New Cass Street Playground

 Tuesday, October 13, 2026

On this spectacular fall day I took my knitting to the reconstructed Cass Street Playground.  It is magnificent, colorful and inviting.

The children were out for recess and enjoying all of the equipment. (I'll edit this blog to include more pictures).

St. Rita Square was kept informed and involved in the progress of the playground.  I made a donation for a brick that would be included in the construction.  I walked the paved paths and found a half circle with bricks of donors. 

 Mine was at the very corner.

I met a few teachers supervising the playground and when I told one teacher about practice teaching at Cass St. School and my brick, she insisted on taking my picture with the brick.

No Austrian Club Meeting Today

 Sunday, October 11, 2026

I had a beautiful plum coffee cake for the Austrian Club meeting, but no one was there, except Adolf and Magdalena Menhardt, who were also confused that no one was there.  Adolf had  the September newsletter that gave the meeting for today, but my newsletter gave only the date of the Austrian American Day at Kegel's.  Both Peter and I failed to see that there was no meeting today.

To take advantage of the day, we headed for Bandaro Country Wood Grill to watch the Packers.  As we were getting our bearings, Peter noticed Silver Spring Dr.  Going to the Bavarian Baer Haus made more sense.

We watched the Packers beat the Bears 31 - 7 while having a beer and a pretzel with Peter's free coupon.  We also split a Reuben.

Now, what to do with my plum coffee cake?  I could take it to the Pot Luck that starts at 4:30 p.m.

That Pot Luck had a better selection of food than last time, and more people were participating.  There was not a crumb left of my plum coffee cake.

I watched the start of the Brewers/Dodgers game in the Club Room, but the commercials were driving my crazy.  I also had a knot in my shawl.  I went to my apartment and watched the Brewers beat the Dodgers 2 - 1 in a nailbiter last out, and could work on my shawl watching much of the game on mute.

In desperation, I cut my yarn and continued on the shawl.

Symphony Friday

Friday, October 10, 2026

The concert was again another winner.  The highlight was a violin concerto featuring a local artist, Julian Rhee. a graduate of Brookfield High School  

https://www.jsonline.com/story/entertainment/arts/2026/10/08/brookfield-east-grad-featured-in-next-milwaukee-symphony-concerts/92127028007/

He played the very difficult Violin Concerto in D major, Opus 35, by Erich Wolfgang Korngold, who was the subject of the preconcert talk about artists who were subjected to the Nazi regime in Austria. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erich_Wolfgang_Korngold

Julian included a Bach encore.

Also on the program was Medea's Dance of Vengeance, by Samuel Barber and Sergei Rachmaninoff's Symphonic Dances Opus 45.

Our bus was at a stop light on Wells and Water when a car ignored the stop light and turned left, lost control of his car, drove into some barricade and smashed his left front of the car.  It looked like a mess.  Abby Hauser alerted an approaching police squad car.  The driver got out of the car, apparently uninjured, but he was waving his fists for some reason.

Pediatrist/Hair/Pizza

Thursday, October 8, 2026

I had to reschedule my hair appointment, because my toenails needed attention.  My appointment was for 11:20 a.m. and I was finished before that time.

I should have taken the dominoes before going for my hair, since I was having a color and would not be finished in time to set up the game.  I called Michael Bruske while my hair was processing to get my bag from behind my bedroom door.  The wind was very strong and gave my hair another style

The game was in progress when I arrived and we eventually had six players.

Peter suggested Pizza Man which I thought was a great idea.  We had red wine and an appetizer before Pizza Man pizza: very thin, crisp crust, loaded with meat, and an attentive waiter.

I ordered suspenders for Peter when we got to my apartment.

Blessing Hello Dolly

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Pets were blessed after mass on Sunday on the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of the environment and animals.  I didn't think Dolly would have been too happy getting into the carrier and being amid all the other critters, so we did not go.

Cookie Anderson had a special prayer for pets that she wanted to share and asked if I'd like to participate in blessing Dolly.  

Dolly greeted Cookie and Sue Cottrell this afternoon when they came to offer a prayer for Dolly.  I said a special prayer, and then Cookie and Sue said another.

