Y-oY-o Ma

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

I had the special chicken parmesan dinner at 5:00 p.m.  The hot vegetable soup was delicious and hot.  The main course was tepid to cold (vegetables, pasta).

I had plenty of time to change clothes for the 8:00 p.m. symphony concert with Y-o Y-o Ma.

        

When we first learned about the concert, Marilyn Minor offered me a ride with her friend Kevin.  I approached her today and she said that Kevin does not drive any more and she is riding with someone else.  That left me without a ride, since others seemed to have full cars.  I arranged for a Lyft.  Marilyn called to tell me that Cookie Anderson has room in the car she is riding in.  Cookie was able to include me with her friend June, who was driving and Barbara Todd.  June arranged for valet service, and dropped us off at the door.

The hall was filling fast.  Chuck and Bonnie Zahnow sat in front of me.  Many SRS residents arranged to be here also.  The seats behind the orchestra reserved for the chorus were completely filled.

A representative of Mayor Johnson presented Conductor Ken-David Masur with an award honoring him for his contributions to the symphony and the community.

Conductor Masur opened with Beethoven's Symphony No. 8, that got a standing ovation.

After a long intermission came the thrill of the evening.  Y-o Y-o Ma came on stage with his cello, and was welcomed with sustained applause.

Needless to see his playing of Anton Dvorak's Cello Concerto in B minor was magnificent.  I was completely entranced.  I had a perfect view of him which made my evening complete.

After thunderous applause and Brovos, he could not escape without an encore.  He and the orchestra played "Adoration", again with great appreciation from the audience.

I think everyone in the audience left rather in a trance, not believing that they were able to witness this momentous event.

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We went to the main entrance where we thought would be the place to claim the car.  June was directed to the large reception hall where a long line had formed with the same purpose.

Standing behind us was Concertmaster Jinwoo Lee who looked taller than he looked on stage (and he was smiling!).  I asked to shake the hand that shook the hand of Y-o Y-o Ma and we laughed because his hand had become quite sought after.

We finally got to the podium where June could present her claim ticket and waited about 15 minutes until a valet brought up the car.  Those guys really earn their money, the way they have to run to fetch cars.  The cost of the service is $40.

On the way back to SRS all the talk was about how wonderful we felt with this perfect evening.

Follow-up With Dr. Gundamraj

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Dave from Eastside Senior Services was at SRS at 8:30 a.m. to drive me to my 9:15 a.m. appointment.  He had called me on Sunday to arrange the pick-up.  Dave mentioned the I94 construction, and I told him that by taking Pleasant Street all the way to Burleigh we would not be on the freeway.

Dave is retired from Harley Davidson and has been offering rides for about three years.  We had a pleasant conversation along the way about his wife's teaching, his boat and Harley.

The Physician's Assistant took my blood pressure and commented that it was high at 162.

Dr. Gundamraj came into the room some time later and my blood pressure dropped to 110!  She liked that number better.  She continues to be amazed at how well I look.  Everything looked fine.

I'll see Dr. G again in six months and will have my lab work done before my visit since I don't have a car to make a special trip to a clinic.

I waited about ten minutes for Dave to pick me up for the trip back to SRS.

Taxes at AARP

Tuesday, March 24, 2026

Lyft took my to the Sojourner House on North 9th and Walnut, where I checked in with my completed documents that I had downloaded.

There were many people waiting in the hallway.

A woman looked my papers over and said that they were completed.  I sat in the hallway with the rest of the people, the majority of whom looked needy.  I went back to the woman and asked if this service was for the needy, and she said that there was no income discrimination; I was perfectly fine to get my taxes done here.

When I was called I entered a room with four desks with computers on each side.  A volunteer at a desk on the right side of the room entered my data that took glacially long, at least forty-five minutes.  When he was finished, I went in the hall and waited for someone to verify his figures.

After a short wait, I was directed to a woman at a desk on the left side of the room.  As she went over the information, she noticed that one or my donations was to Kinship.  She said that she was affiliated with Kinship, and was also a member of my parish.  She printed my documents and went over the calculations.  I noticed that only $2000 was deducted for Kinship; I said that there was a total of $7000 of qualified contributions.  She did not notice that the other pages were stapled together.  She corrected the forms and reprinted them.

