Knitting

 Tuesday, May 17, 2022

I made very many chemo caps during COVID, even though our group could not meet at Aurora.  I gave my supply to Janice.

Jackie Haessley was making shawls with a plain garter stitch, so I decided to use some of my yarn on that project.  I gave one to Laura, another to Janice.  I also knit a few scrubby dish cloths that I gave to new residents.

I had been giving my finished shawls to Jackie to take to St. Ben's  She thought St. Rita's had a knitting group that knitted shawls, and contacted a person through St. Rita's web site.  Today we met at 2:45 p.m. (I played sheepshead until that time) in the vestibule of the church.  We got introduced, said a prayer and knit while visiting.  Our shawls will be blessed and distributed to those in need.  The shawls that were gathered were bulky and warm, also of a generous size.  I'll have to make my next one a little bigger.  I have plenty of yarn that was provided.

Symphon/Alioto's

Friday, May 13, 2022

The SRS bus took us the the Milwaukee Symphony, saving a lot of parking hassle.  I had paid $20 to park in the lot behind the hall.  The concert was great led by conductor Ruth Reinhardt who began the program with "Flounce", an imaginative piece by Lotta Wennakoski, then Antonin Dvorak's Symphony No. 2 in F major and concluding with Brahms Piano Concerto No. 2 played magnificently by Alessio Bax, who got a standing ovation with three curtain calls.  My music app is now selecting Brahms.

When I got to Peter's house before going to Alioto's, he showed me the yarn that he bought from Goodwill. I had asked him if Goodwill had any yarn.  I should have known that he'd buy some and he did, but not what I had in mind.  He had a few assorted skeins, not enough for a shawl and only two that would be suitable for caps.

We both had the two-piece fish fry and were finished in plenty of time for a slow ride to the Austrian American meeting.

There were only eight of us at the meeting: Frank, Peter, Gisella who made the coffee, John, Mary, Richard and I.  There was no excuse for not attending on this mild evening.  Frank was extremely rude to Peter the entire meeting.  Frank barked at him in a very insulting way with every comment he made,  I can't remember being more upset.  I couldn't wait until we left.

We could use a drink to finish off the evening.  We had gin and tonics back at Alioto's while watching the Bucks lose to the Celtics 108 - 95, tying the series 3 -3.  Sunday afternoon will decide the winner.

Driving home was more of a challenge.  The Bucks fans were on the streets, sidewalks and roads.  Water Street was blocked with a lot of detours.  I  couldn't imagine why there were fireworks to celebrate losing the game.  Those weren't fireworks I heard, but gunshots!

https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/2022/05/14/21-injured-downtown-milwaukee-shootings-what-we-know/9775610002/

Planting My Balcony

 Friday, May 12, 2022

I skipped exercise to take advantage of this beautiful weather to get my balcony planted.  Bayside Garden Center had a great selection of very healthy plants to choose from.  I found fibrous begonias, blue salvias, rosemary, thyme and basil; I also picked up a couple bags of potting mix.  I made up the pot of herbs and added the parsley and chives that I had on my window sill. After planting everything except the basil, I was worn out.  Everything was a mess with hauling supplies and soil to be swept up.

First Weekend in May

 Friday, May 6, 2022

We attended Eric Benz's funeral and stayed for the ceremony.  There were not as many people in attendance as at Donna's funeral on Tuesday, but people had some nice things to say about him, especially some Black men who had dealings with his company.

We headed to Su Casa to share a fajita and margaritas; since they were $5 instead of $8, we each had two.  

Saturday, May 7

I did a little shopping after my hair for gift cards for Claude and Janice's Birthdays that we'll be celebrating tomorrow.   After a little rest, the time went quickly until Peter picked me up for Alfred's Birthday party at the Bavarian Beer Haus.  Alfred reserved a section for his guests, which must have been at least 50, with beverages and food off the menu, finishing off with Birthday cake.

This party made me rethink my plans for celebrating my 90th, instead of a catered party at SRS.

Sunday, May 8

It was too cold to be outside for our Mother's Day/Birthday event at the Dorns'.  I mentioned my plans for a Birthday dinner and it seemed very agreeable.  Colin suggested Victor's; Jay added the family room at Bonobo's as possible venues.  Laura thought music would be nice.

As usual, the men prepared our meal: Claude brought appetizers and beer, Jay made a salad, Brad provided hamburgers.  We finished the meal with Birthday cake from Cosco.

I got a breathtakingly beautiful orchid from Jay and Laura,

a very nice begonia from Claude,

and a Fresh Thyme gift card from Brad and Janice.

Monday, May 9

It was wonderful to sit with our friends Chuck and Bonnie Zahnow at the MARTA luncheon at the Hampton Inn in West Allis.  It was very well attended, and the food was delicious.  Many people commented about the meals that were served, which confirmed my plan to have my party at the Hampton Inn.

Because I really blew my diet this weekend, I finished off the day with wine at the SRS Happy Hour.

Planning for my 90th

 Monday, May 9, 2022

What better time to start making plans for my 90th than meeting with the Food and Beverage Manager after our MARTA luncheon at the Hampton Inn and Suites on Greenfield Ave.  Joe Lobenstein and I sat in the bar area and discussed possible menus, beverage plans and dates.  Because my birthday is on Saturday, September 24th, I want it on that day.  The date was available, but there was a difference in the minimum that had to be spent if it was held on a Saturday.  But with an open bar and top menu choices, I should have no problem reaching that minimum.

Warehouse MKE

 Tuesday, May 3, 2022

I took my car for major service yesterday, and I was without a car.  I could not attend Book Club, so I went to the Warehouse MKE with SRS.  It is a lovely gallery with the current show Secret Garden, with art work incorporating plants and gardens using various media.  It is free with ample parking.

My car was still not finished, so Peter picked me up for Donna Kuehl's funeral.  It was very well attended.

May Day

 May 1, 2022

Joanne Seidita crowned the Blessed Virgin at the 10:30 mass.

I put out my Blessed Virgin on my shelf.  The Madonna was a wedding gift from dear friends Ethel and John Bach; the rosary was a gift from Brad and Janice a number of years ago.