Hello Dolly participated by rubbing ankles and lingered about.  Hello Dolly is such a lovable kitty, I hope these prayers prolong her life with good health.

Father Gene's Help Center

Tuesday, October 6, 2026

I signed up to volunteer at Father Gene's Help Center; Dwight Morgan and Terri Miller were the only other people to answer the call from SRS.  Other Capri communities signed up for other shifts throughout the day.

Because we were so few, I rode with Dwight and Terri; Abby Hauser drove two other staff members from SRS.

Rosemary greeted us and gave us the background of Father Gene's, also a tour or the shopping area.  The shopping area resembles a department store with clothing for all ages arranged attractively.  Patrons were waiting to be checked into the database where they could select the number of items corresponding to their family size.  Patrons may come every three months.

We learned that 4000 clothing items are distributed each day; over 150,000 each year.  Clothing is donated not only from the Milwaukee area, but from other states, since Father Gene's has such a great reputation in its charitable work.  Clothing is also sent to other countries, such as Peru and Ukraine.

We worked at a table in a huge room where the sorting takes place before it is put in the showroom.  We prepared Halloween clothing, women's tops, pants, nightwear and women's coats.  We put the items on hangers; some we also separated by size.

Dwight and I are putting clothes on hangers.

Our St. Rita Square Group after our morning shift.

Father Gene's depends on volunteers to carry out its work, with a very small administrative staff.  People are encouraged to help as often or any length of time they desire.  There was an active crew of helpers today doing various jobs.  

I felt it was time well spent.

https://www.fathergeneshelp.org/

Morning Disaster

Monday, September 28, 2026

My knitting needles were delivered in an outrageously large box that I wanted to share with the breakfast group.  I placed the carton on my walker with my tray with cereal, milk, banana and cup on top.  As I left my apartment, the tray dropped off the walker, causing my beautiful, favorite bowl from Donald to break, plus a cup.  Jim and Eldeen Carpenter helped sweep up the mess, but I am heartbroken by the loss.

I'm starting to work on caps for the MARTA December luncheon and found a simple pattern with a decrease stitch I'm not familiar with.  I encountered a mistake when I selected the Toddler size instead of the Kid, I ripped when I found a dropped stitch that I could not pick up, and I was decreasing incorrectly.  I never did a SSK, and could not understand the pattern telling me that I decreased 8 stitches when I only did 4.  The cap did not look right, so I ripped again before the decrease.  Good old YouTube, which I should have consulted first, showed me exactly how to do this decrease.

As I was going to meet the Needlework Group, Shirley Bascom asked if I was going to play sheepshead with Bob Koebert at the Catholic Home.  I thought someone else might have liked to go, so I was not planning on going.  Since a fifth player was needed, I gladly agreed.

Chuck Boucher drove Shirley, Jack Champagne and me

We met Annie Hahn, who is recuperating after collapsing in her apartment.

Bob had a room reserved for us, the same as last week.

We played for and hour, and I'm sure we lifted Bob's spirits.

Dr. Gundamraj/Errands

Friday, September 25, 2026

Peter agreed to pick me up after my appointment and we'd go to breakfast. That seemed like a good plan since I fasted for my lab work.

Dr. Gundamraj gave me a good report and asked me what I did for my complexion.  She'll see me next year.  But I won't make an appointment the day after my Birthday when I can't celebrate because I have to fast.

Peter was completely bewildered when I called; he forgot our arrangement.  But he insisted on picking me up and taking me home.

We stopped at Bunzel's for some ground chuck and ground turkey, also fresh liver sausage and Sciortino rolls.  I picked up cash at the ECU on Center Street and learned how to get my own bills.  Because Peter likes to go through Van Buren with a stop light, he made a little detour to go past Pick 'n Save; I could use some wine, I also bought a six-pack of beer.

So doing these errands was a lot better than going to breakfast.

I fixed some liver sausage sandwiches on buns, with Laura's pickles that we had with beer.

