Clean-up and More With Claude

Saturday, November 1, 2025

I drove in light rain to my hair appointment, and the rain continued as I drove home.  Claude still wanted to collect my dragon leaf begonias to store at his house.

Claude came about 1:30 p.m. and put the begonias in his car.  I took some stems and, hopefully, will get them to root.

Claude told me about Beethoven's symphonies that will be playing during the New York marathon and I wanted to show him  how I listen to music through my speakers.  Unfortunately, I wasn't getting any sound from them.  He fixed that by securing the wires; now they work fine.  I'm looking forward to listening to a new station.

My digital clock hasn't had the correct information since I hung it up.  Claude put that in order.

Laura's CARE package dinner from last night came in handy to share with Claude: bacon-wrapped meat loaf, mashed potatoes and red cabbage from her garden.  We started with pumpkin soup that I made yesterday, and finished with cream cheese topped brownies that I made for a memorial service.

Claude finished my balcony by pulling out the entire root systems  from the two planters.  I have two large plastic bags for composting.

I'm leaving the coleus until the frost kills them.  They are still so lovely.

I finished a shawl while I watched the Dodgers beat the Blue Jays in a heart-breaking game.  The Jays were leading the entire game until the ninth inning when the Dodgers tied it; they won 5 - 4 in the 11th inning. 

2025 Skeletons

 Thursday, October 23, 2025

Today was much better than yesterday's gloomy, cold, windy day to take a drive to see the Hubertus skeleton display.

The theme celebrates the 250th Birthday of America.

Again the creator's imagination went wild with costumes incorporating colors, slogans and symbols on tee shirts, hats and outrageous positions.

Evil Knievel rose from the dead to join the party.

And dominating the scene is the Statue of Liberty.

Read more about the skeletons here:

https://www.tmj4.com/news/washington-county/red-white-and-boo-the-26th-annual-holy-hill-skeleton-display-is-bone-afide-patriotic

My 93rd Birthday

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

After circling the block a couple of times to find parking, I bought a pound of cookies at Peter Sciortino Bakery to serve the breakfast group.

I brought my cereal and a hard roll (it wasn't as hard as I'd like) that I bought at the bakery to find Terri Miller, Rod DePue, Russ Langford, Edie Zutz and Barbara Todd at the table.  They sang "Happy Birthday"; they sang it again when Cecile Langford arrived, and once more when Jackie Haessley came.  I had quite a few cookies left that I shared with some people in the lower trattoria, also the cook.

It was bumper to bumper Brewer traffic that made driving extremely slow going to Maggiano's for lunch with the Ladies of Lee-sure.  I got off at 35th Street and took Wisconsin Avenue until the street was closed.  Bluemound Road was better and I got to the restaurant exactly at noon.  I had lunch with Karen Sauer, Vicky Barton, Wendy Selestow and Cindy Swenson.  I had shrimp scampi with a lot of pasta that I could take home. 

The waitress brought a Birthday treat that was an oval of white chocolate with "Happy Birthday" and crescent shaped lemon-flavored cookies that I shared with the ladies; there was also a strawberry.

                    

I got to Dr. Gundamraj's office about 2:00 p.m. for my 3:00 p.m. appointment  When the nurse assistant asked how I was spending my Birthday, I told her that I had lunch with the teachers from Lee School. "I went to Lee School", she said, and we tried remembering some teachers.   Dr. G  completed the DMV form before going over my lab results; the only concern was high glucose (borderline diabetes).  I also got a flu shot.

It took me about 30 minutes to get to the DMV on Grange Ave.  Because it was so close to closing time, my information had to be sent to Madison for review and I won't get approval for a license until tomorrow when they will call me.

Thursday, September 25, 2025

At breakfast when I told the group that I had an appointment with the audiologist because my right hearing aid was dead, I got a lot of advice about not driving with an expired license.  Dwight Morgan cautioned that if I hit someone all of my assets could vanish.  Paco Martorell offered to drive me, but I declined, not knowing how long my appointment would last.  I decided to call Lyft.

