Week 20 May 26 - June 1, 2024

 Sunday, May 26, 2024

The rain kept me in all day.  We anticipated not going to the Vagabond picnic at Whitnall Park, because of the threatening forecast.  I did a load of laundry, watched the Brewers lose, did some knitting and reading.

Monday, May 27, Memorial Day

I put together a Rhubarb Custard dessert that should be very nice.  I helped set up.  More than sixty people attended, including Peter.  We had plenty of food.  Dwight grilled chicken fillets and we had enough to take some home.

Tuesday, May 28

I had a much needed toenail trimming by the podiatrist.  My nails were so long that some were cutting into my toes.  What a a relief.

We had a nice group at Book Club today.  I missed sheepshead in order to get ready with my reading and salad for a pot luck tomorrow.

Brad and Janice came to wash my balcony windows.  After washing the initial layer of dirt, Janice used s window polisher and the windows sparkled.

Brad had to go to the hardware store for a wing nut to fasten my bistro table.  It's very secure.  He ended up doing some vacuuming.

I went to a lunch and learn about the three rivers of Milwaukee that was quite interesting.

Friday, May 31

Tyler and Abby led a Memorial service for the people of SRS that died the past year.

Dwight and I planted verbena and lantana in the area over the fence; unfortunately, the verbena is not the one I recommended.  After making some calls, Milaeger's in Sturdivant had verbena bonariens.  I bought twelve plants at $20.  I dropped the plants at the planting area and went to get my gloves and trowel.  I crawled up to the ledge and planted a few, but had difficulty getting up.  I could easily have lost my balance and fallen.  I should have known better.

Friday, May 31

After my 10:00 a.m. hair appointment, I shopped first at the Walmart on Layton Ave., but they did not have scrubby yarn.  I went to West Milwaukee and found what I needed.  

It started to drizzle and it rained the rest of the day.  I made Birthday cards for all of the June Birthdays.

Finished the evening playing Rummy Cube

Dwight and Marlene Morgan's Confirmation

Tuesday, May 28, 2024

 I put together a layered taco salad for tonight's pot luck after Dwight and Marleen's Confirmation.  There was a beautiful ceremony, with Father Tim officiating, and Ava Tarantino as their sponsor; I lectored.

Week 19 May - Pot Luck, Ladies of Leisure, Fr. Gene's 50th

 Sunday, May 19

I'm having some mobility problems with my sore arm after my fall yesterday.

There were meager offerings at the pot luck.  Joan Squire and I set up in Jackie's absence with a cold.  I really hadn't planned on participating if Peter and I went out for the afternoon.  But since we went out on Friday and Saturday, I went to the pot luck.

This is what it would look like had I not come.

I added my layered salad, and Kathy Narlock brought cut up veggies at 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday, May 21

I turned in one shawl and one almost completed on at the ministry meeting.  Lectored at mass.

Terry walked me through buying a new phone.

Wednesday, Mat 22

Lunch with Ladies of Lee-sure at Harley's Motor restaurant.  Somehow our reservation never got entered, but we had not problem getting seated.

I realized the I bout TWO phones.  Entering info on my phone was very difficult, especially when it would not enter my correct address.  Both my billing and mailing address were different.  I spent a lot of time with tech support cancelling the phones and ordering a new one.

Thursday, May 23

Funeral for Michael Ziolkowski at 11:00 a.m. with a luncheon reception afterward in the Cannoli  Room.

https://www.jsonline.com/obituaries/pwix0826979

Played dominoes and cocktail hour with wine.  WAUC in the evening.

Friday, May 24

Because the salon would be closed for the holiday weekend, I had my hair done at 11:30.

I prepared my box with my phone(s) and searched for a FedEx.  I could not find the closest ones that I searched for.  I got to a UPS store and asked a woman leaving if I could drop off my box there.  She said that as long as I had the shipping label they would take it.  Not so; I have to go to a FedEx drop-off. The clerk said that there was one around Whole Foods.  I could not find anything that resembled a FedEx, maybe it was inside the store, but parking is impossible.  The next got me to the Art museum, but nothing looked like a possibility.  In error, I got on the freeway headed to Bay View.  It got me to a Walgreen's.  I went inside and told the clerk my GPS said there was a FedEx here.  Sure it is!  But it was terribly frustrating.

Saturday, May 25

Today was the 50th anniversary of Father Gene Poscernich's Ordination, and he asked me to do the reading.  I did a lot of practicing for this one.  It was a beautiful ceremony with many of his close friends in attendance, plus many from SRS.

I went to Festival Foods on 27th Street and got most of my groceries, then to the West Allis Farmers Market for rhubarb.  The place was full of wonderful plants and people.

On the way home Peter called to see if I'd like to go to Estebrook Park.  I had some nice shrimp salad, plus taco chips and guacamole.  It was just right with some dark beer.  I was glad that I had my hoodie with the cool breeze.