Do I want to do this again?

Lyft took me back home.  

Bob Koebert has been getting his taxes done by AARP for the past three years, and it does not take so long.  Other SRS residents take advantage of this service also. 

I'm sure in the future it would go faster since my data could be retrieved.

St. Patrick's Day Week

Friday, March 13, 2026

Brad and Janice came with a St. Patrick's Day lunch as I was on the phone with Kelly Glostott from East Side Services.  I registered to get free rides to my doctor's appointments, which will be quite a saving.

Janice brought an Irish stew with Guinness as am ingredient, Irish soda bread with a chocolate cake with Guinness either in the cake or the frosting.  Everything was delicious and very filling.

We watched "Waking Ned Divine", a movie set in Tullymore Ireland, about a man who won the lottery, but died of shock upon winning it.  The townspeople conspire to have another man claim to be Ned Divine so they would share the winnings. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waking_Ned#:~:text=Waking%20Ned%20(titled%20Waking%20Ned,David%20Kelly%2C%20and%20Fionnula%20Flanagan. 

We sipped Tullymore Irish whiskey while watching the movie.

Brad put together my desk lamp as best he could with tape, since the screw mountings were deteriorated.

We had a lovely St. Patrick's Day event. 

Sunday, March 15

Snow most of the day, starting to pile up.  Severe weather in the forecast; many cancellations.

The Irish stew tasted great on this miserable day.

Monday, March 16

Hazardous driving conditions.  The trattoria patio door had an interesting pattern.

Quite a difference from March 9th, when Frank D'Amato sat outdoors reading his book.

We had a St. Patrick's Day Happy Hour with shamrock shakes, also other beverages.

Cookie Anderson took pictures of us with an Irish top hat and posted them on the railings.

Tuesday, March 17

Buttermilk pancakes were on the breakfast menu.  There was an opportunity for early voting at 8:30 a.m., however, I didn't know what that involved, so I didn't go because I didn't want to be late for breakfast that ends at 9:00 a.m.  I was sure Barbara Leigh would come for the pancake breakfast, so I took down a battery and a wax candle plus matches for her birthday.  There were no pancakes!  

But I was able to cast my vote on my absentee ballot that the Election Commission Deputies had with them.

Jay picked up Annika and me for our Tuesday Dinner.  Laura served Irish stew and soda bread with Irish butter.  Just as delicious as Janice's, but with beef added, and not as thick.

Gift Cards at Mr. B's

 Thursday, March 12, 2026

Janice mentioned a couple of weeks ago that Jay, Laura, Brad and she were going to use their gift card at the Bartolotta's in Mequon.  I said that I have a gift card also and we agreed that Peter and I would join them.

Jay and Laura picked us up for our 6:00 p.m. reservation.  When we were seated I noticed there were only six chairs instead of seven because I knew Colin was coming also.  The waitress set another place; I think Janice did not allow for Peter.

I had the most delicious scallops in a puree of sweet potato with roasted Brussel sprouts and walnuts.  Peter had salmon. We shared a cheesecake.

I found my $100 gift card on my phone, but could not find the $20 bonus card.  After searching through my emails, it came up.  We spent $27 over the $120 credit card. 

I felt that Laura had an attitude; she was very abrupt, like something was bugging her.

Dinner with Annika

Tuesday, March 3, 2026

Jay and Laura are visiting the boys in Florida, that means Annika and I have to find a place to eat by ourselves.  Barbara Todd mentioned how much she and Leon enjoyed La Masa Empanada Restaurant on Brady St.  I thought that would be perfect since it's not too far, and a great opportunity to visit Brady Street restaurants which I never would go to since I'd never find parking.  Now to figure the logistics.

I texted Annika but got no reply.  I must have had the wrong number because she texted late in the afternoon asking where we are going to eat.  Annika arranged for Lyft to pick her up, then me to drive to La Masa.