My 94th

Thursday, September 24, 2026

Since my Birthday fell on the same day as the Complementary Happy Hour, I thought it would be nice to treat SRS with cake.  Abby Hauser said that she would provide plates, napkins and forks and the kitchen staff would cut the cake.

I ordered a full sheet pan carrot cake from Sima's, and Peter agreed to deliver it.

Before breakfast on Monday, I asked Chef Ein if there would be someone to cut the cake. He apologized and said that he was short staffed, and could not do it.

I sat next to Cheri Franch and told her what Ein said.  "I can cut the cake she said"; my problem was solved.

Peter brought the cake with his gift of a dozen yellow roses and a Birthday balloon.

Cheri was equipped with an assortment of knives for any culinary purpose, plus latex gloves and serving pieces.  As she cut the cake, Terri Miller placed the pieces on plates to serve one of the largest gatherings in the trattoria.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1PDgT9sfTW/

I was hoping Laura would join us; however, she said that she was unable to come because she had a dinner guest. Then, when I wasn't paying attention, Laura was at my side with a vase of beautiful flowers.  I was speechless, since I was not expecting her.  I was so happy to introduce her to many residents who had heard so much about her.

The cake was an absolute winner, with a good portion to freeze.

The numerous cards that I received had beautiful personal messages that I will treasure.

SRS Octoberfest

Thursday, September 17, 2026

An Octoberfest menu was featured for the Community Luncheon.  I invited Peter and he brought steins; I furnished Riverwest Stein.

We sat with Frank, Barbara Todd, Winn and Shirley.

The meal started with a delicious bowl of beer cheese soup and pretzel sticks, followed by the entree: pork schnitzel with gravy, spaetzle and asparagus.  It was rather disappointing.  The schnitzel was too thick, not tender enough and should not have gravy, the asparagus was rather limp and tasteless.  The warm apple dessert was very nice.  We enjoyed a beer with our meal; SRS offered cans of Spotted Cow.

Peter won one of the games of Screw Your Neighbor; I didn't win, but I enjoyed playing.

Peter wanted to drive to Von Rothenburg Bier Stube in Germantown hoping someone turned in his cooler with his very nice Hoffbrau Haus stein that he left there last night, also to return the CD changer that I ordered from Amazon that was defective.  

We drove to the UPS Store on Jefferson Street and a young man helped Peter carry in his heavy box.  After waiting in line for a short while the box was checked in with no problem.

We got to von Rothenburg  and were fortunate getting a seat at the bar, because it started filling up for their Second Anniversary.  

We each had a wine and a couple of appetizers that were passed around, very good, but messy to handle. 

The very large bar was filled, with many people standing.  A male vocalist sang some nice standards.

I glanced into the almost-filled dining room which I thought was very dark.  I don't know how people could see what they were eating.

I planned for a luncheon, but we stretched our time filling almost the whole day, with some pleasant surprises.

September Red Hat

Wednesday, September 9, 2026

If we had our Red Hat Luncheon on the third Wednesday, as usual, three ladies would not be able to make it.  Kathy Schnagl had a conflict and if she couldn't make it, neither could Julia Rice or Rita Bruce, because Kathy brings them.

We agreed on Hale House for this month; however, Hale House does not take reservations, but it's first come, first served.  I asked how possible it would be to seat ten ladies on that system.  "Have someone come early and wait for a table", was the answer.  That was not satisfactory.  We liked Ricky's Double Barrel Inn, and Terry and I thought that would be a good alternative.

When I called, I got the answering machine, and l gave the details for our reservation.  I called again the same day and then today, with the same results.  The web site did not say it was closed.

The parking lot was deserted when Lyft dropped me off, and so was Ricky's.  Barbara Fritsch arrived and we started to wait for the others.  I called Terry and I suggested the Irish Cottage; I called, and they were able to accommodate us.  Terry was able to contact Kathy and Jane as they were driving, so that was covered.

I rode with Barbara, but did not know there were two Irish Cottages; we went to the wrong one, we wanted Irish Cottage 2.  We had to do some adjusting, since Rita was not able to do steps, and had to enter through the kitchen.

