Car Estimate/Brad and Janice Birthday Visit

 Thursday, October 31, 2024

I drove to Royal Auto Body on Chase Avenue where Ivan Zaiats gave me the major news on my minor damage to my car. Because I have a Lincoln, everything is more expensive.  He gave me a lot of information about talking and dealing with the insurance company.  But the bottom line is that it will cost $5242.19 to repair my car.

Next I filed a claim online, which was pretty time consuming.  I should expect a call from an adjuster in a day or so.

We played sheepshead at 2:00 p.m. until it was time to join the Halloween festivities.  Barbara Leigh and Rikki Thompson were in the right spirit.

Brad and Janice came with my Birthday present: a book she had printed of our Door County vacation,  A CD of  "Captains Courageous" and some licorice.  We had a lovely visit and when they left I admired and relived our wonderful family time together

Interfaith Conference

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

I made sweet potato soup for the Interfaith dinner.  It took time cutting up the sweet potatoes, shallots and garlic and emulsifying the cooked vegetable.  The rosemary gave it a lovely aroma. I left it to finish later.

I played sheepshead until 3:00 p.m.

I finished the soup with maple and mascarpone, got it warmed and transferred to the large slow cooker.  It made a generous amount.

Jackie had the Cannoli Room arranged very nicely for about thirty people that would be attending.  Multiple faiths were in attendance.  My soup was devoured.

Afterward, a moderator at each table passed out cards with questions about our relationships with various generations.  Our moderator emphasized listening to each comment without interrupting.  Our table had some excellent comments about living in families with multiple faiths, how an organization we belong to treats other age groups and how we feel about other age groups.. 

Dentist/Jessica Michna/Dinner with Shirley

 Tuesday, October 29, 2024

I had my first appointment with Dr. Swathi Gola, who I'm going to love.  Cheri French recommended her with good reason.  At first the attendant did not believe that I was 92, neither did Dr. Gola.  I had some X-rays, then Dr. Gola cleaned my teeth, reporting that my teeth were in very good condition.  Another person finished by polishing.  I really appreciated leaving without writing a check.

With all the promotion I did, the room was full to see Jessica Michna portray Eleanor Roosevelt.  Everyone really appreciated the program. Jessica began when Eleanor was a young girl, continuing as a wife of a governor, member of the cabinet and president.  She included her heartache when learning of Franklin's infidelity and how she survived.  It was a touching story. 

I played some sheepshead and lectored at 4:00 p.m. mass.

Shirley Bascom offered to stay with Marleen Morgan while Dwight attended a meeting. Shirley invited Win Thrall and me to come to the dinner with the food that Dwight prepared: Shephard's Pie and homemade bread.  We had wine while waiting for Dwight who came just as we began serving.  We had a pleasant meal with interesting conversation and lemon squares for dessert.

Accident and Movie

 Monday, October 28, 2024

I was on my way to meet Peter at the Ridge Cinema when I missed the lane that would take my on I43.  I was in the left-turn lane on Knapp and Fond du Lac, approaching slowly in order to make a U-turn when I had the light.  An SUV crossed over the adjoining lane and hit my front fender.  Then sped away. It was gray and I did not notice a license plate.

I put on my flashers and called 911.  I explained my situation, also that there was no fire and no one was injured.  I got out to assess the damage and noticed a small dent, but the car was drivable.  I'm sure the small dent will not be small when it gets to the body shop.

I still got to the movie on time.  We had comfortable reclining seats watching "Conclave".  Quite a surprise ending electing a new pope that will advance the direction of the Catholic Church.

Doris Kerns Goodwin

 Sunday, October27, 2024

After having a lovely dinner with Teri Miller, Doug and Cheri, Teri and I arranged to attend the free talk by Doris Kerns Goodwin at the Wilson Center in Brookfield.  The first fifty people were promised a free copy of her latest book, An Unfinished Love Story.  I anticipated a large crowd and suggested leaving at 4:30 p.m.  We compromised and decided on 5:00 p.m.

I saw a Facebook message with a link to get tickets to the event.  I got one for myself, and another for Teri that came in our e-mail.

Teri noticed that the tickets were to watch the talk streaming.  I was really disappointed, but we decided to go anyway to see what would happen.

When we arrived at the Wilson Center at about 5:15, there were about eight people already waiting at the door that would open at 6:30 p.m. We got into a discussion about our tickets with Teri's being virtual, a couple had a printed ticket and mine was on my phone as a verified ticket.  A woman behind said that her friend could not attend and Teri was welcome to the friend's ticket.  It was a long time to stand outdoors as the night was turning colder.  I had a fleece jacket and was not too uncomfortable.

Shortly before 6:30, the owner of Boswell Books arrived and carried cartons of books inside.  When the doors opened shortly after 6:30, we filed inside and were told that the first two rows would have books at each seat.  We did not have to present any tickets or any other forms for admission.  So all the fuss was for nothing.  Teri had decided to give her copy of the book to the woman who offered her a ticket.  But there was an extra book in our row so Teri got her book also.

Doris Goodwin was marvelous, keeping a steady stream of conversation about a few presidents and their contributions to democracy.  She has a brilliant mind with many facts about the historical impact of their presidencies.

2024 Skeleton Class Reunion

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

The day could not have been more perfect for a drive to Hubertus to view the annual skeleton display.  This year's theme is "Skullview High 49th Class Reunion"

A Giant King and Queen dominated the scene,

greeting all the former classmates to have a good time dancing

to their favorite music

while the cheerleaders put everyone in high spirits.

(Click on the picture to see the video)

You can't remember your old classmates without a name tag. Even Funny Bone  is here.

And there was a grim reminder of the consequences of smoking.

We stopped to admire the beautiful colors of fall

before having a pizza at Johnnie Manhattan's.

Masako's 90th Birthday

Sunday, October 20, 2024 

I was invited, along with Peter, to a 12:30 p.m. luncheon to celebrate Masako's 90th Birthday at Oishi Sushi and Bar in Madison.  Masako thought she would be celebrating with just the local family; she was really surprised to see so many from far away, including Peter and me.  The guests included: Myleen, Mike, Emi, Mika, her husband, and 1-month baby boy Vincent, Kenji, Rachele, Troy, Koji and friend, Kai, Eric, Emily, Miles, Naomi, Kimi, Peter, Marcia and Masako, the guest of honor.

We had a private room that was a little tight for our large group.  Bowls of soup and rice were set at each place.  Next, servers brought out three huge "boats" of food: sushi, raw fish, and other Japanese foods.  Here are two of the "boats".

There were also hot dishes served on hot platters like fajitas of chicken, shrimp and beef. 

For dessert, there were frosted cupcakes, and Masako had a hot fudge sundae with a Birthday candle.

It was delightful connecting with the family and children that I haven't seen in a very long time; it was a challenge identifying them.