2011 is the Year of Debunking!

Such a funny word--debunk. There is a "Seinfeld" episode where one of the guys, likely George, kept saying "debunk" and the other guys were getting after him, telling him he only used it because he liked how it sounded. This a.m. there was a segment on 'debunking' myths regarding women and their care, such as drinking water does nothing for your skin moisture (oil, either from internal or external sources will, though), crossing your legs will not cause varicose veins, and if you have cellulite, you can thank your mom for it, not necessarily your diet or exercise. The other 'big' debunking came this week as the study done linking children's vaccinations to autism was found to be faulty. The scientist in Great Britain did not conduct his testing or run his program properly. It was again on the TV news this a.m. and on the radio programs much of the week. Emotions run high on this subject, partly due to the parents being so very frustrated and desperate to try to find an answer to this mystery. Last year the big 'debunking' was in science, with the global warming theory being exposed for showing false data. When is data not data? When it's fabricated, I guess. One of the ladies at church (GS) is totally convinced the polar bears are dying, because she saw it on PBS!

There was supposed to be a seminar at Victory today regarding finances but it was cancelled since fewer than ten people had signed up for it. It might have been the cost that prevented folks from coming, or just too close to the holidays yet, but I hope that it is offered again. I did not sign up either but was going to on Thursday. An e-mail came yesterday saying it was postponed but instead folks are invited to come and undecorate. This congregation, or some of the members, anyway, decorate for Christmas right after Thanksgiving but I am glad they leave the decorations in place until after Epiphany. The e-mail also reported the baptism tomorrow for Tori, a young lady who watches the pre-k kids in the afternoons, who was never baptized as a child. Also, six new people are being welcomed as members, all by affirmation of faith. Pastor Hoyer reported over 250 people in church for the CHRISTmas Eve children's program. Victory is growing by leaps and bounds, due in no small part to their opening the preschool.

Justin stopped in on his way to the office yesterday to drop off some of my groceries which went home with him on Thursday. He came into my room, asked me to pause my radio program, and placed his iPad in front of me. (He got this 'want' for CHRISTmas from his father...he knows it is not a 'need'). Thursday he had me listen to a tune/song and it was running through his head, couldn't figure out if it was French, or New Orleans-flavored, or what. Well, he found it on youtube.com and hit the PLAY button for me. The music video was done in Mykonos, Greece, and was just like being there!!!! My photographs seemingly came to life, and the memories of my times there flowed back, as tears ran down my face. The music and 'actor's only got in the way. The musician was Romanian, not even close to French, by the way. He could show it to me in High Definition, which was simply gorgeous, and in some of the views, cruise ships were visible in the harbor. I saw 'my' cafes, 'my' doorways, 'my' urns, 'my' white with blue or red trim structures, the blue-domed churches...Oh my! I asked Justin when he found the video and was surprised he had not sent me the link the night before when he located it. He said, "I wanted to show you in person....." That's my boy!!!! The link was then posted by me on Facebook, where I offered to take folks with me on vacation via the video! Almost like being there, except, no jet lag coming back! (Along the left column of my homepage you will see a photo or two of Mykonos).

A year or so ago, one of my friends from Victory loaned me a book about birth order but, since I stink at reading, never got around to cracking it open. Someone else was waiting to read it so I gave it back, saying I would borrow it again another time. This must be typical behavior for middle kids, or would I actually be the oldest? I can go either way, since my older sisters came from different moms or dads than did we three younger ones, of which I was first. An author is on F & F talking about his book on birth order, mentioning famous folks and their birth order, and of course, the fact that "onlies rule". (Justin would qualify in the "oldest child rules", which the author described before "only" children). Everything he said about the oldest child was true times 100 for only children. They rule! Allison was beside herself as an only, with the male host, Dave, being the baby in his family. He was 'privileged' compared to his siblings, it seems, according to the author, and would exhibit more artistic leanings. Interesting! The reason my friend had the birth order book and was sharing it was because she was taking her mom into her home, Miss Betty, and was the child who basically was NOT the favorite. But was the best choice for offering care and a home to her mom. Interesting, again. Her sisters or brothers were not the natural choice, somehow. I never did find out where in the order of birth Audrey fell, though.