Dawn arrived with a Jeep and almost lost control when I told her that I was 93 and was able to get into the Jeep.  We had a lively chat and she got me to Dr. Martin's office on time, even after missing an exit.  That ride was $23.93.

My hearing aid was filled with wax and needed a cleaning and a new guard; I also got different tops

David picked me up at 11:55 a.m. and got me to SRS at 12:20 p.m.  That ride was $13.93; my transportation cost $37.68.

Claude treated me to dinner at Pitch's.  We each had a half rack of ribs (buy one get the second at half price), I had a Pinot G, Claude had a beer.  The meals were delicious.  I expected a Birthday treat since the waitress knew it was my Birthday, but Claude was not charged for my Pinot.  I toasted the waitress; it was much better than a piece of cake.

Friday, September 26, 2025

Janice came with a noodle dish, salad and a iced banana dessert.  She gave me a card with a Pick 'n Save gift card.  It was a beautiful day to have our lunch on the balcony.

Annika and I had dinner at the Twisted Fisherman; I knew she'd like the mussels on the menu.  Even though the day was warm earlier, it was too cool to eat outdoors.  We shared a calamari appetizer, Annika devoured a bowl of mussels and I had shrimp tacos.  Annika said she was mussels happy.

Thursday, October 2, 2025

Peter treated me to dinner at Parkside 23 as my Birthday gift.  I had charred salmon; Peter had Amish chicken breast.  Both were delicious.  We shared a complementary Crème Brulee.

We finished the evening at O'Donohue's.

Austrian American Day

Saturday, September 27, 2025

Before breakfast, Jackie Haessley and I presented a shawl to Avery Aten on the death of his wife Marcia, whose memorial service was being held today.

I bided my time knitting until my noon appointment for a perm with Emma.  Peter sent me a text saying that he will be at the church for Austrian American Day at Noon.  Oh, my God!!  I thought it was later this afternoon, and I was charged with taking photos.  

I called Salon Marie to cancel my perm and I feel just awful; this is the second time I deserted Emma.

I rushed around to get myself ready and tried using my Sony; it was dead, and I even forgot how to use it.

I got to Wauwatosa Methodist Church just about noon, expecting to see Peter there already; he was in charge of setting up the Austrian flag and the board of provinces.  He came almost at 1:00 p.m., because he wasn't feeling too well.  

It was a fine program, but the men's chorus could have done fewer pieces.

I was busy taking a lot of pictures.

The day was absolutely beautiful, it would be a shame to put it to waste.  We decided to change clothes and go to Octoberfest.

I programmed my GPS and I can't believe where it was taking me.  I punched in my Franklin address!  Since I was in the vicinity, I filled the gas tank and hit some heavy traffic before going home.

The biergarten was packed.  A couple saw Peter looking for a table and motioned him over as they were leaving.  We had our beers and a half chicken, plus split another 1/2 liter.

The night was warm and still; not a leaf was stirring.  We stayed well past 8:00 p.m., and people were still arriving.  We had to take advantage of this lovely day.

October Red Hat/Happy Hour at Golden Mast

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

We had almost all Red Hats at the SteakOut for lunch: Janice Rochwerger, Jane Worzala, June Krueger, Kathleen Schnagl, Julia Rice, Terry Harvey and myself; Joy Kilimann is recuperating from surgery, and Rita Bruce was not able to come.

We had exceptionally attentive service and good food.

Peter and I originally planned to take in the skeleton display near Holy Hill combined with the Happy Hour at Golden Mast.  Because of a late start, we'll see the skeletons at a later time.

We joined Ed Seebach and his friend Paul at a table with our gin tonics and ordered a Rueben roll appetizer.  An accordion player. that Peter also knew, provided music next to our table.  Each of the men had some person that one or the other knew.  It was a pleasant exchange of conversation.  When Peter and I danced "The Blue Skirt Waltz" that I requested, two more couples followed suit.

