End of June

 Where did June go?  It seems I did nothing noteworthy; I feel so useless.  Reading, knitting watching TV mostly occupy my time.  Osher has filled some of my time, also Jean Martyn that I find very enjoyable.

I ordered groceries from Pick 'n' Save this time; they were out of Cheerios!  There must have been a special sale.  I ordered chicken breasts and got a huge family pack.  One breast was more than enough for one person.  I halved each and planned my Friday dinner for Peter and me using one chicken breast using a recipe I discovered on Facebook. The only place that I was able to find a jar of roasted red peppers was at Fresh Thyme, which I picked up after my hair; they also had Boursin garlic and herb cheese.  It's a very nice specialty store; it does not have as many items like cereal as big food chains. I put some spinach, a few strips of baked red peppers and garlic and herb cream cheese on each breast, then wrapped a bacon strip around, securing it with tooth picks.  I made salad and used the cauliflower from last week that I roasted with garlic and a bit or red pepper flakes.  Peter came while it was raining pretty hard, so he parked in the garage.  The meal was delicious; I don't know when I enjoyed cauliflower more; I wish that I had more.  We watched some prerecorded programs in the evening.

I made a fritata with spinach, garlic and peppers topped with guriere cheese, blueberries and yogurt for breakfast.  After breakfast we went to Home Depot for mulch for me, some plants for Peter.  Since we were in the neighborhood we paid a visit to Rudy.  He made coffee and we talked and he told me countless times how good I looked.  I'm glad I never bought one of those single serving coffee makers.  What an abuse of plastic, and each serving is barely a cup. 

Peter unloaded my three bags of red mulch and was on his way.

I went to 4:00 pm mass that was sparsely attended.  I had a delicious chicken breast sandwich and salad for my supper. 

Sunday, June 28th

After breakfast of a leftover fritata, I spread two bags of mulch on the garden and did a thorough watering.  Mostly relaxed the remainder of the day.

Blood Donation

 June 23, 2020

The last session of Spirituality and Justice was much better than the previous ones; I almost was not going to attend as were a lot of people, only nine in attendance.  Laurie asked Jackie about her personal involvement and that sparked a lot of Jackie's background as an activist.

The Blood Center sent an appeal for a desperate need of blood, so I thought I'd give it a try after almost two years of low iron counts.  I've been taking an iron supplement for quite a while and it really paid off.  My iron was way above the required count; the required level is 12.5, mine was 15.5!  Blood pressure was also good.  The only problem was that my right arm, which I generally use, was not cooperating, so I had to get stuck again for my left arm.  Everything went well.  I rested for the rest of the day.

Summer 2020

Friday, June 19th

After viewing an informative nutrition Osher program, I decided to make a completely meatless meal for our Friday dinner.  I never heard of Farro, so this was going to be an adventure.  I cooked the Farro, which looked like barley but a little larger.  It took about 30 minutes to cook.  I prepared cauliflower, red onion, red pepper, zucchini, and summer squash and grilled them in a vegetable basket.  I made the sauce that really finished the dish and gave it life.  I toasted some garlic french bread to complete the meal .Peter and I really enjoyed it. For dessert, Peter suggested a trip to Leon's.  There weren't crowds of people, but with the spacing it took longer to be served.  It was worth the wait.

Phone story: Peter's phone was not taking a charge, after numerous attempts.  He was so disgusted that he asked Terry to order a new phone for him.  She gave him a link and he ordered one.  In the meantime, Terry wanted to check the phone out herself.  She worked on it, put settings in order and it took a full charge.  She also told Peter not to activate the new phone, because this one still had life.  When he came over, I gave him the box with the new and old phones.  The old phone was dead again, most likely because it had been sitting idle for a few days with the power on.  But I started charging it and it started charging up to 1%.  Peter thought he'd continue charging it at his house.  And he left.

Saturday, June 21st

Peter was totally frustrated.  His old phone still didn't take a charge.  As a last resort, he activated his new phone.  He wasn't getting that one to work either, and somehow the old phone started charging to 100%.  He came over with both phones to see if I could help.  I called Track Phone technical support and eventually got his service in order.  With my difficulty hearing and Maria's accent it was amazing that I understood those directions.

We needed a break and headed out to Mariachi's for steak fajita and Margaritas.  This would be our first venture to a restaurant since the pandemic. The staff were wearing masks and tables were separated.  We were very satisfied sharing the fajita with 6 tortillas.  

