Week 10 - March 17 - 23, 2024 Gruendungsfeier, Irene's Funeral, Red Hats aat Natty Oaks, Danish Dinner at J & L's

 Sunday, March 17, 2024

I made buttermilk pancakes with the buttermilk I had from the soda bread.  Total disaster: burnt and soggy, but I manage to have three for my breakfast.

I read the second reading, which was sight unseen before I got to the lectern.  But I managed.  We celebrated St. Patrick and St. Peter with children as part of the processional and recessional.

Peter and I went to Kegel's for the Gruendungsfeier.  Frank Schmidt forgot to make a reservation and it was just by luck that we got into the building.  Some people were in the building to accept some delivery; otherwise, the building would have been closed.  The two musicians were able to enter.  Since reservations hadn't been made, no one was in the kitchen.  Capri delivered an assortment of pizzas, lasagna, salad and garlic bread.  Instead of making an award for someone who did something for the club, Frank said that everyone is special and everyone got a second drink; I was satisfied with my one wine.

Peter feels left out that I have not invited him to my apartment, so I did.  I helped him get his voice mails and showed him how to display the keyboard when he gets a call. 

Monday, March 18, 2024

Brad and Janice picked me up at 10:00 a.m. for Irene's funeral at Blessed Sacrament.  The church was 3/4 full; I was amazed at the large attendance.  With eleven children, spouses, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, that alone could fill half the church.  Brad, Janice and I left after the mass; Claude stayed for the interment and reception.

I called MTEA for information on the school funding referendum, but got no answer.  I waited for the call and missed the Mix and Mingle, which was well attended and looked like fun.  I went to the Happy Hour.

Tuesday, March 19

I had breakfast in the dining room and had everything ready to go to get my tax prepared while the cleaners worked in my apartment.

I got some good advice regarding my contributions to have them taken from my required IRA distribution to get at better deduction.  I was early and waited maybe ten minutes to be taken care of.  As I was leaving, the waiting area was filled.

I gave talk on the MPS referendum on funding with Jackie and Dwight on the Constitutional Amendments.

Right after that I went to the Prayer Shawl ministry with one shawl.  I helped Evita learn my knitting stitch.

I read at the mass on the Feast of St. Joseph.

I picked up the pork tenderloin, small fried potatoes, and broccoli with a cheese cake dessert.  It was very good, but cold.  At the table were Sue Evens, Jean Heinen, Pattie Fetherston and Jane Zellmer. I'll eat in my room next time.

Wednesday, March 20

I ate alone at breakfast.

Eight Red Hats (Julia had a meeting) had lunch at Natty Oaks Pub on 115th and National.  We sat at high tables, which are not the most comfortable, but the service was very good, as was the food.  I had a corned beef sandwich, the others enjoyed their meal.

Terry and I went to play sheepshead; I lost again, a continuation from last week.

Thursday, March 21

Our table was almost filled at breakfast with Rod, Jackie, Kathy and Ron; I had a large omelet this morning.

The main topic at the Town Hall was the dining arrangement.  Tyler informed us that 92 people would have to sign up for the $100 per month food allowance in order to have dining service.  The Morrison service seems to be the big objection; but that is the only company that would have enough staff to fill shortages, i.e., someone quitting, not showing up, etc.

The Marquette seniors played dominoes; this is their last day here.  They were a welcome addition helping out with various chores.

It felt like July with gin and tonics at Cocktail Hour.  We had some nice conversation with large groups.

I had the special dinner of beef tips, mashed potatoes and corn/zucchini, plus a nice pear dessert.  Table 10 was almost full.

We are expecting considerable snow through the night.                                    

Friday, March 22

The forecasters were correct this time, with a lot of snow.  Is March "Going out like a lion"?

We had a nice group at breakfast: Rikki, Barbara, Cecile, Rod, and Bruce.  Joe is our interim chef; he's been here before, but he did an outstanding job serving us this morning.  He's planning on serving weekly buffets.

