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.

Grafton Concert

Saturday, May 23, 2026

I met a lady taking a cart off the elevator and after I introduced myself, she said that she was a dear friend of Hartwin Just who died recently.  When I told her my name, she said, "You are the one that sent a card".  She and Hartwin had been serious partners for about fifteen years, same as Peter and I.  I invited her to my room as I had something for her.  She was very touched when I gave her a shawl and asked if I had made it.  I did not make the one I gave her and asked if she'd like one of mine instead.  She was happy to have one with bright colors.

Peter was pretty late picking me up for the Grafton concert, but he drove faster than he ever did and we got to Grafton High School just in time.

The choir was dressed in red, white and blue; the director in colonial blue, celebrating America's 250th Birthday.  

The program included a number of patriotic songs, solos by scholarship winners and some standard arrangements.  When they sang "Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor". I wanted to add "And we'll sent them right back where they came from".

Afterward, we joined Brad, Janice and Colin at the Water Street Brewery for beers and empanadas for me, a couple tacos for Peter, which he didn't care for.

John McGinnis Funeral

 Friday, May 22, 2026

I was so apprehensive that I would get up with a lot of pain; therefore I slept in a chair last night.  I had a surprisingly restful sleep, and I didn't feel as much pain in the morning as I did when I slept in bed.

Peter was here by 9:30 and we drove to Mother of Good Counsel Church on 68th and Lisbon for the funeral of John McGinnis.

https://www.foresthomefunerals.com/john-mcginnis

As often as I drove through this area, I never noticed this beautiful church, and it was very beautiful inside.

I was expecting more Austrian American Club members, but I'm glad that we could come.  There were many neighbors, former students and friends.

A lovely service that included meaningful readings which the priest explained in his homily were a significant reflection on John's life and character, especially the Passion in the gospel of John.

We drove a short distance to Holy Cross Cemetery, which was actually across the street.  I stayed in the car while others proceeded to the gravesite, but I could still hear "Taps".

We gathered in the church basement for lunch provided by Bunzel's, and sat with John's godson and his wife, also a friend, all from Shawano.

Afterward, we drove to Bunzel's to buy some fresh liver sausage and ground chuck; Peter purchased some items also.