We stopped off at ECU's ATM to get some money, then drove to Warnimont Park and sat near the edge of a grassy area looking out at the beautiful lake.  We stayed until the black flies started to bite.  We took a detour to avoid the Black Lives Matter march that was going down one of the South Milwaukee streets.

Sunday, June 21st

I went to 10:30 mass, which was sparsely attended maybe 30 people.  In Romans 5:12-15, though sin is not accounted when there is no law, I compared it to there is no COVID-19 when there is no testing. 

Purple Heart is coming for a pick-up tomorrow, so I had to get my discards together.  I looked at the drawers with all my craft supplies that I haven't touched for over ten years, and don't anticipate any crafting urge in the near future.  Instead of separating the items, and there was plenty, I left them all in the drawers and donated it as is.  I managed to get both drawer sets upstairs, regretting that I didn't invite Peter to help me.  Then I looked at the sewing machine that I touched maybe once since 2001.  I sorted things out and then thought Peter could come over and we'd carry it upstairs to donate that also.  After calling him and trying to lift one end of the machine, I didn't think I'd be able to be much help.  He thought Purple Heart might be able to take it upstairs.  Peter brought his old phone with over 1500 photos that he wanted transferred to his computer.  I was able to do that.  It took some searching to find the phone file, then the pictures.  But he's happy to be able to see them on his computer. 

We headed out to the Rock, sitting high up overlooking the landscape on a beautiful breezy afternoon.  Peter went back for our steins to pour our beers into.  We ended up at Point After on 76th and Rawson for a Reuben sandwich that we split and beers.  Somehow the computer registered two Reubens, but we paid for just one and we each had a take-home.  That was pretty filling.

Thus ended a lovely first day of summer weekend.

 

Breakfast Visitors

June 4, 2020

The day was so lovely to have my breakfast on my patio.  But it is getting very difficult to balance my tray and keep Hello Dolly indoors at the same time.  She is determined to run out the door.  As I'm having by breakfast, what should stroll by on my lawn but two sandhill cranes.  Fortunately, I had my phone with me.  I gasped, slowly raised my phone and took a picture.  What a thrill!

 

Gift Plant

 June 2, 2020

I attended the first of three sessions on Spirituality of Peace on Zoom. We discussed Little Fires Everywhere in Book Club via Zoom.  Then I picked up my groceries at Festival Foods at 3:00 pm.  I was almost finished putting them away when Peter came over with a hardy Mandavilla.  I couldn't let him stand outside in the heat, so I invited him in, first time we got together since the March 15th Founders Day Dinner; except when he dropped over to check on my landscaping. 

He really misses our togetherness.  We visited for a while and he thought not getting together was my excuse.  I think he almost fainted when I told him to stay longer.

I think hummingbirds should like this.

Pandemic

 March 13, 2020

Many cancellations because of the corona virus.  It is recommended that people stay at home.  I still had my much needed hair appointment with a hair cut.  Did some grocery shopping and invited Peter for a shrimp supper.

March 14, 2020

Peter and I met at Divine Mercy, the same church as last week for John Reitzi's funeral in South Milwaukee, for David Wick's funeral, who is an Austrian Club member.  Peter, as vice-president, was really a representative of the Austrian Club.

March 15th, 2020

Founders' Day at Bullwinkle's still took place, and people didn't seem too concerned about the virus.

March 16, 2020

Many cancellations in city and county.  No WAUC lunch, I cancelled Red Hats.  I walked around the block once in the morning and again in the afternoon, with much effort.  My lower back is very painful, also my calves.

March 17, 2020

I did some light grocery shopping at P & S, mostly to make my trail mix. That stuff is addicting.  I ordered ear phones from Amazon; my noise cancelling phones had one earpiece loose.  Now that I'm walking, I like listening to blogs.  Walked around the block.

March 18, 2020

Did not leave the house except to get the paper and mail.  I listen to Anthony Cuomo from NY, with bleak news about how his state is the epicenter of the virus with many deaths and lack of supplies.

March 19th, 2020

Walked around the block with my new earphones.  Rained most of the day, very light and steady.

March 19, 2020

All beauty shops are closed, and any business that has personal contact.  Didn't leave the house.

March 21, 2020

Grocery stores are keeping special hours for seniors, so I was at the P & S on Rawson at 6:30 pm, along with other seniors, some wearing masks.  Shelves are depleted of toilet paper and sanitizing supplies.  I have a plentiful supply.  I stocked up way before this virus developed, and I bought a big pack.  I also have plenty of paper towels. I made a chicken breast with mushrooms topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese that turned out quite good.