I'm doing laundry, since Janice is not coming with lunch.

Saturday, March 23

I ate my oatmeal alone by the window and read the paper.

It's a nice sunny day, so the snow will be disappearing.  There was plenty of it.

After my hair, I shopped at Walmart for basic supplies plus chicken wings for the Sunday potluck.

Even though I had a good breakfast, I get very tired and weak while shopping.  A cup of baked potato soup from Subway was just enough to carry me over.

Jay invited Peter and me to dinner tonight so I stopped at Fava tea for herbal tea for a hostess gift for Laura, even though Jay will be hosting dinner.

We noshed on cheese, crackers, nuts, olives and sesame sticks while talking about Laura's sessions at Rogers' and AA.

Jay prepared a Danish meal that was very attractive and filling.

Smorrebrod (butter and bread)
Danish Open Face
Assume 3 half sandwiches per person, along with some type of salad.

Roast Beef
Roast beef, remoulade sauce, deep fried onions (Durkee), and sliced pickle.

- Butter bread.
- Top with sliced roast beef.
- Spread with remoulade sauce.
- Add thinly sliced pickle.
- Top with fried onions.

Aeg og Tomat (Egg and Tomato)
Hard-boiled egg, sliced tomato, mayonnaise.

- Butter bread.
- Spread with mayonnaise.
- Add sliced tomato.
- Add sliced egg (you might add a spot of mayo to secure egg).  One egg per half.
- Garnish with dill.

Leverpostej (Liver Pate)
Liver paste, beets and fried onions.

- Butter bread.
- Spread with liver pate.
- Add sliced pickled beets.  Pat dry on paper towel before placing to reduce bleeding.
- Add fried onions.
- Top with sliced chives.

Rejer (Shrimp)
Shrimp, mayo/sour cream, and cucumber.

- Butter bread.
- Top with sliced cucumber.
- Spread with mayo/sour cream mixture.
- Add thin sliced cucumber.
- Top with sliced cooked shrimp.
- Sprinkle with dill. 

Week 11 March 24 - 30, 2024 St. Rita Plants, MU Vote, Brunetta Breakfast, Easter Baskets, Shoes, Alioto's dinner

 Sunday, March 24, 2024

I took two sad looking plants from church to my room to revive them.  I gave them a thorough soaking and sprinkled the leaves.  Holly and a woman who sits in the first row at church came to my door asking if I had the plants.  I explained what I was doing, but I think the woman thought that I was stealing the plants.

There was no coffee after mass, so I went to my apartment.

I made the chicken wings using the recipe from online using beer.  I should have used less beer, because there was too much broth.

We had a large turnout with a lot of food.  There could have been more fancier desserts.

Monday March 25

Did hardly anything most of the day.

I went to the One Person One Vote talk at MU which was a movie about the history of the electoral college  and the voting patterns throughout the years, especially before and after the Civil War and the Jim Crow years.  The movie focused a lot on people's dissatisfaction with the results of elections.  I felt really riled up afterward.

Today was the first time that I did not get Wordl, only one Connection; but I got to Genius in Spelling Bee.

Tuesday, March 26

Bruce Wiggins suggested doing something for Brunnetta Soward who will be leaving on Thursday.  We hastily planned a breakfast for tomorrow.

I printed out invitations for the breakfast group, and delivered them.

We had some interesting books discussed at the Book Club.

I played sheepshead and lost about 15 cents.

I read at mass for Rita who is expecting her family at any time.

I thought that I ordered dinner, but my name was not on the list, so I made a grilled cheese sandwich.

I picked up the ingredients for an egg dish: eggs, frozen hash browns, mushrooms, red bell pepper, shredded cheddar, bacon.

I assembled everything and refrigerated it until tomorrow morning.

Wednesday, March 27

The casserole was in the oven at 7:30 a.m., and the finishing topping (bacon and cheese) at the last minute; perfect timing for 9:00 a.m.