Peter was pleased that he will be going to a special band in Wautoma with Ed and Paul on Saturday.  

Galena, IL, 2025

Sunday, October 19, 2025

Jay, Laura and I left St. Rita Square at 10:00 a.m. on a drizzly morning, but by the time we got to Elkhorn, we saw patches of blue and then bright, sunny skies that followed us on our trip.

We stopped for lunch at Baumgartner Cheese Store & Tavern in Monroe https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064797993660&ref=page_internal.  

Besides cheese, there were other items on the menu, such as tomato basil bisque that was delicious.  The waiter thought it a little strange that I ordered raw onions with my braunschweiger on dark rye, but he delivered it with a smile, even after I added catsup.  

The owner stopped at our table and Jay reminisced about his visits to this tavern since he was a young boy.

On to Warren, IL, where we passed the home of Jay's great-grandmother, the cemetery where Jay stopped to pay his respects at the Sorensen gravesite and the church where Jay's mother worshipped.

When we got to Galena, Jay parked in a handicapped spot and we walked the Main Street from one end to the other on both sides. 

I bought caramel corn (naturally), some essential oil, and a microwave hot pad.  The streets were pretty well filled on this beautiful day, and the shops seemed to be doing a brisk business.  With all the walking we did, my walker was a godsend; I kept up without any discomfort. 

We got to the Wyndham Hotel and I hoped to watch some of the Packer game.  Scrolling up and down the channels didn't get any results.  I took a rest until it was time for dinner at Fritz & Frites Bistro. We were there for lunch on our December family outing in 2006,

and it's Jay and Laura's favorite place.  It is very cozy and quiet, dimly lit, and inviting.  https://fritzandfrites.com/

I had a glass of Bordeaux Blanc with my chicken schnitzel with spatzel and red cabbage.  The chicken was lightly breaded, flavorful and very tender. 

Laura had a bowl of Mussels.

 Jay had Wiernerschnetzel ala Holstein with an anchovy.  Because people were not eating the anchovy they stopped including it, but at Jay's  request, it was.   

The chef came to our table to answer Jay's question about the quality of mussels.  Chef said that the mussels come from Madison and are top quality.  We paid complements on the quality of food and the excellent service, which were warmly acknowledged.

This was memorable dining.

When I got to my room, I got ready for bed.  Even though I had my Kindle at my side it didn't get opened.  I was too exhausted to read.

Sunday, October 20, 2025

After a complementary breakfast, we were on our return home with stops again in Warren.  

Jay has kept in touch with the couple who purchased his great-grandmother's home, Jan and Grace Cikowski from Chicago.  We were on our way to visit them at another home they purchased in Warren.  

Laura had a jar of her homemade Zientek pickles as a gift to Jan and Grace, who greeted us warmly.  Grace led us on a tour of the house with elaborate furnishings and lovely collection items throughout the house.  There wasn't a surface that did not have a piece of crystal or china.  This is their own coat of arms.

Grace served Bundt cake and coffee while she and Jan told us about the work they are doing on Jay's great-grandmother's home, like scraping paint to bare wood, making draperies and other repairs.  They are a real team, supporting each other in purchasing and working on the restoration, while keeping an eye open for more collectables.

Laura mentioned beforehand Grace's generosity, and she didn't exaggerate: she gave me a lovely pin as a Birthday gift, Laura and me a bar of Lindt chocolate and Laura took home the rest of the Bundt cake; Grace apologized to Laura that she didn't have any Polish sausage to give her.  Then we were off to see Jay's great-grandmother's house, a short distance away.  

Both houses are about one hundred years old, and of very solid construction.  This house has multiple bedrooms and could possibly be a bed and breakfast.  It was not as elaborately decorated as the previous house, but the collectables are still in storage.

Here are Jan and Grace Cikowski with Jay and Laura.

