Thursday, June 30, 2022

Dr. Kostopolous

 Claude met me in the elevator for my 11:30 a.m. appointment.  Claude had some literature with research on medication instead of stents.  Dr. K was familiar with the study and said that my medication contain some of those formulas.  My blood pressure was initially high (mechanical), but Dr. K took it again manually and it lowered significantly.  I am not experiencing any pain or shortness of breath at this time, so the stent that I have is successful.  He did not recommend more stents, but would see me in six months.

Ladies of Lee-sure 6/22/2022

 Wednesday, June 22, 2022

Our luncheon today was at the Red Hot Tavern in Menomonee Falls.  I missed one turn getting into Pilgrim Rd., but the next hurdle was finding parking.  Every space was full.  I parked more than a block away, making me sixteen minutes late.  I had a large salad with a piece of salmon that was large enough to take some home.

There was a farmers market across the street where I bought a piece of bee's wax to dress my knitting needles, and some rhubarb.  Kay called after me with my boxed salad that I left in the restaurant.  As I was trying to find my car, Stephanie offered to give me a ride.  We covered a few blocks when I remembered parking next to a red brick building.  We eventually found it, but I would not have liked walking around trying to find it.

Friday, June 24, 2022

WA Farmers Market

 Thursday, June 23, 2022

It was a lovely, sunny day for Abby to drive a group of us to the WA Farmers Market: Cheri, Maryanne, Kathy, Jane and I.  Hanging baskets and plants for transplanting were in ample supply, but also herbs, lettuce, some rhubarb, and a few others.  I bought a catnip plant, brioche loaf and a big bunch of spinach.


 


I didn't get the catnip out of the bag and Hello Dolly was nibbling at it.  The spinach was delicious with garlic to accompany my pork schnitzel 

Sunday, June 19, 2022

Beethoven's 9th

 Sunday, June 19, 2022

Marilyn Minor called me on Friday saying that she bought an extra ticket for the symphony and asked if I'd like to go.  I was over "JOY"ed, since the symphony was completing its season with Beethoven's 9th.  I was even promised a ride with her friends.  The ticket was $60, which I was more than happy to pay.

                                     

I rode with Kevin (?) Jude and Marilyn to the Warner; Kevin dropped us off and found parking. The first piece by John Adams, Absolute Jest, was modern, imaginative and lively with the Aizuri Quartet.  During intermission members of the symphony and chorus that were retiring were recognized, some with as many as forty-eight years as members.  Symphony No. 9 followed intermission.  Words cannot describe the emotion and exhilaration that music evoked.  I loved the spritely second movement.  But the final movement, with the soloists, chorus and orchestra was something everyone should experience before they die.  The projected translation from the German made the piece more meaningful. At the conclusion, the audience rose and the applause did not subside until a number of curtain calls and recognition of sections of the orchestra.  

https://www.jsonline.com/story/entertainment/arts/2022/06/17/milwaukee-symphony-chorus-beethoven-ninth-aizuri/7651958001/

English Translation

https://www.saxonica.com/~mike/OdeToJoy.html




Saturday, June 18, 2022

Odds and Ends

 Saturday, June 18, 2022

Here is a recap of what's been happening, starting with June 10.  The MSO concert was wonderful with Strauss, etc.  SRS provided transportation that was really convenient.  I hope they repeat the service for next season.  Later, Peter and I went to Victor's and shared a quesadilla.

Laura and Jay invited Peter and me to dinner on Sunday before their trip to Wales, where they will be staying in Jean Martyn's B&B.  The garden was planted and the yellow peony was in bloom.  Laura divided the plant; now she has two.  We had barbecued chicken on the grill with a Caprese salad and a baked potato.  I had three chicken thighs to take home, enough for three salads.

Tuesday, June 14, 2022

I picked the wrong day to vacuum and wash the floor.  It was 96 degrees and I was dripping on the floor from my forehead.