It is a very cozy place on the corner.  Our waiter asked if I was familiar with empanadas; of course! I had them in Chile, along with pisco sour.  Well, they just happened to make pisco sours; it's one of their most popular drinks.

We could choose three empanadas, plus a side and sauce (we could opt for ala carte also).  I chose the pulled pork special of the day, Argentina beef and tomato, basil and mozzarella with a jicama slaw, very nice and crunchy.  I don't know which Annika chose, but she had very crisp thin French fries instead of the slaw.  Everything was delicious.  I definitely will return.

The Lyft back was a little awkward.  We had to walk down the street  to the car.  Granted, parking is a problem, but I would have had a problem if I had a problem walking.

As always, Annika and I had a very special time together.

Friday Lunch, Dome, Fish Fry

Friday, February 27, 2026

Veterans had a coffee reception at 10:00 a.m. with Danish pasties in the Cannoli Room.

Brad and Janice brought a Mexican lunch which was a soup/stew and a "Butterfinger" bar for dessert.  We had a very nice visit and agreed to use our Bartolatta gift cards together with Jay and Laura sometime in March.

Peter and I paid a short visit at the Domes to see the Train Show, which is always enjoyable.  The theme was wonders of the world, some were familiar.

The Taj:

Machu Picchu:

The Colosseum and the Christ in Rio.

We had a very nice fish fry at Steakhouse 100.  I'm glad the I made reservations; we were seated promptly, while others waited.

We finished the evening at Sobermann's.

Ushering at the Rep

Sunday, February 22, 2026

Peter and I ushered for the 7:00 p.m. performance of "Fisherman's Daughters" at the Stackner Cabaret.  A Lyft picked us up at 4:45 p.m. We had to wear black and white and arrive by 5:00 p.m. according to the web site.  We were overdressed; Peter in a black suit, white shirt and tie; I wore a white blouse with black pants.  Other ushers were more casually dressed.  I thing the more formal dress was required at the Powerhouse.

My job was collecting electronic tickets at an alternate entrance.  I had to monitor people coming in from the street (no one), and people moving from the cabaret to another venue (about 8).  I had a high seat and a scanning gun for one set and a phone for the other.  Peter had a seating chart to guide people to their tables.  There were steps that I'm glad I didn't have to handle.

"Fisherman's Daughters" had powerful singers that utilized the limited space of the stage.  We both enjoyed it.

https://www.milwaukeemag.com/fishermans-daughters-review/

Afterwards we stopped at St. Kate for a pepperoni pizza with a de-caf coffee for Peter and a cappuccino for me.  

Valentine's Day 3036

Thursday, February12, 2026

I baked a batch of Ella's sugar cookies, just need frosting.  I'm out of eggs; Janice will pick some up when she comes tomorrow.

Friday, February 13

Janice came with mashed sweet potatoes, cauliflower and broccoli, and heart-shaped sugar cookies for dessert.

A group was working on Valentines for residents and staff to hang; I joined them.

I passed out my Valentines that I began in mid-January for every resident, including Memory Care.  The photo is a bleeding heart from my Franklin garden; each Valentine had a handwritten message from a collection I gathered.

Peter suggested making reservations at the Golden Mast; nothing was available.  I suggested going somewhere after the choral concert we'd be attending on Sunday; Peter thought it was an excellent idea.

Saturday, Valentine's Day

Not too many people were at the breakfast pot luck.  Dwight Morgan was volunteering preparing for the spaghetti dinner tomorrow; otherwise, he'd be making pancakes.  I brought deviled eggs and the heart-shaped sugar cookies.

Sunday, February 15

I lectored.

Peter was late picking me up for the women's chorus that started at 3:00 p.m. at a church on Watertown Plank Rd; I was ready to go to the spaghetti dinner.  We rushed getting there and got stalled at a train crossing in Elm Grove.  We arrived about ten minutes late.  A group of about twenty-five women performed love songs prefaced by comments of the loves of their lives.