As we left Warren on County DD, Jay pointed out a number of properties that are or were inhabited by the Schultz family (Jay's mother's family).

Laura was on a quest for pumpkins.  A search brought up Heidi's Pumpkin and Maze; much too expensive.

We were fortunate to find Ten Eyck Apples, a warehouse with many tables of apple varieties, plus affordable pumpkins; Laura bought three, I bought a huge caramel apple.

A good portion of our trip was through Lafayette County.  I was amazed at the vast farmland, beyond what the eye could see, planted mostly with corn.  Very little livestock; the barns held machinery, not cattle.  And then, a solitary home, with no other habitation for miles and miles.  We also saw acreage of sunflowers, that must have been gorgeous on a warm, sunny day.  We drove along steep hills that gave us a roller-coaster ride.

We were not overly hungry after having breakfast and Bundt cake, so we decided to head to Milwaukee and Lakefront Brewery, which would be open when we got there.

Jay and I had beers, Laura a Coke that we had with our lunches.  Russ Klisch joined us and served us a second beer.

We did so much in one day, it seemed more like a week.  What a delightful experience.

Free Saturday

 Saturday, 10/11, 2025

I did not have a hair appointment today; I will be getting a perm on Thursday.

This was an ideal day to clean the frig.  I should be doing this more often, but everything looks great.

All the plants got a thorough watering.

Finished a scarf, a pocket square and worked on a shawl.

The Brewers won over the Cubs in the fifth game of the play-offs.

Symphony and Dinner

 Friday, October 10, 2025

Just four of us attended the Milwaukee Symphony concert: Shirley Bascom, Marilyn Minor, Madeline Sou and I.  It was magnificent, and the tuba concerto was outstanding.

I picked up Annika for dinner at Jay and Laura's  Listening to their Portugal adventures was so nice; I can't to hills and uneven walks any more.

We arranged our trip to Galena, IL, as my Mother's Day gift.  We'll be leaving on Sunday, October 19th and coming back on Monday, October 20th.  I hope we have nice weather

Laura served a delicious chicken, broccoli, carrot stir-fry, with an abundance for me to take home.

Semi Encounter/Dinner at Parside 23

Thursday, October 2, 2025

After getting cash from ECU, I headed to the DMV on Grange Avenue with my documents saying that I passed my medical review.  I had my photo taken and had my previous check for $34.00 ready to pay my fee.  I had to make out a new check, because the price went up yesterday to $47.50

Since I was near Awe Orchard, some nice Honey Crisp apples would be nice, also a couple of apple cider donuts and a caramel apple.

The Hwy 100 ramp to the freeway was closed, so to got on at Beloit Road.  Traffic was heavy.  

I was in the right lane approaching the 68th Street exit, when a semi pulled alongside me on the exit lane to 68th Street.  It wasn't getting off at 68th Street, but was passing me up from the exit lane.  The driver did not quite make it to the right lane and cut in front of me, clipping off my side view mirror, and drove off.  I followed him and because he had to stop in traffic, I managed to get on the driver's side, blowing my horn.  I yelled to him that he broke my side view mirror. He shouted back that I didn't let him in.  He had no business passing me from an exit lane.  We managed to pull to the side of the highway.

He must have called the police, because when I called, the police had already been notified.  It took at least 30 minutes for the police to come.  When I told the officer what happened, he could immediately see the problem.  He took my paper drivers license and insurance and wrote up the information.  I stayed in my car the entire time.  The whole process took over an hour.  So in his haste to get somewhere, the driver lost more than an hour.

Peter treated me to dinner at Parkside 23 as my Birthday gift.  I had charred salmon; Peter had Amish chicken breast.  Both were delicious.  We shared a complementary Crème Brulee.

We finished the evening at O'Donohue's.

Drivers License Screw-up

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

I went to the Chase Avenue DMV to get my drivers license renewed.  After having my photo taken, I filled out the form.

