Mixed Up Day

 July 14, 2021

Our calendar said we were to go to the German Bier Haus for our Happy Hour on July 29th.  Because Briana is leaving, she moved it up to today.  I called Peter and told him to meet me there at about 4:00 p.m.

I picked up a Rx at Walgreen's and did some grocery shopping at P &S.

I did more walking today, checked the plant tower and read in the piazza.  I felt confident enough to leave my walker in the car when I went for my therapy at 1:30 p.m.   On one of the routines I had to put one foot on a step, and I fell, wrong foot!  Dial gave me a walker which helped.  I picked up a book from the library, and fortunately it was delivered to my car.

When I got to the lobby for our outing to the Bier Haus, Patty said we are going to River West Pizza instead.  I immediately called Peter of the change of plans.  He was actually glad of the change because the downtown area will be a madhouse with the Bucks playing.  We drove in torrential rain.  The restaurant opened early for us and we were greeted with clear open umbrellas (just like the one Peter bought in Japan).  The owner is Connie's daughter.  We had appetizers, most of us had margaritas and three pizzas which were compliments of Briana.  

On the way out, I fell again.  Luckily, a hefty man was available to pick me up.  I don't hurt myself, I just collapse and it's very difficult to get up.

Joyfully, the Bucks beat the Suns 109 - 103.  Can they keep it up?  

Family Dinner

 Sunday, July 11, 2021

Because of the pandemic the family did not have our December outing and dinner, so we had a Christmas in July dinner and appreciation for all the help and support I received in my move.  

Jay, Laura, Claude, Brad, Janice, Annika, Peter and I gathered at Char'D, (Aleksei is in CA, Anton was working and Colin was at the Bucks playoffs).  I never heard of a bar that didn't have olives for my martini.  Peter and I shared a plate of sliced beef that gets wrapped in lettuce, plus other sides.  Annika and I shared a dessert.

Afterwards, Jay, Laura, Brad and Janice stopped at my apartment for a visit.  Tyler was available and opened the church for us and gave us some of its history.  This was Jay's first time here, he liked it very much.  

Visit With Don

 July 9. 2021

When I got a phone call from Don I was afraid he was going to tell me not to come for some reason; but he wanted to know if I got his email.  I checked, and here it is.

Hi Marcia,

I hear that you are going through to visit today. Wonderful! I have a favor to ask of you. On Brady Street very near where you live is Glorioso’s Deli. Would you go there and buy for me 2 pounds of big olives. They’re in the deli section on the far end. They are green and look like little green plums and they are plain- no other ingredients. And one pound of their finest prosciutto- more than  30.00 a pound perhaps. I bought the 27.00 a pound stuff but didn’t care for it. And from the bakery vitrine 5 mixed berry tarts. They look like tiny pies. And 4 eclairs. 

Be careful driving.

Don

You can face time me if you have a question. Anyway I think you can. Or just call.

608 509 8180

I've never been to Glorioso's.  I've passed it a few times, but never had occasion to go there.  What an enormous store!  I went to a man (among very many) in the deli and showed him Don's email.  He knew just what he wanted.  I'm glad that I didn't wait until the last minute to do my shopping, because it took quite a long time for him to slice to perfection that prosciutto, especially at over $30.00 per pound.  That deli was so busy with all that help bustling around.  I'm not going to wait very long before I visit again.

I was on the road about 1:15 p.m.  It was a good drive with moderate traffic.

Masako was outside as I drove in and we greeted each other with warm hugs, holding on a long time.

Don was dozing in bed, but awoke quickly.  I didn't know what to expect, but I was pleased to see how alert and in good spirits he was.  A big hug with minimum emotion was all we needed.  I sat by him and we talked.  Rachel and Masako busied themselves so that Don and I could visit.  I asked Don how he knew where all the items were and the prices at Glorioso's. He said that they made a trip with Myleen a few weeks ago.  How strange; they drove right by St. Rita!  I hope they make the trip again and stop in.  He is managing his condition as best as he can. He has numbness in his hands and feet; finds it difficult to use the keyboard.  There are only a few things that he enjoys eating: some things he can't taste, some might be difficult to digest.  Constipation can be a problem; I suggested Metamucil which he heard about and will definitely put on his list to buy.  He gets very much attention from the family.  Rachel learned how to be a nurse on YouTube and she administer all of his medications.  Eric comes as often as he can and then he takes over, the same with Naomi.  Myleen provides transportation whenever it is needed, and unfortunately, there were a number of trips to the hospital when medications were not performing.  He and Masako each have their own bedrooms (and maybe baths), so there is plenty of room to accommodate both of them.  Kai is living in Madison and Koji has a room downstairs.  

I had tea with some crusty bread with the prosciutto that I bought.