There was a shocking story in the local news on-line yesterday regarding robbers taking the brass vases from the cemetery where Timmy is buried. Somehow I did not get in my car to head over there, however, but might do that today. Justin had taken the little CHRISTmas tree to the site for me, since I was so ill, and removed the tired bouquet from the vase, but am not sure if he put the vase upside down into the marker or not. Since they are made of copper, folks can sell them to be melted down. Would these be grave robbers, without taking the bodies? I have some purchases to be returned to the department stores so can make a stop at the cemetery on my way through. It was nippy out yesterday, and quite windy here although it was bright and sunshining. Jessica, my upstairs neighbor, called me to go to dinner with her last night so I eventually did go out, going to Aron's for our meal. She and her little guy, Beckham, had cheese pizza, and I had my stromboli. It was his first taste of pizza and he liked it! He also had some homemade baby food and some mango puree but liked the pizza better, it seemed. Me, too!

I have words left over!

What a gorgeous day it is today on the river! The sky is blue, cloudless, with the trails of airplanes the only 'white' against the blue, and the sun sparkling on the water. Only 52 degrees today but it sure feels a whole lot warmer than it did earlier in the week when it was 54 and raining. What is up with that? It's all about the sunshine, right?

Yesterday I brought up the mail from downstairs, finding a mailer package in my box, from Lori. When I got upstairs, immediately I tore into it. My loving sister sent me a nice book titled “Cold”, with stories about the coldest places on earth!!! Very funny! As I stood at the counter, laughing, Justin came up the stairs, opened the kitchen door, announcing, “I heard you laughing way outside….” Her card was hilarious as well, showing two somewhat heavy women, probably from the 1940 era, attempting to address a teeter totter. The captions have the ladies planning their mounting of the board, with one finally saying, “I picked a bad day to wear a thong….” Again with the laughter! She also enclosed a lovely pair of glass-bead chandelier earrings, multicolored, and perfect for me, and a pin of two pigs with their snouts pressed against each other. Justin thinks it looks ‘old’, as though it is retro. It might be but I may simply keep that for display purposes only and not wear it on my clothing!

Recently I was contacted and ‘friended’ via Facebook by some folks I had been trying to track down for a little while. Our neighbors in Waterford Landing, Dan and Lynn, with their kids, were our best friends as long as we lived there. They had a foreign exchange student, Philippe, come back every year for a long-term visit. One summer all us adults and Philippe, who was French, took diving classes together. The instructor was an idiot, who would try to converse with Philippe in Spanish, thinking it was the same as French! Only Philippe spoke English just fine. The rest of the gang took their test dives and were certified, but I did not feel we had sufficient instruction so was never certified. Anyway, only a few weeks after we moved into our new home in The Preserve, Dan and Lynn were called to the hospital to be with us when Timmy died, and Dan served as a pall bearer for Timmy. I hated losing track of them, as they moved around a bit due to Dan’s job as an air traffic controller. I love it, love it, love it that his daughter, Amanda, and Dan both reached out to me and reconnected. And now Philippe, too, in France! International Facebook connections….

Justin is coming by this early afternoon to drop off some of my grocery items which inadvertently went home with him yesterday. I had discovered Hamburger Helper in plastic cups to which one adds water and simply microwaves to prepare. Nice! I hope I like it…if not, I can donate it to the preschool for them to use in case anyone forgets their lunch or something. Justin, whom I told not to beg when at the store, asked for and received a bag of animal crackers. He said they provide protein, and I thought he was fooling because of them being animals….but, no, a portion of crackers allows for 2 grams of protein. Who knew? They also come in a chocolate flavor but that did not make them any more appealing to me. We also got him some foot powder as he has a problem with his feet….I kept telling him how Gabe and Manny laughed when I read his text message aloud in Manitowoc, where Justin was complaining about his feet smelling. They found that to be just so terribly funny, and had me ask Justin if he ‘stepped on a stinky bush’. No one really knows what a stinky bush is, but the two boys were rolling on the floor, laughing about it. That Justin is sure a lucky kid, isn’t he?