During the past year have you had a loss of consciousness or muscle control caused by one of the following?  I checked NO.  And then I crossed it out and checked YES and checked Heart.  I felt I had to admit that I passed out at the hospital when I had my leg treatment and now have a pacemaker. DUMB!

When I got called to the window, the agent asked about that loss of consciousness.  She said she'd have to call a supervisor.

She was on Hold, just like the rest of us.  When she got the answer, she said that I would have to have a form filled out by my doctor certifying that it was safe for me to drive.  The agent suggested dropping off the form for the doctor to sign and picking it up at my next visit, which was an September 26.

I picked up some cat supplies at PETCO, and then drove to Dr. Gundamraj office on Mayfair Rd.

The receptionist took my form for Dr. Gundamraj to sign.

Monday, September 22, 2024

I called Dr. Gundamraj office to see if I could move up my wellness exam from Friday to an earlier day, because I'd be driving without a license by Friday.  The receptionist promised to see what she could do.

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

I was able to see Dr. Gundamraj today at 3:00 p.m.  She completed the form and I got to the Grange Ave. DMV about 4:15.  I had to have my photo taken again because it was a different DMV and proceeded to Window 11.  Because it was so late in the day (closing time is 4:45 p.m.) I would not get my results until tomorrow after the DMV in Madison reviews it.  The agent thought I should have no problem, but he does not have the final word.  They will call me tomorrow.

Thursday, September 25, 2025

When I told the breakfast group that I had an appointment with the audiologist because my right hearing aid wasn't responding, I got a lot of comments about not driving with an expired drivers license.  Dwight Morgan said that if I injured someone all of my assets could be washed away.  I decided to call Lyft.

Dawn arrived with a Jeep and almost lost control when I told her that I was 93 and was able to get into the Jeep.  We had a lively chat and she got me to Dr. Martin's office on time, even after missing an exit.  That ride was $23.93.

My hearing aid was filled with wax and needed a cleaning and a new guard; I also got different tops

David picked me up at 11:55 a.m. and got me to SRS at 12:20 p.m.  That ride was $13.93; my transportation cost $37.68.

I was glued to my phone the entire day, expecting a call from the DMV.  I had so much anxiety, thinking of all the possibilities that my license would not be approved, mainly because of my age.

At 4:15 p.m., I decided to call DMV, almost resigned to the fact that I would not be talking to a person.  I almost fainted when a man answered and asked to help me.  I started explaining my situation, but he stopped me and said that I needed to talk to someone in the medical approval department; he connected me.

I talked to a most pleasant woman who seemed to be searching for my record.  She asked who told me that I would be receiving a phone call.  When I explained, she said a letter has been sent to me today approving my license.  I could have kissed her, I was so happy.  She also said that I could drive; my information has been entered.

The attention I received was commendable.  By the end of the day I'm sure agents have received numerous calls, probably from some frustrated or irate callers, and yet both agents that I was connected to were extremely pleasant.

Sorensen Open House

Sunday, September 14, 2025

On a perfect summer day, Jay and Laura celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary, Laura's retirement from 50 years of employment and the 104th birthday of their home with a gala open house.

The backyard, with a background of beautiful flowers in the garden, was arranged with tablecloths in various colors topped with snacks.  On the patio was a buffet of vegetables, dips, sausages and cheeses, crackers and sandwiches.

Laura provided the desserts.

The guests included:

Annika with her friends Jakori, Brian and Lucas.

Jay and Claude with Seth Kiefer and his partner Art.

Ellen Meyers and Jay with Bob Ferriday and Barbara McMath

I'm sitting with Peter, Colin, Janice and Brad.

Other guests included Peggy Kegley and friends from the former Midwest Express.

And we were entertained by a wonderful trio of musicians.
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16CpGfyKQp/

It could not have been a more perfect party.

Incredible Honesty

 Saturday, September 13, 2025

After my hair I went to the ECU ATM for $300 in cash.  It asked to remove my card, but nothing happened.

