Hello, Dolly!

Yesterday I was telling Lori about having lunch with Linda J. at The Court House Pub, located, you guessed it, across the street from the Court house. Lori used to work there when it was under a different name and management, 30 years ago! It is a bit more upscale now and we really like it. When she got up this a.m., she wondered about going there for lunch and yes, Linda was all about it!  What fun it was, we three ladies, Mom opting to sit it out. When I checked in on Facebook, Justin asked me if this place was my 'Metro Diner' since I was there two days in a row. What a card!

From there we went down to Ivy Trails so Lori could check out the gift shop. I love visiting there and the owner recognizes me from being an out of towner. One Christmas she gave me a free poinsettia from outside her store because otherwise it would go in the dumpster. It was huge and gorgeous, but suddenly out of season. None of us bought anything this time but I have already since being here in Manty. I just love this store!

Lori headed for home while Linda and I went to Bible study. Mom and Lori were going to go off and do something together this afternoon. I so much enjoy this Bible study, comparing II Kings and II Samuel, again impressed with the knowledge of the participants. Ladies come from area churches as well as from FG for this class.  I will miss all these studies when I am gone, that's for sure. Always go through a withdrawal...

After Linda dropped me at home, Lori, Mom, and I went to the ice cream parlor for a treat. Before we left, I reminded them I had to be back by 5:00 pm because Dolly was picking me up. I stopped at the bathroom and heard Mom say, "She always eats out and eats so much!" I shouted, "I heard that!" and Mom cursed my bat ears. Lori immediately stuck up for me, though, saying I hardly eat any of my meal at all, which accounts for the to-go boxes in the fridge. She doesn't get the social aspects of this being out and about at all. Thanks, Lori, for sticking up for me!

I got my single scoop of ice cream, as usual, as did Lori and Mom. Jill was kept plenty busy with customers coming and going fairly steadily. Once school is out she will have more helpers but for now, she is working long hours and almost every day of the week. This is the best ice cream in the world, made right there on the site, Cedar Crest. Yum!

We did get back home in plenty of time with some even to spare before it was time for Dolly to come for me. She was leaving right from work in Two Rivers and it took only minutes for her to get to me. Our plan was to dine at Harborside, just the two of us this time. We had a change in our original plans due to the unexpected passing of her daughter's boyfriend's father in a boating accident. The funeral is tomorrow so we changed our date to tonight, even though Lori is here. Glad we are all flexible that way. 

Dolly, me, and our classmate, Wendy at The Green Street

I love my time with Dolly and hate it that we only get an hour or two during my visits. Tonight the restaurant specially served me the beer cheese chowder even though it wasn't on the menu, because I always write on their FB page when they offer it. I was so tickled and wow, was it ever delicious. I was hardly able to eat any of my steak sandwich but brought the rest home with me. Thanks, Dolly, for the treat and for the time. 

Lori's here!!

My day began with making breakfast for Mom and me, bacon sandwiches plus eggs for Mom. She couldn't believe I just have bacon and no eggs. I worked on my iPad for a while until Linda contacted me to meet her for lunch, an early lunch. Yes, off we went. She had some disturbing news to share and we talked it all over while eating. Linda is doing well minding her 'program', enjoying salads and soups while I have my standard fare. What I had today was a Fiesta Brat at The Courthouse Pub, their special. It was wonderful! Loved our impromptu time together.

Lori was not able to come for Mother's Day. She would have had to turn right around and drive right back the next day because of work. This past weekend was the big wrap-up of her Sunday school (she is education director at her church) and then she was able to drive over to Manitowoc to see her mama and the rest of us. Lori let us know she had a doctor appointment first and then would head our way. She texted me when she left Holmen and I timed her drive over, minus potty stops, showing her arriving right in the middle of Jeopardy! Yes, she did! I greeted her and welcomed her to the house while the rest of the room, her mama included, watched the rest of the game show. Rule #1 is that you do NOT interrupt Jeopardy!!

