German American Day and More

Saturday, August 8, 2026

Laura said she had home made bread and apple pie that she would put together with a dinner if Peter and I would like to come.  I put that on hold until I checked with Peter on how long we wanted to stay at Schurz Park.  He was more than willing to have dinner at Jay and Laura's when he picked me up.

The day was absolutely perfect for this event, outsmarting the weather forecaster's rain prediction.

My handicap hanger helped getting us parking closer to the entrance.  We found a grassy area to park our chairs among many people having a good time.  Peter got our steins filled and he talked me into having something to eat; I didn't want to spoil my appetite for later at J & L's.  I'm glad he did, because the hot dog and brats were in a wonderful bun, not the regular soft buns or the massive buns, but they had nice substance.

A couple that we met at Kegel's stopped by looking for the Austrian Club meeting; Peter thought the meeting would be here, I have no idea how that could happen.  I got comments about the shawl that I was knitting.  We also shared a plum coffee cake and a cup of coffee.

We left shortly before 4:00 p.m. and took Capitol Drive to J & L's, getting there just at 5:00 p.m.

We sat under the pergola for a short while until Laura determined the flies were bothersome.  Their patio shelter is priceless on these lovely days, devoid of bugs.  We had appetizers before Laura brought out her home made bread, a chicken/avocado/raspberry/ garden Swiss chard salad with balsamic dressing.  She topped off our dinner with home made apple pie ala mode.  What a wonderful dinner.  And I got to take some chicken home.

We had such a good time laughing, mostly at my expense (Poor Dolly!  Nobody loves her).

Stormy Weather

 Monday, July  31, 2026

During our Needlework Group meeting the skies turned black and rain came down in torrents.  The wind came in gusts and knocked over a lot of things.  Cecile Langford said that a heavy pot on her balcony was tipped over; my plants really got whipped around.  I hope they will recover.

Saturday, August 1

Through the night there was lightning that caused power outages.  My microwave and stove lost power and there were random outages throughout the two buildings.

There is no cable TV due to a part that needs replacement.  I really didn't miss it.  I can still use Roku.

Friday, August 7 ?

Cable has been restored.

Preview of Irishfest

Thursday, August 6, 2026

Jerry McClusky, as he did last year, engaged Irish musicians to play for us starting at 5:00 p.m.  Last year they played in the piazza, but rain threatened, so they played in the trattoria.

There were snacks and Guinness beer

People remarked that they liked the group playing indoors where they could hear it better.  

I stayed as long as I could tolerate the repetitious music.

I was able to maneuver the remote to watch The Exotic Marigold Hotel in the Club Room.  I saw it more than once before, and still loved it. 

Wrong Yarn

August 1, 2026

I ordered a pattern on-line that looked interesting for women instead of the plain cap I've been making for men.  It featured a chevron design.  I was eager to get it finished, but as I worked, it looked extremely large.

It was VERY large and bulky when it was finished.

I inquired with AI about knitting with Caron Wintuk and it advised me that that particular yarn is more suitable for outdoor or sturdy projects, not for items close the the skin which would by scratchy.

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 May Klisch 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.