Today is the first anniversary of the passing of our dear friend, Gordy. His daughters, including my friend, Terri T., are visiting the cemetery, and going to the Ale House for lunch, to drink a toast to their dad. He loved the Miller Ale House, especially the Miller Genuine Draft beer. Not terribly long ago I used the last of the MGD I had on hand for Gordy, making a kettle of chili with ‘his’ beer. What a wonderful funeral service he had! We sang about eight hymns, and one of Gordy’s friends at church, Kurt, tucked the service folder into his Bible for his family to use when he passes away. “All they have to change is the name…” he said. We miss you, Gordy!

Almost ran out of day!

Here it is nearly 10:00 p.m. and I am first writing my posting for the day! And what a grande day it was, too. Once I finally crawled out of bed and got myself dressed, I left for Bible study, stopping first for gas at the Racetrack Station. I went inside to get a bottle of soda, but somehow neglected to buy a 12-pack for at home. Silly me! On the way to Victory, I tried to call Mom, as was my custom, but her line was tied up, both times I attempted. She must have been on the computer, and I found out later this was exactly what was happening. Mom wanted to make sure she wished Kerry a happy birthday before she got too busy with her day. Okay, I guess can yield to the Epiphany birthday girl!

Justin was already at church when I arrived so we went in together, and began folding the bulletin inserts before class began. When Pastor called us to order, we pushed them aside, even though I could have easily multi-tasked and finished the folding while the class went on, but I did not. We are nearly done with the subject of trials and tribulations, studying today the passages from Revelation regarding Jesus standing at the door and knocking. Really good discussion followed. Justin had accidentally forgotten to bring my presents along so went back home after class while I stayed behind to work on the service folders before heading home. On the ride home, I called Mom and got through, with her telling me about her use of the machine when I normally call her.

Somehow I managed to get home before Justin did, even with staying behind to work on the bulletins, and microwaved some pizza slices leftover from last night's order from Pizza Hut. We had leftovers for lunch and then opened the presents. Justin loved his presents, except I bought the wrong height of socks for him, he likes anklets instead of ones which cover the calf. Off we went to Wal-Mart to exchange the socks and the pajama pants which were not quite right. But he really did like his gifts. I like my sweater shawl plus the hat and fur collar he got me. Sunday he is taking me to Clark's for my birthday lunch. Anyway, we got the right socks, and the sleeping pants plus a few other things, and somehow I spent over $150! And forgot to use the store credit we had gotten when we made our returns!

Justin has kitchen access and often eats meals with the family on whose property his bungalow is located. I wanted to make sure he provided some of the foods for the meals so we stocked up items for him to contribute to the family. Plus two 24 packs of Diet Coke for me, and convenience foods for my at-home meals (what is wrong with this picture????). After we got home from the store, we sat around for a bit before he left for his own home, and I got comfy with the laptop until it was time for me to go Edward Jones for a party. I called it a cocktail party but there were none, only wonderful fresh-made foods, made by Frank and his assistant, Debbie. He is really into smoking foods so the roast pork I had was absolutely delicious!

Could not eat much, though, as I was meeting Judy J. for dinner at St. Johns Seafood to celebrate our birthdays. We are one day apart and since I had a $10 off coupon, why not? It seems that the coupon was not exactly for this restaurant, fine print!, but they gave us half off one dinner. Plus, they gave us each a piece of pie for dessert for our birthdays! I had my very first taste of peanut butter pie, and the other slice was key lime. Judy took most of the pie home, except my half of the peanut butter pie! Sparks flew as I ate that dessert. My friend, Christine, had told me years ago that if I had not ever had this type of pie, I should never try it, or I would be ruined forever! Not sure that exactly happened tonight, but it was really good. Might have helped that I was already quite full when it came to the table.....