Dwight provided fresh fruit and scones, Cheri had cinnamon rolls, Jackie banana bread and Cecile, a coffee cake.  I'll have eggs for many breakfasts; but it was very good.

I had pretty good luck playing sheepshead.  Bob Koebert's card playing friends, Dan and Kay came for the first time.

Terry and I went to check out an upgrade for our phones at Verizon.  The offer was too good to be true. A very knowledgeable rep explained what our plan is and what we'd need to do in order to get an upgrade.  It was not what Terry understood, so we did not get new phones.

We had dinner at Cabela's that I really enjoyed, linguine with shrimp and a red wine.

Thursday, March 28

I made Easter baskets for the family Easter dinner.  That took some time getting the graphics arranged, but they should be fine.

Iason (Liturgical Director) sent an email asking if I would like to participate in the foot washing; I said that I would like to do that.  Father Joseph gave a beautiful homily on the 314th day of his priesthood, all about love and service.  Jack Huennekens and I got our feet washed along with quite a few selected people, those who did service for the church.  The mass was beautiful.

There was a candy-filled Easter egg on my shelf from Bob Koebert.  That inspired me to make baskets for every apartment on the second floor, plus Bob.  I filled them with peanut M&Ms.

Friday, March 29

Major Shopping.  I can't remember when I last shopped in a department store.  I did not see much selection on the Stan's web page, decided to try Kohl's with a 30% coupon.  I didn't like any of their shoes, but a bought two skirts, three tops and a support garment.  Then to Stan's that had a lot more styles of shoes than I imagined; I bought one black pair that might pass for dressy and sandals that I think I'll live in.  Replacing Velcro on my black shoes that I've worn almost every day would cost $15 per shoe.  I decided to have Peter take them to his shoe repair.

Marilyn Minor called to ask if I was going to Brunnetta's luncheon tomorrow.  I knew nothing about it.  She messaged me the invitation that I never saw.

I had delicious perch and red potatoes at Alioto's.  Afterward, we had drinks at the bar and watched Marquette lose to North Carolina State 58 - 67.

Marilyn had invitations to pass out, but didn't know who to send them to.  I felt better that is was an oversight and not a slight.

Saturday, March 30

Breakfast with Jackie and Dan, then Rikki and Barbara.

Hair at 11:00 a.m.

I made chicken thighs, baked potato and carrots for dinner.

Played Rummy Cube with Joan, Mike and Linda.  She is strange.

Week 9: AA Mtg. and ride, MARTA, hearing aid, Brunnetta reception, Bavarian Club

 Sunday, March 10, 2024

Peter and I went to the Austrian American meeting, there was a decent attendance.  Peter and Otto got involved in solving the elevator problem.  

Peter heard about Kenicky's Public House in Richfield on the German radio station, so we decided to give it a try.  It appeared to be an Irish pub, but there was not much Irish about it, mostly a bar and some tables in a small dining area.  We each had a beer and shared a quesadilla.  

Since we were in the area, Peter wanted to check out a place where his group was going to hold their stammtisch, (Stammtisch is German for a reserved table. But not just any table! It's a table reserved for regular gatherings of special friends or family. In Germany, it's common for friends to meet every week at their favorite Stammtisch for lively games of cards known as Sheepshead), while Von Rothenberg was being remolded.  A.J. O'Brady's in Menomonee Falls had dollar bills from the ceilings and walls, anywhere there was an empty space.  We each had a small glass of Guinness.  The dining room is very inviting, and we might come here again.  It will be ideal for the stammtisch.

Monday, March 11, 2024

Alioto's hosted 115 MARTA members and guests for our March luncheon.  I generally do not favor buffets, but this was very good with salad, mashed potatoes, gravy, wide, curly noodles, beef, stroganoff, chicken and fish.  There were cupcakes and cookies for dessert.  

Becki Schmitt told us about all the resources available for seniors and people with disabilities. There was a lot of useful information.

