St. Rita Square Remembers

 May 30, 2023

We gathered in the Cannoli Room to remember the thirteen residents that died the past year.

Tyler Palzkill welcomed us followed by Abby Syverson reading a poem.  We sang "Amazing Grace" accompanied by Jim Szantor on his clarinet.  Chaplain Jeremy Bryan talked about our perception of death and resurrection.  Another member of the staff read an excerpt from Ecclesiastes (3:1-8).  We observed silence after the names of the thirteen deceased were read.

Some of us remembered something special about any of these people; I mentioned Donald Wescher's outgoing nature.  Teffiny talked about Jason, our cook who died suddenly, and how much she missed him.  I told the group about the great website I discovered, findagravesite.com that helped me find my brother.  

As we concluded I approached a woman and a young lady asking who they were.  The woman said she was Jason's mother and the young lady was Jason's daughter.  I told them that I made the shawl that they received.  I was very happy to learn how much they appreciated and loved the shawl, especially Jason's favorite color, purple.

We helped ourselves to sandwiches, salad, pastries and soft beverages that we took into the trattoria. 

Memorial Day, 2023

 May 29, 2023

We declined Anita Kuchler's invitation for a Memorial Day get-together, and we could not attend the SRS cook-out, because we accepted an invitation from Peter's cousin, Wally Stefan and his wife Elaine.  My GPS was acting out-of-sorts trying to find the address; I thought Peter had it wrong.  We headed towards Mequon, but to make certain we would get there, I called Wally who said a GPS has difficulty finding his house because it is set back from the road.  Once we got to Pioneer Road we turned west, but that didn't seem right.  Another call got us going east instead, and Wally was waiting for us by the side of the road.  It was a long drive to his home on a dirt road.

Wally and Elaine have a beautiful home on a very large tract of land where we sat with beers while enjoying a gentle breeze.  Wally grilled hamburgers and pork chops that we put together indoors with other additions.  The watermelon was refreshing.  Elaine and I had a chance to talk, mostly about family, while Peter had an opportunity to examine all of Wally's equipment.  Peter was impressed with all the equipment kept in the garage and a very huge outbuilding.

It was still early enough to do something else, and Peter suggested Estbrook Park.  As we drove, I changed our direction to von Rothenburg.  We could have gotten there much quicker from Wally's house, but we had a pleasant drive.

Peter put down a tablecloth and got our cold steins filled with beer.  There was no live music or food service, but we enjoyed just sitting and enjoying the day.  Our tablecloth was an invitation for Dave to join us as we shared travel, beer and people stories.  I am amazed how complete strangers can have so much in common.

As we were driving home Peter complained about a pain in his toe.  Google seemed to think it was gout.  I hope he gets relief soon.

Vagabond Picnic

Sunday, May 28, 2023    

I planned to get subs from Gold Coast subs, but they were closed.  I got the subs from Subway on 60th Street south of Oklahoma.

We had a perfect day for our picnic at Whitnall Park.  Peter brought Helen Hankwitz, and then he joined the hikers.  It was great seeing people that we haven't seen for quite a while.

By the time the hikers returned we were ready for our lunches and the dishes that were contributed.  Our numbers increased considerably with the hikers and others that joined later.  My rhubarb crisp got polished off with two pieces for me to take home.

Rhubarb

 Saturday, May 27, 2023

I hoped to find fresh rhubarb at the Walmart on Capitol Drive, but there was none. I got my other groceries, then drove to the Fondy Farmers Market, thinking I'd have better luck.  It was a far cry from a farmers market - mostly gaudy merchandise.

My next bet was the West Allis Farmers Market, but I was pretty early for the 1:00 p.m. opening.  A cup of coffee would kill some time, but the Beecher Street Cheese Market was packed.  I was surprised to see the upgrade with a beautiful pergola and outdoor seating.  I will definitely keep that in mind for a less busy time.  Back to the WA market, but it still wasn't open.  

As a last resort I went back to my own neighborhood to Fresh Thyme, which I should have gone in the first place, with my gift card besides.  All the rhubarb I wanted!

I made a large rhubarb crisp for the Vagabond picnic tomorrow.

Meet and Greet

Friday, May 26, 2023 

We had a very nice turnout to get to know each other when we gathered at 1:00 p.m. on the Piazza.  It was sunny, but jackets and sweaters added to our comfort.

Abby served snacks of cheese and crackers, taco dip, cookies and cupcakes, plus juice and water.

We mingled and found out more about our fellow residents.  Most I already knew from interacting in other activities.

Peter and I went to Estebrook Beer Garden and found a table in the shade, which was uncomfortably chilly.  Once we moved to a sunny table, it made a big difference.  A duo played at about 5:00 p.m. and we enjoyed cold steins of beer with a hot dog for me and a lanjaeger for Peter, plus chips.  Peter was disappointed because the lanjaeger was just a cold link of sausage.  To stretch out our evening we had another beer with a large pretzel.  The clarinetist joined us during his break and we had a pleasant conversation.

We left when the music stopped at 8:00 p.m.

Origami and Grandmothers of Uganda

Monday, May 22, 2023 

Today Cookie Anderson led a group of us fold origami butterflies that Bruce and Terry Wiggins want to use when they celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on June 10.  Terry used colorful calendar pages which were more difficult to fold but put paper to another use.  I used a glue gun to attach a tiny flap that held it together.

The Garden Club met at 1:30 p.m. to finalize plans for modifying the planters, which Dwight Morgan will be in charge of; Eleanor Harris and I will buy plants for the planters, and others will be in charge of the planter boxes and tower.

A few people organized a fundraiser to support Grandmothers in Uganda. 

https://immysafricancuisine.com/  We pre-ordered meals that Jon Bales, Marilyn Minor and Eleanor Harris picked up which we ate in the Trattoria.  We do not have meal service on Mondays, so this worked out very well.  Leon Todd, Brunetta Soward, Marilyn Minor and Brunetta's daughter dressed in African attire.

There was a choice of vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals, each bundled in separate bags.  My non-vegetarian bag contained an egg roll, plantains, potato puffs, containers of curry rice, beef, and chicken.  There were many flavorful comments from both the vegetarian and non-vegetarian selections, with plenty of food to take to our apartments for another meal.  

I hope that the lady who delivered our meals can come back to give a presentation on the history of the Grandmothers of Uganda.

St. Rita Feast Day, Duck Dinner at J & L's

Sunday, May 21 2023

Today is the feast day of St. Rita of Cascia, the patron saint of St. Rita Parish.  After the 10:30 mass yesterday, we gathered in the church hall for a buffet of ham, rolls, potato salad, fruit cup, cookies, chips and beverage.  Many of the usual after-mass group did not come down and didn't know what they missed.

I was invited to Jay and Laura's for a duck dinner that Jay was preparing.  Laura and I watched "Vera" while Jay worked in the kitchen.  I was expecting roast duck and could not imagine a duck would roast in the 10 minutes Jay had allowed.  But it was not a roast duck, but duck breast medallions on a honey butter sauce with roasted carrots and a sauce for dipping.  The crusty bread did not need butter but could soak up that delicious honey butter.  We had wonderful conversation about Jay's recent trip with Brad to Eli, MN, to work on a National Forest building, plus other topics of interest.