What a great day I had today!

More words than photos

As I write, I am listening to a "James K. Polk Tuesday" update on the radio program I watch (what?), and chuckling. The guys were talking about autism today, and foods or products with or without mercury, fluoride, aluminum, and other artificial ingredients. Others in the studio chimed in, making it quite an interesting foray into the pros and cons, proof vs. speculation, and so on. Last week when I was in Manitowoc, there was a female author on Fox and Friends who had some sort of autism, who totally debunked the theory of vaccinations being the cause of autism. She attested there is simply no firm evidence to prove that childhood vaccinations are directly connected with the diagnosis of autism, that mental retardation and such was renamed or categorized differently, and so on. Interesting, yet a bit unsettling.

Last week I had told Lynn about Dr. Schmidt reporting to Roger and I that, at Justin's 6 week check-up, he did not have autism. What? I had no idea what he was talking about and asked how he knew this at 6 weeks, and Dr. Schmidt said, "Well, he makes good eye contact..." Wow! I am all about eye contact, as is Justin, so we are good! Therefore, doctors knew about autism back in 1987 but it was just not discussed or as publicized as it is today. One point made on the program I am listening to is since vaccinations have basically eliminated the illnesses which formerly would take the lives of these young children such as polio, small pox, and German measles, something else has to come to the forefront. Many years ago the TV movies of the week were all about sexually transmitted diseases and teen pregnancy, and now, not being sure if there are yet 'movies of the week', the subject matter would be whether or not to vaccinate.

On "House", which is like a 'movie of the week' often, there was a segment where a health-nut mom brought her baby to the clinic, where House checked her out. The baby was breast-fed, the mom ate only health food, and so on, and, no, the baby did not have her shots. The mom claimed that the vaccinations were just invented so the pharmaceutical companies could make profits, blah blah blah. House looked at her and asked, "Do you know who else makes obscene profits? The people who make tiny coffins for babies who die of preventable childhood diseases because their stupid parents were trying to make a point..." Oops! Yes, he is caustic and not diplomatic, but the point is well made. Is it worth the gamble? Is polio preferable to Asbergers Disease? How about deafness from the German measles, provided the child lives? I don't know and am so glad I never had to struggle with the decision.

Yesterday I got a phone call from my bff, Judy C., wondering how come I did not make it to Ladies' Group on Monday night. Oops! Part of the reason was I had not intended to go, and secondly, I was visiting my neighbors on the 2nd floor until 8:00 pm. It seems I was not the only one missing, and in fact, only two ladies came, and Pastor. Judy was not aware that we had no officers, either, other than herself, but Jean filled her in. The speculation is the disinterest came from the discussions regarding when and how to decorate the church for CHRISTmas, something which really was not open for discussion. "Traditionally" it is done the last Sunday of Advent, and before CHRISTmas Eve, and quite simply done, with the chrismons on the tree, the Nativity displayed, the fully lit Advent ring, and so on. "But Victory does.....". No, does not apply here, which opens a huge, noisy debate. It is so hard. Therefore, folks, including me, decide to take a rest, back out and back off, for various reasons, leaving our Ladies' Group to fade away, it seems. Judy told me in no uncertain terms that I cannot do that, but she is not the boss of me. Not sure what will happen but perhaps for now, nothing. Judy had told me last week that only about a half dozen people, including children, showed up to decorate and eat chili, and the other Judy told me only 8 or 9 people were in church on New Year's Eve. I am so sad.....

