed a small dent, but the car was drivable.  I'm sure the small dent will not be small when it gets to the body shop.

I still got to the movie on time.  We had comfortable reclining seats watching "Conclave".  Quite a surprise ending electing a new pope that will advance the direction of the Catholic Church.

Doris Kerns Goodwin

 Sunday, October27, 2024

After having a lovely dinner with Teri Miller, Doug and Cheri, Teri and I arranged to attend the free talk by Doris Kerns Goodwin at the Wilson Center in Brookfield.  The first fifty people were promised a free copy of her latest book, An Unfinished Love Story.  I anticipated a large crowd and suggested leaving at 4:30 p.m.  We compromised and decided on 5:00 p.m.

I saw a Facebook message with a link to get tickets to the event.  I got one for myself, and another for Teri that came in our e-mail.

Teri noticed that the tickets were to watch the talk streaming.  I was really disappointed, but we decided to go anyway to see what would happen.

When we arrived at the Wilson Center at about 5:15, there were about eight people already waiting at the door that would open at 6:30 p.m. We got into a discussion about our tickets with Teri's being virtual, a couple had a printed ticket and mine was on my phone as a verified ticket.  A woman behind said that her friend could not attend and Teri was welcome to the friend's ticket.  It was a long time to stand outdoors as the night was turning colder.  I had a fleece jacket and was not too uncomfortable.

Shortly before 6:30, the owner of Boswell Books arrived and carried cartons of books inside.  When the doors opened shortly after 6:30, we filed inside and were told that the first two rows would have books at each seat.  We did not have to present any tickets or any other forms for admission.  So all the fuss was for nothing.  Teri had decided to give her copy of the book to the woman who offered her a ticket.  But there was an extra book in our row so Teri got her book also.

Doris Goodwin was marvelous, keeping a steady stream of conversation about a few presidents and their contributions to democracy.  She has a brilliant mind with many facts about the historical impact of their presidencies.

2024 Skeleton Class Reunion

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

The day could not have been more perfect for a drive to Hubertus to view the annual skeleton display.  This year's theme is "Skullview High 49th Class Reunion"

A Giant King and Queen dominated the scene,

greeting all the former classmates to have a good time dancing

to their favorite music

while the cheerleaders put everyone in high spirits.

(Click on the picture to see the video)

You can't remember your old classmates without a name tag. Even Funny Bone  is here.

And there was a grim reminder of the consequences of smoking.

We stopped to admire the beautiful colors of fall

before having a pizza at Johnnie Manhattan's.

Masako's 90th Birthday

Sunday, October 20, 2024 

I was invited, along with Peter, to a 12:30 p.m. luncheon to celebrate Masako's 90th Birthday at Oishi Sushi and Bar in Madison.  Masako thought she would be celebrating with just the local family; she was really surprised to see so many from far away, including Peter and me.  The guests included: Myleen, Mike, Emi, Mika, her husband, and 1-month baby boy Vincent, Kenji, Rachele, Troy, Koji and friend, Kai, Eric, Emily, Miles, Naomi, Kimi, Peter, Marcia and Masako, the guest of honor.

We had a private room that was a little tight for our large group.  Bowls of soup and rice were set at each place.  Next, servers brought out three huge "boats" of food: sushi, raw fish, and other Japanese foods.  Here are two of the "boats".

There were also hot dishes served on hot platters like fajitas of chicken, shrimp and beef. 

For dessert, there were frosted cupcakes, and Masako had a hot fudge sundae with a Birthday candle.

It was delightful connecting with the family and children that I haven't seen in a very long time; it was a challenge identifying them.

Painful Perm

 Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Carley started to give me a perm with Jocelyn's  supervision. Carley seemed unsure how to proceed with partitioning my hair and had to ask Jocelyn a few times.  And when it came to putting in the rods, it was really slow.  She had to redo many of the rods and it was getting to be a prolonged ordeal.  I mentioned it to ? and Jocelyn had to finish rolling and redoing some of Carley's work.  Someone rinsed and Jocelyn finished the perm.  It looks very nice, despite the ordeal.

A salon is opening across the street.  I'd like to give it a try.

Ninety-second Birthday

Monday, September 23, 2024

I'm having an extended celebration that started on Thursday, September 19th, with the Ladies of Lee-sure at Erv's Mug.  Cindy, Wendy, Karen, Kay, Vicki and I enjoyed a very nice luncheon, followed by a complementary ice cream for me, with chocolate sauce and a cherry presented by the staff who sang "Happy Birthday".  

We had an exceptionally nice waitress who had a sense of humor and gave us excellent service.

Today,  Sue Cottrell, Charlotte Crysdale, and Eve Sylvester treated me to lunch at Café Hollander.  After yesterday's downpour, it's hard to believe we were able to have our lunch outdoors.  The yellow jackets were a little pesky, but we managed.  I had a very nice bacon, chicken avocado wrap.

Eve drove and took us through neighborhoods that I'd never been to before.

September 24

"Happy Birthday" at breakfast; "Happy Birthday" at Book Club, "Happy Birthday" in the elevator, plus many cards and best wishes.

Janice called me from Sussex, UK; Peter called and didn't realize that we were going to the Hob Nob tonight, but there was plenty of time to spare.

Driving was messy with a steady light rain, but we were on time for our 6:30 p.m. reservation.

We were amazed by the number of cars in the Hob Nob parking area, on a rainy Tuesday.  We were seated immediately at a small table by the window.  It was chilly with loud diners at a near-by table.  The hostess asked if we would like to move to a quieter area.  The new seating was a great improvement.

Peter had a gin and tonic, I had a pinot grigio; we each had cheezy French onion soup; Peter had a spinach salad, I had tomato juice; Peter had a stuffed pork chop, I had beer battered scallops.

The waitress overheard Peter wish me a Happy Birthday, so she offered a dessert; we shared a crème broulee.

Thursday, September 26

We celebrated September Birthdays at SRS with pizzas on the piazza.  The day was great for being outdoors.  

What a treat to have Brianna and her guitar accompanist perform for us.

Wednesday, October 2

Claude invited me to dinner and suggested something near SRS.  He said that he liked Chinese, so I suggested Emperor of China, which Chuck and Jane Boecher really like.  I can see why!  It is a very lovely restaurant, and the food selection was extensive.  I had shrimp with pea pods; Claude had a chicken dish.  Both were enough for more than one meal apiece.  My shrimp were very large and the meal was delicious.  Claude enjoyed his meal also.  We had little frozen desserts to finish the meal. 

Thursday, October 3

Jackie Haessly took me to breakfast this morning.  When we go to Coffee Makes You Black, it was deserted and out of business.  I was thrilled when Jackie suggested the Plaza that I heard very much about.  It is kind of art deco style and very lovely.  I've always seen Eggs Benedict made with Canadian bacon; my Classic Eggs Benedict came with a huge slice of ham on each English muffing topped with perfectly poached eggs.  We had very good coffee, with refills.  This was indeed a wonderful treat.

Friday, October 4  Birthday Finale

Jay and Laura took me to North Point Bistro.  With all the heavy eating I've been doing, I was grateful that they suggested ordering from the appetizer menu.  I ordered a flaked smoked salmon with toast and a cup of French onion soup.

I had a special warm brownie to celebrate my Birthday.

 

Donnie Selenke

 Monday, September 30, 2024

Today we remembered Donnie Selenke, who died after a long bout with cancer.  

He was regarded as being always joyful and in good spirits.