The Cottage was very cozy.  We were the only diners and felt very comfortable.  There were many choices on the menu; I had a BLT and a Guinness , some had the shepherd's pie.  I think it was a good choice.

I joined Bob and Terry to play sheepshead at the Muskego Library, and won about $1.

I forgot about the Red Hat luncheon when I signed up for the SRS community dinner at 5:00 p.m.  I brought containers for the soup, which was loaded with vegetables and the chicken casserole that was lacking in chicken.  There was also a peanut butter brownie.

We had story sharing in the evening.  My learning experience was taking sewing lessons at the West Allis MATC that benefitted me for many years.

Birthday for the Ninety Year Olds

Saturday, September 5, 2026

Frank Schmitz's Birthday this year included celebrating those in their nineties.  The day was perfect for this event.

Peter had to arrive early with the Austrian Club banners and flag, which involved about three clumsy containers.  He wanted to drive into the grounds but had to remove some barriers before he could proceed.  A member was very upset that he drove in, since the road was for pedestrians only.  Peter drove out and re-entered at the first entrance we passed, which we should have taken.

We sat with Anita Kuchler, Eileen, Steven Hauser and John Puchner.

There was plenty of food: brats, hamburgers, salads, and, of course, beer.

Here are the ninety year olds:

Charlotte is the oldest, at 97.

John Puchner provided some music.

Magdalena gave me a lovely rose for my Birthday.

Bye-Bye Pick 'n Save

Saturday, August 29, 2026

I placed my order last night for delivery today, most of the usual items.

As Benjamin shopped, he texted there were no red peppers. Next, I agreed to substitute Hillshire Smoked Sausage for Johnsonville. The store did not have Village Hearth unseeded rye bread, or Artesano White Bread.  Benjamin texted that the large eggs came in cartons of 18; I told him to select any carton of 12 eggs.  He replaced Kroger large eggs with Kroger Grade A large eggs, but delivered Extra large eggs.  I do not buy extra large eggs, because recipes call for large eggs; extra large eggs affect the end product in baking. The store did not have Chobani Plain non-fat yogurt.

I was livid, and in my comments I asked if the store was going out of business.

When I checked the price of naval oranges they were $1.69 each.

I ordered a few items from Amazon yesterday and before placing my order a bar came up asking if there was anything else I needed; different kinds of fruit were pictured including oranges at $0.69, I ordered 3.  The oranges were delivered today and I thought there were more items in the bag because it was so heavy.  The oranges were so heavy; they were huge, in an insulated bag.

I never considered buying groceries from Amazon, mostly household items, clothing and other odds and ends.

Tonight I'm searching Amazon groceries and there is everything I would need, plus free delivery the next day.

I pay a fee to P & S to get free delivery, plus I include a tip.  No More!

Maybe this happened for the best, because I will get a better selection of groceries and at a lower price.

Schlaraffia

Saturday, August22, 2026

Peter was invited to a picnic by a member of his stammtisch (German speaking reserved table) group at the Schlaraffia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schlaraffia meeting hall in South Milwaukee.

Peter was a member of this group a number of years ago, but the drive from Wauwatosa to South Milwaukee was a little too demanding.

People were gathered at the rear of the building, and soon we met old friends and were introduced to new ones.  We were just in time before the spanferkel (roast suckling pig) was going to be cut up.

Two men carved the roast, putting the meat in large roasting pans and took the pans to the lower level of the building that was set up for the meal.  The dining hall was full, the largest it has ever been, according to a long-time member, with between sixty and seventy people.  This was a fund raising event; at $20 per person it was both good for the organization and the diners.

There was a huge buffet to accompany the main course.  The meat was delicious: moist, tender and done to perfection.

Another large table had an array of desserts, both home made and commercial.  My favorite was a Kahlua bar with coffee.

Nothing like music to aid in digestion, and we had that also, with one of the members playing familiar melodies on his accordion, along with ein prosit to finish off the beers.