Once she was properly greeted we loaded into the cars to head over to The Charcoal Grille for dinner. It took a bit of arranging to find a place for us to be seated in the restaurant, as though no one was sure that tables could be pushed together or something. Another hostess told us she was going to wet her pants if she didn't go to the bathroom so I told her where it was. Go, for heaven's sake! Eventually they got us situated and we even had room to park Mom's walker out of the way. 

Mom has a hard time deciding what to have in restaurants fearing she will make a mess with her food since she can't see well. I offered to split a French dip with her and that worked out nicely. Lori treated our group, which was very nice. I had ordered an appetizer of onion straws for the table which we all enjoyed. Lori ordered The Grill's Rhinelander Burger, and talk about a mess! It was a huge burger and quite delicious, from her report. She entertained us with the travails of having a new office partner which has spurred Lori to plan her retirement for late summer. 

Mom and I had a go around last night after I asked about putting fresh sheets on her bed, which Lori normally uses when she visits Mom, and I am there. Eventually Mom came to the same conclusion I had proposed so I did put fresh sheets on the bed. Mom thought I should have put flannel ones on but since Lori is usually boiling hot, felt she'd be fine with regular weight sheets. The room is all set for her, I got Mom's clothes for tomorrow out for her so she can dress in the morning and not bother Lori, plus got Mom's blanket and pillow ready to go. There will be peace in the village for sure!

Pentecost and a party

Mom and I rode to church with Jill this am because I like to arrive early enough to do some greeting. I enjoy seeing the people I usually see only on-line or twice a year, and exchanging pleasantries with them all. 

It is Pentecost Sunday but the only red I had to wear were shoes and my earrings. Sure could have used my red coat today, as it was only in the low 30's when we got up.  Man, it was bitter! I wore my black camisole under my top for an added layer of warmth, but it didn't help much. Glad I had a three season coat here at Mom's to use. 

We sang good hymns, love the pipe organ accompanying. The Bible study was interesting as well, discussing the OT and NT covenants. It is relatively fast-paced which sort left Mom in the dust, she reported. The same was true when she studied this topic with Kathy W.---too many to keep track of!

After church Mom, Lynn, and I headed to Perkins (Jill had to go to work) and met Tommy and Linda there. We had a long wait for a table, relatively speaking, and then a longer wait for our meals. It was so busy in there today!  I enjoyed our time together around the table, the passing of time mattered little. 

Lynn dropped us at home again and Mom and I came upstairs to our chilly home. We decided to turn up the thermostat but neither of us could get warmed up. (Around 8 pm Mom realized the patio door had popped open but I don't believe it was open all day).  Lynn picked up Mom and me later afternoon to drive to Sheboygan for Manny's birthday party. His other grandma, Ofie, treated us all to pizza and cake and refused our money. She did allow us to leave a tip . 

Anita holding Alan, Ofie, Noah, Jill, and Mom

Lynn, Angelo, Gabe, Manny, and me (Juanita is taking the photo)

Another couple in the vicinity of our group chose to move so we could use their table for our growing number. I was so thankful for them moving that I asked the waitress for their bill. As they were leaving, the Mrs stopped at our table to say thanks, say they were so surprised someone did this for them. She handed Manny a $10 and said the former sheriff of Sheboygan County said 'happy birthday. Wow, that was nice of them. I met some of Ofie's family, one girl who did not speak English, with an adorable long-haired baby. When I get home, I will post photos of the day. I was glad to be able to be in on a celebration for one of the kids. 

 

In the top photo is a relative of Noah's holding baby, Alan, who is three months old. I have never seen that much hair on an infant in my life. He was born with that head of hair, even down to his collar in the back. In the bottom photo is sweet Angelo.

Mom and I are spending the rest of the evening with the Hallmark Channell. I think I'll go to bed early, I am weary from the partying! Good night all. 