March 22, 2020

Masses are cancelled.  The governor has ordered that groups of no more than 50 can congregate in any one place, so that eliminates church services.  I watched the mass at 5:30 am, from my bed in my nightgown, then went back to sleep.

March 23, 2020

Once around the block on a mild day.  Lots of walkers in the neighborhood.  That's about all that people can do. 

March 24, 2020

My Plant Diagnostics class at Boerner was cancelled, so it's being held on Zoom.  This was very convenient.  It didn't take long to get adjusted to the concept.  Then, Osher also has Zoom classes.  Today was Kim O'Meara that was truly inspiring.  Her poem that someone shared on Facebook went virile, with many people putting her poem to music in different languagesl

In the Time of Pandemic

Published on March 16, 2020 397 Comments

And the people stayed home.

And they read books, and listened, and rested, and exercised, and made art, and played games, and learned new ways of being, and were still.

And they listened more deeply. Some meditated, some prayed, some danced. Some met their shadows. And the people began to think differently.

And the people healed.

And, in the absence of people living in ignorant, dangerous, mindless, and heartless ways, the earth began to heal.

And when the danger passed, and the people joined together again, they grieved their losses, and made new choices, and dreamed new images, and created new ways to live and heal the earth fully, as they had been healed.

I'm enjoying following her on the-daily-round.com

March 25, 2020

Diagnostics on turf.

March 26.

Diagnostics on Apples and Raspberries.  John Gurda on The Making of Milwaukee on Osher.

March 27.

Got to Sendik's at 6:30, but they open at 7:00 for seniors.

Everyone is supposed to stay six feet apart, and it looked like it was working, except there were two entrances and there was too much crowding when getting carts. 

Diagnostics on trees

Walked slowly around the block without stopping. Last of the pierogi for supper.

March 28.

I was supposed to lector at 4:00 pm, but no church services are being held.

March 29

Made waffles, with enough to freeze.  Dumped the waffle iron in the trash because it heated unevenly and the waffles stuck even when I greased the griddle.  I bought it at the estate sale before I was married!  Watching the mass from St. John's Cathedral at 11:00 am was more satisfying than on Channel 6.

March 30

Claude calls me to check up on how I'm doing and we have some nice long chats about all kinds of things.  Laura and Janice also call.  Peter texts me every day with blessings and love.

March 31.

Last diagnostic class on vegetables.

April 1

Osher class on Looking at the Bright side with suggestions for keeping up our spirits, especially not watching too much news.  I watch Anthony Cuomo and the situation is dire.  I try to avoid the daily briefings with trump, because I absolutely cannot tolerate him.

April 2

Poems of Life, Wonder and Affirmation gave me a different insight to understanding some of the poetry.  What bothers me is why do I have to get an interpretation to understand the poem by myself.  Then John Gurda gave a program on Milwaukee's Economic Roots.  He's always so enjoyable to listen to.

April 3

Relived my Iceland trip on Osher, but the speaker had more travel information instead of the highlights of Iceland.  That prompted me to look at my trip photos.  I'm also posting on Facebook what I was doing ten years ago when I was on my Exploritas trip.

April 4

I'm doing a lot of reading, but I'm not bored.  I can always find something to do. There's a Daily Reflection every day from the Cathedral expounding on the daily reading.

April 5

I signed up for Amazon Prime and saved a bundle on gifts I sent to the family.  It took me a long time to get everything right, but I think the Easter gift will lift everyone's spirits.  Watched the 11:00 am from St. John's.

April 6

Osher stories also How COVID-19 is affecting Wisconsin

April 7

Wore a mask to shop at P & S at 6:30.  Found everything I needed, lucky it wasn't toilet paper

April 8

Worked on my accounts with the determination to keep at it more faithfully.

April 9

Worked on my Alabama trip on Penzu and keeping an account of the pandemic.

 I haven't been following through on keeping track of daily activities.  But here are some additions.

Laura got me started listening to Jean Martyn on Facebook at 1:00 pm.  She is a very accomplished organist and plays a variety of music that appeals to a wide group of followers.