I inserted my card again, and still nothing happened, so I left the ATM and went inside.  I told the teller that my card didn't seem to be working, so I withdrew $300 from my account in person.

As I parked in the garage, I got a call from ECU explaining that the ATM was slow in responding and I left without removing my cash.

The person behind me took out my cash and turned it in!  

The transactions were adjusted and I am charged with only the cash that I withdrew from the teller.

Octoberfest at SRS

 Thursday, September 11, 2025

I had a black knitted strip on my flag to observer 9/11.

Peter came to the Octoberfest luncheon.  We were joined by Win Thrall and Cathy and Howard Kainz.  Everyone raved about the delicious food; Peter gave it his Munich approval.

Peter stayed and played dominos.

At 6:00 p.m. we had a Packer party with a lot of snacks and beverages; I had a margarita.

The Packers played the Commanders; I stayed for a half of the game and finished it in my apartment to put stitches back on a shawl.

Packers won 27 - 18.

Dinner With Annika

 Tuesday, August 25, 2025

Jay and Laura are still in Ely, MN, working on a forest ranger cabin, so Annika went to the Emperor's Table on Brady St. for dinner.  We both had shrimp dishes.

MARTA Luncheon/Tuesday Dinner

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

After a string of chilly days, today was sunny and warm.

Our MARTA luncheon was on Tuesday at the Bavarian Bier Haus instead of the regular Monday, since the Bier Haus is not open on Mondays.  We sat at a crowded table with Chuck and Bonnie Zahnow, and others.  There were two giant dahlias at my place setting.

The food was very good, followed by a saxophone player playing familiar music.  Peter and I danced one number.

Annika was too bogged down with studies to join us for our Tuesday dinner.  Laura asked if I'd like to invite Peter or someone from SRS.  I thought the latter would be interesting.  I asked Win Thrall who had a connection to Lawrence.  I made an excellent choice.  Win and Laura met like old friends with much to share about their common experiences and people they knew.  Even Jay shared common friends.  We munched appetizers in the pergola, but it would have been too cool to eat outdoors.

Laura served a grilled beef fillet, roasted mixed vegetables and a caprice salad, with M&Ms for dessert.

I had to pry Win away; they had so much to talk about on this enjoyable evening.  

  

McGinnis Wedding Anniversary

 Thursday, September 4, 2025

Jerry led the group in a nice work-out.  

John and Mary McGinnis invited Peter and me to O'Donoghue's Irish Pub to celebrate their wedding anniversary that we missed on August 20.  Gail Trout was also included.  We sat in the back room which was nice and private.  Peter and I shared a steak sandwich with glasses of Guinness.  

Frank's Birthday

 September 1, 2025

A very pleasant day for the SRS Pot Luck with grilled chicken; I had other plans.

Frank Schmitz celebrated his birthday at Carl Schurz Park.  My GPS took us via Waukesha; some day I'll figure it out.  We got there early and Peter was expecting food to be served earlier than 4:00 p.m.  We considered leaving, but then decided to wait it out.  Adolph and Magdalena Meinhardt joined us which helped pass the afternoon.

The open bar flowed all afternoon.  Hamburgers and brats were plentiful along with potato salad and other sides.

We met John and Mary McGinnis as we were leaving

German American Day

 Saturday, August 9, 2025

After my hair I filled the gas tank and picked up a fruit fly trap at Ace Hardware.  I had to go back when I realized that I left my glasses behind.

I drove to Peter's and we went to Carl Schurz Park using my GPS.  Again it took us off the track.  There must be some conflict with my phone and his car.  I'd like to practice when we have no place special to go, but we're always going somewhere and there isn't an opportunity to practice.  We eventually got there and got in a long line of cars coming from both directions trying to get into the park.  My handicap hanger came in handy and we were parked right in front.  A man in a Jeep was waiting to drive us as far as the rest rooms.  He offered to wait for us to take us to the pavilion, but we declined and could walk the rest of the way.