I am also pleased about something else---last week one evening as I was getting ready for bed, I got an e-mail from a young lady who would be close in age to Timmy. Ashlei now lives in NC, having moved there several years ago, and is a granddaughter of my friends, Cliff and Carol. She was so tickled to find a photo of Timmy in my Facebook album titled "Phamily Photos" (ha, ha!) and then told me not a day goes by that she does not think about him. I thanked her for telling me this and she said, "How could I forget my best friend?" Now, since they were only 5 years old, 'best friend' might be stretch but if it works for her, it works for me as well. Certainly I was delighted after nearly 10 years, my Timmy matters to someone other than me, and my immediate family. Judy C. asked me about putting flowers on the altar in January at Good Shepherd for Timmy's birthday or anniversary date, and I said 'yes', although I had already planned to have flowers at Victory on the 16th, which falls between the two dates. Two bouquets will work just fine, especially if I have a function here at home for the anniversary. My downstairs neighbor, Hugh, called me the other night with a suggested 'name' for the event, which they offered to make food for, calling it Timmy's eternal birthday party. I love it having someone who never knew Timmy and did not know me then is spending a moment thinking of what to refer to this gathering as being....an eternal birthday party. Of course, his wife asked me, "You're going to cook????"

Photos rather than so many words.....

Click on the photos to enlarge them, if you wish to.....

Here is the snow that greeted me my first day in Manitowoc. Since I arrived in the darkness, I could not really appreciate the enormous snow piles on this and other properties in town. The grader came later in the week to scrape away the accumulated ice and snow from the parking areas.

Everyone got a chance to hold the baby, Angelo, over the holidays. Here Angelo is sporting the same Santa outfit that his brother, Gabe, wore when he was this age. Justin and I had bought Gabe a Humphrey Bear which also sported a Santa outfit and Lisa took a photo of them together. I will have to search for that picture....it is so darn cute!

For some reason all are looking my direction: Lori, Kerry, Jill, Noah, and Mom are in this photo. The little boys are on the floor, opening their presents while the adults looked on. We would rather snack anyway!

This photo was taken the first time I met Angelo in person. He and I had a funny face contest and I won!!!

On CHRISTmas Eve, Lynn was cuddling with her newest grandson while the older grands opened their presents. Next year, Angelo might be down there in the fray with the bigger boys!

Manny is trying on his fireman's helmet without taking it out of the box....such a character! This present was special in that it was originally purchased for Timmy's birthday but he did not live long enough to receive it. Manny REALLY likes it and this brings me joy.

Manny is showing his Grandma K one of his new toys, likely a write-on tablet where the picture or text disappears when you pull up on the page. An old-timey toy much loved today!

The lovely CHRISTmas tree at First German on the 24th, where we attended the candlelight service. The grand piano is in the foreground and had to be pressed into service while the pipe organ is being worked on. Thankfully skilled accompanists were able to play our hymns and liturgy for us.

I peeked over the shoulder of Julie Butler, Angelo's godmother, and caught him smiling up at her!

On Sunday, December 26th, our family worshiped at Calvary Lutheran, Sheboygan, where we witnessed Angelo's baptismal reaffirmation. The pastor is Tim Kuske, a distant cousin to the pastor at Good Shepherd. Lisa and Noah's friends from church, the Butlers, are Angelo's sponsors.

When I went to see Sharon, a somewhat difficult visit this time, she was quite proud to model her new, youthful wig. She had a tough year in 2010, loosing both her dad and her caregiver, Rochelle, within two month's time. Mona and John took her out for lunch on the 24th but she was not feeling well and missed church on CHRISTmas Day. A paid caregiver takes her to church and to other appointments. It is hard for me sometimes to be so far away....you know?

Lynn served a wonderful spaghetti dinner to Mom and I but before we trashed the table, I captured it. What a gorgeous table she sets! Mom told me Lynn is thinking of replacing her set which is nearly as old as Lisa is. I guess it's time!

