Mokelke Reunion

Saturday, July 25, 2026

Eric texted me that he was visiting his mom and planned to come visit me with his mom either Friday or Saturday for lunch. Did he mean come to my apartment for lunch, or go out for lunch?

When I confirmed that Saturday would be fine, the next text said they would take me for coffee or a snack, and would like a place close by.  That shortened the visit by quite a bit.  I suggested Panera's two blocks away, which Eric said would be perfect.

On Saturday, Eric texted that he was on his way with Masako, Myleen, Rachel and Naomi and would be at my place at around 11:00 a.m. (I did not notice Naomi in the text).

What a delight to see Masako, Eric, Rachel and Myleen come out of the SUV.  I got a pleasant surprise when I saw Naomi when we got into Panera's because she was crouched in the rear of the SUV and I never saw her get out.  

We had coffees, I had a bagel, and we caught up on family news in the short time until they were on their was to Chicago to buy Japanese groceries and eat at a Japanese restaurant.  

When they dropped me off at SRS they took a look at the flowers my balcony and gave my a gift of German pretzels, Rachel's home made cookies and a tiny polished wooden bowl.

I was so thrilled that they thought of me to pay a visit on the way to their destination.

Our Country is 250 years old

 July 4, 2026

I screwed up again getting to Jay and Laura's neighbor's driveway; we were driving into the parade that was just about to start.  But being able to park in the neighbor's driveway was wonderful.

Laura had appetizers arranged in the driveway for us while we watched the parade go by their house.

Russ and Mae Klisz joined us for a dinner of brats, hamburgers and sides with schaum tortes for dessert.

Brad and Janice's Anniversary Party

Saturday, June 13, 2026

All week the forecast looked threatening, but the forecasters were wrong, in our favor, to make this day not only sunny and warm, but a very joyous occasion, as we celebrated the anniversary of Brad and Janice's backyard pre-nuptial party of 35 years ago.

It was nice to see familiar faces, and some that I had difficulty remembering.

There was an assortment of foods to munch, including Janice's wonderful guacamole and a lot of beverages to satisfy over thirty guests.

All of the bridal party were present except one usher, arranged the same as ten years ago.

Sendik's did did the catering with delicious pulled pork, roasted vegetables, salad, fruit; Janice added beans and her pickles.

Sima's provided the same cake as for their wedding and 25th anniversary.

I feel so fortunate that I was able to be part of this memorable occasion.

Ball Game

Monday, June 8, 20226

It was a nice mild night to watch Colin play softball.  Brad and Janice picked me up for the game at Whitman Field in Wauwatosa.  The games were previously played at Hart Park which was destroyed by extensive flooding two years ago.

Janice brought a seat that she clamped to a bleacher seat that had a soft cushion and a back support that made a big difference in my comfort.

There were a few sprinkles, but nothing to spoil the evening.

Colin had a couple solid hits, but the opposing team dominated and the game ended when they scored 10 more than Colin's team.

We drove by the Hart Park playing field which still was unusable.

We had outdoor seating at Leff's on State Street to finish the evening.  Brad and I had the Monday build-your-own hamburgers special that included a generous selection of toppings and sides for $9.00; Janice had a cauliflower taco and salad.  Brad and I had beers; Janice, another drink.

Leff's had a very active and efficient staff that provided excellent service.  It was a perfect evening to be seated outdoors.

Sunday Movie

Sunday, June 7, 2026

Terry Miller shows a movie every Sunday, some she selects, others residents suggest.

Tonight's movie was "Waking Ned Divine", about a man who wins a huge lottery, but dies of a heart attack upon learning of it.  The movie is set in Tullamore, Ireland, the home of Tullamore Irish Whiskey.

Janice and Brad watch this movie every St. Patrick's Day while sipping this whiskey.  They also brought some to a Friday luncheon while we watched the movie.

I thought about the movie when Peter and I were at the Estabrook Park Beer Garden yesterday, and thought about getting a bottle for the movie.  Peter suggested Otto's Liquor Store on Oakland Ave.

Before the movie I told about Tullamore and the whiskey and everyone was really surprised when I also pulled out the bottle and little shot glasses from my walker.  Terry passed out glasses to anyone willing to partake, including Jackie Haessley.  

The movie was very enjoyable.  A few finished the evening with a nightcap. 

First Beer Garden

 Saturday, June 6, 2026

Today was the best so far with a slight breeze to go to our favorite beer garden: Estabrook Park.

We stopped at Walgreen's for pads, then Peter suggested getting money from the ECU ATM; that was handy, and on the way.

We found a nice shady table and had our beers; unfortunately, no tablecloth.  We also had a brat for Peter, a hot dog for me and a pretzel.  The pretzel was really too much.

One person entertained us until 6:00 p.m.

It was a perfect afternoon.

I thought about the Sunday night movie, which will be "Finding Dan Divine", which Janice and Brad watch every St. Patrick's Day with Tallomar Irish Whiskey.  How fun would that me if I brought that to our movie on Sunday!  We stopped at Otto's on Oakland and I picked up a small bottle.

Memorial Day Weekend

Sunday, May 24, 2026

I have a hard time reconciling that we are celebrating Memorial Day this Monday; it seems too early.

After mass I decided to make lemon bars for the pot luck "today".  I was almost going to skip it after the skimpy offerings at the last one.  But I had some lemons, and this seemed like a popular dessert.

I took a nap until about 4:10 p.m. that gave me just in time to cut them for the pot luck.  I checked out my balcony window to see who would be helping Dwight Morgan grill chicken.  No one was there.  The pot luck is tomorrow!

Memorial Day

There were nice offerings at the Pot luck; I did not have the grilled chicken.  It was quite dry.