As many people as there were, they were spread throughout the grounds and we had no trouble finding a spot in the pavilion.  The music was loud and it seemed rather close, so we moved to an outside table.  It was overcast and we had a slight breeze.

We each had a beer and sat outdoors until the skies looked threatening.  We went in the pavilion and had corn on the cob and a pork sandwich.  Pretty soon we had a good downpour.  The kids had a blast getting wet from the rain coming off the roof.

We used up more tickets with strawberry shortcake and coffee.  We stayed a while after the rain stopped.

Peter's Birthday

Sunday, August 10, 2025

We had severe rain with a lot of thunder and lightning through the night.  Dolly jumped off my bed and slept on the couch when she heard a extra loud crack.  There is an alert from the Sewer District that we should avoid using unnecessary water so not to strain the sewers.

The highway was bumper to bumper for miles and miles on both sides of the freeway with cars going to the Brewer game as I was driving to Peter's for the Austrian American meeting.  There is a sell-out game with the Brewers on the top of the league.

Peter and I saw a lot of flooding going to the  meeting; some streets were closed, some had partial barricades.

The attendance was meager at the meeting, only nine members present.  We sang Happy Birthday to Peter and other members having birthdays in July and August.  Germanfest took up most of the discussion.  Frank was pleased with all the cooperation he received at the goulash booth, especially from the Knights of Columbus. Peter complained about having too few volunteers; Frank told him to contact some of his friends.  Adolf Meinhardt, who offered to host the AA picnic, but became ill, told us about his illness and hospital experience.

We lingered after the meeting with brownies and coffee.

We pondered where to go next with no place special in mind, so I took the opportunity to sync my phone with his car.  I got it to work by having my Bluetooth on, selecting Peter's Subaru on my phone and Phone on his dash.  I was able to receive calls and we got accurate directions to Su Casa.

We started out with Margaritas, but had to change tables due to a cool draft on my back.  We had steak fajitas that looked not as generous as when we first had them years ago, but with the plate of fillings it was a satisfying meal.  George stopped by to say hello.  We finished the meal with complementary fried ice cream for Peter's Birthday, with the wait staff singing "Happy Birthday".  We decided that this would be my Birthday treat instead of the dinner we planned on Wednesday at The Commodore.

My GPS and Peter's car got us to Peter's house via the freeway.

When I got home, I could not get into the building from the garage because I didn't have my fob.  Did I leave it on the desk when I opened my mail? No.  I called Peter to look in the car.  He called me back to say that he found it by his rear bumper.  It must have dropped out of my purse compartment when I took out my car keys.  I drove back to his house to get it.

Walk to P & W; Common Ground

 Monday, August 25, 2025

After I made the 7-Layer salad for yesterday's pot luck, I used up most of the ranch dressing.  Today was a pleasantly cool day and I decided to give walking to P & S a try.

I took my time with my walker and I managed to get there without any difficulty.  I bought more than was on my shopping list, and that is always my problem.  A man ahead of me in the check-out had packages of pork loin chops for $5.00 each.  That seemed too good to pass up; I bought a couple of baking potatoes also.  Walking back was no problem; I'll have to try that again.

I had a load of wash done and put away my groceries.  Then I needed a little rest.

I made a 7-layer salad for the Common Ground pot luck; I'm getting good use of my Goodwill glass baking dish.

I walked through SRS checking on new arrivals:  Toni Carroll in 1103 and Lafayette and Venora M in 1313.

Lynn Connolly drove Rod and Sharon DePew, Sandy Mendolsohn and me to the Common Ground meeting at St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church.  It didn't take long for the room to fill and line up for the food; I joined with my own plate (the furnished paper plates were rather skimpy). My salad got polished off completely.

Speakers reported on past accomplishments: Getting rid of Willy Hines from the Housing Authority and getting a grant to provide Drivers Education lessons to students who qualify for free lunch.

Other speakers asked for support to help in getting slum landlords to correct building violations and get rid of properties that encourage crime.