Don has bird feeders next to his window and a bird bath fountain that give him endless pleasure.  He was so proud of Rachel's garden, so before leaving I had to have a look.  And my visit ended in a sour note.  As I went down a step to the porch I fell.  My right knee collapsed.  Nothing looks sprained or swollen, but my left ankle hurts.  So I have a bum right knee and an aching left ankle.  I have to really concentrate when I approach a step to decide which foot to lead with and support myself securely with railings.

New Therapy

June 8, 2021

 I had my first appointment with Athletica at 9:30 a.m. on Downer Ave.  I had a very long questionnaire to complete before I saw Kyle for an hour.  He did more manipulating on a table, plus other exercises.  Right now I am in very much pain.  I know I'll have a restless night.

I picked up a book at the East Library and discovered their parking lot.  I'm getting more familiar with the neighborhood.

I had some yogurt and a banana for lunch before going to the Club Room for the knitting group,  Connie and I were the only ones there and Connie didn't do any knitting that I could see.

At 12:30 p.m. people started streaming in for the opera Norma.  It was so powerful; unbelievable voices.  I had to leave just before it ended to get set up for dominoes for the very first time.  I left my bag in my room, thinking most people wanted to play Mexican Train.  Chuck and Jane taught a few of us how to play traditional dominoes; it was fast and wasn't that much fun.  I set up my set to play Screw Your Neighbor with Sue, Tony, myself and then Janice.  It really caught on.  Jack from sheepshead got interested and Briana noticed the fun we were having.  She said she would set that up on a regular basis.

By the time I put everything together, it was time for dinner.  We had a beef and vegetable stir fry, very good.

I was pleasantly surprised to find a check from Hunt Management for $1050.00 for the radon installation. in my mailbox.

Right now, I feel very sore and have difficulty walking.  I hope I'll be able to drive tomorrow to go to see Don.

Book Club, Lunch, Movie

 July 6. 2021

Everyone seemed to like Where the Crawdads Sing   Some read it twice and examined inconsistencies, or parts that were hard to believe.  A few of us drove to Ruby Tuesday for lunch: Barbara, Jane, Terry, Joy, Kathy, Linda, and I.  We were disappointed that they no longer offer $5.00 hamburgers, but we got an appetizer plate as compensation.

Terry and I met Kathy at the Ridge to see Queen Bees.  It was innocent and entertaining.  Ellen Bernstyn was fighting with her daughter not to go to senior living.  She balks, then adjusts.  She finds romance with a man who was planted there to help her adjust.  They fall in love and marry.

I started watching the Bucks vs Suns in the Club Room, but when they started to really trail I went to my room. Finally score, 118 - 105.

Planting and More

July 3, 2021

I was watching the Garden Club from my balcony assemble to plant a tower.  I didn't plan on joining them since I had a hair appointment at 11:00 a.m. and I didn't want to get dirty.  They motioned me to join them, so I did.  The assortment of plants they had to plant was very optimistic; I have serious doubts they will have much success with Brussel sprouts and egg plant.  I planted four cherry tomatoes and cut up a plastic hanger to stake them.  It will be surprising to see what this tower produces.

I had a hair appointment with Mary.  The first thing I noticed was a very dusty work area.  She also raised her prices, but it will be worth the price for the convenience of not having to leave the building.  I was satisfied with her style and will get a cut next week.

I took a nap after having lunch and did some reading.

At 5:30 p.m. Peter picked me up for our dinner at Fox and Hounds.  We were seated immediately.  We both ordered the prime rib special; buy one get one free.  The dinner was very good.

On the way home Peter did not take the correct exit so we landed on Oklahoma Ave.  Since we were so close to Leon's, Peter suggested a stop there.  At first I felt too full, but I can always make room for a Leon's custard.  There was a very long line, but Peter said it was worth the wait for something good.  He took out his lawn chairs and we enjoyed our custard while catching glimpses of fireworks from various city parks.  The night was perfect for sitting outdoors.

Celebration

July 2, 2021

When I heard Lanore mention whom she was inviting to the July 4th party, I didn't know that guests could be included.  I ordered my dinner for today, called Maggie to find out if guests could be invited.  She said she didn't know, but would ask someone.  She never got back to me.  I was sitting on my balcony and noticed Briana making some preparations on the piazza.  I called down to her and she said sure guests are invited.  I called Peter; he was doing dishes.  He said he could be right over.

It was a lovely sunny day, not too warm.  I found a table under an umbrella and waited.  We were the last ones served, but it was very enjoyable.  Since he was here I thought maybe it would be nice for him to stay for dinner.  I ordered mine, and the new policy is that dinner reservations are to be made by 6:00 p.m. the previous night.  Donna was available and I asked if she could add one more person to my reservation.  She did, and requested that I come at 5:10 p.m.  No problem.  We relaxed in my apartment until it was time to go.  I had to return to the room for a beer for Peter and my wine.  We sat with my usual group and enjoyed cream of mushroom soup, shrimp, grits and vegetables with lemon pie for dessert.  Peter was very pleased with the dinner.