Fortunately my cold subsided enough that I could visit my sister-in-law's parents, who are quite dear to me, Harvey and Clara. They are around Mom's age, but with more health problems, although it slipped out that they were out driving around the countryside that day. Oops! Busted! When I tattled to Harv and Barb about this, Harv winced and then said, "Well, they likely won't hurt anybody or anything going only 5 miles an hour....." When I told Justin, via text message, that I was going to see them he wrote back, "Jealous", because he likes them, too.

Unfortunately no one enjoyed my birthday lunch at the Green Street Tavern, as this photo shows.....Linda J. was able to come, as was Karen Wordell, and even my nephew, Danny, ventured out to help me celebrate my 55th birthday.

This is such a great photo of Manny and Lisa, and it just happened, not even posed really. This was at my birthday luncheon and I was so glad they were able to come up from Sheboygan to share it with me.

There it is, folks----my favorite birthday lunch! A perch sandwich and an order of cheese curds! I shared the curds with those around me, because that is just too many to eat....I am so happy....

I rode with Lynn to Sheboygan to return these boys to their parents. We met them at Johnston's Bakery which was busting at the seams with customers. They have artisan breads, fresh baked rolls, cookies, Danish, doughnuts, and yes, even soda! See if you can figure out where I was seated....For Mom I got a cherry turnover, her heart's delight, and took it home for her. She opted to stay behind that day so I was able to go.

This baby is so content, you can see it in his face. At least in this shot he is not making funny faces. Angelo made us laugh with his tongue which he flicked in and out of his mouth, and screwed up his face as though he had something to say.

On a bad hair day, I decided to go visit Dolly in Two Rivers. Lynn was my driver since Jill had Mom's car and we three enjoyed a perch lunch in this bar. Dolly was not aware that the booths had been replaced with party bars and we had a good time trying to keep ourselves "perched" on the stools!

We rang in the New Year at Linda J.'s house, beginning first with a lovely dinner before church, and then resuming the fun afterward, first taking Mom home as she requested. Linda had a game called "Would you rather.....?" with even her granddaughters able to play. Alayna enjoyed Madison and Cassidy, and they her. Tommy pooped out and went to bed not too long after getting home from church, but Lynn, Alayna, Linda, the girls, and I watched the ball drop in Times Square at 11:00 pm central time, and then went home. I pulled the covers into place on my bed at 12:01, January 1, 2011!!!

Back in the swing of things

This is a photo taken with Justin's cell phone as he collected me from the airport last night. His remark to me was this: "Someone might get the impression that you like the color red..." since all but my slacks and shoes were red. He is taking a photo every single day for a year, part of a journaling thing where he is required to have a Photo of the Day, and yesterday, I was it!

What a wonderful time I had on my trip! Even though I was sick part of the time, I still had a marvelous time with my family and friends in Manitowoc. Later I will post the photos which I took time to download this early afternoon (on the other computer) but for now I am using mostly words. 

As I write this, I am sporting a jaunty, classy grey and black fur hat and fur collar in the same pattern, a gift to me from my Justin. The look might be Audrey Hepburn-like or just plain my style! Ever since he gave me this gift after our breakfast this morning, I have not taken off the hat or the buttoned-on fur collar. Even now, as I lie on the bed, the hat and collar are in place. Justin said it reminded him of 'that lady who lives on the 5th floor' who is so classy and I am sure she would have a royal fit if she knew about this comparison! Justin took a photo of me with my camera with the new items plus my fancy Jaguar gloves, but, again, it is on the other computer to be posted another time.

The first thing I did this a.m. was NOT wrap my presents for Justin as he stayed overnight after picking me up from the airport. Once home, he got busy washing his dirty clothes which he'd brought along with him. When I went in this a.m. to wash my clothes, I saw that he'd washed a HUGE load of his clothes and towels with the washer set on 'small load'. I wondered about rewashing it all since it likely did not really get washed, to say nothing of the struggling my washer endured, but he said, "As long as the clean smell is there, that's all that matters...." Okay, then! He had reset the temperature to cold/cold but not checked the load size. Oops! 