Groups caucused to determine the actions they would take in recruiting new members, acting on issues and attending the Assembly on October 19, at Serb Hall.  I put it on my calendar.

Ladies or Lee-sure and More

 Wednesday, August 27, 2025

We met at BJ's Brewhouse in Brookfield instead of Parkside because Karen could not get Parkside to adjust our reservation from six to seven.  We were happy with our choice.  

I had a California flatbread with chicken; everyone else seemed to enjoy their meals and service.

I felt more relaxed since I had no other meetings scheduled like I usually do on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  I suggested that we continue to meet on either the 4th or last Wednesday of the month.  Our next meeting will be on my birthday.

I searched for a near-by library to renew my card and got it taken care of at the Capitol branch.

I drove home to use the restroom and wash my hands before getting a regular manicure at Polished.  No more gel manicures for me.

Dinner at Pandl's

Thursday, August 21 2025

I paced my eating during the day in anticipation of our dinner tonight. I had only an orange for breakfast.

I signed up for the Community Luncheon so I had to keep a good portion of the chicken parmesan for a salad at another time.

We celebrated August Birthdays and Cocktail Hour in the afternoon, with Briana as our guest entertainer. I skipped the cake and ice cream and sat on my balcony and listened until Peter came for our dinner at Pandl's

The day couldn't have been more perfect to have dinner outdoors with Jay and Laura.  They have been so gracious inviting Peter and me to so many dinners. It was our turn to reciprocate.

I had scallops that were delicious; Jay had an appetizer schnitzel that Peter wished he had ordered, his portion was much too large; Laura had whitefish. We lingered and visited and arranged to meet at the Estabrook Park beer garden on Saturday.

What a delightful day.

Red Hats at Wild Roots

Wednesday, August 20,2025 

Kathy Schnagl, Julia Rice, Rita Bruce, Terry Harvey and I met at Wild Roots on 68th and Becher Street. The restaurant had a few patrons, but not crowded. The waitress had to rearrange a table for us because I reserved for four, and we had five; Julia did not get my message. It took a while to take our order, but Kathy and I were happy to learn that the chef could make the salmon cakes when previously we were told they were out. We had a lot to talk about in the hour it took to get our food.  One thing we talked about was the noise. There was nothing to absorb the noise in this building with all hard surfaces. Even the plates were of slate that seemed noisy.  Terry wasn't happy with her choice which seemed to be too much bun and not enough brisket.  My salmon was very good, so were the French fries, which I probably should have omitted, because of the salt. By the time we paid our bill, it was a two-hour lunch. 

I changed my mind about going to cards. I headed out to the credit union instead to cash some checks. Roads were under construction in many directions, so I mailed the checks.

Celebrating Paco and Elizabeth's 50th

 Saturday, August 16, 2025

Paco and Elizabeth's family, plus many friends and a number of SRS residents gathered to celebrate this wonderful occasion.

We started out in the piazza, but a few heavy drops of rain fell that sent everyone scurrying indoors; the sprinkle did not last long.

Punch, wine, beer and water were served indoors; beef and pork tacos were served outdoors and mostly everyone brought theirs inside.

Soon we heard a seven-piece Mariachi band that played for about two hours.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/uoQf5WLQffk5Ppbc9

Turmeric Indian Café, just a few blocks south on Van Buren served a variety of Indian dishes.  Even though the chick peas had a slight bite, I enjoyed them all, including chicken fried rice, a spinach dish, pan and a pasta dish.

Elizabeth told us about her life experiences  with Paco and their growing family, and some of her cherished memories.  She expressed gratitude for her connections with SRS.  She was extremely grateful for Paco's kindness to her family, especially her mother, whom he accepted into their household when she needed care.

Paco followed with his meeting Elizabeth and blending together with two different languages.

Each of their children had something unique to add, plus their granddaughter.

We finished a delightful afternoon with different kinds of cake.

Paco and Elizabeth with their family.