We ended the day at Pizza Man on Downer Ave.  We sat on the upper level at windows overlooking the street.  The restaurant was very lovely and Oula was a wonderful waitress.  We each had a red wine and the special 12" pizza that was the perfect size, thin and crispy.  We will definitely come here again.

Appointment screw-up

Monday, January 19, 2026

Lyft picked me up at 11:30 a.m. for my 12:15 appointment with Dr. Kostopolous.  I got checked in, and waited, and waited and waited.  After 1:00 p.m. I went to the desk and asked about my 12:15 appointment.  "Ma'am, your appointment is at 2:15. I double checked their text and my calendar, and it was at 2:15.

I was offered some water while I waited, went to the restroom.  I was finally called and the nurse looked at the computer and questioned why I was here.  Dr. Kostopolous saw me a few months ago; I wasn't to come in until December.  She took my blood pressure, which was a little high - no surprise, and asked if I wanted to see the doctor.  I really saw no need, so I left.

I got a lot of reading done, both in the office and home, How To Read a Book, by Monica Wood.

We held a Memorial service for Joanne Sedita; very few attended.

Errands With Peter

Thursday, January 22, 2026

Peter wanted help with a letter he wanted to answer, which would be an opportunity to do some errands.

We stopped at Downtown Veterinary Clinic to get medication for Dolly so she won't bite the doctor/nurses.  That clinic has no parking area, which is going to be difficult when Laura takes Dolly and me for Dolly's appointment.

We picked up my prescriptions at Walgreen's.

And then, to my favorite P & S on Humboldt & North Ave.  I had a long list and moved around the store in a random manner.  Peter found some things he needed also.  He was quite exhausted with the shopping trip and found a place to sit on some soda cartons.  He was very impatient with the shopping and not being able to find me.

I needed the large cart for my groceries, so I rushed up and got it, got them into my apartment, got the dominoes and the group was waiting for me at the table.  Peter played also and won the first game.

I made salmon, American fried potatoes and green beans with a salad for our dinner.  I was so happy that Peter did not mind not watching the news.

I made a card for Peter to reply to the letter he received on a Christmas card.

Having groceries delivered is worth the price.

Found earring/Pot Luck

Sunday, January 18, 2026

I must have lost this earring two years ago and searched for it off and on with no success.  This morning, getting ready for church, I took a necklace off a hook and something fell to the floor. My earring!  It must have caught on some jewelry when I was taking it off.

I made a huge Waldorf salad with six apples (three of Honey Crisp that Claude brought on Friday and three Galas that P & S delivered, 2 cups of red halved grapes, on cup of celery, Romaine lettuce, the sugared walnuts that Laura gave me and yogurt.  

Jimmy John's provided free sub sandwiches, others brought salads, and desserts.  There was barely a cup left of my salad.

We watched An American President in the Club Room in the evening.

Hair with Gracie

Thursday, January 15, 2026

Gracie's shampoo is sheer delight.  She asked for a photo to copy my hairstyle, but it still wasn't as firm as Jocelyn's treatment.  When I told her the services I'd like, Gracie said they do not do perms.  She would do some research on what shops in the area do perms.

In the meantime, I'm picturing myself with straight hair cut short.  That might be an option.

Movie Monday

Monday, January 12, 2026

We have a new fitness schedule since our leader Jerry has a new job and can't lead us on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.  Now it's Mondays and Fridays at 9:30 a.m.  That meant we could not linger at breakfast, but Jerry's classes are worth it.  I feel so much more flexible.

I did a load of laundry and read the Bible assignment.

I relaxed on the blue armchair and fell fast asleep.

When the phone call woke me up, I didn't know what time it was.  Peter was waiting to pick me up for the movie at South Shore Cinema.  I was so rushed I thought I was going to pass out rushing to get to the front door.

We got to the theatre in plenty of time; all the pre-movie promotions took a lot of time.  I enjoyed "Song Sung Blue"; Peter thought it was too long.

A couple sitting in our row were searching for something with a flashlight for the longest time.  Peter was gone to the restroom and I put on my coat and took my purse.  As I'm leaving I notice that it was not my purse, but the woman's; that's what they were looking for.  In the dark the zippers were so similar that I even put my handkerchief in her purse.