We enjoyed a nice breakfast at Grumpy's after we had each showered and dressed for the day. Justin had used my car primarily when I was gone so he had lots of work to do when we got back from breakfast, cleaning out the junque and trash, etc. He had gone to Orlando with his friends for New Year, staying at a friend's apartment instead of going out, much to my delight. Not necessarily delight that my car was all over creation, but that he was somewhat safe.

Justin is having troubles getting things arranged for his unemployment but he told me today that will be going back to work in February, helping his father run the jobs, etc. In the 'old days' these fellas were called the superintendents on the site but now the terminology is 'builder'. That sort of scares me that he might be considered a builder in some circles but hopefully both his father and he recognize his limitations and lack of experience, etc. More than once less-than-qualified guys were made 'builders' before they were really equipped to be put in so responsible a position. It all comes down, inevitably, to accountability. Part of the reason for this 'promotion' is that one of the homes presently under contract is located in the Beaches area, making it easier for Justin to check on and report about from his vantage point. Let's wish him well and much success!

My last week in WI was a blast and the time simply flew by, although Mom and I did manage to spend most of the evenings in her home, keeping warm. Sunday last week was football day, watching the Packer game with Lynn and munching on ham leftovers. Earlier in the day was the reaffirmation of Angelo's baptism at Calvary Lutheran in Sheboygan, which I may have written about already. One day last week I went to see Mona and Allie, not John because he was working. Gave Allie her presents and enjoyed some time with the ladies.

That night I went to visit Harvey and Clara Petska for a couple hours. Wednesday Linda and I went to the salon to get our nails done, Linda hands and me, my feet. Mom offered to watch Linda's twin granddaughters and they all three had a blast. Linda and I had lunch at Harborside where our 'regular' waitress took care of us, making sure we got our perch sandwiches which were not on the menu that day!

Wednesday evening I rode with Harv and Barb to visit Nancy and family in downtown Valders. Harv was glad that I called to share the ride because we could chat that way on our car trip together plus he remarked that this was the most 'family' together in one place since their dad's funeral in late February. We had a marvelous dinner at Nancy's with the fare being very similar to what their mom would have served 'back in the day' including pea soup, sausage and cheese, ham, crackers, rolls, and plates of sweet delight. And ice in the soda which is stored on the porch----oh, my goodness, talk about delicious!

On New Year's Day I went to see my sister-in-law, Sharon, at the assisted living home where she resides. There----that's everybody! All visited and gifts bestowed upon them.

New Year's Eve was spent at Linda's, even though Judy and Jerry did not come. The weather was quite warm by winter standards but the fog was as thick as 'mushroom soup' as Gabe would say. We had dinner early at Jachimstal's and then all went to church together and took Holy Communion. I was finally able to sing and Linda's granddaughter, Madison, leaned over to me in church to whisper, "You have a beautiful singing voice". Nice! The next two days though, I was croaky again, go figure! Anyway, after church we took Mom home and the rest of us (Lynn, Alayna, and me) went back to Linda's where we had snacks and played "Would You Rather.....? Tommy went to bed, but the rest of us watched the ball drop in New York City at 11:00 pm Manitowoc time and I crawled into bed right at midnight on January 1, 2011. Happy New Year!

As I mentioned, much time was spent inside at Mom's, where we kept nice and warm thanks to her space heater, afghans, and regular heat. We ate many meals in, and some wonderful ones out, once I felt well enough to venture out. On my birthday 10 of my family and a couple friends joined me at the Green Street Tavern for a lovely lunch---I had a great, great birthday!!