Peter guided me on a tour to the main hall on the upper level to learn more about Schlaraffia, which is an International organization with hundreds of groups around the world.  The building once housed a women's group, but the architecture and design fit this group perfectly with its old world details.  There were a lot of owls which symbolize wisdom, which is one of the precepts of Schlaraffia.

A few of us gathered at a small bar where we finished the event having shot glasses of apple schnaps. 

We did a little shopping at P & S before Peter dropped me off at SRS.
 

Pot Luck Breakfast/Frank's 95th Birthday

Saturday, August 15, 2026

I made a frittata with ham, spinach, tomato, Swiss cheese, heavy cream and a dozen eggs for our pot luck breakfast.  While it was in the oven I delivered Birthday cards to Marilyn Minor, Nancy Mitchell and Julie our new resident.  I turned on the warming plate and put out items for the pot luck.  

We had one of the largest groups attending with enough food and Dwight Morgan's pancakes.  My frittata was cleaned up.

I was pretty tired, especially lifting that full cast iron pan.  I took a nap and felt refreshed.

I sat on the piazza with my knitting just before 3:00 p.m., expecting more people to assemble for Frank D'Amato's surprise party.  Frank's son was busy grilling and Frank was sprucing up tables for "some of his family" he was expecting.  All the guests had assembled in the Cannoli Room and filed out together, much to Frank's surprise.  Guests from SRS included a number of church members, plus Chuck and Jane Boecher.

There were appetizers and beverages, followed by a huge buffet with salads, fruit, Italian sausage and hamburgers.  Frank circulated among the guests.  Here he is with Mike Bruski and Jane Boecher.

I took my dessert to my balcony and had it with some hot tea, while I still watched the party from up above.

The forecast had been for thunderstorms, but the day could not have been more ideal.

Friends of Friends Gone

Friday, August 14, 2026

Brad texted me an obit asking if I knew this person: Chuck Zahnow!, what a shock.

https://www.muellerfuneralhome.com/obituaries/charles-zahnow

Peter and I enjoyed sitting at the table with Chuck and his wife Bonnie at the MARTA luncheons for many years.  Every September he would present me with one or two of his fabulous dahlias.  I was so happy that I could post this photo on his Memorial page.

Then, Terry sent a message that Marilyn Schrader died.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/marilyn-obituary?id=62175075

Marilyn was such a vital part of WAUC, leading us on her keyboard with seasonal songs and bringing her scrumptious cheesecake to WAUC parties.  She was a serious sheepshead player and would not tolerate bad plays.

These were two friends and friends of each other; Marilyn and the Zahnows were close friends.  Both funerals were the same day, hours apart.

Peter and I drove to attend Chuck's funeral at St. Paul's church in Grafton.  Because we were very early, we filled the time picking up a few things at P & S.

The service was lovely, with a men's choir singing two hymns, one in German.

I greeted Rev. Scultz afterwards, commenting on his homily that reflected his connection with Chuck.  Peter had to remind me to mention that Brad is a member of the church.  That sparked a recognition.

We started thinking about lunch and I suggested Ma Fisher's, where I had never been.  Great idea. We had more food than we could eat; the lunches included soup and salad/fruit.

We drove to the ATM for cash and to Whole Foods to get a refund on my Amazon sweaters.

That was a pretty full day.

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.

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.

Balcony Planting

 Thursday, June4, 2026

When Claude and I went to Mileager's I noticed that I had only one Bubblegum petunia.  Claude went back for a second one.  When I started planting, I noticed that he grabbed a pink petunia, but not Bubblegum; I like its trailing feature that should look nice over the balcony.

Fortunately, Laura and Jay were going to Mileager's today, but had no room for me in their SUV, but Laura would pick up the petunia, also a few coleus that died due to too wet feet.  I also asked Laura for a little potting soil.  She brought everything over in the afternoon.

When the rain stopped I did the planting and repotted the rose that I got from Colin.  It was in a small pot and dried out much too quickly.

My angel wing begonias are starting to show a lot of promise.

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.

Plant Shopping

Monday, May 18, 2026

It was a perfect day for Mileager's.  The forecast was for thunderstorms the past week, but it was a lovely day.

Claude came about 10:30 a.m. and we drove to Racine.