Mayor Cavalier Johnson visited SRS.  He gave his visions for the city, hoping that more employment will bring better stability to neighborhoods and families.  He answered questions on how we can help implement his goals, especially gun control and crime.  Letters to legislators, even those not representing us in our district, is the best way to get legislation enacted.  All the chairs were filled, also Jim Tarantino, came to hear the mayor.

There was enough time afterwards to play sheepshead and go to the 4:00 p.m. mass

Wednesday, June 15

The Red Hats had lunch at Final Approach.  Jennifer was a very efficient and attentive waitress.  A group of women really liked our fun-loving group and took a selfie.

Thursday June 16

I did not care for the video workout, so I went grocery shopping instead.  Forgot milk and had to go back.  In the afternoon we played dominoes.  

Friday, June 17

We celebrated June Birthdays with lunch on the piazza.  Many stayed indoors because the sun was beating down.  Tyler eventually put umbrellas in the new tables, but it was too little, too late.  We listened to a keyboard player/singer.  He was good entertainment, but I'm so happy to have engaged Anthony from last month.


Jackie and Dan Haessley with Rikki and me behind.

Peter and I went to the Bavarian Brewhaus with music.  I had a wiener with potato salad; Peter had his favorite sausage with eggs.

Saturday, June 18

My hair appointment was at 1:00, with a haircut.  I donated my bird feeders to St. Vincent de Paul.  It was a very nice store, very much like a better department store.  Next, to Stein's for some coleus.  I was at Ace Hardware for swivels for my spinner, but didn't have a complete unit to show what I needed.  Dropped off my bird bath at Kohl's for an Amazon refund.  Then home

I planted the coleus; I should have bought more soil.  There was a Father's Day Cook-out, but it was too cool to eat outdoors.  I had a tepid hamburger with beans and a cookie.







Thursday, June 9, 2022

Bye Bye Birdies

 Wednesday, June 8, 2022

The last item on the Administration agenda was Bird Feeders.  Tyler said the fallen bird seed would eventually clog up the drains in in piazza.  I can see that it would.  Lenore added that she has to pour a bucket of water to wash her area of bird droppings and seed. I know that I was making a mistake succumbing to my impulsiveness.   I'll have to think twice before spending my money: bird feeder, rod and seed, $62.22; another feeder, rod and seed, 31.64; also a bird bath from Amazon, $48.52, for a total of $142.38.

It rained most of the day making driving slow to sheepshead in Hales Corners.  I lost money with the biggest lost picking the blind and not taking a trick and had to pay 30 cents to everyone.

We had story sharing in the evening 

I took down the bird feeders when the rain stopped later in the evening.

Sunday, June 5, 2022

Murder on the Orient Express

Sunday, June 5, 2022

                    

Claude and I went to see Murder on the Orient Express.  It was everything the JS described in its review.

 https://www.jsonline.com/story/entertainment/arts/2022/06/04/murder-orient-express-milwaukee-repertory-theater-hercule-poirot-agatha-christie/7495836001/

We marveled at the mechanics of turning the train car from a parlor car to a sleeping car.  It had humor, beautiful costumes and great acting.

Towards the end of the second act an announcement was made to stay in our seats so that some mechanism could be repaired. (I may not have that correct, but there would be a delay in the performance).  At first I thought it was part of the play.  We are in the very first row so we could see everything that was going on.  We saw mechanics with flashlights examining various areas, but nothing seemed to be moving.  After a while Mark Clements came on stage and told the audience this is really "live theater", and the mechanism was not operable. The JS review made a comment about the unique train car: 

  • Luciana Stecconi's spectacular scenic design, which puts revolving train cars on the Quadracci Powerhouse stage. Only the Rep has the resources around here to do something like this.

 In order to see "who done it" chairs were arranged at the front of the stage for the actors to act out their parts like at a rehearsal.  It was very professional and we could see the end of the play.