We got to church often three days in a row, and even managed to get in a Bible study yesterday before I left town. Mom made supper for Lynn and I on Saturday night which we ate while watching the Badgers get beaten in the Rose Bowl game. It was close, but no cigar, not this year anyway. After seeing Sharon on Saturday, I stopped at the corner convenience store near her facility to investigate the home-made candy I had found in the past. Sure enough, I found angel food candy and nonpareils for me to bring home with me. Plans are to re-bag it in smaller bags to share with friends....but not all of it!

Here I am again!

This is Manny sporting his fireman's outfit that Justin and I gave him for CHRISTmas. It was actually purchased for Timmy's 5th birthday in 2001 but he was never to receive this gift. Now Manny has it and is really enjoying playing with it. Gabe got the little dart board that was also Timmy's for his birthday. I hope he likes it as much as Manny likes playing fireman!

Back at the computer, this evening feeling even better than the last time I posted. Still bearing a scratchy-sounding throat and unable to hit the high notes, I feel substantially better than I did a week ago, to be sure! I still do not feel like staying up all night, love going to bed early and having a good night’s rest. But, my appetite is returned to normal and again I enjoy the things that I missed when sick. We are yet munching on the CHRISTmas ham I bought, very yummy sandwiches on fresh rolls, the best! Mom keeps mentioning all the food in the fridge to be eaten but it seems we barely make a dent in the leftovers at all.

Part of the reason I feel better is that the Packers handily defeated the Giants today, but sadly, the Jaguars lost to Washington, once more a game going into overtime. Justin was at the game and was freezing nearly to pieces, not sporting his cold weather gear. He had asked me last night via text message where the cold weather gear was at home but then later told me he was getting a hat and gloves at the game, as the Jags were selling out their inventory. Somehow that didn’t work out for him and he told me more than once how miserable the four of them were, huddling together to keep warm.

This a.m. we worshipped at Lisa’s church in Sheboygan, where we celebrated the rite of reaffirmation of Angelo’s baptism. The pastor, whose name is also Kuske, informed the congregation that he had baptized Angelo in the hospital before he was transported to Green Bay right after he was born. And then described Angelo as being a ‘chubby little thing’, accurately so. The baptismal sponsors are friends of theirs from church, the Butler’s, who were joined at the font by Gabe, Manny, Lisa, and Noah. Pastor reminded us of the value of our baptisms, especially today for Angelo’s reaffirmation, it was ours as well. Holy Innocents Sunday, a perfect day for such an event!

We had about a dozen family members in church, including Lori, David and Dustin, who would head for home right after our lunch. I rode with Alayna to Sheboygan and Lynn took the rest in her car. It made me nervous that Alayna was so low on gas and I insisted she stop before we went to Harry’s Diner to put gas in. But, she refused to fill it up, even though I was buying! She just couldn’t do it! Our breakfast was wonderful, with the waitress being the same young lady who is Lisa’s fill-in at work while she is off on maternity leave. While we were eating, the Pastor,his wife and young son came in to eat, too. Unfortunately they did not arrive in time to join our circus, I mean, group.

Alayna took me to get some soda before we headed back to Mom’s house. She was going to her other grandma’s house this afternoon and watch football with them. Lynn was waiting upstairs for me and we watched another football game before the Packers started. My phone was busy with e-mails and updates from the game and other venues (love my new phone!) so it is presently on the charger, being renewed. I did some laundry this early evening but we only had enough quarters for a single load, washed and dried. Tomorrow we can go to the credit union and get some more quarters, plus pick up a scrip for Mom at Wal*Mart. Kohl’s is having a nice sale, too, which we might take advantage of, since we will be out in the a.m. Lynn is taking her car in for service so Mom and I will pick her up at the dealership, go and have breakfast, and then do some shopping. Perfect!

On the way to church this a.m. my friend, Joanne, called me, all excited. It was snowing “to beat the band” in Jacksonville as she was driving to church. She said the wind was about 35 mph so the snow was coming in sideways. Certainly snow would throw Jacksonville into a tail spin since no one knows how to drive in it, but the snow did not stick. It was still fun to talk about though, while it lasted!