Coffee break

As is their custom, Saturday mornings are when Mom and Lynn (sometimes Jill) go to have 'coffee' at a local emporium. Not only coffee but also a nice piece of bakery. This morning was no exception as we found ourselves at Manitowoc Coffee again, with Kerry in tow. She can't stand the smell of coffee but toughed it out. I just love the atmosphere at that place and the baked goods aren't bad either. Only a buck for a can of soda, can't beat that! We popped into Ivy Trails for a bit before heading to Festival. 

I cannot believe how cold it was today. At one point, leaving Festival, we actually had frozen precipitation falling on the car! I checked the temps in Manty and in OP, and it was twice as warm at home as it was in Manty! 45 degrees versus 90 above zero, no snow flurries in OP today!  

Anyway, while I was at Festival, I had to stop at the restrooms and on the way, saw this pretty lady standing off to the side. She looked familiar...When I came back through again, she was still there but I spotted my cousin, Yvonne, leaving the check out. I was so glad to see her! What great fun! The pretty lady, now that I made the connection, was Yvonne's sister, Christine. 

Among my purchases was a bottle of Bloody Mary Mix for making a batch of chili for our dinner. I had gotten beer last week so I was all set there. Unlike FL, I couldn't buy just a single can in the grocery store. I guess they don't want people popping one open while they shop, or something, which surprises me, knowing Manty!  

Jill had to work the first part of the day but later on we met up at Sassy Nails for Jill to get her birthday treat from Mom. We all got a treat for Jill's birthday, except for Kerry. She will not allow anyone or anything to touch her feet. Good thing she liked the Packer socks I got her! I had called to reserve for us but still they were behind and Lynn had to wait until they were done with us before getting her feet attended. She also had to sit a chair away which was too bad. That place is just a beehive, very busy. NOT good business, though, to leave one person in a party of four just sitting. Anyway, thanks, Mom for our pretty toes! 

My friend, Emily, sent me a message reporting that they'd had to rather suddenly put their cat, our former pet, Boots, down this morning. He had developed some kidney and other internal problems and likely wouldn't live very long. The merciful thing was to have him put to sleep. He lived with Justin and me from 2001 until 2007 after which he moved on up to the Lawcock's. Our pet could not have had a better home, he was so very loved there, and he loved them back. I know their hearts hurt over this and that makes mine hurt, too. You had a good run, Bootsy Boots Day Lawcock! 

Starting out early!

Linda had planned for her friends (and mine) to have breakfast on Saturday morning but the scheduling for that didn't work out. What did work was meeting at 7:15 at Perkins! We can do that! Linda, Debbie, and Angie meet up at the Wellness Center four days a week so today was ours to enjoy. Linda picked me up and away we went. We had a wonderful breakfast and I got to hear a little bit about Angie's recent trip to Italy. She posted pictures on FB regularly so I got to see what she was up to, but it's still fun to hear first hand reports as well. 

Angie, Linda, me, and Debbie 

The other day Linda and I had stopped in at Ivy Trails, a gift shop next door to Manitowoc Coffee. My sister, Kerry, had told us that she got nothing for Christmas or her birthday. I had left a gift behind for her when I went home in early December but somehow it didn't make into her hands. It was just a fun little something, nothing much. At Ivy Trails I found a pair of Packer slippers with textured bottoms to give her for her birthday. She arrived at Mom's today and I gave her the presents. Kerry loves the slippers!!  

For lunch today we ladies, minus Jill, went to check out the new bbq place in Manty named Brian's Smokehouse BBQ. We had gone the other day but they were not open so am glad they were today. I was excited to try the brisket but sadly, it was not as good as 4Rivers, but then, no one's is!  The portions were enormous and for future reference, would order a sandwich portion only and skip the sides. Mom loved hers but scarcely made a dent in it. We brought our leftovers home with us for another time. 

We went up to the ice cream parlor to cleanse our palates and spend some time with Jill. I just love their black cherry ice cream, no matter what's on special. I am glad to see their business is so steady, and certainly it helps Jill's day go my more quickly. Having warmer weather would sure be a blessing, too. Tonight we are dining in, much to Kerry's chagrin as she hungry for some Late's. We will manage, as going again today would be too much for Mumsy. 

On a date!