Week 18, 2024 May 12 - 18 Mother's Day Planting, Fall

 May 12, 2024 Mother's Day

I lectored at mass; no coffee afterward.

Peter and I drove to Brad and Janice's on a beautiful, sunny, warm day - up to 80 degrees.  Brad had plenty of shade set up in their beautiful yard, with many trees in blossom.  Everyone was in very good spirits.  I got a lovely orchid from Colin; two dragon leaf begonias and two Regal Geraniums from Claude; a bouquet from Brad and Janice and dinner at Buttermint from Jay and Laura.  

We had a large roaster of sliced turkey in gravy, mashed potatoes, rolls, beans and a huge vegetable platter from Sendik's.  Janice topped off the dinner with wild blueberries over some kind of cake with a scoop of ice cream.  Needless to say, everyone had a very nice time.

We saw a rainbow on our way home.

Monday, May 13, 2024

MARTA luncheon at Meyer's.  Originally planned for Radisson, but it's been sold.  This was on very short notice, but it worked out well.

Complementary Happy Hour

Tuesday, May 14, Don's Birthday

Eleanor and I shopped at Bayside for piazza planters and personal plantings. I bought a special Mexican grass for Dolly, because she likes nipping at it.  I didn't even get it off the cart, and she was attracted to it.

 I started putting a few things in the ground.

Wednesday, May 15

Red Hats met at the Cheesecake Factory.  I made reservations for 1:00 p.m., because that's the only time left for my on the Web.  Julia was already there, and I get there early also, hoping that I could push the reservation earlier.  There was plenty of room and no problem getting seated.  I had a nice lunch, less than 500 calories.  Kathy had another engagement and Terry is recuperating for her shoulder replacement.

Thursday, May 16

Cookie and I did the planting in the piazza.  I did all of my planting on the balcony, cleaned up and took recycling down.

Friday, May 17

Janice came with a hardy soup that we ate on the balcony with a blueberry and ice cream dessert/  She also gave me some licorice.

Peter and I had dinner at the Twisted Fisherman and drove to Klode Park.  It was a lovely evening to eat outdoors.

Saturday, May 18

We had a group breakfast.  I brought Einstien's bagels, but they seemed to take very long to toast.  Got my hair trimmed.

Peter and I drove to von Rothenberg to meet Rudy M. I was talking to another couple and was sitting on the end of the bench with no one else to give it weight, and I tipped over on my arm.  Thankfully, nothing broke, but I know I'll feel it afterward.

Week 17, 2024 - Pot Luck; Garden Club; Mothers Day Plans; Symphony; Chorus;

 Sunday, May 5

I lectored at mass, all about love.

Frank yelled at Peter just terribly at the Austrian American meeting.  I'm sure that really made an impression on John McGinnes' guest.  Any more and I was ready to walk out.

Peter followed me home for the pot luck.  The dining room was full.  My shrimp were done perfectly, and very delicious.  Peter and Wayne Smith had a good conversation about the Jaguar Wayne restored.  They had a lot in common, even though Wayne is almost deaf.

Monday, May 6

I drove Charlotte and Jackie to Grace Presbyterian Church for Charlotte's Garden Club dinner and meeting.  We sat at tables arranged in a square and had a very nice dinner prepared by the members.  A Master Gardener from Racine/Berlington, also of the American Herb Society gave a presentation on cooking with garden herbs.  There were some practical and doable dishes and beverages using all of our locally grown herbs, some that I have grown and used.  I hope that Charlotte is able to get some of the recipes.

Tuesday, May 7

The trip to the WA Farmers Market was canceled due to rain.  I think it's too early to go.  It rained most of the day, sometimes very hard.

I played sheepshead and read at mass.

A few of us watched "The Boys in the Boat"; I read the book, but missed the movie when it was shown in theaters.  I'm glad that I could watch it and almost completed a shawl doing so.

Wednesday, May 8

The prospects do not look good for a happy Mother's Day.  Janice announced that Laura will host all family gatherings.  That did not sit too well with Laura, to be commanded.  Laura is refusing.  Claude struck a compromise and suggested that we each order something light I didn't mind that idea, and neither did Janice.  She suggested ordering from Sendik's,  but Laura didn't care to do that.  Jay was going to make Danish sandwiches; he said he'd make some for Peter and me.  Then, Janice said that Brad is putting in an order for turkey with the trimmings.  Everyone was in agreement with that, including Laura.

Friday, May 10

Another beautiful symphony with a wonderful violinist and Dvorak's New World.  We left Bradley Center to a pretty cold day.

I'm engrossed in "The Fall of Giants" by Ted Follett.  It's very long.

Saturday, May 11

I picked up a CD for Charlotte at the Shorewood Library and then drove to Kohl's on Hwy 100 to look for some navy pants to go with the filmy top.  I found the perfect pair, also a colored top to match my multi-colored jacket and some sun glasses.  Then I had my hair done.  I picked up gift cards for Claude and Janice and headed home.

In the evening Peter and I met Brad and Claude for Janice's concert at the Grafton HS.  Beautiful music with many classics celebrating their 50 years as a chorus.