Back at Breakfast

Saturday, January 3, 2026

I got the warmest reception at breakfast this morning.  Terri Miller hugged me warmly, Russ Langford got my coffee, and Jackie Haessley gave me a long squeeze.  We lingered at breakfast longer than usual.

My grocery order was due between 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.  Jackie said that she received text messages informing her of the progress.  I started waiting a little after 1, until about 2:30.  When I did get a message, it asked how did I like my delivery.  Did they deliver it to my room?  Then, I saw plastic bags by the reception desk.  My order!  It must have been there an hour.

I put everything in my big cart and took it to my apartment.  There were a lot of plastic bags.  Everything was just fine, but I ordered four Gala apples, not a bag.  This was the most effortless grocery shopping that I ever did.

Amazon also delivered organic coffee beans and squeezable cat treats; Dolly had a wonderful treat.

I gathered a bundle of reusable bags for Kinship that I'll donate with a box of Cheerios on Sunday.

I started a variegated brown shawl and made a little pocket square. 

 

Outing with Brad and Janice

Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Today was mild and perfect for the outing that Janice and Brad planned.  We would be going to the Cedarburg Quilt Museum, have lunch with Colin at West Bend Insurance Company and finish the afternoon at the Museum of Wisconsin Art.

The quilt museum is in a restored barn and located in a rather remote area of Cedarburg.

The museum featured quilts from Japan, and Cedarburg is only one of four cities chosen to display them.  https://www.wiquiltmuseum.com/current-exhibits

The attendant told us many details of the quilts and gave each of us magnifiers to closely examine the intricate work. The photos do not do these exquisite works justice: the needlework, use of materials, applique, symbolism and color were incredible.

 

Colin met us at West Bend Insurance and treated us to lunch at the company's wide and airy lunchroom with a beautiful prairie view. There were various stations for sandwiches, a vast salad bar and burgers, plus assorted beverages.

Colin gave us a tour through bright halls lined with artworks, comfortable conference rooms and attractive rest areas.  We finished in Colin's cubicle, tucked among numerous other cubicles in a huge office that dealt with different kinds of insurance claims.

There were many interesting pieces of artworks at the Museum of Wisconsin Art in various media arranged in spacious galleries.  

This is how we perceive animals in the dark, from the least to the most fierce.

And this seemed like a typical Wisconsin scene.

This was a perfect day.

Enough to Keep Busy

Sunday, January 4, 2026

I was ready to make breakfast and I could not find the eggs that were delivered yesterday.  I scoured the entire house, even the freezer.  I know they were delivered.  I went to the reception desk thinking that I forgot to put them in my cart.  They weren't there, but if that's what happened, maybe someone picked them up.  I wanted to check my receipt to see if I actually ordered them.  The receipt was for over $200 for items I never bought.  I called Kroeger and it took a long time to straighten it out (before mass!), but I'll get $20 credit to my account.

The first reading went very well.

Laura dropped in with the special potato chips, shaved salt and chocolate buttons for the potato chip cookies.  And we visited for a while.

I spent most of the afternoon working on my spending spreadsheet.  Now I have to wait for the AAA bill to come.

The movie was "Jumpin' Jack Flash", kind of goofy with Whoopie Goldberg. 

First Friday Fish Fry

Friday, January 2, 2026

I sent Peter a message that I'm FREE, meaning that I was free of bedbugs.

I placed a large grocery delivery order to Pick 'n Save, and another order to Amazon.

After the fumigator finished and gave me the "all clear", I got busy and started straightening my apartment.  I can't even remember what was in the storage boxes under my bed, so I took them apart discarding and arranging  the contents, including my closet.  It was an exhausting job.

I was overjoyed to get Peter's text suggesting making a reservation at Sazz's for a fish fry.  That was no problem and Claude agreed to join us.

But Peter misinterpreted my meaning of FREE.  I meant free of bugs, he thought free for the evening; hence the Friday fish fry.

That was the best mistake ever. 

 A good fish fry with beers was very satisfying, and it was nice to have Claude with us.