Book Club met on Zoom.  I've been catching up with a lot of reading.  A Gentleman in Moscow was very engrossing.  It put isolation in a whole new perspective when Count Rostov was exiled in his hotel for 22 years.  A beautiful relationship between him and a young girl, then her daughter, who he treated as his daughter.  Beautifully written.  I'm also reading The Fall of Berlin, which is very detailed.  I wish I had some good maps to refer to.  That's the shortcoming of reading such a historic book on a Kindle.  There probably are maps, but at the end, and very small.

Claude does all of his grocery shopping online and picks them up.  I tried it a couple of times with Festival Foods.  I was quite satisfied.  Except when I ordered smoked pork hocks that I wanted to use for split pea soup.  They didn't have split peas and they sent my fresh pork hocks instead and wouldn't take them back, but didn't charge me.  I roasted four of them; they were very dry with so little meat that I ate them all. 

Still determined to make split pea soup, I bought two at Ray's.  I had the most delicious meaty soup.  It was worth the wait.

I don't walk as much as I should, but the girls down the street have some neat chalk drawings.

WAUC has been conducting meetings and SIGs on Zoom.  Howie from APCUG has been joining us as a valuable resource.

My trip to New Orleans with Osher has been canceled, which I was not too disappointed about.  It would involve a lot of walking which I'm not able to keep up with any more.  I wouldn't want to hold the group back.

May 17th.

After their hike, Vagabonds met at Area 7 in Whitnall park and Ron suggested people gather to meet one another again.  The day was perfect with about 40 people.  I brought water and wine, unfortunately no beer for Peter.  We practiced social distancing and had a wonderful day.

May 22, 2020

I was able to get my hair done.  Jocilyn and I wore masks.  I unhooked mine during my shampoo, but still kept my mouth covered.  A haircut and style made me look human again.

May 30, 2020

Church services resumed this weekend.  There are fewer lectors, which means we'll be lectoring more often.  I lectored at the 4:00 pm mass.  The church was roped off to allow seating on the right side of the church only.  Ushers wearing masks directed people to their seats.  There were no more than 50, about 10 not wearing masks.  I wore my mask, but removed it when I read.  We did not line up for Communion, but stood in our places until Father Terry came to each one and dropped the host in each palm.

Planting

Shopping for plants is like shopping for toilet paper in a pandemic!  To refresh my memory, I asked Jerry how to get to Wayne's Daughters where we went last year for our plants.  He said not to waste my time; it is almost bare.  This was two weeks before Memorial Day.  I decided to take a drive anyway; Jerry was right, hardly any plants.  All the greenhouses were empty.  There were quite a few plants outside, but not what I was looking for.  I bought some nicotiana, a fushia and some herbs.  Planted them when I got home.

Friday, May 29, 2020

I thought I'd get an early start at Bluemel's for some annuals.  Not one!  there were some in pots, roses, grasses and shrubs, but not much else.  A woman suggested a place on Howell south of Rawson that only sells annuals.  I drove there.  It's a temporary hot house with a lot of plants.  But nothing was labeled, and I didn't see any fibrous begonias or anything else I wanted.  Next, I drove to Custom Greenhouse on 6th street north of Layton.  They had a pretty good supply.  I bought marigolds, a flat of fibrous begonias, zinnias and coleus.  This was all before my 12:30 pm hair appointment.  Jocelyn said Tehan Greenhouses on Rawson east of Howell had plenty of plants when she went there.  I'll give it a try.

It was too hot to plant after my hair, and I didn't want to get sweated up, so I relaxed indoors.  At about 4:30 pm, it became cooler and overcast, ideal for planting.  After I got all the purchased plants in, I had some gaps to fill in, but it is starting to look nice.

Saturday, May 30, 2020

I drove to Tehan, that I never heard of before.  It is a little off the road, and I'd miss seeing it if I didn't know the address or see the sign.  Many greenhouses, all empty except one with a few vegetables.  Not one annual, but it's good to keep in mind in the future.  I went back to Custom and bought some ageratum and petunias.  The woman at Custom said the sales were unbelievable, also their shipment wasn't as large as it usually it.  I finished my planting, compete with my glass plate garden ornament.  I hope the bare spots fill in.

The brick is a stepping stone when I fill the jelly jar and safflower feeder.  I'll probably add a few more.

Peter and I really need to get away somewhere before the summer is over.  That cabin in Minocqua still haunts me.  I looked it up to see what vacancies there are.  The week of Labor Day was open.  I called Peter and we had a nice visit.  He was in favor of going to Minocqua, so I reserved it for September 5 - 11, and we are confirmed.