Week 16: Common Ground; Navigator; Chamber theater; WAUC Picnic; MSO

 Sunday,  April 28

Rain the entire day. Good day for reading. My Navigator was delivered.

Monday, April 29

Twelve  of the 22 SRS members of Common Ground went to the pot luck and meeting at the Community Baptist Church.  There were long tables with plenty of food.  After introductions of various individuals and groups, speakers told us of the building and use of power.  Some were very moving and I was impressed by their commitment to the cause.

Tuesday, April 30

After I picked up a prescription, OC Areds and Neosporin (paid with my card) I parked on a side street to see what my Navigator can do.  Everything worked very well even though I did not mount it and had trouble holding it in place. I could strangle myself with the long cords. The directions for installing the rear camera are very incomplete; there are no YouTube instructions. I sent a letter to the company.  I realized that I would need another input socket besides the unit's plug, for my phone. I ordered one with retractable cords from Amazon.  I placed the order at about 1:00 p.m., it was at SRS when I came home from the pot luck about 7:30.

Wednesday, May 1

Abby drove four of us to the Chamber Theater to see THE NOT-SO-ACCIDENTAL CONVICTION OF ELEVEN MILWAUKEE "ANARCHISTS", a 90-minute play without intermission played by four actors with very fast dialog throughout.  My seat was in the second row, when two very tall men sat in front of me.  Rita Edwards missed the play; I took her seat in the first row, otherwise I might have missed some of the dialog.  Even then, I had to listen closely.  It would be a good subject to learn more about.

https://shepherdexpress.com/culture/theater/mcts-anarchists-reveals-a-milwaukee-past-few-know-about/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1G2P7nOACQJgRIDYZV7cCUgvWtrO46CMMBJT9bGGTpQBtzo-TyOGG_cDw_aem_AdNp1WVsr72L6Po-EjBomRlz2Q-ziv4d44T5GdvjZ3ZsxoankxrI_dZ2td30u-o-VIrbiSrzK6kZdi0XAxtYTbhd

After not attending a Vagabond meeting since last year sometime, Peter and I decided to go tonight. When I turned the key in my car, a light said PASS AIR BAG OFF, every time I tried.  I called Gordie Boucher that maybe there is some switch or button I should push.  The tech could not tell me anything without looking at my car; I would have to get it towed. After trying it a few more times, and the lights barely went on, I determined that it might be the battery. I called AAA and waited about two hours before a service SUV came and the serviceman said that my battery is 5 years old and would likely need to be replaced. He was in and out within about one-half hour, and the car is as good as new.

Thursday, May 2

Claude came to look at my Navigator.  After examining the situation, installing the rear camera to the license plate would be almost impossible the way it was described.  Other factors: it would obstruct my view, easy target for theft, since it sits on the dashboard, my phone can do the same thing.  I'm returning it.  I'll keep the charger; it looks quite functional.

I went to the Shorewood library to pick up a book on CD for Charlotte.  While in the parking lot, I tried pairing my phone with my car.  I couldn't get it to work.

I went to the Metro Mart on Oakland and shopped for a fruit bowl for tonight's WAUC meeting and items for the shrimp casserole for Sunday's pot luck.  I was taking too long when I realized I had to be back for dominoes.  It was 2:40 p.m.  I left the shopping cart in the aisle and dashed home and was at the table at 2:05 p.m.

I went to the P & S on Lyon St.; they didn't have any fruit bowls, so I went to the one on my least favorite place on Juneau.  I was able to get everything I needed, but hated walking up that ramp.

When I lay down on the bed to take a short rest, I felt my whole body just about collapse.

There were fewer people at the WAUC picnic, held in May instead of August. Terry and Bob were absent, because Terry had a shoulder replaced.  Food was good with nice pot luck dishes.

Peter came late and could converse with another German lady.

I got to genius in the most unlikely place.

Friday, May 3

Panic! I got verification from Lyft for my ride to the symphony, and they had the wrong pick-up address.  I tried replying to the message, replying to the e-mail and hit blanks.  After I calmed down, I canceled the order and started over with no problem.

Claude was getting off the elevator as I was coming and the driver was waiting at about 6:40 p.m. We got dropped off without a problem.

The concert was great, with film clips of an interview of John Williams by Ken-David Mazur between pieces.  I know Claude enjoyed it because he was more familiar with the themes than I was; but I still enjoyed the music.

I arranged for a pick-up at 10:00 p.m.; the concert was over at 9:58.  Our ride was across the street due to the line-up of buses.

Saturday, May 4

Jackie provided an egg-spinach hot pot dish for breakfast, I provided some fruit.  Terry had some nice apple muffins.

After my hair, I mailed a get-well card to Terry, shopped at Walmart, got cash at ECU, returned my Navigator at Kohl's on Loomis Rd., and passed Leon's on my way home.

I butterflied shrimp and started my casserole for the pot luck tomorrow.