We covered a lot of ground looking for what we wanted; staff was very helpful.  However, no one led us in the right direction for verbena bolisriencalis, we found it ourselves. We had a light sprinkle, but it cleared up.

We had open-faced pulled pork sandwiches when we got home.

I planted everything and cleaned up.  Very sore.

I  took a couple Tylenol to ease the acke.

I was able to sit on my balcony before going to bed.

Amazon jScrew-up

Friday, May 8, 2026

I ordered two 6-packs of toilet tissue, some head bands and cat litter on Wednesday.

I got a notice that the cat litter was delivered

Mike Bruske is so kind to deliver our parcels, and when he lifted the box I asked if he wanted a cart because 40 pounds is so heavy.  But he flung it on his shoulder with no problem. Because the box was so light, I thought it was the toilet tissue.

Another box was delivered the following day, another very light one.  Inside were 16 rolls of Viva toilet tissue!  What am I going to do with so much toilet tissue?

I replied to the Amazon question about How was my order,  but I don't think that will get anywhere.

I began calling Customer Service before going to the symphony, but there was a 30-minute wait to speak to anyone.

I tried again in the afternoon, with a lot of cursing at the robot.  None of the options apply to my problem, and any of my replies were not recognized.

I finally got a person and explained my problem.  When I told the agent that I did not have a car to return the tissue, he put me on hold while he consulted someone, then told me that my litter would arrive tomorrow and I could keep the tissue.

But Dolly didn't waste any time claiming one of the boxes.

Tumble

Wednesday, May 6, 2026

We are getting a bedbug check with the dog today.  I was trying to get Dolly into the bathroom, when she darted away, and I tried catching her.  I tumbled on my back.  I was able to get up, but with a lot of pain,

Thursday, May 7,

I started making lemon bars for the WAUC picnic, when Peter called suggesting we have lunch.  I ordered sandwiches from Panera's, Peter picked up the order and we ate at SRS.

I played dominos, but have to watch how I move; I get sharp pains if I move the wrong way.

I finished the lemon bars, moving cautiously.

I took the Lyft to the WAUC picnic, Peter joined the table with Terry, Bob and some others.  There was n abundance of food with brats, Italian sausage and chicken.

I felt mostly out of the conversation.  Feeling more miserable as the time went on.  I decided to skip BINGO and left.

Friday, May 8

I had a restful night, but had a lot of pain going to the bathroom.  I'm walking with a lot of pain, and bending is impossible.

I decided to skip the symphony.

After taking a couple Tylenols, I felt somewhat better, and could walk without too much pain, I changed my mind and went to the symphony after all.

It was an unusual program with scenes on the screen with actors along with the music.  "Mark Twain" made an appearance looking forward to the bi-centennial of our country.

Sunday, May 10

When I awoke to use the bathroom, I could barely move getting out of bed. All along my waist and into my stomach, the pain was unbearable.

I took two Tylenols hoping to make it through mass.  I was Lector 2.  I managed getting through it without too much trouble.

Peter and I picked up Annika on Menlo Blvd.; she hadn't move yet.  We backtracked and got to Brad and Janice's along with Claude, shortly after 3:00 p.m.

Monday, May 11

Again, getting out of bed was very painful.  I've been using the heating pad which seems to give me some relief.  Two Tylenols also helped my get through the MARTA luncheon.

Tuesday, May12

Another morning of agonizing pain going to the bathroom and starting the day.

Wednesday, May 13, Claude's Birthday

Claude was going to take me to Milleager's today to shop for plants for my balcony.

I called Claude a little after 8:00 a.m. and asked if he would take me to Mt. Sinai to get my back X-rayed instead of Milleager's.  He agreed; it was his first suggestion when I fell.

Admission was pretty straightforward; high blood pressure, but everything else was fine.

I was placed in Room 8 and seen be a doctor who took my information.  After checking my body for pain, he suggested a CT Scan to check not only my bones, but my internal organs.

I was hooked up to a monitor, got my blood drawn and had an IV that will put dye in my system for the scan.