Today Linda and I were Mom's dates!  She treated us to lunch at Perkins, with Linda being the driver, for Mom's Ladies' Aid end-of-year outing. She had a tough time figuring out what to wear, and just before Linda came over, decided to change into a more summery top. We sat at the table and chatted for a bit, and something Linda said made Mom laugh. I caught the greatest picture of her. Linda had given Mom an extra orange peeler she had on hand but am not sure if that made her laugh or not.  

There was a nice group gathered, including some husbands, plus the two pastors. We late comers got to sit on the end of the table with Pastor Schaefer and Anna, with baby Alice. She ate all my applesauce which was perfect because she was so hungry! 

On this end of the table you can see the baby plus her parents and Mom. I was seated next to Mom and Linda next to Pastor. On the other end is a lady who is even older than Mom!

After the luncheon, Linda and I dropped Mom off at home and then we went over to her house. Linda was making sausage, peppers, onions, mushrooms, and tomatoes for our dinner, which she served over rice. Delicious! She made the mistake of telling me it was turkey sausage but it sure did taste good! 

In the smaller pan is the sausage, cut into teeny pieces

From her house we went to a member's home for Bible study. Kathy W. again leads this study, and presently they are hosted by Jean, a former teacher at FG. She retired due to ill health but is making a good recovery right now. Anyway, this study was in I Cornithians 14 and again was most interesting. All the ladies present tonight were from FG but other times there are attendees from elsewhere. I loved it, such good material we covered. What a great day filled to the brim with time spent with members from FG in social settings!

Mission accomplished!

For years I have heard from Mom about her big box of papers she has accumulated, primarily health insurance paperwork, and needs to have it addressed. Usually when I am visiting Mom doesn't permit me, ahem, to handle any projects at her house, saying I am so busy. Actually I am not, or I wouldn't be watching reruns of "NCIS" or her other favorite programs. At last, I got permission to shred her papers.

The first order of business was to garner permission from the insurance company as regards these papers. I called the number on the card and after several false starts or restarts, finally got hold of a person. I had to answer many questions before she told me my name wasn't on the list of those they could talk to about my mom's health insurance. Mom was right there and yelled, "It's okay!" and I jumped in with saying, "All she wants to know is how long to keep EOBs." Immediately the lady relaxed and we visited like old friends. She said Mom has been with them since 2006 and I said we had every single one of those EOBs yet. She said to shred away! The ones that come in the mail should be used to verify that patient saw the doctor on this date, etc. and can then be disposed of. If questions arise later, both the doctor and the insurer have copies of the form. That's all I needed to hear, and away I went!

For about two hours I fed paperwork into the shredder, filling four bags with shredded paper. The fifth bag in the photo is household trash also ready to get hauled out. Some of the items in the box, an archive box, was dated from 2005, but the rest was 2006 to last year. Thankfully Mom does not have all that many doctor visits or it would have been twice that amount of paper. One less thing for Mom to think about, the box is now empty!

We also visited her bedroom closet where I looked at her slacks and tops to see what colors of pants she needs. Having such skinny legs makes it hard for her to find dressy slacks to fit properly so I wanted to see what tops she had to match things up. She can use about any of the standard colors to pull her outfits together. It sure would help if she could buy complete outfits when she shops but ordinarily buys the slacks one time, and a top later, not necessarily coordinating. Jill said they should make clothes for older folks like they do for toddlers, Garanimals, so they could mix 'n match. Makes sense to me, too!  

For dinner, Mom opted to stay in while Lynn, Jill, and I went The Green Street Tavern. While there we saw our 'old' neighbor, now called Ed (Jr. to me!) before being seated. The owner of the place greeted me, welcomed me back from FL. That is so cool!  Lynn and I had the perch dinner but Jill had liver and onions (ewww!) plus we shared a plate of cheese curds. Somehow, we weren't able to polish them off. The soup which came with my meal I had packed to-go (cost me a quarter!) for Mom. As much as I like their soup, I knew it would make me too full and she'd enjoy it. I loved our evening out!