Afterwards, Claude and I went to Saint Kate for beverages and to share a pizza.  Patrons around us shared comments about how much they enjoyed the play, even though there was a glitch.  

Claude was curious to find out if the problem was fixed for the 7:00 p.m. performance.  He went up to the Quadracci and reported, "The evening performance is canceled."









Saturday, June 4, 2022

Pat Martens

Saturday, June 4, 2022

Today was Pat Martens' funeral at Becker Funeral Home.


https://www.jsonline.com/obituaries/mjs063159

Pat was born the same year as Don.  Her health deteriorated the past few years, having multiple conditions besides having both legs amputated.
There was a lovely service conducted by a pastor who caddied for her at one time.  I extended my sympathies to Bill and I met one grandson.  There was a reception at the Bluemound Country Club, which I did not attend, since I am invited for dinner at Barb Schmidt's at 6:00 p.m.

Thursday, June 2, 2022

Bird Walk

 Thursday, June 2, 2022

I bravely signed up for the Bird Walk that met at 7:45 a.m.  I was feeling much stronger and a walker would support me.  Peter loaned me his binoculars that I could stow in the walker.  I wore a light sweat shirt and long pants on a cool morning that would get warmer.

A group of about 30 met at the Urban Ecology Center.  We introduced ourselves, which didn't make a whole lot of sense; we'd never remember any names.  I was in the group with Amanda who led us on a very scenic trail.  I did not know something so wonderful existed in Milwaukee, and so close to where I live, also free.  Fellow walkers were good at spotting birds; Amanda seemed to just go along for the walk.  My walker was a godsend; I could sit and rest occasionally and it gave me some stability.  Also the binoculars; I was really happy to be able to see a cedar waxwing, also an oriole and goldfinches.





The day was absolutely perfect, clear skies and a gentle breeze.  I'm glad that I didn't bring anything warmer to wear.  Those who did were tying clothing around their waists.

But after not walking any distance for such a long time, it was more than I could handle.  There were some wet and difficult spots going uphill, but on the whole the paths were paved and easy to navigate.  I was really aching after the two-hour walk.

Birds/May into June

Friday, May 27, 2022

Seeing a cardinal perch on my rail planter made me crave to see more birds, not that I'd always see cardinals.  I researched possible feeders that I could put on my balcony and found the perfect assembly at Ace Hardware in Glendale.  Since it was the Memorial Day weekend, store hours were shorter.  I would have to wait until the Tuesday after the holiday.

Tuesday, May 31, 2022

I found the Ace Hardware on Port Washington Rd. and a nice young man found the clamp that I wanted.  I picked out a small cylindrical feeder and had no problem mounting it on my railing with a seed mixture.  I was thrilled when a sparrow approached the feeder, but didn't stay long.  I wasn't getting any birds.  I examined the feeder and couldn't imagine how any seed could get through those tiny holes.  Then I found the description that said it was a feeder for thistle seed.  I would take it back tomorrow.

I was in time for strength exercise at 10:30.  Then it was Book Club at 1:00.

At 2:00 p.m. there was a memorial service to remember all who died the past year, surprisingly, quite a few.


At 2:30 we played sheepshead followed by a mass at 4:00 p.m.

My BLT wrap was still delicious and hit the spot.

Wednesday, May 4, 2022

I was back at Ace to exchange my feeder, but then reconsidered and would buy another clamp and thistle seed for a second feeder.  Unfortunately, Ace was out of the clamps, but was expecting a shipment in a couple of days.

I won 30 cents playing sheepshead in Hales Corners.  It would not have made sense to go home afterwards, since I was meeting Peter for the Vagabond meeting, so I browsed Walmart for patriotic decorations, milk and wine for Barbara where I'm invited for dinner on Saturday.

Peter and I shared a quesadilla with a Happy Hour wine (1$ off).  Attendance at the Vag meeting was light, probably because a group was on a trip with Bob Spindell.  We didn't stay very long after the music started.