I waited quite a long time for the scan to happen.  Finally, I was wheeled into a room with a machine with what looked like a huge donut.  I held my breath at intervals while the machine did its work. It would take 45 minutes to an hour to get the results.

Claude had been waiting in the waiting room all this time; I wanted him with me when I got the results.  I had a little problem calling him because he forgot his phone and was unfamiliar with my phone that he was using.  We finally connected and he waited until the doctor came.

I do not have any broken bones.  I have: Closed compression fracture of body of L1 vertebra.  No surgery is required, but I have prescription for  (HYDROcordon-acetaminophin (NORCO).

Claude hung my begonias that he had been wintering, filled my planters and did some fiddling with my computer.  

Sixty-five years ago he was born at St. Luke's Hospital; on his sixty-fifth birthday, he was with me at Mt. Sinai Hospital.

To celebrate his birthday, we had dinner at Harry's Bar and Grill.

Disaster Cookies

 Sunday, April 26, 2026

Laura gave me the recipe for the potato chip cookies that I liked so much at Christmas.  I planned to make them for James Bruske's memorial service Monday evening. The recipe called for 2 cups of butter; that's 4 sticks, a whole pound.  I never made a recipe with a whole pound of butter.  There was no way to shape them into balls, but I used my 1 Tbsp. measuring spoon as a scoop.  In the oven they spread out very, very thin.  I couldn't imagine what I did wrong.

When I called Laura she said that she couldn't couldn't understand it either. She showed me her recipe, I showed her mine.  They were identical except for butter.  Then she realized what she did.  She doubled the recipe and instead of typing 2 sticks of butter, she typed 2 cups.

Monday, April 26

Even though the cookies might be edible, I did not want to apologize for cookies that were not perfect.  I decided to make another batch.  I used unsalted butter, and the rest of my flour.  Luckily I had enough of the other ingredients.

The result was much better.

I melted the chocolate that Laura gave me by putting it in a stainless steel bowl and putting the bowl in the small colander over boiling water.

W

We've been having violent winds; I saw the big couch move on the piazza, and chairs are tumbled all over the place. Our power is out in some areas; I have full power.

Jackie Haessley texted me that the memorial service scheduled for this evening has been postponed until sometime in May.

Variety Show

Friday, April 17, 2026

I'm the defense attorney in a play based on Hansel and Gretel, called "The Case of the Candy Cottage".  We read the play in one of our play reading sessions and Cheri Franch and I though it would be a good  addition.  Kathleen Narlock is the judge, Sue Cottrell is the prosecuting attorney, Barbara Todd is the bailiff and Edie Zutz is Ms Whitch.

I took a photo of this woodcut at the Racine Art Museum of the story of Hansel and Gretel.

We have some pretty nice talent at SRS.  

We did a kind of dress rehearsal and Diane Johnson wanted to include a play script that she had ready. It was a phone conversation between a husband and wife, with the husband going into a German concentration camp.  Sheri and I were sitting close to each other, both of us rolling our eyes about how inappropriate this is.  When Diane finished I said, "Diane, You are going to hate me", and I repeated it.  And then I told her that the variety show is lighthearted and funny, but her selection is very dark and depressing.  Others added to my comments; I think everyone was too afraid the speak up.

At 1:00 p.m. the church basement was beginning to fill up with our audience.  The front row was reserved for performers and anyone wearing a prayer shawl.

I was the first to perform with a knitting poem created by AI:

In a world of yarn and needles we dance

With knitting in hand we give yarn a chance.

Crafting caps for the winter’s cold,

Shawls that wrap around stories untold.

Scarves that carry warmth down the line,

And dishcloths made sturdy, each one a design.

In each knit and purl, a little piece of art,

Knitting together threads of a cozy heart.

I read the poem while showing a knitted cap, shawl, scarf and dish cloth.

Marilyn Minor followed with "Stardust", Lanore Lee sang "I can't say 'No', Cecile Langford and Dwight Morgan were "Sisters" and Cheri Franch mimed Avery Aten singing "I don't want to have a good day.

Talent, entertainment and a lot of fun.