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.

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Turmeric Indian Café, just a few block 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, who 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.

Jerry McCloskey's Irish Treat

Thursday, August 7, 2025

Jerry McCloskey plays sheepshead with us every Tuesday, and seems quite laid back.

But today he treated SRS with Irish musicians and Guinness beer in appreciation for being at SRS.

It was a lovely afternoon to be on the piazza, complete with complimentary Happy Hour.  

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Pain Continues/ Dinner with Jay & Laura

Tuesday, August  5, 2025

I slept comfortably with a painful trip to the bathroom at 4:15 a.m.  I was able to get back to sleep and got up at 6:15.  I dreaded the shower, and it was just as painful as I imagined it would be.

Since Kristie is coming at at 10:00 a.m., I did some last minute straightening.

Jerry's strengthening exercises helped me limber up, even though I still felt a little weak after yesterday's ordeal at the hospital.

Knitting occupied my time until Kristie finished my apartment; she charged me $35.00

My seat cushion eased some of the discomfort sitting while playing sheepshead ; I won 80 cents.

I lectored at the 4:30 p.m. mass which was for Ernie Di Domizio's intention.

On the way to Jay and Laura's, Annika shared the painful experiences that she has with UTI and what she does for it.  She sees a gynecologists and has similar creams and takes cranberry pills. 

We visited on the porch, getting a whiff of fragrance from the Asian lilies.  The dahlias are making their entrance.

Laura served a delicious salmon with roasted tiny potatoes and green beans topped with toasted walnuts.  We had snicker doodles for dessert.  I was a perfect evening to eat on the deck.

Nasty Irritation

 Sunday, August 3, 2025

I've had a nasty irritation in my genital area for years, right at the clitoris.  I notice it when I took a shower with a very sharp pain.  I saw Dr. Gundamraj about it once, and she gave me a small tube of cream.  That seemed to clear it up, but only temporarily.  

Whenever it flared up again, I applied Neosporin, that seemed to work.  I made an appointment to see a doctor at one time, but it seemed to clear up, so I had nothing to show.

Eventually, it was getting more frequent, and more painful. 

Now it is so painful, I can barely walk.  When I urinate, I feels like I was getting hit by a blowtorch.  I screamed in pain.

I applied Neosporin, an anti-biotic ointment and a cream from a dermatologist; all gave me extreme pain initially, but it seemed to subside.  Now I applied petroleum jelly just to keep urine away from the infected area.  I see stars when I apply it.

I'm going to see Dr. Gundamraj tomorrow.

Monday, August 4

I had a very sleepless night, with the pain and worried what Dr. G would find.  And what could she do in her office with such an extreme condition?  I have to check in to Emergency.  Should I call Claude?  Should I push my button for an ambulance to take me (the ride in an ambulance is impossible.).  Should I wait for Claude early in the morning?  That seemed to be my best option.

I woke up Claude with my phone call and he managed to be at SRS by about 7:30 a.m.  We got taken rather promptly at St. Luke's and I was situated in the Emergency section.  What I dreaded most was for anyone to touch my affected area; I could not touch it, and I'd scream if anyone else did.  I explained my condition: how long I've had it, what I was doing for it, etc.  I implored the nurse to give me something to numb the area.  She checked with the doctor and there was a liquid application that she would apply in drops to the affected area.  After a period of waiting, it seemed to work and the doctor could determine what I was suffering from.  Diagnosis: UTI (Urinary Tract Infection), Vaginitis and vulvovaginitis and Hypertensive urgency (my blood pressure was over 200).

The nurse explained the antbacterial medicine that I would be taking and the various applications that I would be using and did the initial applications.  I was definitely not to use Neosporin, A & D or the cream that I use for eczema.  

My blood pressure was shooting through the roof: 200+, 199, 240.  Pills did not help to lower it. The nurse inserted an IV which was certain to help lower my blood pressure.

I was trembling; I was so cold.  Claude stayed with me the entire time, except when I was exposed.  He put a blanket over me and kept reporting the readings.  A heated blanket helped.  Lying on my back is not my normal position, and I asked an attendant if I could lie on my side; he said that I could.  I felt more comfortable, and the trembling stopped. 

Even with the IV my blood pressure was a big problem.  The doctor advised me to stay overnight so that my blood pressure could get under control.  It lowered slightly, which was a promising sign, but then shot up.  I really wanted to go home and I promised that I would watch my salt intake and avoid salty foods.  He said the it was my decision, but I could change my mind.  I was determined to go home, but had strict orders to see Dr. Gundamraj as soon as possible.

We waited quite a long time for the final orders to be prepared, when a young 26-year old nurse came with the required documents.  A last blood pressure check: 184/79!  the lowest it was the entire time.  Claude and I were ecstatic.  We were on our way out.

Claude picked up a foot-long chicken sub at Subway before taking me home.  We split the subway and I was glad that I could offer Claude a can of Riverwest Stein; I had water.

Claude got rid of the program that has been bothering me as a start-up on my computer.  It took him a few tries to figure it out, but it would have been really beyond me to do it.  

He restarted my TV that had No Signal; it really was simple, but I did not feel like doing it before leaving for the hospital.

Claude also mounted the plant hanger for my rosary plant.  It really needed to be hung since it was trailing on the floor.

Before leaving for home, Claude picked up my medications from Walgreen's

What a gem!  I am so blessed with this marvelous family.

Friday, July 8, 2025

Throughout the week the pain continues when I sit or bend, but most severely when I urinate.  My new seating pad helps somewhat, but I have to sit down gingerly.  

I checked the test results that get sent after a visit and everything was abnormal.  What bothered me most was my clear urine.  I looked it up and the information said it's caused by the kidneys not filtering.  That was very alarming.  Will I have to have dialysis?

I had my follow-up with Dr. Gundamraj today, with Angel as her nurse.  My blood pressure was within range, still higher than normal.

Dr. G looked over my results and said that everything looked good.  I asked her about the clear urine.  She didn't know what I was referring to.  I asked about my kidneys not filtering.  She said my kidney is better than people half my age.  I was so relieved.

Dr. G also said that I should apply A&D over the other medication to protect the area when I urinate.

My Busy Friday

Friday, July 31, 2025

Emma did my hair today, since Jacelyn is away tomorrow.

I went to the Kohl's at Point Loomis to return Peter's razor, and bought a couple of tops.

I had a basil BLT at Panera's, but did not find any basil.  I took half of the sandwich home to add my own basil.  As close as I was to Leon's I overcame the urge.

Next, to Walgreen's to pick up a prescription and photos that I order at half price.

Finished my errands at P & S, buying items for Saturday's breakfast pot luck.

Totally exhausted after putting everything away.