We brought our own beverages and gathered in a large circle for Happy Hour. 

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

My plan today was to get my left hearing aid repaired; it was dead.  And get frames for my new prescription.  I found a parking spot and tried using the MKEPark app.  I had trouble finding the meter number, but when I got to "pay now" I was directed to an email message; it never came.  I put 75 cents in, but nothing registered.  I was afraid to leave for fear that I'd get a ticket while I was away.  I took a chance and got to the door of Wisconsin Hearing; it was locked.  I called and Patti told me they moved to 129th and North Ave.  And yes, they had parking.  It took only a few minutes to get my hearing aid repaired; I had two wax guards in my left hearing aid.

I looked up a nearby Target for my frames; I forgot my prescription.

I got my prescription and decided to go to Milwaukee Eye Care instead of all the way to a Target.  The frame department was closed for lunch.  But a gentleman did come to take care of me.  I picked out a clear pair of "inexpensive" frames that should be ready in about a week.

I played sheepshead with Sandy, Annie, Bob and Faye until it was time for mass.

Wednesday, March 14

I don't think that I completed all the information in that app that I tried using yesterday.

The Town Hall and Chamber Theater performance was canceled.  I decided to go to play sheepshead.  I had the lousiest cards.  I picked a couple of times and lost with poor blinds and no help from a partner.  I lost almost $3.00.  But it still was a pleasant afternoon with Dick, Dean, Don and Norv.

I had chicken and broccoli stir-fry that Cookie ordered for the group.

I'm getting email overload with all of Jackie's messages.

Friday, March 16

Janice and Brad came with an Irish lunch: Irish stew, Irish soda bread, fresh pineapple and a pecan crust chocolate torte.  We had a lovely visit.

Rita Edwards hosted a get-together to bid farewell to Brunnetta, who will still be here for a few days.  Unfortunately, Jackie Haessly was not well so I gave Brunnetta the prayer shawl that Jackie made.

Before going to bed I assembled ingredients for the Irish soda bread I plan to make for tomorrow's breakfast.

Saturday, March 16

I made the soda bread and it was done by 8:00 a.m.  I did not like the consistency, and it didn't seem to slice well.  I forgot to add an egg!  I did not take the bread down.

When I got to breakfast, Jackie was planning a meeting about the coming referendums; I didn't join her, but Dwight Morgan did.  I was the only one eating my yogurt, banana and almonds.  I eventually joined them and will talk on the school bond referendum.

Peter and I went to the Bavarian Haus for a celebration of a dance group's anniversary.  We had a table close to the band that played nice listenable music.  Rudy Mindtner joined us.  We shared a sausage and cheese plate that satisfied us enough that we didn't order any more food.  We each had two beers and got the second one free with Peter's German clothes.  We stayed until the end.

Week 8: Mayor Johnson, Kinship, La Fuente, MU RNC, MSO Ravel; Irene, Buttermint

 Sunday, March 3, 2024

Uneventful day, I itemized expenses and got my desk in order. I called Peter to see if he was all right.  He was busy doing things around the house.

Monday, March 4

Started the day with balance via video. I discovered a great way to have tuna, in a tuna rice bowl; it was quite good.

Tuesday, March 5

I did strength workout and worked puzzles with some cold water afterwards.  We played sheepshead from 12:30 p.m. instead of 2:30 p.m. to be allow time to attend a talk by Mayor Cavalier Johnson.  The Cannoli Room was filled for he talk on what his goals are for Milwaukee.

Read at the 4:00 p.m. mass

Made a shrimp stir-fry for supper.

Wednesday, March 6

I played sheepshead all afternoon with Terry, Linda, Glenn and Dean; I lost 80 cents; but it was a good afternoon.

I was planning on picking up a quesadilla from a truck, but I called Peter instead and we met at La Fuente and had fajitas and margaritas.  It was so much better than eating alone.  Peter appreciated getting called to eat out.

