Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2024

Thursday, November 28, 2024

 It was a strange but wonderful Thanksgiving.

Laura came alone; Jay was in Lake Tahoe to be with Aleksei.  They are having difficulties because of Laura's alcoholism.  But we were so grateful that she decided to join us.

Annika was working; Anton left for Florida.

Here is Janice's email for the day.

Claude, thank you for offering to bring the Asti. Based on Laura’s last email, I was not planning on having her join us. Now it seems that Laura is reconsidering and the current plan is that Laura will join us. I know that Laura has said in the past that she does not mind alcohol being served at our gatherings. I feel strongly that serving alcohol in front of an alcoholic, especially one that is in crisis recovery mode, is insensitive. Since Laura is now joining us, I would ask that we not serve alcohol (beer, wine, Asti). This is something I would like to implement for gatherings in our home when Laura is present. I obviously have no control of things outside our home and in restaurants, etc., but at least I/we can support her in this small way.

Mom—please inform Peter that we will not be serving beer and so there is no need to bring beer.

In place of Asti, Claude, could you please provide sparkling apple juice and maybe non-alcoholic white wine and non-alcoholic beer, if you wish. I will provide some non-alcoholic cocktails and sparkling water.

Let’s please not make a big deal of this when Laura arrives. We can make light of it and just say that we are doing something different this time.

My hope is that this small sacrifice of no alcohol for one meal out of our day will help to show Laura our love and support.

Love,

Janice 

There was an abundance of appetizers with a cold non-alcoholic cocktail that Janice served.  The men had non-alcoholic beer; Claude provided non-alcoholic prosecco for dinner.

Janice ordered turkey breast and gravy from Sendik's that needed to be heated.  Janice prepared mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and her homemade pickles.  She made a Vegan dish for herself.  She complemented the dinner with a delicious chocolate pumpkin pie. 

I'm rethinking turkey: The turkey from Sendik's was tender, moist and flavorful, without all the work!

November 17, 2024: Opera, "Alcina"

 Sunday, November 17, 2024

I made peanut butter filled cookies for the pot pot luck today.  It was a recipe from the new Electric Company cook book.  They were kind of putzy, but they tasted good.  I'll take some to share with Gerri and Doris at Osher; I got the cook book from Gerri.

A lot of nice food at the pot luck.  We had it at 4:00 p.m. instead of 4:30, to allow time to get to the Opera at 6:00 p.m.

We carpooled to go to an antique store on Vliet Street, across from MPS Administration.  I would never have though Dandy was a theater.  I rode with Shirley Bascom to this antique shop and we were directed to the back, with seating arranged in the round.  There were couches and arm chairs encircling the center stage, with metal folding chairs behind (the lower priced seats). 

Early Music Now and Milwaukee Opera Theatre gave a wonderful performance of "Alcina", by George Frederic Handel.  Details were spoken in English with Italian lyrics.  Beautiful voices throughout.  The evening was an unusual and enjoyable experience.

First Karneval

Saturday, November 2, 2024

Karneval is supposed to start on November 11th, but this one started early.

We planned to eat at Alioto's and then drive to the Village Bowl Heritage Ballroom afterward.  We should never have planned to go a restaurant when we have another engagement.  Service was very slow, even with very few people in the dining room.  We each had a piece of bread, but left to go to Culver's on 124th Street.  We each had a very nice Reuben Melt and were on our way.

We sat with Vivian and her family along with Rudy M.  The Drum and Bugle Corps ushered in the outgoing Prince and Princess, and then ushered in the new royalty..

.  There was a lot of music with the band and the Drum and Bugle Corps that made for a pleasant evening.

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.