In the evening I attended the Civic Engagement meeting, mostly as an observer.

Thursday, March 7, 2024

I've had it with fitness.  The multiple conversations are deafening, between Barbara and Lanore.  Then, someone else pipes in.  Abby doesn't help the situation, by bringing up a topic and everyone responds at once.  I leave too upset.

I went to Marquette for a a talk by two women who are heading the Republican Convention in Milwaukee.  I'm not interested in the candidates, but this is a major event for the city and the organization takes a great amount of manpower and competence to carry it through.

My alarm alerted me at 6:20 p.m. that I had a Kinship reception to attend.  Luckily, it was only 4 minutes away on Van Buren.  I squeezed into a parking lot and entered a very large hall packed with people.  I circulated around the room and helped myself to a roast beef sandwich and picked up a pino noir wine.  There were not as many chairs as people, and when the director Vincent approached me, we chatted and he thanked me for my support.  He said that I should find a seat near the front for the program.  I sat in one of the front tables and was soon joined by Darlene and her friend P (from India); Darlene also did not care to stand for any length of time. She is a resident of Clement manor and volunteers in produce.  Daryl (former resident of SRS) works in hospitality.  

It was an excellent program of people telling what they do to make life better for others.  I am so glad that I found such a worthy cause to support.

Father Tim, in a bright red sweater (Bishop's colors) thanked everyone also and said the blessing.  Everyone took a bag of coffee as they left.

Friday, March 8

Rita Edwards and I rode with Jackie and Dan Haessley to the Symphony Hall.  Rita and I waited until the doors open at 10:00 a.m. at a coffee shop around the corner.  I had a cappuccino.  Someone had already picked up SRS tickets, so we had to get replacements.

Leonard Bernstein's Three Dance Episodes from On the Town were very melodic.  That was followed by Maurice Ravel's Concerto in G major featuring pianist George Li, a diminutive man of Chinese descent, with a command of the piano with such force and delicacy.  He played an encore that we did not recognize.  The orchestra played more Ravel after intermission, Valse notles et sentimentales, and finished with An American in Paris.  That really brought the house down.  The conductor conducted the entire concert without music.

We walked in the rain for the SRS bus.

I ripped the shawl that I started with dark colors; it just seemed too stiff.  I'm using larger needles and, hopefully, will have enough yarn to finish.

Irene died yesterday.  https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/irene-zientek-obituary?id=54568827

Saturday, March 9, 2024

I had breakfast with Jackie until it was just about time to go for my hair.  

The wind was bitingly cold.

After my hair I shopped at Festival for a few items; I forgot my shopping bags.

Next I filled up with gas.

My next stop was Fava Tea for some different flavors.

Last on this side of town was to cash my check from Janice at ECU.

It was too early to pick up my Rx at Walgreen's; it would be their lunch time.  I forgot my fob, so I pulled into the drive, went to my apartment for my fob, it wasn't there.  It was still in my mailbox.  The day before I got distracted with all the useable paper in the recycling tub, so I took a lot of paper out and forgot to take my key out of my mailbox.

By that time Walgreen's was open for my Rx.

I unpacked my groceries and took a short nap before getting picked up for dinner.

Jay, Laura and Anton took me to dinner at Buttermint.  Anton and I shared calamari; I had a martini.  I had delicious scallops on a bed of rice for my entrée.  It was absolutely delicious.

Laura seemed rather subdued.

We had a wonderful time together.  

Week 7 February 25 - March 2, 2024 Pot Luck, Sazz's with SRS,, MU on Black History, Lunch with Janice, Abby's Wedding Shower, Ministry Party

 Sunday, February 25, 2024

I was the second reader at the 10:30 a.m. mass.  It was a short read, but a few people told me how much they enjoyed my reading, with my clarity and expression.

I put together turkey sloppy joe and cut two dozen small buns.  The cost of the meal was $15.27; it would have been much more, but the turkey was reduced to $1.80.  The regular priced packages were almost $5. each.

It would have been pretty slim pickings had I not had the sloppy joes.  The pot was cleaned out.

Monday, February 26

My appointment with Dr. Waheeduddin went well, no real issues except for the pain in my right hip which varies in intensity.

I shopped at Goodwill for a plate, bowl and juice glasses; the plate for pot lucks and the bowl to take down for my cereal.

Next, to Walmart for other supplies.

I was just in time for BYB Happy Hour; the Trattoria was filled with two large groups.

I got to bed at 9:30; I could hardly keep my eyes open.  No wonder, with all that I did today.

Tuesday, February 27

During Fitness, Barbara Todd said she wasn't coming to the Book Club, the same for Cheri French; they were going to Sazz's for lunch. Jane Boetcher wasn't coming, she's leaving for AZ; Jackie was attending the Mission; Cecile Langford didn't think about it.  That would leave only Annie Hahn and me. I decided to go to Sazz's also.  I had Riblets, which was on the Starter menu, and it was just right, with a Guinness.  I sat across from Kathy Narlock who does not stop talking.  She was also at breakfast this morning.  I don't know when she ate her food, because she was non-stop there also.  Kathy is the sister of the owner of Sazz's and had a lot to talk about relating to that ownership.  However, it, and all the other chatter, was more than I cared to hear.

Today was also Abby's Birthday.

I think I might pass on SRS lunches.  They are fine for people who don't have an opportunity to go out to eat.  Peter and I can go to the same places without being part of a group.

The afternoon was so warm that I did my knitting in the piazza.  Frank D'Amato did some reading.

Wednesday, March 28

A very noisy night with lightening and thunder.  This morning the piazza was coated with snow and it was very cold.  I won't be knitting there today.

Bob was not feeling well; therefore he and Terry were not going to play sheepshead.  I won't either.  Instead I attended the meeting on the proposal to organize the Resident Community Council.  There were some good ideas, but I spoke against it.  I felt the Diplomat program could be strengthened to accomplish the proposed goals.  I voted against it, as did some others, even though we were in a minority.

I'm reading Death Comes to Marlow.  It's much too long.

Thursday, February 29

I attended an excellent program at Marquette on Black History.  Mosley presented a number of facts about people that we were not familiar with.

Michelle served Blind Russians at cocktail hour while we played dominoes.  There was also a talk on the history of the Pfister that I had to miss.

Friday, March 1

March came in like a lamb, mild and sunny.

I went to Walgreen's after breakfast to buy a card for Abby's wedding shower.  I enclosed a scrubby dish cloth.

Janice came earlier with pierogi and a chocolate dessert.  While she was frying them, Rosemary reminded me to come down to bid farewell to Jon and Anne Bales, who are leaving for Wilson Commons.  We know they will not be as comfortable as they were at SRS, but they had to do what they could afford.

The pierogi were delicious.  I could smell them all the way to the elevator.

I walked Janice out and joined the Wedding Shower for Abby. Barbara Schmidt was the main hostess of the event. The upper Trattoria was full.  We had cake and beverage.  Here is Abby with her mother Michelle.

I did some reading until it was time for the Liturgical Ministry Party at Holy Rosary Parish.  I had difficulty finding it in the dark on narrow streets. There was a buffet laid out with macaroni with shrimp, wraps with "ham: (on a Friday!), cookies, salad, fruit and chips, also cheesecake.  I expected more people in attendance. Father Tim greeted many of us and lead us in prayer.  I told him that I had pierogi for lunch; he was jealous.  I also told him about Aaron converting to Catholicism.  Iason Giagtzoglou, who our liturgical director gave us topics to discuss among ourselves: Why are we ministers and/or lectors; another topic I can't remember, and is there anything that happened that didn't go just right.  I remember when I said Pope Pius in the petitions when that pope was long dead.  I got to know Carol, Yvonne and Sheeda from St. Rita, also Sue, another reader from another parish.  I am so glad that I participated.